by Christina Waters | Jan 25, 2007 | Home |
The salsa stains had barely been cleaned up from the late, unlamented Baja Fresh, when the infrastructure for a new east Indian eatery called Sitar moved in. It’s no mystery why a taco chain failed in a landscape blessed with a huge array of authentic Mexican taquerias. The word “duh” comes to mind. What were they thinking? Any time a generic establishment bites the dust here in our enchanted neck of the woods, it’s occasion to give thanks. Sacrifice a chicken. Light some candles. Whatever sort of “thank you” your household gods favor. No word from the Sitar folks on when they plan to open, but from the look of the interior, it could be any minute now.
Also Aptos residents — and the rest of the county for that matter — can look forward to a new Eastern Mediterranean culinary bazaar to open in April. On the site of the former Breadstix, the new spice island will be called Zameen — decor by Mimi Snowden. Stay tuned.
by Christina Waters | Jan 25, 2007 | Food, Home |
I accidentally struck gold the other evening when I had no time to cook, but refused to jump in the car and head for KFC. So I picked up a package of Santa Cruz’ own Pasta Mike’s fresh Three Cheese and Spinach Raviolis ($4.89 for a two-meal package). How could I lose? (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 19, 2007 | Home |
Last week I told you that the restless, talented chef Giovanni Di Maio (formerly of the splendid Bella Napoli) was now cooking at Il Pirata in Capitola. He is. I went there for my birthday dinner. Dean Martin crooning “Ritorn’a me” and a very amiable waitress greeting us, we were optimistic. Here’s the deal — and I hope you can help me out here. What do you do with a gifted chef in an unpromising location? (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 19, 2007 | Home |
Is it just me, or is the River Street Sign still the ugliest thing in Christendom? (How’s that for a politically incorrect phrase?) – Nah, I know for sure that it ain’t just me.
It’s been too long since we all collectively kvetched and vented concerning this colossel civic eyesore. Not to mention the procession of equally odious street lights, each yellower than the next. (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 19, 2007 | Food, Home |
Has this happened to you? We’re sitting in the boisterous interior of Sushi Totoro, on the Westside of Santa Cruz, winding down a dinner of saba and hamachi, listening to Bob Marley. All was well. But just as I picked up my last piece of nigiri, chopsticks still in my hand, my wooden plate was grabbed and whisked away. I mean while I was still chewing! (more…)
