It took just a few beats, however the spot previously often known as Hult’s after which Flights is now open as Hercules Draft Home and Cantina.
Initially conceived as a beer-focused hangout, the enterprise mannequin now features a Latin menu with every part from ceviche to posole to fish tacos, plus chile relleno and birria. The décor is simple, with wooden surfaces in every single place, together with a live-edge grand desk, located adjoining to what was Alex Hult’s wall of wine and is now a wall of tastefully positioned succulents.
Heading up Hercules is Chef Beltran Reyes, a type of immediately endearing cooks whose sunny disposition and inside drive have introduced him to the purpose of fulfilling a long-held dream to organize stunning meals and ultimately have his personal place.
“Once I got here right here in 2009 from Guatemala, I used to be 18,” Reyes says. “I obtained a job as a dishwasher in Palo Alto. This was not what I needed to do ceaselessly! I used to be working two jobs and requested the proprietor at one if I might work within the kitchen. He requested how previous I used to be and if I had expertise. I used to be 19. No kitchen expertise, however I need to be taught. I need to do that!”
Considered one of seven youngsters, his father died younger, and Reyes went to work within the fields, rising watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and corn. He beloved rising produce, however he imagined a greater life. It took him nearly two months to succeed in the U.S., totally on foot and by prepare. His three brothers additionally emigrated, and all work within the Bay Space, whereas his three sisters and mom nonetheless stay in Guatemala.
The empanadas on the menu are an homage to his Central American roots, and so is the Parrilada, which options hangar steak, Mexican chorizo, carnitas, jumbo shrimp and grilled nopal. It’s basically a South of the Border get together platter.
“The Mole de Rancho is my very own recipe—secret chiles and every part you get from the fields,” Reyes says. “The Mexican story of mole goes again to a time when there was little to eat, and totally different folks from totally different villages introduced what they'd—some chiles, some spices, various things—and so they cooked all of them collectively to make this unimaginable sauce.”
Reyes was the opening chef at RELISH! in Gilroy, a second outpost by proprietor Janice Albright of Massive Basin Burger Bar, who additionally opened Carmel Burger Bar earlier this 12 months. He has created some stunning fish dishes whereas at The Palms.
“I like halibut. Give me the entire huge stunning fish,” he says, gesturing with arms as large as they will stretch. “I'll make one thing of your complete factor.”
Though halibut shouldn't be on the menu at Hercules, he does serve salmon adobado, seasoned with adobo and served with jasmine rice and mango-papaya salsa. One other specialty is Asado, a hangar steak with grilled nopal and onions and a secret sauce.
The handmade corn tortillas, scrumptious and completely sized, make a critical taco, whether or not stuffed with shrimp, hen, steak or al pastor. When served as quesabirria, they're filled with mozzarella, onions, cilantro and divinely tender beef that has been stewed to tender perfection. They prepare dinner up crispy and lightweight, so mouthwateringly good that you simply don’t want the burria consommé. However, sure, you do.
To accompany all this goodness, there's a huge cocktail menu that includes Espolon, Avion and Luna Azul tequila drinks like La Laguna, with Espolon blanca, lime and blue Curacao. As an alternative of sitting in site visitors on Freeway 17, La Playa can conjure up photos of solar and sand with a mix of Luna Azul bianco, Vida mescal, lime, agave, mandarin and tangerine.
Beer on draught contains Fieldwork, Naked Bottle, Discretion and Gilman, plus seasonal rotations.
Hercules Draft Home and Cantina, 165 Saratoga-Los Gatos Highway, Los Gatos. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. -9 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. -10 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. -10 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. -9 p.m. 408-402-3131(no web site but).