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SantaCruzSentinel.Com February 12, 2021 | READERS CHOICE | 18 T he food landscape in Santa Cruz County—and across the entire county—looks quite different due to the pandem- ic. Unfortunately, many restaurants shut down due to decreased sales. Others luckily managed to sur- vive—they need our business now more than ever! This article show- cases six restaurants that earned Winner or Runner-Up in three cat- egories including Best New Res- taurant and Best Sushi. As many local families were affected by job loss this last year, we'll start with the Bites on a Budget winners. It's always good to know where to find tasty, affordable meals! best bites on a budget: Char- lie Hong kong (winner) & betty burgers (runner-up) Charlie Hong kong With Carolyn Rudolph's belief that "the availability of healthy food should be everyone's birth- right," it's no surprise Charlie Hong Kong has won the Bites on a Budget category five of the last six years. Carolyn and her husband Rudy co-own CHK. "We've been feeding the community for 23 years and are known for serving large portions and for keeping our prices afford- able," she says. Carolyn emphasizes that CHK's signature bowls are "…a bargain given the price and quantity plus all the organic veggies." Under this category is Spicy Dan's Peanut De- light, wheat noodles plus vegetables and spicy organic coconut peanut sauce, which has been the top seller for many years. "Our veggies come from local farms," says Carolyn. "It's been my long-term commit- ment to make sure people eat their organic greens," she adds. "Just to give an idea of the amount of veg- gies we serve our community, we go through a literal ton of organic chard each month." Other popular dishes include Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl (especially with kids) and Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup. "We prepare a bone broth every day for this soup, and use healing spices like star anise, fresh ginger, cinnamon and cardamom." Carolyn has always thought of CHK as a "neighborhood gather- ing place." Before COVID, when on-site dining was common, "in the mornings, right after we open, many seniors would arrive and sit at one of the tables so as to enjoy the company of other people," she says. "Eating at our community tables were a source of many connections, including engagements!" She loves contributing to the community. CHK frequently collaborates with local nonprofits including Home- less Garden Project, the Diver- sity Center, and Jovenes SANOS. "We've had a long partnership with Life Lab, catering lunches for their teacher trainings, as well as sup- porting FoodWhat?!" betty burgers Betty Burgers owner Laurie Ne- gro says one reason so many read- ers voted for the restaurant is be- cause they offer "a quality product at a reasonable price." The meat is hormone and antibiotic free, sea- soned with a special spice blend. Buns and produce are fresh, and she buys local ingredients as much as possible. "We also offer options such as our made-in-house veg- gie burger, and grilled chicken— as well as fried chicken, turkey and salmon." The Basic Betty is by far the most popular burger. It has one-third pound of beef plus toppings including 'special lube.' "Our specialty burgers such as the Texas Two Step with bacon, sharp cheddar and onion rings and the Point Grinder with bacon, sautéed mushrooms and blue cheese are also loved by our customers," she adds. It's clear Santa Cruzans love Betty—in addition to winning Bites on a Budget in 2019 (and placing runner-up the four previous years), they won Best Burger in 2020 and for the previous five years! Laurie is a Santa Cruz native. "I believe I understand its unique characteristics. When the surf is up and the sun is out, it's going to be a good day." The restaurant is fam- ily-friendly, dog-friendly "and in general just friendly," Laurie says with a smile. "We have a team that genuinely cares about customers." Laurie is committed to serving the community. "We support nonprof- its such as Second Harvest Food Bank and are strong supporters of local schools." The flagship Seabright location opened almost 15 years ago. Four years later, the second location on 41st Ave. opened and then two years after that, Betty's Eat Inn with (pre-pandemic) table service, an expanded menu and a full bar. The newest Betty Burgers, in Aptos, opened "…the Thursday in March that the county officially shut down all indoor and patio dining. It was quite an experience," says Laurie. best new Restaurant: makai (winner) & mentone (runner-up) Not only did restaurants Makai and Mentone manage to open in 2020, during a pandemic, they also created such good food they were voted winner and runner-up for best new restaurant, respectively. makai As their website states, Santa Cruz Wharf restaurant Makai learn more about a few restaurant award-winners By Tara Fatemi Walker continues on 19...

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