Ice Is Back

INTER VIEW

Mani Grewal

November and Thanksgiving are really all about family. We live in a community that is great for families and a great place to grow up. We are fortunate that we live in a really diverse community, rich with different cultures, traditions, foods, music and so much more. It is with this that we work hard to try to find our common issues to make our community better. Manmeet “Mani” Grewal was born and raised in Modesto and is a product of Modesto Junior College and UOP’s School of Management. Mani became familiar with local government as a member of the Planning Commission and served as Modesto City Councilperson. He was appointed to the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors in November 2020. Mani and his wife Jas farm in the community and own and operate dental offices throughout Stanislaus County. In addition, they are very active in the Sikh community and are raising four children in Modesto. This is truly an active and involved family and I have been proud to work with Mani on many local issues and projects like the 911 Remembrance events, the Graffiti Cruise Walk of Fame and appreciate his support for the Graffiti USA Museum project that will drive a big boost in tourism in our area. Let’s get to know Mani.

ModestoView: What do you love most about living in the Central Valley?

Mani Grewal: Firstly, I truly believe that this is a great place to raise a family. There is great education, and many things to do in the area. In addition, I love the people of the Central Valley— they are direct and honest. The Central Valley is also a very diverse region with many people from different backgrounds.

MV: When did your family move to the Modesto area?

MG: My parents came to Modesto in 1972, and I was born at Memorial and never left the area! I went to the Sipherd Elementary and Johansen High School and completed my schooling at MJC and UOP. I am proud to call Modesto my only home!

MV: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

MG: When I was younger my choices of profession were business, practicing law, or be an elementary yard duty— the yard duty was always cutting my recess time short!

MV: How did you and your wife Jas meet?

MG: I met my wife in college while we were students at the University of Pacific.

MV: What was it that made you want to stay in Modesto after college?

MG: Modesto is my home. My family, friends, and community all reside here. I knew that I wanted to start my career and family in Modesto.

MV: What made you want to go into public service?

MG: Public service is a way to give back to the community. My parents always told me that the community has given us so much, and this is just one way to give back to it. I think so much can be accomplished when you have people who look to work together. I want to emulate that through my public service.

MV: You see both sides of our economy, as a government leader as well as a developer; what do you think we need to do to improve our planning and development?

MG: We need to act to bring good paying jobs to Modesto. No one will do this for us. The County and City must lead in

By Chris Murphy

creating an environment that attracts good businesses and jobs to our region. The bureaucracy should be a partner to our business community, not an obstacle.

MV: Our region has a very active Sikh community and you and your family is very active, is there anything that you would want people to understand about Sikhism?

MG: Although the attire may be different, the values are the same. Hardworking, law-abiding, good neighbors and sharing our blessings are the cornerstone of the religion.

MV: What would you say the biggest obstacle that our community needs to tackle in the next 12 months?

MG: We need action, not words, on addressing our housing shortage, good paying jobs, public safety, and COVID-19 recovery. I believe that if we come together and work as a community we can make progress on these issues that have plagued us for too long.

MV: If budget were unlimited, what would you implement in our community to accelerate our economic development.

MG: If I had an unlimited budget I would bring more attractions, like the Graffiti Museum and Children’s Museum. In addition I would work to beautify our county and cities— especially when it comes to parks and trees!

MV: Thinking about the future, what are you the most excited about

MG: Opportunity in Stanislaus County outpaces our challenges. I am confident that we can work together to take advantage of all of these opportunities by coming to the table and taking action.

MV: Describe your ideal day in Modesto

MG: I would start my day by taking a walk on Virginia corridor or Dry Creek Trail. I then would have breakfast at My Garden Cafe and then play basketball with my kids. For lunch I would have a home cooked meal with my wife Jas and family. I would then catch a movie at Brenden Theatre and have dinner at a downtown restaurant!

MV: Beatles or Stones?

MG: Beatles for sure!

FOOD VIEW

comfort food season

It is fall, it is comfort food season.

By Chris Murphy

I want warm food, savory food and something that is a little bit different. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty over Pumpkin Spice. So as we approach Thanksgiving, what can we enjoy that that has that warmth, a wonderful taste and will just make your taste buds come alive? The answer my friends is butternut squash. This tasty squash is not only cool looking, it really brings happiness to food, in ravioli, in soups, in pasta and so much more. Just like strawberries in the spring, cherries and corn in summer, we have pumpkin and butternut squash in October in November. But just where can you find this tasty treat? And how easy is it to cook with it? We have your answer and there are many ways you can enjoy this treat. In our area, butternut squash soup is the most common. I have tried many of them, and they are all different, some spicy and some rich and creamy. More of a reach is butternut squash ravioli. When you see this on a menu, my advice to you is order it immediately. So let’s do some squash exploration. First things first. These are easy to roast in your own oven and they are available at most of our local grocery stores and at the Modesto Certified Farmer’s Market. They are pretty slick, you can cut them in half, scoop the seeds and glaze with your favorite accent and bake. Et voila, the transformations begin.

Now is where the fun begins.

Food Fix

First, when you stop reading this and get browsing on Instagram or TikTok, look no further than Marco @Woodfire-whiskey. He is posting some great recipes and easy preparations, and he has whipped up an amazing butternut squash soup, and showing you how to make it. Matching it up with a sandwich, he finishes with some of his favorite whiskeys. It’s a good combo meal deal. Check out this and his other culinary and whiskey paired treats.

Now we head to 11th Street to Food Fix Located on 11th Street, Ashley Olsen has created a butternut squash soup, beginning with squash from her garden, and now with hand selected squash. Ashley is the craftiest in the kitchen and really created a tangy yet smooth roasted butternut squash soup that pairs nicely with their slaw. Once you try this, you are going to want to enjoy the rest of the menu and try her cookies for dessert that are out if this world.

Food Fix Butcher & Baker 938 11th Street Modesto 209- 525-3663 @foodfixbutcherandbaker

Around the corner, we find Concetta on J Street - Paul Tremayne always has something interesting to serve. Fresh off his trip to Italy, Paul’s butternut squash raviolis are inspired super unique, in a really good way. Not made from the traditional pasta, these incredible treats are made with won ton that gives them a really good texture and a nice bite. The butternut squash is enhanced with maple syrup and nutmeg and cooked. Prior to plating, the raviolis are quickly sautéed in brown butter to finish and then plated with a Romano cheese. These are a dream to eat, they are big and they are satisfying. Paul paired our raviolis with a Grace and Ada Grenache which made this experience perfect and left me wanting more. You better eat early to get these as Paul only makes enough for 10 -12 orders nightly. They are on the menu from November 1 to February 13.

Concetta 1205 J Street, Modesto

209-529-3282 @concettarestaurant Then we mozied on to Fuzio on 10th Street The trees in 10th St Plaza are changing colors and Fuzio is loaded with fall flavors and seasonal cocktails. The butternut squash soup is really refined and rich, sprinkled with sage, with fresh bread and butter. Thomas and Chef Justin normally like to put a nice spin on traditional flavors, but in this case, it isn’t necessary. The serving was just the right size and paired perfectly with a Rombauer Chardonnay.

Fuzio, 1020 10th St, Modesto 209-5579711 @fuziobistro Burleys

When I reached out on Facebook to explore butternut squash options, nearly everyone told me about Burly’s. It’s a cryin’ shame that I haven’t been there already as it is a fantastic place, staffed with an ex-Mallards team with chef Mike Ortiz. The entire menu is tempting but their butternut squash soup is nicely spiced, topped with candied walnuts, crème fraise and some fried kale paired with a William Hill Chardonnay. It is so smooth, I had to have a second bowl and Chef Mike and the regulars there make it a great time. You need to look closely to find it, but it is worth it and you will be back. Please check

out Burly’s at 1219 N. Carpenter Rd. Suite 5. Modesto 209-3129400 @Burlyscaliforniabistro

Galletto

The presentation of these butternut squash raviolis is beautiful. This year they have a new plate that spreads out the square raviolis so that each one gets the perfect amount of crumbled goat cheese and a delicious citrus beurre blanc. Add to this a sage walnut pesto and this is one of the most delicious raviolis you can get. The tangy goat cheese and citrus really bring out the butternut flavor. I paired this with a chardonnay and loved every bite. Finally, every piece of focaccia soaked up any extra buerre blanc and goat cheese. This is featured on the menu.

Galletto Ristorante 1101 J Street, Modesto 209-523-4500 @gallettoristo

Verona Cucina Italiano

The Italian flavors from the Jaime and Edwarda Alderete are always wonderful. I regularly enjoy their rich flavors and comfortable dining room or the bar. Every fall, butternut squash raviolis will find their way to my plate. They are not currently on the menu, but you can ask for them and the supply is limited, so don’t dilly dally.

Verona 1717 McHenry Ave, Suite 46 209-549-8876 @veroniacucina

Chefs of New York

Just got word from Vinnie and Kim Altadonna that butternut squash ravioli with a creamy tarragon sauce will be on the menu in November. I am so excited. Their raviolis all year long are on point and now that they have a full bar and live music on the weekends, it is quite the place and they are open daily at 7 am.

918 13th St Modesto 209-857-5102 @chefsofnewyorkdowntown

We also received great comments about LaMo in Turlock Gervasoni’s out on N. McHenry Ciao Bella in Century Center Velvet Creamery on McHenry And many people’s home kitchens. We will continue to search for butternut squash and will update this month with the #butternut tag. As always, ModestoView is out there looking for the tastiest treats for your fall flavors. #eatlocal

A Tasty Little Treat

GIVE FUZIO GIFT CARDS THIS HOLIDAY

1020 10th St Downtown Modesto

209.557.9711 www.Fuzio.com

Now Open for Dinner & Live Jazz on the Weekend

Breakfast, Lunch & Full Bar

Now featuring New York Pizza • Open daily 8 am – 2 pm

918 13TH Street, Modesto CA

Support Local Shop

By Middagh Goodwin Modesto’s population is approximately 216,810, it is the 19th largest city in California. What does that ultimately mean? There are a lot of people living in and around Modesto. Statistics show that about 68% of what is spent locally is reinvested in the community. Remember that statistic. Independent businesses return back into the community more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. How can we grow our local economy? What I am suggesting is if we all just switch our spending, even just a little it will add up to a huge impact. Even $5, the price of a cup of coffee at one of those corporate cafes. That minute amount adds up in a very large way. We want to make sure all our favorite places are still serving us when things return to normal. We are going to want to go out and eat, get our hair cut or have a spa day. Not everyone that lives in Modesto is in a position to spend even $20 extra while we wait. Let us remove the very young and old and the unemployed that is somewhere around 40% of Modesto’s population. Let us for good measure and to make it easier round that number up to 50%. 50% is 108,405. That is still a large number of people. If each of us spends just an average of $20 on gift certificates or deliveries from local Cafes and Restaurants, Hair Salons, Spas and other locally owned businesses that amount adds up to $2,168,100 in just a month. In a year’s time, that comes to $26,017,200. What a generous amount of money to give to invest in our Community, in our friends and neighbors. Remember I told you to not forget about that statistic of 68%? Those local businesses you are supporting spend a significant amount of that back locally in your shops and restaurants. employee your friends and family. That is an extra 1,474,308 each month going back into the local economy. This is a compounded effect. Maybe instead you want to buy gifts for the holidays? There are several great artists, crafters and artisans that you can support and get unique gifts for your loved ones. Gift Certificates to places that host Live Music and plays make fantastic gifts too. Pledge to go out and support your Community when things get back to normal. Shop local, shop small and remember together we can make an incredible impact!