An In-N-Out Burger in Pleasant Hill was ordered to close Tuesday by Contra Costa County public health officials after refusing to comply with rules requiring restaurants to check indoor dining patrons for proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test.
Restaurants & Dining
Posted inFood & Drink
Sprouting a movement: Veganism goes mainstream
Santa Cruz has had a vegan streak for years, and between the area’s open-minded consumers, access to fresh, top-quality ingredients and the blossoming of options at big chains like Safeway, “it’s never been easier to go plant-based.”
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Here’s where outdoor dining in Capitola stands — and when it could become a permanent fixture
With the prototype program being formed, outdoor dining would be able to continue in Capitola Village permanently. But the proposed plan would reduce the number of parklets from 50 to 25. Part of the rationale is to help ensure “coastal access” per the Coastal Commission’s requirements.
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Stressed out’: As the available pool of workers remains low, restaurants keep laboring to stay afloat
A month after California’s grand June 15 re-opening, help wanted signs seemingly outnumber available workers. Local businesses continue to see a surge of patrons, yet with the workforce missing in action — either still collecting unemployment or having moved on — owners are left scrambling, many forced to reduce their hours of operation.
Posted inPandemic Life
California extends outdoor dining, to-go drinks through Dec. 31
Even as the state prepares to lift coronavirus restrictions on June 15, some changes such as outdoor dining and to-go drinks will likely remain in many California cities. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced pandemic extensions through Dec. 31.
Posted inFood & Drink
Fermenting bad behavior? #MeToo craft beer moment hits Santa Cruz, but strong women fight for equity
Recent #MeToo allegations have rocked the artisan beer world — including allegations levied at industry darling Humble Sea Brewing Co. here in Santa Cruz County. Now the allegations are spurring female leaders in the brewing industry to speak up about the culture and push for inclusivity and clearer lines in the workplace.
Posted inUncategorized
Oaxaca Norte, con mucho mole: Santa Cruz’s Copal zeroes in on distinctive Mexican culture and cuisine
Almost a year after “a really long soft opening,” Copal is finally ready to brings its full vision of the cuisine and aesthetic of Oaxaca to Santa Cruz diners.
Posted inFood & Drink
Mentone atonement: A year after long-awaited Kinch debut in Aptos was due, the real deal finally draws near
It took forever to get David Kinch’s latest creation, his hometown creation, to the starting line. Then a pandemic hit. Takeout and outdoor’s ‘Little Beach’ provided a stop gap. Now, one year later, the grand debut of Mentone’s properly curated indoor experience lies only a few short weeks ahead.
Posted inCOVID Today
Santa Cruz barely misses out on yellow tier, to remain in orange — here’s why
Santa Cruz just missed the requirement for moving into the state’s least restrictive tier of COVID-19 regulations. A small increase in cases has set the county back at least two weeks from a move from the current orange tier to the yellow tier, state health officials said Tuesday.
Posted inCoast Life
When ‘Keeping it fun’ turns into a craft brew revolution: Talking shop with Humble Sea
Co-founder Frank Scott Krueger says expansion of the four-year-old operation is indeed fun because it makes it easier to get their beer into the hands of the people who crave it. But they’ll admit, even they didn’t see this “surreal” adventure unfolding four years ago.