Foodie File | Good Times

September 26, 2023

Cruz Kitchen and Taps

Cruz Kitchen & Taps, replacing the old Saturn Café, was opened in 2022 by co-owners Mia Thorn and Dameon DeWorken. Thorn, an oncology nurse, looked for a bright side during Covid and found herself wanting to be more involved in the celebratory side of life.

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September 20, 2023

New Caffé & Deli

Opened three months ago in the Seacliff neighborhood of Aptos, Castelli’s Caffé and Deli has been embraced by the locals. Chris Castelli owns the new spot with her son, Vittorio, with a motif she defines as Italian-style New York deli with California flare.

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September 13, 2023

Shockwave Food

Before becoming co-owner of Shockwave Food, area native Brandon Burgess was a bouncer at the Felton Music Hall – the venue where the cuisine is currently being made and served.

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September 6, 2023

Miches and Ceviches

Perla Pineda has been passionate about cooking since she was a little girl, growing up with the perspective that food is a way to connect with family, friends and culture. Three years ago, she and her husband Sergio wanted extra income and a way to have fun.

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August 30, 2023

Cadillac Café

The Cadillac Café is a neighborhood gem and local hub, proven so by its many regulars and multi-generational following.

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August 23, 2023

Kerri Kreations

Feel good baked goods Kerri O’Neill grew up in Santa Cruz as a self-described at-risk kid who went to continuation school and moved out at...

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August 15, 2023

Real Colima 2

Next Level Mex Nestled amidst a residential neighborhood in Watsonville, Real Colima 2 looks like a restaurant that used to be a house because that’s...

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August 8, 2023

Firefly Tavern

Pub Grub Hub Bartender Inga Thomas has spent her career in restaurants, calling it the “people industry.” Her love for taking care of guests makes...

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July 26, 2023

Sampa Brazilian

Sabor to the core A surfer since he was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ricardo Malia moved to Santa Cruz in 2011 to...

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July 19, 2023

The Picnic Basket

Locally aligned, thoughtfully combined When Zach Davis got his MBA, he did so with the ambition of one day owning his own business. That goal...

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July 12, 2023

The Sand Bar

Beachside Bites and Bevs Born in Sonora, Mexico and raised in Capitola, Tania Mendez grew up in the restaurant industry where she started working at...

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July 4, 2023