Written By Mike Sanchez
Cajun Prawns
Beef Sliders
Agreat advantages of being publishers of
gmhTODAY is writing this feature . The hardest part is always the research . To help with that , we couldn ’ t think of anyone better than our dear friends and community champions , Konni and John Thomas . We had a great time with Konni and John exploring Relish — the chic new bistro that is sure to raise the bar on the Gilroy restaurant scene .
Relish is the creation of partners Janice Albright and Elaine Stoddard . Janice operated Stubby ’ s Sports Bar at the same location for 14 years . Elaine was an opening manager at CordeValle and has opened three restaurants since . Together , they ’ ve struck gold .
Walking in , we loved the fresh and modern look and the vibrant bar that lights up the entire space . Head Waiter and Mixologist Jacob Garcia suggested the perfect drinks and appetizers to get us started . Within a few minutes , the real fun began .
We shared everything with curiosity and delight . The Grilled Cajun Prawns ( jumbo prawns in a house-made cocktail sauce , fresh horseradish , avocado and fried plantains ) were excellent . Of course , we had the Hometown Chips ( house-made potato chips , roasted Gilroy garlic , fresh herbs and shaved parmesan cheese ). They were aesthetically delightful — vibrant purple and golden-orange , dashes of green in gentle white dust — and bursting with flavor . For this Gilroy native , they had just the right amount of garlic goodness ! The Wagyu Beef Sliders ( Idahoranched Wagyu beef , bacon , aged cheddar cheese , house-made pickled cucumbers , organic baby arugula , onion ring , sweet bun ) were spectacular ( ordered medium rare ). I ’ m convinced no meat-eater can resist these little burgers of happiness . Did I mention bacon ?
The drinks , Ah , the drinks . Jacob suggested Fall into My Arms , aka “ FIMA ” ( Makers Mark Bourbon , Disaronno Amaretto , and apple cider , shaken into a honey-glazed martini glass , garnished with orange ). After tasting it , I almost did . Debbi loves spice and heat , so Jacob suggested the Holy Smokes ( el Silencio Mezcal , Orange liquor , fresh Victor jalapeno & lime juice , shaken and strained over ice combine for that smoky feel , garnished with fresh jalapeño , lime and radish ). She loved it . On Jacob ’ s
Sea and Land Halibut Ceviche Mary ' s Roasted Chicken
Grilled Pork Chop
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com