Rowland: Wine awaits at cozy Camp 4

Slump sinks Señor Fresh

By Marijke Rowland
mrowland@modbee.com

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You'll be hard-pressed to find a nicer camp in Modesto than Camp 4.

Modesto native and owner Damon Robbins' new wine cafe is named after the Camp 4 building in Yosemite, the base camp where some of the world's best rock climbers, including his father, Royal Robbins, got their start in the 1960s.

The wine cafe, at 1508 10th St., had its soft opening June 30. In another homage to his father, Robbins put the cafe in the same building along 10th and Needham streets where his father's clothing outlet was for years.

"For me, the location is perfect," Robbins said. "It's a nod to him, as is the name."

While the cafe has been open for several weeks, visitors will need to be in the know to find it. There is no sign out front.

"We are still in soft opening phases and will be for another month or so," said the Central Catholic grad. "But I am already busier than I had expected. I don't want to be a flash in the pan. I want everything absolutely perfect."

Camp 4 serves about 50 domestic and imported wines, along with bottled beer. Its menu includes panini sandwiches, salads, cheese and charcuterie (meat) plates.

The cafe seats 26, and Robbins has a staff of eight employees.

The cozy space, which formerly housed Wanderlust Cafe, has been remodeled. Inside, the cafe has a rustic yet sophisticated feel with tall ceilings, a wood-topped bar and red leather chairs.

The walls are lined with vintage black-and-white photos of Royal Robbins and his climbing buddies as well as old Yosemite trail signs.

Robbins said he wants to cultivate a laid-back, inviting adult atmosphere.

"Wine was always something I'd been passionate about," said Robbins, who has worked in and managed restaurants in San Francisco. "Here you can go have a glass of wine, a nice light plate and just relax. It enables the older crowd to go out and have a beer without what inevitably happens downtown after 10 o'clock on a Friday."

Food is served all day. The cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to midnight Wednesday through Friday, and noon to midnight Saturday.

The sign should go up in the next month.

"It's kind of hard to find; I like that it brings the adventure and camping thing to another level," he said. "But once you find it, you won't forget it."

Call 529-5898 or visit http://camp4winecafe.com for more information.

Elsewhere around the Business Beat:

Downtown Modesto Mexican eatery Señor Fresh has closed.

A sign outside the restaurant, 1021 10th St., thanks its former customers and explains that it is closing because of the poor economy.

Señor Fresh was opened in 2004 next door to the Brenden Theatres by brothers Frank and Sal Becerra and their mother, Emma.

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