Private Bar Deep in the California Redwood Forest
Trying to get my drink on was a difficult task. Drinking confidential took planning, cooperation, and was very reminiscent of the prohibition times. Yet, I did find a couple of places. Like the one in the above photo at the private North Coast Bar deep in the Redwood forest!
California restrictions had us shut down and then open again, only to be shut down again…and then open again! No bars, no indoor, or outdoor dining!
Of course, I could just sit in my backyard and drink. But what fun is that? Drinking alone is not my thing! I’m a social drinker and need to interact with others.
To be clear, I did not go into large group settings to drink! There were no underground speakeasies with mass groups of people. In fact, it was very unromantic, not sexy, and sterile as you could get. Usually standing outside in the back of an establishment, in the cold, one-on-one with a person!
It was a process of making a phone call, getting the all clear, showing up (with a mask on) being handed a drink, toasting a cheer together (at a distance) and then beating feet out of there in a matter of minutes.
Somewhat exhilarating, sneaky, and fun all at the same time. And, of course, getting a drink and cheering with a friend.
*as of January 22nd, California lifted its “stay at home” order and reopened outdoor dining (for now).
Silicon Valley Speakeasy
Makeshift drinking places became the theme for much of the pandemic. Backyard drinking, with a couple of select friends, at a distance, with the occasional cigar on a warm San Jose, California night…drinking Armenian whiskey. A few good stories and lots of cheers to a better day ahead.
Garage Bar Fridays on the Central Coast
Even open air home garages doubled as a bar. Again, a couple of close friends, crazy story telling, good music, and hopeful cheers to the future! I had a couple of bourbons and whiskeys to choose from at this place.
El Michoacano Restaurant
I did get around to a few restaurants and bought to-go food during the shutdown. It was my goal to do my part with helping my community’s small businesses survive the state restrictions.
One of my favorite dishes is deep fried Tilapia. Sitting on a bed of fries, rice, and beans this fish was moist and tasty. Add a finishing touch of salsa to satisfy the taste buds and wash it down with a beer. I got this one from El Michoacano restaurant in Freedom, California.
Located at 1998 Freedom Blvd, Freedom, Ca. (831) 768-8279. Open daily 10am to 9pm Monday through Friday. 9am to 9pm Saturday through Sunday. No website.
Village Host Pizza
In Aptos, California, taking your pizza to-go and over to the cliffs of our beautiful beaches became the norm. I always order a combo pizza even though Village Host has other great pies! Their red sauce and pizza dough is dang good! Awesome views and a great slice of pizza. Heavenly! Checkout their website and click on the Aptos location.
Miyuki Japanese Restaurant
Dropping in on a friend’s business to help support local restaurants, specifically in Watsonville, California, became routine for me. Miyuki serves traditional Japanese dishes. Everything Miyuki makes and serves to you is good! Checkout their website.
http://www.miyukirestaurant.com
Fish and Chips Cafe
In Salinas, California, I found a place that serves one of the best Menudo soups in the region (in my opinion).
My favorite here is Menudo con Pata. Tripe and beef feet in a nice savory and spicy broth. Check out their website.
Tamal Factory
I can’t pass up fresh made tamales. This place, located in Watsonville, California, is a staple in this town. My two favorite tamales are pork and jalapeno and cheese. Fresh out of the steamer and into my belly!
They are located at 611 Main St. Watsonville, Ca. (831) 724-7214. Open 7am to 8pm daily. No website.
The Point Market
Sadly, I often take for granted the beautiful ocean views in this area. I don’t do it on purpose, but simply because I live here, I tend to ignore the beaches and ocean, especially during tourist season. Through much of the pandemic these views became the local’s place to escape the confines of home.
The Point Market on the East Cliff side of Santa Cruz has the best breakfast burritos in the Live Oak area! And, the best area to watch the sunrise or sunset and to watch surfers ride the waves while you eat your burrito!
This burrito is called the “ITS” burrito! Eggs, potatoes, sausage, ham, bacon, avocado, cheese and your choice of mild, medium or hot salsa.
Located at 23040 E. Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95062 (831) 475-3356. They are open everyday 7am to 8pm.
You can follow them on Facebook at: Point Market and Cafe.
Pandemic Golf
Oddly enough you and your buddies could group up and golf and drink together during the shutdown in California. This is not a complaint…just an observation.
It was, however, good on our mental health to be able to spend some time together, in this setting, under the sun!
http://www.pacificgolfcenters.com
http://www.springhillsgolf.com
http://www.pajarovalleygolf.com
My Own Backyard
I did manage to have a small group (2 people) in my backyard, when weather permitted, during the most recent shut down.
Mainly a whiskey social. These late fall early winter gatherings were at the mercy of the weather. But we did have a nice week or two of 70’s and 80’s in the middle of winter.
Smoking Meats
When winter weather was good, I wasted no time smoking meats in the backyard!
Smoked pork belly and smoked medium rare tomahawk ribeye steaks! Amazingly good.
Albondigas Soup
When the weather was crappy and cold…homemade Albondigas soup hit the spot! A simple recipe (my version) of meatballs, salsa, cilantro, bouillon cubes, potatoes, onions, and carrots.
The meatball mixed: 3 pounds of ground beef, 2/3 cup breadcrumbs, 2/3 cup milk, salt and pepper to taste.
The soup base: 2 quarts of water, 5 bouillon cubes, 1 1/2 jars of medium heat salsa (or hot/mild…whatever you desire).
When the soup base comes to a boil: meatballs in the pool first until partially cooked and soup base comes back to a boil. Toss in potatoes, onions, and carrots. Turn the heat down and let it simmer until veggies are soft (or to your liking). Add cilantros as a garnish. Done!
Something Unexpected!
An unexpected door opened for me at KSCO talk radio. It’s a local station in Santa Cruz on AM 1080. After doing a guest appearance on the “Think Local First” show, I was invited to create my own show at the station.
There are a few moving parts to this new adventure, but I am going forward with co-producing a show on this station. It will tie in with Foodie Booze Explorer, You Tube Channel, and Paranormal Investigations. Stay tuned…
Until next time on Foodie Booze Explorer!
Congratulations on your show! Eat well drink often and stay safe out there my friend.
Thank you Kevin!
Hopefully the weather relents and “backyard socials” will get us through to better times and weather! Slainte !
Thanks Mark! Cheers!!
Congratulations Paul I had a feeling this venture would pan out for you. When I read your reviews I knew it had. I’ll look forward for more. Don.
Thanks Don!