Party for author Masumoto at Sierra Nut House

If you like pumpkin bisque soup, Wahoo's tacos or wine, mark your calendar for these events:

- Friday nigh, Sierra Nut House will host a book-signing party for David Mas Masumoto. Read more →

Fresno's Pacific Seafood is closing its doors

After more than 30 years in business, Pacific Seafood is shutting down. Its last day is Nov. 21, says co-founder Oot Tiyaamornwong.

"We're getting old," Tiyaamornwong says. "And we need to be with the grandkids." She's 66; husband and co-owner Kamol Tiyaamornwong is 73. Read more →

Films take a hard look at our food industry

Will sustainable agriculture remain a niche market?

I’ve been pondering this question since last month, when Harris Ranch Beef Co. objected to a Cal Poly lecture by industrial agriculture critic Michael Pollan. Read more →

New Mexican eatery, local fruit store open

New restaurant Pico de Gallo has opened at Chestnut Avenue near Shepherd Avenue.

Modeled after the chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, the restaurant sells burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, salads and the Mexican sandwiches known as tortas. Each dish costs $5.99 or less. Read more →

Kids need nutritious school lunches

As the season for holiday food begins, I can't help but think about the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act.

Every five years, this act sets the standards for national school lunch and breakfast programs that serve more than 31 million children. Read more →

Sierra Nut, Old Doc's endure in gourmet market

With all the talk this week about the closure of Bentley's Fresh Market, it's nice to have some good news: Sierra Nut House is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and Old Doc's Discount Liquor is marking its 30th year in business.

First, here's more information about Sierra's party: It takes place 5-9 p.m. today in the shop at Nees and Blackstone avenues in the Villaggio shopping center. Read more →

Pismo's readies to open as Bentley's shuts doors

If ever a week showed the risks in Fresno's food business, this is it.

As Bentley's Fresh Market shuts down, Pismo's Coastal Grill is close to opening. Both started with visions of delivering high-quality food in casual settings. Read more →

Foodies say take me out to the ballpark

Get ready for another weekend with so much food and drink, it's impossible to print it all here.

The three events described below should whet your appetite. For more, go to my blog, where you'll read all about a Hangar One vodka tasting at The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar in Madera, the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple's Ginza Food Bazaar and a tasting of more than 30 rare wines at Trelio restaurant in Old Town Clovis. Read more →

Loss of UC program hurts crop research

Anyone who's savored the pleasures of Chandler strawberries should lament the closing of the University of California's Small Farm Program.

For 30 years, the program has paid for specialty crop research, marketing advice and educational programs for local strawberry farmers and other growers. Read more →

Figarden Loop gets a high-end sports bar

When the Press Box opens on Saturday, it will bring a sports bar with 19 high-definition televisions to Figarden Loop. Expect to see all things sports, including Fresno State games, Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts, Mixed Martial Arts fights and professional boxing.

Such a theme brings up visions of burgers and fries, fried chicken fingers stuffed with bacon and cheddar cheese and 16 beers on tap. Read more →

Chipotle's 'Integrity' slogan draws heat

As Chipotle Mexican Grill tests its new kids' menu, the company faces scrutiny over its slogan, "Food With Integrity."

First, some background: The Denver-based chain is pushing kids' meals -- such as the $3.95 taco kit and the $3.50 small meat and cheese quesadilla -- at its restaurants in Fig Garden Village, Clovis and Visalia. Read more →

Festival is designed to draw foodies to Oakhurst

The fall food festivals keep on coming. Here are a couple on this weekend's menu:

- The Oakhurst Chocolate and Wine Festival means an entire weekend of sweet and savory dishes. Read more →

WIC food program becomes healthier

A historic shift occurred in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program on Oct. 1.

For the first time, WIC's food packages for poor mothers and children include fruits, vegetables, tofu, and certain whole grains such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread and corn tortillas. It's a change toward lower-fat, nutrient-dense diets -- and away from WIC's staples of cheese, eggs, milk and juice. Read more →

Bentley's Bistro closure reflects market changes

With Bentley's Bistro closed, what will Bentley's Fresh Market do?

That's the big question after the bistro at Friant and North Fort Washington roads closed a couple of weeks ago. Its sister company, Bentley's Fresh Market, still is open -- and changes are under way to draw more customers, says Roy Harland, Bentley's director of culinary services. Read more →

Owner hopes to sell coffee shop

Restaurant gossip always is rampant, particularly when it comes to downtown Fresno. Here are a couple of behind-the-scenes tidbits that will lead to more visible changes:

Talk about the sale of Hero's Sports Lounge & Pizza Co. made some folks wonder about its future. Read more →