Reviews by jamescollier

Restaurant Reviews

Rating 2.5

Kocky's Bar & Grill

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 08, 2011
I've been sitting on this review for a few weeks now. I wanted to give the restaurant a second chance, but after last night's dinner at Hero's, I realize that's not necessary. Here's the short version: Kocky's is mediocre, at best. I ate there with Ryan, Mike and Jorge shortly after the placeRead more…
Rating 3.8

King of Kabob

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 06, 2011
The sign may still say Fulton Kebab, but the new name for the restaurant is King Kabob. The new owner, Armen, is brother to the owner of a restaurant at Bullard & First bearing the same name. Kim and I walked down one night after seeing a picture that Andrew posted on Twitter. It looked tooRead more…
Rating 3.8

Kuali

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 03, 2011
A year or so ago I joined a group of about 10 people at a new "fusion" restaurant at Bullard and First. I'm not sure what they were fusing, but it tasted horrible. Lunch took an hour and a half, and at about 75 minutes in one of our guests was told the dish she ordered couldn't be made. I neverRead more…
Rating 3.3

Naked Fish

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jul 28, 2011
I can't say I wasn't warned. My friend Felix told me that Naked Fish had reopened, and she described the signs around the room. "Please, no photos or texting of menu or foods [sic]." "Do not put sugar in soup." "Free wifi." There were others that I wanted to remember—including the snapshotsRead more…
Rating 3.8

Watts Family Grill

Reviewed by jamescollier on May 15, 2011
I miss Southern barbecue. Ribs, chicken, brisket—mmm...brisket. Serve it with saucy baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and green beans with bacon, and I'm happy. Several barbecue joints and smokehouses have sprouted up in Fresno over the last few years, Watts included. I've watched reviews forRead more…
Rating 4.5

The Jones Brothers

Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 14, 2011
I've been thinking a lot about barbecue lately. Maybe it's the weather (and the weekly downtown picnics the sunshine has inspired); then again, maybe it's all the talk about the tri-tip cook-off coming up on April 2. Whatever the inspiration, I found myself standing in line for a tri-tip sandwichRead more…
Rating 3.3

Zamora Taqueria y Pupuseria

Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 07, 2010
Zamora has been popular here on TasteFresno (see here, here and here), but it took an invitation for free lunch to finally get me there. Side note: thanks to Floyd of Antilabs for celebrating my mayorship (no, not that mayorship). The location isn't glamorous, nor is the interior decor, though I'veRead more…
Rating 2.5

The Revue Cafe

Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 07, 2010
I've spent a lot of time in Revue over the last several months--in fact, I'm the current mayor on foursquare, for whatever that's worth. Go ahead, usurp me; I don't care. (No, really.) You see, I've spent countless hours in Revue because of its potential as a third space. The location is convenientRead more…
Rating 4.0

Oggi's Trattoria (Oggi Cosi Si Mangia)

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 09, 2010
I worked downtown on Thursday, so Kim met me after for ArtHop. We walked to a couple of exhibits before recruiting a few friends to join us for dinner. Knowing we were near Tower, another friend tweeted a recommendation for Oggi's, which he recently reviewed. Actually, Layne's review is quiteRead more…
Rating 3.8

Charlotte's Bakery

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 02, 2010
Every once in a while I have a definitive "Fresno" experience—something that just feels good, and authentic, and...well, it usually tastes good, too. Case in point: Charlotte's Bakery. My friend Kiel took me there for lunch today as part of my buy local experiment, and introduced meRead more…
Rating 3.0

Country Waffles

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 02, 2010
Yesterday I started a commitment to buy local for the entire month—that is, I'm going to try to buy from a locally owned business any time I spend money. There are exceptions, like filling my gas tank, and the defining lines are a bit blurry, but part of my experiment is exploring what itRead more…
Rating 3.5

Sanger Colima's

Reviewed by jamescollier on Nov 07, 2009
I've never met someone more invested in tacos than Mike Oz. I credit him for introducing me to Guadalajara (among other local taco shops), and if I counted the number of conversations I've had with him over tacos...well, I'd lose count. Both of us were intrigued by a recent claim that Sanger ColimaRead more…
Rating 3.8

Tower Dogs

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 27, 2009
If the opening weekend is any indication (and it never really is), Tower Dogs is positioned as a promising addition to the Tower scene. Twitter folk are practically giddy over the place. I walked over with a friend last night about 8:00. At the time there was no one waiting in line, though a fewRead more…
Rating 3.5

Guadalajara (Clovis)

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 12, 2009
It's exciting to see a local favorite like Guadalajara expanding, especially during a time when other restaurants are closing up shop. Their new location is considerably different than its sisters: it's a new building, it's part of a shopping center, it's in north Clovis. Oh, and the space used toRead more…
Rating 4.0

Mangosteen

Reviewed by jamescollier on Aug 02, 2009
It's already been a few weeks since I had lunch at Mangosteen, but a craving for one of their dishes reminded me that I never gave it a write-up. First things first: Joan Obra first hinted at Mangosteen's arrival back in April. Evidently, it's kind of a big deal in San Francisco, so I was excitedRead more…
Rating 3.5

Taqueria Don Pepe

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jun 27, 2009
Despite a recent taco "enlightening" (thanks to my friend Mike), I'm still a bit leery of Mexican food. I've had too many plates of bland tomato-flavored rice, refried beans, and greasy enchiladas. It's just not worth the heartburn. Today, though, I was introduced to Don Pepe's. I wasRead more…
Rating 3.5

La Boulangerie

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jun 05, 2009
My first experience with La Boulangerie was at the rehearsal dinner for my wedding; one of our friends brought several fruit tarts from the bakery. I nearly ate the box. Fast forward a few years, and I'm now in an office that's within 100 steps of "La Bou" (that's what an office mateRead more…
Rating 3.5

La Elegante

Reviewed by jamescollier on Apr 07, 2009
Okay, I have to say it: the name of the restaurant is more than a bit misleading. La Elegante is a textbook example (should such textbooks exist…they would be delicious) of a hole-in-the-wall. But, in a good way. It's also located in Chinatown, which I realize is a major deterrent to manyRead more…
Rating 3.5

Kebab Xpress

Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 20, 2009
It’s exciting to see and feel momentum downtown. Hero’s seems to be maintaining a steady buzz, Teazer’s has expanded into the Galleria, and more is scheduled to open in the coming weeks. Back in December I toured the renovations throughout Hotel Virginia, and was excited to seeRead more…
Rating 3.0

Mimi's Cafe

Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 12, 2009
As a kid, I loved breakfast. I went through phases, but for many years it was one of my biggest meals, especially if my dad cooked on the weekend. Bacon and eggs, pancakes, boudin—okay, that was only a few times while we lived in Baton Rouge—Jimmy Dean sausage biscuits. I never said ateRead more…
Rating 3.5

Shanghai Chinese Cuisine

Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 11, 2009
As a general rule, I try to avoid Chinese restaurants. Too many childhood memories of eating at a buffet after church—there's nothing like pasty mints with jelly in the middle to finish off a meal of starchy orange chicken. All that said, if a potential client asks me to lunch, I go, noRead more…
Rating 2.5

Favorito Restaurant

Reviewed by jamescollier on Feb 16, 2009
Note: It's actually taken me a couple of weeks to finish this. Recovery from our experience was not pleasant… On my way home from work one Friday, I received a call from my wife: Her: "So…I just realized that today is January 30." Me: "Yep." Her: "I have a 10Read more…
Rating 5.0

Limon

Reviewed by jamescollier on Feb 15, 2009
I love Twitter. For those that know me offline, that's not a surprise, but lately it has really proven itself as a valuable resource. For example, a recent tweet pointed me to a new Peruvian restaurant in Riverpark. Before I get carried away with a rave about how awesome Limón is, I mustRead more…
Rating 2.8

Long Island Bar & Grill

Reviewed by jamescollier on Feb 08, 2009
My boss and I had several items to discuss, so we set a lunch meeting. Since that meeting happened to fall on my birthday, he took me off-campus to Long Island; we were tempted by thoughts of Sunnyside Deli, but the lunch line can be out the door, and it doesn't provide for private conversation. MyRead more…
Rating 2.8

Zlfred's

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 26, 2009
After spending a little quality time in Sound Stage, a friend suggested that we eat lunch nearby. I admitted that I'm not very familiar with the Blackstone corridor, so he suggested Zlfred's, conveniently located right across the street. Actually, Mark seemed a bit surprised that I had never heardRead more…
Rating 4.3

Guadalajara (#3)

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 10, 2009
A little background info As a kid growing up in North Carolina, my family often cooked taco dinners. That is, we piled ground beef seasoned with “taco seasonings,” fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onion, cheddar cheese and salsa in a crispy corn tortilla—I don’t eat it, but othersRead more…
Rating 4.3

Pizza Fusion

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 09, 2009
After FLYP'n it in Downtown Fresno early this evening, Kim and I headed out to Clovis for Creative Fresno's Blender at Pizza Fusion. The restaurant was packed, but the Blender crowd seemed to be waning a bit, so Kim and I said a few hellos and took a seat at the bar. Since we didn't eat at Hero's,Read more…
Rating 1.0

Hero's Sports Lounge & Pizza Company

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 09, 2009
I'm not downtown's biggest fan (that's probably this guy, or this guy), but I'm definitely in favor of revitalization. And while I've been critical of some efforts, I've heard good things from the soft opening of Hero's and was excited to take a look at tonight's FLYP mixer. I was impressed byRead more…
Rating 2.5

Pho #90

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 07, 2009
I’m more adventurous than many, but before trying a new place—especially one that is considered a hole in the wall—I like to gather favorable recommendations. A couple of weeks ago a Twitter friend (who I’ve never met in person) proclaimed his love for pho,Read more…
Rating 5.0

North India Bar & Grill

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 01, 2009
So, last night was New Year's Eve. After turning down tickets to see Neil Diamond at the SaveMart Center, I had resolved to spend the night inside with the wife—we’re not really big on being out when it’s foggy and people are drinking (heavily). I worked for most of the afternoonRead more…
Rating 3.0

Sendai Sushi

Reviewed by jamescollier on Dec 27, 2008
Last Sunday a group of us gathered for lunch after church. One suggested sushi, so we headed north to Samurai Sushi at Cedar and Shepherd. Turns out they don't open until 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, so we backtracked to Sendai (which we last visited in June). Neither Kim or I were in the mood to stuffRead more…
Rating 3.5

Diana's Classic Armenian Cuisine

Reviewed by jamescollier on Dec 26, 2008
One of our good friends is back in town for the holidays, so a group of us gathered for dinner; Megan is Armenian, and wanted to try out Diana's at the recommendation of the other couple that joined us. The restaurant is small, but clean and cozy. On the wall, I noted a plaque recognizing it as theRead more…
Rating 3.5

Scoop's Soups & More

Reviewed by jamescollier on Dec 16, 2008
Kim and I took the dogs to Old Town Clovis for a photo shoot with Ryan Jones (an update for the family members afar). After the shoot, I stopped in Scoop's for a couple of ice cream cones. In a rush—Kim was wrangling the dogs--I ordered a double-scoop of Fresno State Cookies 'n Cream, and aRead more…
Rating 4.8

North India Bar & Grill

Reviewed by jamescollier on Nov 30, 2008
After reading several positive reviews of North India Bar & Grill (including this one), I couldn’t resist a friend’s invitation to intrude join in on date night with his wife. Kim and I met them for dinner at 7:00 Saturday night. I’ve heard that the building usedRead more…
Rating 3.3

Javier's

Reviewed by jamescollier on Oct 28, 2008
Nestled just north of Sunnyside (for 30 years or so, evidently) is an unassuming square building, occupied solely by an unassuming Mexican restaurant. I’ve found two opinions on Javier’s from my peers: love and hate. No middle ground. The menu offers standard Mexican fare, with a wideRead more…
Rating 3.3

Livingstone's

Reviewed by jamescollier on Oct 04, 2008
A co-worker and I decided to meet up at Starbucks to catch up and talk shop. The mood shifted from coffee to beer, so we decided to head for the Tower District, ending up on Livingstone's patio. Ten minutes later, we resorted to ordering our beers and food from the bar inside, but more on thatRead more…
Rating 2.8

Papa John's

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 16, 2008
Kim called me on her way home from work: Kim: I'm starving. Me: Yeah, I'm pretty hungry. Kim: What do you want for dinner? Me: I need to eat something healthy—like a good salad. Kim: Is the lettuce in the fridge still good? Me: eh... We hang up. Nine minutes later, she opens the front door.Read more…
Rating 3.0

Masala

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 14, 2008
I'm posting this several months after my first experience at Masala, so it's a bit diluted; a Sunday dinner at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago consisted of several Indian dishes I can't pronounce, and reminded me of Masala, where I first sampled the flavors of this culture. Earlier thisRead more…
Rating 3.3

Joe's Steakhouse

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 13, 2008
Kim and I attended a mayoral forum on Thursday that focused on poverty. We decided to leave early to grab a bite before heading home, and since it was cool outside, we skipped Sushi Hana (one of our new favorites) for the walk to Joe's. We've looked for dinner downtown several times, finding thatRead more…
Rating 2.8

Fresno Breakfast House

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 12, 2008
Today I discovered that there are two Fresno Breakfast Houses. The one I thought I was supposed to be at is located in the Pavilion West shopping center at Bullard and West; the one I actually needed to be at is at Ashlan and First. Any guesses which one is nicer? I don't actually know if theRead more…
Rating 3.0

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 07, 2008
One of Kim's high school friends came home to visit family and friends a couple of weeks ago, so we met them at BJ's for drinks and dessert. Since we had dinner beforehand (which is worthy of a post in itself), this isn't a review about food, so much as the overall vibe of the restaurant. We'veRead more…
Rating 3.0

Blossom Trail Cafe

Reviewed by jamescollier on Sep 01, 2008
With the day off of work, and the temperature dipping down into the 50s last night, Kim and I decided to get up early and ride to breakfast on the motorcycle. Since we live in Southeast Fresno, Blossom Trail is a quick ride, and a decent breakfast. We got there around 7:30 a.m., and were a bitRead more…
Rating 3.8

Claim Jumper

Reviewed by jamescollier on Aug 28, 2008
Before coming to Fresno, I had never heard of tri-tip; evidently, this cut of beef is discarded elsewhere, or traded for brisket. Either way, I've since met countless men who claim to be masters of the tri-tip, many of whom cook the meat fairly quickly, and until it's medium well. If I'm completelyRead more…
Rating 3.3

Salsa's Mexicatessen

Reviewed by jamescollier on Aug 20, 2008
I had the opportunity to eat lunch with one of Fresno's elected leaders; we met at the Galleria, and after assessing the options, decided on Salsa's. Branding themselves as a "Mexicatessen," Salsa's fills the space that Bobby Salazar's once occupied (I heard a rumor of why it closed,Read more…
Rating 2.5

Public House

Reviewed by jamescollier on Aug 19, 2008
I've reflected on Public House before, but my experience tonight warrants a new review. I didn't want to, but I've just done something I haven't done in close to 10 years, if ever: I left a 10% tip. Actually, I rounded down, so it wasn't quite 10%. I worked in the restaurant business—Read more…
Rating 2.8

Luna's Pizzeria

Reviewed by jamescollier on Aug 15, 2008
A friend of ours, who moved to Oklahoma to get her master's degree, returned home for the last couple of weeks to visit her family and friends. Fortunately, Kim and I got to spend time with her and her boyfriend tonight; at her request, we visited the Clovis Farmers Market and ate at Luna's. OurRead more…
Rating 2.3

Maroo

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jul 23, 2008
A co-worker is propped up at home for a few weeks from surgery, so our team is rotating nights and bringing dinner to her and her husband. Fortunately, she's a foodie, and has good taste buds. Her request tonight (my turn to deliver) was sushi, and one of her favorite places to eat it is Maroo; sheRead more…
Rating 3.5

California Pizza Kitchen

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jul 13, 2008
I've eaten at CPK before—once in Seattle, and once at the location here in Fresno—and I've had pleasant experiences, though I can't recall what I've had (other than the BBQ chicken pizza, but maybe that was from the frozen food aisle). Today I took a co-worker and two colleagues toRead more…
Rating 4.0

B&K Asian Kitchen

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jun 25, 2008
The person that introduced me to Thai Fusion (and the yum nua salad) also recommended B&K, explaining that they're owned by the same family. He also described the place: humble (to put it nicely) on the outside, in an older part of town, but with a parking lot full of nice cars (I think he saidRead more…
Rating 3.5

Ripe Tomato

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jun 24, 2008
If it weren't for a few friends who live or work in the area, I would rarely make it out to Fig Garden Village. Fortunately, these friends often suggest lunch locations that I haven't tried, as was the case with Ripe Tomato. The restaurant is tucked away in the southwest corner of the shoppingRead more…
Rating 3.8

Sendai Sushi

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jun 13, 2008
Kim and I should have learned from our first visit to Sendai. The allure of the all-you-can-eat buffet is undeniable, but you don’t have to try everything on the menu to get your money’s worth. Our first visit to Sendai left us hurting (but in a good way). If you opt for the all-you-Read more…
Rating 4.0

Sushi Hana

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jun 10, 2008
The convention center was full tonight as Peter Calthorpe and the Southeast Growth Area (SEGA) committee presented alternatives for the 2025 General Plan for city growth. Kim serves on the SEGA committee, and we both have high interest in the project as we live less than a couple miles away fromRead more…
Rating 4.0

Sunnyside Deli

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jun 03, 2008
I'll admit (again) that I'm a little skeptical of most of the places in my neighborhood, not that the selection allows me to be picky. I've driven past Sunnyside Deli thousands of times without so much as a hint of curiosity about the place, but when a co-worker insisted I try it, I had no otherRead more…
Rating 2.8

Carlton's

Reviewed by jamescollier on Apr 20, 2008
My wife doesn't want me to write this review (at least not in the tone I have adopted verbally). She wants to see patrons in downtown restaurants—most of the times that we meet near her office for dinner, we find a mostly empty dining room. I want to dine in the company of others (otherwise IRead more…
Rating 4.0

Me 'n Ed's Victory Grill

Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 21, 2008
I should preface this review by referring to my previous remarks concerning The Public House. Had it not been for their lack of service, my wife and I would not have ended up at Me 'n Ed's, though we're glad we did. My previous post also outlines my thoughts on the overall theme and style ofRead more…
Rating 1.0

The Public House

Reviewed by jamescollier on Mar 21, 2008
Every time I pass by Granite Park on HWY 168 I think about all the new restaurants I've heard of next to the ballpark. Tonight, my wife and I decided to check the area out and give one a try. Overall, the area is very much under construction, but what's been developed seems a bit gimmicky, to sayRead more…
Rating 4.3

Thai Fusion

Reviewed by jamescollier on Feb 11, 2008
It’s official, I’m addicted. Thai Fusion prepares one of the best dishes I’ve ever tasted: yum nua (Thai beef salad). It’s fresh, crisp, spicy, sweet—it literally hits every taste bud, and I can’t get enough. Creative Fresno held their monthly blender onRead more…
Rating 4.3

Belana

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 21, 2008
Before I share my experience at Belana, I have to disclose that I’ve heard Roy Harlan’s name dozens of times since moving to Fresno, and set a higher standard of expectations than I would have had this not been his restaurant. When I walked in the door, my eyes were immediately drawnRead more…
Rating 3.5

Ichiban

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 19, 2008
I can't remember exactly how the irony was explained to me, but I believe that "ichiban" is Japanese for "number one;" the owners of Ichiban are Korean (I think). The restaurant falls into the category of "hole in the wall," which is a compliment where I'm from. TheyRead more…
Rating 2.5

Long Island Bar & Grill

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 14, 2008
The proposed Fancher Creek development in Southeast Fresno will hopefully offer new selections for fine dining in the area (should construction ever start—the “Coming Fall 2007” sign is fading a bit). Until then, we have Long Island. Perhaps I should be careful using terms likeRead more…
Rating 3.0

Leonardo's Pizza

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 13, 2008
While our selection of dine-in restaurants in southeast Fresno is somewhat lacking, we have plenty of fast food and pizza. Kim and I used to love Da Vinci’s—great crust, tasty sauce, and all for $10-12. Thus, we were less than thrilled when they moved out, and Leonardo’s moved inRead more…
Rating 3.8

Izi's Sandwich Shop & Deli

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 10, 2008
The name of this restaurant is as inconspicuous as its location (on the other side of Kim‚Äôs Donuts from the still-fairly-new Vallarta grocery store); It‚Äôs an Armenian/Lebanese deli and market. I‚Äôm not yet able to distinguish between these twoRead more…
Rating 4.3

Bistro Rustico

Reviewed by jamescollier on Jan 01, 2008
Kim and I wanted to celebrate recent promotions at work, and after tasting the butternut squash raviolis that Varouj was sampling at last Saturday’s farmers market, we invited two other couples to join us for dinner Friday. Our experience was overwhelmingly positive. The restaurant was half-Read more…
Rating 3.5

Joe's Steakhouse

Reviewed by jamescollier on Dec 29, 2007
Kudos to Joe's for being open on a Saturday night (if that seems like a lot to ask, try roaming downtown after 5...). Kim eats there occassionaly at lunch, and I've been for the recent Creative Fresno Blender, but this was my first visit for a full meal. We just wanted a quick bite before theRead more…
Rating 3.5

Palomino's

Reviewed by jamescollier on Dec 29, 2007
Creative Fresno held its annual meeting at Palomino's, who graciously offered an enclosed space for us. A prix fixe menu was offered - I'm not sure if it reflects the regular menu - but I had the Tuscan chicken: grilled chicken served over mashed potatoes with mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. YumRead more…

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