Todd Guild
FOOD: Freedom Bakery
I had a sweet tooth one morning, so I thought I’d check out Freedom Bakery.
Tucked incongruously into a strip of industrially-zoned businesses, the place is not easy to find. But it’s worth checking out, if only to see what this unique bakery offers.
I found the place a little light on to-go items, but then I live near Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, which has enough takeaway confections to feed a small nation.
But truth be told, that is not where Freedom Bakery excels. What draws legions of customers are the custom wedding cakes and cookies, which can be imprinted with any photo or logo customers bring in. The place is worth a look for that alone.
However, what I got at Freedom Bakery made for a perfect morning-time sweet. I had a brownie with chocolate ganache frosting and a stack of two wedding cookies, which are also called Russian tea cakes. They were buttery, light and heavily dusted with a heavenly coat of powdered sugar.
For my coffee – an essential part of the balanced breakfast I had built for myself – I went about five doors down to Hidden Fortress Coffee, which made my second breakfast complete.
Freedom Bakery is at 125 Hangar Way #130 and is open
Mon.-Sat. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Contact: 722.5223 or sa***@fr***********.com.
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Johanna Miller
FOOD: The Kimo’s Broke da Mouth Burger
Last week my family and I participated in Santa Cruz Burger Week. We went to Hula’s Island Grill in downtown Santa Cruz, where the restaurant was offering discounts on three of their premium burgers. Hula’s is a bit pricey for me—I usually only stop by for a special occasion—so this was a great opportunity. I had The Kimo’s Broke da Mouth Burger for $12 (usually $17), which came with Jack cheese, grilled pineapple, bacon, avocado and house made sauce, on a large ciabatta bun. Tomato and lettuce was offered on the side, and each Burger Week item came with a complimentary side dish. I chose their sweet potato fries (the best in downtown Santa Cruz, in my opinion).
Because I was saving some money on the entree, I decided to order one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails. I have never had a bad drink at Hula’s, and their Lilikoi Margarita ($9) was no exception. The delicious Tequila-based drink is mixed with passion fruit, orange juice and a house-made sour mix. It was perfectly tart with a hint of sweetness, and the sea salt on the rim of the large glass added another flavor layer—a must for a good margarita.
Santa Cruz Burger Week ended on Tuesday but both items are still available for sale at Hula’s, 221 Cathcart St. The restaurant has another location in Monterey at 622 Lighthouse Ave.
For information and to view menus visit hulastiki.com.
