Totoro Sushi

Friend Greg, wife Mari and I were looking for something other than the tried and true sushi place. You must know that Mari is rather picky about her sushi. Friend Tony who claims to also be a sushi aficionado suggested Totoro Sushi at Mission Street in Santa Cruz. He particularly recommended the Dragon Roll.

Being hungry we set off right away and it was a good thing. Parking in front is limited during good times but this was early on a Friday night. We were lucky to pull in just as another car was pulling out. Totoro was just as busy as we got the last free table right by the door. We kept our coats on because of the draft from all the waiting customers lining up by the door. The clientele was really young; probably because of the relative proximity of UCSC (University of Santa Cruz). Did the food warrant this growing crowd?

Mari ordered the Chirashi pictured left and thoroughly enjoyed it saying it was a great deal of fresh sushi compared some other places. Greg and I each ordered bento boxes with three entrees that were very satisfying. But we had unfinished business of trying the Dragon Roll that Tony favored. So we ordered that as well and were not disappointed. For many people a single Dragon Roll would suffice for lunch or a light supper.

The service was attentive for such a crowded space. We even had time to ask 'What is Totoro?' Mari, a native-born Japanese had never heard of it the term. Turns out Totoro is a character in a Japanese anime film. I bet the much younger clientele around us knew that already. But it was worth showing our age and ignorance to be able to chat with our young, blond waitress in black cocktail dress. I suspect that Tony has more reasons to recommend Totoro than simply the Dragon roll.

Jia Tella

Wife Mari wanted something different but I didn't want to drive too far for just lunch. So I thought of the Cambodian restaurant in the strip mall at the other end of Scotts Valley. Jia Tella had gotten good reviews but neither of us knew what kind of food to expect. If you like Thai, if you like Vietnamese, you'll love Jia Tella.

The experience was made all the better because as we were sitting down in the outdoor courtyard, we were surprised and joined by our friends Emi and Loren. They said they come to Jia Tella once a week for lunch and are never disappointed. They told us that the food is authentic (even though it is owned by a Scotts Valley family) because the cooks are from Cambodia. What I like about the menu is that they are not trying to teach me the Cambodian language. It is in easily understood English.

Although Jia Tella is a bit expensive for lunch (Mari ordered a great Mango Salmon for $12.95), I had one of five lunch specials (Chicken Curry for $8.95). All ingredients were very fresh and tasty. You order your meal first and then they bring it to your table. Inside was a bit dark so opt for the sunny courtyard if at all possible. Some nights Jia Tella has live music on thier courtyard stage so that is the plan for our next trip. We'll let you know how it is.