It's a Date

Summers for me and my friends are crazy as I would assume they may be for you as well, so when a friend whom I had not seen almost all summer sent me a instant message, asking for a date to catch up I was inclined to accept. Even more so when he promised that it would be the at "the best restaurant in the area" what kind of local girl blogger would I be if I turned down a date that made such a boast. Not only did he promise the best place to eat but that it would be the most amazing Thai food I had ever had. Now there was no turning him down.

So he picked me up, and we headed out to Aptos, to a place I had heard rumors of but had never sampled, Bangkok West. Upon entering I was already pleased, it was like walking into a Thai palace, or at least a really good movie set of a Thai place. My senses were on overload, as I took in not only the ornate decorations, but the fantastic aromas and the beautiful colors of the wait staffs wardrobe I had been transported straight to Thailand with absolutely no jet lag.

It gets better, because my friend having been before took it upon himself to order our meal. All I had to do was sit and take it all in. He ordered the Coconut Soup, Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice, The Crispy Mango Duck, and for desert the Sticky Rice with Fresh Mango. I was not disappointed. He was not lying when he claimed it would be the best Thai food I had ever had. I am not 100% convinced that it is the #1 place to eat in Santa Cruz, as I have not been every where yet, and I have been to some really amazing places but it is definitely the best Thai place that I have been and one of the best dining experiences I have had in the Santa Cruz area.

Hear are some pictures, but they hardly do it justice.

Local Girl on Vacation

While I am a Santa Cruz Local Girl now and at heart I used to reside in the Portland, Oregon area which is why I decided it was a good place for my much needed vacation. I was right, Portland is a great place to wander, explore and enjoy. To see a list of my Portland adventures with links check out my other blog. In this post I just want to focus on a few places that got my attention. When I get home I promise to go back to Santa Cruz spots.

Pizzicato

The first meal back in Portland was had with two good friends at this average looking Pizza joint on 23rd. An excellent way to start off a week of good eats, we shared a
MARGHERITA
Roma tomatoes, Mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, fresh
basil. (Tomato sauce upon request, no charge.)
10.25 14.00 18.25 23.00
It was nothing less than delightful. We all left very satisfied and full. The crust is something you just cannot leave alone. Warm, airy and yet just crispy enough.

Le Happy


Worth the wait. We stood outside on 16th waiting for a table as the tiny Creperie was at capacity. We were promised by one of the girls I was with that we would not disappointed, I am glad to say she is not a liar. I had the Salad Crepe, but we shared so I also got to sample the Salmon Crepe and the Ham and Cheese. All of which were good. I am not sure that they are better than Sweet Pea Cafe, but they were quite enjoyable.

McMenamins

I actually went to two of these while in the Portland area and passed by quite a few more. A Portland establishment through and through, is one of those places I had always heard of but somehow never ended up during my college days. I had a Black and Tan Brownie at one and Fish and Chips at the second. All was good, but you don't really go to McMenamins for the food, you go for the Brew and for the entertainment/experience.

Voodoo Doughnut

Yep me and Anthony Bourdain now have something in common, we have both experianced what is Voodoo Dougnut.
They were fresh out of the Oreo Peanutbutter, and the Maple Bacon, so we got an Apple Fritter with Peanutbutter, Chocolate Chips and something else good on it. There was also a band playing in the parking lot to celebrate end of summer fritters or something.

Uncovered a Jem

I had the pleasure of stumbling upon Center Street Grill with my good friend for lunch the other day. I had passed by this place a few times, thinking that I might try it sometime, and I am so glad that I finally did. When you enter it looks like it will just be this small hole in the wall place, when in fact it opens up to a huge dining space, coffee/wine bar and an outdoor patio.

We chose to dine outdoors as it was a beautiful day. The American/Mediterranean menu was just as expansive as the restaurant. I had the pasta special; with sun dried tomatoes, broccoli, and a mix of cheeses. And my friend tried the grilled chicken sandwich. We were both pleased with our over sized portions as we had not enjoyed breakfast that morning.

I would return anytime to try more of the menu and relax in the comfortable dining space they have created. Or perhaps just sit at the coffee bar with my laptop and a cup of espresso.
Center Street Grill would get a 10.

Thanks for the Fries

Really thanks for the fries is about all we could say after our meal at Cafe Rio. We ended up there by accident, but it is not a mistake we will soon repeat. Walking in we were hopeful, it looked like we may have found a well kept secret right along the beach. Well, if it was a secret there is a reason, it's just not good, and it is way over priced. For a place that has an ocean front piece of property it can boast no ocean view, as all you can see from the large windows are cars and bugs a few live palm trees and one dead one. The interior looks like it has been forgotten, perhaps designed in the 70's and the patrons all looked to have been created long before that.

When you go to their website it claims that...
"When you step into Café Rio, you’ll instantly be swept up by waves of mouth-watering fragrances, wafting delightfully from the assortment of dishes we’re carrying out of the kitchen. Welcome to your new favorite restaurant, where we’ll be providing you with the freshest, most appetizing menu of delectable daily specials, to be found in all of Aptos. And best of all, our selection is guaranteed to fill your stomach without emptying your pockets!"

I can honestly say we were not met by waves of anything but regret. I ordered a Cesar Salad due to the menu offering nothing that sounded worth the price. The two girls I took with me decided that a cheese burger which was described as having yellow cheese was their safest option. My salad was nothing to write home about. The lettuce was fine, the chicken had no flavor and the dressing was overly peppery. The girls ordered their burgers medium and they cam burnt and crispy. I would have to give the Cafe Rio a 1.

Gotta love Italian

Admittedly I have a love of all things Italian, so I am a bit biased, but I am also much more picky when it comes to places that claim to be Italian. I have been anticipating my first visit to La Posta since I knew it was opening, and the same time holding off because I was afraid that I would be disappointed. A fear that was totally a waste of time and energy, as I was anything but let down by my first dining experience at La Posta. I say first knowing I will have to return, it was just that good.


My pictures do not do the food or the restaurant justice. Both were much warmer and inviting, but my camera is lame, so you will just have to go experience it yourself. My friend had this Pizza, and even though she is far more of a picky eater than I am, she found it quite enjoyable.

I had the gnocchi with duck ragu and it was simply to die for. I had not sampled either duck or gnocchi prior to this, but if this is any indicator of what it normally tastes like I would gladly have it again and again. It was simply melt in your mouth delish.


The dining room is nice, simple, and small. Much like one would expect in Italy. The service was similar. Nice, but not in your face. I found it all pleasing, I am planning on going on a Sunday sometime when they have their fixed regional menu, as that seems like a great way to try new dishes.

All in all I give La Posta a 9.

within driving distance (but not much isn't)

Davenport, is so small you may miss it altogether if you blink at the wrong time while driving down scenic hwy 1 just north of Santa Cruz. (see still somewhat local, besides they have a locals discount night, and they count me in, so I will count them in.) The town was originally founded and named after Captain John Davenport who came here and opened a whaling company. Eventually from this bloomed an artisan community. Not entirely sure one had to do with the other, but non the less that is how Davenport came to be. And though the Roadhouse has been many things through the years it strives to remain true to the artisan community it is a part of.

In 2006 The Roadhouse at the Cash Store became the dream of its newest owners as a combination store, bar, cafe and restaurant as well as a place to showcase local artists work. Fitting as it at one time was a potters studio with apartments above for those learning the new craft. The newly renovated Roadhouse is charming. Even more so when you discover that it is a Green business. It is also privy to an amazing view of the Pacific Coastline, which doesn't hurt it's standing in my book. The history as well as the present desire to honor that which was while caring for that which is to come make the Roadhouse something special.

I wish that I could say I found the food as appealing as the atmosphere, but alas I cannot. I tasted the Fish and Chips, which I assumed would be fitting of a place named for a whaler, but found the fish to be quite tasteless. My dining partner said of his Fried Chicken Sandwich, "they're trying to hard". I think that sums it up. They have a nice size menu, and the dining room is relaxing, but the food seemed just for show and flavor an afterthought at best.

A spent some time pursuing their web page for you though, because I was sure you would have questions. I suggest you check it out. Because, though I left somewhat disappointed by the food I was encouraged by the history, the dream, the fact that they have entertainment, and that they have in fact received more positive reviews than my own. I was also struck by the simplistic beauty that the inn portion of the Roadhouse which I did not see while there in person. It seems that their good intentions may indeed pay out if you were to be a guest for the evening, and while the rates are not cheep, they are not outlandish either, especially for this area. I may have to go out and give it another chance to win me over.

On a side note, they had these lovely tables that are just like the one we had in my home as a child. I am sure my mom will be on the hunt for one now that I know they are around here somewhere, she (we all) always loved this table. Perfect for games, and cozy breakfasts before school. It also is super easy to expand, for those less intimate meals.

See told you it was a side note. Thanks for bearing with me. But I didn't want to forget.

I guess you ought to go check it out, and let me know what you think, as I am clearly undecided.

(Pics. by Brandon.)

All in all I give it a 6

Beach Fare

The Crows Nest nestled right in the Santa Cruz Harbor is a classic. Great view, great food, and great service. Now I am speaking mostly of the upstairs portion of Crows Nest, because that is the part I frequent most often, though I have had some great dining downstairs as well. The first floor is more of a "fine dining" experience, you know white tablecloths and all that, while upstairs you will find much more relaxed. Both upstairs and down have great outdoor seating and both have delicious food, but as you would expect, down costs much more than up. So head upstairs and enjoy the same if not better view and some really good California cuisine.

It may be only an appetizer but the best thing on the menu in my humble opinion is called...

Our Famous Smoked Salmon
Fresh Salmon, marinated, then hot-smoked for hours over
an alder wood fi re. Sweet, smoky and delicious! Served
with wasabi-mayonnaise 9.95

Umm yeah 9.95 is a bit on the pricey side of things but rest assured you will not be sorry that you spent the almost 10.00. skip everything else if need be, but trust me. I would go so far as to say that even if you are not a seafood fanatic you will find this to your liking. I could be wrong, but it may be worth the risk.

There are plenty of other good things to try but seriously try the salmon.

The fish and chips are good, as are many other non fishy things but you are at the harbor for goodness sake, so it seems only reasonable that I assume you are going to order fish.

There is also always something going on upstairs in the evenings. My favorite night to go is Sundays because it is comedy night. But I warn you that I do not recommend all of their comics, as I have had to sit through many a bad night of stand up to get the good stuff, but if you are brave, and won't hold it against me then you should go. But go early as it often fills up and you won't get a seat. The late night stuff has a cover usually only $7 and there is an atm there if you need one. This is also one of those places where you have to pay to park so come prepared to either close the place down and leave after the lot attendant or bring a few extra bucks. If you have a beach parking permit for live oaks then you can park a little further away but for free (aside from the cost of your permit that is)

Another little known or at least little taken advantage of secret is that in the afternoons during the summer there is a man with a water taxi who will take you from the Aldo's Side (west side ) of the the Harbor to the Crow's Nest Side. This is handy for those of you who have parked near third ave for a day at the beach and then discover you really wish for some great salmon. Just go flag down the FREE water taxi and get shuttled over, or just for fun take the whole ride up and down the harbor. A great diversion for those of you with kids or those of you nanny's who need a free outing with the kids. You can also park at the back harbor and take the water taxi up to Twin Lakes/Crows Nest or to Third Ave/Aldo's. See aren't you glad we are friends all these useful tidbits of information making your life so much more enjoyable.

Oh and I almost forgot they have beach parties in the summer time! Every Thursday starting at 5:30 with live music and NO COVER! How fun is that. Don't you just love this place. It is a family friendly time or so I hear, with the outdoor BBQ going. Maybe I'll see you there.

Sisters

Locally owned Italian restaurant is got its name from Santa Cruz's Sister City in Italy, Sestri Levante. Pictured here below.

Not a bad place from the looks of it. Our own Sestri though not as appealing from first glance is a great find once you step inside. Located on Capitola Rd. it is in a somewhat inconspicuous building and local. I encourage you to make the effort to get beyond first glances and take a deeper look into the heart of Sestri. If you do I am sure you will be delighted as I was to find a warm inviting Italian dining experience.

Not only is Sestri Levante the sister to our beautiful it is also the home town of the owner John Mootz. This would explain the great art on the walls as well as the welcoming neighborhood place feel that they have managed to maintain.

Sestri may be named after our sister city but it is a sister business of Aldo's located by the Santa Cruz Harbor as well as Aldo's Italian Bakery found in Soquel Village. I have not yet had the chance to sample anything at the bakery, but Aldo's has been a family favorite for a long time. They have filling yummy breakfasts, with an amazing view of the boats coming and going into from the Monterey Bay.

Back to Sestri, the dinners that I have had there were all very enjoyable. Prepared just right, and just the right amount. (I have become increasingly annoyed at places that give you portions large enough for a family of 4.) I will say that my favorite part of dining at Sestri is there deserts. My favorite being their Affogatos the Nora-Nocello with Espresso over Gelato is simply to die for. I have in fact gone on many occasions just to partake in this blissful pleasure.

Go seek out this local link to Italy allowing yourself to be carried away to the Italian Riviera as you sample some fine seafood dish and one of the wines from their great collection of local and Italian wines. Enjoy!