That Time Of Day
Baby, It’s Cold Outside…
The Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project
That Time Of Day
Class up your happy hour by heading to one of these three beloved establishments
Michael Clark, owner and chef of Michael’s On Main, makes it clear that he cares about the quality of food and experience that he provides his customers. Clark is proud of the restaurant’s bounty of local and organic offerings, which he says stem from relationships he has built over years with nearby farmers. Nearly all ingredients are found from within a 100-mile radius. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., and all day on Sundays. Live music is provided Thursday – Saturday. $10 bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. We recommend the Organic Cucumber Infused Vodka Mojito ($5), and the Fish Tacos with Chipotle Aioli ($3). 2591 Main St., Soquel, 479-9777, michaelsonmain.net.
Cafe Cruz offers a weekday happy hour that runs Monday-Saturday from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and features all-local draft brews from Santa Cruz Ale Works, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, and Seabright Brewery. Draft brews, well drinks, and house wines are $4 each, and guests can order from the Cafe’s special Afternoon Menu, which offers food choices like the Cafe’s famous Kobe Beef Burger with roasted mushrooms, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh cut fries ($13), and Grilled Applewood Smoked Artichoke with chipotle aioli ($9.50). 2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-3801, cafecruz.com.
Shadowbrook Restaurant may be known for its romantic atmosphere and memorable details—like the giant tree that grows through the center of one of its dining rooms, and the stunning landscaping—but it also offers a unique series of happy hours in its bar, The Rock Room. On Mondays, Shadowbrook offers their Burger & Beverage deal, where for $12, guests can try of their original burgers, like the Colorado Bison Burger or Lamberguesa. “Two-fer Tuesdays” and Friday Happy Hours offer two for the price of one on all pizzas and appetizers, and drinks for $4.95. 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com. | Lauren Schiff
See also the Good Times Happy Hour Directory.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside…
Warm up with these seasonally appropriate beverages
1. Café Delmarette’s Pumpkin Spice Latte—It’s the café’s homemade pumpkin spice syrup (made with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and 
vanilla bean) that makes this cozy seasonal drink stand out among the rest. In Co-owner Jennifer Toner’s words, “It’s the best pumpkin spice latte you’ll have.” ($3.85/$4.15)
2. Homemade Organic Apple Cider—Straight from mom’s kitchen. Find the recipe on page 52 of the Food & Wine magazine.
3. Verve Coffee Roaster’s Bowl Of Soul—Tea, soymilk and honey in a large mug. It’s as simple as that. ($4) 4. Chocolate’s Coca—The richest, most sultry hot chocolate in town, this delightful vegan treat is made with coconut milk and dark chocolate. ($4) 5. Fresh Ginger Tea—Keep warm and drive away colds by pouring hot water over small chunks of freshly cut ginger. Add honey and lemon to taste.
The Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project
Why buy fruit at the grocery store that has traveled who knows how many miles to get there, when you can pick surplus fruit from your neighbor’s tree? That’s the idea behind the 
Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project, a volunteer-run effort to make use of the unused bounty falling from our very own trees. Started in 2010, the project now includes yearlong events, workshops, and parties, with bi-montly harvesting events in the peak season of August through December. In November, expect mostly apple picking and cider pressing, followed by persimmon harvests in December. Events are free, and residents with surplus fruit are encouraged to get in touch with the group. For harvesting dates and more information, visit fruitcruz.org or call 425-0667.
