BarView
By Trader Murf
@tradermurfs
It is always Tiki time with Trader Murf. Modesto has a rich Tiki history and the Tiki Lounge Modesto was featured in the international “Book of Tiki” and still operates today. Since the closure of Minnie’s, Modesto has been sorely lacking a true Tiki immersion experience. We are hanging on to our Mai Tais to see what happens next.
Rivets to the rescue as they have stepped up and Trader Augie Manzani is bringing his Catalina island tiki traditions to Rivets. Growing up as a Spongebob fan, he was a regular at Luau Larrys and they always had a special vessel for each drink for the countless boaters that ventured across the waves to the island. When people wanted something strong that tastes good, a rum tiki drink is the answer.
When we heard about this, Trader Murf and the ViewCrew stepped up to help sample Augie’s Tiki sensations. Rivet’s is all in on creating a Tiki menu to tempt and please even the most jaded Tiki bar crawler like me. True to form, Augie has matched each of his drinks with it’s own vessel, making every order a delicious and high-test showpiece.
The main item is a traditional 1944 style Mai Tai. Do not confuse this vintage drink created in Oakland, Ca by “Trader” Vic Bergeron, with the “any dark rum with tropical juice” Mai Tai that is found on most cruise ships and in many bars. The Mai Tai is a work of art, white and gold aged rums, orgeat, orange Curaçao, fresh lime juice, garnished with the spent lime rind and fresh mint. This drink is amazing and it’s done right at Rivet’s.
The first thing we checked out were the key ingredients. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao and Fee Brothers Orgeat are key to great Tiki Bar. Barbancourt Haitian Rum and Mezan small batch Panama Rum, Plantation double aged dark, and even Pusser’s Rum and our old friend Myer’s take center stage. Fresh limes are the source of any lime juice, and to top it off, Rivet’s crushes their own ice into tasty chewable nuggets.
Trader Augie has worked out a special line up including the Missionary’s Downfall, made with white rum, citrus, honey and more in a clear fish. The Jungle Fish is Augie’s riff on a Jungle Bird, served in a ceramic puffer fish. Be very careful with his Painkiller, this is made with special overproofed Pusser’s Gunpowder rum, coconut, citrus and topped with nutmeg in a coconut shell. Rounding out the menu is the Tahitian Punch with light and dark rum with Grand Marnier, citrus and vanilla bean. The Surf Rat is spiced and coconut rums with citrus and overproof banana liquor.
This menu will be part of Rivet’s regular bar service and look for the occasional Tiki special. You can only hope that potstickers and SPAM may be coming soon. We are excited that this Tiki effort is happening and we hope that you will check it out and help bring Tiki back to Modesto.
Rivet’s Grill
2307 Oakdale Rd. Modesto 209-846-0501 @rivetsgrill
Open 11 am.
Ask for Trader Augie.
