Creating Health Conscientious Meals
By CJ
Friendly skies lead to Ella’s At The Airport, which has quickly become a destination for happy foodies to explore the new airport offerings. Celebrating their first year while showcasing the bounty of our local culinary basket, visitors and natives alike are raving about the deliciousness to be found along with the view of “what’s happening” at Watsonville Municipal Airport.
A simple twist of fate brought Ella and her talented staff to 100 Aviation Way one year ago. While searching for storage space Ella King noticed a RFP (Request for Proposal) by the city of Watsonville for a restaurant at the airport. The submission date was only one week away so Ella and her husband Sergio did their due diligence and submitted the paperwork. Cafe Ella at 734 East Lake had a record of eight years of satisfied customers. With the success of her popular first restaurant, and a clear vision to provide service, they were notified to put their vision in place!
The staff at both locations is especially dear to Ella’s heart. She credits their zest and love for carefully preparing interesting foods to the high rate of regular visitors. Mardi Cruz Santillan has been the chef at Cafe Ella – affectionately known as “Little Ella’s” – for about five years. Her creations continue to be new and exciting. Regulars look forward to Ella’s soup of the day. Made from scratch, it provides a welcoming aroma at either location.
During her college years Ella found her calling in the food arena. The love of making meals with her grandmother was rekindled. Working part time in the culinary world, she began paying close attention to the chefs she was working with while learning and modeling the finer aspects of the trade. Friends began congregating at her home to enjoy the hospitality that her “real” food experiments provided. She became aware of the calming effects of dining and appreciative of what is now called “The Slow Food Movement.”
Slow Food is about making dishes and menus from fresh, locally grown foods and serving them immediately to provide the nutrients and taste that are worthy or their calories. Some call this a revolution. Ella believes we are relearning how to nourish ourselves. Slow Food is essentially red carpet treatment.
Her wait staff is respectful of the comfort individuals and groups desire while choosing and ordering their food. These experienced waiters take great pleasure in tasting regular menu options as well as the chef’s weekly specials.
In this way when they describe the menu items, including vegan and gluten free options, they are informing from a sincere and skilled culinary exploration of their own.
The talent of both Chef Marci Carl at the airport and Chef Mardi on East Lake Avenue is in using the seasonal bounty of our surroundings. Ella has the formula for making this doable and fun. She sets the standard while her staff finds great fulfillment in evolving their own creations.
Sweeping views of the airport and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains provide an entertaining and relaxing environment. Indoor seating and the spacious outdoor patio are comfortable and unpretentious. Combined with the health conscious meals, there’s more than enough incentive to come by and enjoy Ella’s dining room where “Fresh Food Tastes Good!”
Ella’s at the Airport Lunch Tuesday through Saturday Lunch 11:00 – 2:30 Dinner 5:00 – 9:00 Tuesday through Saturday and 5:00 – 10:00 Friday & Saturday. Sunday Brunch 9:00 – 2:30 and Jazz Nights every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. ‘Resting’ Mondays.
Reservations are suggested 831 728 3282 Parties and business meetings are easily accommodated. Visit www.ellasinwatsonville.com for menus for both restaurants and online reservations for Ella’s at the Airport and for Catering Services for both business and private parties.
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Café Ella at 734 East Lake Monday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ‘Resting’ Sundays. Famous ‘Soup of the Day’ Ready by 11:00 a.m.