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EAT THIS: PASTA & CLAMS AT PETE’S FISH HOUSE
From the restaurant’s second-story vantage point at the end of the Esplanade in Capitola Village, Pete’s Fish House, which opened in August, offers unobstructed views of Soquel Creek as it enters Capitola Beach, the candy-colored historic beach bungalows, the (newly reopened) Capitola Wharf and Monterey Bay.
Pete’s is the newest project from restaurateur Sarah Orr, who worked with chefs Anthony Kresge and Desmond Schneider, both of whom are known for their commitment to sourcing ingredients seasonally from nearby farms, and for elevating beloved comfort foods – such as sandwiches and pizza – with high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship. The result of this partnership is a tight but impactful seafood-focused menu, which manages to be both approachable and surprisingly elegant.
For example, Pete’s approach to the classic pasta and clams ($36) was unlike any version of the dish I’ve had. A creamy, smoky sabayon sauce melted into thick, bouncy, almost udon-like noodles, mingling with clams that had already been lifted from their shells – saving the diner the work. It’s fun and memorable, kind of like a cross between pasta Alfredo and vongole that passed through Japan on the way to the table. No, I didn’t share.
BEST OF THE WEEK AHEAD
Below, 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.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
ICYMI – here are food news stories from Lookout that you might have missed.
- Coming this fall: New bakery, ice cream shop and fresh market opening in Santa Cruz County (Lookout)
- Eaters Digest: Pita chip nachos at Ibiza (Lookout)
- Farmers market darling Adorable French Bakery opens bistro locations in Scotts Valley and Soquel (Lookout)
