by Christina Waters | Jan 27, 2011 | Home |
and plenty of it.
Starting this Wednesday, February 2, there’s a reception for the opening of two shows at the Sesnon Gallery in Porter College. Free. One features a retrospective of the pioneer video installation genius of Ant Farm founder Chip Lord, whose most recent large-scale work was a commission for LAX. Come see the elegant videographer/conceptual prankster discuss “Public Spaces” at a reception from 5-6:45pm. . . . Next door catch the collection of intaglio masterworks by the late painter, surfer, magician Geoff Morten, in Sesnon’s Faculty Gallery. . . . But wait! There’s more!
On Thursday, February 3, über actor, director and professor of Theater Arts Paul Whitworth is the honored presenter of this year’s 45th Annual UC Santa Cruz Faculty Research Lecture, “To Be… and… Not to Be.â€Â That’s at 6pm on the UCSC Mainstage Theater.
And starting on Friday, February 4, the public is invited to come and feast on a three-day series of discussion, talks, films, performances and exhibitions all celebrating the extraordinarily creative life of composer, mentor and author Paul Bowles (shown above). Highlights will include the live performances of song, string ensemble and two-piano works to be held at the Music Center’s Recital Hall. Don’t miss Saturday’s 1:30 reception at the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery (Cowell College) for Bowles memorabilia as well as a separate show of recent lithographs by UCSC print maestro Paul Rangell.
Consult the UCSC Arts Events website for complete details of all these memorable events. They are all FREE. Not to miss.
by Christina Waters | Jan 24, 2011 | Home |
Perhaps not as pressing as the NFL playoffs, but much tastier.
Last week, you’ll recall, I traipsed all over the county sampling imaginative and just plain delicious creations showcasing fresh Dungeness crab. I also tasted some of our top local wines. It was the sort of grueling work that spawns envy and Schadenfreude among my friends.
After much tasting I ended up in the golden sunset light of Cafe Cruz, and dutifully filled out my Judge’s score card. Here are the results!
Best Dish – the knock-out crab (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 23, 2011 | Home |
One of Windy Oaks Estate’s many supple estate pinot noirs — the 2008 Terra Narro — has taken another gold (second year in a row) from the Beverage Tasting Institute’s World Wine Championships. Congratulations to winemaker Jim Schultze, whose beautiful garnet creation is loaded with peppers and berries and enough bracing structure to partner earthy foods.
Under $30 for a serious example of outstanding Santa Cruz Mountains terroir, and available at the Windy Oaks website and your favorite wine emporia, such as Shoppers and New Leaf.
by Christina Waters | Jan 19, 2011 | Home |
With its cavernous ceilings, sleek sophisticated surfaces (thanks to Mark Primack) and wine list studded with euro-stars such as Grüner Veltliner and various Austrian reds, Laili could be the east-Asian sibling of Soif.
We checked out the new Afghani dining room for my birthday last week and found it bracingly Palo Alto in feel, a neat trick considering my grandfather used to have an account in this former County Bank building. Excellent service and beautiful presentation were the stars. Both of our lamb dishes hit the spot, yet were curiously monotone after (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 18, 2011 | Home |
Paradise Beach Grille knows how to have a good time. Playoff games on the flat screens. Live music in one corner, and the blue Pacific in the other. Winemakers pouring top premiums and a kitchen turning out gorgeous (see the image) dishes showcasing fresh Dungeness crab.
Capitola never looked better – it always thrives in warm weather on sparkling clear days.
That was what I did last Sunday. What did you do?
