The Nikolaihoff Grüner Veltliner now on the chalkboard at Avanti is one of those stunning Austrian varietals that gives white wine a good name.
Light and loaded with flint and chalk, this light alcohol beauty also packs tones of jasmine and nectarine into to its ultra-dry mix.
While sampling this goes-with-anything varietal I learned that Katy Cater has a new show of atmospheric black and white photographs at Riva on the wharf. Another reason to hit the waves.
The Homeless Services Center’s 11th Annual Soupline Supper and Benefit Auction is coming up on Thursday, April 29, 5:30-7:30 ($25) at the Cocoanut Grove on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. After ten years tradition at the Holy Cross Parish hall, this is the first year at a new venue. What hasn’t changed about this annual extravaganza of delicious soups, breads, and desserts from some of Santa Cruz’s best restaurants and bakeries, is the dizzying array of auction items and amazing variety. Plus I’ll be there serving soup beautiful soup.
This year’s auction includes Disneyland passes, a personal retreat at Esalen Institute, (more…)
From Poetic Cellars comes this powerhouse of a Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blend, the 2007Â Mantra, made from Livermore Valley grapes by Katy Lovell.
A graceful yet sturdy red, Mantra exudes a fragrant meatiness, with cassis and pepper balanced by minerals. Use it as you would any decent Rhône wine, with lamb, cheese, pasta.
Hurry on up to the gorgeous Poetic Cellars tasting room and pick up one of the few remaining bottles — $34.
Winemaker Bradley Brown continues to capture the attention of influential Wine Spectator tasters. His 2007 Odeon Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah/Cab blend won a 93 ranking by WS (see the current May 2010 issue). And his 2007 Santa Cruz Mountains Mandala Syrah took a 91.
I say run out and grab some of these remarkable Santa Cruz Mountains creations while they’re still priced under $45.
Kudos Bradley!
Gardening Workshop on April 25: Home gardeners listen up! Get some fresh ideas at a Spring Gardening Workshop on Sunday, April 25 from 10 am to 1 pm at the UCSC Farm.UCSC’s Alan Chadwick Garden manager Orin Martin and gardening instructor Trish Hildinger will lead this lecture and demonstration workshop. The focus will be on spring and early summer crops, including (more…)
A book of sensory adventure: The rituals, passions and discoveries of an engaged life.