Santa Cruz County is a food lover's paradise, especially during the summer months when the region's produce is at its peak. The county's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, with each bite encapsulating the season's essence. From Puerto Rican comfort food to classic BLTs and crispy fried green tomatoes, the best things to eat in Santa Cruz County in July are a testament to the region's culinary prowess. In this article, I'll take you on a journey through the county's top culinary delights, offering a unique perspective on each dish and sharing my personal experiences and insights along the way.
The Puerto Rican Experience: Luna's Borikén Bites
One of the most exciting additions to Santa Cruz County's culinary scene is Luna's Borikén Bites, a tiny Puerto Rican restaurant tucked away in the historic Octagon building in downtown Santa Cruz. The restaurant's owner, Ali Luna, is a professional musician with a long background in the restaurant industry. His vibrant cuisine offers a taste of La Isla del Encanto (the Island of Charm) in Santa Cruz. The menu is packed with huge flavors, from empanadillas frituras to loco tostones and platos de la casa. The pernil pork shoulder, which Luna roasts every morning, is incredibly tender and flavorful. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Puerto Rican cuisine.
In my opinion, what makes Luna's Borikén Bites so special is the way it transports you to the sunny islands of Puerto Rico. The vibrant flavors and colorful dishes are a feast for the senses, and the restaurant's cozy atmosphere makes you feel right at home. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique dining experience.
The Classic BLT: Other Brother Beer Co.
The BLT is a classic summer food, and the one at Other Brother Beer Co. in Aptos is a must-try. The dish boasts thick heirloom tomato slices, salty bacon, crisp little gem lettuce, and a garlicky aioli on a toasted brioche bun. It's well-seasoned and layered to prevent slippage, while the soft bun absorbs the tomatoey juices. The bacon is seasoning, a supporting role, not the star. The tomato is the star, and it should be perfectly ripe and warm from the sun.
What makes this BLT particularly fascinating is the way it celebrates the humble tomato. Too many people are seduced by the bacon and forget that it's really all about the tomato. The BLT is a summer food, as seasonal as blackberry pie and corn on the cob. It should never be made with a standard pale tomato, shipped in from god knows where. Nothing but a tender, perfectly ripe fruit is appropriate.
Fried Green Tomatoes: Pretty Good Advice
Pretty Good Advice founder Matt McNamara is the only chef in the county who's also a farmer. His restaurant's produce is grown at the Pretty Good Farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Soquel. The fried green tomatoes, available only at the Soquel location for the next one or two months, are a must-try. They're sliced unripe, vegetal slices of tomato, battered in rice flakes, and fried until deeply golden and crispy. Eat this vegan snack piping hot and dipped in the spicy remoulade sauce for a Southern-inspired taste of summer.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way McNamara celebrates the season's produce. The fried green tomatoes are a perfect example of how fresh, local ingredients can create a dish that's both delicious and meaningful. The restaurant's commitment to farm-to-table vegetarian cuisine is a refreshing change from the typical fast-food menus, and it's a trend that I hope continues to grow.
A Summer to Remember
Santa Cruz County's culinary scene is a testament to the region's diversity and creativity. From Puerto Rican comfort food to classic BLTs and crispy fried green tomatoes, the best things to eat in July are a celebration of the season's flavors. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a great meal, Santa Cruz County has something for everyone. So, grab a cold brew, find a sunny spot, and indulge in the best that the county has to offer. In my opinion, it's an experience not to be missed.
