Food & Drink

Hugo Moreles holds an ice cream dessert drizzled with chocolate sauce at Los Freseros Paleteria’s counter in Ben Lomond.

Nice Dreams

September 30, 2026

At Los Freseros Paleteria in Ben Lomond, Elizabeth Ramirez and Hugo Moreles serve Mexican-inspired desserts, savory snacks and warm hospitality, from concha ice cream sandwiches to fruit piled with chamoy and treats.

operation freedom paws, northern california non-profit, service dog training

Catching Fire

Evil Wings fuels downtown Santa Cruz’s late-night revival, while Mark C. Anderson makes a case for local pizza supremacy and checks in on the region’s growing vegan scene.

Slay Bar

Brittny Beshore and Cliff Nelson are giving Bay Bar & Grill a fresh identity in Capitola Village, pairing elevated sports-bar fare and cocktails with live music, local art and a revamped coastal atmosphere.

Wrap Star

Arslans Turkish Street Food brings the flavors of Gaziantep to downtown Santa Cruz, with loaded döner wraps, Istanbul salads, red lentil köfte and pistachio-rich baklava.

Bucolic Haven

Rosscienda is making a name for itself in Aptos with expressive estate wines, including the 2025 Big Char Chardonnay, a bright, layered bottle with notes of nectarine, lemon custard, white peach and baking spice.

Heirloom Tortillas

Taqueria Los Viejones brings handmade heirloom tortillas, quesabirria, tacos and traditional Mexican cooking from a successful food truck to a new Water Street restaurant.

Oracles Unleashed

Mark C. Anderson celebrates Rob Brezsny’s rebellious new book, CARNE’s East Cliff debut and California’s enduring avocado obsession—with cider, oysters and kelp on the side.

Gifted Winemaker

Josie Cowden pairs Ian Brand’s 2023 Escolle Vineyard Chardonnay with chef Michelle Gomez’s inventive menu at Jack O’Neill’s Restaurant in the Santa Cruz Dream Inn.

Pasta Twist

Goodles agrees to be acquired by pasta giant Barilla while keeping its Santa Cruz headquarters and team; Mark C. Anderson also checks in on winery rules, psychedelic therapy and upcoming food events.

Mangia Marriage

La Placa Italian Cuisine brings Bedda Mia and La Placa Family Bakery together in Scotts Valley, pairing Sicilian dishes with pastries, gelato, espresso and family tradition.

Fired Up

Gold Dot Coffee Roasting founders Mitra Mostofi and Rocky Lewycky unite seasonal coffee and handmade pottery in an artful Boulder Creek subscription.

Main Beach Bites

Ideal Bar & Grill pairs three-meals-a-day dining with an experienced management team and a front-row location beside Santa Cruz’s Main Beach.

Combo Pizza

La Placa Italian Cuisine combines its family restaurant, pizzeria and bakery traditions in a new Scotts Valley home, while Melo Bread rises in Watsonville.