by Christina Waters | Nov 28, 2009 | Food, Home |
Richly flavored and colorful, the large (16oz) jars of Happy Girl Kitchen heirloom tomatoes called out to me last Saturday as I strolled the Westside Farmers Market. I plunked down $10 and took home a jar.
Later that evening, half the jar of crimson and orange pomadori surrounded a large filet of local halibut (from H&H) topped with chopped kalamatas, capers and oregano, for a terrific “mixed grill” dinner. And the other half jar remained to go into a luxurious marinara later that week.
Well. Those organic tomatoes, full of the end-of-summer, roasted into complete sweetness and intensity.
Happy Girl Kitchen also makes vibrant jams, plus canned and pickled veggies. Visit them on-line, or at any number of local farmers markets, and at Staff of Life and Food Bin.
by Christina Waters | Nov 28, 2009 | Home |
Everybody has a fall-back position, restaurant-wise. A reliably accessible dining spot that offers enough range to please both the pickiest vegetarian and the unapologetic carnivore. Prices that don’t induce psycho-motor epilepsy, flavors that amaze, and hopefully some glamorous ambience in the bargain.
Lately our dining spot to meet friends, or to take out-of-town guests is The Cellar Door, the vivacious cafe at the back of Bonny Doon Vineyard’s Tasting Room.
It seems to work well, this idea that you dine at communal tables (set for six+), you may order a substantial $35 prix fixe dinner, or graze your way through a long, long alacarte menu, (pictured is a deceptively simple pizza margarita with Bellwether ricotta and a perfect crust) just like we have done the past two Sundays.
Armed with some albariño, or a white Cigare for starters, we have feasted on (more…)
by Christina Waters | Nov 18, 2009 | Home, Wine |
Check out the review of Randall Grahm’s wonderful Been Doon So Long in yesterday’s
New York Times (I’ve just given you the link to the specific article.)
by Christina Waters | Nov 15, 2009 | Home, Wine |
Ridge Vineyards continues to own the New World incarnation of Bordeaux blends, and this beautiful 2005 marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon ((58%) and Merlot (42%) knocked us out the other night, paired with a choice bit grass-fed rib-eye steak. We don’t eat a lot of beef, nor drink much cab. But these exceptions deserved each other.
This estate blend, made from Monte Bello Ridge grapes, is a masterpiece of tannic core that billows out — okay, so it takes half a day for full opening — into a cushion of leather, roses and rich briary details. At 13.7% alcohol, it is big enough but not overpowering. Worth its $40 pricetag (VinoCruz stocks this gem) it might be one of the items that Santa should be thinking about. For under the tree, or on the table to accompany Christmas Day roast beef.
by Christina Waters | Nov 11, 2009 | Food, Home |
Come join former Lick Observatory director-turned-winemaker Joe Miller & company, for the Grand Opening of Hillcrest Terrace Winery on November 14 from 12:30-6:00 pm, when there will be an opportunity to taste the wines, grab some food, and watch Mayor Cynthia Mathews cut the ceremonial ribbon. The winery is located at 429B Ingalls Street — yes, THAT Ingalls Street, where the action apparently never stops. Hillcrest Terrace will be open for tasting, etc. on Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5pm, and most Friday afternoons (831-426-1500). . . . And for those of us waiting breathlessly for the next great thing at La Posta, the wait is over. The new chef’s name is Catherine Stern, and she’s fresh from Scotland, where she spent quality time in a two-star kitchen. Details coming soon. . . . According to a family source, the chef of the recently closed In Vino Veritas has left Scotts Valley in a big hurry, if you get my drift. Meanwhile, his old place in the Felton Guild is back up and running as an Italian restaurant once again. . . .When in Aptos, you might want to peruse the Autumn Artisans Faire – Friday, Nov. 13 7-10pm (that’s the preview party with hors d’oeuvres/$10), and Saturday, Nov. 14 10am-4pm (free), at the Aptos United Methodist Church. These folks promise a Christmas-worth of fine arts and handcrafts by talented local artists, plus live music, a silent auction and munchies for purchase. Full details are at the website.
by Christina Waters | Nov 9, 2009 | Food, Home |
The Backstage Lounge – the latest exciting idea in dining entertainment from David Jackman, is open for dinner 5-10pm nightly serving Asian-inspired dishes, with beer on tap and a few good wines. The opening menu features wraps, rolls, potstickers, pork ribs and roast duck – unexpected dishes, perhaps, but interactive and spicy.
You know where the Rio Theatre is? (hint: 1205 Soquel Ave, in eastside Santa Cruz) The Backstage Lounge is right next door.
