Category Archives: Restaurant News
12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day 12: Seabright Deli
Castle Beach (brisket) & Grotto (snapper) sandwiches, photo courtesy of Seabright Deli
Thank you, dear readers, for enthusiastically participating in my “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” over the last few days; it’s been a joy to receive your emails and to reward those of you that won gift cards and other treats. The last prize is a $50 gift card from popular Seabright Deli in Santa Cruz. Read below for how to win. Best wishes for a happy new year!
Santa Cruz residents Gary and Marilee Powers opened Seabright Deli in 2019 and quickly attracted lots of fans—people of all ages, some taking their food home to enjoy, others enjoying their savory lunch in the spacious deli setting. These days, the choices are to-go food (especially popular during the winter months) or outdoor dining on the deli’s covered patio, which Gary and Marilee added during the pandemic.
If you’re a Seabright Deli newbie, let me tell you about their house specialty sandwiches to start. First, the many meat and seafood options: the Yacht Club contains 8-hour house-smoked chicken, cheddar, bacon, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, sun-dried tomato aioli, and mayo on a toasted Francese roll. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds. The Grotto features local fresh snapper which they blacken on-site, plus Chimichurri tomatoes, jalapeno/lime citrus slaw, arugula, and tarragon-basil aioli on a Francese roll. Note that I have tried to buy a Grotto later in the day and they do sell out; go early or call ahead to ensure getting one!
Seabright Deli is also renowned for their pastrami which comes from New York; you can get it on a Seabright (with Swiss cheese and coriander-mustard aioli on Marble Rye) or Beach Bum (with housemade Thousand Island, Swiss, sauerkraut on Rye). Finally, they make a super-tender brisket which they smoke for 10 hours. Choices include the fan favorite Castle Beach with a half-pound of this meat plus rosemary-garlic aioli, smoked cheddar, pickled onions, and tomatillo-Hatch chili salsa on a toasted French roll. Any sandwich can be turned into a salad, served on top of a bed of arugula instead of on bread.
Don’t fret if you’re a vegetarian or vegan—they have sandwiches, wraps, and salads to meet your needs. Even though I do eat meat, after I tried their vegetarian Route 1 wrap, I have a hard time ordering anything else. It’s an excellent combination of ingredients, creating amazing flavors. A spinach tortilla-type wrap encases roasted vegetables (butternut squash, cauliflower, and broccoli), marinated tomatoes, arugula, Brie cheese, citrus basil mayo, and herb sauce.
By the way, they make all their aiolis and sauces from scratch.
Other yummy items to be aware of: on Saturday and Sunday they serve homemade clam chowder, which sells out every weekend. Exceptional desserts include the Everything Brownie (dark chocolate brownie topped with brownie cubes, toasted pecan nuts, and caramel ganache). Drinks include local canned craft beer and sodas such as small-batch craft Boylan bottles.
For future gift-giving occasions, Seabright Deli offers gift cards in any amount.
Regular hours: Closed Mon & Tues, Open Wed-Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Holiday changes: Closed Dec. 24-28, regular hours after that (including open both New Year’s Eve AND New Year’s Day)
Information: seabrightdeli.com, IG @seabrightdeli, 415 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-515-7484
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a $50 gift card to Seabright Deli.
To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Saturday Dec. 25 at 7 p.m. with the words “Seabright Deli” in the subject line. The winner will be notified via email.
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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day 10: Kaito
Kaito is today’s partner for the “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway:” the prize is $60 in gift cards. Keep reading for how to enter.
I fell in love with Kaito at its original Pleasure Point location on 41st Ave. I’m thankful that after closing that location, it has found a new home in the Capitola Mall, with all of the best menu items moving with it! The offerings include ramen, sushi, curry dishes, and drinks including Japanese Ramune bottled sodas.
Chef/owner Koji Goto makes 10 different types of ramen. For vegetarians, there is Tofu and Vegetable Ramen with vegetarian broth, steamed veggies and tofu. Chicken lovers tend to enjoy the Ja-Ja Ramen (chicken bone broth with miso paste and other ingredients) or the Spicy Garlic Ramen (that same bone broth with other ingredients plus a slice of BBQ pork). Classic ramen lovers usually get the Tonkotsu Ramen: pork bone broth, corn, seaweed, bamboo, green onion, and a slice of BBQ pork. You can also order a half-size of the Tonkotsu if you’re not as hungry. Visit the website or the restaurant directly to see more options.
I always order some appetizers when I get dinner at Kaito. They have really good seaweed salad and Gyoza, among other things. The Gyoza is chicken or vegetable, steamed or deep-fried; my family usually gets steamed chicken Gyoza and it’s gone in a flash. Other appetizers include tuna poke and shrimp dumplings.
Onto the sushi and sashimi. Kaito has traditional nigiri choices, plus several roll options. Signature sushi rolls include the Live Oak (salmon, crab, avocado), the Hook (Unagi, crab, avocado, masago), and Pink Dragon (salmon over California roll). With sashimi, you can order one type of fish (five or eight pieces; I love the ruby-red tuna) or try the Sashimi Sampler with two slices of five different fish (10 total). No matter what you select, you will be impressed by the freshness and the generous portions.
If you’re in a rush, Kaito always has several pre-packaged items ready to go; these are made fresh daily and include sushi rolls, seaweed salad, and edamame.
Last but not least: dessert. They have a few classic Japanese treats like mochi (red bean or green tea) and green tea roll cake.
Need a gift for a sushi or ramen lover in your life? Consider a Kaito gift certificate!
Regular hours: Tues-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch, 3-8 p.m. for dinner; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch, 3-7 p.m. for dinner. Closed Mondays. Deliveries available after 3 p.m. Tues-Sun.
Holiday changes to hours: Closed Saturday-Sunday Dec. 25-26 & Jan 1-2
More Info: Kaito Ramen & Sushi, Capitola Mall, 831-464-2586, smilekaito.com, IG @kaitosantacruz
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win $60 in gift certificates for Kaito.
To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Thursday Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. with the word “Kaito” in the subject line. The winner will be notified via email.
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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day Nine: Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
The next “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” prize is a $50 gift card from beloved Capitola institution Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria. Read below for how to win.
Gayle’s Bakery is popular any time of year, and during the holidays it’s especially busy. Although advance online orders have closed for Dec. 21-24, Gayle’s will have limited availability for certain popular items for walk-in customers on those days. These products include holiday appetizers like Deviled Eggs; Gayle’s Basil Torte (layers of sundried tomato & pesto, cream cheese and provolone with chopped pistachios outside—after ordering one of these tasty crowd-pleasing appetizers last year for the holidays, I am getting it again this year); and Creamy Brie Bake (Kalamata olives, sauteed mushrooms and scallions are encased in Gayle’s own Capitola Sourdough bread). Holiday dinners include Roast Turkey with housemade gravy and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing and green beans with fresh thyme. Side dishes include scrumptious garlic bread loaves. Cakes include Mini Bûche de Noëls, Winter Princess Cake, and Flourless Snowy Forest Cake. Pies include Pumpkin, Apple Crumb, and Olallieberry.
Of course, we have to talk about Gayle’s pastries, including their amazing almond croissants, decadent cinnamon rolls, and savory ham and cheese croissants, all available year-round. They always have a variety of fantastic cookies, and during the holiday season they have specialties like red and green checkerboards (almond shortbread) which comes in individual pre-made cookies or a slice-and-bake log you can make yourself at home.
Although the pastries are a popular breakfast item, Gayle’s also makes wonderful hot breakfast foods like individual quiches (I tried the tomato & spinach one the other day and it was divine) and breakfast burritos (vegetarian option or with bacon). And of course, you can’t go wrong with one of the bakery’s many signature bread loaves, to have at home with butter and jam or whatever your heart desires. These include Joe’s Bread (wheat sourdough), Organic Old World Raisin Walnut Loaf, and Challah.
If you’re not aware of the bakery’s awesome Blue Plate offerings, here are details: every week Gayle’s creates five dinners. You can buy any of them as “cold plates” from Monday-Sunday (until they sell out). Each weekday, there is one Blue Plate special that you can purchase hot after 4 p.m. Recent ones have included Chicken Schnitzel with bacon pepper gravy, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and Buttered Green Beans, and Shrimp Scampi with garlic & white wine Linguine, Fresh Asparagus and Rio Baguette. Other dinner ideas include lots of items in the cold case like their fabulous Salmon Niçoise salad. Note these salads won’t be available Dec. 23-24 when there is a limited menu.
Need a gift idea? Gayle’s offers gift cards in any amount.
Regular hours: Daily 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Holiday changes to hours: Open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25
Information: gaylesbakery.com, IG @gaylesbakery, 504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 831-462-1200
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a $50 gift card to Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria.
To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Wednesday Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. with the word “Gayle’s” in the subject line. The winner will be notified via email.
Side note: Please be aware that although my website is called santacruzfoodie.com, I am not affiliated with the Instagram account called santacruzfoodie – that is someone else’s account. My IG is @tarafatemiwalker. I have been told many people mistakenly believe @santacruzfoodie is mine.
Follow me on:
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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day Eight: Soif & La Posta
Soif Wine Bar & Merchants and La Posta Restaurant are today’s partners for the “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway:” the prize is a $50 gift card redeemable at either restaurant. Keep reading for how to enter.
Owner Patrice Boyle, who opened Soif in 2002 and La Posta in 2006, considers herself extremely fortunate to have the current executive chefs at these restaurants. Soif’s Tom McNary joined the team in 2018 and La Posta’s Rodrigo Serna first worked for Boyle at Soif in 2002. “I really love working with both of them,” shares Boyle.
Soif has always had a separate retail wine shop that customers can visit; in 2015 they added a full bar which features handcrafted seasonal cocktails. During the pandemic, Soif expanded to offer front patio seating which is the site of occasional “winemaker takeovers” with special flights. The restaurant also has Oyster Wednesdays. Signature dishes include Little Gem Caesar Salad and a Cheese Board with rotating cheese selections plus quince paste and other goodies. Recent entrees have included Risotto with wild mushrooms, roasted Butternut squash and sage, and Duck Breast with pancetta, balsamic glazed Brassicas, sweet potato puree, and citrus marsala pan sauce. For New Year’s Eve, Chef Tom has created an a la carte menu and Soif is accepting reservations for the dining room and the patio beginning at 5 p.m. Guests dining indoors must provide proof of vaccination. Starters include Humboldt Kumamoto Oysters with Uni, Scallion, Soy, and Sudachi; Warm Crab Salad Stuffed Piquillo Peppers; and Leek and Cauliflower Soup with Gruyere. Main courses include Lobster and Scallop Ravioli with Nantua and Herbs and Squab Breast with Wild Mushroom Ragout, Farro, and Candied Citrus. Desserts include Pumpkin Fritters with Spiced Creme Anglaise, Candied Pepitas, and Chocolate Sauce. Make reservations online or by phone.
La Posta is renowned for dishes like seasonal rotating pasta selections, specialty pizza (like popular Salsiccia with housemade sausage and Calabrian chili), and exquisite fresh seafood specials featuring fish from Ocean2Table. They are also famous for their bread made with 30-year-old sourdough starter. At the restaurant, you can enjoy White or Walnut-Rosemary Brown (the latter is my favorite) and you can even buy loaves to take home. La Posta also added patio seating during the pandemic that has proven to be very popular; it’s located behind the restaurant. In addition, they offer Neighborhood Nights every Wednesday where you get a free salad (for take-out orders) or a free glass of wine (for on-site dining) with any pizza or pasta purchase. La Posta will offer a fixed price menu to celebrate New Year’s Eve; watch the website for details coming soon.
Need a gift for a foodie or wine connoisseur in your life? Both venues sell gift cards in any amount.
More Information
Soif
105 Walnut Ave., 831-423-2020, soifwine.com, IG @soifwine
La Posta
538 Seabright Ave., 831-457-2782, lapostarestaurant.com, IG @ lapostarestaurantsc
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a gift card worth $50 redeemable at either La Posta or Soif.
To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Tuesday Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. with the words “Soif/La Posta” in the subject line. The winner will be notified via email.
Follow me on:
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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day Six: Zameen Cuisine
Zameen Cuisine is today’s partner for the “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” with a $50 gift card prize. Keep reading for how to enter.
There are three locations to enjoy Zameen’s amazing food:
The Point (851 41st Ave.) Open Tues-Sun from noon-7:30 p.m.
Aptos (7528 Soquel Ave.) Thurs-Sun from noon-7:30 p.m.
The Hangar (45 Aviation Way #3, Watsonville) Tues-Thurs 11:30a.m.-3:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Owner Ed Watson, who opened the first Zameen in Aptos in 2007, refers to the food as “A Californian twist on Mediterranean street food.” There are dishes to satisfy both carnivores and vegetarians, and several kids’ selections for your little ones.
You can choose a protein like falafel, red chili chicken (the harissa has a flavorful kick), gyros or lamb and then have it as a salad, wrap or bowl. Select delicious pearl couscous with cranberries and almonds or perfectly seasoned saffron rice for your bowl’s base. I have a hard time ordering anything but the salads, since the combination of ingredients work so well together: they include pickled red onions, olives, garbanzo beans, feta, and a refreshing lemony vinaigrette. But the bread Zameen uses for the wraps is really good, so you can’t go wrong no matter what you get!
Popular appetizers include Greek-style garlic fries topped with feta, fried calamari with green onion yogurt dipping sauce, and Moroccan Madness soup. The latter is an addicting, very comforting vegan creation with ingredients including chickpeas, curry, coconut milk and garlic.
Need a gift for a Mediterranean food-loving friend or loved one? They sell gift cards in any amount, either online or in person.
More Information
zameencuisine.com, IG @zameencuisine
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a Zameen gift card worth $50.
To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Sunday Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. with the word “Zameen” in the subject line. The winner will be notified via email.
Follow me on:
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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day Four: Jack O’Neill Restaurant
Appetizers from Jack O’Neill Restaurant including Kennebec potato chips and crab cakes, photo courtesy of restaurant
Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge at Dream Inn Santa Cruz is today’s partner for the “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” with a $50 gift card prize. Keep reading for how to enter.
Gus Trejo, who currently serves as executive chef for Jack O’Neill and all of Dream Inn’s culinary operations, is very talented and creative. Plus, he sources many ingredients—from seasonings to seafood—from our local community. To name a few: the housemade Kennebec potato chips feature Big Sur Salts diablo sea salt, the cured meat and cheese board includes jam from Friend in Cheese Jam Co., and select entrees include mushrooms from Far West Fungi, produce from Sea to Sky Farm, or chicken from Fogline Farm.
During a recent dinnertime visit, my family enjoyed a delectable flatbread with Kuri squash and Burrata and perfectly flakey Dungeness crab cakes with a scrumptious Remoulade (we fought a little over the last bites). The wonderful entrees included Chef Trejo’s signature Prawns & Pasta with ravioli, prawn bisque, and pea shoots. The variety of ravioli rotates depending on the season.
Jack O’Neill is serving prix fixe multi-course dinners on Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31. Featured Christmas dishes that guests will choose from include Scallop Crudo, Warm Chicories, Wedge Salad, Rib “Eye” of Beef, Gnudi & Lobster, and Death by Chocolate. For New Year’s Eve, Chef Trejo will prepare dishes such as Celeriac Root Bisque, Lobster Toast, Fillet of Beef, and Vanilla Crème Brulee. That night, there will be live music from 5–7 p.m. & 7:30 –10:30 p.m. Christmas is $85 per person & New Year’s Eve is $110 per person (the latter includes champagne). Reservations are required at Opentable.com or 831.460.5012.
Contact Information
jackoneillrestaurant.com, IG @jack_oneill_restaurant, 175 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a Jack O’Neill gift card worth $50.
To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Friday Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. with the words “Jack O’Neill” in the subject line. The drawing will take place the next morning and the winner will be notified via email.
Follow me on:
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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day Three: Shadowbrook Restaurant
Capitola restaurant Shadowbrook has graciously donated a $75 gift card for Day 3 of my “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway.” Keep reading for how to enter.
Serving local and tourist fans since 1947, Shadowbrook is an icon. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include bacon-wrapped prawns, baked brie, and clam chowder (in the menu’s appetizer section) and entrees like ‘Pacific Rim’ salmon (featured in Bon Appetit magazine) and slow-roasted Angus prime rib. Vegetarians enjoy dishes such as the soba noodle medley with tofu and shiitakes or black truffle gnocchi. Favorite desserts include a famous “Chocolate Meltdown” (molten cake served with vanilla bean ice cream).
The Rock Room Bar & Lounge features a few options from the main dining room menu plus sandwiches and burgers and specialty wood-fired pizzas. Shadowbrook also has one of the best kids’ menus in town, in my humble opinion. Lots of variety for diners 12 and under!
Many people enjoy dining at Shadowbrook all year long, and during the holidays. They are already fully booked for “dining room seating” on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but they accept walk-ins for the Rock Room and for patio seating. For New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, some reservations are still available. Visit the holiday section of Shadowbrook’s website for more information.
An easy gift for foodies is Shadowbrook gift cards. You can order virtual cards online or shop by phone or in person at the restaurant.
Regular (non-holiday) hours:
Rock Room Bar & Lounge: Mon-Thurs 3:30-10 p.m., Fri-Sun Noon-10 p.m.
Dining Rooms: Mon-Fri 4-8:45 p.m., Sat 2-9:45 p.m., Sun 2-8:45 p.m.
Information: shadowbrook-capitola.com, IG @shadowbrook_restaurant
Location: 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 831-475-1511
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a Shadowbrook gift card worth $75.
To enter, email your name to tfatemi@gmail.com by Friday Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. with the word “Shadowbrook” in the subject line. The drawing will take place the next morning and the winner will be notified via email.
Side note: Please be aware that although my website is called santacruzfoodie.com, I am not affiliated with the Instagram account called santacruzfoodie – that is someone else’s account. My IG is @tarafatemiwalker. I have been told many people mistakenly believe @santacruzfoodie is mine.
Follow me on:
- IG @tarafatemiwalker
- Facebook @santacruzfoodieexaminer
- Twitter @santacruzfoodie
12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day One: Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap in Santa Cruz
Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap on Capitola Road consistently serves happy customers with its Aloha spirit, so I thought it fitting for them to be the first participant in Santa Cruz Foodie’s “12 Days of Christmas Giveaways” with prizes from wonderful local businesses.
Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap currently offers indoor dining, patio dining, takeout, and delivery.
Hours are 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Upcoming holiday hours: Open Dec. 24 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; closed Dec. 25, open Dec. 26 4-8 p.m., Jan 1. closed.
The menu is diverse and can satisfy people with varying tastes. There are teriyaki bowls, poke plates, Hawaiian-style tacos, burgers, made-in-house Kalua pork dishes, and more. With the delicious fresh poke, you can choose from 10 varieties like Braddah Timmy’s with chili flakes, avocado, cucumber, sesame oil, Alaea sea salt, sweet onion, green onion, and housemade kimchee.
As the name suggests, Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap has lots of drinks on tap including Maui Brewing draft beer and hard seltzer, Corralitos beer, Tanuki cider, and Kombucha.
Pono Gift card special through 12/31: a $25 card costs $20 or buy a $100 card & get a $20 bonus card.
Located in Silicon Valley? Owner Timmy Hunt opened Pono Hawaiian Grill San Jose one year ago. It’s a cloud kitchen that does takeout and delivery; there is no on-site dining. Visit ponohawaiian.com or IG @ponosanjose.
Contact Information for main Santa Cruz location:
Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap, 3744 Capitola Rd., 831-476-7458
ponokitchenandtap.com, IG @ponokitchenandtap
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a Pono gift card worth $50, valid at the Capitola location.
To enter, email your name to tfatemi@gmail.com by Wednesday Dec. 15 at 10 p.m. with the word “Pono” in the subject line. The drawing will take place the next morning and the winner will be notified via email.
Side note: Please be aware that although my website is called santacruzfoodie.com, I am not affiliated with the Instagram account called santacruzfoodie – that is someone else’s account. My IG is @tarafatemiwalker. I have been told many people mistakenly believe @santacruzfoodie is mine.
Follow me on:
- IG @tarafatemiwalker
- Facebook @santacruzfoodieexaminer
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A little more time to catch Pacific Catch’s Endless Summer menu
Fabulous restaurant Pacific Catch, known for its sustainably sourced seafood and other delicious dishes, has a great ‘bonus menu’ going on through the end of October. “Endless Summer” features dishes like Ahi Poke Bombs, Pupu Platter, Korean Poke Bibimbap, and Passionfruit Pot De Crème. Suggested cocktails to accompany the limited-time food menu include Shark’s Tooth and Lilikoi Mai Tai.
The restaurant invited me to sample the Endless Summer menu, and I am so glad that I took them up on this opportunity. Here are some highlights from my recent lunch at the Campbell location, where I dined on the outdoor patio: I tried an Ahi Poke Bomb (Inari tofu pocket filled with sushi rice and choice of original, Korean, or serrano yellowfin tuna pokes; 1 for $5 or 3 for $13). I chose original – it was extremely fresh fish and the seasonings and textures worked beautifully together.
Next, I enjoyed a Ceviche Taco (fresh jicama shells filled with shredded lettuce and choice of three ceviches: Baja shrimp, sea bass, or spicy yellowtail; 1 for $5 or 3 for $13). I picked sea bass. The flavor was mild and satisfying, the fish very tender. This was a perfect snack-sized treat that got my mouth primed for my entree.
I almost chose the Endless Summer Rainbow Sushi Bowl ($25) for my entrée; with a variety of sashimi plus crab salad and more, it was very tempting. In the end I decided on Korean Poke Bibimbap ($19). What an exquisite combination of ingredients! The large platter came with Korean ahi poke, spicy cucumber banchan, kimchi, pickled carrot, shiitake, edamame, and sushi rice, plus a gochujang soy-chili sauce that adds savory heat. You can also add on a sunny-side egg ($2) or Korean-style steak ($6); I was in the mood for steak and was very happy I ordered this ‘extra.’ If you’re unfamiliar with banchan, like the cucumber in this entrée, these are usually cold “side dishes of vegetables” served alongside rice in Korean cuisine.
My dining companion selected a dish off the regular menu: the restaurant’s immensely popular Lobster Roll ($27). Picture this: a butter-toasted King’s® Hawaiian roll overflowing with tarragon-and-dill-seasoned lobster salad, avocado, radish, romaine, and chives. Pacific Catch is generous with both the lobster and the fabulously fresh avocado. Not only did my lunch partner devour the sandwich down to the wonderful roll’s last crumb, but he also savored every bite of the addictive sesame slaw that comes on the side.
A couple more notes about our visit: during the meal, we received attentive service. The diners at the patio’s other tables all looked well-fed and well-cared-for. In addition, I have to mention the high-quality, nice-looking dinnerware that our food was served on. It was impressive enough that I turned over one of my plates to look up the brand in case I wanted to buy some for myself at a future date. It’s England-based Dudson and through online research I discovered the company only makes tableware for the hospitality market. Ah well, I will just enjoy it when dining at Pacific Catch.
Speaking of visiting PC, I recommend doing that as soon as possible—or at least by the end of October! That way, you can try some of these limited-time goodies, and sprinkle in a few selections from the regular menu as well.
If you’re a Pacific Catch rookie, I have a tip: peruse the menu ahead of time at pacificcatch.com/menus or you might be overwhelmed. It’s giant and has something for everyone, including influences from a range of cuisines. Over the three times I’ve been there I have not been disappointed with anything I’ve tasted. The diverse menu includes appetizers like shiitake miso soup, and dishes like sushi rolls, shrimp tacos, a Wagyu beef cheeseburger, and fish and chips (with the aforementioned sesame slaw). There are sides like Thai brussels sprouts, turmeric tahini cauliflower, Mexican-style corn on the cob, and Kimchi fried rice. There are also kids’ dishes for your little ones.
A Bowls & Greens section has tantalizing pre-designed combinations but if these aren’t to your liking, you can substitute a different base or protein (the latter includes salmon, grilled tofu, skirt steak, chicken breast, and more). Last, but by no means least, check out the Fresh Catch section. First you pick a fish from three choices including Hawaiian yellowtail. Then you select a style from four choices including Golden Turmeric or Asian Herb Chimichurri. Finish by picking a side and you’ll be served a filling, tasty large meal.
Learn more about Pacific Catch—with 11 Bay Area locations such as Santa Clara and San Francisco—at pacificcatch.com.
Pacific Catch Campbell location & hours:
1875 S Bascom Ave. 550, Campbell, (408) 879-9091
Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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A few Bay Area Father’s Day meals
Need last-minute Father’s Day plans and want to venture outside Santa Cruz County? Here are a few choices, including ones in San Jose, with menu highlights. Happy Father’s Day weekend!
Winner Winner Chicken (San Mateo) Located in San Mateo’s Hillsdale Mall, Winner Winner Chicken is known for their hot chicken, gourmet salads and nostalgic desserts. Just in time for Father’s Day, it’s launching ‘Champange Wishes & Hot Chicken Dreams’ brunch service this weekend. This menu is available until 3pm:
- HOUSE MIMOSA $2.99 MODELO MICHELADA $8 SM WHITE CLAW SPRITZ $8
- COASTAL BERRIES & GREEK YOGURT $6.95 house granola & maple syrup
- CHARRED AVOCADO TOAST $9.95 artisan achiote sourdough, old school egg salad, Haas avocado, wild arugula, lemon oil, everything bagel seasoning
- CHICKEN & WAFFLE $14.95
Belgian cheddar waffle, Maldon sea salt butter, maple syrup - THE VARSITY SANDWICH $13.95 applewood bacon, maple ham, fried cage free eggs, American cheese,
artisan sourdough, comeback sauce, served w/ side or fries or tots - GRIDDLED CUSTARD FRENCH TOAST $9.95 coastal berries, maple syrup, balsamic sugar
- WINNER WINNER BRUNCH BURRITO $12.95 crispy chicken, scrambled cage free eggs, applewood bacon, tater tots, house pico, queso, salsa rojo
Pacific Catch (Over 11 locations throughout the Bay Area, including San Jose) Enjoy laid back aloha vibes with a fun food menu and a full bar. Pacific Catch, best known for their sustainable seafood, has many offerings for dads and families to choose from. From their Livin’ Aloha menu featuring musubis, poke tostadas and the moco loco burger, to fish burgers, tacos, ceviches and poke bowls, Pacific Catch is a perfect spot for seafood-loving dads.
Teleferic Barcelona (Palo Alto and Walnut Creek) For dads looking to celebrate with a Spanish twist, head to Teleferic Barcelona which is known for its menu featuring Spanish tapas and paellas (seven choices such as Mediterranean Crab, Paella Truffle or Negro). Several sangrias include signature Sangria Teleferic with red wine, gin and brandy. A special Father’s Day Dinner box comes with an assortment of tapas, paella and dessert for two; order here.
1) Choice of: Sangria (32 Oz – Serves 3 glasses) Wine (Red/White/Rose)
2) Gazpacho: Traditional cold tomato soup made of raw, blended vegetables,8oz (gf, v)
3) Tuna Tacos: Marinated ahi tuna with mashed avocado & wonton shells
4) Jamón Ibérico (38 months cured): Iberian pata negra ham 38 months cured (gf)
5) Aged Mahón Cheese: Hard white cheese made from cows’ milk, named after the town and natural port of Maó, on the island of Menorca off the Mediterranean coast of Spain.
6) Choice of Paella (serves 2):
Mixta: Pork, mushrooms chicken, gulf shrimp, calamari, & octopus (gf) (serves 2)
Carne:Wild mushrooms, chicken & pork (gf) (serves 2)
Vegetarian: Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, green beans & mushrooms (gf, v) (serves 2)
7) Torrija: French toast with Catalan cream & vanilla dressing (v)
King’s Fish House (San Jose) Dads can have a meal “fit for a king.” Selections include Prime Steaks, Surf & Turf as well as items from the raw bar, shellfish platters and fish house favorites. Drinks include beer and 10 specialty cocktails.
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