Modesto

 One of the biggest roles that I have in this family, as I was reminded by Mama Hungry today, is to be the official guinea pig of the family when it comes to new and new to us restaurants in the city. One that I have been dying to try is Modesto. I've come to think of Rocca as the upscale version of Lit, and in my head it would seem that Modesto would be an upscale Izzo's. 

Since this isn't a restaurant that the Hungry fam as a whole would try outright together, I knew I was going to have to find a friend or more to join me. I've been waiting for a Tuesday to present itself as all tacos are $3 on Tuesdays, and it worked out that one of our friends who did not join us for our Mule Monday Crew at Overpass Merchant last night was available tonight to join me! 

Since we went straight from work, we hit Modesto not too long after 5 which was still in time for some happy hour specials. One thing we learned for next time, make a reservation. While we got lucky and were able to get a table on their cute, heated outside patio, it was still a chilly day here in the 225. And we would have been bummed if we would have had to pivot after finally making some time to hit this place up. 

We started with the dip trio, which is queso, guacamole, and either black or refried beans. Bonus? It's only $10 during happy hour, and makes for a lovely presentation.

I would like the board and cups these came in, please. TOO CUTE!

It was totally worth it! The salsa (that comes when you sit) was amazing, and spicy. When our trio arrived, I instantly went in for the queso which was tasty, and also spicy. I'm not a fan of guac, but my friend is so that was all hers. The beans were all mine, and I was mentally preparing for those to surprise me and be spicy too (they were not). 

Next up, tacos! All tacos are $3 in honor of taco Tuesday. I opted for 2 tacos since I couldn't decide which one I wanted: the Pescado Baja (fried catfish, cabbage, roasted corn salsa, avocado and crema) and the Cabo Shrimp (grilled or fried shrimp - I got fried - mango pico, avocado, and crema) 

Things I need more of in my life? That mango pico. Y'all, it was delicious! Also, the fried catfish on the other taco was heavenly. It was crispy, but not super crispy, so you still could really taste the flavor of the catfish with the cabbage and the roasted corn salsa. Roasted corn salsa, also something I could use more of in my life. 

Since my friend and I had lots to catch up on, I decided we needed a dessert. I ordered the white chocolate bread pudding and while I shouldn't eat an entire portion of this by myself, I would willingly make myself sick if I needed to in order to finish. 

That's a big kid portion of white chocolatey, bready, caramelly, whiskey sauced goodness. It was so soft and not super spongy like some bread puddings are. It was very light and hot in the middle, which was quite welcome being outside on this cool night. Add to the list of things I need more of in my life, the whiskey sauce. I might start campaigning they need to sell it by the bottle. 

Modesto is a place that really just gets you (as evidenced by the sign below in the ladies restroom). When I listed all of the things I need in my life more, I believe they are best summed up by saying I need more Modesto. Guess I better start keeping my Tuesdays clear.