In these challenging times it is always good to get fresh hot food at prices that don't burn. I recommend you try these heart centered "mom & pop" establishments. Blessings and Pass It On.
Unfortunately the downturn in the economy has brought the best and the worst out and made business owners (especially lodging) very competitive. If you feel you have been unfairly treated by a "greedy or arrogant" business owner in Mendocino then please let me know by leaving a message at (707) 522-0550 or email me at Robert@northofsf.com - I will get back to you. Thank You and Please Remember to Travel in Love and Gratitude . . .
Delicious thin crust meat or vegetarian pizza by the slice $2.75 - $4.50; nutrituous organic mixed green salads with olives, cucumbers, cranberries, walnuts and red bell peppers $5.95; cheese & chip nachos $5.03; 1/2 order Falafel $4.28 and sumptuous fresh fruit smoothies with strawberries, blackberries, bananas and apple juice $5.25.
This community and environmentally conscious, child and dog friendly, fun and safe haven is centrally located in the village of Mendocino. Owners Ruth Rosenblum and S.A. Ephraim offer excellent servings of reasonably priced nutritional and organic comfort food. This combination cafe, hang-out, pizza and ice cream parlor features indoor - outdoor seating or take-out and is a great place to take a break or plan the rest of your day. Organic coffee and tea, locally made award winning ice creams, delicious pizza by the slice, hearty soups, organic garden fresh salads, delicious homemade falafel, light entrees (try the Indonesia wrap) and local beer and wine by the glass are served (organic ingredients used whenever possible). The thin crust pizza is outstanding and named after popular local surf spots - try the Virgin Creek - house made pesto, mozzarella, fresh spinach, mushrooms, olives, caramelized onions & herbs. There is weekly live music, poetry readings, story telling and always free wireless internet. Stop in and meet a bright future - Ruth, S.A. and son Yoel.
For travelers wanting to soak up local atmosphere along with quality food, the Mendocino Bakery and Cafe is a great find. Local chatter, steamy windows and rustling newspapers create the Bakery's ambiance, but its the smell of fresh baked goods that will draw you in. Delicious thin crust meat or vegetarian pizza by the slice $3.00 - $4.50; nutrituous organic mixed green salads with olives, cucumbers and shreded carrots $4.95; delicious homemade gourmet soups $4.50 - $5.50, Baby Breakfast Burrito - eggs, potatoes, jack cheese in a brown rice tortilla $5.95, spinach, mushroom, tofu pouch $4.50 - YUM! The Mendocino Bakery and Cafe, which is owned by Thanksgiving Coffee Company is a pioneer in Fair Trade and "Bird Friendly" organically grown coffee.
One of the very few safety nets for the homeless and hungry is the Presbyterian Church in Mendocino. Occassionally, if the church office is lucky to receive donations, the staff will have a few $10 vouchers for emergency food or gas to be used to get to work or for medical care (go upstairs in the two story home office just southeast of the main church). A delicious hot breakfast is provided on Wednesdays by local innkeeper and decon Rich from Auberege Mendocino and the church volunteers serve the hot buffet breakfast, catch up on the "weeks adventures" the homeless have had and pour hot coffee or milk and juice in the warm and cozy dining room. From the church food pantry homeless or needy persons can receive canned goods, supplies and pet food for their dog or cat on the same morning till 11am.
There is also a year-round community organic garden you can forage in up on the hill just north of the downtown cemetery. At the Wednesday nite AA and NA meetings you can get hot coffee and treats. Several restaurants in Mendocino are known to help the homeless with shelter, an occassional meal and surplus food at the end of the day. Of special note are the compassionate owners and staff at Moody's Internet Cafe, Frankies and the Mendocino Cafe who privately sponsor their "favorite" resident homeless in Mendocino. Fort Bragg, which is 10 miles to the north as the crow flies, has a larger safety net and emergency shelter for the homeless. Inquire at the Mendocino Presbyterian or Catholic Church offices.