This wonderful menu cover, packed full of food illustrations, showed the ingredients that went into making the fine food served at Rene’s in Fresno, California.

Cherries, beets, pasta, herbs, seafood, steaks and even a gingerbread man are among the colorful drawings, and we believe this lunch menu is from the 1970s.

Rene’s was run by Rene Klopfstein, who was born in Switzerland in 1925 and immigrated to California in 1959, having learned the butcher trade.

He became executive chef of the Central California restaurant group Perry Boys Smorgasbord, managing eight locations during the 1960s. These were highly popular eating establishments in Fresno and loyal customers would say they were going to eat at a ‘smorgy.'

In 1970, Rene struck out on his own and opened the Swiss Bavarian House, a 600-seat restaurant with banquet facilities.

The enterprising restaurateur later opened two Rene’s Restaurants, both acclaimed fine dining establishments, with his wife Marcelle as hostess.

Until his retirement at 75, Rene was called upon to act as chef consultant to other restaurants – a tribute to his skill with food and talent for business.

Courtesy Private Collection.

Gallery quality Giclée print on natural white, matte, 100% cotton rag, acid and lignin free archival paper using Epson K3 archival inks. Custom printed with border for matting and framing.