The Best Artichoke Soup? Shadowbrook Restaurant – Hands Down
Nestled in the charming town of Capitola, CA, Shadowbrook Restaurant is more than just a place to dine—it’s a true culinary experience! Since 1947, this decades-old Capitola institution has been serving up freshly sourced culinary creations using local California-grown produce—some from its very own roof-top garden!
Shadowbrook combines fine wine and culinary excellence. But Shadowbrook is about more than just the best artichoke soup you’ll ever eat. It is a setting that blends history and romance with an incredible meal making any dinner a special occasion. The enchanting atmosphere, freshly sourced ingredients, and passionate staff make Shadowbrook must-visit destination.
Journey Through Time: The Rich History of Shadowbrook Restaurant
Imagine dining in a cozy, intimate 1920’s log cabin-turned-restaurant, surrounded by lush gardens and the soothing sounds of the creek. Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, CA, has been a cherished destination for over 77 years where every meal is an enchanting experience steeped in culinary history.
Your dining experience begins with a ride down the steep hillside in a cable car, cleverly called a ‘hillevator’, all the way to the beautiful restaurant, nestled amongst a garden at the water’s edge.
“Hi, my name is Ted Burke. I’m the owner of Shadowbrook. I’ve been here for over 50 years, and right now, we’re sitting on the patio of what we call the Redwood room, which is a small private dining room made out of old Redwood wine barrels.”
“I’m very fortunate to be able to work at Shadowbrook. Not only for its beauty, but also I’ve been here for over 50 years, and I still love it every day, even though it’s a tough industry. It can burn you out, but it’s in my blood. I was on my way to graduate school to work in South America, and started here as a summer job and never left because it’s such an addicting business,” says Ted.
He goes on to explain, Every day is so different. I don’t consider myself an owner, although I’ve been the owner since 1978; I’ve been an employee here since ’72. I consider myself more as a steward of this place that will be passed on to another; I don’t know when sometime soon. There’ll be somebody else who comes after me, and I’m sure they’ll have the same sort of feeling that this place is for the ages.”
Culinary Excellence: Shadowbrook Restaurant Celebrates CA GROWN Produce
In addition to California wines, the Shadowbrook Restaurant takes pride in showcasing the best of CA GROWN produce. The menu features a variety of dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. A true standout favorite is the Creamy Artichoke Soup, made with California’s state vegetable – the versatile artichoke. This creamy, flavorful soup is a testament to the quality of locally sourced produce.
Joining the Shadowbrook team in 2012, Micheal Cameron, Executive Chef at Shadowbrook Restaurant, has held every position in the kitchen. In 2018, he was promoted to sous Chef and then Executive Chef in 2020. Michael praises the variety and quality of local farm-fresh produce. He says, “Any chef working in the Bay area has to consider themselves very lucky. The quality and availability of farm-fresh produce, fresh seafood, and artisanal ingredients is something that you just can’t find in most places.”
Chef Cameron shares a bit about the produce, produce growers/distributors, and the menu. “The majority of our produce is purchased through local distributors that source produce from local farms in the Pajaro Valley. We also have some great direct relationships with some smaller producers. We are proud to be able to serve locally grown, seasonal produce on our menu, and the relationships we have with our local purveyors are very important to us.”
Shadowbrook features Artichokes – California‘s official state vegetable. Chef Cameron shared a few ways they use artichokes: “We frequently feature Castroville artichokes. Artichokes are one of my favorite vegetables because they are so versatile and delicious, whether it be in a soup, artichoke dip, saute, or braise. Jane at Monterey Farms provides us with the freshest artichokes in the Bay area.”
The deep-fried artichoke hearts are another must-try! This delightful appetizer perfectly captures the essence of the state’s official vegetable.
A California Wine Lover’s Paradise: Shadowbrook’s Extensive Wine List
California wine enthusiasts will love Shadowbrook’s extensive wine list, featuring selections from some of California’s finest vineyards. Whether you prefer a robust red or a crisp white, the knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.
Ted shares, “The wine list at Shadowbrook is varied, but it is pretty centered on California wines. They seem to be the most popular. We would carry wines from other states if they were popular with our guests, but they’re not quite as popular as California, because we produce some of the best wines in the world.
Not only here in California but even in our county, the Santa Cruz Appalachian is an award-winning Appalachian for such as Ridge Winery and Montebello.
So, we definitely focus our wine list on California wines, but we also focus on Santa Cruz County wines.”
Ted recalls, “Shadowbrook started in October of 1947. And I bet you, at that time, I don’t think there were five wineries probably in the whole county and now we have over 80!”
Shadowbrook Restaurant’s Commitment to Sustainability
At its core, Shadowbrook is about more than just great food. It’s about supporting local farms and promoting CA GROWN produce. By choosing to dine at Shadowbrook, you’re contributing to the sustainability of local agriculture and enjoying the freshest ingredients possible.
Ted tells us, “Sustainability is more than the food we eat. I’m really proud of how long Shadowbrook has been sustainable in its operations. For example, all of our refrigeration and compressors are moved to one area, so they’re next to each other. We take the gases that the compressors shoot off, and they circle around a holding tank of water. And it preheats the water from street temperature to about 110 degrees. Therefore, our heaters and boilers must only move up from about 110 to 180. That is just one of many things that we do to be aware of the environment and our role to protect it.”
Shadowbrook’s Irresistible Charm: Romance, Gardens, and Scenic Beauty
Famous for its beautiful garden, extensive wine list, and intimate dining rooms – Shadowbrook’s hallmark is its romantic ambiance. Whether sitting in one of the cozy dining spaces, overlooking the rooftop culinary garden, or enjoying the view from the terrace, the setting is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration
“Where else can you go today and find a restaurant that’s been around for 77 years? A restaurant that is so unique that it’s a special occasion place for those who are celebrating all sorts of things in life,” Ted recollects, “like they found the cat, you know, as well as birthdays and anniversaries.”
Ted continues, “I have a favorite quote from a magazine that once called Shadowbrook, ‘the most romantic restaurant in the galaxy.’ And that sort of ambiance still exists. It still is known as romance and dining. And then just our physical structure here, located at the bottom of the hill on a creek with winding, meandering stairs coming down through waterfalls, fountains, and ferns.”
Event Spaces for Every Occasion: Celebrate in Style at Shadowbrook Restaurant
Shadowbrook Restaurant isn’t just for romantic dinners; it’s also an ideal venue for various events. With several banquet rooms and event spaces, the restaurant can accommodate gatherings of all sizes.
“Take this hillside elevator, elegantly called the ‘hillevator,’ which is what we all call the ‘cable car’ that takes you from the parking lot down to the restaurant. Children especially love it. And we do welcome children here, especially well-behaved children. We have a children’s menu and try to cater to moms and ensure they’re all happy.”
Experience Shadowbrook for Yourself
The Shadowbrook Restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. From its historical roots and romantic ambiance to a focus on local, CA GROWN produce, every aspect of the restaurant seeks to delight and inspire. Next time you’re in Santa Cruz County, be sure to visit Shadowbrook and experience its unique charm for yourself.
5 Tips to Plan Your Visit to Shadowbrook Restaurant
- Make reservations up to 30 days in advance through the restaurant’s Yelp page.
- Be sure to adhere to their business casual dress code, which ensures a respectful atmosphere.
- Shadowbrook offers a complimentary shuttle service within a 3-mile radius for added convenience.
- Operating hours vary for the dining room and Rock Room Lounge, so check their website for specific times.
- For more details, visit their reservations page.
Santa Cruz County: A Perfect Getaway
While you’re in the area, explore Santa Cruz County. From the scenic beaches to the vibrant local culture, there’s so much to see and do. A visit to Shadowbrook Restaurant is just the beginning of your Capitola adventure.
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This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Grown.
Congratulations! Of all the articles and restaurant reviews of Shadowbrook that have appeared over the past seven plus decades, CA Grown has come the farthest at conveying the restaurant’s unparalleled tradition, beauty, and culinary excellence.
Thank you so much Bob! We truly loved our experience at Shadowbrook and look forward to going back as soon as possible. The food, the atmosphere, the people, all top notch!
I’ve been going to Shadow Brook for decades! None finer restaurant in Central California! I, actually, haven’t even been to a finer restaurant. But there must be one somewhere! That’s why I limited my area to Central California. Yah, Shadow Brook could be the state’s best – or even the nation’s best, all things considered, like affordability. I have to be practical, though. So I’ll stop here! LOL!
It’s hard to beat the experience at Shadowbrook for sure, from the food and wine, to the ambiance, and the people – it is just a magical place!