Dharma's Capitola

Meeting my brother for lunch and he suggested we cruise out to Capitola for a little Dharma's. A vegetarian place? Well, there's a first time for everything. Not sure about this "no meat" thing. Will I have to turn in my BBQ membership card?

Dharma's - Good for you, good for the world.

The three of us (daughter included) walked in and the place was packed - a good sign. You have to order at the register and then pick up your food at another counter to the right. No waitstaff keeps the prices down? We'll see.

Cool vibes inside with hanging plants and lots of sunshine from the many windows. We liked the artwork hanging on the walls. Even a cool, bubbling fountain in the front corner. We grabbed a menu and ordered.

Mike got the Indian Curry Plate ($14.95) and a vanilla milkshake ($7.50). It came with brown rice and papadam, chutney and raita (yogurt) sauce. You can also get other condiments and water at a counter in the middle of the place. We loaded up on hot sauces, wheat germ, onions and spices.

So fresh and delish, he really liked his meal. Hearty veggies and tofu all in a savory and spicy curry sauce. It was a huge portion and had some to take home. He shared the milkshake and we all thought it was great.

The kiddo went pasta (big surprise) - Pasta Con Pesto ($12.95) and was happy to see an abundant plate of noodles and four toasts. She could only eat half, so again, another take home meal was done. You can get the to-go boxes over by where you drop of your dishes. She said it was some of the best pestos she has ever had.

It also came with a green salad with homemade vinaigrette. Not spectacular, but good and fresh and it made this a value order.

I went with the potstickers ($6.50) and a bowl of their "famous" chili ($6.95) and I was also very pleased. The chili was hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind and was huge. The stickers were okay, but kind of rubbery. The sweet plum and spicy mustard sauces were nice on the side.

As a bonus, dear readers, we came back another time that week and ate again. Here's what I got the on the second visit - the Burrito Bueno ($6.95). Filled with beans, brown rice, cheese and sour cream, this thing was gigantic! The salad again was a nice touch, but maybe chips instead next time. Their menu is huge and this is one of the best deals I think. It fills you up!

Started in 1981, Dharma's was built to last. Feeding the hungry masses with healthy, flavorful foods is what it does best. Maybe not your cheapest place in town, but if you care what goes in, you can't go wrong here.

Scores out of 10:
Food: 9
Service: n/a
Atmosphere: 8
Value for price: 7
Overall: 8

Cole's BBQ

The foggy weather on East Cliff made me grab a hoodie and toss it in the backseat on my way to meet Alan for lunch. Ever since I reviewed Casa Rosita's (link) which is right next door, I'd been meaning to get back there for Cole's. Today was the day.

Cole's BBQ

This place is tiny! Like only three tables inside where you order at the counter. There's more room out on the deck.

After scouting the menu, I decided on the $10.95 Lunch Special - pork ribs, fries and garlic bread. They let me substitute the coleslaw for the fries. Alan went with the Tri-Tip sandwich and fries ($11.95).

Three meaty ribs were delivered to our table and my eyes got big. Yum! They had BBQ squeeze bottles, so on the sauce went. I took a bite and nearly burned my fingers. Let it cool down, bro! So I turned my focus to the slaw. It was flowing over the bowl and tasted crisp and fresh. Not too sweet, which is good. A satisfying crunch. The bread was soaked in garlic butter and was squished flat. I peeled off a section to share. Got a few fries in trade!

Alan's meal was huge! Thick cut fries with salt, pepper and some sugar I think. They were really great. I'm ordering more next time. His steak was cut thin and drenched in sauce. He gave a thumbs up as he devoured his lunch.

My ribs were okay, but too tough and chewing was a chore. It's should fall off the bone, right? Next time I will try the beef ribs. The coleslaw and fries were the stars today, as well as the tri-tip. The price is not a bargain, but reasonable. It is the only BBQ on East Cliff, so no nearby competition to lower prices. As for how it rates with other BBQs in town, I'll need more research, but Cole's is a step below Mission St. BBQ for me.

Scores out of 10:
Food: 7
Service: n/a
Atmosphere: 7
Value for price: 5
Overall: 6