Barbecuing a beef brisket – wonderful cuts available by the way at Rocca’s Market in San Martin – takes about 10-12 hours to do it right, so you’ve really got a lot invested in time and technique. That’s why I appreciated this line so much after smoking a brisket last weekend and then continuing to make what’s known as “burnt ends” – tasty chunks of beef bursting with flavor. Alton Brown, Food Network Star and author of multiple cookbooks, nailed it: “Bimetal coil thermometers are about as accurate as a sniper scope on a nerf gun.” So, if Dad likes to BBQ, a good instant read thermometer would be a great gift …
Trying to get an instant read on Mayor Don Gage’s campaign to address numerous persistent problem areas in our community with a sweeping bond issue is difficult. Though not set in stone, the projects being talked about initially really run the gamut from fixing the 18 unreinforced and therefore unoccupied buildings downtown, to pumping some money into building a track and football field complex at Christopher High School to providing cash to develop an extensive water feature and outdoor concert complex on the 160 undeveloped acres owned by the city at Gilroy Gardens. On that last item, I’d love to hear what the man who dreamed up and designed Gilroy Gardens thinks. Michael Bonfante’s vision began many years ago with a concept that revolved around families spending time in a relatively serene environment surrounded by the beauty and wonder of nature. Kiddie rides were a muted part of the equation and were designed to complement the park. That’s what the former owner of Nob Hill Foods emphasized. Water slides and concerts are loud and geared to attract a far more typical amusement park crowd, particularly teens. It will be interesting to see what the community thinks of that.
That the gingerade kombucha routinely vanishes from the small allotted refrigerator shelf at Nob Hill Foods is something I’ve intended to take up with store manager and Garlic Festival Volunteer President in waiting Vito Mercado. But I haven’t seen him “working the floor” in weeks, so … oh, what’s kombucha? It’s kind of an elixir, a fermented tea containing yeast and bacteria. It’s a healthy drink that kind of perks you up, but when it’s never there you can’t buy it. More space please so I can get some kombucha when I’m hunting down some delicious bison for a burger or some of those tasty Calabrese sausages at the butcher counter. Both are very grill worthy.
Ron and Donna Pray will be grilling for more when all the family troops come home for a visit now that our Gilroy Foundation Executive Director has announced that daughter Whitney, and her husband, John Beatty, are expecting. That will be Praygrandbaby #7 and definitely worthy of a cigar and a scotch for St. Francis High grad Ron. Congrats!
With a few additions and revisions, the hat pictured here would be a great tool to promote the Santa Clara Valley vintners toasting and tasting rooms and would fit right in to the tourism push in South County. Can see a nice logo representing area wineries and maybe each winery could order hats with the specific name highlighted. That would be cool and would sell out in a jiffy like the “Cigars Under the Stars” event coming up at Solis Winery in August. Just sayin’ … only a few tickets left.
Plenty of views and vino at the beautiful Martin Ranch Winery on Redwood Retreat Road this weekend if you’re looking for a place where Dad can relax for Dad’s day. Perfect spot for a picnic.
Me, I’m headed out to Casa de Fruta for breakfast and some youngin’ activity fun with the grandkids, Jackson and Tyler. Daughter Mariah will be home from Oregon State University late Friday night. Can’t wait for a Mariah-hug – those are the genuine best. I’ll plan something low-and-slow for the BBQ Sunday and will retreat to watch the U.S. Open at the historic Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania. For we who attempt golf – note that careful wording – it’s always great to have the Open on Father’s Day weekend. We have carte blanche to watch what is usually the most dramatic event of the year. Goat or hero often comes down to the final holes, and Merion is a place steeped in historic moments. Fathers, count your blessings, and enjoy the Open and the day.
Reach Editor Mark Derry at ed****@ga****.com
