By Abigail Power
It’s that time of the year! Almond Blossom season is here and local restaurants and cafes are embracing our Central Valley treasure, the almond! Though I’m cursed with an allergy to the delicious nut and couldn’t try the treats, my husband and I ventured to discover the delicious delights that our favorite spots have to share.
Something Sweet
Now, you can find almond milk in almost any cafe, but one cafe in town is embracing the almond in MANY ways that are sure to get you in the Almond Blossom spirit. Aside from their delicious almond milk lattes and coffee treats, Mocha Magic has two almond treats that stand out above the rest. You can enjoy and Almond Joy Blended Mocha! A reminder of your favorite candy bar and a blast of caffeine is the perfect start to your day or a delicious dessert wind down. My husband’s personal favorite is the Honeybee Pastry. With two layers of delicious pastry and a creamy filling, the honey almond top with a dusting of powdered sugar gives the crunch and flavor that brings out the nutiness of the almonds and tastiness of the season! Plus, they have delicious French macarons made with almond flour in new flavors every week!
Try Mocha Magic today and remember that every they make is baked in house and has fast and friendly service to start your day on a wonderful, nutty note!
Mocha Magic 920 16th St Modesto 209-522-8955 @mochamagic Open 6:30 am weekdays and 8 am Sat.
Something Savory
After a morning enjoying treats at Mocha Magic, it’s time for some delicious restaurant specialties from Fuzio Universal Bistro! Fuzio has a wonderful, diverse menu that has something for everyone, but during almond blossom season Chef Fuzio likes to showcase fresh fish dishes with local almond crumbles and crusts. Year round, you can get amazing treats that highlight the local nut, like the Pan Seared Brussel Sprouts and Red Quinoa Pilaf, both made with local almonds!
The brussel sprouts are sticky and gooey with delicious bacon and Sciabica balsamic and the crunch of the almond rounds off a perfect appetizer. The Red Quinoa Pilaf is a healthy dish featuring spinach, mushrooms, feta, and of course local almonds. Finish off the meal with the delicious coffee or cocktail (Pear of Dice or Fuziotinis are our personal favorite!) and enjoy a night supporting local business and agriculture.
Fuzio 1020 10th St Modesto 209-557-9711 @fuziobistro 11 – 9 pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri till 10.
