Photo by Corey Miller.
York River Oyster Company Coastal Bar and Grill's Cali Quinoa Salad
When Bryce Moretti took over York River Oyster Company in 2020, the California native began the transformation of old to new by marrying his west coast vibe to the east coast eatery’s roots. After adding a dash of Caribbean and a healthy pinch of Hawaiian influences for good measure, he renamed the reimagined eatery YROC Coastal Bar & Grill. Gloucester Point hasn’t been the same since.
To complement such sunny coastal flavors, Moretti launched construction on a second story seating area with a bar over top of the current patio, effectively doubling his outdoor seating capacity. “Without knowing what’s going to happen with restrictions in the future, we do know that people love to eat outside,” he says. With expansive views of the surrounding Yacht Haven Marina and the York River all the way to Yorktown, customers can savor drinks and a meal at socially distanced tables with outstanding water views. Safety protocols—tables and menus are sanitized after each customer’s use and mask wearing is enforced—guarantee that diners can feel comfortable lingering to enjoy the easygoing vibe and creative kitchen’s output.
As for happy hour, a better description is happy days, because YROC Coastal Bar & Grill offers drink specials and 20% off appetizers all day long from Monday through Friday starting at 11am to 6pm, with the bonus of daily specials Mondays through Thursdays.
Original Recipe
Cali Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup edamame
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- Half bunch of cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 lb. spinach
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 avocado
- Feta cheese to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Combine quinoa, corn, edamame, red bell pepper, cilantro and celery.
Step 2: Arrange spinach on plates and top with quinoa mix.
Step 3: Add tomato and onion. Finish with sliced avocado and feta cheese.
Step 4: Dress with lemon vinaigrette and serve.
NOTE: Really hungry? Add a protein like grilled shrimp, chicken or fresh fish for a more robust but still lean and healthy meal.
810 Yacht Haven Road, Gloucester Point