By Chris Murphy and the ViewCrew
“Once you put bacon in a salad, it just becomes a game of find the bacon.”
“It’s that good. If you put bits of bacon, on bacon, you could travel back in time”. Jim Gaffigan
We are all about the bacon this month. As the world braces for pumpkin spice fall tsunami, we wrap our senses around a food that is the object of desire, is celebrated in songs, and is the magic ingredient, even for a donut. Bacon is probably the most celebrated food out there, with cheese in second place. Bacon for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, we have it all for you here and our ViewCrew spread out across the city to bring you a variety to go check out for yourself.
Modesto is also home to the annual BaconFest, this year on September 7th in Downtown Modesto. There are all things bacon, from bacon ice cream to pork belly decadence. There will be bands, music, fun, drinks and a multitude of bacon choices like bacon pizza, bacon funnel cakes, bacon oysters and so much more. Don’t miss the cornhole tournament and the piglet races! I Street at 11th. 11am – 8 pm
www.modestobaconfest.com/
But what happens when BaconFest is over? Well, there are tasty bacon treats all over Modesto and here are just a few of the things you can find. Our ViewCrew really sacrificed themselves to go taste these for you. So don’t dilly dally, go check out the bacon.
The 80/20 Burger – Rivets American Grill
There are a million burgers that have bacon on them. But how many burgers do you know where the burger IS bacon. Our friends at Rivets have actually made the burger patty with 20% bacon, so that means there is more room for your other fave adds. Don’t miss out on the fries, cocktails and all of the other treats from Rivets on Oakdale.
Killer Bacon – Green’s at Modesto Farmer’s Market
This is carmelized mapleized hand-cut super-thick baked bacon on a stick for easy eating and transport. What else do you need to know? May be one of the best tasting things ever. Seriously, I may/allegedly have eaten more than 20 of these at one time. Green’s on 10th by preorder, or at the Modesto Farmer’s Market on Thursdays and Saturdays until it’s gone .
www.greensontenth.com
Mac and Bacon – Fuzio Bistro
Decadent! Hickory smoked bacon, smothered in garlic cream, gruyere, cambazola and aged parmesan all mixed with perfectly cooked orecchiette pasta. This is a crazy rich dish and is more than enough for a meal. Fuzio’s pastas are always on point and you will be enjoying a new menu beginning in September.
Gorgonzola Bacon Burger – Fuzio Bistro
If you haven’t guessed by now, when you combine bacon and cheese it is over the top. Especially the rich and tangy taste of gorgonzola cheese, melted with thick slices of bacon a top a burger slathered with caramelized onions and chipotle mayo. I sliced mine in half so I could start over again on the second half.
Fuzio Bistro
1010 10t Street, Modesto 209-557-9711
@fuziobistro
From Harrison Power
Pepper Jacked Club – Food Fix Butcher & Baker
Any sandwich with bacon on it is a good option, and the only thing to make it better…is more bacon – cut to the Pepper Jacked Club at Food Fix. Between two pieces of scratch made focaccia you have your turkey, lettuce, pepper jack cheese for a kick, Crispy Honey Pepper Bacon, and Bacon Mayo! The honey pepper bacon is the star of the sandwich, and extra bacon in the mayo just brings it all home. Paired with an awesome side of your choice, you can’t go wrong with this spin on a classic!
938 11th Street – Modesto
@foodfixbutcherandbaker
by Harrison Power @historyharrison
From Abigail Power
Killer Kobb- Food Fix
We can all agree that the best ingredient of a salad is…well…bacon. The Killer Kobb at Food Fix is a great way to enjoy a “lighter” fare and sneak i some delicious bacon, too! They have an amazing selection of pork items at Food Fix, but the Kobb salad is a standout item that’s protein-packed with sous vide chicken breast, sharp white cheddar cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, organic hard-boiled egg, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and choice of dressing. ViewCrew loves it with Bleu Cheese dressing!
Food Fix Butcher and Baker
938 11th Street – Modesto
@foodfixbutcherandbaker
Giant Bloody Mary with Bacon and Grilled Cheese
A Bloody Mary alone packs a punch with spice and a kick, but top it off with a grilled cheese and BACON? Now that’s a drink fit for a bacon lover that’s looking for a little more than your average cocktail. The Bloody Mary Mix is homemade and hits all the spots, but you can feel the love in this treat and it’s a go-to for your hearty brunch. While you’re there, try the other bacon favorites like the Harvest Club, Dinah Burger, Frenchie Burger, Breakfast Sandwich, or classic Neil’s Toss for an epic bacon experience from start to finish.
Harvest Moon
1213 I Street – Modesto
@harvestmoondomo
From Middagh Goodwin.
The Perfect BLT – Picasso’s Deli
Come for the food and stay for the art. Picasso’s Deli’s BLT sandwich is an extraordinary culinary experience. The sandwich features a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Salty, savory bacon, cooked to crispy perfection, melds seamlessly with the bright, tangy notes of fresh, juicy tomato slices. Crisp, refreshing lettuce adds a satisfying crunch and a subtle, fresh contrast. These delightful ingredients are lovingly embraced by two slices of perfectly grilled sourdough bread, its slightly charred exterior giving way to a soft, chewy interior. The bread is spread with just the right amount of creamy mayo, adding a subtle richness that ties all the flavors together without overpowering them. I suggest getting the pesto pasta as a side.
Picasso’s Deli
963 10th St, Modesto, CA 95354
@picassosdeli
From MJ Mangano
Bacon and Pickle Pizza – Wildfire
Now for something completely different. The savory crunch of bacon pairs delightfully with the tangy zest of pickles, creating a bold flavor explosion on pizza. Sounds like a strange combination, but the crispy bacon adds a satisfying texture, while the pickles bring a refreshing contrast, every bite offers a perfect balance of salty and sour. Pairs well with a cocktail, maybe with a pickle back? You must try this.
Wildfire Public House
1533 Oakdale Rd, Modesto 209-521-8667
@wildfiremodesto
And for desert?
Twisted Bacon Cheesecake – Twisted Pig
What a way to finish your bacon quest. Pretty much everything at Twisted Pig is built around pork belly and bacon so why stop now? This Twisted cheesecake is a decadent fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The creamy, rich cheesecake base is crowned with crispy, smoky bacon that adds a satisfying crunch. A luscious drizzle of sweet bourbon syrup cascades over the top, perfectly complements the salty bacon and velvety cheesecake.
Twisted Pig Bar & Grill
2717 Coffee Rd, Modesto 209-846-9461
@twistedpigbarandgrill
Hope you enjoyed this mini-tour. Needless to say there are so many other tasty treats out there. Please share your favorite bacon treats with us @modestoview
See you out and about.