What’s happening on the local scene
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing’s New Casinos IPA Beer
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing has just launched its latest beer—called Casinos—in collaboration with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Casinos will be available throughout the Boardwalk, at local retailers and, of course, at SCMB’s very own taproom in the Swift Street Courtyard complex.
Santa Cruz Aleworks
Santa Cruz Aleworks opened up a deli/restaurant inside its location at 150 Dubois St., in Santa Cruz. So make that a Reuben sandwich to go with your pale ale.
West End Taproom and Kitchen
More on the beer scene includes the opening of West End Taproom and Kitchen on the Westside—in the space that was Bonny Doon Vineyard’s Le Cigare Volant Restaurant.
Mica Cellars is now Myka Cellars
Mica Raas has changed the name of his winery to Myka Cellars, apparently due to some legal issue. What has not changed is Raas’ excellent wine. Myka Cellars recently joined the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, the office of which is located in Downtown Santa Cruz.
CineLux Theatres in Scotts Valley Opens Cafe
Recently, I ran into Tom Cole, theatre manager of CineLux Theatres in Scotts Valley. He told me that the theatre was opening a café within it—and all of this has come to pass. Instead of filling up on a massive bucket of popcorn, you can now feast on something more substantial.
Barolo Becomes Booka
Ristorante Barolo in the Bayview Hotel in Aptos Village has closed its doors and Booka has sprung up in its place. I went in to take a look whilst the interior was still in the throes of being refurbished, and the restaurant already has a whole new vibe—thanks to several young entrepreneurs from Israel who are going to be running the new business. A vibrant innovative menu is in place, and I already have a good feeling about Booka’s future.
Girls’ Night Out at Center Street Grill
Center Street Grill is now doing Girls’ Night Out every Wednesday—complete with $3 champagne cocktails, $3 draft beers, and $4 well cocktails and house wine, and inexpensive entrees. Visit thecenterstreetgrill.com.
Bargetto Winery to Release 2009 La Vita
Bargetto Winery will release its La Vita wine from 3-5 p.m. June 2. Made from a blend of Refosco, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo, this superb handcrafted wine is always in demand. Especially impressive is its art-series label—always beautifully done and exciting to behold when it’s unveiled. Each year a portion of the proceeds from the sale of La Vita goes to a local nonprofit, and the Santa Cruz Art League will be recognized as the 2009 La Vita beneficiary at this event. Visit bargetto.com.
