recipe
A Culinary Delight in Modesto – Verona Cucina Italiana
Attending a birthday party in Modesto at Verona Cucina Italiana Restaurant and what a delicious evening with food and wine. While knowing the owner and executive chef, Jaime Alderete from the Verona18 at Copper Valley, had not ventured to have a meal at the Modesto location. Here they feature some exquisite dishes from Northern Italy. They are located at 1700 McHenry Avenue in the shopping center.
Photo from Verona Cucina website
Jaime and his wife Edwarda opened the restaurant in 1999. Jaime has been in the restaurant business since he was 18 years old with experience starting out as a busser. He quickly realized his culinary calling. Starting out preparing salads and then years of tutelage from top chefs from San Francisco to Sacramento he started his own kitchen. This then culminated with the opening of Verona Cucina in Modesto.
While the purpose of the evening was a birthday party, only one picture of the gorgeous presentation of the foods enjoyed was taken. Just some of the mouth watering and stunning foods were two appetizers. The first being Bruschetta (sliced toasted garlic bread, tomato, basil, garlic, drizzled with olive oil). The second was Caprese (tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, Kalamata olives, olive oil and balsamic glaze). Both were some of best devoured east of New York City!
The entrees consisted of various gourmet pizzas and main dishes. The birthday person ordered the Melanzane (baked eggplant, mozzarella cheese, seasoned tomato-cream sauce) and commented “it was the best she had ever tasted!” Another meal consumed to a shiny barren plate was the Pappardelle (house made pasta, short rib sugo, mushrooms, onions, peppers, Alta Cucina tomatoes).
I enjoyed one of the ten or so specials of the day, all of which were very appealing. Having to choose one, finally went with the Scallop sauteed and drizzled with a Japanese citrus sweet & sour sauce, mashed potatoes and sauteed fresh seasonal vegetables. The scallops were fresh and the sauce was heavenly.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The various dishes enjoyed both the 2019 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay and the 2019 MacMurray Estate Vineyards, Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Ranch. Both were excellent with the food choices.
When the meal was concluded our excellent server provided what could only be described as a gourmet dessert listing. As we had all cleaned our plates, we just couldn’t order anything else.
Left the restaurant being full of scrumptious foods and all of us can’t wait for next evening there.
Slainte,
Michael