by Christina Waters | Jul 4, 2009 | Food, Holidays |
Muriel and Michel of Au Midi invite all of their friends and patrons to come to the great French summer fest known as Bastille Day — Tuesday, July 14th, naturellement!
The intimate Aptos bistro will be open that evening by reservation only, for a limited seating of French food, music and ambience. The holiday menu includes chilled gazpacho, paella Provençal, and fig tart — for a special prix fixe of $25 per person (tax & tip not included).
Allons enfants de la Patrie!
Au Midi is located at 7960 Soquel Drive (behind the Aptos Cinema). 831-685-2600
by Christina Waters | Jul 1, 2009 | Home |
Summer solstice.
Chilled sauvignon blanc, cucumbers in hummus, flame grapes, crackers and a selection of robust and intriguing cheeses. How lucky of me to have a friend whose greenhouse balcony provided all of the above — a friend whose hedonistic instincts are exceeded only by her impeccable taste.
Thinking outside the usual Stonehenge or Tikal cliché —I think a summer ritual has been born.
by Christina Waters | Jul 1, 2009 | Home |
Having as much fun as their neighbors, Kelly and Mark Sanchez managed to pull off one of the biggest block parties in Westside history.
by Christina Waters | Jul 1, 2009 | Food, Home |
Obviously it was an idea whose time had arrived. The idea of an outdoor community dinner seemed simple enough. But who knew that it would be so wildly popular that even before the 6pm start time the long table between Kelly’s and its companion wineries was packed. Grills were blazing, families had staked out turf on the long, long table — which was quickly joined by every piece of furniture the popular bakery-bistro could find.
The idea of inviting folks to bring their own glasses, plates and utensils, to purchase dinner dishes from a variety of tempting open-air stations, and then to just somehow go with the happy chaotic flow – well it worked. Gloriously.
Everyone seemed willing to play, and the warm summer evening helped everything 
work. From across the parking lot, Cellar Door chef Charlie Parker (shown here in white) set up a station offering gorgeous fingerfood as well as the inventive wines of Randall Grahm.
Always willing to take chances, to create little islands of social warmth and to never take themselves too seriously – Mark and Kelly Sanchez just keep getting it right.
by Christina Waters | Jun 28, 2009 | Home, Wine |
Thanks to a vigilant field informant, I discovered this delightfully drinkable and seriously affordable Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The 2008 Vin-Koru is 12.8% alcohol and loaded with lemongrass and pepper. The central core of minerals and salt leads to a very lively finish of tart peaches and fennel. This could be your new summer tipple — and for $5.99, it is definitely one of mine. Check TJs.
