Appetite for figs? These Fresno-area restaurants are serving them up

Figs are in season – and there’s no better time to find out how restaurants in the Fresno are are using them in their cooking. After all, we are the fig capital.

The region produces 100 percent of the nation’s dried figs and about 98 percent of the fresh figs. It’s no wonder that local chefs and consumers have begun to see figs in a new light, especially fresh figs.

They are prized for their sweet earthiness that pairs nicely with salty meats and goat cheese along with lots of other things.

So if you are wanting to enjoy some of the Valley’s best figs, here are five restaurants that are known for using figs in their food or for specific fig dishes.

Trelio Restaurant, 438 Clovis Ave. Clovis – The restaurant’s owners are known for their love of figs. Past dishes have included, salted caramel and chocolate figs, also a pork tenderloin, bacon grits, grilled spinach with grilled California fresh figs.

Eureka! Fresno, 7775 N. Palm Ave., Fresno – This restaurant gives figs the star treatment with its Fresno Fig Burger. The juicy burger is made with fig marmalade, melted goat cheese, bacon, tomato, red onion, arugula, and spicy porter mustard.

Rocket Dog Gourmet Brats and Brew, 88 E. Shaw Ave. Fresno – The Napa Dog is an instant classic. It has sweet chicken sausage on a grilled baguette with fig-onion jam, crumbled goat cheese, balsamic reduction drizzle and fresh basil chiffonade.

The Vineyard Restaurant, 605 South I St., Madera – Like Trelio, the Vineyard is fond of using both fresh and dried figs in their cuisine. Currently on their menu is the Valley Chicken Salad with naturally raised chicken breast, local baby lettuces, dried figs, caramelized onions, toasted local almonds, arugula and tossed with honey-thyme mustard.

Vino Grille & Spirits, 1440 E. Champlain Ave., Fresno – This restaurant loves figs so much it is hosting the California Fig Feast on Thursday, Aug. 3. The Feast will feature a multi-course meal, including Asian-style grilled white fish, with couscous, wok-seared veggies, dried figs, and fig vinaigrette. Also on the menu will be applewood-smoked pork ribs with fig jam barbecue glaze; and house-made duck confit tortellini with fig goat cheese and fig ragout. Wines selected by Jen and Chuck Van Fleet will also be included. Dinner is $125 per person and can be purchased at www.californiafigs.com.

This story was originally published July 31, 2017 at 5:33 PM with the headline "Appetite for figs? These Fresno-area restaurants are serving them up."