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.
Before it closed in 2020, downtown Santa Cruz Irish pub The Poet & The Patriot went big on St. Patrick’s Day with an all-day party. Santa Cruz Cider Co. owners Nicole Todd and Natalie Henze sold some of their first kegs of cider at the Poet, and for the past three years have held a day of remembrance and revelry in the spirit of their favorite pub. This Saturday, join in the fun at the third annual Pub Day at Santa Cruz Cider Co.’s cidery in Watsonville. There will be food for purchase by Off The Hook Sushi and Cre’s BBQ, dart boards, an open mic and live music by Common People, beer provided by neighbor The Slough Brewing Collective, and plenty of cider. Sláinte!
Katie Belanger makes her own tempeh from fermented legumes like lentils and chickpeas for her vegan café, Honey B Market, in downtown Santa Cruz. Now, she’s sharing her secrets at a tempeh workshop on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Learn the history, science and nutrition of tempeh and how to make it at home. Tickets include tempeh snacks and a hardcover copy of Belanger’s book, “Little Book of Tempeh.”
Friday, March 15
- St. Pitties Week at Venus Spirits | 3 – 8 p.m. @ Venus Spirits tasting room | $15
Saturday, March 16
- 3rd Annual Pub Day | Noon – 8 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Cider Co.
- Distillery tour with Rye Home and Bakes and Boards | 1 – 4 p.m. @ Venus Spirits
- St. Pitties Week at Venus Spirits | 3 – 8 p.m. @ Venus Spirits tasting room | $15
Sunday, March 17
- Tempeh workshop | 4 – 5:30 p.m. @ Honey B Market | $45
- St. Pitties Week at Venus Spirits | 3 – 8 p.m. @ Venus Spirits tasting room | $15
Wednesday, March 20
- Castello di Neive Cru Night | 5 – 9:30 p.m. @ La Posta
- Cocktail Class with Lindsay Eshleman | 5:30 – 7 p.m. @ Venus Spirits tasting room
Thursday, March 21
- Single-vineyard syrah comparison tasting | 6 – 8 p.m. @ Big Basin Vineyards tasting room | $48-$69