Shhh...Don't Tell the Tourists ....There is Great Fast Food in Santa Cruz

The sign on thekiosk, outside Pacific Wave surf shop downtown is irresistible: "Ready in 45 seconds to 2 minutes."

But this isn't just fast food. It's really healthy and cheap. It's this downtown lover's go-to meal when I'm feeling like being super healthy and quck about it. Also, when I want to eat outdoors and watch the great runway show that is Pacific Avenue. (New trend spotted: Face tatoos. I've seen two in two days.)

Owner Marilyn Strayer has been in the business for 11 years, moving two years ago.

That part of town, which she dubbed "Hippie Corner," was getting too seedy for an outdoor business.

She replaced what was formerly a hot dog stand with a healthier menu, but still produced quickly so that working people could feel comfortable stopping off for lunch.

Some of her menu's greatest hits include vegetarian Paella for $6.50; a brown rice bowl with salad, tofu, shitake mushrooms and peanut sauce for $7.75; a mushroom and goat cheese rice bowl for $5.95; and an assortment of wraps for $4.95.

The portions are as sizable as the prices are reasonable. In other words, it's a steal.

OK, tell the tourists. You know they'd rather eat here than Chick-fil-A.