Winners of two second place and one first last year, the
restaurant took home four first-place awards this year: Best Bar
and Pub; Best Drink Specials and Happy Hour; Best Family
Restaurant; and Best Established Restaurant.
By Barbara D. Mancini
It’s summer, and what better place to be than at the beach – Rosy’s at the Beach – in Morgan Hill, voted best restaurant by the Morgan Hill Times in four categories. They’re not newcomers to Morgan Hill, nor the restaurant industry. Rosy’s at the Beach has grown in popularity since it opened in 1998 under the creative ownership of Rich and Rosy Bergin.
Winners of two second place and one first last year, the restaurant took home four first-place awards this year: Best Bar and Pub; Best Drink Specials and Happy Hour; Best Family Restaurant; and Best Established Restaurant.
As might be expected, the most asked question is, “Why ‘at the Beach’?” The name melds two aspects of the Bergin history – Rich’s extensive experience in the seafood industry, and Rosy’s beach volleyball fame. The first female student at the University of Santa Clara to receive an athletic scholarship, Rosy went on to play pro: two-on-two in the sand. The answer to “Where is Rosy?” was always, “Rosy’s at the beach.”
Rosy met Rich while working on her MBA. She studied his wholesale seafood business in graduate school. Their partnership was a natural one. They first opened Rosy’s Fish City – a “cook and go” fish market where customers could have their seafood selections grilled for take-home. Soon they had seating for 65. Then they opened The Shark and Rose on downtown San Jose’s San Pedro Street. When they opened Rosy’s at the Beach they were meeting themselves coming and going. After two years they sold their other restaurants, and have enjoyed staying in town. Rosy said she still finds it a challenge keeping up with her energetic husband. Rich organizes the kitchen, creates the daily menu, designs special occasion menus, and is always brainstorming the next idea. As any regular knows, Rosy is anything but a fishwife. Charming and lovely, Rosy is a tireless hostess who her friends and patrons love. Together, the Bergins have created a space where people enjoy hanging out.
Rosy described in her gracious manner, some of the features of Rosy’s at the Beach that have brought such high acclaim. The bar has an extensive selection of wine and liquor, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Patrons can enjoy daily specials in the cozy pub atmosphere. Bartender Jenn is a local with a flair for designing new drinks with unusual ingredients – a cilantro cucumber cooler, blueberry lemon drop and strawberry basil martini, to name a few. Rich and Rosy are mindful of the times, and offer a special every night – such bargains as a Margarita and Mini Seafood Tostada for just $5. It has a great family atmosphere and offers award-winning cuisine at moderate prices (their Salmon Tacos were voted best fish taco by the Mercury News). Currently the children’s menu offers five selections with a beverage and dessert for $5.50. Parents like the fine atmosphere, and children enjoy the freedom to draw on the (butcher wrap) tablecloths! The Bergin’s presence (their son Patrick too lends a hand busing tables) makes for a true family restaurant. The low turn-over rate among the staff speaks to the extended family atmosphere.
New patron Roger Pifer, of San Jose, came down last month looking for the beach in Morgan Hill … he found it painted on the back wall at Rosy’s. He was so delighted by his experience at Rosy’s he came back last week – he even took a room at a local hotel so he could enjoy a few favorites at the bar. This retired gentleman had a litany of compelling and humorous stories to share. It seemed only natural to find him at Rosy’s.
Rosy’s has become a regular hangout for many. The local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets for their “Wine and Whine.” Bridge parties and business meetings are commonly held in the back room. John Powell of Southern Wine and Spirits, brings all his suppliers to Rosy’s. Folks come for birthday parties and anniversaries. The entire restaurant joined in “Happy Birthday” when a recent patron celebrated her 104th birthday. The Friday night “John and Cathy” group (as they were tagged) held a birthday party just last week. One couple – David and Patty – have been faithfully frequenting Rosy’s since the doors opened for business. They easily transferred their patronage from the former Ida’s, where David proposed to Patty, and they held their rehearsal dinner. Patty said she loves the salmon best – she never orders anything else.
Dick Smith is another regular since the Ida’s days. He claimed the distinction of being Rosy’s second customer upon opening. He wasn’t alone in his wondering at the blue walls when they first appeared. Rich and Rosy soon proved that they knew what they were about.
One of the most successful ideas implemented at Rosy’s, has been their monthly “Wine Night.” Held the second Wednesday of the month, the 50 tickets sell out quickly. Each month a different global winery is featured, and the menu is paired with the wine. Rosy’s becomes a wine shop for an evening, offering rare wines at wholesale prices.
In the delightful hubbub that Friday night at Rosy’s becomes, it was impossible to speak to all the employees. However, the greatest compliment to the establishment came from Maria. She said about waiting tables, “I love it. It’s a vacation away from home.” Mario was on at the bar. He has been at Rosy’s for nine years. On Saturdays he manages the floor. Mario loves many things about his job, but especially getting to know the people that come in. He takes great pleasure in remembering favorite drinks of regular customers. They walk in – he knows what to bring them. He enjoys facilitating people’s relaxation.
The food is always fresh at Rosy’s. If they cannot get the fish fresh, it’s taken off the menu.
Every breaded piece of fish is made to order. Their produce is local from LJB Farms. Some of Rosy’s favorites include the ahi nicoise, the ribeye steak with melted blue cheese, and their famous salmon tacos. Coming soon, will be “liquid desserts” – a new line of dessert drinks to enjoy.
The entrepreneurial couple have already embarked on their next endeavor. On June 18 they held a “soft” opening of their second establishment in Morgan Hill – Bubbles, a “before and after” wine bar on Monterey Road across from the Community and Cultural Center.
Rosy described it as a small-plate venue – hors d’oeuves, dessert, champagne and wine. As it says on their business card: before dinner, movie, meeting, shopping, theater; after movie, church, dinner, school, work.
Rich and Rosy love being in Morgan Hill, and hope that Bubbles will be an asset to the community. If previous successes are any indication, folks will enjoy Bubbles as much as they have enjoyed
Rosy’s at the Beach.
Rosy’s at the Beach, 17320 Monterey Road, (408) 778-0551, or www.rosysatthebeach.com. Opens every day at 11 a.m. Bubbles, 17105 Monterey Road, www.BubblesMorganHill.com. Open Wednesday through Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 2 to 11 p.m.
