SHAKE+STIR: ELBOW ROOM BAR & GRILL
From left to right: Lauren Barisic, Cindy Matoian, Brittany Fontes, Mike Shirinian, Davita Miller, Brittney Sarale, Summer Bradford, and Laura Thompson.
The Elbow Room Bar & Grill has been one of Fresno’s most beloved traditions for seven decades now. Celebration of this milestone anniversary also happens to coincide with their 2025 Luxury Awards Best Bar win, a title bestowed upon them by the magazine’s readership. Today, the legacy of Elbow Room exemplifies a culinary legacy unlike any other in the Central Valley.
In honor of these recognitions, CVLUX’s Editorial Director Lauren Barisic and Event Director & Producer Laura Thompson, together with Elbow Room owner Mike Shirinian, hosted the Legacy Edition of Shake+Stir there, where all met for an afternoon of Elbow Room’s quinnessential timeless hospitality. The pair were joined by guests Cindy Matoian, Brittany Fontes, Davita Miller, Brittney Sarale, and Summer Bradford for a unforgettable meal—much of which is thanks to Chef de Cuisine Eric Rodriguez, who brings exceptional skill and extraordinary vision to each and every plate that comes out of Elbow Room’s kitchen.
Since its founding establishment in 1955, Elbow Room has been a cornerstone of Fresno’s dining scene, and today it flourishes as a premier bar and restaurant. What started as a neighborhood favorite has grown into an elevated destination known for expertly grilled steaks, iconic craft cocktails, and a dining experience decidedly steeped in both comfort and tradition. The Elbow Room team honors a long, storied past all while embracing the present—this includes welcoming generations of guests with genuine service and elevated fare.
The table was set with the help of several local vendors. Florals of green and white were sourced locally and arranged by DH Floral. Capri Blue Volcano Candles were gifted to each lady by Revival 23. Linens comprised of a black charger and monochrome striped napkins came from The Linen Shoppe. Modern Press Paper Studio provided custom menus and vellum-wrapped place cards. All seamlessly coordinated with the ambiance found on the Vineyard Patio, where the group was seated for a seven-course tasting menu with wine and cocktail couplings.
Seafood was up first for the starter course. Mango Avocado Crab Cocktail with pickled onion, yuzu, and cilantro set the stage with a refreshing tone. 2020 Schramsberg “Blanc de Banc” from Napa was an ideal palette introduction for both the food and the mood. This bubbly is a favorite amongst the ladies, who marveled at how summer-centric the combination presented.
Brussels Sprouts were served as the appetizer course, and the ladies had the option to choose between two libations for the accompanying cocktail as the plate was presented. Elbow’s Brussels have been a top menu item for years. “We get these every time we come here,” Brittany proudly professed. “It’s one of our favorite small bites.” A generous smearing of goat cheese purée is underneath the charred greens, which then have bourbon glaze drizzled atop.
Whiskey pairs beautifully with the above, so there was a choice between stiff or sparkling for the initial cocktail. The Kentucky Spiced Mule features Michter’s Bourbon, Cock’n Bull Ginger Beer, fresh lime juice, orgeat, and star anise for an energizing sip. The Angels Envy EBR Barrel Old Fashion, concocted with bitters, simple syrup, a filthy cheery, and orange garnish, is a no-brainer pick for enthusiasts like Brittney. “This is the best Old Fashion you can have,” she asserted with unshakable confidence.
The third course emphasized summer produce. Creamy Risotto Primavera was made with pecorino cheese and gently mixed with baby spinach, yellow squash, oven-dried tomatoes, and lemon for a bright finish. This dish was universally loved, but Summer enjoyed it so much that she cleaned her plate, sharing that “It tastes like the best of summer.”
Sally’s Italian Strawberry Smash furthered the summertime feels put forth by the risotto. It’s basically an adults-only strawberry lemonade. Crop Organic Meyer Lemon Vodka is the base, which is mixed with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, strawberry purée, and fresh basil. “This is hands-down my favorite drink of the night!” Brittany couldn’t help but rave.
Up next was the Pistachio Almond Chicken Milanese. A crispy chicken cutlet comes seated on almond pesto and is then covered with arugula dressed in Champagne dressing, oven-dried tomatoes, balsamic reduction, and grated pecorino cheese. “I love arugula, so I was excited for this dish and it absolutely did not disappoint,” avowed Cindy.
With this fourth course came the Cool as Cucumber cocktail, made with Crop Cucumber Vodka, lime juice, agave, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, and a club soda float. “This is the one I’ve been looking forward to!” Davita shared passionately. “I love anything with cucumber. This is so easy to drink and is especially perfect for hot summer days by the pool.”
The Crab Stuffed Salmon makes for a stunning presentation. The fish is filled with whipped brie and served on a bed of couscous with arugula and lemon zest. A lovely, light Dijon beurre blanc finished the dish. The creaminess of the cheese inside the filet creates an interactive experience, and the resulting melt doubles as a secondary sauce.
This fifth course fish dish brought with it another opportunity for the ladies to make a drink selection, which included the first of two wine offerings for this legacy-inspired tasting menu at Elbow Room. For white, the 2021 Frank Family Chardonnay from Carneros is an ideal vino coupling. For something harder, the Watermelon Cooler is made with Platinum 7 Vodka, fresh watermelon, mint juice, and fresh lime juice. “I can see myself drinking these at the lake,” divulged Cindy.
For the final savory, a striking trifecta shined a spotlight on the Dry Aged 7oz. New York Steak with a duo of sides. Served with fingerling potatoes and grilled asparagus, the beef is sourced out of Nebraska and finished with Maldon sea salt and herbs. “Elbow sure knows how to grill a steak, and I really love the finishing touches like the salt,” shared Brittney. “It just feels so thoughtful.” The delightful 2021 Elbow Room “Collaboration” Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa was utter perfection in the pairing realm.
Dessert at the Elbow Room is not to be forgone. Both banana and bread pudding fans will be downright gleeful over their Bourbon Banana Bread Pudding. Dusted with powdered sugar, dripping in caramel sauce, and served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, “This is a dessert you can’t turn down,” Davita admitted. “I love the combination of textures and temperatures, and the flavor is just delicious.”
If you prefer to drink your dessert, you can easily have one of the two nightcaps here alone, but Elbow’s sweet endings are always better together. The Joseph Magnus Bourbon offered embodies rich flavors with notes of orange citrus, dried dark fruits and vanilla. Additionally, many have called Elbow Room’s the best Espresso Martini in town, and it’s tough to argue with this claim to fame. Even Summer admitted, “This is way too easy to finish!” It includes Platinum 7 Vodka, Kahlua, Bailey’s, and vanilla simple syrup.
Beyond the daily dining options, Elbow Room Bar & Grill elevates the classic restaurant experience with a series of exclusive wine-pairing dinners and themed tasting menus, carefully curated to delight even the most discerning palates. Hosted in their elegant Vineyard Patio or intimate Wine Cellar, these multi-course events feature expertly matched vintages and spirits—often from highly regarded California producers—with decadent dishes such as dry aged steaks, fresh seafood, and seasonal sides.
In fact, Elbow Room and CVLUX are coming together for an exclusive evening featuring the bold elegance of La Lomita Ranch Wines within the rustic charm of the Vineyard Patio. Set for Thursday, October 9th, this intimate affair is limited to just 50 ticketed guests, offering a thoughtfully curated four-course dinner designed to complement the rich complexity of LLR’s signature wines. As part of the Elbow Room’s celebrated wine pairing series, each course promises a seamless balance of flavor, craftsmanship, and ambiance—perfectly capturing the spirit of autumn in the Central Valley while also allowing patrons to get a taste of what this Shake+Stir was like.
As the conversation flowed—full of summer plans, travel adventures, favorite bites, and the bonds of friendship—it became clear that Elbow Room is more than just a backdrop; it’s a living part of the Central Valley’s legacy. Under the thoughtful leadership of owner Mike Shirinian, and now celebrating its 70th anniversary, the restaurant continues to embody the spirit of hospitality and connection. A beloved fixture of the community, Elbow Room Bar & Grill remains a place where memories are made, laughter is shared, and friendships are celebrated—just as it has for generations.
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Event Director & Producer Laura Thompson
Photographer Don Dizon
@dizon_photo
Flowers DH Floral
@dhfloral
Favors Revival 23
@revival23
Stationary Modern Press Paper Studio
@modernpress
Linens The Linen Shoppe
@thelinenshoppetls
