causes in our local community and abroad. Although they are both retired— Joel from a lifelong career at Goldsmith Seeds and a short stint helping with the Syngenta transition, and Paula after many years in the family business and a second career as a Pilates instructor and Cabi fashion consultant— it has yet to equate to a slower pace.
Joel is a board member and past president of the Gilroy Foundation, a Leadership Gilroy board member and past president, a Gilroy Rotary past board member and past president, a current board member of the Rotary Foundation, a board member and past chair of Gilroy Gardens and Visit Gilroy. He is also a longtime and current board member of Community Solutions.
Paula has been involved in multiple nonprofit organizations including board positions with Leadership Gilroy and the Gilroy Assistance League, where she has served as the grants chairperson for several years. Additionally, she has turned her focus to raising flowers in her garden and creating arrangements. Joel, who knows a little about flowers, helps her in the garden.
Parents to two adult children, son Mitch and daughter Jolene, and in-laws to their kids ' spouses, MarMar( Mitch), and Alex Kaplan( Jolene), Paula and Joel are
KFC Bowl also proud grandparents to Jolene and Alex’ s baby, Piper, who celebrated her 1st birthday complete with a smash cake the day before we dined out together. Piper’ s grandparents beamed while sharing stories of her big day.
Call it due diligence for this article, but we decided to order two amazing salads from the menu. The Spicy Poke Soba Noodle and Apple Arugula Salad just sounded too good to pass on, and they were. Just as the salads arrived, owner Janice stopped by our table to check in. We learned that Janice was actually in the kitchen helping to prepare everything we were enjoying tonight. At Alehouse, the food is incredible. Knowing that Janice was one of our chefs for the night made it even better.
The Spicy Poke Soba Noodle( Ahi-Tuna, green mix, perilla leaves, red cabbages, red onions, cucumbers, seaweed salad, edamame tossed with spicy house sauce: $ 20) was gorgeous. The presentation made us all pause before we dove in. It was too beautiful to eat. Until we dove in, then it was perfect to eat! The complex flavors created a wonderful experience and a full on tastebud treat. This salad earned a unanimous thumbs up.
The Apple Arugula Salad( Organic baby arugula, frisée, green apple, cherry tomatoes, candied walnuts, shaved parmesan cheese, tossed in champagne vinaigrette: $ 13) was visually appealing and loaded with fresh, crisp ingredients. This salad was delicious and would be a great choice on a chilly winter’ s eve or a warm summer day. We all loved it. This is a definite must order.
With Janice’ s and Kaylah’ s suggestions, and considering Paula’ s Wisconsin roots, we made our choices of entrees. After a few more stories, and a lot more laughs, our entrees made their debut: Panko Fish & Chips( Panko crusted deep fried wild pacific cod fillet, served with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, coleslaw: $ 23). A light, crispy, golden exterior encased a beautifully tender Cod fillet. I am a tartar-cocktail sauce flipper, alternating between the two with reckless abandon. The Fish was great with both. You can’ t go wrong with this entree. Add an ice-cold local craft beer or your favorite soft drink and you will be satisfied. Both Joel and Deb sampled and agreed it was great. Most importantly, the Panko Fish and Chips was“ Paula approved.” That says a lot considering she was our official Wisconsin Fish and Chips Afficianado.
KFC Bowl( Spicy simmered Korean chicken bites served white rice, peanut sprinkles, green onions, daikon pickles: $ 19). Joel’ s favorite for the night— although everything else was a near second. A nice amount of spices but not overly hot. The sauce was incredible— sweet, spicy, mildly hot— and so tasty. Deb, Paula, and I were also fans.
Panko Fish & Chips
Hot Stone Bibimbap( Bulgogi beef, sauteed spinach, carrots, daikon, mushroom, kimchi, fried egg & rice served in a hot stone pot, side of gochujang sauce: $ 22) was ac crowd favorite. We all enjoyed the complex yet complementary flavors of this beef-packed bowl of goodness. The beef marinade was perfect— wrapping each slice of beef in a smokey, savory, and slightly sweet coat. Add carrots, spinach,
36 WINTER 2025 gmhTODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... gmhtoday. com