Eating around the Monterey Bay

The Monterey Bay area is full of talented chefs, restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world, passionate farmers and ranchers, farm stands, food trucks, popups, cottage food operations … any list I may try and compile is necessarily incomplete. But I can and will can share with you some of the places I’ve enjoyed eating and shopping for groceries as well as some tasty locally-made products. If you’d like to read more about our local food scene, click here to read Lily Belli’s columns on Lookout Santa Cruz. 

Unless otherwise clearly stated, every blog entry is my own experience and not a paid endorsement.

Quick Bites: Cafe Ivéta, a gourmet European-style cafe

I adore Cafe Ivéta, a gourmet European-style cafe and market featuring fresh, simple food using the highest quality ingredients they can find. The attention to quality shows; the food is amazing. There's something for everyone: a changing array of freshly baked sweet...

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David Kinch’s Mentone restaurant is worth the buzz

Every detail about Mentone Restaurant, from the cleverly designed exterior melding Old Aptos with the French Riviera to the uber-cool Italian glamour interior to the amazing food and cocktail combinations make this restaurant worth every bit of the buzz.

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A taste of real Santa Cruz at El Salchichero

El Salchichero local meats is an old-timey neighborhood butcher shop featuring quality local meats and sausages. Stop by the Westside Santa Cruz shop to stock up on chef quality meats and support a local business.

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