by Christina Waters | Jun 11, 2008 | Food, Home, Travel |
Barstow is one of those places whose very name sounds like the middle of nowhere. And it just about is. However, if you pass through there at lunchtime — as we did last week — you can do a whole lot worse than pull into the parking lot of IHOP and head for one of those cozy booths.
Here we were in the middle of a 21st century Norman Rockwell, and decided to eat in that spirit. All of you who assume that I’m a food snob, take note: I inhaled my IHOP breakfast of eggs over medium, bacon, pancakes, the works.
A smart, swift server made sure we were completely satisfied with our perfectly cooked eggs, guilty pleasure strips of delicious bacon, outstanding homefries and better-than-decent cups of coffee. My short stack of buttermilk pancakes was frankly wonderful. So there!
When in Barstow, IHOP is your friend. (You’ll feel very David Lynch.)
by Christina Waters | Jun 10, 2008 | Food, Home |
You’ve noticed that food prices have gone up, up and up?
So do something about it!
*Stop eating so much meat. Just stop it! Think of chicken, fish, pork and lamb as protein accessories, with fresh, seasonal veggies and whole grains as the main attraction.
*Only shop for what’s in season – and that means stop craving asparagus in November, or red peppers in May. We only buy organic and natural foods – so that means we’re already paying higher prices (and worth every blessed penny) than those of you who comb the mega-aisles of Costco. But we don’t pig out on luxury meats when free-range chicken, or fresh local seafoods will do.
*Buy perishables in small amounts – enough salad greens or fresh fruit for the next few days – and in small containers. Buying smaller containers means less waste, which can more than recover the slightly higher per unit costs of smaller containers.
* No imports, buy local – Sure there are obvious fair trade import exceptions, but in general local and seasonal gets you more flavor and value bang for the buck. Plus it keeps local small growers adding to the local tax base. Can’t live without artisanal cheese? Try local and Bay Area cheeses, instead of French imports.
* Give up that daily latté habit – Make it a once-a-week treat to stop at your favorite coffeehouse for a double royale with whipped cream. You’ll save a bundle. (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jun 4, 2008 | Food, Home |
Farm & Garden Organic Produce Cart – Summer’s here and the bounty from UCSC’s Agroecology apprentice program is back at the corner of Bay & high Streets, every Tuesday and Friday, noon to 6pm. Flowers, herbs, infant lettuces, chards, onions, strawberries — the array changes week by week. But the quality remains exceptional. Come meet the student growers and check out what’s fresh and in season.
by Christina Waters | Jun 4, 2008 | Art |
01SJ is North America’s newest and largest festival of digital arts featuring transformative and provocative new works from world-renowned artists and performers at the cross-section of contemporary art, technology, and culture.
This year’s blazing Zero One digital extravaganza features UCSC’s Digital Arts & New Media 2008 MFA Exhibition – Bureau of Disruptions — involving the work of 14 tech pioneers.
It opens today — noon to 10pm — at the Comerica Building – 333 W. Santa Clara Street in downtown San Jose.
by Christina Waters | May 26, 2008 | Art |
IRWIN Scholars 2008
MAY 28 – JUNE 14
Opening Reception: Wednesday, May 28 5-7PM; Awards: 6PM
Check out this year’s Irwin Scholarship exhibition at the UCSC Sesnon Gallery in Porter College, featuring twelve of UCSC’s most promising artists working in painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, installation and electronic media.
This year’s Irwin recipients are: Misha Capecchi, Seth Charles, Julia Fredenburg, Levi Goldman, Andrew Herbig, Serena Mitnik-Miller, (more…)
