Santa Cruz, CA, June 07, 2024 — Alderwood Santa Cruz announces the appointment of Mikey Adams as the new Executive Chef, bringing a fresh and inspired culinary experience to the downtown restaurant. Born in Santa Cruz, Chef Mikey is excited to return to his roots and share his passion for creating delicious food with his hometown community.
Chef Mikey Adams’ culinary journey has taken him across the globe, with notable experience in kitchens in Scotland, India, and with Michelin chefs throughout Northern California. His return to Santa Cruz marks a full-circle moment as he steps into the role of Executive Chef at Alderwood Santa Cruz, eager to reconnect with his hometown community and be part of the vibrant local dining scene.
“We have an abundance of amazing ingredients,” says Adams. “I’m stoked to collaborate with local producers to bring their finest to our kitchen.” Chef Mikey’s menu at Alderwood will reflect his commitment to crafting dishes that are both cohesive and refined, with a focus on celebrating the local bounty and embracing seasonality for peak freshness and flavor. His love for live fire cooking will be prominently featured. “Respect the ingredients,” he emphasizes. “If you overwork them, they lose their soul.”
Chef Mikey’s leadership style is rooted in integrity and respect for his team. With extensive experience as an Executive Chef and in fine dining, he has honed his skills in creating a positive, collaborative, and solution-oriented kitchen environment. “The energy of the kitchen and the dining room is evident on the plate,” says Adams.
Under Chef Mikey’s guidance, Alderwood Santa Cruz aims to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home while standing out in the lively downtown dining scene. By focusing on well-designed, consistent execution, Chef Mikey crafts familiar yet surprising dishes. His vision is to provide each guest with an unforgettable meal and experience, rooted in a genuine connection to the open kitchen and the community.
Starting June 14, Alderwood Santa Cruz will be open every Wednesday through Sunday from 5-9 PM at 155 Walnut Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.