Hey there! Welcome to Lily Belli on Food, your go-to source for the latest food happenings in Santa Cruz County. I’m Lily, and each week, I’ll share some exciting local food news along with a sprinkle of my own life insights. Let’s dig into what’s happening!
Recently, I attended the Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival. It kicked off a busy weekend packed with culinary delights. The final event, the Sunday Tasting Pavilion, was a feast with two big tents brimming with tiny plates of various gourmet foods and an abundance of wine. There were flavors that danced in my mouth and drinks that made me rethink my usual choices!
Here’s a tip if you plan to go next year: pace yourself! After two hours of indulgence, I was feeling pretty dizzy. It’s better to sample a bit of everything rather than trying to eat it all. This experience was so enjoyable that I can’t wait to return.
Local food also shines brightly in downtown Santa Cruz at Food Talk, a restaurant by Chef Donnie Suesens. He has created a fun menu that plays off childhood memories, like his grandmother’s clam dip and Taco Bell trips. What’s even more impressive is his commitment to local sourcing, buying ingredients weekly at the farmers market and from nearby farms. It’s a fresh twist that makes his food both nostalgic and modern.
On another note, the wine industry is buzzing with concern regarding new tariffs. Richard Alfaro, owner of Alfaro Family Vineyards, warns that these tariffs won’t help smaller wineries like his. Instead, they may cause more harm, potentially crippling their business during tough times. This sentiment echoes across social media, where many wine lovers are voicing their worries about the future of affordable, quality wine.
In regulatory news, the Pacific Fishery Management Council recently met to discuss the future of salmon fishing in California, which has seen challenges over the past few years. Both the commercial and recreational salmon seasons were canceled in 2023 and 2024, impacting local fishers significantly. The outcome of their discussions could change the landscape for many who rely on this livelihood.
Switching gears, I’m excited to announce the DIYine Homebrewing Festival is returning after five years! This event gives amateur brewers a chance to showcase their tasty creations, from kombucha to mead. It’s an excellent way to experience local creativity and support the brewing community.
In food trends, many snack producers are stepping away from artificial dyes as consumers become more health-conscious. This change is driven by a desire for cleaner labels and better health. It’s a journey, but it’s one worth following.
Meanwhile, Erewhon, the high-end grocery store famous for its pricey products, faced a hiccup with a temporary closure due to a vermin issue. Despite this, they plan to expand, opening three new locations in Southern California this year. The luxury food market continues to grow, showing a shift in consumer spending.
This week has been a whirlwind of flavors, insights, and community spirit in Santa Cruz. Stay tuned for more tasty news next week!
Check out this related article: Gov. Sanders Proposes Ban on Junk Food Purchases with SNAP: What It Means for Families and Health
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