ChefVIEW By Dana Johnson

Delighted by Dream Dinners

For February, you are the chef! With the month of love upon us and Valentine’s Day full of possibilities, Dream Dinners has the right idea! The ultimate romantic dinner just may be in your own home. Dream Dinners is a unique concept developed by two women who wrote the book The Hour That Matters Most, dinner! Dream Dinners was designed to reduce time shopping, chopping, set-up, and clean-up while still achieving savory mealsthat are compliant with the American Heart Association. The concept is simple, view the 17 delicious menu selections for the month online www.dreamdinners.com/modesto, sign up a session, place your order, come in to assemble you’re your Dream Dinner, take it home and prepare it fresh in under 30 minutes! Viola’! The cooking instructions are no-brainers; even a ‘blank’ could make it! Once a month dinner shopping, while saving time and money, I say yes to that!

Carla Ciccarelli opened Dream Dinners five years ago in Modesto. She and her husband Greg also have Ciccarelli Jewelers of Modesto for 21 years. Carla has been a “foodie” her whole life, she’s a mother of three, and has a business degree from the University of Nevada. More than all that, Carla has a dedication and passion that welcomes you from the moment you walk through her door. Her staff is warm, friendly, and most accommodating according to Jennifer Giblin of Oakdale and loyal customer for the past 2 years. Jennifer is a single mom on the move, who relies on Dream Dinners for meals her children enjoy eating, that are healthy and convenient. Plus Jennifer loves the affordable monthly variety of choices especially the pastas and seafood.

Whether you plan on celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special someone or it’s going to be a family and friends’ affair, Dream Dinners is like having your own personal sous chef in your kitchen! Create the mostromantic dinner in the privacy of your own home, no reservation needed, choose your own music, take the worry out of driving as you raise your glass of fave spirits, and delight in your Dream Dinner.

Decisions, decisions! Butternut raviolis with caramelized onions or herb crusted flank steak? Then again, I haven’t had a tasty chicken with lemon and artichoke sauce in awhile! Make cooking time a fun time! Bringing couples closer together and families back to the dinner table!

So Carla, Beatles or Stones? She was so not excepting the question, her initial response was one of awwww and Oh wow! With slight hesitation she said Beatles for the easy listening but I could totally see her rocking out at a Stones concert with me!

Dream Dinners 4048 Dale Road #201 Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 543-9333

Bask in Basque

Cuisine at Gerversoni’s

Bask by definition: To expose oneself to pleasant warmth. Basque Cuisine by definition of Gary Gervasoni: Simple food. Finding both of them together right here inModesto at Gervasoni’s restaurant since 1975. From the moment I walked in from the back alley entrance I had the instant sense of something special. I wasgreeted by Gary Gervasoni, original owner and general manager, like I was already an old friend. The décor is reminiscent of simpler days gone by, giving an open invitation to relax and enjoy. If you let your eyes travel throughout the full bar and restaurant you will see and feel inspiring nostalgia.

Gary Gervasoni at the smooth age of 73 was born in Patterson, moved to Modesto @ age 21 where he began as a bartender. Gary and his wife Myrna have 2 children they raised while building their successful restaurant establishment. Gary has done a bit of everything including cooking, dishes, and bussing tables as he wasborn into the restaurant business, including Sno-White Drive-In and his parent’s place The Ranch. One of his fave pastimes is taking out his 42’ trawler boat in the SF bay while enjoying a vodka cocktail. He has many close friends that also enjoy going to SF major sports events. Yes, Gary is a Giants fan, (Let’s Go Oakland!!!), but he did attend all of the A’s World Series games in the past. Gary also travels to his cabin for some R&R in the mountains near Pinecrest. I asked Gary where he sees himself in 5 years, he answered “If I’m not here I don’t know where the hell I’ll be!” Love that!

WayneKimura, at the loose age of 55, has been the head chef since Oct. 2009. He is single and a golfer. Wayne is also a sports enthusiast interested in Nascar, basketball, and football. If Wayne wasn’t a chef he could see himself a race car driver as he raced go-carts 30+ years ago. When Wayne isn’t swamped in the kitchen he likes socializing with the patrons also known as friends sampling on a Corona or a Patron tequila. His fave cut of steak would be meaty 20oz. rib eye. He never attended culinary school but he is great at duplicating the previous chef’s original recipes still on the menu. Chef Pierre was with Gervasoni’s for 20+ years before his passing. Tony Ratley is the line cook working in sync with Wayne. Tony has created an original mango salsa over swordfish for the menu that gets regular rave reviews.

Gervasoni’s has a lunch and dinner menu. The lunch menu serves many farmers and the portions are nothing shy of huge! The dinner menu is all family style including bread, soup, and salad! On Wed. and Thurs. it’s Basque Night! Along with the entrée choices such as steak, lobster, duck, lamb, and more you will be served bread, soup, salad, veggies, macaroni salad, lamb stew, pigs feet, french fries, and beans! Thinking the elastic waistband pants would be a good choice as I’d have to try it all! For my dining experience I was treated to the Chicken Jerusalem, tender chicken breast pieces, artichoke hearts, and a savory cream wine sauce with a mixed veggies and pilaf rice. Wonderful!

1^st Wayne: Beatles or Stones? “I like country music, I don’t listen to that” I said “really?” he nodded yes & I had to put him in a headlock.

2^nd Gary: Beatles or Stones? “Neither one.” Shaking his head slowly I noticed some sweet jazz playing in the background, so Gary was spared as we both delighted in a conversation about Fats Domino, Lil’ Richard, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Cash.

From their Frog Legs, Sand Dabs, Sautéed Sweet Bread, and daily specials you won’t find so many culinary wonders all in one place anywhere close to what they have to offer Modesto’s dining cliental. Dine well at Gervasoni’s, I’ll see you there!

By Dana Johnson Modesto View Food/Dining Expert

Email: askDana@live.com

FB: Dana’s Family Kitchen

Youtube.com (Dana’s Family Kitchen)

FOX40 every 3^rd Mon. 9:45 am Dana’s cooking segment

www.fuzio.com

JAX On H is comfortable and intimate, bringing a hip new vibe to the ever discerning 209. Funky décor, attention to service & friendly staff provide an enjoyable, hip setting for any occasion. WWW.JaxModesto.Com

Galletto Ristorante is the located in the heart of Modesto’s downtown. Offering a rustic Northern Italian menu, a variety of private dining settings, and an unparalleled wine selection, Galletto Ristorante is a truly unique experience. Convenient for private and professional events. WWW.Galletto.Biz