Cecile and I had dinner at the Dry Creek Grill on Hamilton Avenue in San Jose last evening with my biking buddy Bill Rothenberg and his wife Sarah. The first thing you notice when you approach the entrance of this wonderful eatery is the bright, warm glow of the outdoor lights and fire-pits that provides a welcoming presence. The inside offers an upscale ambiance with a laid back comfortable feel that long-time restauranteurs John and Holly Smith had intended. The long, gorgeous redwood bar is lively without being too loud and the crowd is casual and fashionable. Speaking of drinks, the ladies ordered a Lemon Drop cocktail and I had I had a Hazy IPA draft.
Bill and Sarah shared Waldorf Greens with goat cheese, candied pipits, with a side of balsamic vinaigrette and Cecile and I shared a Caesar’s salad. For our entrees, Bill and Cecile had Grilled Salmon with Couscous, Sarah ordered a Half Barbecued Chicken with Savory, sweet, spicy BBQ sauce and side of baked beans with molasses & bacon. It was substantial enough to take some home. I thoroughly enjoyed a Braised tender Short Rib with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, wild mushrooms, and natural jus.
While we all got caught up about the kids and grandkids and upcoming events, we mentioned we had birthday dinner plans for Cecile, and had mentioned to the waiter it was Cecile’s birthday (officially its Saturday), and the waiter brought out a Fresh Baked Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie served with Vanilla ice cream on top that we all shared. We sang Happy Birthday as Cecile blew out the candle—or I should I say she took the more sanitary option and clapped her hands and the dispersed air extinguished the candle, a trick she learned from an elderly cousin when we were younger:). With our sweet tooth not completed satisfied, Bill treated us to a soft serve ice cream cone at DQ.
