Growing up in Point Reyes, Elena Laughlin always had a passion for the wilderness and specifically mushrooms, intrigued especially by how the fantasy-inspiring Amanita contributed to the magical quality of nature.
Attending college in Santa Cruz, her first experiences at Far West Fungi were as a customer, where she fell in love with the food and vibe of the place. She found herself deeply drawn to work there, not only to learn more about mushrooms but also to educate, and has now been a cook/server/café attendant for two years.
Laughlin says the family-owned Far West Fungi’s motto is “there’s a mushroom for everyone” and the store’s aura is relaxing with “obscure nice music” playing amid well-lit rustic earth tones, plenty of mushroom-themed décor and a growing community of houseplants. The retail side of the store features gifts, cooking items and mushroom swag, complementing the all-vegetarian mushroom-centric menu, handmade and prepared in-store to order with eclectic multicultural influence.
Popular small plates include a mushroom and cheese empanada and a mushroom chowder with lobster, oyster and clamshell mushrooms. Laughlin’s personal favorite is the vegan Nashville hot fried lion’s mane sandwich featuring a crispy mushroom cutlet between a brioche or sesame bun with red cabbage slaw, housemade pickles and vegan mayo.
Tell me about the incredible staff.
ELENA LAUGHLIN: We all have similar interests and passions, and all get along really well. We love to socialize and make connections with people in the community, and share a deep appreciation for nature, music and art. And, I should say that we are all very fashionable but also down-to-earth, funny and don’t take life too seriously.
Do you have an all-time favorite mushroom?
Yes, I do. It’s the black trumpet mushroom nicknamed the “poor man’s truffle.” It’s a super flavorful mushroom that is perfect for people who say they don’t like mushrooms because of their spongy and gummy texture. These, in contrast, are thinner and not squishy, and add a wonderful flavor profile to dishes like pasta, rice bowls and Asian stir frys. I add these mushrooms to everything.
224 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, 831-226-2626; farwestfungi.com
