One thing I love about Santa Cruz is the plethora of neighborhood markets. I can walk to mine for a gallon of milk or missing ingredient faster than I can drive there. Capitola’s Grady’s Market is uniquely situated to not only serve its neighbors, but to supply visitors headed toward the Esplanade and beach.
I grew up in suburbia, in a brand new subdivision of tract homes covering numerous square miles, with large yards, the nearest markets a couple of miles away down busy streets, and no such thing as 7/Eleven. My little sister’s bike broke in half during the one time we attempted a clandestine trip to fetch some candy, putting an end to such risky endeavors.
At Grady’s you’ll find household staples you can’t do without, like dog food and pickles, a large selection of wines and liquor, all manner of snacks imaginable, and ice cold beverages.
The deli, which is open from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. currently has a nice sandwich special ($5.99) which includes a bottle of water or can of cola. There are six meats to choose from plus tuna, chicken, or egg salad, seven cheeses, plus condiments and garnishes.
We ordered the grilled Chicken Wrap burrito without the produce so we could heat it up later. The wonderful and good-sized bundle held chicken breast, peperoncini peppers, and pepper Jack cheese.
There is also a selection of assembled sandwiches made fresh daily. I added Dijon mustard to the large, soft slices of whole wheat bread which cradled slices of real roast beef, Jack cheese and frilly leaf lettuce. A perfectly hard-boiled egg peeled as easily as a banana. | KP
Grady’s Market, 509 Bay Ave., Capitola, 475-2688. Open weekdays 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and weekends 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
