by Christina Waters | Nov 11, 2008 | Home |
One of my favorite lunchtime getaways involves a book – say, something by Charles Dickens – a private nook at The Bagelry – and The Duke. I know a lot of you out there are nodding in solidarity. The Duke is arguably the best non-traditional bagel creation yet devised ($3.55).
This is my version.
Sesame seed bagel, lightly toasted.
Cream cheese – the more, the better.
Apple butter. You heard me.
A fistful of cashews all over the top.
OMG. Add a gigantic cup of green tea, and Bleak House practically reads itself.
by Christina Waters | Nov 6, 2008 | Home |
Voluptuous, citrusy and muy potente — this is the incandescent Blood Orange Martini, at Hula’s. Made by Marisa.
Slurp slowly.
by Christina Waters | Nov 6, 2008 | Food, Home |
And according to co-owner Eric Lau, we’re talkin’ weeks. “The goal was for us to be open on the 15th of this month,” Lau told me today. “We’ve got all the big stuff done. But now it’s just the details — furniture, glassware, that stuff.”
Lau went on the record as determined to re-open the restaurant, at the Corner of Soquel and Front Streets in downtown Santa Cruz, “definitely before the first of the year – and hopefully before the first of December.”
That means that within three weeks or so, fans of chef Damani Thomas‘ supple seasonal cuisine will be able to not only enjoy an Oswald dinner, but a cocktail beforehand, thanks to the restaurant’s full bar. “It’s a great space,” Lau agreed. Eighty seats, and eventually lunch and dinner. And after over a year and a half, Oswald’s fans are mighty hungry.
See you there – soon!
by Christina Waters | Nov 6, 2008 | Home, Travel |
Our late September art walk through Rome included lodgings at the very old Palazzo Cardinal Cesi, a 15th century papal residence. Housed a few feet – literally – from St. Peter’s, we were able to stroll to a lifetime’s worth of great artwork, every day. (That’s me in the palazzo’s breakfast room, complete with barrel vaulting.) Just down the street and across the Tiber, we re-visited the Baroque masterworks by Borromini and Brunelleschi — the gold and marble interiors — and mannerist exteriors —that defined the 16th century during this gilded age.
After a long meditation inside the 2000-year-old Pantheon, it was time for a Campari — which, along with Fernet Branca, is our cocktail of choice this fall. Food, artwork, architecture, and the visually-dazzling tendency of Italians to be just that
much more fashionable than anyone else – a remarkable trip. Our taxi drivers looked like they’d just stepped out of a Hugo Boss showroom. Waiters invariably resembled Caravaggios. Just too delicious.
Which brings me to the picture perfect bresaola appetizer at La Campana, in Rome’s medieval district. The marriage of cured beef and shaved grana is almost matchless.
But don’t take my word for it. Look down a few posts.
by Christina Waters | Nov 6, 2008 | Home, Travel |
Worth a 13-hour flight, and then some.
by Christina Waters | Nov 6, 2008 | Home, Travel |
The last day of September, we ended our trip in Florence, with dinner across the Arno at Mama Gina’s. Fresh porcinis were all over the menu, so we didn’t resist.
This beautiful plate of thinly-sliced, grilled beef was arranged across a bed of peppery arugula, topped with sautéed porcinis and fruity olive oil that seemed to find their way into so many of our dishes in Tuscany. It was possibly the finest layering of flavors I’ve ever eaten. So fine, that it obviously deserves another trip next year.
