Biz Beat: Comfort food for all tastes at Waterford bistro

Get yourself a real Dutch treat at the new Dutch Oven Bistro in Waterford.

Since opening in February, the restaurant has been serving up European and American favorites.

Owners Jillian and husband Michael Menchaca and her parents, John and Robin Van Oostende, wanted to celebrate their family heritage in food.

The family has food in its history. The Van Oostendes used to run a catering business.

On the bistro menu are Dutch favorites such as kroketten (a fried seasoned beef roll), pea soup and crepes. There is also German weinerschnitzel, Italian dishes and all-American favorites such as burgers and deep-fried pies.

The bistro makes almost all of its food from scratch.

Jillian Menchaca said customers have been quick to embrace the eatery's international flavors. The place also has some Dutch flare, from wooden shoes in the window to traditional Dutch landscapes and paintings.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Monday, closed Tuesday.

Most nights have a special deal, from all-you-can-eat spaghetti on Wednesdays to 10 percent off meals with a church bulletin on Sundays.

"We've grown up around food and love food," Jillian Menchaca said. "We are a family- friendly restaurant and family-owned. Most days you'll find one of the family working here in the kitchen."

To contact Waterford's Dutch Oven Bistro, 224 E St., call (209) 874-2344.

Elsewhere around the Business Beat:

Kid Time Fitness Co. has expanded into Modesto.

The Turlock fitness and recreation studio for kids of all ages — and their parents — recently opened its second location at 3217 Tully Road in Modesto.

Classes began last month. The studio offers everything from cheerleading to ballet, tap to Zumba. Classes range from toddler to adult.

The Modesto studio is open 3 to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday. For more call (209) 565-2348.

And finally, discount grocery shoppers have a new place to check out.

The 99 Outlet opened at 1021-B Eighth St. in downtown Modesto in February. The store sells a mix of brand-name groceries for 99 cents.

Its hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, closed from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday. Call (209) 549-9177.

Have an item for Business Beat? Contact Marijke Rowland at The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; (209) 578-2284 or mrowland@modbee.com.