Food & Drink : Dining Out
DINING OUT ... WITH FRIENDS AT
Ihesitate to write this article for selfish reasons — I do not want to let this incredible secret out ! For our summer installment of Dining Out , and our boots-on-the-ground research , Deb reserved a table for four at Morgan Hill ’ s downtown gem of a restaurant — Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill . To join us , we could not think of a better couple than Mark and Annette Vivian .
Mark is the Founder and Principal of Vivian Investment Partners ( VIP ) in Gilroy . His designations include Retirement Income Certified Professional™ , Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ , and Certified Financial Planner™ . Born and raised in the south county , he is a Live Oak Acorn and San Jose State Spartan Alum . Mark is a board member with San Benito CASA , a charter member and past president of the Gilroy After Hours Rotary ( 2020 ), and a board member of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce . Annette is the Chief Operating Officer for VIP , a full member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment , a qualified project manager , and a Certified Nutritional Therapist .
Mark and Annette are parents to their shaggy dog Snoopy ( an 11-year-old Bearded Collie ), love spending time with family and friends , and volunteering in the community . They are also our hiking pals and join us every weekend for a hike in our local hills . As a group , we have logged over 70 miles in the past several months . Since healthy eating is a big part of our active lifestyles , we were all delighted when Deb told us about Craft Roots .
Craft Roots is the best thing to happen to Morgan Hill since the mushroom . Owner Justin Gaich and his father Nick opened their doors in late 2019 , just six months before the mandated shut down of the economy in March of 2020 . Fast on their feet , Justin and Nick led their staff through the constant changes in regulations and shifted their focus to takeout and cocktails-togo . Justin credits his staff for their perseverance through the uncertainty and hardships brought on by the shifting sands of COVID-19 mandates , and the real concerns of personal health and safety . Except for a brief period in 2020 ( March-June ) They have managed to remain open in some capacity . With help from the City of Morgan Hill , they renovated their space to create an outside dining area in their driveway , and more seating along Monterey Road in front of their establishment . Now , like many Morgan Hill eateries , the Craft Roots dining experience includes indoor seating or an outside table under the sun , or moon and stars .
Since roaring back in mid-June of 2020 , Craft Roots has grown in popularity and established its hometown , plant-based , whole food brand throughout the south county , with gluten-free options galore . This is real food you can eat without side effects — like getting sleepy , feeling uncomfortable , bloating , etc . Justin and staff are proud to source their ingredients locally whenever possible and adjust their menu seasonally based on availability of produce . This is how food should be ! Truly one of a kind , their menu options are as interesting as their passion to provide the best dining experience is strong , and there ’ s a kid ’ s
62 SUMMER 2021 gmhTODAY Magazine gmhtoday . com