Exploring Local Food Trends with Lily Belli: Tackling Tariff Uncertainty, the Matcha Craze, and Perfecting the ‘Frozen’ Cake

Welcome to Lily Belli on Food, where I share delicious updates from Santa Cruz County’s food scene. Let’s dive into the latest news about our local eateries and trends.

Recently, food and drink businesses in Santa Cruz County are facing some tough times. Due to tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, prices on essential ingredients are set to rise significantly. Many local restaurants and breweries, such as Fruition Brewing, are bracing for double-digit increases in costs. Owner David Purgason notes that even though they use local grain, rising prices of global commodities will still affect them.

Most business owners are adopting a cautious stance, waiting to see how these price hikes will impact their bottom line before adjusting their menu prices. Gayle’s Bakery co-owner Louisa Beers expressed her frustration, stating that the uncertainty adds to the already challenging financial landscape shaped by inflation and shortages.

Carolyn Rudolph, who runs Charlie Hong Kong, is particularly apprehensive about increasing prices on popular dishes. She’s considering a 6 to 8% hike for salmon, but she wants to keep it affordable for her community. I don’t want to price our community out of having healthy food,” she said.

This price sensitivity is not just a local concern; it reflects a broader trend. According to a 2023 survey by the National Restaurant Association, 75% of restaurant owners reported raising menu prices due to increased food costs. The ongoing economic challenges are reshaping the way businesses operate, forcing many to rethink their strategies and customer engagement.

Now, switching gears to a brighter topic: matcha! Matcha has exploded in popularity over the past year. This finely ground green tea offers higher caffeine content and numerous health benefits compared to traditional tea. Many local coffee shops are embracing this trend, now featuring a wider array of matcha drinks, from classic lattes to creative citrus-infused iced versions.

With matcha’s rise, cafes in Santa Cruz County are focusing on delivering high-quality flavors. You might find unique concoctions like matcha cappuccinos or beverages infused with fruits and syrups. This trend shows how consumers are looking for healthier drink options while enjoying their caffeine fix.

In community news, there’s a new initiative to transform a Del Mar Elementary School baseball field into a farm and educational center. The project is gaining momentum, with a recent $125,000 matching donation bringing it closer to the goal of $250,000. It’s encouraging to see local communities investing in sustainable food sources and education.

I also want to share a sweet moment from my personal life. We celebrated my daughter Cecilia’s 2nd birthday recently. I made her a homemade “Frozen”-themed cake that was a hit with the kids. It was a fun and rewarding experience, especially seeing her joy. A local nonprofit, Cakes With Care, caught my attention, which makes custom cakes for families in need. Their mission is heartwarming and a beautiful example of community support.

Lastly, here are some food news highlights that you might find interesting:

– President Trump recently threatened to impose a 200% tariff on wine from the EU, which has prompted the EU to consider high tariffs on American goods in return.
– The USDA has terminated programs that supported local farming initiatives in schools and food banks, which could negatively impact both communities and local farmers.

Let’s keep our eye on these trends and support our local food businesses as they navigate these changes. Stay tuned for more updates!



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