Bocci’s small plates prime palates for Sunday Jazz Jam

Normally, a bowling game dating back to Roman times is played on these narrow runways, but taking its place on Sundays is the weekly jam presented by the Jazz Society of Santa Cruz County.

When hunger strikes during this no-cover show, Bocci’s Cellar offers an extensive menu, including soups, salads, and favorite Italian main courses such as Ravioli, Chicken Parmesan, Braised Lamb Shanks and seafood Linguine Del Mar.

By late afternoon I was ready to nibble. Bocci’s prepares numerous appetizers such as Roasted Portobello Mushrooms and a list of small plates to share including Linguini with tomato and garlic pomodaro sauce, blackened chicken with blue cheese, and a choice of seven slider sandwiches.

The smoky scent of caramelizing onions wafting from the kitchen signaled the launch of our Beef and Grilled Onion Sliders ($5.95). A trio of miniature francesi rolls held bulbous baby burgers and soft rings of onion moistened with creamy Thousand Island-style dressing. I especially enjoyed the tender white meat of the Pulled Pork with Mango Chutney Slider ($7.95), drenched with sweet barbecue sauce and cradled in puffy, triangular buns.

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A recent addition to Capitola Village’s food scene is geared up to greet visitors during this Labor Day weekend’s Begonia Festival. Feliz Erbektas, who trained in Cabrillo College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Program, runs Cafe Mysk along with her sisters Ela and Sema. Named for a thyme-like Turkish herb, the cafe serves Turkish iced tea and coffee, the latter in traditional demitasse china cups with lustrous silver trim.

Located in the historic Camp Capitola Superintendent’s Building on the corner of Capitola and Monterey avenues, the interior retains touches of its Victorian past, such as milled mouldings around its windows, and curvaceous plaster arch brackets. Homey hutches display dishware while photographs add interest to the warm olive and crimson walls.

Open since February, the menu at this five-table restaurant has evolved into a variegation of custom good-to-go selections that may be enjoyed at a bench on the Esplanade or a blanket on the sand.

At breakfast, fresh fruit frappés, locally made pastries, croissants and pecan-walnut-topped sticky buns are quickly shuttled away. The bulging Ham Wrap ($5.95), steaming in a moist flour tortilla with two scrambled eggs, onions, and soft white potatoes is served with Cafe Mysk’s unique salsa made with chunky cooked tomatoes, sweet green peppers and house-roasted hot red chilies.

At lunch and supper, choose from salads, sandwiches, and eleven Panini combinations. Kids will be thrilled with both the grilled cheese and chocolaty Nutella-banana sandwiches.

Sweet treats include Raspberry Pyramids and Filiz’s popular cheesecake.

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Comments (1)

Bread

In the picture, is that francese bread? If so, do they bake their own bread on site?

I love these local places that let their individualism shine through special touches like making their own bread, pickles and special condiments.....

It would be interesting to know just how many restaurants out there are still trying to bring us fresh cooked, origanally planned and executed meals that reflect the fresh sources of this area......

Part of my concern is as a chef/owner of a local restaurant......should we pay attention?......

Karl , September 18, 2008

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