 General Manager Sarah Mara has been with Appetez for 5 years. She has worked in many restaurants, and won a culinary scholarship at AI Seattle. Sarah does cooking classes at Direct Appliance and participated in Leadership Modesto.
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Chef John Mangelos
Barnwood Restaurant
338 Main St
Ripon
(209) 599-4324
Appetez Café, Banquet & Catering Company – 825 W. Roseburg Avenue, 577-5099
Appetez Café, Banquet & Catering Co. has been in business for over 11 years. Owners Tom and Dorene Arnold had a vision many years ago. They both worked hard and with the help of family members and “Chef MaryAnn”, Tom’s mother, many great recipes were created. Since then, the Arnolds have given the culinary team of Appetez the freedom to let go and get creative! Sarah and Manny are constantly pushing each other creative buttons, striving for excellence. Appetez is fun yet classy; personable yet relaxed while at the same time holding the highest quality of service.
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 Owner Sai Ying Wong has been a chef for over 35 years. He and his wife have owned Beijing Restaurant for 18 years, with Sai Ying as chef. He has worked in restaurants across the globe from Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia to America.
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Chef Jesse Layman
Gallettos
1101 J St
Modesto
(209) 604-8026
(209) 523-4500
Beijing Restaurant – 3848 McHenry Avenue, 575-3528
Hidden in the corner of a McHenry Avenue shopping center is Beijing Restaurant. Delicious Mandarin and Szechuan Chinese food is served by their friendly and attentive wait staff. Maria and Sai Ying Wong can boast about ownership of one the finest Chinese restaurants in Modesto. Customers rave about the food and the service, which explains why Beijing Restaurant has been voted Modesto Bee Readers’ Choice 1st Place Chinese restaurant in 2001, 2002 and 2006 - 2008.
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 Chef Leroy Walker has been with Bistro 234 for 8 years. His culinary education comes from cooking in different kitchens throughout his 25 years in the restaurant business. In the past, he worked at Angelini’s, The Stagecoach and several different catering businesses. As chef, Leroy has helped Bistro 234 win the Best Restaurant Award from the Turlock Journal for the past five years.
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Chef Stan Dimond
Toscana's
1801 Colorado Ave
Turlock
(209) 403-5679
(209) 216-3555 |
 Chef John Surla has been with Galletto’s for over 6 years. He graduated from Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill. Previously, he was the sous chef at the Golden Vine Winery, which was hosted by Robert Mondavi at the Disney’s California Adventure theme park in Anaheim, California. Other venues include local Bay Area locations that include Blackhawk Grille (Danville), Servino Ristorante (Tiburon), Tourelle Restaurant (Lafayette), and Skywalker Ranch (Marin County). John has presented cooking demonstrations at local businesses and community events.
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Chef Noel Sanchez
Jacob's
2501 McHenry
Modesto
(209) 529-2829
Galletto Ristorante – 1101 J Street, 523-4500
Since opening in 2001, Galletto Ristorante has celebrated seasonal ingredients created in an uncomplicated and inspired style. Their kitchen produces an earthy and satisfying offering that allows diners to bask in the culinary delights of Northern Italy. Galletto Ristorante is located in the heart of Modesto’s downtown. Offering a rustic Northern Italian menu, a variety of private dining settings, and an unparalleled wine selection, Galletto Ristorante is a truly unique experience. At Galletto Ristorante,
Tom and Karyn Gallo have certainly recreated the spirit that “eating in Italy, you experience the age-old gift of making art out of life”.
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 Chef Keith Breedlove has been with the Doubletree Hotel Modesto for one and a half years. In 2008, he was a sous chef on the Dewz team that won the Culinary Clash. He is a graduate of Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill and has been cooking for 22 years. Over the years, Keith has worked at venues in Bay Area locations in California: Nordstrom’s Café (San Francisco), Hilton Hotel (Fremont), Hayes Mansion Conference Center (San Jose). Keith was also a high school teacher in Fremont.
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Chef Bryan Ehrenholm
Lunch Pail
501 Bangs
Modesto
(209) 988-0640
(209) 525-3663
Garden Terrace Café, Doubletree Hotel Modesto – 1150 9th Street, 526-6000
When it comes to dining, Garden Terrace Cafe features full breakfast and lunch buffets, as well as a complete menu. Located inside the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Modesto, guests can enjoy California Bistro Cuisine as a casual dinner in the café, or if they are a guest of the hotel, order from their full room service menu.
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 Chef Jeffrey Stogsdill has been with Hazel’s for four years. He grew up and attended school in Modesto. Jeff actually started his career in a different business. One day, after careful consideration, he decided it was time make a change. He left his job to attend culinary school and pursue his passion for cooking. He graduated from the California Culinary Academy Le Cordon Bleu program. Jeff’s reward for cooking is the pleasure it brings to the people who enjoy his food.
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Chef Hank Winkle
O'Brien's Catering
Pelendale
Modesto
(209) 505-1520
(209) 545-8100
Hazel’s – 431 12th Street, 578-3463
If you are looking for a nice quiet romantic restaurant to dine with an elegant ambiance, Hazel's is the place to be. They have cozy half moon booths for two, a small nook or plenty of room in the main dining area. Hazel's specializes in multi-course dining which means your evening will start off with a cup of soup, made fresh each day, followed by a house salad with your choice of dressing. Next, you will be served an "Intermezzo" to wash your palate from the previous flavors so you can enjoy the delicious flavor of your entrée. P.S. - Don't forget about dessert! Hazel’s received a Modesto Bee Reader’s Choice Award in 2008. Hazel’s is owned by Jeffrey Stogsdill and Mark Barley, Jr.
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CULINARY CLASH III CHEFS COMPETITION
