Lettuce taco? No—Lety's taco. Photo by Christina Waters.
A TINY TAQUERIA FOR A TINY TOWN Truly generous, made-to-order tacos and burritos (not to mention tamales, enchiladas and a variety of Mexican-style soups) for very low prices are the specialty of Lety’s in Soquel. This miniature taco pit-stop is so small that from the moment you walk in, you're thinking “to go.” Lety's is tinier than small. It's two tables inside plus one out on the sidewalk opposite Aldo's bakery in the historic theater building. Festooned with bric-a-brac that may or may not make any thematic sense (a lifesaver hanging from one wall opposite the Virgin on the other), Lety's is obviously a godsend for those without a whole lot of cash to spend on lunch. In fact, if you go during the week you can expect to spend the lunch hour with hoards of students from Soquel High, who—for obvious reasons—love to scarf down Lety's tacos. The $2.50 price tag pretty much says it all. Taqueria Lety's is located in the 4000 block of Soquel Drive, across from Aldo's Bakery (@ Porter and Soquel).
TRUCKIN' AT LIVE OAK FARMER”S MARKET Starting this Sunday, Fran Grayson's Truck Stop will park and serve at 15th & East Cliff from 9am-1pm. The silvery mobile unit devoted to fast, affordable, intriguingly spiced breakfast and lunchtime goodies brings incredibly smart, organic, local and fresh food ideas into the hands of the adventurous foodie. Fish tacos and kimchi—Grayson's culinary mindset is nothing if not multi-global. Savor warm fruit fritters, spicy rice plates, wraps and other oral abundance offered with salsas and sauces to delight your tastebuds.
GABRIELLA SALON Just when you thought it was safe to go out and dine again, Gabriella owner Paul Cocking has cooked up something guaranteed to intrigue your neural synapses as well as your tastebuds. The first Tuesday of every month, starting Feb. 7, the downtown cafe will host a local literary raconteur who will regale salon-goers with readings and sparkling conversation. All are invited to join this monthly salon, which will take over the premises during the fashionably late dinner hour of 8pm and continuing with readings and discourse over desserts and beverages starting at 9pm.
The literary menu begins with celebrated man of letters John Dizikes with Dale Johnson (Feb. 7 and March 6), followed by Stephen Kessler on April 3, Peter Kenez on May 1, Lisa Ortiz on June 5 and Patrice Vecchione on July 3. Make your reservations immediately—seating is, as you know, limited. Call 831.457.1677 to join the new cafe salon evening. Schmoozing with writers—how Santa Cruz!
Send tips about food, wine and new dining discoveries to Christina Waters at [email protected]. Read her blog at http://christinawaters.com.
