By the ViewCrew
Lofi Labs Dining
ModestoView readers know that we love downtown, especially areas that are beautiful, fun and exciting. J Street, between 13th and 14th has got to be one of our favorites zones in town. Lauren Jameson has been working on the LoFi Labs dream for the last couple of years and now she has hit the mark with a beautiful new dining experience. Attached to LoFi Labs bar, home of amazing craft cocktails, is sexy blue space, with innovative food by Chef Nathan Heese, formerly of Concetta and Ripon Social. The food is truly inspired and long-time Concetta fans will see some familiar treats with some new variations and creations. So, this is a pretty good way to start. Lauren says she is a kitchen girl through and through, but she has turned this over to Chef Heese.
Lauren and her mom Ginevra wanted to create a beautiful space for dining and socializing and have succeeded. Lauren and Heather Collins have been doing this since day one, and with the addition of bar ace and co-owner Shawna Love, they have created something magic with detailed craft drinks and a whole new dining experience. Lush velvet seating, cool lighting and great window seats are just the start.
Chef Nathan really wanted to make the food an experience, and really craft each plate along with sous Chef, Justin Pond. Both are culinary school trained and have worked in the Modesto market and wanted to do something special. Lauran, Justin and Nathan all grew up in families that cooked together where food was part of their family culture and the LoFi menu show it. We were treated to the new fall menu that is available now. Watching this team in the kitchen was impressive as the kitchen is tight, efficient and great teamwork is necessary.
First off, we enjoyed a deep fried rice cake Poke appetizer, served as a 4-piece, topped with avocado, jalepeno and black sesame seeds. These are so popular, people want entrée sized orders of these. For our second, we enjoyed the amazing and decadent butternut squash raviolis. Full stop, these are some of the best ever. Concetta fans will recognize these with a new LoFi update, perfectly cooked in brown butter and now topped with hazelnuts and sage. This should be first on your fall flavors list. For the main, we enjoyed a 12 oz New York steak, thin-cooked in a maple bourbon sauce, and sliced over candied carrots. Perfectly cooked and fun to eat. You need to pair this up with a Manhattan or a full red. This is just a teaser of the new fall menu.
If you are asked about dessert, say yes to the fruit shortbread. Baked daily and covered with Grand Marnier soaked peaches and house whipped cream. The shortbread is perfect and is not too sweet. Perfect finish for dinner and another LoFi cocktail. Lauran and Paloma are also working on a mousse flight of dark, milk and white chocolate and other sweet finishes.
ModestoView tip, you should not miss the special chilled Carlo Rossi carafe of Burgundy. Seriously. Super-secret tip, ask for it Marci style. They also have a Chablis that will take you right back to the 70s. Don’t fret, the wine list has been crafted with the help of Paul Tremayne and has something for the picky palate .
LoFi is an experience, the new fall menu is live, the cocktails are crafted in LoFi Labs bar and guest are invited to relax, explore the menu and enjoy. But wait, there’s more.
You can’t go to the Lab, without trying the special Halloween “Creepshow” menu, complete with haunted drinks like the Blood Bath, Creature of the Lagoon and ghoulish bloody teriyaki meatballs. There will be special theme events and a special Halloween ball during October. Shawna also hosts cocktail making lessons that sell out quickly.
This is also a music live place, jazz dinners, DJs, art films, and they support the local arts and are open to new experiences. Look for theme nights and follow them on Instagram. LoFi is open Wednesdays – Saturdays 5 – 9 (sometimes later)
Enjoy and tell your friends.
Dinner by LoFi
1323 J Street, Modesto
209-550-9032
@dinnerbylofi
