COLDWATER’S A CLASSIC Gone are the central booths, new the sleek flotilla of high bar tables and chairs. Five flat screen TVs lure sports fans to the expanded bar area, and the front patio has been glassed in for more versatility. But the fresh seafood creations that were the Hawgs signature are still in place at the attractively re-named Coldwater Bar & Grill.
Santa Cruz owner Suzi Reed has remodeled smartly to match the stylish new restaurant name. (Let’s face it, “I’ll meet you at Coldwater” appeals to a wider demographic and has a distinctly coastal resonance.) A new look and updated menu were enough to send me and two cocktail divas over to check it out. The menu was familiar, thanks to Chef Adam Becerra‘s wise decisions to keep popular items front and center. I always fall for the warm house-smoked salmon appetizer (frankly, it’s a meal-sized portion) served with horseradish cream sauce (it could be addictive), crisp buttered baguette slices and a mound of baby greens in killer vinaigrette. Two dollars off during Happy Hour!
Kate didn’t hesitate to order spicy buffalo wings and an outstanding cocktail called the Pom Pom made of vodka, pomegranate, lime and triple sec. Angela went for a glass of Gruner Veltliner and helped us work through our very substantial appetizers.
The terrific shrimp quesadilla is still on the menu, ditto the fish tacos, seared ahi and shrimp po-boy. But for many after-work devotées—and this place has a very seductive location—the chance to grab happy hour prices from 4pm to 7pm and again from 9pm to closing will prove irresistible.
The concept is enlightened: a bar that serves serious cocktails along with casual, delicious dining. Nothing, absolutely nothing is expensive. See for yourself at 1917 Mission Street in Santa Cruz.
POLISH THOSE LOVE APPLES Cynthia Sandberg of Love Apple Farm takes a minute from her work as artisanal grower for two-Michelin-star restaurant Manresa to remind tomato fanatics that yes, it’s almost time to plant those seedlings. “If you live very close to the coast,” she advises, “you can get away with planting in early April.” But, she cautions, “you gain nothing by planting too early.” Sandberg offers countless tomato seedlings in the new retail greenhouse located at 46 El Pueblo Road in Scotts Valley. On April 30, Tomato Extravaganza Day, the farm offers FREE workshops from 10am to 5pm on planting, pruning, making tomato cages—everything! For details, go to LoveAppleFarms.com.
HOT PLATE That would be the gooey, righteous manicotti smothered with red sauce at Joey’s in Manahawkin, New Jersey. Good enough to make Snookie give up her false eyelashes—for a day.
Send tips about food, wine and new dining discoveries to Christina Waters at xtina@cruzio.com. Read her blog at http://christinawaters.com.
