“Try This” is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like.
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FOOD: Slice Project’s White Bugatti
It seems like each time I’ve visited the Slice Project, 300 Main St., their pizza has improved. I’ve been a big fan of their thin crust since first giving it a taste during their grand opening, but at my last visit it was even better than I remembered. It has the perfect amount of crispiness to go along with the fine, fluffy bread underneath the cheesy and meaty goodness that completes the package.
The White Bugatti—a play on words referencing the high-priced car company—has slowly become my go-to order at the pizza shop. A light blend of white sauce, lemon zest and mozzarella cheese, the White Bugatti is a taste all its own. The zest is present but not overpowering. And the white sauce is a creamy change of pace from the typical tomato sauce concoctions found at every pizza parlor.
The Slice Project has been open for roughly three months. They offer thin-crust, New York Style-inspired pizza by the slice ($3.50-4.50) or pie ($24-30) and square Detroit-style pies ($20-30). They also now have a slew of craft and imported beer options. Their current selection includes brews from Alvarado Street Brewery, Corralitos Brewing Co., Fruition Brewing and Other Brother Beer Co.
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Tarmo Hannula
FOOD: Super Taqueria
I have consistently had good, fresh food at the Super Taqueria at the corner of Freedom Boulevard and Main Street in Watsonville. I don’t quite get what the joke is but the crew behind the counter there seem to always be laughing and having a good time, which I think creates a positive atmosphere. Recently I had their regular chicken taco and a flour quesadilla, my typical lunch. Their food is always served hot and quick. The salsa and condiment table is superb, with freshly chopped cilantro, onions, several choices of salsas, lemon wedges and more, so you have a lot of choices to build up your meal to your specifications. I usually add some onions and salsa to their quesadilla, sprinkle cilantro over the top and it works. They offer a varied menu of Mexican cuisines and have a range of typical Mexican beverages and a soda fountain. And there’s always plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
FUN: Mosaic
Mosaic is a popular restaurant in downtown Santa Cruz that features authentic Mediterranean dishes from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey and Sicily, with emphasis on Middle Eastern influence. For dinner it is typically crowded, so reservations help. One feature they have is live belly dancing. Several times over an evening they boost up the overhead music and a dancer will weave between the tables dancing. It’s different and always adds a zest of drama to your meal. Each performance only lasts about 15-20 minutes, so it doesn’t dominate your entire evening. They have a full bar and their food has always been satisfying.
