A First Outing to Assembly

Assembly’s executive chef Carlo Espinas lets diners choose between ‘Modest’ and ‘Substantial’ dishes on the lunch menu. Photo by Chip Scheuer.

Rita and I made our IPO (initial public outing) to Assembly last week for a late lunch, joined by an inquiring crowd of fellow foodies. In addition to those antler chandeliers (shades of True Detective!), and an inviting front bar, the uncluttered interior is equipped with urban sleek and plenty of light. Banquettes line the…

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Recession Crushers at Bittersweet Bistro

Rebecca King hosts the Voodoo Dinner at her sheep ranch Sept. 22. Photo by Melissa Schilling.

Thank God for Bittersweet Bistro, where dining doesn’t have to break what’s left of your bank. Recession Crushers are those happy and delicious little daily specials — $6 each—served starting at 3:30pm and all evening long in the bar and on the outdoor patio. How about a quartet of raw oysters with housemade cocktail sauce ($6) and a Stoli vodka martini ($5)? This is good news. Or truffle fries and aioli. Coconut crusted prawns with Asian slaw. Chicken quesadilla with salsa fresca and sour cream. See what I mean?

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Gourmet Goodies in the Picnic Basket

Yvonne Thebergé shows off the strawberry orange blossom sorbet. Photo by Christina Waters.

Artisanal food impresarios Zach Davis and Kendra Baker continue their handmade roll through the tastebuds of Santa Cruz. It wasn’t enough that this entrepreneurial duo gave us downtown’s Penny Ice Creamery, and plenty of national coverage for the little shop’s innovative hand-made desserts. They needed to bring us more. Much more. And so there is the delightful, beachfront Picnic Basket, facing the Boardwalk and seaside volleyball courts. Yes, the same Picnic Basket that got yet another shoutout in this month’s Sunset Magazine.

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