Lunch and a Show.

I gave a call to my tweet from last week, and a new friend. We headed for some Thai food this week. For people who have never experienced Tahi food it is a great cusine for the person who loves spicy food. They also have dishes that are not spicy because not everyone likes it Hot. He claimed we could have a great lunch, and a show. When we met up and went in I told him to do the ordering and to make sure he ordered this dish that he told me about. 

The Place: Thai House

First Impression: Outside the shopping center is newly remodeled. The inside is open and spacious, the tables are clean and the decor is simple. The smell of a kitchen in full motion greeted me as I walked though the door, they were having a busy lunch. 

What I ordered: Or shall I say my buddy ordered. When you go to Thai food you have to order Pad Thai it's a staple. Kind of like chow main, it's a noodle dish loaded with shrimp, chicken, bean curd, egg, peanuts and bean sprouts. For a veggie we ordered Pad Prig Khing a spicy string bean dish with your choice of meat. We took the chicken. The Main dish, the one I had been waiting to see, was the Valcano Kai. This is a baked cornish game hen with Thai spices, carrots, peas, zucchini, and onions. Served lit a blaze with a red BBQ sauce. To bring it all together a pot of steamed rice.

Price: Three people for lunch with lots of left overs. Around $50 with Tip.

Pad Thai $8.95

Pad Prg Khing $8.95

Valcano Kai $12.95

2 Tahi Iced Teas $2.50 each

Total with tax: $44.23

Tip: $8.00

Total out the Door: $52.23

Would I recommend this place: Sure the Pad Thai was good, the Pad Prig Khing was great, plenty spicy for me. The Volcano Kai as aesthetically pleasing as it was, to me it was nothing more than baked chicken with BBQ sauce. But if you are looking for a quick lunch packed with flavor stop by and give this place a try. 

Where: 3430 Tully Road, Modesto Ca 

(209)544.0974

Hours:

Lunch 11am - 3pm

Dinner: 4:30pm - 9pm

On a side note. To people who are reading this, while I am writing this I am preparing for my wedding this weekend and will not be back until May 10th. When I return home from my honeymoon I will continue to update this blog weekly. Thank you for reading. 

It's Strawberry Season!

So I thought I would throw this up because it's one of my favorite times of year. I was a produce clerk for 5 years for Savemart Supermarkets where I became a huge fan of fresh fruits and vegetables. As a result I look forward to the seasons that roll through our Central Valley. One of the most productive growing regions in the world.  To me April not only signifies my birthday Aril 2nd, but also the growing seasons are starting to pick up. In March early April we get Asparagus, great, steamed, fried, grill, broiled, ect. you get the point. Next in late April NOW we get the sweet local Strawberries. 

A little lesson on store bought berries, and local berries. The berries we buy in the store come from several different places South America, Mexico, and So. California. They are packed full of flavor and have a firm texture. Produced by major growers the berries are breed for a longer shelf life, to be sweet on the tongue, and look like the perfect berry to the consumer. Meaning they hold on store shelves for about two to three weeks after harvest and are ascetically pleasing.  I have had the pleasure of seeing some of these operations in progress they are astonishing. 

Now the local berries we buy here out of the fields don't quite have a long shelf life maybe a week to two, in the fridge after harvest. They are best eaten the day of harvest so if you are taking them home only buy one or two baskets to snack on at a time. They also make great jam if you know how to make freezer jam. A quick google and I came up with this FREEZER JAM . Our local berries although not the most uniform in size and shape eat the best in my opinion. 

I made a quick stop at my favorite local fruit stand. They reopened for the season on Monday April 20. I picked up a basket they never made it home. I think you could have found me by the trail of strawberry tops I left, as I threw them out my truck window. Check them out Loretelli Farms or swing by your local fruit stand and get in on the fresh Strawberries. 

Price:

Basket $1.75

1/2 Flat $8.50

Full Flat $16.00

Where: Loretelli Farms 1151 Claratina Ave. Modesto Ca 95356

Contact: (209)577-2425

www.LoretelliFarms.com

Touch the Heart

I found my self asking what to do for lunch, something everyone around the world asks everyday. I had a standing lunch offer from one of my tweeps (a friend on twitter), so I dropped a DM (direct message) and we were off to lunch. We found our selves at one of our favorite haunts. Dynasty Restaurant in Modesto, a place in my mind that is leading Modesto in the right direction. Before they started serving Dim Sum a Cantonese style brunch, the closest place to find it was the Bay area or Stockton. 

Dim Sum translated to "Touch the Heart", is a meal that encourages conversation among friends and family. Everything is served in small portions typically three to four items per steamer basket. In a traditional Dim Sum restaurant items come around on a cart and you pick out what you want, and in the end you are charged by the plate, prices usually run from $2.50 to $3.95 each. Most items are usually made with rice noodles and may include anything from meat, seafood, vegetables, and fruit. 

First Impression: When you arrive there is plenty of parking you may have to park a little ways out but it's worth it. During the lunch hour there is usually a good line. The word is getting out and this place, and is really beginning to catch on. When you get a table you will notice this is a clean establishment. You will be offered two menu's, one is the regular menu full of Chinese American and Traditional Chinese food, the other is the Dim Sum menu, a full color card filled with photos of each item. Find something that looks good to you and mark it on the carbon paper ordering card, when you think you have everything you can eat marked down, your server will come by and take the bottom copy. Now sit back and enjoy the precession of great food. 

What I Ordered:  Now remember this is by the plate so I will give a break down

$2.50 Plates: 

Siu Mai - Shrimp & Pork Dumplings

Steamed Chickens Feet with Black bean sauce

Steamed Beef Tripe with Ginger and Shallots

$2.95 Plates:

Har-Gao - Prawn Dumpings

Baked Custard Buns

$3.50 Plates:

Pan Fried Chinese Chives & Meat Dumplings

$3.95 Plates:

Dry Beancurd with Prawn & Combination

Now reading over this list it is a little more risky than the average person might order but I'm not the average bear. I love the things that make most people squirm. If you can get past mental blocks, this in my opinion is where most people have trouble with new foods. You will begin to discover a whole new world of food. If I had to order for a first timer and they like pork and shrimp I would order more like this.

Siu Mai - Pork and shrimp dumplings

Baou - Steamed BBQ Pork Bun

Har-Gao -  Prawn Dumpling

Pan Fried Pot Stickers

Rice Noodle Roll with Prawns

This would be a basic order, somewhere to start for the average person, now from here its up to your stomach. 

Price: Two People Both left full. These are plate prices and the number of plates.

$2.50 X 3 = $7.50

$2.95 X 2 = $5.90

$3.50 X 1 = $3.50

$3.95 X 1 = $3.95

1 Ice Tea $2.50

Total with Tax: $25.30

Tip $6.00

Out the Door $31.30

Would I Recommend this Place: Yes to someone that has alway loved to eat pot stickers, this is the ultimate Dumping heaven. Maybe you are not into dumplings and just want great Chinese food this is the place. While you are there if he comes by, take a second and talk with Robert the owner. He is usually walking around making sure everyone is having a great dining experience. To the single guys out there if you want to show a girl a good time and take her somewhere for lunch that will make you look cultured. This is a great place a taste of Cantonese style lunch that will give you an opportunity to talk and get to know her. They also do catering and phone orders.

Where: 3500 Coffee Rd. Modesto, Ca 95355 Suite #1

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11:00am - 9:30pm

     Saturday - Sunday 10:00am - 9:30pm

     Closed Monday

     Dim Sum Served everyday before 3:00pm

Contact: (209)521-8808

www.Dynastygarden.net

A Healthy Choice

This week I was on the go, running from place to place, before I realized I did not pick a place for the Blog! When I realized this, I was over by Modesto Junior College, and only one place came to mind. Located about 9 blocks away in a small shopping center is, PHO7.  What is pho you ask? Well, PHO is a soup, made with rice noodles of some type there are several, topped with thin sliced beef, and immersed in a rich broth, topped off with fresh onions, basil, and other various fresh items. 

First Impression: I'm not going to lie, this place won't win any awards for atmosphere, but they have been in this location for fourteen years going on fifteen. For me it's not about the place but the food. The shopping center is kind of run down, the parking spots are a little tight for my truck,  but I get in. When you go in you will either be directed to sit some where, or you just pick a table. It's usually pretty busy around lunch and dinner. 

What I Ordered: In the mood for big hearty noodles I chose the Seafood Udon, a seafood soup with prawns, imitation crab, calamari, and thick Udon noodles. To accompany this, I ordered the Shrimp and Pork Spring Rolls, they come served with a fresh peanut dipping sauce. Now if you go, and have never tried a Thai Iced Tea I strongly encourage you to try it, brewed for long period of time, the chi tea becomes dark, when it is served, they add condensed milk on top, mix it, and it becomes a bright orange, the color of flavor that makes my mouth water. 

Price: One person Around $15 (If you eat like me.)

Large #19 $6.00

Shrimp & Pork Rolls $4.50

Thai Tea $2.00

Total: $13.27

Tip: $2.00

Out the Door: $15.27

Would I recommend this place: Definitely if you want healthy fast food or just a great bowl of soup head on down. They don't just serve soup. I don't want to mislead you, they also have fried rice plates, stir fried noodles, and other various dishes. I have never ordered anything here and been disappointed. Remember, just walk in with an open mind willing to try anything. If you are not sure ASK! The owner is a great guy always willing to recommend, just remember he dose not read minds, so tell him if you like or dislike a certain item. Get down here and try something new. 

Where: 1100 Carver Road #17 Modesto, CA 95350 

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9am-8pm 

               Sunday 9am-7pm

Contact: 209-571-9655

The Most Important Place

So I put some thought into my first place, I wanted it to be somewhere everyone should enjoy themselves, somewhere we all feel comfortable. It struck me just before my birthday, as we sat around talking about what I wanted to do. My beautiful fiance asked me if I would like to just have a few close friends, and family over and have hot dogs, and hamburgers. Now normally I have to have my steaks, that I rub with Olive oil, sea salt, and Pepper and grill on my webber throwing in fresh cut rosemary for a great smokey flavor. But I thought to my self this would be great. 

The Place: Home

First Impression and what I made: It's home there is no place like it, just like Dorthy said. We started by making a drink, grabbing our favorite beer from the fridge, and putting on some music, I'm kind of a tech nerd, so I plugged pandora into my stereo and set the play list for Jack Johnson. Now with the mood set I started my webber grill, putting all my coals to one side, the reason for this, because there is nothing worse then having a flare up and no where safe to put your food. I'm not much of a hot dog and hamburger guy don't get me wrong, I like them I just think that there is more to life, but sometimes they are great. So to spice up my hot dogs, I took half of them and wrapped them in thin cut bacon. My burgers I seasoned with a little garlic powder, salt, and pepper. To save time we went to the store and bought pre-made macaroni salad. When it was time to eat I took my hot dog to a different level and added some pickled papaya for a little more crunch and flavor. When you see something you have never tried on the store shelf, buy it you might surprise your self. Remember if it is sold in a store, unless you have some extreme food allergy IT WILL NOT KILL YOU.

Price: We feed six people for under $25 

Would I recommend this place: I think this is the most important place we all can go, we all should feel comfortable here. Home is what we make it, I grew up in a family that sat down for dinner, every night together, and it was an important part of my life. As much as kids will say they don't want to, it's important to turn off the TV, put on some music, and take away the phones, it builds a family bond that will be with you and them for life. Try it just once a week, you may like it. Remember its more about the company than the food, so if you burn something, order a pizza just enjoy the people who surround you. 

South Pacific

Next time you are hungry and don't want the usual try something new. I am a quarter filipino so I grew up eating filipino food. So for me its not a strange venture, I was excited when I found out we had a place to get some great home made filipino food. If you have never been to Potluck, it is a filipino deli where they sell not just meals but different sauces and Filipino delicacies.  

The Place: Potluck

First Impression: When you pull up it is set between two big stores tucked away in a little corner. When you walk in the smell of great spices, soy and vinegar tickle you nose. You walk between a few small grocery style isles. to the back counter where you will be greeted by a smiling face excited to show you what they have prepared for the day. Now you can either eat here or get you food to go.  

What I ordered: Now I usually order stuff that would cause most people to become squeamish. So for the sake of the people who are a little scared of organ meat or whole fish I kept it simple. I ordered Chicken adobo, this is chicken that has been simmered in a sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. I also got Pancit a rice noodle dish with a variety of  produce mixed in. They also will give you a large helping of medium grain steamed rice, or as my friends and family call it sticky rice. Just because I could not resist they had made spare rib soup I had to get a bowl, it was made just like my grandfather made it. 

Price: The price for one person was under $15

2 item combo $6.95

Soup add on $3.25

Drink can of Soda $1.50

Total $11.70

Would I recommend this place: Yes to the person who likes to explore new things the menu changes slightly each day, they offer everything from ox tail soup to whole fried talipia. There is also a line of filipino deserts. Please don't be afraid this is a clean well lit place the people are friendly and the food is great. Just come in with a open mind and a big stomach, if you don't know what something is ask, you can get a taste of anything. 

Where: 901 N. Carpenter Rd. Suite#61 Modesto, Ca 95351

(209)524-9528

Lunch at The BLVD Cafe and Grill

For people who wonder who I am to write about restaurants, I am no one, I am just someone who really enjoys food of all types. I have yet to find my limit with food, if it won't kill me I will eat it. My dream is to one day travel the world not to see sights, but to be invited into peoples lives to eat like they do. I believe that through food, you can understand people.

So yesterday I took my camera and went into a local place that someone from twitter recommended to me.

Place: The BLVD Cafe and Grill

First Impression: When you pull up it is well signed I don't think you can miss it. Walk in and you are greeted by a clean coffee shop atmosphere, with beer, mmmm. I placed my order at the counter, I don't know if I should have just seated my self and waited for a server that was not clear to me.

What I Ordered: In this blog I will base my prices and meals off one or two people, this lunch it was just me. So I ordered their Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger with Fries, and a Ice tea.  When my food came out it was extremely  hot. This is a good thing it means it was not under a heating lamp. My Ice tea tasted a little old, like it was yesterdays brew. The burger was served open face with lettuce, tomato, and red onion on the top half of the bun with mayo, the patty, cheese, mushrooms, and bacon on the other half. Both halves were bedded on top of some of the best fries I have had in a long time extra crisp on the outside and melt away in your mouth on the inside. I added nothing to the burger just ate it as it was served. 

Price: The price for my lunch was under $15 

Lunch Burger Fries and Drink: $11.54

Tip: $2.00

Total For lunch: $13.54

Would I recommend this place: Yes if you want a great burger and fries like they should be served go and check them out. They also have a full coffee bar with pastries, and six beers on tap. I will be back.

Location: 2717 Coffee Road Modesto, Ca