Value lunches: Westside Santa Cruz

June 29, 9:57 PMSanta Cruz Restaurant ExaminerTara Fatemi Walker

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In today’s tough economic times, everyone appreciates a good value. For those who live or work in Westside Santa Cruz, here are some recommended restaurants for value lunches.

New Leaf Community Market Deli
New Leaf opened its newest location on Fair Avenue in Spring 2009, and Westsiders welcomed the large, well-stocked market with enthusiasm. Head to the back of the store to find a deli that prepares sandwiches to order. The Fair Ave. location is open from 8:00am-9:00pm, and sandwiches are available at all hours. Sandwich prices range from $5.50 to $7.50; basics like turkey, roast beef, or baked tofu are the least expensive, while toasted paninis are among the most expensive. Every day there is one sandwich special, usually for between $4.50 and $5.50 -- look for the handwritten sign on the counter. The cost is approximately $1 less than the usual price (for example, $4.50 for turkey); sometimes sandwiches that aren’t normally on the menu are offered. Other selections include a hot food bar and salad bar (priced by the pound), soups (several varieties offered in two sizes), and a la carte items such as quesadillas for $2.25 (don’t miss scrumptious chicken pesto if you happen to go on a day it’s offered). When you’re at the deli be sure to peek inside the community classroom which is in the same section. A popular feature of this new location, it holds cooking classes and health/wellness lectures – recent lectures have ranged from free admission to a price of $10, while cooking classes are more expensive.
Located on Fair Ave. at Ingalls (not far from Mission)
Favorites: Turkey Meatloaf Sandwich, Grilled Vegetable Panini with Sundried Tomato Pesto

Sabieng Thai Cuisine
Sabieng has been serving up fabulous Thai food on Mission Street since 1999, consistently receiving praise from both critics and customers. It offers a large lunch menu from 11:30am-3:00pm daily, and staff bring you food quickly. Select one entrée from 27 choices for only $6.25 including a cup of soup and steamed white rice (brown rice is only offered at dinner). The soup is frequently a hot-and-sour variety that’s got quite a kick, but occasionally Sabieng serves one with coconut milk. Entrees include curries, stir-fries, and noodles with option of tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or prawns for $1.00 extra. The $6.25 portions will fill up most people, but if you’re extra-hungry you can pay $8.50 for a 2-item combination and pick one item from 22-choice list, plus one item from a 5-choice list including chicken satay. The satay has 3 skewers of tender chicken plus a bowl of thick, mild-flavored peanut sauce (if I’m in a spicy mood, I ask for chili sauce to stir in).
Located on Mission & Van Ness in the Mission Village Center.
Favorites: Ginger Chicken, Tofu Red Curry, or Chili Oil Pork

Sushi Totoro
This restaurant is small in size but big in selections. Sushi Totoro has two menus, one with several pages of specialty rolls, the other with a broad range of Japanese entrees, sides, salads, and more. Complimentary miso soup arrives on the table moments after customers sit, a nice touch. Attention green-tea lovers: this beverage is complimentary if you ask for it. Lunch is served from 11:30am-2:00pm daily (note: the outdated restaurant web site says it’s not open weekends at lunch, but it has been since 2008). The $8.95 Bento Box lunch special is available every day, including weekends. It includes 2 items plus salad and rice. Choose from items such as chicken teriyaki, California roll, Gyoza dumplings, tempura, and sashimi (four large, very fresh pieces – two of salmon and two of tuna). The 2-item box is a lot of food, but if 3 items are desired that’s available for $11.95. If you’re in the mood for different kinds of sushi, there are dozens of choices on the a la carte menu to put together your own combination. Lunch service is very fast here.
Located on Mission between Bay & Palm in the Palm Center.
Favorites: 2-item box with sashimi and chicken teriyaki, or -- from a la carte menu --Seaweed Salad and Tekka (tuna) Maki roll

Taqueria Santa Cruz
The Westside location of Taqueria Santa Cruz draws a regular lunch crowd, although its other location on Soquel Ave. (at Pennsylvania, near Seabright) does equal if not greater lunch business. Both are open from 9:00am-11:45pm daily. The taqueria has many tables so it’s always possible to find a seat. A regular soft taco, with meat, cilantro, onions, and salsa, is only $2.00 (note: web site says $1.90, but that is outdated). The pastor (BBQ pork) meat, savory and well seasoned, makes a very filling taco. After ordering, take your bowl of complimentary tortilla chips to your table, but stop by the salsa bar first. It has several choices including traditional pico de gallo, yummy green avocado-based salsa, pickled tangy potato slices, and an extremely spicy pink salsa (be warned: it looks almost "fruity" but it's habanero - only for hardcore spice handlers). Your lunch will be ready quickly, so be sure to eat your free chips fast. If you’re in the mood for a burrito or nachos, these are also available – and delicious.
Located on Mission between Almar & Fair, next to Subway.
Favorites: Pastor Taco or 49ers Burrito

Taqueria Vallarta
Vallarta’s newest and largest location – opened in Spring 2009 - is on Mission in Westside Santa Cruz (making a total of five area locations including Felton). It’s open from 9:00am-midnight daily. With many comfortable booths, it’s a good lunch spot – not to mention that counter-ordering is followed by speedy delivery of your food. The tacos here are inexpensive and filling. A regular soft taco, with your choice of meat -- piled generously -- plus cilantro, onions, and salsa, is only $2.25. Two of these plus free chips and salsa makes a most satisfying lunch. Other options such as burritos and tostadas are available. The salsa bar’s fresh choices include pico de gallo, spicier red salsas, radishes, and a pickled carrot/jalapeno combination. Vallarta’s guacamole is recommended, and at only 85 cents for a small side order it makes a flavor-packed addition to your chips or taco.
Located on Mission & Van Ness in the former Straw Hat Pizza location.
Favorites: Grilled Chicken Taco, Vegetarian Plate (includes tortillas, rice, guacamole, beans – pinto are my favorite with this plate)

Want more value lunch suggestions? Visit downtown value lunches and lunches in Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel.

The Details:
Sabieng Thai Cuisine, 1218 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060, (831) 425-1020
Sushi Totoro, 1701 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060, (831) 426-6660
New Leaf Market, 1101 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz 95060, (831) 426-1306
Taqueria Santa Cruz, 2215 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060, (831) 423-0606
Taqueria Vallarta, 1221 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060, (831) 426-7240