What’s New at the Vineyard

by Chris Mariscotti

Mother's Day Dinner

Join us for Mother’s Day dinner from 2 to 7 on Sunday May 13th.  We will be offering a menu with many special items as well as your favorites. Reservations are suggested, but not necessary. To make reservations please call us at 559-674-0923

Slow Food Notes

On May 3rd we will be hosting the release party for Quady’s latest wine, a fino Sherry.  Winemaker Mike Blaylock will be here to discuss and pour this wine that is made from local biodynamically grown grapes. The grower Gena Nonnini will also be here to talk about biodynamic farming. We will be serving two other wines with the sherry. We will also serve a series of small plates, our version of Tapas, to accompany the wines. Seating is limited. Please call now for reservations. Tickets are $40 a person. A portion of each ticket will be donated to Slow Food.

The Fig Fest has been Slow Food Madera’s biggest event. Each year over 1500 people have tasted fig foods, bought fig books, trees and jams and had a good time at the Fig Fest.  I was worried that the Fig Fest would not be held this year. As I wrote earlier, Ron Radoicich, the founder and force behind the Fig Fest, died in December.  See http://www.agonefoundation.org/radoicich.htm. Fortunately I was wrong.  The California Fig Advisory Board and The Vineyard Farmers Market decided the Fig Fest was too important to let disappear. They’re going to continue, with help from Slow Food Madera. The event will be held Saturday August 11th at The Vineyard Farmers Market at Shaw and Blackstone in Fresno from 9 to 12. Plan on coming to taste our Valley treasure in it’s many guises from the area’s top restaurants.

Live Music

Dr Maynard is getting lazy. He now brings a singer. Debbie Rudd is great and makes an even better reason to come in and hear them. In May, Maynard and Debbie will play the 11th, 17th, 24th and 31st. They play in the bar from 6 till 10 or 11.

Memorial Day

We will be closed. But the day before we’ll be open for a private but very special wedding. One of our favorite and funniest customers, Paul Gentry is marrying the beautiful Rodilla Montgomery.  We’re honored to be part of their celebration. Congratulations.

One of the rewarding parts of the restaurant business is the special people we get to meet. I have mentioned some above who are guests, but the people who work here  make an impact on our lives as well. This summer we will be saying goodbye to two long time associates Dan Anderson and Jason Montelongo. Dan has worked here for 5 years. He will be leaving to work for Congressman Radanovich in Washington. Jason has been here for 6 years and is leaving to pursue his career in web design. We wish them all the best and thank them for a job well done.  They will be missed.

As a result of their leaving, we’ll have a job opening for a food server.  If you know someone who would be interested in this opportunity please contact me.

Once again we thank you for your business and your support.

Chris

Location

The Vineyard Restaurant is located on the northwest corner of Highway 99 and Highway 145 on the south end of Madera. Our address is 605 South I St. Madera, CA 93637 - Tel: 559-674-0923 (google earth: Lat: 36°57'14.57"N & Lon: 120° 3'28.48"W).

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