Articles: From Field to Table: Sample the Tastes of Santa Cruz County

The many tastes of Santa Cruz County begin as seedlings in the rich sandy loam unique to the Central Coast. Warm sunny days offset cool foggy nights to form one of the most distinctive geographical areas in this virtual Shangri-La.

The abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables provides inspiration for the many celebrated chefs within the county. Local farmers' markets are veritable boutiques of nature, where you can browse fragrant, plentiful produce at leisure. A number of chefs even grow their own produce and are known for creating menus in harmony with the seasons to feature local produce at its peak. At Michael's on Main in Soquel, you can view Chef Michael Clark's very own herb garden with which he creates gourmet meals.

Another trend in Santa Cruz County dining has some chefs bringing growers, winemakers and guests together for a creative, innovative way to celebrate locally grown products offered by organic farms. These events, with produce harvested straight from the fields and prepared and served on-site, not only provide a different perspective on dining, but also help to foster an understanding of sustainable agriculture.

And speaking of fresh, nearly every restaurant offering seafood in town features salmon, halibut, sardines, squid, albacore tuna and Dungeness crab, sand dabs, and sole, harvested fresh from the Monterey Bay by the many commercial fishing operations in the Santa Cruz Harbor. Daily catches become nightly specials at local venues like the Crow's Nest and Casablanca restaurants, where meals are served with a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean.

For the perfect complement to the area's fresh produce and seafood, the celebrated wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains rank among the best in the country. Over 40 wineries, many of them small and family-owned, benefit from the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation region's microclimates, which are ideal for developing award-winning wines. Visit hip Downtown Santa Cruz tasting room Vinocruz to sample, or try one of the many local restaurants which serve these handcrafted wines. The scenic Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, with its enchanting hillside cable car and sweeping garden, features local wines during Winemaker Wednesdays, October through April. Soif Wine Bar in downtown Santa Cruz boasts not only local labels, but international wines served alongside "small plates" for diminutive appetites. In addition, the Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association hosts winemaker dinners, featuring exclusive tastings and intimate gourmet meals in spectacular settings.

If coastal breezes awaken your craving for south-of-the-border cooking, visit El Palomar in downtown Santa Cruz and be sure to try the mango margaritas. There are also a number of small taquerias that serve traditional, delicious Mexican fare throughout the area, or visit an authentic local Mexican bakery for pan dulce. At Ristorante Italiano, you can enjoy a palate-pleasing meal of authentic Italian food. Clouds Downtown offers American-Asian fusion cuisine and award-winning cocktails. And for traditional fare, Ideal Bar and Grill, located next to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, offers beachside meals and hearty bowls of steaming clam chowder.

Other waterfront dining options include Zelda's on the Beach, Paradise Beach Grille or Stockton Bridge Grillle in Capitola. Both eateries offer delicious views of the water and are located in the heart of Capitola Village.

Whether your culinary preference takes you to a farm-fresh field, casual eatery, romantic café, ethnic bistro or a dessert paradise, Santa Cruz County offers the perfect gastronomic destination. Bon appétit!