Vegan

Gifts for the VEGAN

Vegans are often treated like outsiders in our very meat-centric culture, so they’ll appreciate how these gifts make them feel like insiders at some very cool spots.

First, the best-kept secret in Santa Cruz for vegan sweets is the vegan chocolate at Shopper’s Corner. It’s just one example of how this truly independent grocer has been doing things differently for almost 85 years. Go to the store and ask for Kate Motroni, who’s in charge of the chocolate section there. She’ll show you the vegan options in their chocolate section—there are a lot—and point out her favorites. Try Manoa Chocolate’s Haupia Coconut Vegan Milk Chocolate, or some of the high-percentage dark chocolates that are vegan from Jcoco or Solstice, or Dick Taylor’s chocolate-coated cherries.

And what could be more insider than a secret menu? There’s one for vegans at Hula’s Island Grill (it also highlights vegetarian and gluten-free options)—all you have to do is ask for it. Since the popular Hawaiian spot also features the best fake-chicken sandwich in Santa Cruz, a gift certificate from Hula’s is a great surprise for the vegan in your life.

And there’s Veg on the Edge, the vegan African/ American fusion restaurant at Abbott Square. There’s nothing secret about this menu, but damn that pumpkin seed stew is amazing. SP

DICK TAYLOR’S CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES (OR OTHER VEGAN CHOCOLATES)

Shopper’s Corner

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831-423-1696 shopperscorner.com $12.29

GIFT CARD

Hula’s Island Grill

221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz 831-426-4852 hulastiki.com $25 and up

GIFT CARD

Veg on the Edge

725 Front St., Santa Cruz 831-423-3000 vegontheedge.com $25 and up