Hot Deal @ New Leaf
Ode to a Newer Leaf
Dear Westside community partners in the natural food game: I love New Leaf. I love the very idea of New Leaf. But since expansion into the Big Store, the delivery system seems to have bogged down.
Sandwiches are now made in slow motion, even at the obviously busy lunch hour. By individuals who appear never to have seen a loaf of bread. Tuna sandwiches are laboriously constructed as if working from blueprints printed in Latvian. Same thing at check out.
Even during peak hours, there are few check out folks on duty. And – forgive me – they are slow. Often they stop in the middle – the middle! – of a transaction and chat with other checkers. Or leave the checkout lane entirely and go off on a mission of mercy for another patron. Well-meaning, but unclear on the concept.
I urge New Leaf management to spend more time on staff training. Thank you.
Your friend,
Christina
Starters
Gabriella Cafe. Lunch for four. After we ordered, our host Paul Cocking came by with a few small plates for us to try until our halibut and opal basil salads, kampachi crudo, and gnocchi Bolognese arrived.
Olives in oil with a branch of thyme. Chef Brad Briske’s fresh pickles – cippolinis, Armenian cucumbers and celery(r.). Beautiful food that tasted as good as……
Tart & Creamy Gizmo
Calm down, I’m talking about a full-bodied frozen yogurt creation — the Gizmo – that combines dense barely sweet frozen yogurt plus your choice of fruit — and turns it into enlightened soft serve creamy dessert. I am (but you probably guessed this already) referring to the possibilities available at the new Yogizmo Yogurt Co. store – located in the Avanti region of Mission Street.
The latest Yogizmo shop just opened here on the Westside, and I stumbled into it on a hot afternoon and found immediately cool comfort in the form of a blueberry Gizmo for $3.35. Dense, tangy, well, just check it out for yourself.
You can also sample abundant Marianne’s (more…)
NuLu @ Capitola Book Cafe
Restless Lulu Carpenters entrepreneur Manthri Srinath emailed to tell me that his empire now stretches from Scotts Valley, through downtown Santa Cruz and over to….Capitola!
Caffeine enabler Srinath has installed all the sensitive and jolting coffee drinks and pastries we’ve come to demand of Lulu’s at the long, cozy coffee bar of Capitola Book Cafe. This is very good news to discerning coffee fanatics who love great books. Okay, and summer beach books too.
“We’re open 6am-10pm Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm Saturday, and 7am-8pm Sunday,” explains Srinath. “The bookstore still opens at 9am, but us coffee people like to start early.” I’ll drink to that.
Yet another reason to stop by Capitola Book Cafe – in the 41st Avenue & Capitola Road vortex, next to the 41st Avenue Cinema.
The Age of Aquarius
Katya and I decided to take a preliminary probe of the newly-opened Aquarius, overlooking the main Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk in the newly buffed Dream Inn.
Felt good. Surfboards lining the ceiling of the lounge — witty (or silly, depending upon your POV). The excellent wine list offers many local vintage experiences, and the dinner menu also looked promising. Aquarius, sleek and urban with unmatched views of Steamers, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner — continuously! — from 7am until “closing,” i.e. late.
Armed with something in the key of 2006 pinot noir from Monterey made by Samantha Starr, I split a lovely $8 appetizer mezze plate of tzatziki (yeow!), freshly-made tapenade and garlicky hummus, served with warm pita wedges. (more…)
Inside the Flame
A book of sensory adventure: The rituals, passions and discoveries of an engaged life.