Where to Take an Out-of-Towner

Last week, Debbie Dean was in town to give our guest presentation (on grammar instruction). We decided to take her to Pangea in Fig Garden--it was a central location (since we all live in different parts of Fresno), and we knew we'd be able to try some interesting food.

Although the waiter suggested that we all order 3 small plates each, we decided to get a salad and one additional plate each. Then we added one or two more plates, just in case.

My favorite dish of the evening was the Mediterranean Bread Salad, a nice mix of arugula, feta, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and bread with a light vinaigrette. It was so good I want to go back to have the full portion.

I also really enjoyed the trio of mini-burgers. I devoured half of the blue cheese burger. It was moist, tender, and savory.

The rest of our plates included macaroni and cheese, halibut, seared ahi, steak, ribs, and Mexican sushi. I didn't try all of the dishes, since only a couple of people wanted to try the sushi . . . which meant that I ate 3-4 pieces. This is an interesting mix of rice, seaweed, tuna (I think), and tortilla chips, topped with a chipotle sauce. Everyone seemed to enjoy all of the dishes, and we ate until we couldn't eat any more.

Pangea provides a casually elegant version of comfort food. Although the food isn't necessarily sophisticated or inventive, it is enjoyable.

The conversation, on the other hand, was great. We talked about American education and on demand writing. Debbie is a generous scholar, a good listener, and a really fun and interesting person to be around.