St. Patrick’s Fun

It was two years ago, St. Patrick’s Day that the door slammed shut on life as we knew it. As the 17th approached the pandemic ramped up and the doors chased us down the hallway like the opening scene of Get Smart. So here we are, the hills are green, the beer is stout (hope it’s Murphy’s) the Irish whiskey is tasty and we are all ready to get our green on again so let’s raise a glass and toast, Erin go bragh! head to Bookies at 11, then Low Key at 12:15 and then to P. Wexford’s at 1:30 and finally Twisted Pig at 3:00.

P Wexford’s – Mar 17

This is where I will spend the day on St. Patrick’s Day. Bangers & Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage and an amazing stout beer, hopefully Murphy’s. P. Wexford’s feels like home on this day. The music, the bagpipes, the Car Bombs, and the fun celebrating. One of the best things about P Wex is that it serves the Irish specialties all year long and live music is presented all year long, so the Irish celebration on the actual day is great. You can enjoy the party outside and inside with music in both places. Tix for the day are $10 and feature Gotcha Covered, Jason Gulley and DJ Tease.

Bike Pub Crawl

Start your St. Patrick’s Day early! On a nice spring Saturday, how fun will it be to do a bicycle pub crawl on Saturday March 12. Meet up at 10 am at Davis Park, then Contentment Brewing and Graffiti Dogs with a costume contest. It’s never too late. www.CrawlWith.US/modesto/ stpattys#tickets

Twisted Pig

The east side of down gets some St. Patrick’s action too. Our friends at the Twisted Pig will be celebrating all day on March 12 and again on March 17. They are also the last stop on the bicycle Pub Crawl on the 12th. If you miss the actual St. Patrick’s Day, you can still do a Lucky’s Pub Crawl on Saturday the 19th in downtown Modesto with stops at Rancho Fresco, 18Seventy,

Calaveras / Sonora Celtic Faire March 11, 12 &13

Head up to the hills and enjoy the green and the Celtic history in the most traditional celebration in the area. The 36th Annual Calaveras Celtic Faire returns with the Largest and Biggest Celtic Event on the West Coast! Celebrating the cultures of Brittany (Breizh), Cornwall (Kernow), Wales (Cymru), Scotland (Alba), Ireland (Éire), Isle of Man (Mannin, or Ellan Vannin) Galicia (Galiza), and Asturias, (Asturies) 2022 features the return of the Imperial Knights Tournament of Champions with jousting with medieval weapons. More info and Tix: http://calaverascelticfaire.com/index.html Calaveras Fair Grounds in Angels Camp

Murphy’s Days

Murphy’s Irish Day – March 19th, 2022 Murphy’s businesses and community are excited to welcome you back to our annual celebration of Murphy’s Irish heritage, which traditionally takes place on the 3rd Saturday in March each year, rain or shine. Things will be a little different this year. However, you can still expect to enjoy all your favorite activities, including the Murphy’s hometown parade at 11am, artisan vendors & food purveyors on the street from 10am-5pm, and live entertainment from noon-4pm. And, of course, all of businesses will be open for shopping, dining, wine & beer tasting, and more. Head up Highway 4 or cut over on 49 from Sonora

Publisher Information

PUBLISHER Chris Murphy chrism@modestoview.com

SALES AND ADVERTISING Advertising@modestoview.com

Managing Editor Middagh Goodwin

DESIGN, LAYOUT, & ART PGrimaldi, Creative

Art Director / Designer Peter Grimaldi pete@pgrimaldicreative.com

Photo Director Michael J. Mangano

Production Manager Abigail Power

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS Madison Leupp – Adobe Specialist Russ Allsup - Correspondent Brandon Brush - Correspondent

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jim Christiansen Aaron Rowan Abigail Power Eric Benson Middagh Goodwin Harrison Power Efren Martinez Patty Castillo Davis Grace McNamara Sam Pierstroff Mary Layton Monica Barber Brandilyn Mitchell Tasha Wilson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Efren Martinez Diane Moody Michael J Mangano Philip Johnson

©2022 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The photographs, graphics, artwork and advertisements are the property of Modesto View Magazine. The magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by the advertisers. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflectthe views of Modesto View Magazine or the owners. Modesto View Magazine is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. All contributors for ModestoView are independent freelance journalists or photographers. Send ideas, tips & suggestions to: Info@modestoview.com ModestoView 3731 Finch Rd Modesto, CA 95357

LOVE MODESTO VIEW POET VIEW Love Modesto Is Coming

The rally is back!

By Chris Murphy After two years of no gathering, the LOVE MODESTO/ Love Stanislaus event will be back in downtown Modesto. Even though we have been limited over the last two years, Love Modesto projects still happened and thousands of people got together and took a day to make Modesto better. This year it will be bigger than ever. No matter who you are or where you live, there is something you (your family, friends, business, congregation, group, etc.) can do to Love Modesto! Most of these projects are done by noon, so it is really possible. ModestoView will be supporting the Dry Creek Clean Up and the LaLoma Native Garden. View all projects and sign up for a project soon (before the project you want is full)! Share Love Modesto with all those you know and invite them to Love Modesto April 23 and see you downtown at 8 am. www.LoveModesto.com

WALK-A-MILE

We have no use for domestic abuse.

This is something that we all must stand up against and prevent sexual abuse of any kind. We must support those that protect our most vulnerable in our community. The Haven Women’s Center does work that is literally life saving in the most dangerous times. Women need a safe place to get away and feel safe. This is why Sierra Pacific and ModestoView are Walking a Mile in their shoes to raise money for Haven. We hope that you will dig down deep and support our team. We will be walking Saturday morning, April 23. Please make a quick contribution so we can make a difference. Plus, I am sure you get a good laugh watching men struggle to do what women do all day long. Tell a friend too.

Walk with us! www.havenwalkamile.org/Team Sierra Pacific / ModestoView. https://havenstan.salsalabs.org/2022intheirshoes/t/modestoviewsierrapacific/

Modesto’s Little Free Libraries

By Salvatore Salerno, Poet Laureate of Modesto

Some are like miniature houses Complete with windows and peaked roofs; Others are simpler, but can be elegant With painted or decorative whimsy, But all have two features in common— Theirs owners must be neighborly folks Because they plant for others to share, And when you open those tiny doors, Surprising journeys of books are there. How many free libraries thrive in Modesto? Last summer, there were more than sixty; Last I looked, over eighty, and by the last Line you read here, maybe one more Will be posted and stocked, just for you. Perhaps Judith Krantz is on Judith Lane, Or a used, but useful cookbook on Olive Ave., A Wild West novel on a street called Stetson, Perhaps an Arctic adventure down on Frost Way, A hiker’s manual in Canyon Oak Drive, A spiritual volume on Aspirations Court, A tale of wild horses on Palomino Way— Surely, by now you are catching my drift Of mixing random names and actual places From the Free Little Library playlist. I can’t guarantee you title or author, But that’s what your own search is for. Before browsing their shelves, check your own. Which books, once read, are filling space That can take the walk from your hands Into those cozy public nooks? As a book is a ray of knowledge and delight, Why can’t we make new Reading Rainbows By the light of the “take one, leave one” creed? Ride, or better yet, take a leisurely stroll To a little free library near your street. Be curious, generous, give and get something— That is what a neighborhood’s all about!

ART VIEW

Art Madness

By Jim Christiansen

March blows in with art on the wind this month. Youthful artists will be on display at the annual “Young at Art” show at the Mistlin Gallery. The exhibit features student work from K to High School. The show opens March 1, with an awards reception and pick up, Saturday, March 26, at 1 PM. Always a good show for the upcoming generation of artists March 12, is Family Open Studio in the educational classroom, with a suggested donation of $5. March 27, Opera Modesto presents Rachel Grider in concert. For additional information on events and classes, stop in at Mistlin Gallery, 1015 J Street. www.ccaagallery.org The Mistlin Gallery, home for the Central California Art Association, is also headquarters for the Stanislaus County Arts Council, or Stan Arts, now affiliated with the California Arts Council. I will be showing Art with Westside Theatre Foundation with four paintings in the main theatre. Westside Theatre rep to the new Stan Arts Board of Directors is Farris Larsen. info@ westsidetheatre.org for schedule on events, art and concerts. Stanislaus Artist Open Studio maps will be available in print and online around March 10. 40 artists on the roster in 26 locations. Open Studio weekend is April 23 and 24, 11 am to 5 pm. Attendance and maps are FREE. Look for the event invitations on Facebook, or check www.stansilausaos. com Get a map, and plan your visit in advance. I am one of the participating artists, studio on the alley in the Graceada Park neighborhood. The third Thursday Art Walk is March 17, 5 to 8 PM. Chartreuse Muse will have a new slate of artists, and artist talk and reception during Art Walk. Look for the yellow balloons for other Art Walk locations: Dragonfly Art for Life, State Theatre, and other art walk venues. Peer Recovery Art Project does a music night with art. Across the street at the official Art Walk venue, The Farmacy, I found all sorts of art displays within. The Farmacy may be a new hot spot for local artists. March 29, opens Quilt month in our area. Mistlin Gallery will open Art Quilts 2, a traveling show with the Studio Art Quilters Associates. Over 50 SAQA quilt artists on display to April 30. Sponsored by Sue Siefkin. Country Crossroads Quilters Guild will open the Heart of the Valley Quilt Show in a new location, on April 9 and 10. The event will take place in the ACE pavilion on the MJC West campus. Over 100 art quilts, vendors, boutiques and food on-site will fill the big barn building visible from Hwy 99, off the Briggsmore/ Carpenter exit. Hours Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday 10 to 4. Admission is $10, children 12 and under are free. Information www. modestoccq.com March 3rd-17th Linda Salmon will have some large pieces on display at the MJC Gallery. If you like cats you will want to make sure you stop in. The new display at Mistlin Gallery is the sharpie sketches by Jim Christiansen from The Barkin Dog. Donated to the gallery by the artist and owner Hanibal Yadegar, a bit of downtown music venue history can be yours for $50.00. Proceeds support Mistlin Gallery operations.

BREW VIEW MAMA VIEW

Erin Go Bragh!

By Christopher & Brandilyn Mitchell

There’s no better St. Patrick’s Day parties in the Central Valley, then the one at the MAMA winning P. Wexford’s Pub on McHenry, Modesto! A great little Irish pub with an impressive array of 25 taps, serves the biggest variety of Irish beers in March. If you like the traditional green beer, yes, they have it, but if you are craving some good Irish beers, come get your Murphy’s, Guinness, Harp, or Smithwick’s. Ireland beers are coming right here direct to you for your St. Patrick’s Day pleasure! The party starts in the parking lot at noon on March 17th, and goes all night. Tickets are $20 this year. Rain or shine, this event is where you can celebrate no matter what your age (well, as long as you’re over 21 that is) or your ethnicity. Everyone is Irish on March 17th! Although they serve corned beef and cabbage year-round, it’s the most popular dish at this event. (Or try the Irish Melt sandwich! Yum!) Other menu items available will be Shepherd’s Pie and bangers and mash. Music will be played all day by local musicians. This year’s music line up will be Jason Gully, Gotcha Covered & DJ Tease. Practice your corn hole because friendly tournaments will take place outside. Get your game on! P. Wexford’s is our local “Cheers!”, and the pub regulars gladly open their hearts to one and all for this event, sharing their friendly pub with anyone who walks in. Fun fact: Its name comes from the time Patrick Johnson threw a dart at a map of Ireland, and the dart stuck in the county of Wexford. It doesn’t have the same ring as “Cheers!” but the Irish say “Slainte!” anyway, so get practicing so you’ll fit in! (It’s pronounced “slawn-cha”.) Come out wearing your green for a luckily good time! As they say, “Best while you have it, use your breath, there is no drinking after death!”

P. Wexford’s Pub

3313 McHenry Ave, Modesto www.pwexpub.com St. Patrick’s Day Hours: 12pm-midnight

It is March and we are celebrating Music in Education in the BigView. I would encourage anyone to enroll in a music class, either in school or at one of the great local schools of Rock. There is Valley Music Institute here in downtown Modesto that Darin Morris has been running since 2009. Not only do you learn your instrument of choice, but you are also encouraged to participate in a band with several performances each session. GKMusic is run by Gordon Kennedy and is located in Manteca much like VMI they offer classes for any age but really excel at teaching young students. GK host several performances throughout the year and many of their bands have gone on to perform at some of the Central Valleys’ best venues. Additionally, did you know that we have a school that teaches you how to be a live sound and recording engineer? That’s right Modesto Sound does just that and is located just off of Yosemite in the La Loma district. Check them out and we will see you rocking on a stage soon. Round 1 of the State Theatre Battle of the Bands is over and the finals will take place on March 13th at 7 pm. 8 bands will compete for a grand prize of $2500 and an Audience Choice prize of $1500 performing 2 songs each including the original they performed for Round 1. 5 bands were chosen by fans voting throughout the month of February with 3 more chosen by the panel of judges. VMI will be providing the backline for all the bands to keep things moving smoothly. Tickets are $10 each and can purchase from the box office or at www.thestate.org March is Women’s History Month and I want to encourage you to go support as many female musicians as you can. Horizon Point is playing March 4th at Harvest Moon and the 26th at Pursausion Brewing among others. Ava Grace Trio are at Harvest Moon on the 18th and at 5 Eye Brewing in Ceres on the 18th to name a few. March 25th catch Sweet Mama Rachel Trio out at the House of Beef in Oakdale. If you like country Western Bound is playing at Rivet’s on March 11th and 18th, also the Udder Place in Turlock on March 25th. Us4Love can be heard on March 12th at P Wexford’s and on March 19th at Rivet’s. Tea Noelle has one show scheduled at Contentment Brewing on March 11th. Bring a friend and check out one or all of these fantastic performers.

Go out and support live music when you can and take a moment to like and share all your favorite local bands and venues on social media even that little bit helps a lot.

Learn, Play, Support

By Middagh Goodwin

Take in the bloom and relax with a great glass of wine!

Like our Facebook page to receive information on specials and new products in our store!

Visit Our Modesto Company Store in McHenry Village 1700 McHenry Ave., Suite 58 • (209) 577-NUTS

Store Hours: Closed Sunday • Monday-Tuesday 11am-7pm • Wednesday-Saturday 11am-8pm

SWEET VIEW Boho Buttercream Desserts! Desserts! Desserts!

I was first introduced to Boho Buttercream via their vegan donuts on a Friday morning at Culture Coffee Bar. I was skeptical, but tried one of each flavor: Strawberry and Chocolate. I’m not vegan myself, but there are several vegans in my social bubble, so I thought I would do some research for them. The donuts were so delectable! The strawberry once was so heavenly, just like eating a strawberry off the vine. Since I had never heard of Boho before and also never heard of a vegan donut available in the area, I assumed Boho must’ve been delivered from the Sacramento area or maybe even from the East Bay, and never tried to find them locally. Big mistake on my part. I was at the Dragonfly Tea Room recently (eating a macaron, no surprise there), and the owner Judy Robinson told me that her macarons are made by Boho Buttercream. I was shocked! Wait a minute! “The same Boho that makes vegan donuts?” I asked. “Oh yeah!” Judy said. “Chef Anya is here every Sunday to make her cakes and cookies and her yummy macarons!” Oh boy. You would think I was just told, “Two dozen puppies have just been delivered to your backyard!” because THAT is how happy I was! I ordered a dozen macarons via bohobuttercream.com the next day, for pick up the following Sunday. It was a box of half milk chocolate and half cookies & cream. I had intended them for the following Saturday to share with a friend over lunch, but I would be lying if I told you they made it that long. They didn’t. My husband and I consumed 7 of them that very night, and I put 5 in the freezer solely for my friend. I should’ve waited for my friend, but I think she will understand my self-control dilemma once she’s tried them herself! Delicate and crispy on the outside, moist and creamy on the inside. The perfect amount of frosting; each tiny morsel bursting with flavor. The cookies & cream was 100% without hesitation, the best macaron I have ever eaten. And I have eaten a lot of macarons in my life-a dozen or so right in the heart of Paris. These rival even the macarons I ate IN PARIS! I was honored to meet owner Chef Anya Heidenberg while I picked up the cutest box of macarons from her. Chef Anya started baking as a child, who was a natural in the kitchen. Her first job was at Three Dog Bakery, a doggie bakery in Pasadena, ringing up customers. It wasn’t long before she was using her talents making yummy treats for furry friends like pupcakes and biscuits. Using this experience she moved to another bakery and was inadvertently thrown into making wedding cakes during a busy weekend. She was hooked. Baking and designing was filling her heart to overflowing; she loved it! She went to college while baking and got a dual degree in American Sign Language and Graphic Arts. She left professional baking behind for a while to teach ASL. Life threw her a curveball, though. Her two year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. The demanding job had to go to allow her to take care of her daughter. Baking slowly returned to her life, as a result of her posting beautiful birthday cakes and cupcakes she made for her family online and her friends ordering cakes just like them. The freedom baking gave her was just what she needed. Not only did it allow her time to spend with her family, it was giving her heart joy to be back at creating art. Joy she needed during a tumultuous chapter of her life. She began wondering if she could turn it into a business and meet several needs at once: a flexible schedule for appointments and much needed family time, income, intrinsic fulfillment, and lastly: providing the Central Valley with gluten-free and vegan treats of which there was a desperate need. Chef Anyaand many other Modestans-live with Celiac’s disease. And they deserve to treat themselves to yummy sweets the same as everyone else. But it was hard to do without baking everything at home yourself. Anya to the rescue! She got her start in Greens on Tenth, and has recently moved to Dragonfly Tea Room. Everything is made on separate GF & vegan equipment, and she offers quite an array of items to satiate any craving you might have. She sees every cake as a blank canvas, to be made into gorgeous edible art. This is evident in even her smallest creation, her macarons. Each macaron was so tenderfly dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with garnish. Everything she makes is almost too gorgeous to eat. Take it from me, who has now eaten her donuts, macarons and an ooey-gooey snickerdoodle that found its way into my belly on Sunday, and I can attest that you won’t go back to traditional desserts. Those snickerdoodle cookies will convert you if nothing else. Just do it. Don’t look back. And I would hate to leave you on a cliffhanger: her daughter is doing well these days, but this will be a life-long battle. So remember, every time you buy a dozen cookies, or a few loaves of bread, or a cake for your next party, you are helping a local family to be flexible with their time and support their kids. Everything she makes is tenderly done with love of her family, her art and her community. Appreciation is the icing and garnish, because none of this could happen if she didn’t have loyal customers. You can get her treats at Dragonfly throughout the week, and her donuts are at Culture Coffee Bar on Fridays. For special orders like wedding cakes, set an appointment on the website. She offers a rotating monthly “favorites” menu, which is where you can order things like macarons, cookies, donuts, and breads. You can grab pre-made cookies on Sunday or you can also order dough to take home and bake at your leisure.

By Brandilyn Mitchell

Pictures courtesy of Chef Anya and Brandilyn Mitchell

Chef Anya Heidenberg

Boho Buttercream Bohobuttercream.com bohobuttercream@gmail.com Follow them on Facebook for updates on the menu and other special events

Dragonfly Tea Room

835 W. Roseburg Ave, Modesto Follow them on Facebook for monthly themed tea offerings

Culture Coffee Bar

Fridays 7:00 am-12:00pm Get Fit Modesto parking lot, 2801 McHenry Ave Modesto Follow them on Instagram for updates on the storefront and for an exciting upcoming Boho partnership

GET YOUR GREEN ON IN MODESTO

VISITMODESTO.COM/STPATRICKSWEEKEND

@visitmodesto

The 2022 Latinx Comic Arts Festival (LCAF) returns LIVE March 25-26 (11am7pm) for a 2-day FREE comics convention at Modesto Junior College! LCAF is the Central Valley’s celebration of Latino comic arts creators and friends. We showcase some of the most talented people in the country, featuring cartoonists, writers, artists, animators, storyboard artists, comic arts educators, and more! It’s an ALL-AGES, FAMILY- FRIENDLY event open to the community. WHO WILL YOU MEET? Among our 2022 exhibitors is the ever-popular Javier Hernandez whose El Muerto series is taught at MJC! Award-winning cartoonist Rafael Navarro returns with a much-anticipated anniversary edition of Sonambulo. Cathy Camper, creator of Lowriders in Space debuts her latest volume, and Jorge “Qetza” Garza brings his gorgeous custom sticker and print collection. Our friends at Fanbase Press return with Quince and Nuclear Power, among other volumes. Jason Gonzalez shares his new trade paperback collection, La Mano del Destino, and Crystal Gonzalez brings back the cast of In the Dark, Paul Meyer comes full circle with Under the Cottonwood Tree, another volume we’ve been reading on campus. DON’T MISS Amber Padilla (The Secret Garden on 81st Street, Sugar Coated), Jaime Crespo (Corn Tortilla Press), Candy Briones (The Good, The Bad, and The Bunny), Robert Liu Trujillo (Furqan’s First Flat Top), Henry Barajas (Helm Graycastle), Javier Solórzano (Lucha Cat), The Comadres y Comics Podcast team, Patricia Pratt (Kreepy Kuwaii), Luke Martinez (Ironclad By Dr. Theresa Rojas Press), The Art of JM Hunter, Brenna Nuñez and Lawrence Lindell (Laneha House), Alex Schumacher (The Mr. Butterchips Collection) Michael Vazquez (Izel Illustrations), Manuel Martinez Art, Sofi Molina (Blue Ixi’im Creations), Carlos Saldaña (Burrito), Maxi Rodriguez (KatsutoProductions) Javier Cruz Winnik (A Reason to Smile), and more!

PLUS: 10 panels, a virtual art exhibit, and Saturday only: a live lowrider show!

Finding MSR/Building 16: MJC’s West Campus is highly walkable/accessible. MSR is just a short stroll from either Parking Lot 211 or 207. Head between Sierra and Yosemite Halls toward the building with the silver turret (away from the observatory) and you’re there. For closer dropoff, use Lot 209 then come around to the front of the building. The Event is Free along with Free Parking and open to the public.

Stop by Friday, come back Saturday! More: www.latinxcomicartsfest.com www.youtube.com/c/TheLatinxComicArtsFestival IG/Facebook: @LatinxComicArtsFest Twitter: @LatinxComicArts Questions? Dr. Theresa Rojas, Festival Director (209) 548-5857 or rojast@ yosemite.edu

Accomplishments

By Tasha Wilson

Accomplishments should be celebrated while we are alive and breathing. For that reason, I invite each of you to join me as I acknowledge Dottie Wright for her servitude and the extraordinary love she shows for the cheerleaders and students she works with, in Stanislaus County and beyond. Her loyalty to them is simply immeasurable. March is National Cheerleading Safety Month and what better time to celebrate a positive woman who for many years, has been a staple in our community? Dottie Wright has a cheer coaching career that spans over three decades. She began her love affair with cheerleading while attending De Anza College in Cupertino California. She started coaching for JAMZ Cheer and Dance, 34 years ago and for 34 years in a row, at least one of her cheer teams has taken home 1st Place in the competitive sport. This year’s competition, however, holds a special place in Dottie’s heart, because on January 24, 2022, in front of thousands of people, she was honored and presented with the well-deserved, Suzy Barna Lifetime Achievement Award at the JAMZ Nationals Cheer Competition! Dottie has always loved working with kids at every grade level. In addition, to cheer coaching, she is Campus Supervisor at Davis High School and is a Cheer Coach at Modesto High. As if these two jobs don’t keep her busy enough, Dottie also works at Modesto’s Dollar General and has done so for the last 6 years. She is not only a coach, but she is a big financial backer for the students who have parents that cannot afford to purchase the uniforms necessary for their children to begin on the team. Dottie does what she can to ensure that no child is turned away. She finds sponsors to donate and specifically credits Karen Gallo for the contributions she has made for the cheerleaders over time. Dottie is a mother of five herself. Still, having her own children does not limit the love she bestows upon the children she has worked with in the past, through to the present. Samantha Nolasco is Dottie’s best friend of over 22 years. She had this to say about her friend, “Dottie is a dedicated, caring, and strong woman who would literally give her last dollar to anyone in need. She makes an impact on this entire community and has put Modesto on the map with The Modesto Ninerettes and all of her JAMZ competition teams.”

Great accomplishments must be celebrated while we are here to appreciate the people achieving such accolades. Bravo Dottie Wright! You deserve your flowers NOW and our community thanks you!

FOOD VIEW

The Goat is Back

By Chris Murphy

There are places in town that have become an institution. One of my favorite places in Modesto is the intersection of 10th and J Street. To me, that is the epicenter of downtown. The people, the place, the plaza, the food, the drink and most of all, the music. Music? Yes, music and great food go hand and hand. When you can combine all of these things, it is really special, and Ralston’s Goat is Modesto’s “Rock n Roll Restaurant”. Let’s learn more. The pandemic was hard on our local businesses and it hammered the restaurant and music community. Owner Mike Shelton is no stranger to working hard to run a business, as he was a successful bar owner in San Francisco and then opened Ralston’s Goat in 2015. Soon after opening, the bar scene there attracted Modesto’s musicians and the Goat became an active supporter of music, sponsoring bands on their amazing patio, inside the bar and in the main restaurant alongside their food and drink. Ralston’s Goat has won the Modesto Area Music Award for supporting live music 4 times. Fast-forward into COVID, Ralston’s was the first place to welcome live music back, utilizing the outside space for safe distancing. They hosted fundraisers, VMI Showcases, Sunday brunches and more. My band Third Party have played this patio and bar many times. This place gave local music a home, supported by their bar and food sales. There is much gratitude from our local music community. Today, Mike Shelton is focused on taking The Goat to the next level. Long time chef Sam Scroggins has become his secret weapon, honing her full range cooking skills through the pandemic and now, there is a tasty, organized and focused menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner item that will appeal to any taste. The results are flat out delicious. The kitchen is rounded out by Jacob Brunlow to make things go smooth. Sam was trained at culinary school by local chef Hank Olsen and she also trained alongside Ashley Olsen, who also shared her love of baking. Modesto is so lucky to have so much great culinary talent. Sam also loves to make wedding cakes and the classic bakery items. You will notice that the food, great plating, super fresh ingredients, excellent size portions, and a new focus on great service is a great combo. Mike and Sam are not only committed to great food and amazing drinks, but also a great and friendly experience at The Goat. True to our Modesto culture, Sam is also a classic car fan and her dream car is a 69 Chevelle SS black with green stripes. Gotta love that. Breakfast / Brunch at the Goat has always been a favorite of mine, sitting on the patio, people watching, enjoying Irish Coffee with a great egg scramble and hashbrowns. Sam has really knocked breakfast out of the park with one of the best Breakfast Burritos and the hall-of-fame Ranchero Bowl, featuring a chili over a bed of black beans, egg, tortillas and more. The avocado toast featured a large piece of artisan bread, double bacon and egg and avocado. Of course you can get eggs your way. Breakfast starts at 10 am Wed – Sun. Lunch is the biggest change. Mike has a new lunch menu that is designed to fill you up and get you back to work in time, if you choose to do that. We enjoyed a Buffalo Crispy Chicken sandwich and fries and a wonderful Buffalo Crispy Chicken Salad. You can also get the Ralston’s Cheeseburger and a side of fries or salad. Perfect for a lunch work break, but however, the bar is always tempting, so a late lunch may be in order. Lunch transitions to dinner with new pan baked pizzas and tasty chicken strips. Wow these are good. The pepperoni is a solid go to and the bbq chicken is delicious in both large and small sizes. Nosh on these for happy hour and take the rest home for morning pizza! Take notice of the pasta dishes. Mike’s mom is the inspiration for the sauces and Sam’s technique delivers a soft but firm pasta with amazing flavor. I asked Sam what her favorite go-to pasta was and she said, Shrimp Scampi. This makes sense as her favorite trilogy is salt, pepper and garlic. I can’t wait to try that. There are nightly pasta specials and you can also enjoy some tasty almond salmon, gourmet burgers, and so much more. Sam’s goal is consistency, “I want people to know they can count on the Goat to deliver a great meal” she explains. Now let’s talk desert. Let’s talk about cheesecake. Sam is an amazing baker and her go-to treat is to make an amazing cheesecake. Each night, there will be special cheesecake that will be a “must add” to your meal. It is hard enough to pass on desert, but with a special treat like this, it will be impossible so save room. Today she made a special pecan pie cheesecake. To die for. Can’t wait to try another. Spring is here and look for the Goat patio to be filled with music on a regular basis. Open mic with Ray Ray on Wed, Jazz Jam on Thursdays with David Dow, Live music Fri and Sat nights and Sunday brunch music. You will find something you love to eat and you will find a new band as well and meet some new friends. I hope to see you there.

Ralston’s Goat

1001 10th Street 209-549-9413 @ralstonsgoat

FAST EDDIE

MEAL ON A BUN

There are two really important things that happened this month. Fast Eddie sold his Meal on a Bun to a really big fan. Yes, one of our favorite drive ins and long time Graffiti legend place with great burgers, shakes and fries was sold to Robert Wilson, owner of Devine Swine. Eddie Gibson started there in 1962, purchasing it from his parents in 1975. With Robert, he found the perfect person to sell it that will keep the spirit and the memories alive. Expect to see your faves, but also new creations from Robert and, drum roll, beer. Have no fear, the vibe and the décor will stay but look for new additions to the collection. New feature – Order online at

www.fasteddiesmoab.com Fast Eddie’s Meal On A Bun (MOAB)

1228 Tully Rd. Modesto 209-522-9069 Open 11am – 8pm Mon-Sat

New Bake Shop Coming Soon

Hank and Ashley Olsen opened The Food Fix three years ago. It was a great addition to 11th Street in downtown Modesto. The award-winning and Diners, Driveins and Dives featured eatery really brings a happy fun vibe. One of the secret weapons is the house made bread and the treats from Ashley Olsen. You can’t eat there without getting one of her innovative cookies or a

desert. We all loved and miss the Barking Dog that was next door that brought food, music and fun to 11th St. This became an opportunity for Ashley and Hank to open a new bakery, something they have wanted to do for long time. Planned to open on Oct 4, the 3rd anniversary of the Food Fix and expect to see new breads, deserts, rolls and traditional bakery items. They hope to bring music and events back to that location in the future. It’s great when memories live on and new dreams are realized. Stay tuned at @bakeshopmodesto

In the mean time, enjoy Food Fix.

@foodfixbutcherandbaker

938 11th St Modesto www.foodfixbutcherbaker.com 209-525-3663

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE VIEW

Do you want amazing New York style Italian food, with Nona’s special tomato sauce, classic favorites, New York style pizza, oysters on the weekend, soups, salads and more. Enjoy breakfast daily in a fun family environment. Full bar menu. 8-2 pm and 5 pm to closing