Curatorial Cunning

Curatorial Cunning

Just to prove to you that UCSC arts scholars are messing withshelby.jpg traditional art categories – check out this installation of day-glo orange cones. That’s Sesnon Gallery Director Shelby Graham doing the finishing touches.

At the Irwin Scholars 2009 show — reception May 27, 5-7pm. On exhibit through June 13.

Featuring the award-winning artwork of:

Dana Ashton, Jory Bidart, Ben Blair, Ivan Yi-Heng Huang, Anna Huemmer (the cone queen), Jordan Jurich, Conner MacPhee, Maya Manvi, Danni Tsuboi, Jordan Tynes, Bryce Walker, Vince Waring and Mathew Zefeldt.

Beyond Cheap: Wine for our times

Beyond Cheap: Wine for our times

Up front let me say that while this week’s cheap wine discovery — acheapwine.jpg serviceable Nero d’Avola from Ruggero di Tasso — is not nearly as chewy and robust as the phenomenal Phenom (see post below), it is waaaaay better than almost any $3.99 wine on the planet.

For less than four dollars, you’ll experience a nose of blackberries, a central core of Santa Rosa plums and a decent amount of spice, all packed into a 13% alc. slice of Sicily. This wine could save your budget at the next bbq or large-scale pasta dinner. Chase it with plenty of marinara and your palate will barely know the difference.

At TJs.

MoBo

MoBo

When that mad scramble for the new and the trendy gets tiring, it’s timemobo.jpg to get back to basics.

Mobo Sushi is not only as good as it ever was, it’s now even bigger. Gone are those beloved (or maddening, depending upon your POV) tiered seats. Now Mobo has expanded all the way to the edge of its property. Tons of room, gorgeous, impeccable sushi.

For when that inevitable craving for sushi brings you to your knees.

Mobo Sushi – 105 River, Santa Cruz 425-1700.

Phenom @ Shoppers

Phenom @ Shoppers

phenom.jpgThe name says it all – Phenom.

A too-good-to-be-only-$4.99 wine.

Phenom – 2006 Napa Valley Syrah (at least that’s what it says on the label). Deep purple black in hue, this “isolated 400 case production” is loaded with tannins, dark berries and a cedar finish.

That phrase – “isolated 400 case production” – leads one to suspect that this ‘phenomenal’ bargain ($4.99!) is a clear case of surplus grapes looking for a good home. We, you and I dear reader, are the beneficiaries of nature’s glut. Even for a hefty alcohol wine (14.7%) it shows no vapidity. The structure hangs tight and offers enough fruit, spice and yes, even grip, to partner whatever you’ve got going on. Except maybe scallops.

Thank you Wally Goldfrank (one discerning bargain-hunter) for this outstanding tip. At Shoppers Corner.

I did say $4.99 a bottle. The deal of this, or any other recession.

Get on over to Shoppers and load up! I may have left you a few bottles….