Dine and Dish: El Patio in Fresno's Tower District

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Festive and colorful, El Patio in Fresno's Tower District also stands out because of its cuisine.

"This is food that the grandma made and the mom makes, and maybe they don't get to eat it every day," says El Patio Manager Karla Arellano.

The sizzling fajitas are served up by a grandma in the kitchen: Diana Reyes.

"When someone is passionate about what they do, they say, 'I cook with my hands, but I serve with my heart." says El Patio Owner, Ben Torralva.

A molcajete starts with a flaming hot pot made of volcanic rock.

"You have beef, this is queso fresco, shrimp, chorizo, a piece of linguica," Torralva said.

Green or red sauce tops it off.

Handmade tortillas go beyond flour and corn.

"These are red because they're made with beets," Torralva said. "The green ones are made with spinach and with cilantro."

We also got a look at all the giant drinks, and some of them are even shareable.

They include a giant margarita that can be shared by three, a massive mangonada and michelada.

The wheelbarrow comes in handy when the beers are gone.

If you need a big breakfast, be warned thatthis one will be tough to finish in one sitting.

"This is what it's all about," Arellano said. "The live music, the drinks. You don't want to leave."

I didn't know Ben Torralva until this visit, but we share a deep connection to Edison High of Stockton.

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