Tag Archives: Capitola restaurants

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day 11: Locale

A box of Locale goodies, photo courtesy of Locale

The next “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” prize is a $50 gift card from online food delivery business Locale. Read below to learn more about Locale and to find out how to enter the prize drawing.

Locale offers weekly delivery of food, with a unique set-up: customers get to choose products from dozens of businesses all over the Bay Area when they place orders, and it all arrives in one box for a flat fee. There is everything from fresh juice, produce and meat/seafood to ready-to-heat food to frozen selections.

In the mood to plan ahead and buy a different food for every day of next week? Locale has you covered. You can get avocados from Brokaw Ranch; pastries or sweets from bakeries like Manresa Bread, Ono Bakehouse, and Fleur de Cocoa; cheese from Cowgirl Creamery and Belfiore; Middle Eastern food from Oren’s Hummus (I had never tried their products before ordering from Locale, and I can highly recommend them); pizza from San Francisco’s Pizzeria Delfina (another product that was new to me, that I loved); Indian food from Curry Up Now, or Singaporean food from Straits—just to name a few! 

Los Gatos-based Locale delivers every Saturday to customers in Santa Cruz County, San Jose and Silicon Valley, the Peninsula, San Francisco, and the Peninsula. They even recently expanded to L.A.—that’s a different site, la.shoplocale.com, with L.A. county businesses providing items for sale.

Jonathan Friedland and Chris Clark co-founded Locale during the pandemic, in May 2020. They created the business after noticing that residents in their Los Gatos community were often waiting a long time for food and that people didn’t want to travel far with shelter in place, etc. The business soon expanded to nearby cities, and it’s grown exponentially since then, continuously adding more partners and products. Locale donates any extra food to Los Gatos’ Live Oaks Senior Center.

Need a gift idea? Locale offers gift cards in any amount.

Information: shoplocale.com, IG @localemarket.

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CONTEST:

One lucky reader will win a $50 digital gift card to Locale.

To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Friday Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. with the word “Locale” in the subject line. The winner will be notified via email.

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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day 10: Kaito

Sushi and sashimi from Kaito, photo credit Tara Fatemi Walker

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

Bûche de Noël (Yule log), photo courtesy of Gayle’s

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.

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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day Three: Shadowbrook Restaurant

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.

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.

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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day One: Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap in Santa Cruz

Teriyaki tofu bowl at Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap

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.

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Gourmet Grazing on the Green benefits cancer research: enjoy lots of delicious food and wine

Attendees at a previous Grazing on the Green, photo courtesy of Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group

The 16th annual Gourmet Grazing on the Green—noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Aptos Village Park—is an always-fun annual celebration with more than 75 vendors including local restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries, and spirits distilleries. Proceeds benefit the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group (SCCBG) .

 

Buy $65 tickets at New Leaf Community Markets (downtown, Westside or Capitola locations) or online or pay $70 at the door if it’s not sold out. Adult admission includes food, drinks and a souvenir wineglass. Designated driver tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Kids 10 and under are free; kids ages 10-20 are $35.

 

Longtime sponsors New Leaf Community Markets, Coke Farms and Watsonville Coast Produce generously donate lots of locally grown produce and products for chefs to create special tastes for event attendees.

 

Participating restaurants, food suppliers, food trucks, and other vendors include:

  • Alterra Solar
  • Ashby Confections
  • Ate3One
  • Back Nine Grill and Bar
  • Brew Dr. Kombucha
  • Café Cruz
  • California Lavash
  • Cantine Winepub
  • Cinnamon Bay Clothing
  • Cruise Coffee
  • Drink La Vie
  • East Side Eatery
  • Efi’s Dutch-indo Kitchen
  • Ella’s at the Airport
  • Fran Battendieri Designs
  • Friend in Cheeses Jam Co
  • Hollins House
  • Hula’s Island Grill
  • Judge Casey’s
  • K Dezynz Jewelry
  • Malone’s Grille Scotts Valley
  • Martinelli’s
  • McKella Jo
  • New Leaf Community Markets
  • Pacific Coffee Roasting Co.
  • Pure Valley Water
  • Sandbar Solar
  • Santa Cruz Fish Co.
  • Shadowbrook Restaurant
  • Smart Chicken
  • SunRidge Farms
  • The Crow’s Nest
  • The Turkey Boat
  • Vital Mystic
  • Watsonville Coast Produce
  • Whole Enchilada
  • Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine

Wineries, breweries and spirits include:

  • Alfaro Family Winery
  • Armitage Wines
  • Bargetto Winery
  • Bonny Doon Vineyard
  • Burrell School Vineyards
  • Carbonic Service
  • Discretion Brewing
  • El Vaquero Winery
  • Hallcrest Vineyards
  • Integrity Wines
  • Kathryn Kennedy Winery
  • Kings Mountain Vineyards
  • Lester Estate Wines
  • Loma Prieta Winery
  • MJA Vineyards
  • Muccigrosso Vineyards
  • Muns Vineyard
  • New Bohemia Brewing Co.
  • Pelican Ranch Winery
  • Roudon-Smith Winery
  • Sailing Shoes Wine
  • Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
  • Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
  • Sante Arcangeli Family Wines
  • Scrumpy Hard Cider
  • Seabright Brewery
  • Sones Winery
  • Soquel Cider
  • Storrs Winery
  • Uncommon Brewers
  • Venus Spirits
  • Via Vega Winery
  • Villa Del Monte Winery
  • Wrights Station Winery

 

Proceeds from SCCBG’s events benefit these local cancer support and research organizations: Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Association, Katz Cancer Resource Center, researchers from UC Santa Cruz, the Teen Kitchen Project, and WomenCARE Cancer Advocacy.

 

Since 1995, SCCBG has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with cancer in the Santa Cruz community, by raising money to support beneficiary organizations and fund new research that will provide possible cures and better solutions for treating cancer. Just in the last decade, they have distributed more than $2 million to directly support the Santa Cruz community.

 

For more information on the event, see sccbg.org. Parking is limited at Aptos Village Park. There is free shuttle service every 15 minutes from Cabrillo College (parking lot K); parking is free. If you Uber, dropoff is at the top of the park.

Aptos Village Park: 100 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos

 

Attendees at a previous Grazing on the Green, photo courtesy of Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group

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Christmas shopping: last minute restaurant gift card bonuses

Photo caption: Sushi Garden is offering discount gift cards this holiday season

Two weeks ago I posted this article with eight different “gift card bonus offers” from Santa Cruz and Capitola restaurants. Here are a few more for any of you doing very-last-minute shopping.

 

Capitola, Scotts Valley and Watsonville

Sushi Garden is offering 10% off if you purchase at least $50 worth of gift certificates. You have to buy them by Dec. 24, and they’re valid at all three locations: Capitola (820 Bay Ave.), Scotts Valley (5600 Scotts Valley Dr.) and Watsonville (1441 Main St.).Visit sushi-garden.com.

 

Capitola, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz

Jamba Juice is offering a gift card deal this holiday season, through Christmas. If you buy $25 in gift cards, you get a $5 bonus card redeemable in January and February. For more information, visit jambajuice.com. Local stores include Capitola (3555 Clares St.), Santa Cruz (1550 Pacific Ave.), and Scotts Valley (214 Mt. Hermon Rd.).

 

Santa Cruz

At Blaze Pizza (1901 Mission St.), if you buy a $25 gift card by Dec. 31, you get a free pizza reward to use at in 2019 (Jan. 1-Feb. 28). Restrictions: You must be a Blaze Rewards member (but it’s easy to sign up). For more information, visit blazepizza.com/locations/santa-cruz.

 

And finally, even though it’s not food-related, I have to mention Bookshop Santa Cruz because it’s such a wonderful, independent resource—and it’s been so for more than 50 years! Through the holiday season, you receive a free $10 BSC gift card when you purchase four $25 gift cards, or a free $5 gift card when you purchase five $10 gift cards. Speaking of food, your gift recipients (or you!) can buy a cookbook or a different type of food book (Ruth Reichl’s Comfort me With Apples…Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, etc.). Visit bookshopsantacruz.com.

 

Best wishes for a great 2019!

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Santa Cruz holiday shopping: Gift card bonus offers for restaurants

Pono Hawaiian Grill is offering discount gift cards this holiday season

If you’re in Santa Cruz or Capitola and have some gift or stocking stuffer shopping to do, you’ll be happy to know that several restaurants are offering “gift certificate bonus deals” for the 2018 holiday season. Here are a few options – if you hear of any more, let me know at tara@santacruzfoodie.com so I can share with everyone, thanks!

Santa Cruz

Pono Hawaiian Grill (120 Union St.) – If you buy a $25 gift card, it costs $20. If you buy a $100 card, you get a $20 bonus certificate. The offer is valid until Dec. 31. For more information, call 831-426-7666 or visit ponohawaiiangrill.com.

 

Hula’s Island Grill: ((221 Cathcart St.): Purchase a $50 gift certificate and get a $10 card free to keep for yourself. Purchase $100 and get a $20 certificate free. Offer available until December 23. For more information, call 831-426-4852 or visit hulastiki.com.

 

Mission Hill Creamery (1101B Pacific Ave., 831-216-6421) is offering gift cards at a 20 percent discount. Purchase cards such as a $10 card for $8 or a $50 card for $40. The promotion is valid through Dec. 24. Visit missionhillcreamery.com.

 

Woodstock’s Pizza  – Now through Christmas, for every $50 in gift cards you purchase, you get 5 free “Woody Bucks.” The Santa Cruz location is 710 Front St. Call 831-427-4444 or visit woodstockscruz.com.

 

Denny’s: customers who buy a $25 Denny’s gift card will receive $50 in coupons for future visits. The offer is valid through Dec. 25. The Santa Cruz location is 1515 Ocean St. Call 831-426-4628 or visit dennys.com.

 

Capitola

Paradise Beach Grille (215 Esplanade): Buy a $100 gift certificate for $80. Offer valid through Christmas. Call 831-476-4900 or visit paradisebeachgrille.com

 

Chili’s  – If you buy $50 in gift cards, you receive a $10 bonus card to keep for yourself. The Capitola branch is at 1855 41st Ave. For more information, call 831-462-1813 or visit chilis.com.

 

IHOP – If you buy a $25 gift card, you receive a $5 bonus coupon. The Capitola branch is at 1549 41st Ave. For more information, call 831-475-0540 or visit ihop.com.

 

Happy holiday shopping & Bon Appetit!

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More Mother’s Day restaurants for the Santa Cruz area

Aquarius Restaurant – Photo courtesy of Aquarius Facebook page

Did Mother’s Day 2018 sneak up on you? Mother’s Day is Sunday – some restaurants in the Santa Cruz area, including Bargetto Winery, which only has one seating – are fully booked, but others are still available. Below are a few.

Refer to my May 3 article for a few Santa Cruz County restaurant highlights (plus one for Monterey), but I am not sure which of those still have reservations available.

Also, if you want something off the beaten path, Roaring Camp Railroads is hosting a brunch buffet ($39 adults, $29 kids) from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bret Harte Hall (last seating at 1). There are train rides to go on after brunch (diners receive $2 fare discount); visit this site.

As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, the following restaurants still had selected Mother’s Day brunch reservations available—these are based on a party of 4. Call or make reservations through OpenTable.com.

BRUNCH

  • Chocolate the Restaurant (831) 427-9900
  • Ideal Bar & Grill (831) 423-5271
  • Jaguar Restaurant (831) 600-7428
  • Mozaic (831) 600-7428
  • Solaire Restaurant & Bar (831) 600-4545
  • Suda (831) 600-7068
  • Zelda’s on the Beach (831) 475-4900

 

DINNER

  • Aquarius-Dream Inn (831) 740-8138
  • Café Cruz (831) 476-3801
  • Chocolate the Restaurant (831) 427-9900
  • Gabriella Café (831) 457-1677
  • Ideal Bar & Grill (831) 423-5271
  • Jaguar Restaurant (831) 600-7428
  • Mozaic (831) 600-7428
  • Pearl of the Ocean (831) 457-2350
  • Persephone (831) 612-6511
  • Solaire Restaurant & Bar (831) 600-4545
  • Suda (831) 600-7068
  • Zelda’s on the Beach (831) 475-4900

 

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Mother’s Day restaurant highlights for Santa Cruz & Monterey: Shadowbrook, Chaminade, Portola & more

Shadowbrook is open during the day on Mother’s Day. Photo courtesy of Shadowbrook.

Dining out on Mother’s Day is extremely popular, so if you haven’t made reservations yet, better hurry: here are a few restaurant highlights for Santa Cruz County and Monterey. I’ll publish more in the next few days.

Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos

Shadowbrook

It’s very rare for Shadowbrook to be open during the day, but it’s happening on Mother’s Day. The restaurant is serving a dinner menu all day (11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) in its main dining room. Mother’s Day specials are slow-roasted leg of spring lamb (porcini mushroom-crusted with organic baby carrots, wild rice ‘pilaf’ and Cabernet jus, $28.95) and sweet-glazed ham (lightly smoked with Gouda potato gratin, grilled asparagus, apple-mustard and ham hock jus, $24.95). Many other dishes will be available like New England clam chowder; signature salad which includes baby spinach, candied pecans, and bacon-wrapped prawns; and house specialty Angus prime rib. See full menu here.

Many of the large party tables (7 people and up) have been booked, but as of press time there were a couple cancellations for the private room, at 11:15 and 5:15—this holds 12-16 people. For smaller parties (tables of four, for example) they are booked from 11 a.m. to 2:30, but there are reservation openings after that scattered throughout the afternoon and evening. Call 831-475-1511 for reservations. In addition, the Rock Room Bar & Lounge is open beginning at 10:30 a.m. for bar service and 11 for food, and might stay open as late as 10 p.m., but there are no reservations accepted for that area. It’s first-come, first-served. The regular dinner menu will be available at the rooftop heated bar/lounge deck. The regular Rock Room menu will be available in the lounge and on the deck. Because of Shadowbrook’s popularity—especially on Mother’s Day—many people choose to buy restaurant gift cards for Mother’s Day and give these as gifts, to be used at a later date.

1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola

 

Chaminade

The Chaminade offers its annual Mother’s Day buffet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 13. Cost is $66.95 for adults, $18.95 for kids 6-12 and free for kids under 6. Selections include Belgian waffles; an omelet bar; mini quiches; gourmet salads; a seafood bar with teriyaki salmon, Dungeness crab legs and more; roast prime rib with au jus; bourbon glazed honey ham; and ravioli with porcini cream, fried leeks and wild mushrooms. Kids’ dishes are chicken strips and fries; mac & cheese; and mini pancakes. See full menu. Call (831) 475-5600 or visit  opentable.com for reservations.

One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz

Sanderlings

Sanderlings at Seascape Resort has a brunch buffet from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; the price is $56.95 for adults and $21.95 for kids. This year’s selections include a prime rib carving station; a seafood bar; a salad assortment (includes roasted beet with radicchio, apple, pickled apple; and Cobb; fresh fruit; and freshly baked croissants and muffins. Other highlights include potato cakes; smoked bacon and chicken apple sausage; and a kids’ menu with chicken tenders, hot dogs and more. Call (831) 662-7120 or visit opentable.com for reservations.

One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos 

Hollins House

Hollins House at Pasatiempo has a brunch buffet from 10 am to 2 pm; the price is $75 for adults (includes a glass of champagne). The menu will include made-to-order omelets featuring choices such as smoked salmon and green garlic chives; Yukon gold potato hash; Applewood smoked bacon and breakfast sausage; a carving station with items such as Pitt ham with honey mustard and Hollandaise; artichoke quiche; and a few salads (including Caesar, and build-your-own-Cobb). Other highlights include a croissant and bagel station, cupcakes and bread pudding with salty whiskey caramel. See full menu here. Call (831) 216-5358 or visit opentable.com for reservations.

20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz

Monterey

Portola Hotel & Spa

Portola Hotel & Spa is hosting Mother’s Day brunch at its De Anza Ballroom. There will be live piano music, and each mother receives a complimentary Mimosa. The buffet is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 831-649-7874 for reservations. Cost is $54.95 for adults, $41.95 for seniors 65 and up, and $24.95 for kids. The menu includes ham-gruyere frittata, sweet & savory crepes, California cheeses & cured meats with crusty bread & crackers, wild King salmon, and prime rib.  The kids’ menu includes macaroni & cheese and grilled chicken fingers with Ranch. See full menu.

Two Portola Plaza, Monterey

 

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