I am spreading the word about Fusion Fare, an amazing Sichuan restaurant that opened in downtown Santa Cruz in January. I think the fresh, creative and affordable food deserves constant crowds and I am always surprised that I can walk in and order at the counter with barely any wait (I shouldn’t complain, but I also want Fusion Fare to stay in business!). It’s located next to the bar The Red Room. Long ago, it housed Planet Fresh.
Let me tell you about the dish I enjoyed last time I ate at Fusion Fare: Sesame Lotus Root Stir Fry with chicken. Like many dishes, you can order it with your choice of protein—I’m sure it would be equally delicious with tofu or something else. Of note: vegetarian and vegan selections are not an afterthought at Fusion Fare. The chef has thoughtfully and intentionally curated lots of plant-forward choices.
Back to the stir-fry: the vibrant flavors were spot-on but I must also commend the textures. With crunchy lotus roots, perfectly cooked herbs and vegetables, and tender chicken, the stir-fry really popped. Chef Hongmin Mo, who is a native of Sichuan, China, definitely knows what he’s doing! The entree was also colorful and beautiful, which made it even more enjoyable. And because it was a lunchtime special, it came with brown rice, salad, and a drink.
I have heard that the red oil dumplings and miso-ginger noodles, among others, are also standouts, but I haven’t had the chance to taste them yet. Next time!
Find Fusion Fare at 1003 Cedar St., 831-266-5834, fusionfarerestaurant.com. Follow the restaurant on Instagram @fusionfare_sc.
Follow me on:
- IG @tarafatemiwalker
- Facebook @santacruzfoodieexaminer