Dessert View
By Chris Murphy
There is nothing like fresh apple pie, except maybe a root beer float, a Hot Fudge Sundae, or maybe a Dole whip. There is just so much to love about great summer desserts. For most, this is an afterthought but for some, the intrepid picnic makers, the full sun devotees, dessert is the key part of the meal. I don’t know, dessert just tastes better in the summer, in the sun, and the flavors just explode. As we get in to our newly opened up American Summer, you really need to explore the sweeter side of life. There are some hall of fame desserts here in Modesto that fit that All-American Summer lifestyle. We even found a way to make an adult treat out of one of our faves.
Apple Pie – Mocha Magic
by Abigail Murphy
Looking for the best freshly made baked goods and delicious coffee in Downtown Modesto? Look no further than Mocha Magic at 920 16th Street! Mocha Magic, owned by head baker Maria Apodaca, is one of our favorite morning stops from the fresh croissants, to creamy lattes, to indulgent cupcakes, to yummy lunches like paninis and salads! Everything (and we mean EVERYTHING) is thought up and baked right in house delivering the freshest and most unique baked goodies you could ask for. Every season and holiday, Maria creates new flavors and recipes to make every treat feel festive and fun. This July, Maria and the Mocha Magic Team will be featuring…you guessed it…mini Apple Pies! With a delicious crumble topping (and even gluten free versions), Mocha Magic’s apple pie is exactly what you need for your perfect summer dessert. 920 16th St, Modesto 209-522-8955 @mochamagiccafe
Root Beer Float – A&W Drive In
The is one of the classic American treats and Modesto USA features of the classic retro A&W Drive Ins. You can pull up in your car and get ready to order one of the most treasured desserts, a Root Beer Float. For dining in your car or inside, you can get a chilled glass mug of the best root beer with a delicious vanillas ice cream, creating this amazing float. National root beer float day will be coming soon on August 6, but in the meantime, cruise your classic to the classic A&W for a nice cold root beer float. (don’t forget a Papa Burger) 1404 G Street, Modesto 209-522-7700 @awmodesto
Dole Whip at Graffiti Dog
One of my all-time favorite memories of Disneyland is getting the Dole Whip while we wait for the next show at the Tiki Room. Yes, that tiki tiki tiki room. The amazing creamy pineapple taste of the Dole Whip is unmistakable. And in the name of quality, you just don’t get to make Dole Whips, you have to be approved to make and serve Dole Whips. This amazing treat can be found at Graffiti Dogs on Modesto’s Historic Cruise Route at 1002 10th St Modesto 209-238-9990 @graffitidogsmodesto
But wait, there’s more.
There is only one thing that can make an already incredible Dole Whip even better, and that is rum. Yes, a nice dark rum floater. Thanks to our friends at the Ralston’s Goat, you can bring your Dole Whip over from the Graffiti Dogs, and you can buy a shot of rum and add this to your treat. Try it if you get a chance and then sit and enjoy at the Goat #spiking bar @ralstonsgoat at 10th and J Streets.
All American Sundae
A big hot fudge sundae in a pint glass. Yes friends, this is a big monster sundae, loaded with tasty vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, slathered in hot fudge and topped with a cherry. A true summer classic. Like all hot fudge sundaes, it gets better as you get closer to the bottom and in the pint glass, it is easy to eat. Enjoy at Rivets American Grill @Rivetsgrill
Honorable mentions- Chocolate dipped cones at the SnoWhite Drive In on Yosemite Blvd, the Shakes at Velvet Creamery with fresh made ice cream and virtually anything at the Ice Cream Company in Century Center.
