Lighting Homestyle magazine
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Restaurant Roundup
Modesto Dining Sampler
By Heidi Howell
New
contender Cayenne Creole Cuisine (1700 McHenry Ave., 209-578-4468;
dinner for two $35) brings all the elements of an authentic New Orleans
Creole nightclub to Modesto. Stylish jazz and vintage red Venetian
candles, accompanied by dimly lit, exposed brick walls and striking
photos of jazz legends, create a cozy, casual atmosphere.
Owner/Chef
Chris Schully, who grew up in New Orleans, explores the diverse flavors
of Spain, France, The Caribbean, South Africa and America in his
inspired menu. Cayenne grew out of Schully’s seven-year-old catering
business, Sassafras Catering.
Cayenne starters include boiled
shrimp, cayenne chicken wings and salads. Sandwiches range from po-boys
to Muffaletta — a vibrant combination of smoked ham, salami, provolone
and olive-artichoke salad. Tantalizing jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and
chicken and andouille gumbo are popular entrees. Dessert lovers return
for luscious black bottom pie or bread pudding with rum sauce.
At
10:00 p.m., the mood changes as the white tablecloths are stripped away
to reveal black vinyl; paper napkins replace cloth, and the music
becomes a bit funky. The crowd evolves to another genre as night-shift
workers, ER doctors, musicians, the post-movie crowd and other night
owls arrive.
“It’s amazing how many people say ‘I haven’t
had food like this since I spent such-and-such a time in New Orleans,’”
says Schully. “People have a connection to that area and its food. It’s
so much fun to bring people back to their memories.”
Come as
you are; no reservations accepted. Open Wed. through Sat., 6:00 p.m. to
4:00 a.m. Patrons must be 21; alcohol is served at the adjacent bar.
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Local
hotspot Tresetti’s World Caffe (927 11th Street, 209-572-2990; dinner
for two $50), with its elegant, candle-lit atmosphere, takes California
cuisine to an exciting new level, melding the best of Moroccan, Cajun,
Italian, Hispanic, Indian and other influences into its globe-trotting
menu.
Tammy Maisetti, co-owner with husband Mitch and
partner Paul Tremayne, says that Tresetti’s stays on the cutting edge of
the latest cuisines around the world. “Almost all of our ingredients
come to us fresh on a daily basis. Everything is created in-house. Our
bread is made by an artisan bakery, we use organic produce and serve
fresh fish daily.”
Rave reviews praise Tresetti’s appetizers,
to include roasted garlic and brie, seared bacon-wrapped scallops and
crab cakes. An ever-changing parade of specialty entrees complement the
sought-after chicken tagine, braised fresh pork shanks and pan-roasted
duck breast.
Decadent desserts such as vanilla crème brûlée
and warm bread pudding compete with daily specialties like bittersweet
chocolate hazelnut tarts or lemon meringue tarts with wild huckleberry
sauce.
Chef Tom Putler, a top-honors graduate of Modesto
Junior College and The University of California, Davis, often draws on
his specialized training in cheesemaking to enhance the impact of his
impeccable dishes.
Wine connoisseurs appreciate Tresetti’s
extensive wine collection, found in the adjoining tasting room. The
restaurant is open Mon. through Fri. from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Sat.,
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Reservations recommended. Banquets and catering
are available. For more information, visit www.tresetti.com.
© HHWS for Lighting Homestyle magazine and Phillips Lighting & Home
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