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 30, 2009 | Home, Wine |
The all-Fiestaware platters, bowls and plates at Cellar Door Cafe somehow enhance the colorful, regional ambience of this new Westside magnet.
A velvety puree of broccoli, with a float of crème fraiche — nice partner for Ca’del Solo’s Le Cigare Blanc.
by Christina Waters | May 23, 2009 | Home, Wine |
Up front let me say that while this week’s cheap wine discovery — a serviceable Nero d’Avola from Ruggero di Tasso — is not nearly as chewy and robust as the phenomenal Phenom (see post below), it is waaaaay better than almost any $3.99 wine on the planet.
For less than four dollars, you’ll experience a nose of blackberries, a central core of Santa Rosa plums and a decent amount of spice, all packed into a 13% alc. slice of Sicily. This wine could save your budget at the next bbq or large-scale pasta dinner. Chase it with plenty of marinara and your palate will barely know the difference.
At TJs.
by Christina Waters | May 20, 2009 | Wine |
If you’re in Palo Alto this Saturday, May 23rd, you won’t want to miss the debut of Bradley Brown‘s new tasting room surrogate, tucked inside Vino Locale Wine Bar of Palo Alto. From 2pm to 6pm, sample a slew of Big Basin Vineyards wines at Vino Locale. (more…)
by Christina Waters | May 19, 2009 | Home, Wine |
The name says it all – Phenom.
A too-good-to-be-only-$4.99 wine.
Phenom – 2006 Napa Valley Syrah (at least that’s what it says on the label). Deep purple black in hue, this “isolated 400 case production†is loaded with tannins, dark berries and a cedar finish.
That phrase – “isolated 400 case production†– leads one to suspect that this ‘phenomenal’ bargain ($4.99!) is a clear case of surplus grapes looking for a good home. We, you and I dear reader, are the beneficiaries of nature’s glut. Even for a hefty alcohol wine (14.7%) it shows no vapidity. The structure hangs tight and offers enough fruit, spice and yes, even grip, to partner whatever you’ve got going on. Except maybe scallops.
Thank you Wally Goldfrank (one discerning bargain-hunter) for this outstanding tip. At Shoppers Corner.
I did say $4.99 a bottle. The deal of this, or any other recession.
Get on over to Shoppers and load up! I may have left you a few bottles….
by Christina Waters | May 17, 2009 | Home, Wine |
In the world of Randall Grahm, change is the only constant. So it comes as no surprise that the winemaker’s Cellar Door Cafe now offers 3-course, prix fixe family-style dinners – Wed-Sun for $28, excluding tax and tip. This turns out to be a hedonistic bargain when you add your choice of wine – from the huge house of Bonny Doon Vineyard, Ca’ del Solo and other assorted Doon esoterica.
Grahm was ga-ga over the recent installation of a sculptural spaceship — quoting the house “Cigare” logo — created in layers of distressed metals by Michael Leeds.
More Captain Nemo than Starship Enterprise, the handsome artwork looms high over the far tasting room bar (see above). Another reason to spend some time sipping, dining and considering the meaning of it all.
Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room & Cellar Door Cafe – all at the very busy corner of Ingalls & Swift. (328 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz – 831/425-4518)
Open Wed-Sun noon – 9pm; Mon & Tues noon – 5:30pm
