Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1339624
SantaCruzSentinel.Com February 12, 2021 | READERS CHOICE | 20 twice a week (some folks were here more!)," says Chris. "Pizza was nev- er meant to be in the starring role, but it rose to the occasion. Our bar program is already a huge success, something we planned on, but this year only confirmed it." The most popular drink is Frozen Bubbly Spritz. Chris, David, and the entire Men- tone family feel fortunate to live in such a bountiful region. "It makes sourcing the best produce easy. We work closely with folks such as To- matero Organic Farm, Wild Poppies Olive Oil, Spade & Plow Farm, and a host of others," says Chris. "Our cocktail program is in sync with what's looking good at the farm- ers markets, and thus is constantly evolving. Our beers and cider (draft or canned) are all from Santa Cruz County." best Sushi: Akira (winner) and Imura (runner-up) Akira Not only did Akira win Best Su- shi this year, it won this category from 2016-2018, and was runner-up last year. It also earned runner-up for Best Japanese Food this year. Owner Dusty Murata believes people love Akira because "…they genuinely see that it is a place for everyone to come and enjoy good food, drink and each other." Dusty is proud of the hardworking and compassionate staff, and that every- one really works well together. He appreciates Akira's loyal customers. "Our amazing customer base keeps coming in even during these crazy COVID times; between the energy of the staff and the patrons, this is truly what makes Akira great," says Dusty. Akira has been satisfying su- shi fans for nine years, opening the flagship Seabright location in 2012. Prior to that, Dusty says, they were a catering company doing weddings and on-site parties. "We opened the Aptos location in 2017. We have a lot of friends down in Aptos so we wanted to save them some travel miles." Of course, the food is a big reason Akira won first place. "Our menu is formulated for this area, we go heavy with vegetarian options and we try to cater to people with spe- cific allergens, gluten intolerance, etc." Popular menu items include the Macho Tuna from the starters section, which is thin-sliced Ma- guro marinated in ponzu (a citrus sauce). "It's very tasty," says Dusty. "A great vegetarian option is The Shrine sushi roll with tempura yam and spicy nuts inside and avocado on top, super good!" The miso sesa- me salad dressing Akira makes is a customer favorite. They started bot- tling and selling it last August as a fundraiser for victims of the CZU fire and kept doing it after the ben- efit was done. You can buy bottles at both restaurants. Dusty feels lucky to have the lo- cal vendors he does: "…Stagnaro's of course, top-notch seafood, and Watsonville Coast produce. I would be lost without them. I have to men- tion all of the amazing breweries and wineries in our area, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Soquel Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Tanuki Cider, NuBo, Cor- ralitos Brewing, Humble Sea, the list goes on." Imura Imura has an almost-30-year his- tory. When it first opened, there was a non-family-member partner but now it's entirely family-owned. I spoke to co-owner Jee Kajihara; ...continued from 19 continues on 21... FOR MAKING K&D YOUR COMMUNITY CHOICE THREE YEARS IN A ROW!