Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1493440
R esidents of the San Lorenzo Valley probably already know about these three award-winning businesses, but we wanted to be sure to spread the news so that people from all over Santa Cruz County can visit! Casa Nostra Ben Lomond-based Italian restaurant Casa Nostra (https:// ristorantecasanostra.com/), which also has a Scotts Valley location, was our readers' choice for "Best Overall in SLV" in the Food/Wine category for the third consecutive year. I recently spoke to owner Raffaele Cristallo, who was born and raised in Italy. Running Casa Nostra and receiving the honor of being voted Best Restaurant is quite meaningful for him. "I have been living in the San Lorenzo Valley for 25 years and this is very much my home," he says. "Many of the locals have seen me grow into this business—first, I was working at local Italian restaurants where I was a server, then manager—and now, I own the best restaurant in the Valley." The flagship Ben Lomond location opened in 2011. "It has grown from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan," says Raffaele. "It now includes an extensive outdoor area where in the summer, numerous weddings take place around the majestic redwood cathedral." The restaurant has the "only known redwood circle where—during nice weather—you can sit right in the middle and have one of the most romantic dinners ever," he adds. Raffaele has a few thoughts about why so many people voted for Casa Nostra. "We serve consistently great Italian food, in addition to amazing weekly rotating specials which are different at each location. The atmosphere and friendly service are also very important, as most of our guests are now also our neighbors and friends." Some of Casa Nostra's most popular dinner selections are Cioppino, Short Ribs, Rigatoni alla Bolognese, and Penne alla Contadina (the latter features onions, mushrooms, rosemary, chicken, fresh tomato, and cream sauce). All pasta is handmade. "From our bar food menu, you can enjoy the best burger, chicken wings, and a Roman-style flatbread pizza that is out of this world," says Raffaele. "We also carry a variety of some of the best Italian and Santa Cruz Mountain wines. And there are 12 local beers available on draft from popular companies such as Discretion Brewing and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing." Raffaele prides Casa Nostra on being not just a well-loved San Lorenzo Valley restaurant, but also "…the local 'rescue hub.' We have always been available to the community—from the fires that hit the area a few years ago, through the pandemic, and now through the most recent weather disruptions." During January's storms, they regularly posted on social media that in case of power outages, road closures or anything else that was obstructing people from getting home, the restaurant was available for guests to "charge their accessories, stay warm and protected, or just wait for roads to be open without the need of making a purchase." Raffaele and his team opened the Scotts Valley location in February 2021. "Because it was right in the middle of the pandemic, it was a difficult start—but the convenient location in downtown Scotts Valley on one of the busiest roads in the county made it hard to pass up the opportunity," he explains. The location has been slowly building a customer base. "Also, we are noticing more and more regulars coming for our breakfast service which is on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We've been told that we have the best Eggs Benedict in the area!" He is asking for the community's extra support at this time. "With January's Highway 9 road closure because of the large mudslide by Highland Park we hit our lowest point," he explains. Even before the road closure, this time of the year is usually slower, says Raffaele, because people try to spend less after the holidays and with tax season coming. "The windstorm has damaged our overhead outdoor canopy and we are struggling to keep all our employees working. During the pandemic several loyal customers bought large-amount gift certificates to be spent in the future, throughout the year. It would be great to again receive that kind of support during these hard times." Looking to the future, Raffaele is excited that the restaurant is working on a new program aimed at wineries. "We will be able to drop off a few different small bite items every week, giving their visitors more of a variety of gourmet choices as many of these wineries do not have access to proper kitchens." Casa Nostra will also continue to cater off-site events such as company parties and weddings. Raffaele finds his life very rewarding. "The best part about living here, being part of this community and owning two beautiful restaurants is being able to bring a smile to people's faces when their day hasn't been going well—or seeing kids drawing pictures of Casa Nostra. Last Christmas, some children even made a little Casa Nostra sign on one of the houses in their Christmas village! This kind of bond is something that melts my heart." And it can come full circle. Some kids from families who have been longtime customers at Casa Nostra, end up being hired by Raffaele to work at the restaurant. "We get to see them flourish into successful adults, able to be confident and ready for the world. These things make me proud." Spa Santangelo Felton-based Spa Santangelo (https:// spasantangelo.com), the Best Day Spa winner, offers services including massage, energy work, body wraps, facials, and yoga. Amenities include a hot tub, infrared sauna, and fitness equipment. One thing all visitors can look forward to: "Be ready for some real healing and relaxation. Everyone here has the goal of helping you Breathe, A Few of Our San Lorenzo Valley Favorites by Tara Fatemi Walker continues on 10 8 | 2022 READERS CHOICE AWARDS | FEBRUARY 26, 2023 S A N TA C R U Z S E N T I N E L . C O M