Category Archives: Food & Food News
Christmas and Hanukkah goodies at Whole Foods Market in Santa Cruz & Capitola
Christmas and Hanukkah are coming soon—in case you need some inspiration, I looked to Whole Foods Market for a few tips. Whole Foods Market locations in Capitola (1710 41st Ave.) and Santa Cruz (911 Soquel Ave.) always have lots of delicious, seasonal products, and the company generously gave me a gift card to enjoy a few items.
You can place orders in person or online; they must be made 48 hours before you want to pick them up. Depending on occasion, customers can place their holiday orders through Dec. 29; pick up dates are from Dec. 19-31.
Whole Foods Market has partnered with James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and author Michael Solomonov for a pre-made Hanukkah meal for eight. Solomonov wrote “Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking.” Here are details on the meal:
- Chicken Schnitzel with Apple Amba Sauce – Matzo-crusted chicken cutlers with hawaij—turmeric, cumin and black pepper—then fried crisp and served with a tangy Apple Amba Sauce
- Green Beans with Mushrooms and Tehina (Vegetarian) – Tender green beans roasted with mushrooms and tossed in tehina sauce—tehina, apple cider vinegar, shallots and fenugreek—topped with beluga lentils and crispy garlic
- Twice-Cooked Eggplant (Vegetarian) – First charred for deep flavors, eggplant is then mashed and simmered with onions, red bell pepper, paprika and coriander, and brightened by sherry vinegar and lemon juice
- Leek and Potato Cakes – Shredded potato, matzo and onion pancakes, fried until crisp and tasty
There are three other chefs that Whole Foods Market has collaborated with this holiday season: Nicole Rucker, James Beard Award–winning cookbook author Stella Parks, and cookbook author Jenné Claiborne. Their special offerings include desserts like Honey Chess Pie (think buttery custard, warming spices flaky crust, whipped cream and candied ginger – this is from Rucker, a four-time blue-ribbon pie contest winner and author of “Dappled: Baking Recipes for Fruit Lovers). Have a different kind of sweet tooth? There’s Parks’ Caramel Spice Cake (includes buttermilk spice cake, layers of cranberry jam, cream cheese frosting, and caramel glaze—pastry chef Parks wrote “BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts). Chef/blogger Claiborne, author of “Sweet Potato Soul: 100 Easy Vegan Recipes,” has created a vegan Southern holiday meal for two which includes mushroom étouffée (delicious – I tried it!) and black-eyed pea fritters.
Traditional offerings include classic roast turkey dinner (turkey breast for four or whole turkey for four, eight or 12—includes sides like green beans with roasted shallots), and prime rib or spiral-sliced ham dinner for eight. A la carte sides include creamed spinach and kale (includes cream, Parmesan and garlic), corn pudding, and cider-roasted Brussels sprouts with pepitas.
Other Whole Foods Market order-ahead offerings perfect for the holidays:
- Appetizers & Party Platters like Crostini Kits (varieties include Chevre & Tomato Crostini, Smoked Salmon Crostini, Roast Vegetable Crostini), Crab Cakes, or Antipasti Platter. Each of these platters serves 10.
- Desserts like Mini Pastry Platter or Berry Chantilly Cake (each serves eight) or Pistachio Chocolate Torte (serves six)
Local Store Details
Whole Foods Market Santa Cruz is located at 911 Soquel Ave. Call (831) 426-9901 for more information.
Whole Foods Market Capitola is located at 1710 41st Ave. Call (831) 464-2900 for more information.
For more Whole Foods Market locations, see the store locator.
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Thanksgiving highlights for Santa Cruz County
Thanksgiving is almost here, and there are many Santa Cruz County restaurants offering special menus—here are a few highlights in Santa Cruz, Capitola and Aptos.
Shadowbrook, 1750 Wharf Rd., 831-475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com, has its Rock Room Lounge & Bar open from 11 am – 9 pm and its Dining Room open from 11:30 am – 8:30 pm. A traditional dinner includes Diestel Family Turkey Ranch, oven-roasted breast and thigh, cranberry-orange relish, Bourbon-Pecan dressing, garlic-whipped potato and traditional gravy ($31.95); other selections include house specialty slow-roasted Angus prime rib. Desserts include Gizdich Ranch apple and pumpkin pie, and dark chocolate pear bread pudding. Note: even though 500 reservations were made the first day that Thanksgiving reservations were available, as of Nov. 25 there were still some tables open.
Chaminade, One Chaminade Lane, (831) 475-5600, www.chaminade.com, has a Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 6 p.m. The cost is $65 for adults, $20 for kids 6-12, $9 for kids 3-5 and free for kids 2 and under. Selections include cider-brined roast turkey with traditional gravy and cranberry orange compote, smoked rib eye with whipped Yukon gold potatoes and horseradish cream, butternut squash ravioli with porcini crème, several salads, and roast sweet potatoes with pistachio orange soup.
The Dream Inn, 175 West Cliff Drive, is offering a buffet from 1-6 p.m. in the upstairs event space. Cost is $70 for adults and $32 for kids 6-12. Selections include roast turkey and prime rib carved to order, a salad bar, local cheese and charcuterie, a shellfish bar, and a dessert display. Reservations are required at 831-460-5012 or events@dreaminnsc.com. Also, the hotel’s Jack O’Neill restaurant will be serving its regular menu plus Thanksgiving specials; you can book via OpenTable.
Severino’s Bar & Grill, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos (831) 688-8987, is offering a buffet from noon to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $47 for adults and $19 for kids 5-10; ages 4 and under are free. Selections include slow roasted turkey, Angus prime rib, honey baked ham, leg of lamb, clam chowder and vegetarian ravioli. Visit severinosbarandgrill.com
Ideal Bar & Grill, 106 Beach St., is offering specials on Thanksgiving, including a traditional turkey feast ($23.95) and slow-roasted prime rib ($24.95). Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and a limited menu will also be available. Desserts include pumpkin pie and apple pie. Call 831-423-5271 or visit idealbarandgrill.com.
Solaire at Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., 831-600-4545, is serving a
three-course prix fixe menu. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. and cost is $49. First
course choices include spiced winter squash soup; second courses include
traditional roast turkey dinner and Brandade crusted California sea bass.
Dessert options include Watsonville berry crisp.
The Crow’s Nest, 2218 East Cliff Dr., 831-476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com, is offering brunch specials from 9-11 am, and the dinner menu from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Selections include a traditional turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, candied yams, dressing, and cranberry relish. Cost is $29.95 or $15.95 for child’s portion. Desserts include pumpkin pie with salted caramel whipped cream and hazelnut brittle. Also, the Beach Market will be selling breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches and more on Thanksgiving Day starting at 9 a.m.
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Chocolate for Halloween and Beyond: Recchiuti Confections truffles & Chocolate on Pacific’s 20th anniversary
Calavera Truffles Collection, photo credit: Recchiuti Confections
I have sweet news from San Francisco-based Recchiuti Confections and Santa Cruz-based restaurant Chocolate.
Recchiuti Confections
Recchiuti Confections makes small batch chocolate using traditional European techniques and chocolate from Guittard, El Rey, and Valrhona. Their Calavera Truffles collection launched late last month just in time for Halloween. This collection ($22, available in-store and online) consists of eight pieces of Recchiuti Confections’ signature burnt caramel truffles. They are decorated with hand-placed artwork of the calavera, “meaning ‘skull’ in Spanish, symbolizing the celebration of ancestors and vibrant journey of life,” says a Recchiuti representative. On Oct. 29, the company is releasing a similar truffle box but this one is “fall-themed.” Also priced at $22 for eight pieces, Autumn Harvest Truffles have founder/chocolatier Michael Recchiuti’s signature burnt caramel truffles topped with visuals of autumn-inspired greenery. If you find yourself falling in love with the caramel flavor (as I did when the company kindly sent me a sample), you should know there is a scrumptious-sounding Burnt Caramel Sauce available as well — $12 for a nine-ounce jar. Recchiuti’s web site recommends serving over your favorite dessert or eating by the spoonful.
Store locations are One Ferry Building, Shop #30 (415-834-9494) and 801 22nd St. (415-834-9494), San Francisco. Visit recchiuti.com for details or to order online.
Chocolate
Restaurateur David Jackman is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Santa Cruz restaurant Chocolate with a dinner and party from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. The event will feature live music, and attendees can choose a family-style dinner for $35 (or four for $120) or can order from the regular menu. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and more information. The family-style dinner will include appetizers, antipasto, hot and cold entrees, a special birthday cake, and assorted chocolate mousse truffles. All seating will be at tables for six to nine guests seated together. Cocktail servers will have trays with drinks for an additional fee.
If you’re unfamiliar with Chocolate, the traditional menu includes lots of fabulous desserts plus savory dishes like spicy chocolate BBQ roast pork, or chicken mole made with Mary’s free-range chicken braised in mole sauce made with organic bittersweet chocolate. Mole lovers have the choice of poblano (roasted sweet peppers, peanuts, chocolate, garlic, and chipotle pepper) or Oaxacan (plantains, peanuts, almonds, chocolate, and five kinds of spicy toasted chiles). The restaurant is also renowned for its hot chocolate menu with about a dozen options, such as a dark chocolate/milk chocolate/cardamom combination and drinks with Mexican or Belgian chocolate. See chocolatesantacruz.com.
Location: 1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9900
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Special Mother’s Day chocolate gifts: Recchiuti Confections, Ashby Confections
Mother’s Day Truffle Collection.
Photo Credit: Recchiuti Confections
Fancy, delicious chocolate is a perfect Mother’s Day gift—San Francisco-based Recchiuti Confections and Scotts Valley-based Ashby Confections have many offerings to choose from.
Recchiuti Confections
Recchiuti Confections handcrafts their recipes in small batches using traditional European techniques. They blend chocolate from Guittard, El Rey, and Valrhona to create “signature flavor profiles.” Store locations are One Ferry Building, Shop #30 (415-834-9494, and 801 22nd St. (415-834-9494). Here are a couple current selections; there are lots more options on the web site including items for fruit- and or nut-lovers, and a “sauce duo” with flavors Extra-Bitter Chocolate and Burnt Caramel. Visit recchiuti.com for details or to order online.
- Mother’s Day Truffle Collection: this is a best-selling truffle assortment available both in store and online. The 8-piece collection ($26) holds one piece each of Kona Coffee, Sesame Nougat, Rose Caramel, Piedmont Hazelnut, Ginger Heart, Bergamot Tea, Burnt Caramel, and Candied Orange Peel. The Burnt Caramel piece is topped with a sweet Mother and baby bird design. I had the opportunity to receive a complimentary sample of these truffles; they were unique and wonderful. The Kona Coffee was my favorite, so rich!
- Sharing Gift Box (just under 2 pounds, $110): If you want to give Mom a gift that she might share with you, try the aptly named “Sharing Gift Box.” It includes a Sepia Truffle Box, Fleur de Sel Caramels, Cacao Nib + Fleur de Sel Mendiants, Malted Dark Milk Revolutions, Dragée Sampler, Dark Milk Bar, Semisweet Bar, and Bittersweet Bar. This is only available online.
Ashby Confections
Jennifer Ashby makes her Ashby Confections treats from scratch, in small batches. Everything is 100 percent handmade. Ashby exclusively uses locally sourced organic chocolate from Guittard and White Label Chocolate, and Clover Organic dairy products. Fruits, herbs and spices are fresh, organic and sourced locally whenever possible. Her store is at 16C Victor Square, Scotts Valley, 831-454-8299. Here are a couple current selections; there are many more options such as sea salt caramels, sour fruit strips and pates de fruits (fruit jellies). All of Ashby’s fruit confections are made with only five ingredients. Visit ashbyconfections.com for details or to order online.
- Assorted Chocolate Boxes ($13.99-$63.99): Four-piece assortments are available in choice of milk or dark chocolate. The five, 10- and 25-piece collections are a combination of milk and dark.
- Tortoises ($8.99): There are seven varieties (including choice of milk or dark chocolate, and additions like Monterey Bay Sea Salt) and this is one of Ashby’s most popular products. They come in pairs, and are all made with roasted pecans, and their original handmade caramel recipe.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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Give to the hungry this holiday season
I write a lot about food, and know that those of you reading my articles are “foodies” – this holiday season, let’s remember those who do not get enough food! How about donating to people in need, like those struggling with hunger (which is 1 in 8 people). Here’s an opportunity to double your impact:
I recently discovered Wells Fargo Bank has donated $4 million to Feeding America, and announced they are matching up to $1 million in additional donations (that come from ordinary people like you and me) through Dec. 31, 2018. Even if you can’t donate much, every single dollar helps. And with Feeding America, $1 equals 10 meals. You can donate at a local Wells Fargo bank branch (even through the ATM) or donate online. The money will be matched, and for those donating in Santa Cruz County, it will be given to Second Harvest Food Bank (the first food bank in California and the second oldest in the nation). I love the fact that more than 60% of the food Second Harvest distributes is fresh produce! I learned that on the web site, in addition to being reminded that Second Harvest reaches 55,000 people each month. These are kids, seniors, veterans, homeless, and others.
I hope you join me in supporting this important cause!
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Thanksgiving, Hanukkah at Whole Foods Market in Santa Cruz & Capitola
Whole Foods Market’s favorite local wine and cheese pairings for the holidays. Courtesy of WFM.
Thanksgiving is almost here, and after that Hanukkah is right around the corner! Whole Foods Market locations in Capitola (1710 41st Ave.) and Santa Cruz (911 Soquel Ave.) have many Thanksgiving selections and several Hanukkah items, and they graciously gave me a gift card so that I could try a few out.
You can place orders in person or online. Thanksgiving pick up dates are through Nov. 23; Hanukkah pick up is Nov. 30-Dec. 9 and selections include wine-braised brisket dinner for eight, and potato latkes with applesauce. Thanksgiving choices at WFM (see a holiday showcase here) include a classic roast turkey dinner for eight (with optional organic turkey upgrade) with a fully-cooked bird, herb stuffing and mashed potatoes turkey gravy, cranberry orange sauce, and green beans with crispy garlic and parsley; spiral-sliced ham; vegan entrees and sides; traditional holiday sides; and desserts. Prime members get a special deal: through Nov. 22, they get organic whole turkeys for $2.99/lb. and whole turkeys for $1.99/lb.
Something new and intriguing is a vegan holiday meal WFM has created in partnership with award-winning chef Jeremy Fox, author of the “On Vegetables” cookbook. The meal includes Romanesco Cauliflower Roast with Miso Bagna Cauda, Cremini Mushroom Stuffing with Kimchi, and Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple and Hazelnut Dukkah. You can also order these selections a la carte.
WFM is also offering a special seasonal pie from Lisa Ludwinski, founder of Detroit’s Sister Pie and author of “Sister Pie: The Recipes & Stories of a Big-Hearted Bakery in Detroit.” The Cranberry Crumble Pie, Ludwinski’s personal favorite for the season, features an all-butter crust, a sweet cranberry compote filling with juicy whole cranberries, grated pear and warm spices, and an oat crumble topping.
Other Santa Cruz and Capitola store highlights that are perfect for the holidays:
- Seafood: Fresh, Whole Dungeness Crab
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- Crab season is a Bay Area holiday tradition. Pick up at least three sweet and rich whole crab, and save $1 per pound. WFM’s team of local fishmongers will crack and clean free of charge.
- Specialty Wine and Cheese: Favorite local wine and cheese pairings this season selected by WFM
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- Bay Blue cheese, a mellow blue made in Point Reyes, paired with Sean Thackery Pleides red blend, a “red berry, tangy crowd pleaser”
- Carmody cheese paired with Jay Vineyards J California Pinot Noir, a “highly drinkable, soft rich wine”
- Crisp Roederer Estates Anderson Valley Brut paired with Mt. Tam organic cheese, because the wine “goes lovely with soft, ripened cheeses”
- Local, Organic Eggnog including:
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- Straus Family Creamery, an organic eggnog finished with nutmeg
- Clover Sonoma Organic Maple Bourbon Eggnog, a non-alcoholic classic
- Special holiday dishes by Chef Trent of WFM
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- Creations include Ginger Cinnamon Spice Duck or Turkey breast, and Spiced Prime Rib
- “Pick up your cut at the meat counter, pop into the oven and you are ready to serve your guests,” shared a WFM spokesperson.
- Humphry Slocombe’s Coconut Shoyu Ice Cream – new and available for a limited time
-
- Top your favorite seasonal pie with a scoop of this ice cream, the fourth exclusive collaboration available exclusively at Whole Foods Market
- Created by San Francisco-based Humphry Slocombe and Chef Melissa King in partnership with WFM—they made their first collaborative flavor, Hong Kong Milk Tea, in 2017
- Northern California’s Tsar Nicolai caviar
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- Tsar Nicolai sustainably raises and produces top of the line caviar in Wilton, CA.
- This year, WFM is partnering with the brand for an exclusive trio bundle deal, available in the Seafood dept.
Local Store Details
Whole Foods Market Santa Cruz is at 911 Soquel Ave. Call (831) 426-9901 for more information.
Whole Foods Market Capitola is located at 1710 41st Ave. Call (831) 464-2900 for more information.
For more Whole Foods Market locations, see the store locator.
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Halloween treats & baking tools
Welch’s Halloween Fruit Snacks are available through Nov. 1 nationwide
Photo credit: Welch’s
Halloween is fast approaching—here are a couple treats and tools for those looking for shopping and/or baking ideas.
- Welch’s Halloween Fruit Snacks: Welch’s created a special fruit snack package just for Halloween: the fruit snacks are shaped like pumpkins, castles, witches, bats and ghosts. The individual pouches are .5 ounces, smaller than standard ones, so they’re a nice change for giving out to Trick-or-Treaters or just giving to your own kids at home (and I must admit, I have enjoyed them personally—these aren’t just tempting to children!). They are “mixed fruit flavor” and come in 28-pouch boxes. Looking for a store that carries them? Visit the Welch’s Fruit Snack online finder.
- Hershey’s Halloween: this year, Halloween- or fall-themed products from Hershey’s include pumpkin spice kisses, cookies ‘n’ creme skulls, and Reese’s peanut butter pumpkins. Learn more at hersheys.com.
- Chicago Metallic’s Ghost/Pumpkin Silicone Mold ($19.99 on Amazon.com) enables you to bake or mold 12 small desserts or individual servings. You can use fun Halloween shapes and it’s great for mini cakes, brownies, marshmallows, gelatin, ice cubes, and more. Recipes included.
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Mother’s Day gift ideas from Tea Forté
Chakra Collection, with vanilla Veda chai and more–one of many gift possibilities from Tea Forté. Photo courtesy of Tea Forté
If you’re looking for a special Mother’s Day gift for a woman who is a tea lover, I got to sample some Tea Forté products recently and can tell you they are both beautiful AND delicious! Plus, there are a range of prices depending how simple or extravagant your needs are.
If you’re unfamiliar with the company, they are the exclusive tea purveyor to the James Beard Foundation and they supply many hotels, restaurants and resorts in 35 countries. I first tried Tea Forté at a hotel in Las Vegas about 10 years ago, and was hooked.
Back to the tea and gifts. There’s the new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and Matcha Single Steeps, which both came out in February 2018. Matcha, a finely ground Japanese-style green tea, is renowned for its health benefits. “Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed,” said a Tea Forté spokesperson. “Our high-grade matcha is shaded in the weeks prior to harvest, increasing chlorophyll and encouraging the deep emerald hue.”
The bowl set includes a handcrafted bowl and bamboo whisk, plus a measuring ladle, and is priced at $65. The steeps are prepackaged and measured for single servings. The five teas are gluten-free and vegan, and there is Pure Matcha plus four flavored varieties: Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha and Chai Matcha. A sampler package with 15 single servings costs $35.
Tea Forté also released a Chakra Collection in 2018. “Tea Forté’s first collection of all-chai teas, our Chakra Collection was designed with the ritual tea drinker in mind,” said CEO Michael Gebrael. “Chai has the unique effect of being simultaneously energizing and grounding, which makes it an ideal tea for focused wellness practices such as yoga, barre, and Pilates.”
Chakra Blends include:
- Maté Mantra Chai
- Vanilla Veda Chai
- Ginger Guru Chai
- Rooibos Raja Chai
- Turmeric Tantra Chai
They come in attractive presentation boxes that hold Tea Forté’s signature pyramid infusers (10 for $22 or 20 for $34), or a single steep box (15 for $20). Chakra chai teas are also available in loose tea canisters for $18; the recyclable canisters make between 35-50 servings.
To accompany any tea you choose, how about a combination steeping cup/infuser? Tea Forté makes a really nice one—it’s a lidded, double-walled ceramic cup with a stainless steel infuser for loose tea ($20).
Last but not least, there is the Dolce Vita Collection of organic dessert teas: Berry Basket, Raspberry Coconut, Pear Cobbler, Belgian Mint and Mango Mélange. The assortment features black, white and herbal teas. Prices range from $16-30.
These are by no means the only products available, visit the site for the full selection—be prepared for a lot of fun choices, like loose leaf trios (three interlocking tins; each steeps approximately 10 cups) or tea chests. If you can’t decide, there are gift cards.
Tea Forté products are available online at teaforte.com and at select retailers.
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Valentine’s Day gifts & activities from Santa Cruz chocolatiers, Gilroy Premium Outlets
Mutari Craft Chocolate House on Pacific Ave.
Photo credit: Mutari Facebook page
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching—here are some shopping ideas if you’re a chocolate lover in Santa Cruz or you’re considering a trip to Gilroy Premium Outlets.
Santa Cruz Chocolatiers
Santa Cruz County residents are very lucky; we have a variety of talented local chocolatiers. Some highlights, in alphabetical order:
Ashby Confections, 16 Victor Square, Scotts Valley
Donnelly Fine Chocolates, 1509 Mission St., Santa Cruz
Mackenzies Chocolate, 1492 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz
Mutari Chocolate (specializes in single origin craft drinking chocolate, it’s featuring housemade bon bons for Valentine’s shopping) – two locations: 1108 Pacific Ave., next door to Assembly, and 504A Front St. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Front St. location — usually open weekends only — is going to be open Wednesday 2/14 from noon to 9 p.m.
Gilroy Outlets
If you haven’t made restaurant reservations yet, there aren’t many left—how about staying home with your significant other or gathering a group of friends for some Valentine’s Day fun? Host a stay at home date or girls’ night with goods from Le Creuset or Kitchen Collection for accessories and tools to whip up a festive dinner party. Both have shops at the Gilroy Outlets.
Want to buy a sweet Valentine’s gift, either for yourself or someone else (whether it be a romantic partner, a co-worker, family member or friend)? You can find raspberry hearts, “conversation beans,” sour “smoochi” lips, Valentine’s Day gift boxes and more at the Jelly Belly store.
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Thanksgiving highlights for Santa Cruz & Scotts Valley
The dining room at 1440 Multiversity in Scotts Valley
Credit: 1440 Multiversity
Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and there are lots of offerings you can choose from—including a unique day at Scotts Valley’s 1440 Multiversity, restaurants with lunch or dinner, and caterers and personal chefs that have prepared food options. Here are a few highlights.
1440 Multiversity is offering an inclusive day of Thanksgiving programming. The cost is $125; this includes breakfast (8-9 a.m.), lunch (noon-1:30 p.m.) plus Thanksgiving dinner (4:30-6:30 p.m.). Tickets must be purchased by 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. The dinner menu includes Oven Roasted Turkey, Cranberry Confit, Turkey Gravy (vegetarian entrée available); Roasted Brussels Sprout Apple Hash, Chive Gremolata, Fresh Horseradish; and Green Bean Casserole, Wild Mushroom, and Oven Dried Shallot. For the day, attendees will have full access to the campus including workshops, hiking trails, movement classes such as yoga, and an infinity tub soak at the Healing Arts center (participants also receive a $20 discount on any healing treatment of 50 minutes or longer, including massage). A kirtan concert follows dinner. Buy tickets and see full schedule online.
800 Bethany Dr., Scotts Valley, 1440.org
Vegetarian Thanksgiving to go: organic prepared food business The Open Hearth is offering a to-go Thanksgiving menu. All orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 17 and will be ready for pick up Wednesday, Nov. 22 after 4:30 p.m. Selections are Winter Squash Apple Bisque; Pomegranate Persimmon Spinach Salad w/ Goat Cheese & Pomegranate Vinaigrette; Baked Tofu Strips (with Wildwood sprouted firm tofu); Garlic Mashed Potatoes; Portobello Mushroom Gravy; Roasted Brussels Sprouts (with Rodoni Farms sprouts); Cashew Carrot Spread; Jumbo Cornbread Muffins; and Cranberry Apple Crisp. Founder/chef Beth Freewomon has been offering ready-made meals made from organically grown, gluten-free, plant-based and whole unprocessed foods to the local community for more than 10 years. Visit IAmTheOpenHearth.com or contact 831-471-9677 or bethfreewomon@yahoo.com
Whole Foods Market has many take-out and catering options available in Santa Cruz and Capitola. All orders must be placed by Tuesday, Nov. 21; WFM recommends ordering as soon as possible, as some selections will sell out. WFM partnered with Philadelphia-based fine dining vegan restaurant Vedge to create a Vegan Meal for Two ($39.99), which includes lentil-mushroom stuffing, mustard-glazed cauliflower, a chocolate toffee mini cake and more. A la carte vegan dishes include roasted butternut squash. Gluten-free selections include several pie varieties from the company Natural Decadence. A traditional turkey dinner for eight for $119.99 contains a fully cooked 10-lb. oven-roasted turkey, herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, organic turkey gravy, and two pounds each of organic cranberry orange sauce and green beans with crispy garlic and parsley (the latter two selections are vegan). For a similar dinner for eight with an organic turkey and slightly different selections, the cost is $159.99. You can place your Thanksgiving dinner orders in person or online at wholefoodsmarket.com/online-ordering. They also have a comprehensive online holiday guide which includes lots of tips and recipes.
911 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 426-9901
1710 41st Ave., Capitola, (831) 464-2900
Chaminade has a Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 6 p.m. The cost is $60 for adults, $20 for kids 6-12, and free for kids under 6. Selections include roast turkey with warm orange-cranberry compote, roasted Dijon-crusted lamb leg with mint jelly, apple cider braised pork loin with dried cherry bordelaise and crispy prosciutto, butternut squash ravioli with porcini crème and roast vegetable bruschetta, a Greek display (dolmas, falafel, tzatziki, hummus and more), several salads, and winter squash soup with toasted pepita seeds.
One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz (831) 475-5600
Aquarius at the Dream Inn is offering a buffet from 1:30-7 p.m. Cost is $64 for adults and $29 for kids 12 and under. Selections include Diestel free range turkey and prime rib carved to order; butternut squash bisque; a salad bar; cheese and charcuterie including Cypress Grove Bermuda Triangle, Marcona almonds, honeycomb, prosciutto, smoked duck breast, assorted pates and seafood and vegetable terrines; and traditional Thanksgiving sides like Yukon gold mashed potatoes and glazed sweet candied yams. Desserts include pumpkin pie, Kentucky bourbon pecan pie, mini pastries and cupcakes.
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz (831) 426-4330
Severino’s Bar & Grill is offering a buffet from noon to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $42 for adults and $17 for kids 5-10; ages 4 and under are free. Selections include turkey, Angus prime rib of beef, honey-baked country ham and leg of lamb carved to order; traditional stuffing and Yukon mashed potatoes; Caesar salad; clam chowder; fish of the day; and vegetarian ravioli. Desserts include pumpkin pie, pecan pie and vanilla crème brulee.
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos (831) 688-8987
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