Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, July 25-31

Here, find a curated list of the best food and drink events in Santa Cruz County for the coming week. At the top, I share my picks of unmissable local happenings.

This summer, Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets is hosting two pop-up brunches at the Westside farmers market location in the parking lot in front of the Old Wrigley Building, and the first is coming up this Saturday. From 9 a.m. to noon, chef Jessica Yarr of The Grove in Felton will serve a summery, produce-focused feast. The menu includes a sungold tomato confit with feta from Garden Variety Cheese, and a breakfast potato salad with jammy eggs and crispy Fogline Farm pork belly. Tickets are $80 to $150 on a sliding scale.

Every month, Vim Dining & Desserts in Santa Cruz hosts extravagant afternoon teas, with themed sweet and savory treats alongside tea, coffee and cocktails. On Sunday, chef/owner Jesikah Stolaroff is creating a menu inspired by the board game Candy Land, with treats like a King Kandy fudge brownie with caramel buttercream, and Gramma Nutt peanut soba noodles with cayenne peanut brittle. I can say from experience that these special events are absolutely delightful – and dressing up is encouraged. Tickets are $75. Reservations required.