8 minute read
SEcRET gaRdEn gaTHERIngS
FOOD VIEW 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 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 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
One thing that has changed little is the Secret Garden Bar. Those of you karaoke loving friends will feel right at home in the updated bar that looks like the original. It is still a place to escape, order food and drink that’s a nice escape from the outside world. You will find a corner of booths, many high-top tables. Sunny behind the bar can make everyone of your favorites. There are new craft cocktails that will please any experienced drinker, new top shelf tequilas and rums. Best part is that you can get the new cotton candy topped cocktails with the edible flowers right along with a tradition Manhattan or Old Fashioned. DJ Markus brings the karaoke to life four days a week. You can get up and showcase your inner Elvis, Taylor Swift, Billy Idol, Cher or Stevie Nicks and impress your friends and soon to be friends. It is always a friendly good time at the Secret Garden Bar. The bar is open whenever the restaurant is open and open till 11:30 and 12:30 am or later on the weekends.
The Secret Garden Restaurant and Bar
2401 E Orangeburg Ave. Modesto 95355 209-846-9559 7-10 pm daily Bar open later @thesecretgardenatcentury
National Coffee Month
By Middagh Goodwin August is National Coffee Month and if you are like me, you start your day off with a cup of coffee, I am and have been a serious coffee drinker my entire life, I buy whole beans and grind fresh daily(no Folger’s Crystals for me). Back in the nineties when friends would be out at the bars drinking I would be at a coffee shop(even going on trips to find cool cafes around the region.) I am even part of a rock n’ roll coffee-drinking gang(let’s call it a club)the US Mugs whose motto is Death Before Decaf. If I am addicted to anything it would be caffeine and music.
Those living in Modesto are pretty fortunate to have so many great locally owned cafes to choose from.
The iconic Queen Bean located at 1126 14th St, offers a very relaxing setting to enjoy your coffee drinks such as espresso & mochas plus salads, pastries & sandwiches. Check out their calendar for pop-up markets, poetry reading and acoustic jams.
Cafe Deva 1202 J St. is another gem in the middle of downtown walking distance from the State Theatre. Great caffeinated drinks along with delicious baked goods, do yourself a favor and stop in for breakfast or brunch(they offer vegetarian options). Greg Edwards has started hosting Off the Air again and we could not be happier about that. Preservation Coffee & Tea 1030 J St. The baristas at Preservation take coffee brewing seriously, and if you do too you know what I am talking about. No blenders, no artificial flavors just great speciality drinks made with the finest ingredients. Also, one of the best spots to people watch in downtown Modesto.
Culture Coffee Bar 2801 McHenry
Ave Ste A. If you are a regular at the Farmers Market you have most likely had a wonderful drink from Culture Coffee but may not know that they now have a brick and mortar cafe down McHenry. Stop by when you are out shopping or just make a special trip to check out their wonderful location and curb your java urge.
Giacomo’s Espresso 525 Scenic Dr, is a wonderful little drive-thru espresso shop for people who are looking for fast, quality coffee, mochas, lattes and more. just a little off the beaten path. Great staff, and delicious drinks all at a reasonable price.
Breaking news:
The Secret Garden (this month’s Food View) 2401 E
Orangeburg Ave,
will be putting an espresso bar this month, so that will be something to look forward too.
