Summer & Smoke: Vintage 2008

Summer & Smoke: Vintage 2008

by | Jun 23, 2010 | Home, Wine | 1 comment

cigare.jpgThe 2008 installment of Bonny Doon Vineyard’s Le Cigare Blanc has been released just in time for serious summer relaxing.

An initial tasting provided an opening hit of honeydew, chased with sea salt and finished with some quince, lime and light jasmine. At 57% Roussane (for the depth) and 43% Grenache blanc (for crisp structure) this wine exudes a perfect balance among citrus, fruit and minerals. Its 14.3% alcohol delivers without equivocation.

This wine just can’t lose. (more…)

Kelly’s Dinner Market – Sat. June 26

Kelly’s Dinner Market – Sat. June 26

by | Jun 23, 2010 | Food | 0 comments

dinnermarket.jpgCeviche tostados from H&H Fresh Fish—sausage sandwiches from El Salchichero – brie and olives from New Leaf – and Kelly’s cream puffs with fresh strawberries for dessert.

This is only part of the al fresco menu coming up this Saturday at the expanded Dinner Market at Kelly’s on the Westside.

Along with wines (and beer) from all of the outstanding artisanal wineries who share this lively block, from Bonny Doon to Vino Tabi, the Dinner Market is THE way to see your friends, organic farmers, favorite restaurants, and even enjoy some live music and dancing.

It all starts at 5:30pm – admission is free. You pay vendors as you choose your dinner items—don’t forget to bring glasses, plates & utensils.402 Ingalls St @ Swift, in Santa Cruz. Questions? call 423-9059, ext. 102.  See you there!

Gourmet Gossip

by | Jun 22, 2010 | Food, Home | 0 comments

Okay, not really gossip, just more like mini-updates. Bites, if you will.

I’m hearing very good things about Brad Briske‘s new gig over at Main Street Garden Cafe (the old Theo’s). And I’m hearing them from extremely discerning gourmets, such as Windy Oaks’ Judy Schultze. . . the word I’m getting is cautiously optimistic about the new Burger joint (literally, “Burger” is the name) housed at the corner of Bay & Mission (former Kawa Sushi) . . . and a reminder that cooking ace Marilyn Emery has moved her delicious kiosk Al Fresco up Pacific Avenue. Now she’s whipping up fresh and spicy wraps directly in front of Bookshop Santa Cruz. . . . And finally, I’m going to be checking out the latest new chef at Gabriella, Michael Kilmartin, who stepped in after the departure of the recently-hired Kynan Campisi. Details at eleven.