by Christina Waters | May 5, 2010 | Home |
I love this new ultra-thin faux English muffin invention that has been popping up at groceries under a variety of brands.
Our house favorite is from Oroweat, loaded with actual flavor, but only 100 calories (that’s for two halves!). Called “Sandwich Thins” they toast up quickly, are both crunchy and yet chewy, contain flavor and even whole grain interest, and yet they do so much less damage (to various midriff regions) than say an entire bagel.
Divine with cream cheese and Peach Amaretto jam from Stonewall. Divine.
by Christina Waters | May 5, 2010 | Home |
They’re neighbors. Friends. Share common interests. Even collaborated on a restaurant concept together. And now they’ve both won prestigious James Beard Foundation awards.
They would be winemaker Randall Grahm, whose recent, word-twisting memoir Been Doon So Long has taken the Best Wine Book award, and chef David Kinch of Manresa, named Best Chef/Pacific division. That Grahm and Kinch are at the top of their game will come as no surprise to those of us fortunate enough to graze in their pastures.
But it’s still a sweet honor.
Kudos.
by Christina Waters | Apr 27, 2010 | Art, Home |
The Nikolaihoff Grüner Veltliner now on the chalkboard at Avanti is one of those stunning Austrian varietals that gives white wine a good name.
Light and loaded with flint and chalk, this light alcohol beauty also packs tones of jasmine and nectarine into to its ultra-dry mix.
While sampling this goes-with-anything varietal I learned that Katy Cater has a new show of atmospheric black and white photographs at Riva on the wharf. Another reason to hit the waves.
by Christina Waters | Apr 26, 2010 | Home, Wine |
From Poetic Cellars comes this powerhouse of a Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blend, the 2007Â Mantra, made from Livermore Valley grapes by Katy Lovell.
A graceful yet sturdy red, Mantra exudes a fragrant meatiness, with cassis and pepper balanced by minerals. Use it as you would any decent Rhône wine, with lamb, cheese, pasta.
Hurry on up to the gorgeous Poetic Cellars tasting room and pick up one of the few remaining bottles — $34.
by Christina Waters | Apr 22, 2010 | Home, Wine |
Winemaker Bradley Brown continues to capture the attention of influential Wine Spectator tasters. His 2007 Odeon Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah/Cab blend won a 93 ranking by WS (see the current May 2010 issue). And his 2007 Santa Cruz Mountains Mandala Syrah took a 91.
I say run out and grab some of these remarkable Santa Cruz Mountains creations while they’re still priced under $45.
Kudos Bradley!
by Christina Waters | Apr 22, 2010 | Home |
Girls of the golden west gathered last week for lunch on the wharf. Not only did the weather cooperate for an outing with my mom and aunts — Boulder Creek girls all — but we found ourselves joined for a schmoozefest by surfer/philanthropist George Ow Jr (George and I were both born in the stately building now known as Branciforte Plaza) and historian/filmmaker Geoff Dunn (one of the Stagnaro clan).
Turns out my aunt Virlyne (more…)
