Food View
By Chris Murphy
I have been a fan of The Boardroom since it was a blueprint many years ago. I have had many a cocktails, great lunches and even had our first May the 4th Celebration there. Owner Roman Wagner is one of the best in our region about creating a theme for a dining and drinking experience. The Boardroom has just experienced a re-start, taking advantage of the COVID closure on and has now emerged as a new classic cocktail lounge and restaurant. The difference is obvious the minute you walk in. New comfy couches, cool tables, and a vibe that speaks “legit cocktails” and great new pictures of Sinatra, Dino, Marilyn and more. Like many other businesses, this complicated time has forced many businesses to rethink their plans and this was a perfect time to get back to the basics, the classics, the premier cocktails and revamp the menu.
My first move when walking in to the Boardroom is ordering a Manhattan that manager David Eclevia quickly made with expertise. With the hand-made fresh ingredients, the craft cocktail is really accessible. “I want to make enjoying craft cocktails easy and less pretentious. They flavors should speak for themselves”, David explains. I agreed and checked out his custom cocktail prep station with fresh rosemary and cranberries, my favorite cherries and all the key ingredients at his fingertips. One of the really cool offerings is the cocktail “flight”. This is served on a cool drink tree and can either be a great progressive taste flight featuring different gin and tonic drinks for example, or a great way to present cocktails to your group. Other great ideas are the K.I.S.S with tequila and pineapple liqueur and the Don’t Tell made with vodka, blackberry, lime and basil. But don’t let this amazing cocktail menu fool you, you can still get a rum and coke or a Coors Light.
The big new announcement is that the kitchen is back in full gear and is open until midnight. One of my favorite things to enjoy in town is the Boardroom Fondue and I am so glad that it is back. This is the perfect winter treat with rich chardonnay and gruyere with fresh bread. Home run. Ryan “Hondo” Johnson has delivered some amazing new entrees and samplers and a special new 10 hour cooked short rib that finds its way onto tacos and other dishes. There is a beautiful Caprese salad, a seriously decadent grilled cheese and a short ribs and Brussels sprouts entrée as well.
What about late night dessert and cocktails? They have you covered with a variety of cheesecakes and holiday drinks. They also make sure they take care of the designated driver with a menu of mocktails so all can have a good time and get home safe.
During COVID, they are practicing safe serving, mask and distancing guidelines and look forward to next year as they have some Moet and Hennessy events planned and want to get the entertainment schedule back to the way it was before. My band has played the Boardroom before, and it is always a fun time.
Please keep an eye out for the different restriction guidelines, but you need to find your way to the “new classic” Boardroom this holiday season. Their patio is located on the 16th St side and they are very easy to find at 16th and J Streets. Perfect place for a happy hour or holiday stop off.Let’s support our local restaurants and enjoy the amazing culinary talent we have in our community.
The Boardroom
1528 J Street, Modesto
@theboardroom209
Hours: Wed – Sat 5 pm to Midnight
209-409-8665
