Chef View
By Chris Murphy
Photos by MJ Mangano
Nobody’s got Ralston’s Goat
One of my favorite places in Modesto is the corner of 10th and J. This means downtown to me, it is the epicenter. 10th St just has some magic to it as the site of our legendary cruising and the cruise route, but all of the tasty places to eat, drink and enjoy being a part of this city. This is really what it’s all about, enjoying food and drink with your friends, sitting on a patio and watching the city go by. Ralston’s Goat has really become one of those places where you can hang out with friends, feel like you are in the middle of our city and enjoy friendly cocktails and amazing food. Owner Mike Shelton has worked really hard to make sure that every one feels like family at “The Goat”.
A former bar owner, The Goat is his first restaurant and this month, Mike and Chef Gil Alfaro have launched an amazing new menu, that has been crafted over the last year with experimenting and feedback from diners and we couldn’t be more excited. What you will find are some tasty new specialties, some excellent staples, new creative salads and a special focus on vegan options that will wow your taste buds featuring a Beyond Burger that goes head to head with the traditional burger. You have to try it to believe it.
The award-winning Chef Gil is one of those chefs that will try anything and see how it goes. I am a frequent recipient of his taste tests and this new menu delivers big time. I love salmon, and he is presenting a salmon with a creamy lemon caper sauce with sautéed Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes. Pair this with a Chardonnay and it is game time. For traditional meat lovers, there is a Baha Mi Asian spiced Tri-Tip sandwich, an amazing Ribeye and one of the fan faves, the Ralston’s Burger. If you are trying to keep it light or low carb the BLT salad is a great option, and the Ocean Salad features scallops and even octopus and there is a spicy grilled sole over veggies. These are some really bold additions and then new menu is well thought out and has something for everyone. Have no fear, some of your favorites are still there like Mom’s Rigatoni Bolegnese that are a home run every time. The kitchen has a really good flow and Chef Gil has the support of Eddie Pena and the team to make it all go well.
Mike is a believer in getting involved and supporting the arts and music community and regularly participates in 3rd Thurdsay Art Walk, Music in the Plaza, Rockin Holiday and features local musicians and comedians most all Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a special Sunday Funday on the patio featuring their loaded Bloody Marys, Irish coffees, full brunch menu and music.
Check out Ralston’s Goat and become part of the regular family and I hope you enjoy this corner as much as I do. As Mike and I were chatting on the patio, sipping a cocktail, I asked him our traditional question. Beatles or Stones? Mike said, “no question, Beatles”. I knew I liked this place.
Ralston’s Goat
1001 J St. Modesto
209-549-9413
Hours 11am -12 am T-Th Till 2am F&Sat Sunday 9 am-5pm
Facebook: facebook.com/RalstonsGoat
