Usually the saying goes “Home Sweet Home”. And while we all love our homes, right now a lot of us are feeling cooped up. It’s refreshing to get out and get some fresh air with a walk and enjoy the beauty here! It’s especially a treat when we get some take out or delivery, and that can certainly can be said for our Santa Cruz Doors local featured business today, Bittersweet Bistro.

We have had some fabulous anniversary dinners over the years at Bittersweet! We also have loved going to the Bittersweet Cafe part of the restaurant for a scrumptious breakfast with our kids and family. Bittersweet has certainly been an award-winning restaurant and a favorite in Aptos and Santa Cruz! Today we are shining the spotlight on this local business who has remained open during this time and we all want them to continue to keep their beautiful doors open!

When you think American food, you think burger. When I think burger, I think Betty Burgers. Not everyone can make an incredibly juicy, bursting-with-flavor burger, but Betty comes out on top! We are big fans of Betty Burgers as you can tell, but the fan club is pretty big, and anyone can join! They have been so popular that they recently opened a new location in Aptos, to add to their other three Santa Cruz locations.

From the start, Betty Burgers has served only fresh, pasture-raised beef with no antibiotics or hormones (EVER). The homemade veggie burgers are delicious, and they also have chicken, turkey and salmon patties. It’s hard to decide between their crispy fries or sweet potato fries, so sometimes you just need a bit of both. With Santa Cruz Doors shining the spotlight on some of our local businesses that have been able remain open during the shelter-in-place, we hope you can bring Betty some love and swing by for what they call “Juicy Patties & Hot Buns.”

Santa Cruz Doors is still busy putting the spotlight on small local businesses to help KEEP DOORS OPEN during these hard times. Today’s food feature is The Farm Bakery Cafe & Gifts. I have grown up in Aptos and I am compelled to admit that I have LOVED The Farm since I was a kid, including their incredible and famous fruit tarts! Whether it’s bakery goods, breakfast delights, creative sandwiches, or their savory quiches, Santa Cruz locals have a soft spot for The Farm Bakery! And they are busy baking the difference 7 days a week!

So is your glass half empty or half full? We are all trying to stay positive during these times when most are spending a lot of time at home, and we need to try to turn the news off and focus on what we are thankful for, keep our priorities straight, and think outside our own bubble of life!

Santa Cruz Doors is trying to help keep doors open, and today’s feature is about our local Aptos Glass & Ideal Windows. Please read their story and get better view through their window..

When locals go to hang out at Rio Del Mar beach, they like to get some good eats at Pixie Deli! Whether it’s outdoor table or grab-and-go to eat on the sand, Pixie is a pretty sweet location with a tasty sandwiches, burritos and of course, cheeseburger & fries! Today’s Santa Cruz Doors feature is an interview with the owner of Pixie Deli, Dave Whiting..

When you think delicious breakfast and the perfect mom & pop restaurant, Red Apple Cafe in Aptos is the perfect spot! With a cozy atmosphere inside or tables outside, this place is a local favorite with a good menu, tasty eats and fresh ingredients! With the shelter in place, Red Apple Cafe has also had to quickly change over their business model to food to-go. And not just for breakfast, which they are known for, but they have great lunches as well. Talk about loyal customers who LOVE Red Apple Cafe, with a whopping 390 raving reviews on Google

Yvette Contois is a vibrant and creative artist, as well as the teacher and the owner of the Art Factory in Aptos. Our 12 year old daughter began taking one of her classes, Drawing for Teens, in February and was instantly hooked! She loved Yvette, socializing with the other students, and the lovely, intimate environment of the Art Factory. After only a few classes, the shelter in place and pandemic abruptly interrupted that. However, we were impressed to see Yvette quickly adapt and switch over to online classes with her students.

From their Santa Cruz-famous margaritas, addictive salsa, to their mouth-watering enchiladas, tamales, chile rellenos, chile verde, carne asada tacos….I think it’s about time for another Manuel’s fix! Fortunately, they have kept their doors open during these hard times and are available for orders and pick up at their front door. I’m thrilled that their margaritas are also available to-go!