Reef Dog Deli opens in Capitola Village

Tucked inside a side street in Capitola Village resides Reef Dog Deli, a brand new business that opened in December serving up gourmet craft sandwiches and much more.

Anthony Kresge started his chef journey with humble beginnings, starting as a dishwasher to eventually traveling to Europe to get his Masters in Culinary Arts certification.

Kresge has been in Santa Cruz for more than 30 years, consulting, working and helping local Santa Cruz businesses get a jump start in the food industry. But now it’s his time to showcase his delicious food with Reef Dog Deli.

The origin of the name comes from Kresge’s dog named Reef, who taught him how to love. Now he wants to bring his love to Santa Cruz by going above and beyond with each sandwich.

This is a whole family team effort, his wife, Jennet Kresge, makes all the Grab and Go meals and operates the logistics of the restaurant. His daughter, Maya, works the register, and Kresge along with Chef Leo makes the sandwich magic in the kitchen.

Let’s get to the sandwiches. My personal favorite is the Maestro Gíacamo, a cherrywood bacon porchetta sandwich with fennel, herbs, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette topped with greens on a toasted ciabatta roll. The Reefy’s sandwich is made with their house smoked brisket, and topped with sharp cheddar, stout onion relish and served between a toasted Jewish rye. Their version of a ham and cheese sandwich is their Julia’s Toastie, a Croque Monsieur, made with bone roasted ham with the perfect amount of Gruyere cheese.

You want chicken? Get their Foxy Loxy, smoked chicken, melted pepper jack, with achiote mayo.

Don’t miss out on their Grab and Go options. Homemade artichoke hummus, bread and butter jalapenos, and their delicious deviled egg salad. Soon they will offer full pick up meals that will change week to week. Visit @reefdogdeli on Instagram and check their website for updates.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Location: 311 Capitola Ave., Santa Cruz.

PHOTOS BY SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL — DANIEL JAHANGARD/@DOUBLEMEATPLEASE Reef Dog Deli’s Reefy’s sandwich is made with their house smoked brisket, and topped with sharp cheddar, stout onion relish and served between a toasted Jewish rye.

Reef Dog Deli’s Julia’s Toastie, a Croque Monsieur, made with bone roasted ham with the perfect amount of Gruyere cheese.

My personal favorite was Reef Dog Deli’s Maestro Gíacamo, a cherrywood bacon porchetta sandwich with fennel, herbs, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette topped with greens on a toasted ciabatta roll.

Reef Dog Deli’s House Smoked Turkey, cranberry compote BBQ sauce, melted pepper-jack cheese, Pickled root straw slaw, Achiote mayo, toasted ciabatta roll.