87569 Sun Jun 26 03:50:38 -0700 2005 7 3 California 0 482853 Yesterday, Y and I drove from Santa Cruz to Gilroy via the 152, one of my favorite drives since we wind through farmland and Hecker Pass. Not only is it scenic w/ abundant natural beauty, but the route is loaded w/ what seems to be some hounds' dream...a bread crumb trail of taquerias, ethnic markets, donut shops, Mexican restaurants that cater to locals, possible roadside gem after possible roadside gem... So I sat in the passenger's seat observing and making mental notes. We diligently packed lunch to save some time and $ and didn't stray from that plan. Dinner was going to be in Watsonville at 1 of 3 places, which I'll touch on later. So we didn't actually stop anywhere, but now I'm really wondering: are any of the attractions along the 152 worth a visit? Some of the places that caught my eye (moving from west to east): 1. Gizdich Ranch (Watsonville): known for their apples, but they also have berry picking during this season. Sign for apple dumplings caught my eye. Their pies are also sold here in Santa Cruz. How do they taste? 2. Taste of Pinoy (Gilroy): signage says Filipino-Asian cuisine. Looks like a casual, maybe fast food type place. Kinda empty looking. 3. (Something or other) Noodle House (Gil): next to Taste of Pinoy. Couldn't tell what kind of noodle house. 4. La Hacienda (Gil): grand opening sign. Any initial news? 5. The Cove (Gil): we smelled BBQ around the corner of 1st, before we merged onto Leavesley. A big church is on the corner. On our drive home, I spotted the source and the sign said tri-tip and a few other meats. Looked like it's been there for a long time. 6. El 7 Mares (Gil): not on the 152 route, but this is the only Gilroy restaurant listed in the SF guide. Last report I found was from Melanie in 2003. Anyone been during 2005? Any info about these or other stops would be much appreciated. I feel bad that I have no tasting report myself, but I think we'll poke into a Mexican restaurant or The Cove BBQ next time. We ended up at Miyuki in Watsonville for dinner (2nd time) and had a great sushi dinner once again. The tataki appetizer is a MUST, and the halibut was especially weepingly fresh. Really like the vibe and hospitality there. Sun Jun 26 03:50:38 -0700 2005 0 Carb Lover 1 482857 Re: Miyuki in Watsonville (on East Lake Ave. also called 152 very close to downtown Watsonville). I very much like this Japanese restaurant. We so rarely eat out in Santa Cruz County, that I can't vouch for many recent meals there, so I'm glad to hear Carb Lover reporting. I used to eat lunch at Miyuki years ago, and some dinners too: the chirashi special was always a favorite. I remember a very special custard thing that I don't know the name of: my friend from Japan would go to Miyuki to order this savory custard dish. Does anyone know the name? cg Sun Jun 26 12:22:55 -0700 2005 482853 0 chardgirl 2 482860 I think the savory Japanese custard is called Chawan-mushi. The Chinese also have a savory egg custard.....many ways to flavor these. Just made one last week with fresh picked dungeness crabmeat and worked the crab tomalley into the custard as well. topped the custard with hot oil and scallions....yum. Sun Jun 26 15:05:19 -0700 2005 482857 0 gordon Wing 2 482863 I know what you're talking about w/ the egg custard thingy, but I'll defer the Japanese name to other hounds. Have ordered this a couple times in Japanese restaurants and, when it's steamed just right, tis a thing of beauty. Will look for it next time. Y and I love nigiri so have a hard time veering from that menu, but we've decided to try a chirashi or sashimi along w/ some cooked items next time. I love that there looks to be mostly regulars eating there. An elderly Japanese couple who was friendly w/ the chef ordered some soup (perhaps nabe?) in a clay pot that looked good. Plus the tempura that most everyone was ordering looked great...lightly battered and perfectly fried. Tried the soft shell crab appetizer but it was kinda small and not as satisfying as the one that we had at Naka Sushi in SC. Hope to get back to Miyuki soon... Sun Jun 26 15:35:07 -0700 2005 482857 0 Carb Lover 1 482887 Although many family apple and berry farms in the region, none have capitalized/marketed like the Gizditch family. This is scene of many events/stops for bike tours etc. Haven't tried any of their foods, but understand they make apple and berry fruit pies and offer pick it yourself events. Other than that, will keep an eye on replies, since I am curious what is going on food wise on from East Lake Ave (I grew up a block away) up and over the pass. Besides many fruit stands in area very busy during harvest season and apple season in fall---as you go East towards foothill area, you will note Valley Catholic Church on the left which was the site for infamous Shamrock and Shamarita" Festival---combined St. Pat's Day and Portuquese food fest in spring in the church hall featuring the famous Portuquese beef/bread/mint soup called Sopaish or something like that. JUST DELICIOUS. Mon Jun 27 16:33:46 -0700 2005 482853 0 christinet 2 482890 Thanks for the tip on the Portuguese festival. Another reason why I love the 152 route are the beautiful mission-style churches and hillside cemetaries. In fact, on the drive home, I noticed one of the churches in Watsonville had a booth out front w/ what looked like a woman closing down shop. Tried to read the sign, but I'm guessing she was selling some homemade food. Or maybe it was raffle tickets and I was being wishful... I'm going to check out Gizdich one day w/ my niece and nephews. Their pies are sold all over town; Sunnyside Produce in Soquel carries a large selection. I like to make my own pies though so wish they had mini-portions for me to sample. A quick google shows that they have a website under construction...and that they were featured on "Food Finds" on the Food Network. Good marketing indeed! Mon Jun 27 17:28:41 -0700 2005 482887 0 Carb Lover 3 482894 The mission style church with hillside cementery, is indeed Valley Catholic Church! Not sure if there is still the large Portuquese/Irish population in area to support the traditional festival, but certainly worth a query. Traditional dances and dress were also part of the fun. Mon Jun 27 18:46:35 -0700 2005 482890 0 christinet 4 482900 Fwiw, my mom doesn't like Gizdich apple pies. But she makes a really good one herself. We pick up the juice sometimes. The inquiry about the Gilroy spots should be posted on the SF Bay Area board where those eats are discussed. Mon Jun 27 22:28:00 -0700 2005 482894 0 Melanie Wong