FoodView
By Chris Murphy
Fire and Brew Gets Cooking!
Back in 1984 Rich Loudermilk and his friend Steve Perry were working at Angelo’s Market Bakery and it was all high school fun. Little did Rich know then, that he would still be making and serving delicious food to this day. A degree from Fresno State and a long career in food service helped him gain experience with Sysco and US Foods. Rich and his wife Christina would later open multiple Round Table Pizzas in the Sonora area, which they still has today. The Loudermilks are a great local family, involved in our community and Christine serves in Omega Nu. Three years ago they would open up a Buckhorn Grill at the main entrance of Vintage Faire Mall. This was a risky move that has proved successful, even through COVID. Now in 2021, they are fully independent with their own Fire and Brew Pub with a great new expanded menu. He has survived the disaster of the COVID pandemic, making it through with loyal customers and curbside service. Rich is grateful for those that supported him during these times and is excited for the new menu and safe in-restaurant dining and service experience.
This is a fresh new start, with many of the favorites still featured with open flame grilling and quality smoked BBQ, like the ribs, smoked meats and the pulled pork. These are now the foundation of a new expanded menu that features more pasta dishes. Over the last year, comfort food has made a big comeback and these delicious tastes can be found with their special Mac and Cheese dishes. There are three featured versions; the Dirty Mac with bacon, the Piggy Mac with pulled pork and the Beefy with TriTip. These are delicious and decadent and our view crew demolished all that we were served. Long time regular customer Chris Chavez is really enjoying the new menu and his go-to is the Piggy Mac and his bar seat was his spot to enjoy Fire and Brew. “The food has always good here and I really like the new items and the place is friendly”, said Chris.
My favorites of the day were their Philly Cheesesteak, nice thin sliced steak, peppers and cheese and their Cowboy Burger, an amazing western style bacon cheeseburger with onion rings that is super delicious. For those favoring something a bit lighter, there is a large Cobb salad that will really satisfy and a tasty Caesar that can be “plussed” with some grilled chicken. From their house made potato skins and meat by the pound, there are so many options, but not too many where the menu is too complicated.
“Family Friendly” is one of the key goals at Fire and Brew. There are sports on the many TVs, there is a great bar area so people can wait while others shop and during April, there will be a Kids Eat Free” program.
Ed Newman, the restaurant manager has a full career of experience from turning around local Taco Bell’s do managing food service at the largest truck stops. “Great food has to be delivered with great quality and service” said Ed. Judging by the service at Fire and Brew, his management is paying off with beautiful plating and prompt and friendly service.
With all of this talk of food, your thirst will notice immediately there is a full bar. Now friends, I can’t tell you how important this is when faced with a mall shopping experience. How does one say “essential” in 10 languages? The menu must be explored in detail. You do not want to miss the custom drink menu and their daily specials, like Tapped Apple Tuesdays, daily Happy Hours, Thursday Pint nights, and more to come as re-opening moves along.
Fire and Brew is very easy to find, it is big but still feels cozy and there are great spaces for date-night dining as well as family seating. From the minute you walk in, the service will welcome you and the food and drink will bring you back. Before you go, scan the QR code and become a VIP. Give it a try and let us know what you think.
Fire and Brew Pub
3401 Dale Rd, Ste 654
Across from the Apple Store
Modesto, Ca 95350
209-857-3905
www.firenbrew.com
@fireandbrew
Hours: 11:30 – 8 daily – til 9 on Fri & Sat
