Avery Ruzicka, head baker and co-owner of Manresa Bread, shares the best places to eat, drink, and shop in and around Los Gatos, CA

Oak and Rye Pizza
Oak and Rye Pizza; Marc Donahue

After convincing David Kinch to let her take over Manresa’s baking (and impressing customers with her loaves), Avery Ruzicka now runs Silicon Valley’s lauded Manresa Bread, where she sources local grains, mills her own flour, and champions a natural fermentation process—and still makes loaves that wow.

Do

Ruzicka is a fan of the Lexington Reservoir County Park for its scenic lake views. You can also find her at the Los Gatos Certified Farmers’ Market (pictured above), which takes place around the town square every Sunday. “I’ll pick up some local cheese, fruit, and a loaf of bread before heading to Vasona Park.”

Drink

For a daytime pick-me-up, Ruzicka heads to Juice Co. LG (above) for fresh-pressed juices. She uses the shop as a meet-up spot before strolling downtown with friends. “Zona Rosa is another little gem in town for a light lunch and a daytime drink,” Ruzicka says. Her favorite place to go for inventive late-night cocktails is The Lexington House.

Eat

The Bywater; Elizabeth Birnbaum

Ruzicka is a regular at Oak and Rye Pizza, a family-owned restaurant focusing on wood-fired pies and small plates. She especially loves their Italian and California-focused wine list. Another favorite is The Bywater, Manresa chef-owner David Kinch’s ode to New Orleans. “I love going here after a baking session for broiled oysters, po’ boys, and a glass of Champagne.”

Shop

One local boutique that Ruzicka loves is Prim (above), where she scouts for chic clothing from a collection of California designers. For fresh flowers, she heads to Bunches. “This place has at least 12 different varieties of flowers to choose from year-round,” Ruzicka says.