New Years Eve in Santa Cruz!

Ringing in the New Year in Santa Cruz

Last night I tried to cover as much Santa Cruz as I could. This led from from the end of the wharf to Ben Lomond. Most of my time was spent on foot along Pacific Ave. Everybody I came across was super friendly and needed almost no coaxing to pose. The first big stop was at Assembly where I met the founder, Mr. Zachary Davis. Inside people were dining on a short yet incredible menu of amazing food: duck, local black cod, truffled risotto, and desserts. The smell of that food… I could have easily stopped here for dinner and never moved on. The next brief stop was at Pizza My Heart — one of my favorite spots of all time. Aasha was kind enough to smile and pose by the pizza oven. My favorite was the pesto but oh what I would have done for a slice of the Big Sur. A band was playing at Hoffman’s Bistro and Patisserie. The sounds were great and the atmosphere was warm.

I spent a little longer than planned at El Palomar but that’s because the crowd was so much fun. Dinner was being served and the bar was getting friendly. Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub was a must-stop and fun was on tap. How can you resist the rich wooden Irish style and a stout? Ok, I had to find a way because I had a lot of ground to cover and I was Mr. Designated Driver myself later so… it was off to 99 Bottles. Mia, the manager, graciously invited me in to take some photos and the guests and staff were happy to oblige. Have you seen their beer selection? Moreover have you tried their beer selection?? Of course you have! If not then you’re in for a treat. Finish reading this then go.

Some photos will obviously be from the Red Restaurant And Bar. Because of all the blue (see what I did there?). That’s no color correction problem – it’s really that red. It’s also really that fun. On a total whim I stopped by It’s Sugar where I met Mike and his family who posed for a couple shots. Keeping with the sweets theme I popped into Marini’s Candies for my sugar and coffee fix. I also met some great partiers at Kiantie’s PIzza and Pasta Bar. No trip would be complete without a stop at The Blue Lagoon. I met Kelly and Dean who were having a great time. Thanks to the guests and to the staff for inviting me in!

While I was wandering around I met several representatives for the Santa Cruz Police Department. I got to talk a little with Officer Adrienne Heebner and Sergeant Carter Jones. On behalf of everybody celebrating I want to say a big Thank You for all of your hard work tonight.

One of my very favorite places is The Poet And The Patriot. Beer, darts, and music! Lupulo Craft Beer House was my last stop downtown. I didn’t want to leave. The beer looked so good, they had music, and balloons were set to drop at midnight. And beer.

I had to stop for a few minutes in Felton because there was something big going on at the Felton Community Hall. One great party was happening there for sure!! My last stop was Henfling’s Tavern in Ben Lomond. This is the place for local music SCM style! I know I saw Morgan Montecue of Who’s Holdin’ fame.. and Oatmeal Cookie fame… and at least a half dozen other bands. I also saw Amber and Montse who are a blast on their own — put them together and look out because the party just got started.

That was an adventure! Thanks to every business who invited me in to take photos and to everybody who stopped for a photo and to say hello!