Author Archive: Dana Johnson

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ChefView – Modesto Mardi Gras

ChefView – Modesto Mardi Gras

Chef View By Dana Johnson Modesto Mardi Gras! Aaah February, my birthday month! Yes, throughout the month you will see me celebrating at numerous local hot spots! I do share this month with past President’s B’days, St. Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras! How perfect is that? The biggest party of all is held annually at […]

By January 31, 2017 Read More →
ChefView – Sip, Taste & Shop

ChefView – Sip, Taste & Shop

Chef View By Dana Johnson Sip, Taste, and Shop! As the holiday season is upon us, I find I have less time in each day, a lil’ more stress, and a valid reason to treat myself to something I enjoy while I’m multi-tasking for everyone else! Stewart & Jasper Orchards Company Store conveniently located in […]

By November 5, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Mmmm is for Minnie’s

ChefView – Mmmm is for Minnie’s

Chef View By Dana Johnson Mmmm is for Minnie’s! Restaurants, no matter what city seem to come and go, but Minnie’s on Mc Henry in Modesto has been in business since 1954 according to owner, Stuart Mah! That is an astounding 62 years! According to Modesto View’s very own Chris Murphy it is the oldest […]

By September 30, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Luigi’s Pizza

ChefView – Luigi’s Pizza

Chef View By Dana Johnson Like a BIG Pizza Pie… When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore!!! When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine, that’s amore!!! Yes Mo Viewers, it looks like I’m in love… it all started at Luigi’s Pizza on a warm […]

By September 25, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Eat Your Veggies

ChefView – Eat Your Veggies

Chef View By Dana Johnson Eat Your Veggies!!! With lightning speed, August is already here! From hot August nights to back to school, we can all benefit from healthy eating to give us that extra boost. We are so fortunate to live here where the 2nd largest leafy produce growers, Ratto Bros. of Modesto grows […]

By July 30, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Barking Hot Dogs

ChefView – Barking Hot Dogs

Chef View By Dana Johnson Barking Hot Dogs! Got this old song stuck in my head now; who let the dogs out, who, who?!!! No, not those kinds of dogs, but good old fashioned all-American hot dogs. Today it made no difference that I may have to hit the treadmill a couple extra hours after […]

By June 30, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Indulge Her on Mother’s Day

ChefView – Indulge Her on Mother’s Day

Chef View By Dana Johnson Indulge “Her” on Mother’s Day! Here’s to all the wonderful Mothers who go that extra mile, wear that comforting smile, and often get lost in the laundry pile! For me, I’m thinkin’ Mike’s Grillhouse and the Mother’s Day Buffet. YES! You read that correctly…Buffet is the “special” of this highly […]

By May 1, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Giddy Up at Rivi’s

ChefView – Giddy Up at Rivi’s

Chef View By Dana Johnson Giddy Up at Rivi’s! I can finally believe the great buzz I keep hearing about Oakdale’s Rivi’s. It’s not a chuck wagon, and you won’t find calf head soup or red flannel hash on the menu, but you will be able to satisfy your hearty appetite and your taste buds […]

By April 1, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Flavor of Irish

ChefView – Flavor of Irish

Chef View By Dana Johnson All in “Flavor” of Irish Luck say “I” Once upon a time there was a fanciful Leprechaun (lol, it’s me!) that could smell the aromas of corned beef swirling in the air throughout all the land (in Modesto) following the path (on McHenry), to a quaint cottage looking establishment (P. […]

By March 2, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Ralston’s Goat

ChefView – Ralston’s Goat

Chef View: On your marks, get set, Goat!!! By Dana Johnson February is the month of love and my birthday month. Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable for me to celebrate all month long! This means raising my glass and my fork on numerous occasions! Lucky for us, Modesto has a new restaurant, Ralston’s Goat! The menu is […]

By January 31, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Cleaning Up for 2016

ChefView – Cleaning Up for 2016

Chef View Happy New You! Clean Slate, Clean Plate! By Dana Johnson Happy New You! I don’t know what kind of food frenzy you were on during the holiday season but if it was anything like mine, it’s time to clean up the food act!!! 2016 gives each of us a clean slate thank goodness […]

By January 4, 2016 Read More →
ChefView – Sugar Plums Danced in My Head

ChefView – Sugar Plums Danced in My Head

Chef View By Dana Johnson Sugar Plums Danced in My Head at the Fruit Yard. The truth of the matter is that the sugar plum is not a plum at all, nor does it contain any plum-like substance. The sugar plums of Christmas fantasy are in fact sugar, and any resemblance to plums is entirely […]

By December 2, 2015 Read More →
ChefViewVicious Thanksgiving Treats

ChefViewVicious Thanksgiving Treats

Dana~licious Cooking Parties By Dana Johnson In November, I’m always reminded what I’m grateful for. I’m grateful to all of you Viewers for trusting me to guide you where all the best ‘eats’ and related culinary wonders are in our community. Thank you for trusting me to guide you to all the great eats our […]

By November 4, 2015 Read More →
ChefView – Fall Into Dessert

ChefView – Fall Into Dessert

Chef View By Dana Johnson Fall into Dessert! I tend to get a bit bummed out when I go to my favorite produce places and all of the juicy fruits of summer are scarce and temperatures start to cool. Yes, as much as I’ve enjoyed the past summer I must embrace the winds of change […]

ChefView – OPA!

ChefView – OPA!

Chef View By Dana Johnson Everybody say“OPA!” 50 Years! Greek Food Festival! “OPA!” is a Greek word that is heard often in the celebration of life. Most likely, you’ve heard the word at a restaurant (Greek or otherwise) when someone broke a plate – on purpose or unintentionally. Or you’ve heard the word at a […]

By September 6, 2015 Read More →