By the ViewCrew
One of the most romantic places in the world is Italy and so that means that by extension one of the most romantic foods is Italian food, in particular pasta. It is said that love can be found at the end of a noodle. Just ask Lady and the Tramp. But a meal can be companionship and a meal is one of the best way to enjoy friends, lovers and families.
We are one month into 2025 and I know we got you all excited about “healthy-ish” foods in our January issue, but this month, we are carbo loading with amazing rich pasta, alfredo, marinara, and other tasty sauces for our fave romantic dishes. Heck, you don’t even need a romantic partner to be in love with a delicious bowl of pasta. So our ViewCrew spread out around the city to find some amazing pasta delights.
So let’s start with some of our Modesto faves from Chris Murphy
Firecracker excitement
If you are looking for a go to for pasta happiness, look no further than the firecracker fusilli at Fuzios. This is a taste that hits all of your senses and packs a punch with tasty fusilli cooked al dente and cradles the sauce. You are lured in with the nice smooth ginger braised pork. Mixed in some sour cream that comes on top to cool down the Fuzio special firecracker habanero pesto sauce and you have a tasty winner. This is a Modesto hall of fame. The pork is ginger smooth and the pasta is the spicy pasta pairs well with an old fashioned, where the orange and whisky compliment the firecracker flavor.
Fuzio Bistro 1020 10th St Modesto 209-557-9701 @fuziobistro
Open 11am daily, 12pm weekends
How about some creamy rich decadence?
That’s what you will find at D’Forno. First off, you can get any of their pasta entrees with your choice of pasta. I love penne pasta, but when you order the fettuccini chicken alfredo, you really need to go with the flat fettuccini noodle. This is a more creamy version than the original butter and parmesan from the original Restaurant Alfredo in Rome, but this rich sauce is a meal in itself and would be good enough. But when you add the chicken, it really puts a tasty protein in this sumptuous dish. Best of all, you can twirl the noodles and really enjoy this creamy cheesy dream. I recommend a buttery chardonnay, but some will prefer a crisper sauvignon blanc
D’forno Cocina
918 13th St, Modesto, 209-859-9094 @dfornococina
Pasta at Wildfire delivers.
If you have not been to Wildfire, you really need to check it out. Located at the corner of Oakdale and Briggsmore, this is a beautiful space with great central bar and tasty fresh tasting food. In our quest for comfort pasta, we enjoyed the Truffled Mac & Cheese. This starts with a fussily in a rich cheese sauce, with just enough truffle, but not too much. When you add the bacon and asparagus and then top with fresh parmesan, this is a great finish. Check with Melinda at the bar to see what pairing you should enjoy. A rich buttery sauce usually needs a butter chardonnay or a light red, but it’s up to you.
Wildfire Public House
1533 Oakdale Rd. Modesto 209-521-8667
@wildfiremodesto
From Abigail Power
If you’re thinking of a romantic (and delicious!) date night, Galletto Ristorante is one of the best spots in town for beautiful ambiance, top-notch food, and craft cocktails. With an entire “secondi” menu featuring pasta of all kinds from risotto to lasagna to pappardelle and more, you will find exactly what you’re looking for. Plus, pair the pasta with an appetizer of their signature meatballs with grilled ciabatta and you’ll get your very own bonafide Lady & the Tramp moment. The bar menu is extensive and naturally highlights Gallo wines and spirits from La Marca Prosecco for an evening toast to a classic Louis Martini cabernet sauvignon. You’ll leave feeling nostalgic for older times and dreaming of Italy. ViewCrew Rec: The Stray Bulleit Cocktail (bourbon, Campari, pineapple juice, passion fruit puree, honey, bitters), order of meatballs, and the classic pappardelle bolognese with beef and pork ragu and shaved parmesan – followed by a dessert affogato!
Galletto Ristorante
1101 J Street Downtown Modesto
Monday – Saturday 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
From Middagh Goodwin
The Pappardelle Al Cinghiale at Gusto Italiano is an authentic taste sensation for those with an adventurous palette. It is prepared with homemade egg pasta and locally sourced lean wild boar meat, served in a deliciously authentic Italian tomato sauce. It is topped with grated parmesan and fresh oregano and is served on a bed of greens. They have live music on Sunday afternoons, expanded seating, and by the time you are reading this, they should have a full bar. Make your Valentine’s reservation today. Gusto Italiano 3948 Sylvan Ave. Ste. 307, Modesto Check their Facebook for hours and who is performing @gustoitaliano
From Steve Perry
Cia Bella Babe! Pasta dishes are cornerstone at Cia Bella. The View Crew enjoyed three. The Spicy Salmon and Prawns, with ample salmon and prawns, and yes a little zip of spice, in a delicious marinara. Great for a big appetite, a second meal to go for the less hungry. Do you like clams and mussels? A truly delicious and beautiful presentation of perfectly cooked clams and mussels tossed in linguine and a butter/wine broth. Reminds us of coastal dining where you can see the ocean. Finally, a special dish, veal scallopini over pasta. The pasta is the special part as it is not normally served this way. Of course the veal is tender and cooked to a marvelous perfection and the pasta really brought it home.
Ciao Bella
2401 E. Orangeburg Ave, Modesto Monday-Saturday 5-10pm 209-521-2426
@ciaobellaristo
These are just a few of our pasta faves. What are yours? Please post your pasta pics and #modestoview so we can share or email us at info@modestoview.com<mailto:info@modestoview.com> or DM @Modestoview on the socials. #eatlocal
