Lindsey Avery serves up a cocktail from Solaire’s bar at Hotel Paradox.
Drinks by the pool, soaking up sun while sipping a Cosmo. This can be yours by visiting Solaire Restaurant & Bar in the handsomely appointed Hotel Paradox. Even if you’re not a guest at this lovely oasis, you can enjoy all-day pool privileges—including beach towels and tableside food and libation service—for $20. Last weekend, it was a lively mixed crowd of local visitors and out-of-towners sipping jewel-toned cocktails and catching the last rays of the day by the ultra aqua pool. Maybe it’s the pool or the warm summer ambience, but Solaire’s indoor/outdoor bar scene feels exactly like a resort. As if you’re a million miles from cares and stress. In addition to an attractive line-up of original cocktails for $9, Solaire boasts a backbar deep in single malts and over a dozen American artisanal whiskies. So if you enjoy sampling rare bourbons, this is your spot. The sensitive American cuisine created by chef Ross McKee emphasizing local ingredients is another reason to make a date here. Solaire happy hour offers apps & drinks starting at $5, Sunday through Thursday 4-7pm. It’s time you played tourist and stopped by this sexy hotel dining room. And bar. And pool.
Santa Cruz Greek Fest: Ever danced on the beach like Zorba the Greek? Of course you have. And now you can join hundreds of other Santa Cruzans eager to channel their inner Ionian at the wildly enjoyable, 33rd Greek Food & Cultural Festival: Fri. Sept. 6, 5-10pm; Sat. Sept. 7, 11am-10pm; Sun. Sept. 8, noon-8pm. At the Prophet Elias Orthodox Church, corner of Cedar & Church. FREE. Enjoy the sounds of Bouzouki music and the tempting aromas of Greek specialties like souvlaki and gyro. Come on and eat like a Greek! Think authentic moussaka, roasted lamb shank, calamari and pastitsio. The Taverna will be serving beer, Greek wine and traditional Greek spirits—ouzo, metaxa and retsina. And, of course, desserts such as baklava and loukoumades. The Greek Agora includes ethnic jewelry, pottery, clothing and food items. Greek dancers from the Bay Area will perform folk dances dressed in traditional costumes. Who knows? You might purchase the winning raffle ticket for a trip to Naxos Island (including airfare!). You won't believe how much fun it is to be Greek for a day!
Tiny Tips: Check out the major Angus burger on house focaccia at Gabriella. Delicious with its topping of caramelized onions, and accompanying designer salad…The current issue of Bon Appetit Magazine picks its top 10 new restaurants in the U.S. Number One is Los Angeles’ Alma, and the house chef is Ari Taymor, who for 15 minutes cooked at our own Gabriella. Paul Cocking should collect royalties from his graduates…To die for from Companion Bakeshop—the gluten-free biscotti made crunchy and sensuous with anise, almonds and apricots. Heaven for $2.
