New Year’s Eve dinner at chic La Posta, 538 Seabright (831.457-2782, involves this terrific $50 prix fixe menu.
Antipasti – Santa Cruz foraged mushrooms in cartoccio
or
Sformato of cauliflower with bagna cauda
or
Calamari ripieni
Primi – Windmill Farms Butternut squash and chard cannelloni
or
Dungeness crab and wild nettle lasagnette
or
Tortellini in brodo
Secondi– Ceci bean caciucco with cavolo nero (more…)
So you want to greet 2010 with a major party? Look no further than the Cellar Door where chef Charlie Parker has nothing but luxury in mind, cuisine to match the wines by Randall Grahm. Dinner and a Masquerade on New Year’s Eve! For details check the website — and better make those reservations fast!
MENU
Amuse-bouche
paired with 2008 Ca’ del Solo Albarino
Sunchoke Soup with Osetra Caviar, Brioche & Quail Egg
paired with: 2008 Grenache Blanc
Roasted Lobster with Brussel Sprouts, Kohlrabi and Uni Butter paired with: 2004 Le Cigare Blanc
Seared Foie Gras (more…)
The window of Annieglass, full of seasonal shimmer.
As a Celtic-American, I like to research my ancestral roots, passions and rituals.
What a terrific find! Samhain, aka Halloween, is actually a pre-Christian, distinctly pagan, AND Celtic celebration of the change of the seasons. During this astronomical moment between summer and winter, the spirits of the dead are most likely — according to the hyperactive imaginations of my wild Celtic predecessors – to walk the earth.
Not only ghosts, but all of those other fanciful spirits beloved of the Celts — demons, fairies, goblins, sprits and all the Little People. Whether the Druid priests who led the Samhain rites actually carved pumpkins is a matter of speculation, but they did build bonfires to ward off evil spirits, and worshipped trees as powerful spirits of the forest. Which of course they are.
Remember all those Celtic priestesses when you dress up as a witch and practice some “tricks†on October 31 – Samhain, All Hallow’s Eve.
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
Join wine-loving lovers for a day of romance, wine and chocolate up at the newest winery located on one of the oldest vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Vine Hill makes stunning pinot noirs and syrahs that you’ll be able to taste along with desserts from top area bakeries. You can also purchase the perfect Valentines gift.
The beautiful tasting room is surrounded by acres of vineyards – very romantic for strolling – and awesome views of the canyons below. Valentine’s Day makes a nice excuse to check out this lovely spot – and treat your sweetie to some fine wine (AKA the elixir of love).
When: Saturday February 14th
Time: 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Cost: $15 per person or $5 for wine club members
Check the website for details and directions.
A book of sensory adventure: The rituals, passions and discoveries of an engaged life.