The dining adventure known as Peachwood's, began in July of 1991, when David Smith took over the restaurant adjacent to the Inn at Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz. David brought two decades of experience to the job…experience that started in Kansas City, Missouri where David managed country clubs and a Mexican restaurant while, at the same time, he was a chemistry professor at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He also owned the Triple Crown, a successful horse racing-themed, Kansas City-style steakhouse, which he opened and then managed. David's staff there included ten other educators who taught all day and then worked at the restaurant at night to supplement their income. During his 15 year tenure at the Triple Crown, David developed a number of original recipes and close relationships with family farmers and ranchers, all of which he brought to Santa Cruz and to Peachwood's.
David still buys many of his ingredients from those same family farmers, now in their second generation. His beef comes from Kansas City, his pork form Omaha, his lamb from New Zealand, and his calamari from Australia. His ribs are slow-smoked for eight hours in a Peachwood's smoker. Why peach wood? Because, as David explains it, "It's a hard wood in abundance in California. More peaches are grown here than anywhere else in the U.S. and the wood provides just a hint of flavor. Much like the use of apple wood in the Midwest."
You'll definitely get that sense of the Midwest during your Peachwood's dining experience. In addition to a menu brimming with creative, hearty comfort food, distinguished by unique flavors and textures, the distinctive décor is over-stuffed and homey, and the service is characteristic of Midwestern hospitality. Of course, that should be no surprise…most of his staff has been with him for a decade including many that have been here from the start. Every course has a purpose—from the peach fritter to the soup AND salad, from the sorbet to the main course to the most incredible house-made desserts.
In the main dining room, the quirky combination of clocks (all set to chime at different times) and Mickey Mouse (reminiscent of the happiest place on earth) are, if nothing else, purposeful conversation starters. As David will tell you, part of his vision for Peachwood's is to bring "conversation back to the table."
All of these touches are then infused into every wedding or other special event held at Peachwood's. They offer one place to do it all. Starting in the gazebo in the beautifully landscaped garden, then the deck where guests can enjoy appetizers overlooking the wedding party taking pictures, and then the reception area where all the attention to detail comes together with David's amazing food and the staff's impeccable service. It's an unmatched recipe for success.
For lunch, dinner, or Sunday Brunch, or a special event to be remembered, Peachwood's in Santa Cruz is ready to serve.