Opening Up the Appetizer Menu at Fresno's Pangea Restaurant

Over the last few years, we have seen quite athan a few minutes. But I promised myself, I would
growth in the number of really good restaurantsbe back real soon. And I made good on my promise,
opening up in Fresno. Now, it is time to add Pangeareturning later with two friends. We went for a late
to the top of that list.lunch, but ended up just ordering drinks and filling up
Located in the heart of Fig Garden Village in Fresno,on appetizers at the bar.
Pangea is the sister establishment to another greatActually, that was a good choice because we each
restaurant, Campagnia. With a family connection likeordered a few appetizers, a few drinks, gorged on
that, Pangea automatically gets extra points fromthe free bread and hung out for a while. Since it was
me.not very crowded, we were able to ask the bar and
My first foray into Pangea was back in latewait staff for their suggestions on which appetizers
December. I stopped in while doing a story on Newthey thought rocked.
Year's Eve dining around the Central Valley. FromWell, thank you staff members. You were right four
what I have learned, the name Pangea, whenout of four times. Here is the rundown of our
translated, means 'All Earth.' Very earthy, huh? Well,appetizer feast and the prices (which are highly
don not let the name fool you. There are no hippyaffordable).
lovefest earth-children from the 60s serving youSeared beef nigiri, asparagus & enoki mushroom
recycled food or making you wear hemp clothing.with wasabi aioli ($5.00) This tops the list of my
No, instead, this 'All Earth' is very chic andfavorite appetizers of all time. The beef is sweet and
sophisticated. From the walls to the tables to the signtangy, which goes perfect with the asparagus. The
on the door, I was really impressed at how the earthtaste is intensified by the wasabi aioli. Nice!
tone elements mixed with modern furniture designs.Pangea California roll in soy paper ($8) You really can't
Basically, its stone age meets futuristic steel. Verygo wrong ordering a California roll anywhere. But I've
hot! At Pangea, the experience goes way beyondnot found any one who does it better than the Sushi
the design and the furniture.makers of Pangea.
From their website, Pangea's staff writes, "Meant toCrunchy Mexican spicy tuna roll topped with chipotle
be enjoyed among friends, Pangea is a diningcitrus aioli ($12) It's Latin ... it's Asian ... it's fusion done
experience, likened to a trip around the globe, of fineright.Tasty.
cuisine and premier spirits from every corner of ourGinger and garlic poached bok choy ($3) When we
world."first decided to order this, I wasn't so sure I was
The website goes on to say, "At Pangea Restaurant,going to like it. But for three bucks, I was willing to
our global flavors range from Pacific Rim and Latin totake a chance. It was pretty tasty. I was shocked,
Mediterranean and Italian, and eclectic Californiasurprised and eventually, ordered a second round for
Cuisine. Because our menu consists of various smallthe table.
plates; larger than typical tapas and smaller than anAnd let us not forget the bread and the amazing
entree, we refer to our menu as 'global small plates.'Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Man, they could just
We encourage the sharing of our dishes, which allowssell that as an appetizer and I would be there all the
everyone to try many of our items in one sitting intime.
an elegant, casual and fun environment."I have been back for drinks several more times;
I agree! Pangea is very eclectic-chic. In fact, it is aoften ordering the same exact appetizer feast.
very new, different experience for theMaybe next time, I will actually go for dinner and try
uber-traditional style of the Central Valley.one their extraordinary sounding dinner entrees. Hope
Because I had to hit six other restaurants in the nextto see you there doing the same.
two hours, I did not get to stay at Pangea for more