Taking pride in offering customers a bit of the unconventional, San Francisco-based Tavistock Restaurants last month opened two Freebirds World Burrito eateries in Modesto, one in Tracy, and another in Turlock.   

A Turlock restaurant has received a coveted award for its wine list.

MODESTO – Modesto-based New Amsterdam Spirits today announced the addition of two new flavored vodkas – red berry and peach.

If you churn it, they will come.

STOCKTON – Kind of Blue, a band that plays blues, rock, soul, jazz and funk, will perform Saturday at Whirlow’s Tossed and Grilled on the Miracle Mile as part of a fundraiser to help one of their own.

TURLOCK – There is little that is more American than county fairs, apple pie and helping your fellow man.

STOCKTON – The San Joaquin Delta College Culinary Arts students will present the program’s inaugural Spring Culinary Mixer.

FRESNO – Three area businesses will be among the more than 80 of the San Joaquin Valley’s finest food growers, manufacturers, processors, producers, brewers and winemakers at Thursday’s (March 8) Fresno Food Expo.

The Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau is accepting nominations for “Industry Professional of the Year” to be presented during the 2012 Tourism Luncheon and Celebrate! Awards April 4 at the Hilton Stockton.

Most financial advisors would not encourage a young chef to open his own restaurant during a recession, but it’s a gamble that’s paid off for John M. Surla, executive chef/proprietor of Surla’s Restaurant in Modesto.