10 minute read
All American Food
by Modestoview
FOOD VIEW
By Chris Murphy
Rivets American Diner
Hard work, great fun and tasty food are some of the most rewarding things in life. Especially when that food comes with great service, amazing sides, great cocktails and features live music regularly. Over the years, Rivets American Grill has been one of my go-tos. Not only do I really enjoy the ambience and food, I have been lucky enough to play music with my band Third Party and Tim Allen on some evenings and really enjoy the people at Rivets. There is something great about the places that are owned by Roman Wagner as his team is really focused on making the theme and the experience great for customers. Candace Fleming at Rivets truly believes that each customer is special. “We want people to come back and enjoy Rivets over and over. Giving that extra customer service makes people want to come back. It should be a happy place”. And it is. From the friendliness at the bar, to the severs that explain the menu and the magic that Chef Juan delivers from the kitchen, Rivets works hard to make sure that you have a truly great American experience. From the moment you walk in, the giant paintings of the Statue of Liberty, the oversized flag and “We the People”, you know that people are working hard to make your visit special. Beyond all of that, the food will keep you coming back. Rivets has a big menu, so there is truly no way that someone in your group won’t find something tasty. First, you have to have one of Rivet’s cocktails. They have a really fun menu and since rum is my favorite, I started with a “Little Hot Mess”, dragonberry rum, lime and strawberry puree. Yum. My go to appetizer is always the Fried Pickles. This gets your visit off to a good start and gets us ready for our great American summer experience, we dive in to the biggest cheese we can get on the Hall Of Fame Fort Knox burger. This is a big giant burger, topped with a slab of golden deep fried cheese, appropriately named after America’s gold repository. With cheese that big on a big burger, is has to be good. And it is. If you are craving a sandwich, the American Rueben is so delicious. The pastrami, the rye bread and on the side, TOTS. I love tots. Of course there are lighter items on the menu like chicken ceaser and apple walnut salads, wraps and exquisitely grilled fish like the almond crusted cod . There is also a great selection of pastas and their specialty, the short ribs. Chef Juan also makes gluten free and will customize to your particular needs. But this red white and blue July, we are here for the selection of over 26 different burgers, fries and of course, dessert! Our experience was topped with the the All American Sundae. Friends, this is served in a big pint glass and this is a true cherry topper. We also spied the Molten Lava Cake as it was being served, amazing. Also, don’t forget to check out the strawberry shake. (I get mine with a shot of vodka in it. Don’t judge me) There is so much to like on this menu and if this helps get you started with your Rivets experience, you are welcome. One thing you will notice at Rivets, is that it feels open, friendly and easy to hang out. The team at Rivets is always welcoming and you won’t wait long to run into someone you know, or if you don’t, you soon will meet new friends and regulars. They also have a rotating selection of local craft beers, like Dust Bowl, King Kong, Last Call and more. Even if you don’t have time for a long meal, you can come in, grab a seat and the bar and enjoy on your own. I have done this more than a few times on a busy day. If you go to Rivets on most Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, there are live bands as music is always celebrated at Rivets. Additionally, they have a few fun video games and you can enjoy some nice patio dining. Bottom line, get your hard-working self over to Rivets American Grill, enjoy the burgers, the cocktails, music and the great service and you will soon become a regular. Plus, lots of easy parking. See ya there.
Rivets American Grill 2307 Oakdale Road Modesto, Ca 209-846-0501
Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Mon-Thu, till midnight Fri & Sat @rivetsgrill
BREW VIEW
Dying Breed Brewing: A Valley Oasis
By Brandilyn Brown & Christopher Mitchell
There isn’t a perfect way to describe Dying Breed, because it is hard to describe a feeling. This place was a welcome break in all the best ways. Walking into the brewery and taproom, the welcoming atmosphere took us for a ride that we thoroughly enjoyed. It was 100 degrees when we visited, but the shade, the fans, the misters and the beer slushies kept you from knowing how hot it really was. We were greeted by friendly staff and 20 taps (plus three beer slushie options!). We noticed storage containers that had been turned into temperature-controlled fridges and bathrooms, and plenty of tables under a giant canopy strung with twinkle lights. There are purse (or diaper bag) holders on the walls. But the showpiece of this space comes from the beautiful massive stage with a fantastically majestic Highland Cow sigil front-and-center. We had to know why a Highland Cow was chosen to represent a brewery in Oakdale, Ca. And now you too will know the answer because we had the honor to drink beers with two of the owners and delve into how Dying Breed will keep Oakdale and its traditions alive and well for generations. Joe Novotny and Josh Malcolm co-own Dying Breed with fellow Oakdalian Dan Wood, and they brought on Colin Rosenburger as their brewmaster. What started as a dream to own a brewery in Arnold, CA turned topsy-turvy when the opportunity instead arose to build from the ground-up in Oakdale. With each owner using their different skill sets (marketing, accounting and construction) they turned a lonely little warehouse into a brewery, taproom and stage. They built Dying Breed as a place for the community to come together and simply enjoy each other’s company using the three pillars of good ol’ Oakdale tradition: excellent beer, excellent music, and excellent company. And they have succeeded in all three aspects as it’s easy to tell within minutes of walking through their gate that you are welcome, you are appreciated and they are eager to serve you your new favorite beer and hear your stories. That’s right, they are waiting to get to know *you*, their customer. They want to continue growing and melding Dying Breed to ensure it stays a safe meeting place to gather and commune, and they do that by listening to what you want and what makes you comfortable, and what will keep you coming back. So share your thoughts and stories over a 50/50 Creamsicle Sour, Shameless Blonde, Wild Berry Seltzer, Made in the IPA or an Old Ebenezer. They are all phenomenal beers, and you can’t go wrong with anyone you choose. This is more than the idea of your local watering hole, it’s also more than the idea of your office water cooler. It’s the love child of both ideas, and this love child happens to look just like a Highland Cow. But we were supposed to tell you why they chose a Highland Cow! Well, because Oakdale was founded by the famous Francis Cottle and his herd of cattle in 1853 and sure maybe it wasn’t a herd of Highland Cattle, but Highland Cows are the most adorable and friendly-looking cows around, so frankly, why NOT a Highland Cow? The funky playful Hairy Coo (as they are called in Scotland) represents the essence of who Dying Breed really is. And what beer was it that got Joe and Josh into beer? For Joe, it was Pyramid’s Apricot and for Josh, it was Mad River’s Jamaican Red. After the interview, sitting back and enjoying the beer slushies, Brandi talks about watching a barn raising in an old western show growing up, possibly Bonanza or Gunsmoke. (Don’t judge, we are wellrounded media Millennials and they are great shows!) Sitting under that massive shade, surrounded by walls lovingly made from pallets in an upcycling tribute, it truly feels as if we have witnessed a barn raising: this community came together to make this place a reality, and this amazing space they created is the aftermath of all that effort. Friends and family who hammered, painted, tore apart pallets, welded and sanded, made this gorgeous mecca in the heart of the valley. So come pay homage to them, and the dying breed of human they represent, with some friends, a cold beer, groovin’ music and share some of your stories.
For an events calendar, visit http://www. dyingbreedbrewing.com/db-events/
They have intimate musical performances on Thursday & Saturday nights, and if there’s a cover charge, take pride in paying it because every penny goes to the band. Food trucks rotate every day of the week and feature some of the best trucks around like Food Fix, East Meats West, Big Vic’s BBQ and Crepe Dog. On the 3rd Saturday of the month they host Yoga and Beer and on the 2nd Saturday of the month they host Cars and Coffee (a must-attend for all you American Graffiti and Faros’ fans!) Remember to drive safe and sip on, friends!
Dying Breed Brewing 963 Shepard Court, Suite B Oakdale, California, 95361
The opening night of MoBand at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park was a celebration. This was one of the first large community events since the reopening on California. As George Gardner conducted the opening notes, a cheer went out and over 100 musicians began to play MoBand favorites. There will be 3 shows in July this year so mark your calendars so you don’t miss them. There will be a 5th show with local bands as a fundraiser for the 2021 MoBand academic scholarships.
July 1 - Salute to Independence July 8 - British Pub Night July 15 - Graffiti: Fun, Fun, Fun! July 22 – Live band fundraiser. MoBand performances begin at 8 pm with the Star Spangled Banner. Get your blankets and picnic baskets ready and we will see you for Moband Concerts in the Park at the Bowl. www.modestoband.org @moband1919
COCKTAIL VIEW
By Chris Murphy
By Chris Murphy
RETRO Opening Soon...
As our community opens up, our friend Roman Wagner and his team have been working hard on a new downtown bar experience. Welcome to Retro. Ryan “Hondo” Johnson and the crew have been working day and night, creating a completely new experience, with state of the art lighting, 2nd floor dance area, multiple bars and lounge seating and big list of amazing drinks. What is really cool about Retro, will be the music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s! This is going to be a lot of fun, great dance space and perfect location on 15th Street near J in downtown Modesto. Retro is hoping for a late July opening. Get the latest at www.modestoview.com for opening info and hours. Follow
