by Christina Waters | May 5, 2010 | Home |
They’re neighbors. Friends. Share common interests. Even collaborated on a restaurant concept together. And now they’ve both won prestigious James Beard Foundation awards.
They would be winemaker Randall Grahm, whose recent, word-twisting memoir Been Doon So Long has taken the Best Wine Book award, and chef David Kinch of Manresa, named Best Chef/Pacific division. That Grahm and Kinch are at the top of their game will come as no surprise to those of us fortunate enough to graze in their pastures.
But it’s still a sweet honor.
Kudos.
by Christina Waters | May 4, 2010 | Art |
Join music lovers and amphibiophiles Sunday afternoon, May 16, from 2:30 to 5:30
at the17-acre Mt. Madonna estate of Sam and Terry Wright for a gala New Music Works al fresco concert. Among the highlights will be NMW founder Philip Collins’
Frog Requiem, a piece for 11 instruments, soprano and narrator, dedicated to
those frog species which have succumbed to extinction in recent years.Â
 The benefit concert—performed in a bona fide frog pond—will be preceded by a tasting of wines and hors d’oeuvres from top restaurants and winemakers , combined with a tour of the Wrights’ English garden. A donation of $100 per person is requested, 100% of which will go to support the New Music Works non-profit founded by Collins 31 years ago. Tickets may be reserved by calling Barbara Burkhart at 335-1429.
 Composer Collins was moved to write (more…)
by Christina Waters | Apr 27, 2010 | Art, Home |
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.
by Christina Waters | Apr 27, 2010 | Food |
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…)
by Christina Waters | Apr 26, 2010 | Home, Wine |
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.
