Exploring Culinary Delights: Lily Belli on H&H’s Western Adventures, ‘Check, Please!’ Visits, and UCSC Dining’s Impact

Welcome to Lily Belli on Food! This newsletter brings you the latest in local food from Santa Cruz County, along with a few personal tidbits and interesting finds from the web.

Happy April 1st! If you’ve heard wild stories about Humble Sea Brewing Co. releasing its Socks & Sandals IPA in a plastic pouch, or that Chick-fil-A is setting up shop in downtown Santa Cruz, double-check your calendar. It’s April Fools’ Day!

Speaking of exciting news (not a joke!), H&H Fresh Fish Co. is gearing up to open a new seafood market in the Swift Street Courtyard this summer. They already have a successful market at the harbor, and this second location will feature a similar selection of sustainable seafood. Customers can expect poke, ceviche, and other ready-to-eat items when it opens, possibly as early as June.

Hans Haveman, co-owner of H&H, decided to expand due to traffic concerns from the ongoing Murray Street Bridge project. He expressed worry about how this construction might impact their current business. Having a second market in the bustling Westside area could help cushion any financial blows. This move aligns with a broader trend of businesses diversifying to tackle unexpected challenges, highlighting the resilience of local entrepreneurs.

In more culinary news, KQED’s “Check, Please! Bay Area” will be filming at two restaurants in Santa Cruz County. Bad Animal will host the crew this Wednesday, featuring Lalita Kaewsawang from Hanloh Thai Food. The next day, they’ll head to Soquel to visit Home, led by chef Brad Briske. It’s a great time to support local eateries while they showcase their talents on a bigger platform!

Recently, I had the joy of judging a cooking competition for UC Santa Cruz Dining staff. Five contestants had just two hours to whip up a dish using chicken breast, complete with skin. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd, eager to cheer on their favorites. The winner, Samantha Pelayo, impressed with a delicious pan-seared chicken dish. It’s inspiring to see such talent, and I can’t wait to return as a judge next year!

Amidst all the excitement, I can’t help but feel anxious about the state of our food systems. Recent cuts to critical food safety programs could have far-reaching consequences. For example, federal funding known as the “food box program” was abruptly reduced, affecting how food banks, like Second Harvest in Santa Cruz County, operate. They now face a significant funding gap, potentially leading to millions of lost meals. Over 70,000 residents depend on them every month, and this loss could hit hard.

Inflation and rising living costs mean that more and more people are relying on these services. Interestingly, during the pandemic, the number of people seeking food assistance skyrocketed, rising from around 50,000 to well over 70,000 now. This stark statistic underscores the importance of local food banks in ensuring community food security.

On the positive side, events like Outstanding in the Field are a way to celebrate local food culture. Kicking off on May 28, this outdoor feast will feature local chefs and connect diners directly with the people producing their food. It’s a beautiful initiative that fosters appreciation for the food we eat.

Lastly, I have a soft spot for kitchen gadgets. While I usually steer clear of them, I can’t recommend a popcorn machine enough, especially for families. Watching fluffy kernels pop is magical for kids, and it creates a fun bonding experience. Plus, seasoning the popcorn together is a delightful activity!

That’s it for this week! I’d love to hear your thoughts on food issues or any concerns you might have. Reach out anytime!

Hooters filed for bankruptcy, a sign of the challenges facing many dining establishments today. Meanwhile, fans celebrated Wayne Thiebaud’s dessert paintings with a picnic event, drawing attention to the vibrant intersection of art and food culture. For both the struggles and festivities, the connection between food and community continues to be vital.

Check out this related article: Discover Berlin Street Food in Oakland: Prescott Market Hall Grand Opening!

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