“Try This” is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like.
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Tony Nuñez
FOOD: Cassidy’s Pizza: Turkey Sandwich
I’m a big believer in the beauty of simplicity. An object, idea or food dish can be simple and still manage to rise above one that is complex and layered. I think that’s why the sandwiches at Cassidy’s Pizza still hold a special place in my heart and belly after all these years. Their simple yet steady, reliable flavor has made them one of my favorite crave-worthy quick lunch pickups since my days at Watsonville High School. The pizza pies at Cassidy’s are a well-known commodity, as they should be, but the sandwiches at the 1400 Freedom Boulevard mainstay should be in everyone’s monthly lunch rotation, too.
Their turkey sandwich ($6.49) has all of seven ingredients: turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, cheese and bread. It’s something that could be made at home but never fully recreated in the same way. The bread always comes out crispy and fills my nostrils with a large irresistible fresh aroma, that smacks me with a dose of nostalgia. It’s a simple sandwich at its best. It also comes with a choice of chips or a heaping side salad.
There are also pastrami, salami, ham and combo selections and a pizza sandwich, which I’m very interested in. All of them run the same price as the turkey sandwich.
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Tarmo Hannula
FOOD: Sushi Garden
Though there is a Sushi Garden restaurant in Watsonville (Overlook Center, Main Street), I was recently up in the San Lorenzo Valley on a lengthy errand spree and ended up at their Scotts Valley location, 5600 Scotts Valley Drive With tons of parking and a large spread out setting, the eatery had a welcoming environment and friendly staff. The California Roll (shown here), Ebi Tempura roll and complimentary hot edamame hit the spot. Fresh, tangy and bounding with flavor, each of our selections were winners, thanks to recommendations from our waitress. My wife Sarah and I relished the idea that they didn’t have blaring music overhead. The open air sushi kitchen offered lively action and the chefs were very cognizant of our presence, offered thanks and smiles. It was a satisfying evening and we both agreed we’ll return.
FUN: San Francisco trolley
With the 1898 Ferry Building in the background, an early-day trolley rolls along Market Street in San Francisco. Such trolleys are a great way to get a taste of the city along the popular Embarcadero and on Market Street to the Castro District. I’ve heard from scores of people, including people that live in SF, that it is truly a small city. That’s good for visitors because you can cram a lot in, even in a day’s visit. Right now is a good time to see SF because it’s in between tourist seasons. To me, a walk and a trolley ride along part of Market Street, a walk along the Embarcadero near the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building, a blast of fresh air along the edge of the San Francisco Bay and a bite to eat in nearby North Beach warrants a day trip here, for starters.
