If you think Santa Cruz is chill and Paso is mellow, Boonville is super laid back. It's almost immediately clear you can pretty much just park anywhere. If you spot an empty car running in front of a liquor store, don't be concerned; it's probably not a quick getaway...
Food
O’Mei
Finally good Chinese food! They even have a gluten free menu, which illustrates how wheat heavy our food is. Is it really necessary in Mongolian Beef? Mu Shu Pork? Great wine list too! One might expect that in such a great viticulture area. But too many restaurants...
Oswald – A Good Place for Happy Hour
If you are looking for a good place for happy hour in downtown Santa Cruz, Oswald has refreshing and creative cocktails. Delicious food follows that you cannot find anywhere else. Like Pine Nut butter atop roasted chicken. Sounds simple. It's like pesto without the...
El Palomar
In every California destination, I seek out the best Mexican food. The cuisine just makes me happy. My test: good margaritas, fresh and delicious salsa, and good quality ingredients. El Palomar downtown has all three and even a delightful atmosphere for any type of...
Cafe Brasil
I heard Cafe Brasil had a great breakfast but gets crowded quickly. On a hunch that Santa Cruz locals don't get up early, I arrived at 9 AM on a Saturday. I was right. There were only a few people on the waiting list when I arrived. But all the reviews of the...
Prospect 772 Wine Company – Balanced and Complex
If names like The Brat, The Instigator, The Brawler, and Baby Doll don't intrigue you, the seductive flavors of wine at Prospect 772 Wine Company will. Each one tells a story as all good bottles should. The wines continue the intrigue with their balanced and complex...
Drink Locally at V Restaurant Bistro & Bar
Local pride in local wines is strong in Murphys at V Restaurant Bistro & Bar. The image below is of the corkage fee from a local restaurant menu: More appellation adventures from my month in this region.
El Jardin
I've always said you can tell a good Mexican restaurant before your order even arrives. It's all about the salsa and chips! At El Jardin, they have more than one but one is one you won't soon forget: pickled cabbage salsa: It's healthy, low fat, and only takes three...
Cupcake Wars Winners – Lila and Sage
Just realized I am staying above the people who won the Cupcake War on the Food Network! Lila and Sage cakes are light as a feather but rich and flavorful. A delicate balance to achieve and devour. So glad I didn't find out sooner. More appellation adventures from my...
Alchemy
Almost every wine town has a restaurant that is the local favorite for winemakers. Eat there and the odds of sitting next to a winemaker are high. Some of these restaurants even have winemaker nights where winemakers showcase their wines in a flight, talk about the...