Food

Clam Chowder Cook-Of The Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Of returns to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk this weekend. Come sample clam chowder from amateur chefs (Saturday) and professional chefs (Sunday) at the country’s largest and longestrunning clam chowder competition. Purchase a tasting kit ($10 each) and select you favorite Boston and Manhattan chowders to help pick a winner. Each kit includes six taste tickets, a spoon, cup and a ballot. All proceeds beneft the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation department. For information visit beachboardwalk.com.

PVQA Quilt Show The Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA) will host its 42nd annual Quilt Show Saturday and Sunday, with over 300 quilts on exhibit at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. Featured artist will be Meri Henriques Vahl. The event includes bed turning demonstrations, a “wearable art display,” special charity exhibits, a merchant mall and fea market, and a live auction. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 in advance. For information visit pvqa.org.

Father & Daughter Sweetheart Dance The City of Watsonville’s Parks and Community Services Department will host its Father & Daughter Sweetheart Dance on Saturday at the G.H.W.R. Youth Center, 30 Maple Ave., Watsonville from 6-9 p.m. Come dance the night away and make lasting memories as you enjoy an evening of music, food (a taco bar and dessert table) and games. The event is open to all fathers and their daughters ages 4-13. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at eventbrite.com. For information call 768-3289.

Sip for Second Harvest Join the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County for one of its premier events. A total of 15 wineries will participate in this year’s Sip for Second Harvest, Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Martinelli’s Company Store, 345 Harvest Drive, Watsonville. Wine tastings, with appetizers by Cilantros of Watsonville and a commemorative glass included. Ages 21 and older. Tickets are $40 per person ($70 for two people). All proceeds to beneft Second Harvest. For a list of featured wines and spirits, and to order tickets visit thefoodbank.org.

A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, cofee shops and the like.

Cassidy’s Pizza: Turkey Sandwich I’m a big believer in the beauty of simplicity. An object, idea or food dish can be simple and still manage to rise above one that is complex and layered. I think that’s why the sandwiches at Cassidy’s Pizza still hold a special place in my heart and belly after all these years. Their simple yet steady, reliable flavor has made them one of my favorite crave-worthy quick lunch pickups since my days at Watsonville High School. The pizza pies at Cassidy’s are a well-known commodity, as they should be, but the sandwiches at the 1400 Freedom Boulevard mainstay should be in everyone’s monthly lunch rotation, too.

Their turkey sandwich ($6.49) has all of seven ingredients: turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, cheese and bread. It’s something that could be made at home but never fully recreated in the same way. The bread always comes out crispy and fills my nostrils with a large irresistible fresh aroma, that smacks me with a dose of nostalgia. It’s a simple sandwich at its best. It also comes with a choice of chips or a heaping side salad.

There are also pastrami, salami, ham and combo selections and a pizza sandwich, which I’m very interested in. All of them run the same price as the turkey sandwich. TONY NUNEZ

FOOD

Sushi Garden Though there is a Sushi Garden restaurant in Watsonville (Overlook Center, Main Street), I was recently up in the San Lorenzo Valley on a lengthy errand spree and ended up at their Scotts Valley location, 5600 Scotts Valley Drive With tons of parking and a large spread out setting, the eatery had a welcoming environment and friendly staf. The California Roll (shown here), Ebi Tempura roll and complimentary hot edamame hit the spot. Fresh, tangy and bounding with flavor, each of our selections were winners, thanks to recommendations from our waitress. My wife Sarah and I relished the idea that they didn't have blaring music overhead. The open air sushi kitchen ofered lively action and the chefs were very cognizant of our presence, ofered thanks and smiles. It was a satisfying evening and we both agreed we'll return. TARMO HANNULA

FUN

San Francisco trolley With the 1898 Ferry Building in the background, an early-day trolley rolls along Market Street in San Francisco. Such trolleys are a great way to get a taste of the city along the popular Embarcadero and on Market Street to the Castro District. I've heard from scores of people, including people that live in SF, that it is truly a small city. That's good for visitors because you can cram a lot in, even in a day’s visit. Right now is a good time to see SF because it’s in between tourist seasons. To me, a walk and a trolley ride along part of Market Street, a walk along the Embarcadero near the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building, a blast of fresh air along the edge of the San Francisco Bay and a bite to eat in nearby North Beach warrants a day trip here, for starters.