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SHAKE +STIR
HOSTED AT CRACKED PEPPER BISTRO Managing Editor Lauren Barisic Photographer Don Dizon
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C
racked Pepper Bistro’s Chef Vatche Moukhtarian’s recent victory on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games brought an element of excitement and anticipation to Shake+Stir’s thirteenth edition. Daughter and mother Amanda and Miranda Jones, Laura Mather, Mary Papaleo, and Brandy Venturi joined CVLUX’s Donna Ensom for a seasonal tasting at the establishment. Three cocktails and five savory dishes later, the ladies finished one of the best dinners in the Central Valley with an infamously sweet ending. Whether you sit inside or out, there is an upscale coziness that immediately invites you to relish rather than rush your experience at Cracked Pepper, which is exactly what you are supposed to do there. Chef Vatche Moukhtarian caught the cooking bug by the time he was 12, leading to his enrollment in the San Francisco Culinary Academy. His resume boasts numerous renowned restaurant positions: an externship and then full-time employment at the Peppermill Casino in Reno, an invitation to help open the Chuckchansi Gold Resort & Casino where he eventually become Sous Chef at the Vintage Steakhouse, followed by several years as Sous Chef at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Finally, in 2006, Chef Vatche returned to his hometown of Fresno and opened Cracked Pepper Bistro. His objective was to focus on regional cuisine using natural, close-tothe-source ingredients accompanied by California-grown wines. Thirteen years later, Cracked Pepper continues to be a beloved bistro featuring a California-style seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients and nightly specials. Chef Vatche is also recognized for supporting local farmers and wineries, with 60 percent of his wine list coming from the nearby Paso Robles appellation. It was his love of Californian crops that lead Chef Vatche to apply for Guy’s Grocery Games on Food Network. “I wanted to represent Fresno because of the abundance of produce we have. It’s all here, but we don’t get recognition—we should be on the radar more. We have great
restaurants here, but we just don’t get the same attention as those in bigger cities.” He hopes being on the show will help draw that greatly deserved attention to the Central Valley. In the one-hour show (Season 19, Episode 12), entitled “Ultimate Grocery List,” Chef Vatche and three other chefs were challenged to transform what was described as “Guy Fieri’s worst grocery list yet” into the best dish possible. The Ultimate Grocery List included: bananas, frozen pizza, spicy chips, ice cream sandwich, huitlacoche, canned tuna, and canned fruit cocktail. The challenges included: brunch (in 30 minutes), the Lunch Rush (in 20 minutes), and a pork dish (in 30 minutes). Bear in mind that all items on the list had to be used between the three challenges. By the end of the competition, Chef Vatche walked away with the $20,000 prize…and a kitchen knife injury to one finger. Despite having medical assistance on-site, “I went ahead and bandaged it because I’m used to doing it myself!” Chef Vatche reminisced. Certainly a memorable mishap that made the victory that much sweeter—yet every dish you try at Cracked Pepper leaves a lasting impression. Located in Fresno’s North Pointe Shopping Center, at Palm and Herndon Avenues, the bistro is tucked in its southwestern corner. If you didn’t know it was there, you wouldn’t likely stumble across it—Cracked Pepper is a destination. Guests can take advantage of the bistro’s covered patio, dine in the main room, or sit at their fantastic bar. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5 o’clock until 10 p.m. The Persophone cocktail kicked off the evening. Equally vibrant in color (bright orange) as it is in flavor, Laura couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow… That’s yummy!” after just one sip. A concoction of Grey Goose vodka, Giffard Pamplemouse, Aperol, and lime juice with a grapefruit twist, “It’s very summery” all around, Brandy complimented.
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Disclaimer: “Eating this possibly leads to madness.” Everyone thought that was a clever note on the menu until they actually tried the Mala-Insana Napoleon. If eggplant usually tasted like this, we’d all eat eggplant more often... Coated in crushed pumpkin seeds, it is layered with goat cheese, oven-roasted tomatoes, walnut pesto, and aged balsamic. Hands-down the crowd favorite dish of the night—everyone was excited for goat cheese! “That’s what really makes this dish special,” explained Brandy. The Aged Old Fashioned is not for the faint of palate. A blend of Woodford Reserve bourbon, cherry bitters, and sugar, it’s garnished with a brandied cherry and orange zest. “Now that’s good, but we can’t drink the whole thing,” Miranda referred to the drink’s strength with a laugh. (P.S. It was presented alongside the following Stilton Blue Salad; whiskey and rabbit food—dinner of champions…or cowgirls…whatever.) Amanda took it upon herself to chop and toss the Stilton Blue Salad—a reflexive act from her waitressing days doing tableside in Tahoe, she explained, “And this is a fantastic salad!” Whole Little Gem lettuce leaves are covered with wet and dry blue cheese, while clusters of sliced Asian pears and candied walnuts christened with port wine reduction corner the plate. Chef Vatche’s Slow Braised Short Ribs outshine your grandmother’s… Don’t argue because you’ll agree after you try them. “It’s like a really good roast beef, but so much better!” Mary said of the meat, which is braised with carrots, onions, and crushed tomatoes, served over the creamiest cheese polenta, and topped with walnut pesto. A sort of multi-cultural tone defines the Bacon Wrapped Achitote Pork Medallions. The meats (which have a notable smoky flavor) act as pillars surrounding a dome of oven-roasted corn, chorizo, and egg jasmine soy fried rice, accompanied by steamed vegetables. “It’s interesting in a way that makes you want to try every part—I’ve never had a dish like this before,” admitted Amanda.
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“This filet is to-die-for!” Donna mused of the Wood Fire Grilled Filet Mignon. Perfectly pink, fork-tender, and expertly crisp around the edges, it is served with oven-roasted sunchokes and caramelized pearl onions, steamed green beans, and topped with a green peppercorn sauce. Rittenhouse rye whisky, blood orange soda, lemon juice, and mint create the Bloodhound. “I like the blood orange,” Laura eagerly reflected. It’s like a “summer-ized version” of the Aged Old Fashioned, elaborated Mary. Garnished with a sprig of mint and a little blood orange wedge, it’s easy on the eye and goes down just as easily. Leave room for dessert! The Cracked Pepper Bread Pudding uses cheese Danish croissants and dinner rolls as its base. Miranda’s eyes got wide as it was set down at the table. “You don’t have to ask me twice to try that one!” As if that’s not decadent enough, a scratch-made brandy and rum caramel is drizzled atop with a dollop of whipped cream. From its discrete location to limited hours of operation, Cracked Pepper Bistro feels exclusive—like a secret you hear about, but must seek out to confirm. Yet it’s no secret that practice breeds success. Chef Vatche has found that utilizing natural talent and local resources is his recipe for success, which is an attribute every person in this group shares. The Central Valley boasts some of the best produce in the world—it is also home to many of California’s leading business and creative professionals. “Everyone at this table is detail-oriented,” Mary matter-of-factly pointed out. When you eat at Cracked Pepper Bistro, you get to taste what it means to be detail-oriented.
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Speak PHILANTHROPICALLY
ing Managing Editor Lauren Barisic Photographer Ellie Koleen Stylist Alma Wolverton Hair Nogodar Martinez Makeup Tiffany Simons Clothing provided by pum bum Society @shoppumbum Jewelry provided by Julia Vogue @julia_vogue
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SUSAN GLADDING
GAVIN'S LAW
“Gavin’s Law came to be after my husband Gavin Gladding was killed in a hit and run accident on September 16th, 2018. Losing my husband was a terrible loss, but the way in which it happened and not knowing what had occurred for six days following the accident compounded our pain,” Susan Gladding recalls of the tragic event that altered not just her and her family’s lives, but also those of the students who knew him as Vice Principal Gladding at Fort Washington Elementary School in Clovis.
W
hen the man who hit Gavin (out on an early morning run) finally came forward, legal loopholes concerning how hit and runs are prosecuted became apparent. “The driver was eventually arrested and I learned that the maximum penalty for this crime was four years in prison.” That was because the driver fled—had he stayed and been assessed for substance impairment at the time the accident occurred, he could’ve faced as many as 10 years in prison. Because intoxication could not be proven, “The driver was sentenced to only three years in prison and my family and I knew that something needed to be done to change the law to close the loophole that incentivizes drivers to flee.” “Hit and run crimes are an epidemic in our county and in the state. Bringing attention to this issue is important. In the months after Gavin passed away, I was shocked by the number of hit and runs that occurred,” confesses Susan. “We still have a long way to go before the
Bill is approved, however to date, I believe our biggest success has been in raising awareness of the issue and getting others to acknowledge that the loophole exists.” Legal action had to be taken, so Susan rallied a team of public servants that transcends party lines. “Our team, under Assemblyman Jim Patterson, started work on [Assembly Bill] 582 in November of 2018 and the work is ongoing.” Co-authors to the Bill include Senator Andreas Borgeas, as well as Assemblymembers Adam Gray, Tom Lackey, James Gallagher, Dr. Joaquin Arambula, Frank Bigelow, Mike Gipson, and Eduardo Garcia. The Bill first appeared before the Public Safety Committee this past March 19th. Susan’s testimony was difficult to dispute—she argued that in California, drunk drivers who flee the scene of a fatal crash face a lighter punishment than those who stay, thus current laws are incentivizing delinquents to leave.
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“... I knew that something needed to be done to change the law to close the loophole that incentivizes drivers to flee.”
Despite being less than optimistic about the outcome that day, Susan’s appeal was so exceptionally compelling that the Committee decided to postpone voting in order to further investigate the laws that she plead to rectify. “We went in anticipating that the Bill would not move past the Committee due to the state’s current movement to reduce incarceration and penalties for crimes. Instead, the Committee members acknowledged that the loophole exists in the current law and committed to working with us to move the Bill forward. While making it through that Committee was the first step in a long process, it was a critical one.” The next hearing for Gavin’s Law with the Public Safety Committee is scheduled for January of 2020. Continuous support from family, friends, and the community help make that wait more bearable for Susan. Patience is key. “I was told when we started down this path that getting the Bill approved would be an uphill battle. Others had tried in the past. Getting through the Public Safety Committee was going to be a difficult task. Not because the Bill did not make sense, but because the current movement in the state is to reduce prison sentences instead of increasing them. It will take patience and persistence to continue to move the Bill forward.” Persistence comes in the form of an array of media and outreach. “We have utilized social media, the local radio stations, and news stations to spread the word about Gavin’s Law and have encouraged people to visit the website at www.gavinslaw.com to sign the petition supporting the Bill.” A rally was held in Fresno a few days before the March Committee hearing to gain momentum, additional support, and to spread the word about Gavin’s Law and its need. “I anticipate that an additional rally will occur prior to the next hearing,” reveals Susan. Vice Principal Gavin Gladding was beloved by his students—Susan plans to honor his memory by touching young lives in a more direct sense. “In addition to the work on Gavin’s Law, I am starting a nonprofit organization called the Gavin Gladding Foundation. This Foundation will provide scholarships and grants to support education and environmental stewardship. The goal is to establish the Foundation by the end of the summer and begin fundraising in the fall.” Between her work with Gavin’s Law and the Foundation, being a mom, and working full-time, finding balance, or even sanity, can be a challenge. “This is tricky and I’m not certain that there is balance at all times. I am now a single mother of two children, work a full-time
corporate job, am advocating for Gavin’s Law, and starting a non-profit. There isn’t a lot of extra time in my days. I find that scheduling out my week is very important so that I know what is happening each day and where I need to ask for help. I’ve gotten very good at asking for help and couldn’t do all of these things without the support of my friends, family, and community.” Gavin and Susan have two children (son Carter, 11, and daughter Isla, 9) whom she calls “gifts and the most important people in my world … they bring so much joy and laughter to every single day … I want to raise them to lead with kindness, to fight for what’s important, and to also enjoy every single beautiful gift that life has to offer. I want to provide the tools and foundation for my kids to be successful both personally and professionally.” Susan’s kids may be her motivation, her why. But she begins each day with her “morning cup of coffee—I couldn’t start my day without it.” She’ll never pass up an ice-cream cookie sandwich from Cold Stone Creamery or a chocolate lava cake, straight from the oven. When she can, Susan finds physical and mental rejuvenation in exercise. “It is what keeps me even, focused, and energized to get through my days … just getting outside for a walk, hike, or bike ride and leaving the distraction of our busy lives behind, even a short period of time, is sometimes all I need.” Simply being grateful for the little things in life and the blessing of another day reminds us that happiness is a choice. “Even in this most difficult time in my life I am able to find happiness and joy because I am blessed in so many ways. Big and small. We all are. If you take the time to look at your life and what gifts you have been given, and appreciate those gifts, the joy and happiness will follow.” “Losing Gavin and living through the legal process that followed has been the most difficult experience of my life. I have realized over the past nine months my three truths: 1) The only thing that I have control over in this world is how I feel and how I choose to move on from here. I could sit in my anger and sadness or I could choose to see the goodness that still exists around me and choose happiness. It is a choice. 2) Don’t wait—do the thing today, as we are not promised tomorrow. 3) Community and connection is everything—it is what life is about. Nurture your relationships because in the end, the connection with those that you love mean the very most.”
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CHARLOTTE BAVARO
HELPING ONE WOMAN
How do you turn a charitable act into a national fundraising campaign? Charlotte Bavaro has been Helping One Woman (HOW) at a time since co-founding the organization in 2008. “My friend Brenda Critzer and I came up with the idea of getting together with some girlfriends once a month with each of us giving $10 to a need we recognized in our community.” The domino effect of helping a woman at a time when she most needed it was infectious.
T
oday, 28 chapters of HOW operate across the United States, with more scheduled to open this year. “I believe it’s the simplicity of the concept that allowed me to go from being a chapter leader for Fresno’s dinners to being a board member for the non-profit that oversees dozens of chapters across the country!”
Each chapter selects a designated restaurant where HOW meets for a monthly “girls night out.” Those chapters then honor a female recipient, whose name is drawn from nominations submitted by the attendees (primarily women) and randomly selected at the previous month’s event, with a cash gift. Attendees purchase their own meal in addition to providing a $10 or greater contribution at each month’s dinner, “with every penny being gifted to the woman who is that month’s recipient,” Charlotte explains. HOW’s motto speaks to its influence: “One woman with $10 can buy another woman lunch. Ten women with $10 can buy another woman’s groceries. One-hundred women with $10 can make a real difference in another woman’s life.” It is a powerful, healing, and supportive act that has a positive snowball effect on all those related to the circumstance.
This monetary gift to women who are struggling through a trying period serves as a supplement to help ease incurred financial difficulty. It is, however, the overwhelming emotional and heartfelt support that the attendees give the recipients that is the energy behind the Helping One Woman organization. Despite the tremendous outpour of support for their cause, Charlotte recalls a piece of advice she received in HOW’s early years: “Keep it simple, don’t over-sell it. Once the basic concept of women getting together once a month for dinner and each one giving $10 to a specific need was set, it was easy to want to add to it with ideas of things that would ‘incentivize’ women to attend. But at the end of the day, we knew we needed to keep the sole focus on the need/recipient and that would sell itself.” For this reason, HOW holds only one fundraiser a year outside of the monthly dinners—proceeds support and promote HOW National, which is “the non-profit entity that supports the development of new chapters and leaders and allows us to offer an annual scholarship as well.” More information about this year’s event, scheduled for September 6th, can be found on www.helpingonewoman.org.
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“... when we help one woman, we are helping one family and through that family we are helping our community.”
An entity that can stand on its own merit, HOW strives to keep itself free from affiliations so as to let its sole focus stay on supporting and benefitting their recipients, which allows it to be an all-inclusive organization. “I try to focus on ‘keeping the main thing the main thing,’” elaborats Charlotte. “It’s overwhelming to think about how you can individually address needs you know about in your community. But if a bunch of us, who could do a little, got together, maybe we could address those needs corporately. If my work with HOW can encourage people to look beyond their own abilities and find others to work with to tackle issues and needs…I feel the good coming from that would be a pretty good legacy.” Yet Charlotte didn’t start Helping One Woman with the intention of being a national force. “When we first started, our recipients came from a broader community since we were just the Fresno chapter. One of those recipients was so moved by the experience that she decided to start our second chapter in her hometown. When we saw the simplicity and relatability of our mission made the possibilities limitless, we knew it wasn’t enough to stay local. So, we looked into becoming a non-profit that could oversee chapters across the country.” HOW’s growth speaks for itself. “We started with one chapter here in Fresno and now we have dozens of chapters across the country. You can really feel the success though when a woman who was the family member or friend of a recipient says, ‘I want to start this in my community.’ That is how most of our chapters get started. The concept is so simple and relatable and that has driven the success.” Now, Charlotte is looking to reach those who serve our country in a self-sacrificing way. “My dream for HOW is to launch as many chapters across the country as possible. But, more specifically, I want to bring HOW to our military bases for women who are enlisted as well as military wives.” Juggling a nation-wide organization and a personal life can be a bit of a challenge, but to her, “it isn’t so much about balancing the two, but making sure I am fulfilled in both and giving proper attention to both …
Personally though, I need to figure out how to not take on so much that I feel overwhelmed. I know that’s cliché, but it’s true.” Charlotte confesses that being blessed with a supportive husband certainly helps. “Setting my husband and family aside, I must admit my sweet little Yorkie Luigi has brought a lot of joy to my life and saved me from being a stressed-out mess. It’s nearly impossible not to smile from the inside out when he is so happy to see me or when he cuddles with my husband.” In addition, Charlotte relies on her faith to help guide her through each day. “I have found that my day goes much better when I start it with Him! … My faith in God reminds me that struggles have purpose and focusing on Him will bring me to the other side better for it.” Therein lies the joy of life, by “being able to have peace even if things are chaotic, unsettled, or negative. I find that joy by trusting God has my life in His hand and my circumstances under His control.” Coffee also helps—she calls it the second best way to start her day. Throw in her cheater glasses (“to double-check those text messages before I hit send!”) and ice cream (“I don’t eat it very often, but I love it and I don’t even care what flavor!”) and you suddenly realize Charlotte is definitely one of the girls. “Nothing relaxes me like a bubble bath and a glass of wine!” Between her work for women and her friendships, it is evident that relationships are a core value of Charlotte’s being—custodians such as her facilitate the betterment of our world. “It is inspiring to meet the various recipients who have gone through such difficult times. Their strength, courage, and incredible desire to give back and pay it forward are impossible to ignore. That attitude seeps into your own outlook, fortunately, and I find myself looking at tough or sad situations as opportunities to exhibit the same attributes I’ve seen in these recipients!” True to HOW’s mission statement, “when we help one woman, we are helping one family and through that family we are helping our community.”
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JODY HUDSON
ALEX HUDSON LYME FOUNDATION
“Anyone that knows my story realizes that I haven’t always had an easy life,” explains Jody Hudson. “However, I have worked hard at building internal strength with endurance. Of moving forward with grace no matter what comes my way.” Jody is referring to founding the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation (AHLF), which honors the memory of her daughter. “If you stay focused on the blessings in life, you will always find gratitude in your days.”
D
eemed a “medical mystery” from the time she was 10 years old, Alex Hudson battled a vast array of symptoms for 12 years. From an early age, she excelled as an athlete and was an exceptional student, yet countless health issues plagued her in unexplainable waves. It wasn’t until she was living in Southern California (having been accepted to the University of California, Los Angeles on a full-ride scholarship) in 2017 that she found a doctor at CedarsSinai Medical Center who finally suggested that she perhaps had Lyme disease (known as the great imitator).
trying to improve her own health, Alex was on a mission to help and educate others who were also affected by these medical conditions.
Alex was diagnosed with not only Lyme disease, but also Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (an immunological condition which causes the body to have an allergic-like reaction to almost anything consumed), which had developed as a direct result of untreated Lyme disease. Jody and Alex set out on a research crusade to find proper treatment. Besides
Alex lost her war against Lyme disease and Mass Cell Activation Syndrome on the 24th of March, 2018. But her passing also marked the birth of her living legacy. “I don’t want another child to ever have to be labeled a ‘medical mystery.’” And so the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation was born from this defining moment.
“Despite the immense pain and suffering that she battled, Alex never complained and only wanted to help others.” Hoping to beat her illness and become a testimony for others, Alex fought to the end. “My daughter showed me what true courage and strength looked like as she heroically fought for her life,” recalls Jody. “When she knew that God had other plans for her, we made a pact. She told me to tell her story and carry out her wishes to help others.”
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“That was important to me because I wanted to make sure Alex’s name was attached to research efforts.”
Jody knew that she was going to honor Alex’s legacy by becoming an advocate for the Lyme community. Her desire to dispel the misbeliefs about Lyme disease that Alex faced was the incentive for her mission to give credibility to her daughter’s pain and suffering, which is rooted in educating the medical profession and the community at large on Lyme disease. But Jody didn’t anticipate the national platform that the AHLF would evolve to within a short period of time. “When I set out to petition for a 501c3 status, I was told that it would take up to 9+ months for approval. Imagine my surprise when thirty days later, I received an approval letter in the mail stating that AHLF had been granted non-profit status.” That was in June of 2018, a mere three months after Alex’s passing. “My accountant summed it up best by saying, ‘Sometimes the good Lord does things that there are no explanations for.’” The Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation has made impressive strides, despite being just over a year old. “From granting our first Bluebird Scholarship to assist a Lyme patient with treatment costs, to executing our first annual fundraiser [Tea for Alex] for research, AHLF continues to gather local and national support … AHLF has been collaborating with and supporting national Lyme organizations such as: Global Lyme Alliance, Bay Area Lyme Foundation, LivLyme Foundation, LymeLight Foundation, Sam’s Spoons Foundation, Focus On Lyme, and LymeDisease.org. We support one another by attendance at galas, speaker conferences, and other important initiatives.”
Fundraising and awareness efforts are not new to Jody. As Operations Director for Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno, being Founder of the AHLF meant working two full-time jobs this past year, which she admits “has tipped my scales unevenly. My goal for the remainder of the year is to bring some balance back into my life.” “I need to pause and redirect my attention to my friends and loved ones who have been so supportive of me this past year.” Hitting the pause button, however, doesn’t come easy for Jody. “This has always been a tough one for me because I have a tendency to want everything yesterday. I set goals and am quick to want to check them off my list. I am learning to have more ‘pause’ moments and appreciate the processes as well as the accomplishments.” That means allowing herself some “ME” time. “Whether it’s doing a spin or Pilates class, grabbing my Starbucks skinny vanilla latte with almond milk at 140 degrees (yes I’m that high-maintenance customer), or grabbing lunch with a girlfriend,” all those make Jody happy. “Taking a nice detox bath” and “having a ME day with my glam team” make all the difference in the world. Faith, family, and friends are the cornerstones of Jody’s life. “My faith has always been my source of strength and substance … When I’m struggling or have hit a rough spot in the road, I dig even deeper with my faith. Spending time with God in reflection and prayer always gets me back on track.”
There is still plenty more to accomplish. “Improved diagnostic testing, better target clinical research, clinician education, and state legislation are just a couple of focus areas for the following year,” lists Jody. “I have also started writing a book on Alex’s journey and am in a monthly writing group to keep me on track.”
Yet, motherhood is what she considers her greatest source of happiness. “It has been, and will always be, my most important job here on earth. I am so proud of my 26-year-old son, who has weathered many storms to get where he is today in life. His accomplishments and success always makes my heart happy.”
The Lyme community is a very strong and supportive group, and Jody is doing her part as an advocate. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. “We host awareness events during the month of May,” and the “AHLF held an active Lyme Awareness campaign this past May.”
Jody’s endurance can be credited to her children and faith. “After the passing of Alex, I flooded my mind with plenty of woulda, shoulda, couldas. It all came down to this: I have learned to surrender myself to His will. Alex demonstrated this so beautifully with her passing and it will forever be etched in my heart … Every day it’s Alex who guides me and gives me direction with her foundation. She hasn’t steered me wrong yet.”
The first annual Tea for Alex fundraiser, which raises funds for research, was held in October of 2018. “Last year we were able to sponsor a $50k research grant with Global Lyme Alliance. That was important to me because I wanted to make sure Alex’s name was attached to research efforts.” The second annual fundraiser will be held on Sunday, October 27th, 2019 in Fresno at TorNino's—for more information about the event, visit www.alexhudsonlymefoundation.org.