23 minute read
DINE LOCAL GUIDE
The seasonal salad with fruit and goat cheese at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen in Santa Cruz.
Photo by Coline LeConte All of these restaurants emphasize local ingredients and they also advertise in Edible Monterey Bay! Opening information is subject to change, so please check online before you go and tell them we sent you.
APTOS
Persephone
7945 Soquel Drive 831.612.6511 • persephonerestaurant.com With a namesake like the mythic Persephone, this restaurant in Aptos proclaims its deep reverence for seasonal cooking. Themes central to harvest, winter and spring are core to Persephone’s story, and are reflected in the changing menu at this fine dining destination, where chef Cori Goudge-Ayer presents inventive, ingredient-driven creations. The restaurant is a family-run passion project, bringing together parents, siblings and a long history of culinary arts in a beautifully redesigned space overlooking Aptos Creek. Open Th–Su noon–3pm, 5–close, Th–Sa. Second Sundays, themed wine tastings with small bites. Fourth Sundays, Winemakers Dinner with five-course pairing.
New Leaf Community Markets
161 Aptos Village Way 831.685.8500 • newleaf.com This latest branch of the beloved local market group occupies the remodeled Hihn Apple Barn, built in 1891. In addition to local groceries and organic produce, New Leaf Aptos has made-to-order sandwiches, pizza, freshly rolled sushi, soup and hand-prepped salads, as well as a coffee bar, juice and smoothie bar and organic Straus soft serve ice cream. Open daily 8am–9pm.
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen - Beachside
131 Esplanade 831.688.8917 • venusspirits.com Venus Spirits’ second location has views of the sand and refreshing sea breezes. Chef John Harry brings a Southern coastal vibe to the menu with appetizers like pimento cheese and hush puppies, along with raw or baked oysters Bienville. The southern hospitality continues into dinner with Low Country seafood boils, lobster rolls and burgers. A fresh menu of cocktails—including Frozen Paloma Libres—complement the cuisine. Open W–Su 4–9pm. Happy hour W–Su 4–5pm.
The Penny Ice Creamery
141 Aptos Village Way, Suite 2 831.204.2523 • thepennyicecreamery.com Open Su–Th noon–9pm, F–Sa noon–10pm. See The Penny description under Santa Cruz for more.
CAPITOLA
East End Gastropub
1501 41st Avenue 831.475.8010 • eastendpub.com East End Gastropub is a sister eatery to the popular West End Tap & Kitchen, but aside from sharing owners and chefs, East End’s beautiful, modern interior is entirely different and offers its own robust, sophisticated menu. Chef Geoffrey Hargrave has created dishes that are familiar yet innovative, such as crispy Brussels sprouts with maple miso glaze and fresh fish en papillote. Shared plates, pizzas and salads come in generous portions for a family-style meal. The restaurant also offers a rotating selection of local beer, a strong wine list and seasonal craft cocktails. Open M–Th 4–9pm, F noon–9pm, Sa-Su 11am–3pm for brunch, and 4–9pm.
New Leaf Community Markets
1210 41st Avenue 831.479.7987 • newleaf.com The café at the entrance offers great alternatives to fast food, serving economical daily specials, wraps, pizza and homemade soup and espresso drinks—with free wi-fi in the outdoor dining area. Inside the market, a full deli has made-to-order sandwiches, healthy takeout salads and entrée items. Open daily 8am–9pm.
The Locals' Station for the Monterey Bay for the Monterey Bay Tune in Fridays around noon for Edible’s Mark C. Anderson and his Friday Found Treasureson 94.7 FM and streaming worldwide at KRML.com!
The Penny Ice Creamery
820 41st Avenue 831.204.2523 • thepennyicecreamery.com Open Su–Th noon–10pm, F–Sa noon–11pm. See The Penny description under Santa Cruz for more.
CARMEL
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
Carmel Plaza, Suite 112 831.293.8621 • asb.beer From the team behind award-winning Alvarado Street Brewery, the Carmel bistro offers a full menu of ASB brews, along with hard cider, local wines and inventive craft cocktails. The menu goes beyond pub food to include oysters with mignonette or chili oil, Moroccan spiced fried chicken, crispy tempura-battered cauliflower and its popular burgers with truffle or garlic fries. Open Su–Th 11:30am–9pm, F–Sa 11:30am–10pm.
Covey Grill
8205 Valley Greens Drive 831.620.8860 • quaillodge.com/dining/coveygrill Covey Grill features USDA steaks and sustainably sourced seafood flavor enhanced by house-made spice rubs and sauces, in addition to seasonal American cuisine. Located inside the Quail Lodge lobby, Covey Grill offers casually elegant indoor and outdoor dining options against the stunning backdrop of Quail’s sparkling Mallard Pond and lush garden landscapes. Open for full dinner service Th–Su 5–9pm, with bar opening at 4pm, and M–W 4–8pm with weekday menu.
Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand
7250 Carmel Valley Road 831.625.6219 • earthboundfarm.com At its newly renovated Carmel Valley Farm Stand, Earthbound Farm’s 100% certified organic kitchen delights with housemade soups, sandwiches, salads, baked goods and fresh juices and smoothies. Food is available to be enjoyed on our beautiful grounds or for takeaway. Stroll through the gardens and learn about Earthbound’s commitment to organic integrity. Open daily 8am–6pm.
Grasing’s
6th Avenue and Mission 831.624.6562 • grasings.com Chef-proprietor Kurt Grasing’s namesake restaurant has expanded since opening in 1998 to include two large dining rooms, multiple outdoor dining areas and the everpopular bar/lounge. A Carmel classic located in the heart of the village, Grasing’s serves California cuisine, with an award-winning wine list and twists on traditional cocktails. Open daily M–F noon–3pm and 5–9pm, Sa–Su 10:30am–3pm and 5–9pm.
Rio Grill
101 Crossroads Boulevard 831.625.5436 • riogrill.com Deeply flavorful Southwestern cuisine is the specialty that executive chef Luis Osorio brings to the table for lunch and dinner. Go exotic with a corn truffle and wild mushroom tamale, go local with the fire-roasted Castroville artichoke or go wild west with an order of almond wood smoked BBQ pork back ribs. Open Su–Th 11:30am–8pm, F–Sa 11:30am–9pm.
Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurant
100 Crossroads Boulevard, Suite A 831.626.3626 • seaharvestfishmarketandrestaurant.com The Deyerle family that owns this local gem has its own fishing boats for the freshest catch on the Monterey Peninsula. Sea Harvest doubles as a fish market and casual
restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. The oysters and clam chowder are customer favorites, but don’t miss the fried combo platter, grilled fillets and fish tacos. Open daily 8am–8pm.
Stationaery
San Carlos Square, Between 5th and 6th avenues 831.250.7183 • thestationaery.com A neighborhood restaurant offering daily brunch and lunch, Stationaery is owned by your hospitable hosts Anthony and Alissa Carnazzo. The kitchen team, led by chef Amalia Scatena, specializes in comforting flavors and local ingredients, with elegant presentations. A new bottle shop next door offers a good selection of European and California wines to enjoy with your meal or take home. Open W–M 8am–4pm. Closed Tu.
CARMEL VALLEY
Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market
2 Chambers Lane 831.659.2472 • jeromescarmelvalleymarket.com A chef-owned, friendly neighborhood market, Jerome’s offers local and organic produce, natural meats and seafood, and a great selection of domestic and imported wine, beer and microbrews. French-trained chef and owner Jerome Viel prepares delicious hot foods, sandwiches and salads for eating at outdoor seating or take-away. The offerings start with breakfast burritos, croissants and other French pastries in the morning, followed by favorites such as coq au vin, spaghetti carbonara and chicken enchiladas for lunch and dinner. Open M–Sa 7am–7pm, Su 7am–6pm.
Lucia Restaurant & Bar
Bernardus Lodge & Spa • 415 W. Carmel Valley Road 831.658.3400 • bernarduslodge.com Indulge in artisanal California country cuisine, awardwinning wines and an expansive heated outdoor terrace with the finest restaurant view in Carmel Valley. At this Forbes 4-Star charmer, named for the Santa Lucia mountain range and wine appellation that beckons to the south, executive chef Christian Ojeda offers both a signature tasting menu and dishes à la carte. Wine list is equally notable. A chef’s table and wine cellar are also available for private dining and special occasions. Open daily 7am–9pm. Live music Tu–W 5–8pm. Saturday and Sunday brunch with live music 11am–2:30pm.
FELTON
Wild Roots Market
6240 Highway 9 • 831.335.7322 (Felton) 13159 Highway 9 • 831.338.7211 (Boulder Creek) wildrootsmarket.com Wild Roots’ 100% organic produce, natural groceries, organic meats and FishWise-certified seafood all go into the prepared foods offered by the store’s full-service deli, salad and soup bar and juice bar. Enjoy on the patio out in front or take home. Open daily 9am–9pm.
MONTEREY
Elroy’s Fine Foods
15 Soledad Drive 831.373.3737 • elroysfinefoods.com The dream market of owners Jay and Chloe Dolata, Elroy’s has an extensive range of gourmet groceries, local seafood, natural meats and fresh organic produce. It also boasts a kitchen with a wood-fired grill and prepared foods to go or to eat in. The Bar @ Elroy’s serves coffee, smoothies and a savvy selection of natural wines. Open M–Sa 8am–8pm, Su 9am–7pm.
Vintages from Around The World.
Browse our huge and
carefully-curated selection of specialty wines, beers, cheeses, charcuterie and antipasti. At Staff of Life there’s something for any taste and budget. For 53 years, Staff of Life has been the local’s choice!
Also, be sure to check out our: • Full Deli • Grab & Go items •
• ProDuce • Natural meats & seaFooD • Hot & salaD bars • • bulk FooDs • VitamiNs & cosmetics • comPlete Grocery • Dairy • Everything you need under one roof!
TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU SANTA CRUZ
1266 Soquel Avenue • 831-423-8632
WATSONVILLE
906 E. Lake Avenue • 831-726-0240
www.staffoflifemarket.com
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK
Estéban Restaurant
700 Munras Avenue 831.375.0176 • estebanrestaurant.com At the heart of the downtown Monterey dining scene, Estéban Restaurant serves Spanish influenced cuisine made from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The menu features a selection of long-time Estéban favorites, as well as fresh, new dishes created by executive chef Mario Garcia, who spins out wonderful dishes like Crispy Pulpo, served with remoulade, Yukon potato, chorizo, rosemary chili oil and grilled radicchio. Open for dinner nightly 4–8pm. Tapas hour from 4–6pm nightly.
Jacks Monterey
2 Portola Plaza 831.649.7830 • jacksatportola.com Jacks Monterey provides a refreshing culinary experience in downtown Monterey, inside the Portola Hotel & Spa. Emphasizing local ingredients, high-quality seafood, and an award-winning wine and cocktail program, Jacks philosophy derives from globally-inspired traditions of California Cultural Cuisine. The atmosphere at Jacks is sophisticated— never pretentious. Open for breakfast W-Su 6:30–10:30am, dinner W-Su 4–10pm, and bar only F-Sa 10–11pm.
Montrio
414 Calle Principal 831.648.8880 • montrio.com Located in a 100-year-old former firehouse, Montrio has long been a favorite dining spot in Old Monterey. Now with a reimagined “cutting edge Californian” menu and Green Restaurant certification, executive chef Eddie Moran serves oysters, wood-fired Spanish octopus and onion soup gratinée, along with sustainable seafood dishes, local organic produce, prime meats and housemade desserts. Open W–Th 5–9pm, F–Sa 5–10pm, Su 5–9pm.
The Perfect Crumb Bakery
310 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite B 831.241.6269 • theperfectcrumbbakery.net A charming spot for breakfast or a light lunch, The Perfect Crumb specialty bakery and café gets rave reviews for its croissants, blueberry scones and cinnamon buns (served on weekends only). Heartier appetites will enjoy the breakfast sandwich with eggs and hash browns served on a homemade biscuit, and for lunch the grilled cheese or Mediterranean turkey sandwich with roasted peppers and sundried tomatoes. Open W–Su 7:30am–3pm.
Peter B’s Brewpub
2 Portola Plaza 831.649.2699 • peterbsbrewpub.com Peter B’s Brewpub combines award-winning craft beer and sports on 18 high-definition televisions in a relaxed brewpub environment. Monterey’s original craft brewery is distinguished for its variety of beer on tap, innovative pub menu, happy hour, sports bar atmosphere, and outdoor dining on the pet-friendly heated patio with fire pits. Peter B’s is open Wednesday-Sunday with nightly happy hour from 4–6pm, as well as late night happy hour 9–10pm. Open W-Su 4–10pm. Sunday breakfast and football 9:30–11am from September to January.
Revival Ice Cream
463 Alvarado Street 831.747.2113 • revivalicecream.com Revival serves up lovingly handcrafted, small batch organic ice cream, made using only the freshest, in-season, locally sourced ingredients. Favorite flavors include Bee’s Knees®, Banana Caramel, Eucalyptus Mint Chip and Dark Chocolate. Plenty of vegan and dairy-free options like Passionfruit Mango Coconut, Peanut Butter Chip and Pistachio available. They also have amazing vegan
and gluten-free waffle cones, made daily in-house and the popular Revival Ice Cream Sandwiches. Open Su–Th noon– 9pm. F–Sa noon–10pm.
Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market
598 Foam Street 831.626.0547 • seaharvestmonterey.com This fresh and casual seafood spot near Cannery Row is perfect after a day exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are grilled entrées and lots of fried options with chips, including calamari, clams, prawns, scallops and oysters. Try Sea Harvest’s popular clam chowder or a basket of crispy artichoke hearts. Open daily 9am–7pm.
Tarpy’s Roadhouse
2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway 831.647.1444 • tarpys.com An award-winning steakhouse serving generous portions of California comfort food, Tarpy’s Roadhouse occupies a sprawling 3½-acre property and stone building that used to be part of the Ryan Ranch homestead. In addition to expertly prepared steak, enjoy wood-fired salmon, chilecrusted chicken, braised lamb shank, classic meatloaf and smoked baby back ribs. Open Su–Th 11:30am–8pm, F–Sa 11:30am–9pm.
Wild Plum Café & Bakery
731 Munras Avenue 831.646.3109 • thewildplumcafe.com Located in Old Monterey in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, Wild Plum draws people from all walks of life with sustainable bistro fare that uses organic, locally sourced produce, hormone-free Diestel turkeys roasted on site, grass-fed beef and house-baked bread and pastries. Breakfasts include scrambles, omelets, and breakfast tacos and burritos, and for lunch, choose among soups, salads, sandwiches and paninis, burgers and house specialties. Food to go and catering available. Open W–M 7:30am–3:30pm, Tu closed.
MOSS LANDING
Sea Harvest
2420 Highway 1 831.728.7081 • @seaharvestmosslanding Outdoor tables on a wooden deck overlooking Elkhorn Slough are the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood hauled in by a fisherman who is part of the Deyerle family that runs the restaurant. Choose from grilled catch of the day, shrimp Louie, fish and chips or some of the best Bajastyle battered fish tacos around. Open daily 11am–7pm.
PACIFIC GROVE
Julia’s Vegetarian
1180 Forest Avenue, Suite F 831.656.9533 • juliasveg.com Voted the best vegetarian restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula for more than 10 years running, Julia’s is known for its wild and exotic mushrooms and house-brewed kombuchas on tap. The menu features a creative twist on vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food. Try some of the most popular dishes like the fried “egg and bacon” sandwich, exotic mushroom sampler and buffalo cauliflower wings. Open 9am–9pm daily.
Mezzaluna
1188 Forest Avenue 831.372.5325 • mezzalunapasteria.com Owners Chef Soerke Peters and Amy Stouffer keep their restaurant simple and amazing—and chef Peters is a leader in sustainability on the Monterey Peninsula.Pasta, mozzarella and gelato are made fresh daily. Starters include clam chowder with torched bone marrow and duck liver
Tasting Room @ The Old Sash Mill
Open 12-5 pm Thursday-Sunday (831) 458-5030 Winery @ The Quarry in Corralitos
Open 12-5 pm • Friday-Sunday (831) 724-5030
Handcrafted Wines of excellence from the Santa Cruz Mountains since 1988. Reservations are recommended, walk-ins are welcome. storrswine.com
– Lifting Spirits Since 1969 –A PERFECT PLACE FOR FUN, FOOD, FRIENDS.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily from 8am ON THE BEACH ~ Where the view never stops!
VISIT OUR BEACH MARKET RIGHT NEXT DOOR AT SANTA CRUZ HARBOR
pâté and grilled octopus, and there are five dishes starring locally crafted mozzarella. Pasta choices are imaginative and include options such as wild foraged mushroom agnolotti with brown butter sage sauce, pappardelle with wine-braised rabbit and potato gnocchi with gorgonzola and black truffle oil. Open W–Su 5–9pm. Closed M–Tu.
Wild Fish
545 Lighthouse Avenue 831.373.8523 • wild-fish.com Owners Liz and Kelvin Jacobs welcome you to feast on the bounty of nearby waters and farms at their 100% local and organic seafood house, enjoying exquisite dishes like crispy sablefish, halibut and petrale sole, accompanied by local vegetables. Chef Elsah Payne also prepares fresh oysters, innovative salads, house-baked bread and sides like fingerling potatoes with poppyseed crème fraîche or baby carrots with wild nettle pesto, make this a dining destination. Did we mention English sticky toffee pudding for dessert? Open Su–Th 11:30am–3pm and 5–8:30pm, F–Sa 11:30am–3pm and 5–9:15pm.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Bliss Blendz
300 Third Street, Suite A 831.593.1108 • blissblendzsmoothies.com More than just a smoothie store, Bliss Blendz offers healthful açai bowls and a variety of refreshing, energizing drinks to get your day underway. There is a full menu of pourover coffee options, including bullet coffee and green monster mocha. Or stop by for lunch and try a salad loaded with superfoods like berries and nuts or indulge in the chia seed pudding. Open M–Su 10am–5pm.
Lolla
201 Third Street 831.593.5064 • lollasjb.com Owner Sarah Griss has created a soup, salad and sandwich luncheonette in an adobe building right across the street from San Juan Bautista Historic Park. Lolla sources healthy food from local farms and food producers, giving customers a quick and convenient way to eat locally, seasonally and deliciously. Daily special soups are not to be missed. Open W–Su 11am–3pm.
Margot’s Ice Cream Parlor
211 Third Street 831.623.9262 • margotsicecreamparlor.com Bringing smiles to the people of San Juan Bautista for 25 years, Margot’s was originally opened as a retail outlet for wonderful handmade candies, including chocolatedipped apricots, almond butter crunch, marshmallows, oreos, grahams and pretzels, as well as 10 flavors of chocolate truffles. In addition, it offers 28 flavors of Lappert’s ice cream, espresso drinks and Dole pineapple whip. Open Su–F 11am–8pm, Sa 11am–9pm.
Vertigo Coffee Roasters
81 Fourth Street 831.623.9533 • vertigocoffee.com Artisanal coffee roasted on site as well as fresh pastries baked in-house, brunch items, local craft beers and wines, plus wood-fired pizzas with naturally leavened, twice fermented sourdough crust have made Vertigo a locals’ favorite as well as a great find for visitors en route to the San Juan Mission, Pinnacles or other area attractions. Open M–Tu 8am–4pm, W–Su 8am–8pm.
Barceloneta
1541 Pacific Avenue, Suite B 831.900.5222 • eatbarceloneta.com With its cheerful beach stripes, wicker light fixtures and whimsical details, dinner at Barceloneta can feel like a holiday. Owned by chef Brett Emerson and his wife Elan, who ensures service is superb, Barceloneta offers Spanish tapas made with seasonal, farmers’ market produce and several types of authentic paella, along with Spanish wines, beers and cocktails. Open Tu–Sa 5–8:30pm. Closed Su–M.
Bookie’s Pizza
1315 Water Street bookiespizza.com Located inside the Santa Cruz outpost of Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, Bookie’s Pizza is owned by fine dining veteran chef Todd Parker and offers “inauthentic” Detroit-style square pies. Each pizza is made using the best seasonal ingredients from local farms, fishermen and foragers. Dough is made with organic flour, naturally leavened for 48 hours, and each pizza comes with its own unique sauce. Open Su–Th noon–9pm. F–Sa noon–10pm.
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Avenue 831.426.5664 • charliehongkong.com Charlie Hong Kong has been providing the Santa Cruz community with healthy, sustainable, affordable and high-quality food since 1998. The colorful, casual eatery’s delicious fusion of Southeast Asian influences and the Central Coast’s local organic produce have made it an inclusive, family-friendly, neighborhood favorite. Its slogan is “love your body, eat organic,” and its cuisine is proof that fast food can be good for you. All signature dishes are vegan with the option to add meat or fish. Gluten-free options are available. Dog friendly. Open daily 11am–10pm.
Chocolate
1522 Pacific Avenue 831.427.9900 • chocolatesantacruz.com As its name suggests, there are all kinds of decadent chocolate desserts at Chocolate the restaurant, but this farmto-fork local favorite is much more than a dessert spot. Everything is prepared simply and with local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, options include three kinds of chicken mole, roast pork with chocolate barbecue sauce, and their signature Pasta Rosettes! Cocktails feature Santa Cruzbased distilleries, including Venus Spirits. Check out their extensive hot chocolate menu. A party room for your special celebration is available, with seating and menu options to suit the occasion. Open Tu–Th and Su 4–8pm, F–Sa 4–9pm. Closed M.
Crow’s Nest
2218 E. Cliff Drive 831.476.4560 • crowsnest-santacruz.com A perfect spot to enjoy breakfast and lunch or catch a dinnertime sunset over the harbor, the nautical-themed Crow’s Nest is a Santa Cruz institution that never goes out of style. There’s always something happening, from live music to comedy nights and happy hours. Famous for its salads, house-smoked salmon and seafood entrées, the Crow’s Nest is a member of Seafood Watch and is a certified green business. Open M–F 9am–8:30pm, Sa–Su 8am–8:30pm. How can you compete with the big guys? It is very simple.
We are not competing! We’re different.
At Star Market you will find the freshest, best tasting and finest selection of groceries in the Monterey Bay area.
Please visit starmkt.com for Delivery or Pick-up. 1275 S. Main Street, Salinas • 831-422-3961
Delicious Poured Daily
scheidvineyards.com CARMEL TASTING ROOM SAN CARLOS & 7TH 831.626.WINE (9463)
ESTATE WINERY & TASTING ROOM 1972 HOBSON AVE., GREENFIELD 831.386.0316
SV 50th Cheers Logo with Large Type (Reverse Version)
Open Wednesday - sunday at 5pm take Out available lapOstaRestauRant.cOm • 831-457-2782 neighbORhOOd night eveRy Wednesday!
sOif Wine baR & meRchantss Open tuesday - satuRday 1pm - 8pm tune in fOR OuR pOp ups! sOifWine.cOm • 831-423-2020
Wines by the glass • bOttle • case small plates & Retail sales
Laílí
101B Cooper Street 831.423.4545 • lailirestaurant.com Exotic flavors of The Silk Road are served in a stylish dining room decorated in eggplant and pistachio colors and on a hidden candlelit patio. Locals rave about Laílí’s homemade naan served warm from the oven with a selection of Mediterranean dips. There is a wide variety of deliciously spiced vegetable dishes, and all meats are hormone free and free range. Check website for opening information.
La Posta
538 Seabright Avenue 831.457.2782 • lapostarestaurant.com A cozy neighborhood bistro not far from the Santa Cruz yacht harbor, La Posta chef Rodrigo Serna prepares traditional rustic Italian cuisine using local ingredients. The emphasis is on simple, seasonal selections, with the balance of the menu reflecting whatever produce is freshest right now. A sister restaurant of Soif Restaurant and Wine Bar, La Posta also offers a great selection of wines. Open W–Su 5–8pm, closed M–Tu.
New Leaf Community Markets
1134 Pacific Avenue 831.425.1793 • newleaf.com New Leaf’s headquarters in a former bank building on Pacific Avenue is a worthwhile stop for all foodies. Crowded with gourmet natural foods, it also has a deli with sandwiches, salads and hot entrées. A dining area out front is great for people watching and listening to street musicians. Open daily 8am–9pm.
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair Avenue 831.426.1306 • newleaf.com The Westside New Leaf has a large deli counter and coffee bar, with a big selection of sandwiches, salads, bakery items, soups and other hot foods. You can eat at an instore counter or at tables outside. Open daily 7am–9pm.
The Penny Ice Creamery
913 Cedar Street 831.204.2523 • thepennyicecreamery.com Lines out the front door of its converted Spanish bungalow are evidence of Penny’s popularity. All ice cream, including bases, is made from scratch on the premises using local organic ingredients when possible. Dozens of exotic flavors rotate seasonally, but two favorites are chocolate caramel sea salt and strawberry pink peppercorn. Open daily noon–11pm.
The Picnic Basket
125 Beach Street 831.427.9946 • thepicnicbasketsc.com Across the street from the main beach, owners of The Penny Ice Creamery have opened an alternative to boardwalk fast food. Sandwiches, organic salads, coffee and beer, all from local food artisans, and of course Penny’s popular ice cream, are all on offer to eat in or outside with your feet in the sand. Open daily 7am–4pm.
Soif Restaurant and Wine Bar
105 Walnut Avenue 831.423.2020 • soifwine.com Soif lives on as a bottle shop offering more than 400 hardto-find European and local wines, along with a wine bar serving wines by the glass. Pull up a barstool and let Soif’s experts introduce you to something new and amazing, while you nibble on wine-friendly small bites. Soif also offers educational wine tastings and its popular Teroiriste Wine Club. Open Tu–Sa 1–8pm.
Staff of Life
1266 Soquel Avenue 831.423.8632 • staffoflifemarket.com A Santa Cruz landmark, Staff of Life started in 1969 as a small natural foods bakery and has grown over the years into a full service natural foods supermarket known for its local organic produce, seafood and natural meats as well as an extensive bulk department. Deli items and foods from the hot bar can be enjoyed at the Café del Sol. Open daily 8am–9pm.
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen
200 High Road 831.600.7376 • venusspirits.com Craft distiller Sean Venus hosts a trifecta with a lively restaurant bar, the distillery itself and a tasting room. If you want to sample his award-winning gin and other spirits, try the tasting room. For cocktails and hearty plates from chef Gabrielle Molina, head for the kitchen part of the building and enjoy dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts, mole baby back ribs and elote chile relleno. Open W–F 4–9pm, Sa noon–9pm, Su noon– 8pm.
West End Tap & Kitchen
334D Ingalls Street 831.471.8115 • westendtap.com Perfect for any parent looking for a happy hour to satisfy the whole family, adults and kids alike can’t get enough of the duck fat popcorn, fried calamari and flatbread pizzas. A diverse, season-driven menu with offerings like New York strip steak panzanella, seared oyster mushroom “scallops,” a Southern-style seafood boil and a long list of craft beers, ciders and wine options make West End a Westside staple. The outdoor patio is perfect for people watching amidst the bustling Swift Street Courtyard. Open daily noon–9pm.
WATSONVILLE
Beer Mule Bottle Shop + Pour House
45 Aviation Way 831.254.9789 • kickassbeer.com The Beer Mule has 40 brews on tap and hundreds more in the fridge, with an emphasis on local and NorCal beer. Food—courtesy of Butchers & The Mule—includes dishes like four-cheese mac and cheese, barbacoa short rib tacos, grilled tri-tip cheesesteak, hot or not fried chicken sando and Butchers’ jambalaya. Open daily 11am–10pm.
Gizdich Ranch
55 Peckham Road 831.722.1056 • gizdich-ranch.com Visitors from all over love this fourth-generation, familyrun farm business that popularized the “pik-yor-self” experience just east of Watsonville’s Interlaken neighborhood. Tour the farm, pick fresh apples or berries or watch the action inside the juice-pressing barn. No one leaves hungry if they spend time at the bakery-deli that pleases with its fresh pies, shortcakes and pastries, along with hearty sandwiches and box lunches. This family friendly experience is also a treat for kids, who will enjoy the wideopen spaces and the homemade popsicles. Open daily 9am–5pm.
Staff of Life
906 E. Lake Avenue 831.726.0240 • staffoflifemarket.com Opened last spring, Staff of Life’s second store in Watsonville is its first and only branch. The store is sustainable down to its bones and includes all the natural groceries, organic produce and baked goods you’d find at the Santa Cruz store, along with a juice and smoothie bar, freshly made sushi, a gelato bar, a full deli and a hot bar. Open daily 8am–8pm.
Farm Discovery at Live Earth Presents MESA
09.24.2022
A farm-to-table event overlooking the Pajaro Valley featuring Live Earth Farm Produce Multi-course meal by Chef Jessica Yarr and Chef Diego Felix Live Music & Auction Beer, Wine & Cocktail Pairings
100% of proceeds support farm-based nutrition, food systems and environmental education, and food security programs
FARMDISCOVERY.ORG/EVENT/MESA
