Food & Drink

Overhead view of six sample cups of vegan mac and cheese, with varied pasta shapes and toppings including broccoli and peppers.

Dairy Departed

October 27, 2026

Santa Cruz’s first Vegan Mac Down serves up dairy-free comfort food and a win for Soy Cheesy. Mark C. Anderson also visits new downtown market Tomato Tomato and shares news from Monterey Bay’s fishing community.

Pizza Progression

From serving tables in Milan to studying pizza-making in Naples, Sandro Costanza followed his passion to La Bufala Pizzeria. At Abbott Square, he and his wife, Luciana, serve Neapolitan-style pies that bake in about 90 seconds.

Rest in Pizza

Mark C. Anderson bids a nostalgic farewell to Mama Celeste, samples the buzz around Sidepiece sushi and previews Manresa Bread’s Westside plans, plus local food festivals.

Happy Succession

From baker to co-owner, Javier Ortiz has grown with Kelly’s French Bakery since 1992. With his wife, Gabriela Hernandez, he’s preserving its legacy and bringing cakes back to individual customers.

Que Syrah

Demetria Estate’s 2023 Cuvée Constantine strikes a harmonious chord with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, while two Aptos businesses offer their own local pleasures.

Sweet Freedom

Uncork Corralitos leads a busy October lineup of local tastings, a floating pumpkin patch at Simpkins, Chaminade’s Moon Dinner and a farm-to-table benefit supper.

All That Smoke

Mission St. BBQ brings oak-smoked brisket, tri-tip and Texas-style hospitality to Santa Cruz. General Manager Humberto Olivera shares his passion for the food and the people.

To the 11th Power

After Hours at 11th Hour Coffee serves inventive cocktails and mocktails in downtown Santa Cruz, alongside Chubb’s Chicken Sandwiches and a lively community gathering space.

Fareway Food

Boulder Creek Golf Club owner Matt Robles returns to his childhood roots with a vision for The Clubhouse, where fish tacos, comfort food and Sunday brunch anchor the menu.

Berry Special

Josie Cowden explores Dresser Winery’s 2023 Zinfandel, with its rich berry aromas, savory notes and floral complexity, plus a beachside dinner and Capitola wine-bar news.

Nice Dreams

At Los Freseros Paleteria in Ben Lomond, Elizabeth Ramirez and Hugo Moreles serve Mexican-inspired desserts, savory snacks and warm hospitality, from concha ice cream sandwiches to fruit piled with chamoy and treats.

Catching Fire

Evil Wings fuels downtown Santa Cruz’s late-night revival, while Mark C. Anderson makes a case for local pizza supremacy and checks in on the region’s growing vegan scene.

Slay Bar

Brittny Beshore and Cliff Nelson are giving Bay Bar & Grill a fresh identity in Capitola Village, pairing elevated sports-bar fare and cocktails with live music, local art and a revamped coastal atmosphere.

Dolores Huerta Dies

News Briefs

Distinguished Artists

A Circle Blooms

Weed is Stronger

Letters

Dairy Departed

Pizza Progression

Dairy Departed

Pizza Progression

Rest in Pizza

Happy Succession

Que Syrah

Sweet Freedom

All That Smoke

To the 11th Power

Fareway Food

Berry Special

Nice Dreams

Catching Fire

Slay Bar