Red chili chicken salad at Zameen, photo courtesy of restaurant
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.
Example of a gift basket owner Jillian Pirolo can create for you at Cheese Shop 831, photo courtesy of Jillian Pirolo
The prize from Capitola’s artisanal cheese store Cheese Shop 831 is a wonderful gift basket curated by owner Jillian Pirolo. Read below for how to win this fun “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” item.
Pirolo opened Cheese Shop 831 in November 2020. She worked as a cheesemonger about 17 years ago and has always had a love of cheese. After many years in the science and technology field, she returned to the cheese field and is glad she did.
The shop features about 120 gourmet cheeses at any given time. Some are from around the world, some are from local cheesemakers. Customers can sample cheese before they purchase it. Pirolo can prepare cheese platters for your special occasions; allow at least 24 hours’ notice for these.
Cheese Shop 831 has dozens of unique gifts—for the holidays and beyond—including fun tea towels, cheese boards, cards, chocolates, and other specialty food items. There are also wine stoppers, books and much more. Custom-made gift baskets tailored to your needs are available if you order in advance. You can also purchase gift cards in any amount or book a customizable “after-hours private party” as a unique gift to someone.
If you are shopping during the day, try going between 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. when you can buy one of Pirolo’s delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Varieties rotate every two weeks; flavors this fall have included Brie with Fuji apple and chopped pecans or Havarti, Alpine and Provolone with spinach and artichoke. Sometimes fresh, hot truffle popcorn is available too. Follow Cheese Shop 831 on socialmedia for updates and specials.
Suite V at Brown Ranch Marketplace (3555 Clares St.), 831-515-7406
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a Cheese Shop 831 gift basket that includes a gift card (total value $75).
This particular contest is for Santa Cruz County residents only.
To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Saturday Dec. 18 at 10 p.m. with the words “I love cheese” 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.
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.
Shadowbrook Restaurant’s main dining room, photo courtesy of Shadowbrook
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.
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.
Staff of Life Natural Foods is the next participant in Santa Cruz Foodie’s “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway.” You can win a fantastic prize. Keep reading for how to enter.
A beloved member of the community since 1969, Staff of Life carries a giant selection of organic food and vitamins and supplements. There is a bakery section with traditional and gluten-free options; a butcher department with meat, seafood, and poultry; a large bulk section; artisan cheese; craft beer; a diverse wine selection; a deli with made-to-order sandwiches; and a hot and salad bar.
This year has seen many additions. They added a Watsonville location in March. This summer, the Santa Cruz store’s Café del Sol added gelato and sorbetto to its menu; these treats had already been offered at the Watsonville shop.
In late September, Staff of Life opened a Gift and Garden shop at its flagship Santa Cruz location which stocks home accessories, candles, stationery, kitchenware, plants and pots, birdhouses, and more if you need any holiday shopping ideas.
The supermarket offers seniors a daily five percent discount for all items except sushi, liquor, or anything on sale. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, this discount doubles to 10% off.
Hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. in Santa Cruz and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in Watsonville. Staff of Life will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Contact Information
staffoflifemarket.com, IG @staffoflife
Santa Cruz location: 1266 Soquel Ave., 831-423-8632
Watsonville location: 906 E. Lake Ave., 831-726-0240
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win a Staff of Life gift card worth $50.
To enter, email your name to tfatemi@gmail.com by Thursday Dec. 16 at 10 p.m. with the words “Staff of Life” in the subject line. The drawing will take place the next morning and the winner will be notified via email.
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.
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.
A few holiday sides from Whole Foods Market (photo used with permission)
Christmas is around the corner, and Whole Foods Market in Capitola (1710 41st Ave.) and Santa Cruz (911 Soquel Ave have lots of special offerings to choose from. In addition, the annual “12 Days, 12 Cheeses” promotion with a 30 percent discount just started! More on that a little later in this article.
For Christmas, place orders in person or online at shop.wfm.com through Dec. 23 for in-store pickup.
Whole Foods Market has partnered with cookbook author Chloe Coscarelli for a pre-made vegan holiday meal. Here are details on the dinner for two:
Cremini Mushroom Roast with Mushroom Gravy
Miso Creamed Greens
Coconut Sweet Potato Casserole
Jalapeño Cornbread Dressing
Pumpkin Curry Soup (V).
For non-vegan meals, there are a plethora of selections. Some would be considered classics (whole roast turkey meal for four, eight or 12 people – organic option available), while others are paleo-friendly or have another twist (how about a beef Wellington or lamb shank feast for four?). You can also order scrumptious a la carte sides like cider-roasted Brussels sprouts with pepitas or corn pudding.
Last but not least, desserts include Midnight Bûche de Noël (Yule Log — chocolate sponge cake filled with champagne mousse and topped with chocolate buttercream) plus several pies:
vegan Scarlett (juicy pear, tender apples and figs, and tart cranberries topped with a crispy walnut streusel)
Cherry
Apple
Blueberry
Pumpkin (vegan or traditional)
Pecan
Cheese Event
From now throughDec. 21, it’s the Holiday Cheese Bash where customers can save 30% off 12 different cheeses for 12 days. These include Klare Melk Truffle Gouda (exclusive to Whole Foods), Quadrello di Bufala, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, and Cowgirl Creamery Organic Mt. Tam—which Whole Foods playfully refers to as “Brie’s quirky Californian cousin.” Prime members even receive an extra 10% discount after the 30%.
Endless Summer menu highlights, photo courtesy of Pacific Catch
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Goodies from Cheese Shop 831 Photo courtesy of Cheese Shop 831
Welcome to the final installment—part 7—of my holiday foodie gift guide with information for several local businesses if you have some last-minute shopping to do. Contact me at tara@santacruzfoodie.com with questions or comments.
Note: some past installments include events that have taken place, but they also mention local businesses you can still support!
I wanted to mention one non-food-related idea: there are so many wonderful artists in our County, and some rely on the annual Open Studios event to bring in a significant part of their income. Due to the pandemic, OS could not take place this year. The sponsoring organization—Arts Council Santa Cruz County—launched a great “curated directory” website to showcase visual artists and provide easy opportunities to support these creative individuals. Visit the Visual Artists Network website at visualartsnetworkscc.com.
My mother, Fereshteh Fatemi, is one of these artists—a talented jeweler—and she’s donating 10% of her sales through Christmas to Second Harvest Food BankSanta Cruz County.
Speaking of Second Harvest Food Bank, another gift idea is to make a donation to them in honor of someone that you care about. This year, more than ever, people are relying on SHFB for food. The organization distributes over eight million pounds of food each year to children, families, vets and seniors in Santa Cruz County. More than half of the residents they serve are kids. Traditionally, every dollar donated provides four healthy meals to someone in need. Right now, thanks to a challenge grant from the COVID-19 Local Response Fund at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, donations are being matched so your dollars are having a double effect.
Here are a few more gift possibilities:
Captiola’s Brown Ranch Marketplace (the center with Trader Joe’s) recently welcomed the store Cheese Shop 831. Owner Jillian Pirolo was supposed to open her business several months ago but got delayed due to the pandemic. I’ve been told by one friend who shopped there that they have amazing cheese—including local, regional and international varieties—and I’ve seen on Instagram @cheeseshop831 that they have other products like olive oil, handmade cheese boards, truffle hot sauce, towels and oven mitts. Visit cheeseshop831.com.
Aptos gift shop Hammond Glass Engraving & Gifts is open by appointment from Tuesday through Saturday. They carry items like Christmas mugs, Spode mugs, wine glasses, high-ball glasses and serving dishes. The shop has been around for 30 years, and Jessie & David Campbell bought the business in 2018. I haven’t been there myself, but I hope to check it out post-holiday-season. Visit hammondaptos.com.
Five Star Catering put together a fun Local’s Gift Box; read more and purchase online. It supports eight local Santa Cruz area businesses affected by the pandemic including Mutari Craft Chocolate, Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company, Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes, and Magnolia Fine Gifts and Apothecary. They are even offering no-charge, no-contact SC County delivery. Visit fivestarcatering.com/holidayboxes.
Michelle Kneads Dough Monterey County is home to talented pastry chef Michelle Lee. A finalist on Food Network’s recent Halloween Baking Championship and a former staff member at restaurants including The C Restaurant+Bar at Intercontinental the Clement Monterey, Michelle found herself out of work due to the pandemic. She decided to get her cottage food permit and start doing pop-up “QuaranTreats.” I’ve enjoyed her food at The C and at special events, and also bought one of her yummy QuaranTreats and plan to buy more. I don’t know if she does gift cards for future treats, but just telling any “sweets fans” you know about her is a gift in itself! Visit Instagram.com/michelle.kneads.dough.
Lots of wineries and breweries are offering gift cards if you want to give your gift recipient the choice of what exactly they will receive. You can get contact info for many wineries at the Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains website. Visit winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/wineries.
A final list of stores & vendors (without going into too much detail I wanted to make sure and at least share a few more names):
The Chef’s Stash (weekly local food boxes curated by chef and restaurateur Gabe Georis and chef Brandon Miller, with omnivore and pescatarian options). Visit thechefsstash.com.
