by Christina Waters | Feb 23, 2010 | Home |
There they are again, those folkloric musicologists the Rangells, fingers flying in the central windowfront nook at The Buttery last Sunday morning. Along with the area’s most sought-after musical collaborator, Irene Herrmann (show at left, Paul center, Emily at right) on yet another mandolin, the trio filled the eastside coffee & pastry mecca with intricately upbeat music for a rainy day.
Come by any Sunday and prepare to stay a while.
It is not exactly a hardship lingering a while at The Buttery, where I often meet fellow book fanatics over danish and French roast. The atmosphere is unbeatable.
by Christina Waters | Feb 23, 2010 | Home |
The precocious gifts of extreme abstract oil painter Ian Pines are on exhibit for the next two weeks down at UCLA‘s New Wight Gallery. Pines, who graduated three years ago from UCSC with a BA in Art, is completing his MFA degree down south with a new suite of large-scale abstractions loaded with gesture, color and conceptual vigor.
Pictured here is Pines’ 48 x 96 inch masterwork entitled Vault of Heaven.
If you’re in LA next week don’t miss the chance to feast on Pines’ robust paintings.
by Christina Waters | Feb 16, 2010 | Home |
When Mark Sanchez of Kelly’s Bakery told me that artisanal meat guy Chris la Veque was coming to the Westside, I had to check it out. And it’s true! La Veque’s amazing hand-butchered cured meats and salames have graced the kitchens of Gabriella, Cellar Door and farmer’s markets around the area. Now la Veque is getting serious.
“Yes, I am going to be part of the Westside complex,” la Veque told me this morning. “It’ll be a full-on butcher shop,” and that means salumi, smoked meats, bacon, hams, fresh sausages, “all local and humanely-raised” la Veque added.
Patience, charcuterie fans. I too want el Salchichero open on the Westside next week! But, “and I’m being optimistic,” la Veque confessed, “it will probably be open the first of July.”
Another reason why we live in Santa Cruz.
by Christina Waters | Feb 15, 2010 | Home, Movies |
A riddle in the key of repression – and destined to win a few Oscars.
“Director Michael Haneke believes that one generation’s moral decay is rarely eradicated, but lingers submerged in the collective unconscious until future events trigger its return. In a German village on the verge of World War I a series of random events ignites suspicion, violence and strange punishment. The ripening mood of paranoia and retaliation tears apart the village fabric, until the messes are covered up and control regained. As a forensic allegory of hypocrisy, longing, and disappointment, The White Ribbon owns a place in the short list of all-time unforgettable films.”
That’s how I began my review of The White Ribbon — you can read the entire piece in the current Santa Cruz Weekly. And no matter how many people try to scare you off, don’t miss this gorgeous and provocative film.
I’m so tired of people saying to me, “yes, but it’s in black and white,” as if describing some sort of physical deformity. (more…)
by Christina Waters | Feb 15, 2010 | Food, Home |
Here we are again, swilling the sushi and sashimi at Kawa Sushi (corner of Mission & Bay).
It’s pretty hard to beat the incredible protein & wasabi hit of this menu. Service is outstanding, the tables are generously spaced, and you can actually carry on a conversation over the Santa Cruz Roll, the tekka maki with shiso and a sashimi combo appetizer.
The $1 prices on small sakes during weekday happy hour add extra incentive to feast at this reliable sushi bar.
