Give your eyes a plein air odyssey, at the 79th Annual Statewide Exhibit, filling the Santa Cruz Art League from May 30-June 28.
Irreplaceable Places: Contemporary Landscape Painters of California — showcases fine work from some of California’s leading landscape painters, including Santa Cruz painter Pat Woodman, a virtuoso of clouds.
Reception: Saturday, June 6, 3-5pm (more…)
That would be Bonny Doon Vineyard’s Cellar Door — where Friday night hosted out-of-towners and locals, artists — including “Cigare” sculptor Michael Leeds, who sat directly under his distinctive metal creation (see post below) — and robust ultra-fresh dishes (shown is what’s left of our beef panzanella salad with arugula and fresh peas) that perfectly matched the wines (in this case, the 2004 Cigare).
A terrific time – all the curved tasting bars were full, and each of the family-style tables was packed with new-found best friends. Kudos to chef Charlie Parker and his amazing staff — quite an achievement for this brand new cafe concept. Three courses, prix fixe, $28. Plus the small plates menu.
Make a res immediately, or risk being hopelessly out of the culinary loop.
Cellar Door Cafe – 831.425-4518 – 3-course, prix fixe dinners Thurs – Sunday.
Also opening this week is a substantial group show exploring the human figure. Nine area professionals, including abstract expressionist Claire Thorson (a true clairvoyant), show their work at five Santa Cruz County Bank locations, through September 4.
Curated by Joan Blackmer, the show features an Artists’ Reception, June 3 – 5:30-7:30pm, at the 720 Front Street location. . . .
and don’t miss the second installment of the Digital Arts/New Media InterACTIVATE exhibition, Opening Reception Friday, June 5, 6:30-8:30pm (free and open to the public). The show is a collection of MFA thesis presentations from UCSC’s digital artists, all astonishing, all tech.
The all-Fiestaware platters, bowls and plates at Cellar Door Cafe somehow enhance the colorful, regional ambience of this new Westside magnet.
A velvety puree of broccoli, with a float of crème fraiche — nice partner for Ca’del Solo’s Le Cigare Blanc.
Most dishes rarely taste as good as they look. Except the ones at Gabriella, dreamed up with fresh attitude by chef Brad Briske.
Consider this supple halibut creation. Adolescent beet sprouts, micro-zest of lemon, drizzles of scented oils – unbelievable.
This dish — shared last week with soon-to-be-ex-pat Dan Dickmeyer — tasted even better than it looks. The accompanying Hunter Hill blend of viognier and roussanne didn’t hurt one bit, either.
A book of sensory adventure: The rituals, passions and discoveries of an engaged life.