Firefish Grill: Santa Cruz's Longstanding Wharf Staple

Key Highlights :

1. The restaurant, Firefish Grill, has been a staple on the Santa Cruz Wharf for decades under a few different names and owners.

2. In 1989, ownership of what was then called Malio’s restaurant, after the original owner Malio Stagnaro, passed from restaurateur father, Jim Gilbert, to his son and current owner Mark Gilbert.

3. The eatery then changed names to Gilbert’s Seafood Grill, and about two decades later to Firefish Grill.

4. In April 2022, in the Firefish Grill kitchen, a flat top grill was accidentally switched on while the kitchen was being cleaned after the restaurant had closed. The establishment had a robust fire suppression system in place, which should cut the gas and electricity, and extinguishes any fire as soon as it’s detected, but the system malfunctioned.

5. Gilbert, who also owns and operates the Dolphin restaurant farther down the wharf, found out that same day that one of the restaurant’s longtime servers and his good friend, Rosalba “Rosy” Gonzalez, was killed in a car crash. She had worked at the for more than two decades.

6. After taking some time to grieve and assess the damage to the Firefish kitchen, Gilbert decided that he wanted to radically remodel the space - combining Woodies Cafe with Firefish - something he had stewed over for years.

7. After the city sent the plans back without approval, Gilbert decided to put that grand plan back on the burner and keep the restaurant mostly the same.

8. With about $2 million in fire damage, a reluctant insurance company, and revenue loss around about $1 million a year, he wanted to get back to business.

9. Gilbert, who is a cook alongside being a restaurateur, has had lots of time to dial in a new clam chowder recipe with his head chef Jesus Becceril.

     For decades, Firefish Grill has been a beloved staple on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Initially named Malio's, the restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family since 1980, albeit under a few different names and owners. Known for its local specials and breathtaking ocean views, Firefish Grill has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

     In April 2022, tragedy struck the restaurant when a flat top grill was accidentally switched on in the kitchen and the fire suppression system malfunctioned. The resulting fire caused extensive damage to the restaurant and owner Mark Gilbert was forced to close the eatery for repairs. In the wake of the fire, Gilbert decided to take the opportunity to remodel the space, combining it with Woodies Cafe, an idea he had been considering for years. However, after the city sent the plans back without approval, Gilbert decided to keep the restaurant mostly the same.

     With about $2 million in fire damage and a reluctant insurance company, Gilbert was determined to get back to business. He changed the interior palette to something cooler with blue and white walls and walnut tabletops. He also took the opportunity to refine the restaurant's menu, creating a new clam chowder recipe with his head chef Jesus Becceril. The walls of the restaurant will also be adorned with the photography of world-famous local surf and skate photographer, each with a QR code that leads to the stories behind the images.

     After a year-long hiatus, Firefish Grill is set to reopen on June 20th. Gilbert has retained some of his old staff, but not all of them, and they'll all be working long shifts until he can hire more. He is looking forward to welcoming back customers to the newly remodeled restaurant and hopes to continue serving locals and tourists alike for many years to come.

Continue Reading at Source : mercurynews