Pop-Up Brunch with Chef Kendra Baker

This past weekend I got to attend the Westside farmers market pop-up brunch (click for the pop-up brunch series) by Chef Kendra Baker of the Penny Ice Creamery, Picnic Basket, and Assembly. I've worked with the Santa Cruz Farmers' Markets before, photographing their events. So when they asked, I said, "Absolutely!" In fact, as they are finishing up their fourth full season, we realized that I was at the inaugural event in 2012.

And though we make the Penny a regular destination - at Valentines, at Halloween, and whenever we get anywhere close to Capitola or Santa Cruz - I had never met Chef Kendra.

She is delightful, makes amazing food, and looks as though she's having fun doing it. Those are all necessary for success in the food world. The gal has it all! Yep, she's a regular food guru serving varied palates all over the Santa Cruz area.

I had thought this would be a great date. Unfortunately, Jake was wrapped up with the house remodel and under the gun with his deadline. So, he didn't get to come with me. Instead, I brought my littlest kitchen elf as my date. He loved it.

Here's what we ate...

Homemade Yogurt and Olive Oil Granola

with Homemade Apricot Jam

Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Assembly's Fresh Bread and Salty Butter

Kale and Farro with Dried Apricots and Toasted Coconut

Grilled Summer Squash, Pickled Green Beans, and Sweet Corn with a Fine Herb Aioli

Peak Summer Quiche with Cherry Tomatoes, Almonds, Basil, and Garden Variety cheese

Crispy Potatoes with Sweet Onions and Chili Jam

El Salchichero Bacon

Assembly's Sticky Buns with Strawberries and Chocolate

Sparkling Wine Courtesy of Equinox Wine

D brought a book to read between courses and while I worked. It's such a relief that he's mostly self-sufficient. He's reading, or maybe it's re-reading, one of the Lord of the Rings books.

What a morning! Now I can't wait to check out Assembly and the Picnic Basket. Soon!

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