Hello eaters! Jessica M. Pasko here. While Lily is out on maternity leave, I’m pitching in on the latest local food news. A little about me — I’m a writer and a native of upstate New York, living in Santa Cruz for over a decade. Our rich food culture is just one of the many […]
Food & Drink
From Grahm’s Popelouchum estate, a rare white (and in limited quantity)
There are only 200 cases of 2021 Popelouchum Estate Blanc, a blend of grenache blanc and grenache gris. It’s just the second white wine produced at Randall Grahm’s 415-acre vineyard in San Juan Bautista, and time is of the essence for fans of the Bonny Doon Vineyard terroirist.
‘Disaster of a season for us’: Cancellation ripples through California salmon fishery
Citing record-low stock of the fish prized by commercial and recreational interests alike, a federal commission moved last week to cancel the 2023 salmon season, which had been set to open in May and run into the fall. “It’s a really tough situation for commercial fishermen in California,” said one industry veteran from Ben Lomond.
In vino veritas: A guide to Westside Santa Cruz’s walkable wine scene
With rainy season just about over (right?) and longer days, what better time to get familiar with — or revisit — the walkable winery tasting rooms of Santa Cruz’s Westside. Red, white, bubbly, in refillable bottles … there’s more than enough to make a weekend or two out of, and Laura Sutherland takes us for the stroll.
Santa Cruz to hold public meeting on mixed-use project for site of Mission Street’s Food Bin & Herb Room
The 42,849-square-foot development would take over the parcel where local grocery stores The Food Bin and Herb Room currently sit. It is still in the pre-application phase, and the City of Santa Cruz is hosting a community meeting April 18 for residents to learn more about the development, ask questions and raise concerns.
Bivalve bonanza: A guide to foraging for mussels in Santa Cruz County
Mussel foraging season runs from fall into spring in California. Here’s our guide to some of the more intricate details of our tasty coastal companions along with three great local beaches for foraging.
Lily Belli on Food: CCOF’s 50 years of organics, Sampa stakes out B40 corner & Emozioni update
Hello eaters! Jessica M. Pasko here. While Lily is out on maternity leave, I’m pitching in on the latest local food news. A little about me — I’m a writer and a native of upstate New York, living in Santa Cruz for over a decade. Our rich food culture is just one of the many […]
Sampa bringing Brazilian cuisine to Branciforte and Water
After gaining a foothold in Santa Cruz at Woodhouse Blending and Brewing, the São Paulo natives behind Sampa Brazilian Food are taking over the corner spot that previously housed Robbie’s Pizza & Subs (and Joe’s Pizza & Subs before that) and aiming to expand their offerings even further.
CCOF reflects on half-century of California organic certification, looks ahead
Born at a kitchen table in Live Oak, California Certified Organic Farmers is the standard-bearer for the movement in California and beyond. As it celebrates its 50th year, the organization is focused on what’s next. Among the key questions facing CEO Kelly Damewood: “What is the best way to convey the value of organic certification and how do we remove some of the barriers” to becoming certified organic.
Shopper’s Corner customer spotlight: Dennis and Michelle Webb
Michelle and Dennis, a local couple in Santa Cruz, recently shared their nostalgic memories of shopping at Shopper’s Corner. The couple fondly remembers shopping with their families and enjoying the friendly atmosphere of the market. “I remember shopping here with my parents and always looked forward to getting a cookie from the butchers!” Michelle exclaimed. […]

