In the past 25 years, the building located on Monterey Road in
Morgan Hill between Second and Third streets has housed the Morgan
Hill Chamber of Commerce and Ida’s Tea Room, which later became
Ida’s Restaurant, featuring a baby grand piano in the bar.
In the past 25 years, the building located on Monterey Road in Morgan Hill between Second and Third streets has housed the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and Ida’s Tea Room, which later became Ida’s Restaurant, featuring a baby grand piano in the bar. But the best use of that space so far is the inviting and enjoyable ocean-themed restaurant and bar Rosy’s at the Beach.
My family and I recently visited on a busy Saturday evening. Fortunately, a table for four had just been vacated. We were seated right away, and our server appeared quickly to take our drink orders.
Rosy’s wine list is a nice blend of wines from both the Santa Clara Valley and the West Coast, including California, Oregon and Washington. We selected a Cambria pinot noir – a good choice with any type of fish. I found the wines-by-the-glass list to be a little disappointing, but it changes monthly, so there’s something new all the time.
Most dinner entrees come with a choice of soup or salad. Since it was a chilly evening, two of us chose the soup of the day, a rather bland chicken vegetable. From now on, I think I’ll stick with my favorite: Rosy’s thick, creamy and flavorful clam chowder. The others at our table ordered the lettuce wedge salad, which, as a fresh, crisp triangle of iceberg lettuce topped with red onion rings and croutons, makes a very satisfying first course. Rosy’s also offers a nice baby greens salad as another pre-meal option.
There was a bit of a delay between the delivery of our first courses and our entrees. However, once our dinners arrived, they were worth the short wait. One of the fresh-fish specials that evening was a sesame seed-crusted mahi mahi ($15.95). This was a thick, fresh piece of this mild Hawaiian fish, coated with just enough toasted sesame seeds to impart a wonderful, nutty flavor. Coupled with the sweet, soy-based dipping sauce, it was an interesting and flavorful meal.
You can’t come to Rosy’s without having the “award-winning” salmon tacos (2 for $11.50). But if you don’t like salmon, you can also get them with either halibut or shrimp.
This dish will take your thoughts and your palate to the warm Baja coast. Two fresh white corn tortillas hold meaty pieces of grilled fish, served with a side of crunchy and creamy cole slaw and a couple of generous slices of fresh avocado.
The other member of our party opted for fowl instead of fish and dined on the penne pasta with chicken ($13.95). Crisp, sauteed vegetables joined the grilled, sliced chicken and penne in a light wine sauce. Warm and hearty, this dish earned a thumbs-up from everyone at our table.
After such a satisfying repast, we were surprised that we could even consider dessert. In addition to the more standard offerings, Rosy’s has two unique sweet treats: For those who really are “too full” for dessert, there is the soup spoon sundae (50 cents). Just like the name implies, it’s one large bite of premium ice cream, rich topping and whipped cream.
If you have room for more than one bite of something sweet, don’t pass up Rosy’s bread pudding ($6). Served hot (take a minute to let it cool at your table!) with a whiskey sauce that you want to drink out of the bowl, this spice-and-raisin filled delight will stay on your mind until you can return to Rosy’s again.
Open for lunch and dinner, Rosy’s also hosts a monthly wine event featuring one of the area’s local vintners. The restaurant’s full bar offers a number of different martinis and three TV sets. Don’t miss “Taco Tuesday,” when salmon tacos are just $2 each. They’re served a la carte, and only in the bar and to outdoor tables. Bon appetit!
Sara Leigh has lived in Morgan Hill for 26 years with her husband and two sons, who are now away at college. She loves food and wine, and keeps all the delicious calories in check by avid race-walking. Reach her at ca*******@*****il.com.
