For over 25 years has delighted Santa Cruz locals and Central Coast visitors with some of the best food in Santa Cruz. Everything about this Santa Cruz restaurant, from the earth tone walls decorated with antique pottery to the luscious desserts is the creation of owner Cheryl Marquez. Inspired by the French and Mexican cuisines of New Orleans while living in the French Quarter, Cheryl has traveled extensively throughout Mexico and the American Southwest tasting and exploring the gourmet cuisine and culture of Mexico. Her mexican food blends the fieriness of the Mexico with the sophistication of the French sauces, the earthiness of the Yucatan and complexity of Santa Fe with all the freshness and lightness that Californians expect. With a variety of chiles, from the rare Peruvian aji to the well-known jalapeño, Cheryl creates tastes that are truly unique. And yes, we do have rice and beans – wonderful nutty long grain brown rice and no-animal-fat beans.

Throughout the year Cheryl creates a number of special mexican food menus. Twice a year she presents “Olé Mole,” a weeklong dining event with over 12 different moles, many impossible to find in the states. Other special dining events highlight the food of the Yucatan, the mexican recipes of Frida Kahlo, and the culinary possibilities of Cactus. Please check the Special Food Events section of our restaurants santa cruz website for more information.

On Monday and Tuesday in addition to our regular mexican food menu we feature Tapas, the “little dishes” of Spain. Mixing the Spanish and Mexican flavors, you may find Scallops in a traditional sa