Au Midi for Lunch
It was a moment of matchless synchronicity. I met my great and good friend Rita Bottoms, former empress of UCSC Special Collections, for lunch at Au Midi in Aptos. There we were, surrounded by colorful impressions of Parisian cafe life, thanks to a display of oil...
Oral Fantasy
Confession. I'd walk a mile for a cupcake. A residual daydream from childhood, where the cupcake was Queen. An ornamental, hand-held device that can transport you to immediate comfort — ah, the cupcake! Creamy, layered with complex sweetness, spice, tender texture...
Doon and Dooner
Bonny Doon Vineyard has no peer when it comes to self-reinvention. The oenological shape-shifting continues with this week's preview of the first all-biodynamically produced, Demeter-certified bottlings from BDV's Ca'del Solo Vineyard in Monterey County. And there is...
Oswald Update: #417
Relax, it's gonna happen. I spoke with Oswald co-owner/chef Damani Thomas yesterday and he's definitely on the project. "We're just trying to get the construction going," he said. Everything is taking longer than expected, but Thomas is looking toward Oswald opening,...
On the Waterfront
The view from the front door of Riva Fish House is enough to induce instant serenity. The big-shouldered seafood menu at Riva is always a reason to drive out onto the water and enjoy all those huge, oceanic views. The gelato selection alone is legendary. But now...
Inside the Flame
A book of sensory adventure: The rituals, passions and discoveries of an engaged life.