American Chevrolet 4742 McHenry Ave. Modesto

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Tongue
Twister
Day
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Courageous
Flower Day
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Middle Name Fill Your
Day
Stapler Day
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Awkward
St. Patrick’s Moment
Day
Day
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Toast & Jam
Day
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Ode To
Billie Jo
Day
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Waffle
Day
Unique
Names
Day
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Girl Scout
Day
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Poultry
Day
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Lonesome
Cowboy Day
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Frozen Food
Day
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National
Pig Day
Dr. Seuss
Day
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Coach
Sam Young
Day
Get It
Over Day
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Be Heard
Day
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Chip
Donald Duck Potato
Day
Day
True
Confession
Day
Shoe Lace
Day
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Fragrance
Day
Goof Off
Day
Chips & Dip
Day
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Corn Dog
Day
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8 Track
Day
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Something Smoke & Plummer’s
On A Stick Mirrors Day Helper Day
Day
American Chevrolet
4742 McHenry Ave. Modesto,
209.575.1606
www.americanchevrolet.com
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When approaching Modesto from the west via California Hwy 132 (Maze Boulevard),
travelers and vacationers pass many unique points of interests. When crossing the San
Joaquin River, travelers are just north of a former movie site used by George Lucas
depicting a Viet Nam war scene in his movie, “More American Graffiti”. Just north of
the river crossing is the famous Mapes Ranch- over 10,000 acres of agriculture land
producing a huge variety of crops and beef cattle. Closer to Modesto, the highway
passes the north boundary of the Gallo home vineyard and former estates of Ernest and
Julio Gallo. However, one point of interest that may have alluded many is located at the
intersection of Maze and Hart Road, now known as Twin Rivers Saloon Bar & Grill.
As are many of the interesting places ZORCH encounters, most of these establishments
(at first sight) may not attract the more conservative or less adventurous traveler...
such is the case with the Twin Rivers Saloon (named for its proximity to the Tuolumne
and San Joaquin Rivers). Following directions in most tour books, Hwy 132 is a major
thoroughfare for international travelers venturing through California toward Yosemite
National Park. Foreigners wanting to experience possibly a “taste of the Old West”
are attracted into the Twin Rivers Saloon by the old rustic wood exterior, the remote
location or simply by the word “Saloon”. The very large parking area and adjacent signalcontrolled intersection makes for easy and safe access on and off the highway. In the
parking area, you’re likely to see everything from farm vehicles from the area ranches,
sports cars, motorcycles, tour buses and maybe even an occasional horse tied up to the
hitching post.
Once inside, visitors are greeted with a friendly hello from staff and patrons then directed
to the eatery seating or belly up to the bar. Twin Rivers Saloon is surprisingly bright
inside, illuminated by a very colorful back bar area, a crystal and metal chandelier in the
eating area and by the wall-covered, lighted beer signs.
On the menu you’ll find a large selection of hamburgers featuring Certified Angus Beef.
The burgers are a 1/3 pound, 100% ground chuck prepared to your liking and topped
with fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and pickle and served with your choice of
shoestring fries, Faye’s homemade potato salad, bag of chips, small garden salad or
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Robin’s baked beans. Also available are their Brew City beer-battered fries, Chuck fries,
sweet potato fries, or beer-battered onion rings. Sandwiches on the menu include steak,
Rueben, Philly Cheese steak, linguica sausage and Dennis’ Famous Fish Filet sandwich.
Another favorite menu item is Twin’s Famous Tacos...during the winter months it’s Taco
Tuesdays from 6 to 9pm featuring their huge tacos for only two bucks.
Actually, after I had written this story, I decided to go back to the Twin Rivers Saloon in
order to experience the Taco Tuesday event. The Saloon had about 30 patrons, most of
which seemed to know each other. We ordered the Tacos...two to a basket, they were big
and packed with ground beef, lettuce, cheese and tomatoes and featured a flour tortilla
that was pan fried in oil...they were great and I highly recommend you take advantage of
the Tuesday night party. Also, the draft beer was incredibly ice cold.
During the non-winter months, on Tuesday you can enjoy “Cook Your Own Steak”,
featuring 10 ounce sirloin Angus Beef steaks.
On Fridays, Twin Rivers Saloon has a great lunchtime favorite with Judy’s Legendary
Clam Chowder...it’s all you can eat clam chowder served with Texas Toast. You had better
get there early for lunch...they only make 10 gallons so, as an all-you-can-eat special...it
goes fast.
Behind the counter you’ll meet Cory Luton, the owner/chef who operates the Bar & Grill
along with his sister Robin a.k.a. “Cookie”, Faye, and Judy. At the bar, there are seven
beers on draft, a full selection of liquors, and several house specialty drinks featuring
Faye’s Beer Cocktail, a drink called the “Twin-A-Roni”, and the “Fireball”.
Located directly behind the saloon is a very large grassy area with a stage, barbeque area,
outside bar, horseshoe pits and picnic area. Cory stages many special events during the
year and rents the facilities for class reunions, weddings, special parties and motorcycle
rallies.
Open seven days a week...food is served daily from 11am to 9pm and the bar is open until
midnight on weekdays and until 2am on weekends.
Twin Rivers Saloon Bar & Grill is one of those places that once you personally experience
the great food and pleasant staff, you’ll be sure to take your friends for a surprising and
enjoyable “Saloon” experience.
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CEO
Orson
Editorial Creative Director
STAFF
Amazing Ralph
Carol S Benson
Guitar George
Research Director
Louie Yamaguchi
Senior Account Manager
Sky King
Big Fat Herb
Design Director
John H Holliday
Music Director
Uncle Jesse
True Freshmen
Ted Mills
Person of Interest
Charile Chan
Landscape Maintenance Engineer
Happy Gilmore
Usher
Mello Roos
FREE AGENT
Harry Longabaugh
1st Round Pick
Inspector Gadget
Mongo Jerry
Casting
Nicely-Nicely
Warden
Clifton Clowers
Narration
Buzzy
Jeremiah
Assistant to the President
Costume Designer
Jimmy Changa
Cannon Ball
Catering
Sweeney Todd
Music Director
Bad Billy Pratt
Associate Editor
Boom Operator
Mrs. Robinson
Suitcase Simson
Mighty Quinn
Informant
Eleanor Rigsby
Alfonso Bedoya
Voice Over
White House Correspondent
Program Director
Off Stage Announcer
Digger O’Dell
Systems Administrator
Mister Peepers
Concierge
Pat Kelley
Friend
Cisco
Kid
Relief Pitcher
Rufus Caldonia
Bouncer
Uncle Albert
MC
Boogie Man
Athletic Director
King Kong Kerr
PO Box 577893 - Modesto, CA 95355
And remember: ZORCH IS THE WORD!
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Cinematography
Audio Specialist
Dorrie Hunkie
Special Projects
Floyd
Set Designer
Bill Slayter
Spiritual Adviser
Bench Coach
Victor Laszlo
Drummer
Parkey Sharkey
Substitute’s Substitute
Bob DiPierto
Audio Specialist
Butterball
Civilian
Jenny 867-5309
Huckleberry Friend
Hogan’s Goat
Rest Room Attendant
Louie Louie
Produce Manager
Reb Roan
Extra
Marko the Mailman
Teacher
Mr Jasmaggi
(209) 569-1218
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Save The
Fountain!
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NEIGHBORHOOD
GEM IN SF
By: Cal Morad
One of the advantages for foodies in large cities and in particular San Francisco, is that in
addition to the major restaurants which everyone has heard about, there are many small,
neighborhood restaurants which are popular with the locals but which outsiders either don’t
know about or can’t find. One of those places is a little gem out at the western edge of the
Marina District called, Liverpool Lil’s. This restaurant has been around for approximately 40
years, but I would venture to guess that most Modestans have not discovered it unless they
have happened to be with me. Liverpool Lil’s is a very popular neighborhood place frequented
by a nice mix of a young bar crowd, middle-aged sports fans, and mature locals, particularly
those who slide down the hill from adjoining Pacific Heights.
At Liverpool Lil’s one can dine or imbibe comfortably at the bar on un-crowded days
(not so comfortable on major ballgame days), have lunch or brunch outside, or have dinner
in booths in the dimly lit and sometimes romantic dining room. Picture a dark and lively
Gervasoni’s bar and dining room with better food.
As for the food, which is what this column is supposed to be about, Liverpool Lil’s,
in addition to the standard fare such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, reubens and salads,
has some very interesting but standard entrees. On the regular dinner menu there are such
things as: a filet mignon pepper steak (price $27), a steak frites which is a thinly grilled skirt
steak with fries at a very good value of $18, and an obligatory fish dish; namely petrale sole
meuniere sautéed in lemon and parsley with brown butter and capers, a good value at $19.
In addition to these entrees there are daily specials which may range from a large grilled veal
chop, prime rib, lamb chops, and chicken or pasta depending on the time and day of the week.
I have found that usually the specials are indeed ‘special’ and generally good value. All of the
entrees usually come with the standard accompaniments such as potatoes and vegetables at
no extra charge. One thing for sure at Liverpool Lil’s, you will never leave hungry and can
expect to take food home.
For those of you looking for good value in wines, Lil’s has a fairly decent house red
or white which you can purchase at prices comparable to those you will see in Modesto. The
cocktails are well-prepared and reasonably priced. There is a wine list that is not extensive
but adequate which might not appeal to connoisseurs, but for most of us will do quite nicely.
For those of you who are into special desserts, forget Liverpool Lil’s. The desserts
are your standard fare of various forms of ice cream with different syrups, perhaps a pie or
cake, or some other ordinary dessert which you can probably get at Perkos.
Finally, for those who are interested in sitting outside and enjoying glancing over
at the Presidio which adjoins, the brunch includes various forms of takes on eggs, including
omelets, hash and eggs, occasionally crab and eggs, and all the other standard fare. On a
nice day it is very pleasant to dine outside, but a warning; unless you arrive late morning or
at high noon, by early afternoon the outdoor dining is shaded and can be quite cold as one
might expect without heaters.
If you go to Liverpool Lil’s expecting to dine at a fancy San Francisco restaurant, forget
it. However, if you want a relaxed and casual, down home kind of atmosphere in the middle
of a big city and don’t have too many pretensions when you dine, this is the place for you. It
may not be the easiest place to find, but I will try to get you there in the best way I know.
I think most everyone from our area knows how to find Lombard Street out in the Marina
area. Lombard Street (not the curvy portion which you may have visited) is the street which
you take when you are leaving the city to go to the Golden Gate Bridge. The easiest way
is to take Van Ness to Lombard and go straight out Lombard until it ends at the Presidio
entrance. Turn left on Lyon Street and the first building to your left at 2942 Lyon Street will
be Liverpool Lil’s. If you miss the turn you will be in the Presidio of San Francisco which is
not where you want to go, but not a bad place to visit. You won’t find Liverpool Lil’s on Open
Table, but you can call for reservations at (415) 921-6664. If you are going on a Friday or
Saturday night you should expect a wait, but remember, it is not a bad place to hang out in
the bar while you are waiting. Enjoy!
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BOB QUOTES
Reptilicus: “A monster thriller
made in Denmark. You remember
that saying “There’s something
rotten in Denmark.”? Well, that
came out right after this film.”
Monster from the Ocean Floor:
“This movie is so bad that it
was delivered to Channel 2 in a
brown paper bag. When we’re
through showing it tonight, it
will be part of a garage sale in
Alameda tomorrow.”
Mark of the Devil: “This was a low
budget film, I’m sure a first effort.
What I want you to do tonight is
stick with this film like it was your
first effort . . . and you can tune
it out whenever you think you
could’ve done a better job.”
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I had the joy of having two of my three kids at home over the Christmas holidays.
What to do with an 18 year old and a 7 year old? Head for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Good clean fun for young and old and in between. Maybe a little wet at times, but
clean.
Tickets can be purchased online, or onsite. I purchased my ducats at Valley First
Credit Union at a substantial discount. I was also advised there are other ways to gain
entrance, but that is for another day, and very ZORCH!
Off we went before the rains hit on a crystal clear Monterey day. We trooped in and
out, high and low, and up and down and had a great time. The new “Jellyfish Exhibit”
was amazing! The all time favorite must be the giant tank, and you can also go out on
deck and view the new sea lion cove. On the way out we had to cruise the gift shop for
“just the right” memento.
All that discovery led to some very big appetites. I promised my son The Fish Market at
Moss Landing, and though we visited it and highly recommend it, I am not compelled to
comment upon its goodness because of all Ron Posey’s prior efforts. Something about
Ron berthing one of his boats at that marina….. Again, tres ZORCH.
We returned to our digs on Munras Avenue at The Comfort Inn. We discovered a walkup half a block west called Sticks. Vietnamese cuisine that was simple, delicious and
more than reasonably priced. Soups, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts all priced
between $4-$7! It was excellent. All in all it made for a very memorable excursion.
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Tower Café
If you’ve watched our local Sacramento TV stations for any length of time, there’s
a good chance you have seen a shot of Sacramento’s iconic Tower Theater. With its
inspiring Art-Deco architecture, the storied movie house serves as an anchor for the
historic Tower District. Sitting next to the theater is the Tower Café, another cultural
jewel that has provided the region an inspiring and unique dining experience for more
than twenty years. The restaurant is far different from anything in Modesto and is
absolutely worth a trip to Sacramento.
Besides the café and the theater, the Tower District includes several ethnic restaurants
and specialty retail shops, making it a destination for locals as well as visitors. With
Broadway its main street, the district sits a few miles southeast of the state Capitol and
just north of Land Park. Maybe the most famous former resident of the district was the
now-defunct national music chain, Tower Records. The record chain began more than
50 years ago when founder Russell Solomon began selling records out of the back of
his father’s drug store, Tower Drugs – a spot now occupied by Tower Café. Years later,
Tower Records opened its flagship store across the street; next door to its sister store,
Tower Books.
The Tower Café was founded on Earth Day 1990, as owner James Seyman sought to
use his “worldly fusion eatery to bring the hearts, minds and appetites of the city’s
diverse population under one roof.” The café is filled with eccentric pieces of art owner
Seyman has selected in his years of traveling the world.
The lush, heavily foliaged patio is a great option as well, with past patrons including
former president Bill Clinton. The brick patio is surrounded by a fence of Italian
Cypress, Japanese Maples, Elephant Ear, Yucca, tree ferns and a giant Cedar.
With such an expansive, unique menu of specialties from across the globe, it is tough
to pick a favorite, but some fan favorites include the award winning famous French
toast (soaked in custard), Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and Piag’s Thai Steak.
Along with its famous French toast, breakfast includes several unique omelets as
well as specialties, such as the Madame Cristo, French toast stuffed with sliced ham
and swiss cheese, topped with two over-medium eggs with a creamy béchamel and
chipotle-raspberry jam.
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For lunch and dinner Tower offers several gourmet options at a budget price. Lunch
includes soups and salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees. For $12, the El Mariachi
sandwich, two toasted brioche buns are filled with roasted pork, refried beans, cilantro
and pickled onions, jalapenos and carrots, along with a side of Chili Diablo sauce.
At $13, the Chicken Jalfrezi is a Traditional Pakistani stew with onion, peppers, tomato,
garam masala, ginger and ghee. It is served with traditional flat bread, cucumber raita,
jasmine rice and cilantro.
The desserts are unforgettable at Tower Café. Besides tasting amazing, each are visually
stunning and are on full display in Tower’s famous dessert display.
On top of it all, Tower has a big selection of wine and international beer, as well as Sangria
and new special cocktails.
Tower Café has won several local awards, including: Best Breakfast and Best Sunday
Brunch in the 2009 Sacramento magazine reader’s poll, Best Outdoor Dining and Best
Breakfast in the 2008 Sacramento News & Review readers poll, and KCRA’s 2012 “A LIST”
for Best Brunch.
Tower Café is at 1518 Broadway, Sacramento and is open from 8am - 11pm on Sunday
through Thursday and 8am - 12am on Friday and Saturday.
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Hansen-Garbarino
And A.H. Winery
In an era when celebrity-owned wineries abound, where the wine business has become
more of a “Life style” than a commitment to the business of wine, Hansen-Garbarino
Vineyards remains a stalwart of real California heritage. The family has been part of California
Agriculture for over 40 years.
The family is committed to producing wines in a traditional Old World style with the support
of family owned vineyards whose heritage, Passion, and commitment to quality meet the
standards. From the Hansen Cellars Zinfandel produced from from old vines in Lodi to the
superlative SJ Hansen Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley, you will find the range
of wines will satisfy any of your desires for quality, style, and value.
The Hansen family wants wine to be a part of your life-everyday- which to us means giving
you quality that will exceed your expectation. Peruse the website and make your selection
from Dozens of wines offering exceptional value at prices which will surprise you.
Winery Direct
9 West Locust Street
Lodi. California 95240
209-625-8170
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Still R(L)oyalty in Sacramento? – Darin Wissner
Got to give it up to Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and his drive to keep the Sacramento Kings in
Sacramento. Mayor Johnson is going all “Van Gundy Style” up in this place! That is a reference to then
Knicks coach, Jeff Van Gundy who in the 1998 playoffs fell to the floor and clung onto Heat center Alonzo
Mourning’s ankles attempting to break up a fight. Mayor Johnson is now clinging on to NBA Commissioner
David Stern’s ankles, and he is not letting go. The ongoing saga of whether the Kings are moving up to
Seattle takes different twists on a weekly basis. This article is now in its third draft!
Let’s have a little Sacramento King history first. The Kings came to Sacramento in 1985 from Kansas City.
The Kings enjoyed their royalty from 1999-2006. They reached the playoffs in those years but never quite
reached the pinnacle. In February of 2001, Sports Illustrated had the Kings on the cover with the caption,
“The Greatest Show on Court.” This team had players Jason Williams, Doug Christie, Peja Stojakovic, Chris
Webber, and Vlade Divac and excitement for the Kings was through the roof. Bars and pubs across Northern
California were hoping. Arco arena was selling out. In 2001, they lost to the hated Lakers. 2002 was the
Kings best year. They had the league’s best record of 61-21 winning 36 of 41 games in Sacramento. They
were one controversial win away from the NBA Championship, again losing out to the Lakers. 2003 the Kings
reached the playoffs but lost Chris Webber in the playoffs and succumbed to the Mavericks. From 20072010, mediocrity set in, but Kings fans never wavered from their support.
In 2011, news of an impending move to Anaheim took hold. The Maloofs were trying to strike a deal with
the city of Anaheim making the Kings become the Anaheim Royals; Royals being a throwback nickname from
their past in Rochester and Cincinnati. Kings fans waged a war and behind the efforts of Sacramento Mayor
Kevin Johnson, put forth a deal to keep the Kings in Sactown. It is reported that a deal was never in place,
but more of a ploy by Mayor Johnson to put the onus on the Maloofs. Nonetheless, Kings fans still had hope.
The 2012-13 season has been a complete reversal of fortune for the Kings and their fans. With reports of
another impending move, this time to Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the fact that the Kings are just plain
awful on the court, the most loyal Kings fans have given up. As of January 8, the Virginia Beach deal has
died. Now it is the city of Seattle making a play. A deal is in place for the Maloofs to sell 65% of the team
to Seattle investors. Mayor Johnson looked like a beaten man, but he did not give up and as of today,
he has investors vying for the Kings to stay in Sacramento. Leading the pack are two investors who are
joining forces; grocery billionaire, Ron Burkle and 24 Hour Fitness founder, Mark Mastrov along with 21 local
investors who have agreed to pitch in $1 million each. They are putting together a plan for a new arena at
the Downtown Plaza instead of the troubled rail yard plan.
Commissioner Stern is saying that a competitive bid with legitimate plans from a Sacramento group “could”
keep the Kings in Sacramento. Stern may have his fingers
crossed behind his back. Stern promised Seattle that he would get them a team before he retires, which is
next year. If Sacramento gets a plan, and the current plan is gaining steam every day, then it will all come
down to a vote of NBA owners when they meet in mid-April for a postseason board of governors meeting in
New York.
The Kings have lived another day in Sacramento. There still remains a hardcore base of loyal fans, but the
casual fans have been lost forever. However, the Kings could get those casual fans back as long as Mayor
Johnson holds on to those ankles.
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By: Eddie Wilson
The Double Play Bar & Restaurant, a one hundred
year-old establishment in San Francisco, sits across
the street from the site that was once home to the
San Francisco Seals and San Francisco Giants.
It was a sports bar before there were sports bars.
Located at 2406 16th St. in the Mission, it’s a must
visit for any diehard baseball fan.
The menu is limited as are the hours that food is
served, 11:30am-2:30pm. The menu is also limited
with just three kinds of burgers; the Home Run
burger, the Double Play and the Grand Slam. All are
good. My former best girlfriend, Elaine, preferred the
Double Play and she still does. The décor: vintage
baseball gloves, pictures of San Francisco Mission
and Seal players and pictures of the San Francisco
Giants when they played at Seal Stadium their first
two years in the city. For a real treat, check out the
dining room. It looks and feels like you’re sitting in
Seal Stadium complete with a pitcher’s mound on
the floor as well as bases. You get the feel that Frank
‘Lefty’ O’Doul is there with you. The Double Play Bar
and Restaurant; for sports fans only!
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