Local chef Carlo Espinas, most recently the executive chef at Comstock Saloon, has been signed onto a new restaurant project in downtown Santa Cruz. The new spot is called ASSEMBLY, and it will be opening this winter. Owners Kendra Baker and Zachary Davis (of The Glass Jar restaurant group) are the same folks behind the Penny Ice Creamery and the Picnic Basket. Assembly is their first full-service restaurant, and will offer seasonal, rustic California fare. Espinas is fired up to make big, hearty salads, slow-cooked roasts and braises, lots of vegetables, all with a family-style dining approach. Pastry chef Anna St. John will be joining Espinas. 1108 Pacific Ave. at Cathcart, Santa Cruz.
Chef Carlo Espinas. Photo by Nader Khouri.
