Historic Sand Rock Farm

Enjoy Breakfast with the Finches

kris — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:05:57 +0000

Sitting at the dining table enjoying breakfast any time from December through early spring, our guests have an amazing experience. Waves of both Lesser and American Goldfinches swoop down from their perches on the giant oak next to the house to enjoy the thistle from the tiered finch feeder outside the window. They boldly jostle for a spot on the metal rungs and peck away. If a guest walks over to the window, they fly away in a wave as if you lift a hand to say good by. Whether the Goldfinches are really pausing here to refuel on their way from Canada to Mexico, we are not sure, but the bright yellow breasted visitors are not so abundant once summer arrives.

SmoQe BBQ Aptos – WOW!

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:52:36 +0000

So excited! Fab new restaurant right around the corner. Smoque serves wood-fired barbeque and pizza in a casual environment about three minutes from Sand Rock.

The pulled pork is absolutely first rate – smokey, tender, moist… I got it with apple coleslaw and a ciabatta role (that was toasted on the grill) and the spicy bbq sauce – honestly can’t think of a way to make it better. I thought I was ordering the pulled pork sandwich, but the way it worked out was even better!

We also tried the babyback ribs – they’re a bit dry (you add sauce of your choice, sweet-smokey or spicy-hot), but incredibly flavorful. True slow cooking – lean and smokey.

Max had Quattro Formaggio Pizza cooked in the wood oven – flavorful crust, tender, crisp enough. There was too much cheese; next time we’ll ask for “light cheese” and it will be ideal.

The ambiance is nice – they’ve done a good job creating a warm, casual, young, energetic environment that’s got a touch of class. It’s not a “pizza joint” – cloth napkins, nice art – nor is it “fine dining.”

Here are a few more pix:

Italian wood fired oven

Diverse menu - focus on BBQ & pizza

Nice details

Winter Weekday

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:33:22 +0000

Get away and save 25% off – any available weeknight through March.

Valentine’s Love

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:31:32 +0000

Celebrate Love at Sand Rock Farm with this special package.

Voted “Best Place to Kiss” and “Best Place to Pop the Question”
Sand Rock Farm offers the perfect setting for you and your special partner. Imagine celebrating your love by the charm of your fireplace or double whirlpool tub. Be pampered as you enjoy gourmet breakfasts. Have a glass of wine and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres in the evening.

When you stay in one of our elegant bedrooms or spacious suites for two nights, we’ll to help you celebrate the holiday in style. Romantic Getaway includes rose petals, a chilled bottle of champagne, chocolate truffles and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Valentine’s Getaway is $ 95 above room rate. Plus – extend your stay and take 30% off your third night!

Available any available nights in February.

Winter Special

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:28:43 +0000

Celebrate Winter with 25% off your second night (any available room). Get “away from it all” and enjoy this quiet green season.

Ambrosia Aptos is Back!

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:07:26 +0000

One of the most delightful restaurants in the area, for those who favor a global flair, is Ambrosia. Unfortunately they were closed due to a fire – but now back open and better than ever! At some Indian restaurants the flavors blur together, curry whatever. Not so here!

Each dish is a unique offering with a range from delicate spices to intensely deep (but not particularly spicy-hot) flavors. Our top favorites are the chicken tikka masala (Kris) and tandori basa (“kids”) and the okra (“kids” again, picture below). There are also many other vegetarian options. As people who’ve savored Indian on several continents we’re confident that Ambrosia is WELL worth a visit — and it’s about five minutes from the B&B!

A scrumptious dry-roasted okra (a little crispy) with fresh ginger

Mixed tandoori appetizer

The naan is dangerously good!

Ambrosia is just off State Park exit toward the ocean, here’s the link to Yelp

Holiday Wreath Making

kris — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:56:46 +0000

Just before Christmas we had a chance to set up the SRF wreath maker. The wreath maker, large, manual (foot power), produced one wreath at a time; as quickly as the artist put the materials together. Several guests had brought greens and we found others on the property. We set up production tables in our barn (built in 1887) where we spread out the greens, the bows and berries so each could create her own masterpiece. In a very short time, sharing the wreath maker, we created some beautiful wreaths.

Anybody out there want to make a Valentine or Spring wreath? Love to have you visit Sand Rock Farm for a night midweek and you can create your own!

Big Sur Half Marathon 11/11

kris — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Fun-filled events for runners at all levels. The Big Sur Half Marathon begins and ends in downtown Monterey. A great time outdoors with entertainment along the way.

http://www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org

Fall Wine Passport Weekend

kris — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:27:03 +0000

November 21 , 11am – 5pm, Santa Cruz Mountains 831.685.VINE (8463)

Your chance to visit wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains not normally open to the public. Taste wine & have a great time. www.scmwa.com

Stay at the only B and B with an old winery, Sand Rock Farm. Reserve any available room for the weekend. 10% off by mentioning this online special.

Caffe Lucio Italian Restaurant, Santa Cruz

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:16:29 +0000

Enjoyed a quick, yummy, upbeat dinner – driving by decided to try it out!

We had a light meal of Bruschetta di Caprino (Toasted Italian bread, topped with fresh goat cheese and grilled vegetables, $7) which was served cold; nice garlicy bread, flavorful small-diced roast veggies – and Cozze (steamed mussels in a white-wine, garlic, herb broth, $12) – thought it might be a risk to try mussels first time there, but waitress said they were fresh… and really tasted like it!

Max (who’s 8 ) ordered penne w butter & cheese (what’s not to like?) — penne were just right, tiny bit al dente — I suspect their grown-up pasta is fab. Pizzas walking by looked good too!

Nice surprise at the end, I thought they forgot to charge for Max – turns out kids under 10 are free — sweet

Service was outstanding – knowledgeable, friendly waitstaff, fast, great team. Love it when server can actually give advice on the menu & isn’t afraid to answer questions honestly.

Ambiance is “high energy” – not a place for quiet conversation – hip music, bar, kind of a “rustico Italian club scene” with quality food! The owner seems to be quite a character, he was chatting with customers and adding a zany personal touch. Here’s a pix of him from their web site, Lucio is the guy on the right!

Caffe Lucio is on the corner of Soquel & Ocean on the southern side of Santa Cruz, less than 15 min from Sand Rock Farm — their web site is http://www.caffelucio.com/

Update: Next time back we were not so impressed - too noisy and food was inconsistent. Sigh. Not sure we’ll go back, but if you’re looking for a “club scene with dinner” maybe right for you!