F
W E I V OOD
By Chris Murphy
The Secret Garden By Chris Murphy
This is a classic story of a person that had a chance meeting and then fell in love with Modesto. Norma Moreno met the former owner of Ridgway’s at a Sierra Nevada casino and decided to come check it out. She really liked the place and told her if you want to sell it, she was interested. Not much later, she got the call and a new love of Modesto began. “This place had great bones and a great story and was the perfect place to build something new”, she said as we enjoy a nice flight mimosas in the beautifully remodeled Secret Garden Restaurant and Bar. It is truly a stunning transition thanks to Norma’s long experience in food service, managing restaurants and concessions in the Bay Area. Norma and her partner Chef Andy Chhay have taken what people liked about the former Ridgway’s and have created a bright new fresh space with new floors, garden greenery and some bright pink neon that invites you in for a fresh new menu, great craft cocktails, and some of the staples that you have loved for years. Chef Andy is trained in French cuisine and brings his Vietnamese and French experience to a new level here. I have a particular love of this place. When my girls were little, we would run with the jogger stroller and bikes to breakfast on the weekends. As they grew
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up, we would walk and ride and enjoy our favorite breakfasts. True to this history today, the fresh milkshakes are back, the big hearty portions you remember along with some truly amazing tastes that will make you re-imagine breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the kitchen, along with Chef Andy, long time favorites Jesus and Oscar are there. Jesus has been in the kitchen there for 37 years, so it was no surprise, that when I ordered my Carnivore meat loaded omelet with hash browns, it was a good as ever. What is new and fresh are the Fruity Pebbles, Bananas Foster and Churro French Toast. Holy moly these are amazing. Fresh whipped cream, rich dipped French Toast and you are good to go. Match this up with a mango mimosa or an Irish coffee and you are set. The savory breakfast offerings like country-fried steak are good solid go-to staples. And yes, hash browns since no breakfast is complete without them. Of course there are lighter offerings like fruit and oatmeal. For lunch, there is a great new line of sandwiches and one of our favorites, the buffalo chicken wrap, with a nice spicy sauce and great chicken. The Chinese chicken salad features fresh strips of grilled chicken and will keep you running but don’t miss the great burgers with crinkle cut fries. Originally, Norma thought she would do breakfast, brunch and lunch, but very soon after they took over, they realized there are a multitude of regulars for dinner and she and Chef Andy have delivered a great evening menu. If you love salmon like I do, the baked salmon is wonderful with fresh veggies and rice. Fridays are a special day at the Secret Garden with a Prime Rib special and fish and chips as well as
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their shrimp and oyster plate and taco trios. For you happy hour fans, there is a special menu you will love. One thing to remember, do not forget dessert! They have a wonderful fresh made Crème Brule, they hand spin their own cotton candy, and make a loaded brownie that will knock your socks off and you can even get a dessert sampler! One of Norma’s main wishes is for the Secret Garden is a great place to gather, spend a few hours eating, enjoying cocktails and sharing good times. The bright and fresh garden look makes this real and there are many sharing cocktails and some that are truly eye openers. One of the most striking cocktails is the Walk in the Clouds, featuring a big cloud of spun cotton candy covered with edible flowers and butterflies. There are many new customers now, many
that never knew what it was before and love it for what it is now. If you have never heard of this place, you should go check it out today for a fresh new experience. If you have been a regular for 30 years, you will love it. Don’t forget to get a selfie by the entrance and help spread the word.
The Secret Garden Restaurant and Bar
2401 E Orangeburg Ave. Modesto 95355 209-846-9559 7-10 pm daily Bar open later @thesecretgardenatcentur
FOR MORE MODESTO INFO: www.modestoview.com
