Aptos Life | May 2020 by Weeklys

MAY 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ VOL. 8, NO. 9

Warm Welcome Much-anticipated restaurant opens amidst COVID-19 crisis P3

SHELTER-IN-PLACE P4 | HISTORY CORNER P6 | COUNTY BUDGET P10

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Monsbey College

MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

6 Hangar Way, Suite B • Watsonville, CA 95076 • (877) MONSBEY monsbey@gmail.com • www.monsbey.com

Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital is OPEN. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic we are utilizing curbside check-in. Ask us about our online pharmacy option. Our goal is to keep our staff and clients as safe as possible while striving to maintain the welfare of our patients. Call 831.688.4242 to schedule an appointment 10404 Soquel Drive, Aptos • aptos-creeksidepets.com

ABOUT

THE COVER

t takes a lot of guts to open a restaurant during a pandemic. A lot of faith in the community, too. Famed restauranteur David Kinch, it would seem, has both. His latest eaterie, Mentone, an Italian-French restaurant with a California Coast twist, was set to open this summer to much acclaim. Then COVID-19 started its spread, and that opening date seemed a bit unrealistic. But Kinch decided to open up Mentone anyway for takeout, providing the Aptos community and the greater Santa Cruz County a tasty refuge from what has been an otherwise bleak time. The reviews have been nothing short of sensational. Offering a trimmed menu of pizza, salad, wine and cocktails, Mentone since opening in late March has seen a constant stream of cars fly into the Aptos Village to see what the fuss is all about. They have also been serving up a delicious “Sunday Supper” offering—an inventive chicken fricassee and a poached local black cod have been on that menu in the past. They are open for takeout orders Wednesday-Saturday from 11am until they sell out for the day. Pickup is from 3:30-7pm. Mentone opening up during the pandemic has been a refreshing bit of normal during a weird and alarming time. I think we all understand that normal won’t be “normal” for some time, even after Kinch’s spot opens up for dine-in orders later this year. But I think it’s healthy to have things to look forward to. For some, it might be that morning surfing session; for others, it could be a walk down the block with your kids after work. In Mentone, food lovers have yet another scrumptious dish to look forward to. Bon appetit.

5 3

Cover story

Shelter-in-place

History Corner

10 Word from a Friend CEO & Executive Editor

Dan Pulcrano Publisher

Jeanie Johnson Editor

Tony Nuñez Editorial

Christina Waters Tony Nuñez Todd Guild Cover photography

Tarmo Hannula Contributoring writers

John Hibble Zach Friend Gary & Soren Croxall Advertising Sales

Tina Chavez Lupita Ortiz Jazmine Ancira Production

Rob Chalhoub Tony Nuñez

Aptos Life is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Aptos Life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Aptos Life is a division of the Pajaronian. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1868.

831.761.7300 tnunez@pajaronian.com

— Tony Nuñez

SNEAK PEAK Mentone, the

latest restaurant from renown chef David Kinch, has opened in the Aptos Village albeit with a limited menu, including pizzas (below) and negronis (left).

Tarmo Hannula

Mentone is sensational Mediterranean pizza on the California Coast By CHRISTINA WATERS

MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Keeping A N promise

ot since my last trip to Italy three years ago have I tasted such inspired pizza. It was from Mentone, the new Aptos restaurant created by David Kinch of the three-star Michelin Manresa. Mentone’s menu is Italian-French spun through Kinch’s own California vision. “The name is the Italian version of the French town’s name,” Kinch says. After phoning in our order, I parked in front of Mentone and a masked man placed a well-filled brown shopping bag in my trunk. It turns out to be Kinch himself. What a surprise to see the chef, whose career I’ve followed from the Sent Sovi days to his recent cooking tour through France, manning the takeout. That takeout took my breath away. The ➝8

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

Tarmo Hannula

ESSENTIAL ACTIVITY Surfers leave the water at Cowell’s Beach in Santa Cruz, a day after beaches and parks were reopened in mid-April.

Indefinite order MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel restricted beach access from 11am-5pm, though surfers and swimmers will be exempt from that order.

County extends closure, begins easing order in hopes of opening By TODD GUILD & TONY NUÑEZ

anta Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel on April 30 indefinitely extended the shelterin-place order issued on March 31. She also closed the county’s beaches between the hours of 11am and 5pm. Both moves are meant to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 by limiting opportunities for people to gather in large groups. Residents are allowed to leave their home only to perform essential activities such as shopping, or to engage in essential governmental and work-related functions. But Newell also signaled that county officials are otherwise ready to loosen some restrictions, by allowing

medical and dental offices to reopen, along with fabric and craft stores and golf courses, among other things. In addition, certain group activities involving children can begin again, such as those overseen by child care establishments, summer camps and educational or recreational programs. These activities must be conducted in groups of 12 or fewer. Social distancing is still required when in public, as are facemasks. “We have made great progress flattening the curve and protecting vulnerable residents and critical healthcare infrastructure, but we still have a long road ahead,” says Newel. “These are the first steps on a long ➝9

COUNTY ORDER

Sing, Dance, Play, Learn!

When and where to wear your face mask

Try a Free Class!

By TODD GUILD

WHEN YOU MUST WEAR A MASK:

Save a spot for your family at a class near you! Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties

REQUIRED A statue of a surfer on the west side of Santa Cruz

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jobs such as roads, water, sewer and electricity. • When operating public transportation, or driving a taxi or a ride-share vehicle such as Uber, even when there are no passengers. • When working in an essential business or essential function, at all times when interacting with the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time • When working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others

WHEN A MASK IS NOT REQUIRED: • When engaged in outdoor exercise such as walking, hiking, bicycling or running. • When a person is in a personal office, as long as the public does not regularly visit the room. • People with jobs such as construction worker, plumber, bank manager, accountant, or bike repair person are not required to wear a face-covering if they are alone and in a space not regularly visited by the public.

MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

• When you are inside of—or are in line to enter—an essential business such as grocery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, laundromats and restaurants. This includes when conducting business through a vehicle window. • When inside any facility providing essential government services. • When waiting for or riding on public transportation, para-transit or are in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle. • When receiving services at healthcare facilities such as doctors, dentists, mental health providers and veterinarians, and at hospitals. • When working in infrastructure

Music Together ©, Canta y Baila Conmigo ©

Tarmo Hannula

anta Cruz County residents over the age of 12 must wear face masks when in public at essential businesses to protect the community from the coronavirus. People can be infected with COVID-19 and have no symptoms, which means they are asymptomatic, but they can still spread the virus. The use of a face covering, when combined with the physical distance of at least 6 feet and frequent hand washing, can reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus to others when in public and engaged in essential activities. Children 2 and under should not wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation. Surgical masks and N-95s are rare and should be kept for frontline healthcare workers. Still a bit confused about when and in what situations you should wear a mask? Check out the list below:

HISTORY CORNER

The last Aptos Native American?

MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Robert Silvear, logger and teamster, now living quietly in the village, remembers hundreds of them employed for cutting wood for fuel and working in the fields and orchards. Sadly though, within the last eighteen years (1945) only two remained and in a heated argument one slew the other by the

photo courtesy of Aptos History Museum

tiny six-page pamphlet about Aptos Village reads: Not so long ago there were hundreds of Aptos Indians still living and working in this area. Ralph Mattison, banker, tells of seeing them camped on the beach and remembers his father giving them cheese and milk from his dairy to feed their children.

John Hibble Aptos History Museum

side of Freedom Road. Jimmie, the remaining Indian, continued to work on the Hihn Ranch until he became ill. Twelve years ago (1951) the County Hospital announced the passing of the last known Aptos Indian. This pamphlet was printed in 1963 by Artran Press, courtesy of Mrs. Bob Elliott. The accuracy of some of the information in the pamphlet may be a little questionable but when interviewing Ralph Mattison in 1993, he confirmed that Indians, (Native Americans), used to live where Aptos High School is now and they made and sold smoking pipes from manzanita that rivaled the best European briar pipes. They also sold firewood and had the best product available. They would dig the soil away from the roots of the oak trees and let them die slowly. As the tree lost moisture, the bark would shrink and hold tight to the wood so it would not fall off when the wood was cut. This resulted in hotter fires and therefore sold for a premium. Dick Firebaugh of Freedom remembered “Indian Jim” from his childhood in Day Valley. Jim lived over the hill in a woodchoppers cabin, next to the creek on the Cox Ranch in Valencia Valley. Jim worked on several of the local ranches. Once a week, Jim would come over to get milk from Dick’s parents, Joe and Angela Firebaugh. Jim was a very quiet person and would never think of disturbing by knocking on the door. He would just look in the window until someone saw him. Since they never knew when he was coming, it never failed to scare the daylights out of them. Mrs. Firebaugh tried to get Jim to knock on the door but to no avail. Dick described Jim as a friendly guy with a thin and drooping mustache like Charlie Chan’s, (a Hollywood Chinese movie detective). Jim wore an overcoat whether it was hot or cold and a big hat that drooped down, with a feather. He was squat and husky, a real powerful guy. In fact, the Larson family in upper Day Valley had a horse wagon that needed a wheel changed and Jim got under the wagon and lifted it all by himself. Ed Silva, (now deceased), the former owner of The Apple Barn on Hames Road, said Jim used

LASTING MEMORY This man,

known only as Jim, was believed to be the last Native American from a group that once lived where Aptos High School stands today.

to cut wood for Ed’s dad on their ranch in San Juan Bautista. In the late 1940’s, (or at least before 1951), Jim became ill and one day just disappeared. He either walked or hitched a ride back to Aptos where he died. He would never have imposed on Ed’s dad by asking for a ride. Ed had a small trunk of Jim’s with some of his things in it including a big overcoat and a picture of Jim taken in 1935. There is also a 1901 marriage license between Peter Castro, a native of the South Sea Islands, and Encarnacion Cañada, a native of California, both residents of Aptos. Ed said that Jim went by the name of Castro. If these people were Jim’s parents, the last Aptos Indian wasn’t an Indian after all. Please help. The Aptos History Museum is a community service of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce. During these difficult times we cannot hold events to raise the necessary funds to pay our expenses. We would appreciate any donations to help both organizations stay afloat until we can all return to normal. Please send donations to 7605 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, CA 95003. Thank you.

FINANCIAL ADVICE

Navigating uncertainty

s we write this month’s article, we are facing a sea of uncertainty. First and foremost, we understand yours and your loved one’s physical health is of primary concern. However, we wanted to use this article to discuss a few tips and resources to navigate some of the financial uncertainty you or your family may be facing at this time.

IF YOU LOST YOUR JOB

IF YOU’RE STILL EMPLOYED

was tied to your employer, know your options for maintaining coverage. You may be eligible for COBRA, which essentially allows you to remain on the health insurance plan you had through your employer for a certain period of time (between 18-36 months depending on the qualifying event). However, under COBRA, you are typically responsible for 100% of the premium payments and an administrative fee (including premiums that were previously paid for by your employer). For some, COBRA premiums can be costprohibitive. Other options to review and consider could be coverage under a spouse’s health insurance plan (if available) or a plan on the individual marketplace through Covered California. Each option has pros and cons and they also have certain deadlines you must meet to qualify for coverage. It’s important to review your options carefully and

If you are still employed, now would be a good time to review your monthly budget. As hard as it may sound, you should look to reduce or eliminate anything that is non-essential and begin building or bolstering your emergency fund. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to have at least six months of expenses set aside in an emergency fund. However, depending on the type of industry you work in, you may need to look to set aside more in an emergency fund if you feel it could take longer than six months to find a new job. If possible, continue to maintain a plan to pay down certain types of consumer debts (like credit cards) faster than the minimum required payments. You should continue to try and pay down these types of debts as much as possible while you are able to in the event that you or a spouse experience something unforeseen like a job loss in the future. Lastly, everyone should be on a heightened alert for scams. These can come in the form of mail, emails, text messages and look like

Gary E. Croxall, CFP® Registered Principal of LPL Soren E. Croxall, CFP®, CFA Registered Representative of LPL Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and Croxall Capital Planning do not provide tax or legal advice. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Business & Service Directory To include your business in this directory, call 761-7326

MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

If you have been laid off due to the mandatory business closures in effect because of the Shelter-In-Place order, you should understand that there have been changes to California’s Unemployment Insurance program in response to this. The mandatory one-week waiting period that was required previously before being allowed to file for unemployment benefits has been waived for residents of California. The Employment Development Department (EDD) website provides helpful resources including an estimated benefits calculator and many how-to guides and checklists to help navigate the process of applying for benefits (edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/). Also, at the time of writing this article, we are still trying to review the details of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). However, it appears that in addition to state unemployment benefits, the CARES Act is potentially offering workers experiencing a period of unemployment $600 additional per week in benefits through July. It is also expanding unemployment benefits to some categories of workers who previously may have been ineligible like contractors and the self-employed. Additionally, under the CARES Act, the IRS will be sending out one-time stimulus payments of up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per eligible child to individuals and families whose incomes fall below certain thresholds regardless of current employment status. Lastly, if your health insurance

make a timely decision in order to maintain continuous coverage.

it’s coming from a legitimate source. Always be wary of links in emails or text messages (especially if they are from an unfamiliar or unsolicited source). When in doubt, ask a trusted family member or friend their opinion if you think something seems out of the ordinary. We wish everyone continued good health and safety during this time.

MENTONE

MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

portable Negronis—a perfect balance of Campari, carpano antica and Nolets gin—took me straight back to Florence. A Caesar salad-for-two of chicories bathed in an addictive anchovy dressing, dazzling. But the pizzas were nothing short of transformative. From paper-thin crust to sensuous toppings dusted with red peppers and drizzles of pesto, the pies were sensational—wood-fired Pizza Margherita topped with basil and Pizza Formaggi with a thick melt of four cheeses. The smoky aromas perfumed the brilliant toppings. Kinch threw in samples of a house appetizer of fire-roasted eggplant seasoned with calabrian chili, fresh mint and grated bottarga that was

spicy and silken. Kinch has transformed pizza into a special occasion entree. The curbside pickup was smooth, and the pizza was just as delicious the next day.

INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION Even before this era of pandemic— which has made the opening of any new venture seem highly improbable, if not impossible—Mentone (pronounced “men-tawn-eh.”) was the most anticipated restaurant opening in Santa Cruz County in years. Kinch has been steadily building his brand since he opened Manresa in Los Gatos in 2002, and the restaurant earned its first two Michelin stars in 2007 (it was upgraded to three in 2016). He had been looking for a new restaurant

space in downtown Santa Cruz for a few years. Bywater, the more casual, New Orleans-inspired restaurant he opened in 2016, is also located in Los Gatos. “I wanted to be on this side of the hill,” says Kinch, who has lived in Santa Cruz for 22 years. “I like expanding our reach. I think we can fill a need.” While his heart belongs to the Central Coast, Kinch was inspired by the French/Italian Riviera and the town of Menton. This region was part of the Republic of Genoa until 1860, when it became part of France— hence the co-mingled cuisines. “It reminds me of our stretch of coastline,” Kinch says of the azure European coast discovered while

visiting friends on culinary visits and cooking odysseys. Anyone who’s visited the South of France, or the Ligurian coast between Nice and Genoa, can understand exactly why he would be taken by the bold, sun-drenched flavors of the region. After all, this is the place that gave us focaccia, salame and pesto. Far from the concept-intensive world of Manresa, this Kinch eatery is casual enough to highlight pizza— fueled by Kinch’s inventiveness and the freshly milled flour from Manresa Bread, the bakery branch of Manresa powered by superstar baker Avery Ruzick. Kinch’s concepts can be subtle, and tend to defy categorization. But the seasons and the geographical setting are invariably ➝ 11

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

journey, which will be guided by science and the leadership of State public health officials.” Newel’s orders do not change restrictions on hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, RV parks, campgrounds, and other short-term lodging businesses. Those are prohibited from providing accommodations to anyone unless they are in the county to perform essential services, providing an essential governmental function or caring for a sick individual. All lodging businesses are required to confirm the basis for any accommodation. To see the complete revised order visit santacruzhealth.org/ coronavirus.

A PATH BACK Santa Cruz County Department of Public Health Director Mimi Hall at the April 28 Board of Supervisors meeting introduced the county’s S.A.V.E. Lives Santa Cruz County initiative, a four-phase plan of how officials will slowly reopen the county.

Led by Margaret Lapiz of the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (CFSCC), the plan is an acronym for the four phases: (1) Slow the spread, (2) Adapt to the new normal, (3) Vaccination and therapeutics and (4) Elevate public health readiness. Lapiz will work with the county Health Services Agency with support from CFSCC to increase COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and quarantine/isolation services. These services, county officials says, are essential to reopening workplaces, community services and schools until a coronavirus vaccine is widely available. CFSCC secured funding to help get the community recovery plan into action. The funding will help cover some of the costs related to re-opening the county, including Lapiz’s position. “...recovery from the COVID19 pandemic will require our local leaders, small business owners, health care professionals, educators and the public to pull together like never before to support the county in their work to protect public health,” CFSCC CEO Susan True said in a press release.

Open Monday - Friday AS AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS: Chevrolet of Watsonville, Watsonville Ford, Watsonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and National Truck Sales and Service (Watsonville Auto Group) Community and friends, As an Essential business, our community has asked us to remain open at this time. We are implementing best practices in ensuring both our safety and our customers safety. To help at this time we are also making door to door service available. We are here to help our community’s automotive needs as we already serve many local transportation needs such as law enforcement, medical practitioners, city and county, agricultural and food services. Please be patient with us at this time as we are short staffed. The Watsonville Auto Group will continue modified dealership operations, at this time, as we are classified as an ESSENTIAL BUSINESS per Section 10.6.vi which includes, “gas stations and autosupply, auto repair, and related facilities”. The health, well-being, and safety of The Watsonville Auto Group’s staff, visitors and guests is our priority. Our team has been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 across the country and more specifically our county of Santa Cruz and adjusting our business as it unfolds. Our company as a whole is practicing constant health precautions, so your safety is our priority. We are committed to implementing recommendations from the health authorities to give you peace of mind as you visit us now and in the future. The health and safety of our customers and employees will always be our most important consideration, especially in these challenging times. If you are desperate and no one else can help you, please call my Father Clarke and he will try his best to help you: 818.618.6136 Our hearts and prayers are with us all at this time. Melvin Cooper Owner and operator, Watsonville Auto Group

Join These Businesses in Supporting Non Profit Organizations If you would like to feature your non profit in this directory, call 761-7326

100% OF YOUR DONATION GOES DIRECTLY TO FAMILIES IN NEED

JACO B S H E A R T.O R G /COV I D -1 9

MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Community Food Hotline

WORD FROM A FRIEND

County budget in COVID-19 crisis

s the world economy has plunged toward recession the local economy, and County budget, are facing the same retraction. With the tourism industry, one of the largest employers and tax elements (directly through hotel taxes and indirectly through sales tax spending from visitors) falling off of a cliff in the last month, the County is projecting significant impacts on our budget.

HOW SIGNIFICANT WILL THE IMPACT BE? In the Great Recession beginning in late 2008, the County faced declines in revenues and subsequent cuts of approximately 12 percent. Many projections for communities across our state show that local cities and counties will face revenue loss and, potentially subsequent cuts, of at

Zach Friend Santa Cruz County Supervisor

least double that with the National Association of Counties estimating some will face over triple the impacts on what was experienced during the Great Recession. Nationally, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to impact county budgets by over $144 billion through fiscal year 2021. This estimate includes anticipated increases in expenditures (health response costs), lost sales tax revenue, lost revenue from charges and fees, and other lost revenues (such as hotel taxes). Other lost revenue comes from those that needed to delay or may default on property tax payments.

WHAT’S AT RISK? County governments provide critical services needed for the nation’s

Kinetic Health of Santa Cruz

COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, but are facing serious revenue shortfalls and budgetary challenges resulting from the pandemic - just like many local businesses and households are experiencing. Unfortunately, the County has seen a significant increase in the number of safety net program requests (food assistance, housing assistance, health care needs and more) and these state and federal programs all require local financial matches that are imperiled by the same economic impacts that caused the increased demand. Additionally, public safety (Sheriff’s Office) and public health programs and staff are funded through the same revenue streams that are seeing significant declines - all while costs for the public health and safety response have increased during the pandemic.

WHAT’S BEING DONE TO ADDRESS IT? There are two small silver linings to mitigate some of the impacts locally. First, the Board of Supervisors has built up a reserve of approximately $58 million - which was done in anticipation of a possible recession but there was not an expectation of such a significant and sudden decline as we are experiencing now. This reserve will be used to help transition the losses this current fiscal year (for losses beginning in March and continuing until the end of June) and then will be tapped for the coming fiscal year. We anticipate using about $15 million of the reserves just to cover the losses from March-June of this year and then another $25-plus million as part of next year’s losses (next year’s losses are

anticipated at a factor of $25 million so this will only cover a portion of the loss). While the reserve is not enough to shoulder the extent of the loss by any means, it does at least provide some sort of cushion that, without it, would have led to even greater impacts. The second silver lining is that there are major efforts to encourage Congress and the Administration to provide funding for state and local governments to respond to the crisis. A bi-partisan proposal was introduced and then rejected in the Senate and by the Administration, which would have provided as much as $25 million to the County as part of the most recent stimulus bill. Cities and counties under 500,000 in population aren’t directly eligible for what Congress has previously allocated (so 40 of the 58 counties in the state aren’t eligible - including ours) but we are hopeful that in the next stimulus such funding will be available. If not, and if it takes as long as some economists predict it will take to climb out of this downturn, cuts to programs, services and staffing will be greater than what we experienced in the Great Recession 10 years ago.

WHAT OTHER WAYS CAN I GET INFORMATION? You can call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. I’m also maintaining regular updates on social media at www. facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting weekly tele-townhalls on various issues on Tuesday nights from 6-7pm. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384#.

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MAY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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MENTONE

folded into his menus. While prepping the restaurant last summer, he showed me a glamorous shot of actors Catherine Deneuve and Marcello Mastroianni at the height of their cinematic fame and beauty. “That’s on our brand,” he said with obvious pleasure. Two film stars, one French, one Italian. That’s the sizzle Kinch wants for Mentone, accessible and appealing. Anthony Bourdain once described Kinch’s cooking as “wildly creative … beautifully presented and surprisingly minimalist—very, very tasty.” Kinch keeps living up to that assessment. After learning everything he could in top kitchens in New York, San Francisco and Europe, Kinch opened a small, Catalan-inspired dining room in Saratoga in 1995 called Sent Sovi, which is where I first tasted his cooking. Then came Manresa, where the Michelin stars began to accumulate, as did international culinary guest chef gigs and James Beard awards, including Best Chef: Pacific in 2010. Born in Louisiana, Kinch opened Bywater as a spicy love letter to the Cajun and Creole foods of his New

Orleans roots. But now his imagination has zeroed in on the Mediterranean climate of his current home. There are a lot of reasons Kinch enjoys living here. “It’s close to the ocean, it’s got the university and all the activity that goes with that,” he says. “I’ve lived in Manhattan and in San Francisco. I don’t want a big city anymore. I need a separation between my personal and professional life.” Food is the focus of his life, and it always was. “I fell into that rabbit hole early on, and pretty hard. I’m always curious. And I’m not afraid to learn.” But even in non-pandemic times, Kinch says he needs to recharge a few times a year. “Especially as I get older,” says the 58-year-old chef. “For me, it’s always a beach. I relax, surf, sleep a lot, have a rum drink at two in the afternoon. It helps to reorganize my priorities. I try to do that twice a year.” And his favorite thing to do is having a great restaurant meal. “Fine dining—that’s where the ideas are,” he says. Curbside pickup is available at Mentone from 3-7pm Wed-Sat. 174 Aptos Village Way (at Trout Gulch Road) mentonerestaurant.com.

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