“Try This” is a weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like.
Food
The Bagelry: lox bagel
I grew up on the East Coast where Jewish delis were common. One of the glories of these grand eateries were their bagels. There are a lot of versions of bagels nowadays and a lot of them are impostors. A real bagel is not steamed; they’re boiled in water before being baked. The Bagelry, with three locations in Santa Cruz, has been around since 1977 and they make real bagels. Now and again I treat myself to their lox bagel with cream cheese, red onions and capers on a toasted onion bagel. Not cheap, but delicious. Chase it down with their house coffee and you’re set. They also offer an impressive array of homemade spreads, like their amazing del Fuego or Cheese Louise. They are at 320-A Cedar St in SC, 1636 Seabright Ave. and 4763 Soquel Drive.
Drink
Cock ‘n Bull ginger beer
I’ve been avoiding alcohol so that means scouring menus in my travels for interesting and flavorful beverages without alcohol. I stumbled on this great ginger beer recently by Cock ‘n Bull. They have single bottles at Corralitos Market and Sausage Co. I’ll warn you, you’d better be a ginger fan when you open one of these. A slice of lime took it to another level.
Fun
West Cliff
Hardly a week goes by that I don’t work my way out to West Cliff Drive on the west side of Santa Cruz. I’ve been going there since the early 70s and continue to find it a refreshing and relaxing break from everyday life. I’ve seen whales leaping out of the water from there, schools of dolphins sailing past, scads of sea otters and a wide range of birds. The sidewalk that follows the edge of the cliffs is wide enough for pedestrians and bikes. I must have taken 5,000 photos of the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse out there. It’s also a great spot to watch top-shelf surfers at the world-famous Steamer Lane.
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Food
La Fuente: Quesadilla
Having just gotten back from two weeks in Europe, I was eager to grab a bite at a local taqueria for some good Mexican food (which is hard to find overseas). I ended up at La Fuente in the Plaza Vigil center, just across the street from the City Plaza. My favorite item is their quesadilla, made with a perfectly cooked flour tortilla—soft and lightly crisped. I usually get chicken and cheese filling, with all the works (sans onions). La Fuente’s house salsa has just enough of a spicy kick to add to the experience.
Drink
Peet’s Coffee: Caramel Macchiato
I’ve mentioned my love of Peet’s Coffee before, but only about their teas (iced and hot). I’m not much of a fan of their regular brew, or their Americanos. But occasionally I do get a coffee-based drink; usually it’s a specialty espresso beverage. Recently I tried their take on a Caramel Macchiato, and it was delicious. The milk foam was thick and frothy. There is a hint of sweetness inside the drink, but most of it comes from the caramel drizzle adorning the top of the drink in a cross-hatch pattern. The closest Peet’s location is inside Nob Hill, 1912 Main St., Watsonville.
Fun
Fall on the farm
This weekend is the Agricultural History Project’s (AHP) monthly “2nd Saturday on the Farm” event. The organization offers families a chance to experience the history of agriculture in the Pajaro Valley. I’ve stopped by the event a few times and enjoyed seeing people both young and old learn and have fun through a number of activities—from cow milking to tractor driving, arts and crafts and puppet shows. This Saturday is “Tractor or Treat.” While AHP’s website doesn’t go into specifics about the event, I’m assuming their might be some candy involved… and possibly pumpkins? Call AHP at 724-5898.
