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.
It’s chowdah time! The Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off returns to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At this two-day event, amateur and professional cooks go for gold with their best recipe for Boston or Manhattan clam chowder. Competitors often go all-in with costumes, booth decorations and phenomenal recipes for their favorite soup. Tasting kits are $15 each and include six tasting tickets and a People’s Choice Ballot so you can cast your vote for your favorite. Amateurs compete on Saturday, followed by professional teams on Sunday. Thinking of going? Don’t clam up – all of the proceeds from the tasting kits benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.
Friday, Feb. 23
- Bottle Jack Winery New Release Party | 4 – 8 p.m. @ Bottle Jack Winery – Tasting Room | $30
Saturday, Feb. 24
- Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-off – amateur | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $15
Sunday, Feb. 25
- Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-off – professional | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $15
- Wine Class at Mentone | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. @ Mentone | $75
Tuesday, Feb. 27
- Pop-up Tuesdays at Saison Cellar & Wine Bar | 4 – 8 p.m. @ Saison Cellar & Wine Bar