85312 Sun Jan 11 19:37:21 -0800 2004 4 3 California 0 472048 I'm travelling to Modesto in February - would appreciate any dining suggestions for dinner, upscale, especially seafood. Would also like to try great out-of-the-way spots, if there's anything worthwhile. Thanks in advance! Sun Jan 11 19:37:21 -0800 2004 0 Foodboy 1 472049 Have you ever seen American Graffiti? It was filmed in Modesto. If this doesn't mean anything, my apologies. But if you have and relate to this take a ride down 4th Street or, just outside of town, Paradise Road. Not that it matters but with 41 "pack years" I smoked my last cigarette ever there 15 years ago. Where John Milner turned his car over. Sun Jan 11 20:32:40 -0800 2004 472048 0 Joe H. 2 472053 Actually it was about Modesto but mostly was filmed in Petaluma. Sun Jan 11 23:02:13 -0800 2004 472049 0 Tom Hall 1 472054 For seafood, Oceana is your best single bet in Modesto though many others will offer one- two specials, e.g. 1505, Tresetti's and possibly Galletto's. For small plates, consider the place in my link. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/85228#471669 Sun Jan 11 23:06:33 -0800 2004 472048 0 Tom Hall 1 479378 If there is still time to read this before your trip, I can recommend a few restaurants. OUT OF THE WAY: For Mexican seafood, alta cocina style there is a casual but fantastic restaurant in Turlock, 15 mins. south, called Taqueria Mi Casa at 624 N Golden State Blvd, (about 20 mins from Modesto). The chef-owner has culinary training, which is unusual for a Mexican restaurant. Order the shrimp mojcahetes (forgive my spelling). IN TOWN NICE: For upscale there are several awesome places downtown, Hazels on 12th St., Chao Bella on H street, Oceana on 13th St. (someone also mentioned that), 15-0-5 on J Street, Gallettos on J Street, and Porto Fino (Italian) on McHenry Ave. and also Dewz Restaurant on I St. All these are very good and have fine chefs, excellent atmosphere and service AND good coffee. OUT OF THE WAY: For a laid back seafood experience, try Farmers Catfish House at 4937 Beckwith Rd...it's a barn-atmosphere but really, really good food. I think they serve food on pie tins and you eat on picnic tables (have never had a bad anything there). Toward the mall area of town, south about 5 mins, there are all the normal chains, Mimis, Johnny Carinos, Elephant Bar, Chilis, Red Lobster, Hungry Hunter, Applebee's, Sizzler, Fresh Choice, Home Town Buffet. (boring but safe) If you are in town on Sunday, try church at Heart of the Valley at 14th & H at 9:30 am. Couldn't hurt! Thu Feb 10 18:17:52 -0800 2005 472048 0 D Miller