WEEKENDER
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County.
Jan. 29, 2026
8 SOUPS FOR WINTER IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
I can’t be the only one who feels like it’s the 57th day of January, right? We’re not even a month into 2026, but between political storms and seasonal crud, this year has already aged me. This week, I offer a penicillin to both mental and physical maladies in the form of a guide to eight soups that will make you feel alive again. From seafood chowder to carne en su jugo and wide bowls of pho, check out these spots to find your way to brothy bliss.
Of the many soups that I tried, one keeps swimming in my mind: the khao soi at Coconut Thai in Capitola.
The addictiveness of khao soi, a regional soup from Northern Thailand, is in the curried coconut broth and the inclusion of both soft egg noodles beneath the surface and crispy fried noodles on top. Textures swing between crunchy and creamy, and flavors swirl from tangy to rich to spicy, balanced with pickled mustard greens and fresh mint and cilantro. Adding crisp-skinned duck breast is worth the additional $2. Read the full guide here. – Lily Belli
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU’LL LOVE
FROM THE LOOKOUT LIST
FAVORITE PLACE FOR A CASUAL FIRST DATE
ABBOTT SQUARE
“It’s a fun place to listen to music, spots where you can still talk while the music is playing, dance if you like, food choices to please most palates, wine tasting and more.”
ICYMI: ARTS & DINING STORIES
A TREAT BEFORE YOU GO
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