The Sunrise Café is a cornerstone of the downtown Soquel community that combines classic breakfast and dinner fare with an ambiance invigorated by jazz music floating in the background. Lynn Zhomg has been a co-owner for 25 years and describes the place as a warm gathering place with a dynamic staff. Some popular breakfast choices are their scrambles, Sunnyside homemade fries with different toppings, and a traditional thin waffle filled with yogurt and fresh fruit. The lunch menu is highlighted by a Philly Cheese Steak, classic turkey fondant and their village chicken with mushrooms and homemade bacon vinaigrette. The opening hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday / Sunday for indoor and outdoor meals and take-out. Zhomg not only has a deep love for the Soquel community, but also for music, and has spoken to GT recently on the meeting of these two passions at the Sunrise Café.

Tell me about your love for music and its role in your restaurant?
LYNN ZHOMG: I think music and food go hand in hand, because they both provide a living for the soul. I play mostly jazz which really energizes my spirit and has a very ingrained and rich tradition and culture which is great to carry on. Food nourishes you, and music is part of this nurturing process as well. I have many posters of jazz musicians in the restaurant, and although they are no longer physically alive, their spirits are alive forever and it inspires not only me, but staff and guests as well.

Can you tell us about Soquel and the restaurant setting?
I graduated from UCSC with a major in Economics and was working in San Jose, but I loved the Soquel community and it was a big draw to be able to own a part of it. The people here are really helping and supporting each other, especially in these difficult times of a pandemic. So many customers have thanked us for staying in business and providing a place to come and eat and chat, and that this brings them so much peace and comfort. The Heart of Soquel Park is also right behind the restaurant. It has beautiful trails that run along Soquel Creek and picnic tables where people can take their food and eat outside in nature with the sun.

4718 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-462-0466; sunrisecafesoquel.com