by Christina Waters | Jun 25, 2009 | Food |
This Saturday – 6-9pm – June 27 – bring your own plates, utensils & glassware and take a seat at the long, long communal table for a summer al fresco feast. Dining on farm-fresh dishes in the middle of Kelly’s Swift & Ingalls parking lot. The idea is effortless. Mark Sanchez, Kelly’s co-owner explains, “think of it as a farmers market – you simply go around to each vendor, select what you like and pay as you go.”
Well this becomes all the more interesting since the vendors include Everett Family Farm providing fresh salads and curried deviled eggs. Corallitos sausages and old-fashioned hot dogs from Gary’s Snappy Dog. Crab and artichoke lasagna from Nuevo Southwest Cafe. wild steelhead salmon from H&H Fish, and rosemary chicken and grilled artichokes (more…)
by Christina Waters | May 30, 2009 | Food, Home, Wine |
That would be Bonny Doon Vineyard’s Cellar Door — where Friday night hosted out-of-towners and locals, artists — including “Cigare” sculptor Michael Leeds, who sat directly under his distinctive metal creation (see post below) — and robust ultra-fresh dishes (shown is what’s left of our beef panzanella salad with arugula and fresh peas) that perfectly matched the wines (in this case, the 2004 Cigare).
A terrific time – all the curved tasting bars were full, and each of the family-style tables was packed with new-found best friends. Kudos to chef Charlie Parker and his amazing staff — quite an achievement for this brand new cafe concept. Three courses, prix fixe, $28. Plus the small plates menu.
Make a res immediately, or risk being hopelessly out of the culinary loop.
Cellar Door Cafe – 831.425-4518 – 3-course, prix fixe dinners Thurs – Sunday.
by Christina Waters | May 20, 2009 | Food, Home |
When that mad scramble for the new and the trendy gets tiring, it’s time 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.
by Christina Waters | May 4, 2009 | Food, Home, Wine |
The kitchen of Chris Avila just continues to provide comfort to serious foodies and adventurous winos. Take the other evening, for example. Armed with a glass of four-dimensional Sangiovese, I feasted on one of those amazing scallops appetizers Soif does so well.
The trio of scallops – always perfectly golden crisp exterior with buttery tender interior – arrived on a bed of crisp baby enoki mushrooms, strewn on a rich cushion of potato risotto. A moat of transparent parsley oil circled the shellfish.
See what I mean?
Soif.
by Christina Waters | May 3, 2009 | Food, Home |
Pissaladiere, ratatouille, pistou – just some of the luscious flavors of Spring in the French Countryside. They are yours for lunch now at Au Midi in Aptos.
Michel and Muriel Loubi̩re emailed to tell me that their charming bistro is now open from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch (11:30-2) and dinner (5:30 Р9pm) РSunday for dinner only.
To join Muriel’s splendid authentic French cuisine you can now choose from the entire line of premium wines from Windy Oaks Estate, recently added to the Au Midi wine list.
There is so little genuine, intimate handmade food still available in Santa Cruz area restaurants….treat yourself to the real thing at Au Midi (a bit out-of-the-way, tucked behind the Aptos Cinema).
by Christina Waters | Apr 5, 2009 | Food, Home |
Brad Briske is currently playing around with an appetizer of deep magenta roasted beets — Route One — topped with a creamy ricotta favetta and a sprig of infant beet greens. In addition to 30-year-old balsamic, this dish features one more secret bit of luxury.
Stop by Gabriella and find out more.
