When I look back at my high school days, only a few restaurants
come to mind when I remember the dining options available before
attending our winter and spring formals. The Golden Oak Restaurant
in Morgan Hill was always a favorite, and many years later, the
restaurant still lives up to high expectations when it comes to
elegance and tradition.
When I look back at my high school days, only a few restaurants come to mind when I remember the dining options available before attending our winter and spring formals. The Golden Oak Restaurant in Morgan Hill was always a favorite, and many years later, the restaurant still lives up to high expectations when it comes to elegance and tradition.
Originally built as a winery in 1933, the Golden Oak boasts rustic elegance. Its high redwood pitched ceilings and a large, inviting lounge complement a roaring fireplace. On my visit, beautifully carved jack-o-lanterns graced the mantel of the lounge, and fall-harvest decor added to the warmth and comfort of the main dining room, originally a wine fermentation room built in 1939.
My husband and I were immediately seated in a comfortable round booth in the main dining room. We were presented with menus and an extensive wine list. Seconds later, a warm basket with two different kinds of bread arrived, along with a small dish of whipped butter coins that looked like tiny seashells. I was starving, and loaded up on a poppy and sesame seed-crusted bread that had a warm, nutty flavor in each bite.
Our server arrived to take our drink order, and I chose a glass of light-tasting syrah from Solis Winery ($8), and my husband chose a glass of familiar Mark West Pinot Noir ($7.50). Feeling frisky, I ordered a rare treat not found in many local restaurants – oysters on the half-shell ($11.95) while we decided on our entrees.
The menu offered a wide range of a la carte entrees including pastas, seafood, beef, lamb, veal and pork. There were many items that could be prepared as “carb-careful” upon request. I was intrigued by the crab- and spinach-stuffed chicken breast ($23.95) and also ordered a house green salad that was added to my entree for an extra $4. My husband chose the pan-seared sea bass with stir-fried vegetables ($23.95) and the same house salad.
The oysters arrived and were arranged beautifully on their shells. I doctored mine up with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of cocktail sauce, and swallowed it whole. It was served perfectly ice-cold and was a delicious treat.
Our salads arrived in perfect timing. The greens were chilled and tasted fresh. The house dressing at The Golden Oak is balsamic vinaigrette with blue cheese crumbles. Although it tasted a bit strong, the dressing was good and paired well with the dainty blue cheese crumbles that appeared bite after bite.
There was a slight pause before our entrees were served, but the service was conducted at an enjoyable pace. When our plates arrived, they both looked scrumptious and colorful. My husband’s sea bass topped an amazing rainbow of stir-fried vegetables. Although he was disappointed in the size of the fish serving, he did enjoy the surprising Asian flair he tasted in the dish.
My entree must have been a victim of the recent spinach scare, because the “crab- and spinach- stuffed chicken breast” that the menu described was served sans the spinach. This should have been explained by the server when I ordered. Crab and spinach seemed like an interesting pairing, and I was a little disappointed not to find my green friend after the first few bites.
The stuffed chicken was served with rice and a tomato cream lobster sauce. A large portion of broccoli, julienne carrots and beets also accompanied the meal. The chicken breast was a bit dry and the crab lacked flavor, but I remedied the situation by dipping each bite into the deliciously rich sauce that had just a hint of tomato and lobster flavor. I also enjoyed a few bites that included sun-dried tomatoes.
I was more impressed with the side dishes. I am a big fan of restaurant vegetables. The broccoli was cooked perfectly and was likely prepared with a substantial amount of butter, salt and oil to give it that “not-cooked-in-my-kitchen” flavor. The carrots were sweetly cooked, and the beets – a first for me – were also enjoyable.
As I remembered, a phenomenal and tempting dessert tray to our table. There were the standard favorites – cheesecake, tiramisu and various chocolate concoctions. The standout on this fall evening was the pumpkin flan ($6.95). I couldn’t resist such a unique offering.
The flan was presented like an upside-down custard on a plate surrounded by a dusting of cinnamon. It was a creamy dessert with a hint of pumpkin that was satisfying without being too sweet. I could only endure a few bites as the taste of the flan started to change on my palate after a few sips of my after-dinner coffee. I was also beginning to regret that I chose to wear my skinny jeans, but I was happy to share the dessert with my husband, who gobbled up the remaining spoonfuls.
Although our particular choices of the evening didn’t earn huge praise, I have enjoyed exquisite cuisine at The Golden Oak in the past. The staff was polite and timely, but the server had to be prompted to offer the specials of the evening and should have given me a “heads up” about the missing spinach.
Overall, though, I would highly recommend dining at The Golden Oak for your next special occasion – or to any other local high school alumni looking for a little nostalgia. Bon appetit!
Jane Dough was raised in Gilroy and returned after graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She enjoys cooking, caring for her husband and three small children, and dining out every chance she gets. Reach her at [email protected]. All reviews for The Dish are anonymous, and all reviewers’ meals are paid for by South Valley Newspapers.
