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. Wexford’s Pub!) to satisfy more than a whim, (a major St. Patrick’s Day Party experience!), where everyone is Irish (at least for a day!) Step into the folktale and let the shenanigans begin!
Imagine the smile upon my face when asked; Do you want to “Get Lucky”, “Kilt It”, and encounter a “Dublin Donkey”? Yes, yes, and yes! Blushing, these are some of the specialty cocktails on the bar menu at P. Wexford’s Pub for festive St. Patty’s Day season. On March 17th you will also find green beer, Guinness Girls, Irish whiskey and beer reps doing promotional giveaways all day long! The doors open at 11am for this 14-hour bright green extravaganza! Music starts a 2pm. 2 bands and 2 DJ’s outside, and Rattle & Hum will be playing inside! $10 cover charge starts at 2pm and increases through the night, so get there early!
P. Wexford’s Pub (PWP) opened 18 years ago, which is an incredible feat for the restaurant business. Owner, Roman Wagner has also brought Modesto the Boardroom and Rivets. PWP has 2 veteran managers since 2006 Ron Hurst and Stephanie Dillon, which certainly explains the consistent stellar experience you will have each time you visit. Both are natives of Modesto. Stephanie was gracious with her time and answering my questions while still tending to all her patrons first, respectfully! She is married, 2 children ages 5 & 8, likes Mc Henry Bowl, Dewz, Minnie’s, & Nino’s. She told me the best about PWP is “It’s like a local ‘Cheers’ bar where everyone is friends & if you’re not, you will make new ones!”
Savoring the best for last, the food! OMG the carnivore in me was drooling, lip licking, & yes, scarfing! Corned beef and bacon together, melted cheese, garlic fries & more melted cheese, yes you read it correctly, soooooo Dana~licious! Try an Irish melt burger with onion slaw & sautéed cabbage on marbled rye or Shepheard’s Pie with ground lamb and Guinness stew topped with mashed potatoes, sour cream, and shredded cheddar, you’ll thank me! St. Patty’s Day menu has a 12 choice menu full of Irish favs! Enjoy traditional corned beef & cabbage, hoagies, wraps and Rueben’s galore!
*Big special thank you to DAYDREAMS & NIGHTMARES for the Leprechaun costume! Reserve your rental now or shop for some festive accessories!
Modesto View signature question Beatles or Stones? Stephanie, Beatles. Before smacking her with my shillelagh stick, she said “classics” and still popular from back in the day as her father in law is a huge fan, I could tell she simply needs to join me at a Stones concert to get it!
P. Wexford’s
3313 Mc Henry Ave.
Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 576-7939
Dana~licious original limerick & recipe;
If you see rainbows in pots of gold
alongside the whiskey river where the green beer flows,
that means you’ve had too many shots of gold!
Recipe:
Dana~licious original fav corned beef sandwich!
Grilled soughdough bread
Thin sliced lean corned beef
Arugula
Havarti dill cheese
Yellow mustard
My mantra, minimal ingredients, max flavor!
