Wining and dining in 2012
Now that 2012 is behind us, here is a partial list of local wining and dining I enjoyed last year. As you’re thinking ahead for 2013, you might want to visit some of these wonderful eateries and try their food and wines. Here’s wishing you all a very Happy New year. Cheers!
Rebecca’s at the Tannery
Rebecca’s opened up in the fall in a central spot in the ever-eventful Tannery, which has become a mecca for arts and music events. This lovely little restaurant and coffee bar is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day and sells local wine, too. Visit: http://www.rebeccasatthetannery.com/.
Chaminade Resort & Spa
As well as regular dining at Chaminade, I always look forward to the Farm to Table dinners in the summer months. A local winery is always showcased and delicious food prepared by Executive Chef Beverlie Terra. Check Chaminade’s website later in the year for a list of these special dinners featuring produce from local farms and served al fresco on the hotel’s beautiful patio. Visit: http://www.chaminade.com/
Wine Wednesdays at Seascape Beach Resort
The resort’s wine tastings with appetizers run from December through May—and $15 gets you appetizers as well as wine. A different winery is featured every week. Visit http://www.seascaperesort.com/.
Love Apple Farms
I attended an amazing dinner at Love Apple Farms at the beginning of November—featuring Todd Spanier, “the Mushroom King.” Dinner was served outdoors in the gorgeous farm gardens on a beautiful warm night. The next two dinners at the farm in Santa Cruz are Feb. 2 and March 2. Visit: http://www.growbetterveggies.com/growbetterveggies/upcoming-eventsclasses.html.
Michael’s on Main
This upbeat restaurant in Soquel continues with its Tuesday night dinners—served buffet style for $25 and including wine tasting. These dinners sometimes feature a guest chef—usually a local who loves to cook—which make these events even more fun to attend. Visit: http://www.michaelsonmain.net/.
Shadowbrook From October through May from 5-8 p.m.,
Shadowbrook puts on Winemaker Wednesdays (except Jan. 9) with a different winery featured every week. Flights of wine are served in the bar with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Visit: http://www.shadowbrook-capitola.com/home/home.php.
Homeless Garden Project
The HGP held a splendid dinner affair in the late summer with Alice Waters as the guest speaker. The food was superb and I got to meet the food guru herself. Keep an eye out for the HGP’s farm dinners. Visit: http://www.homelessgardenproject.org/index.php.
Center Street Grill
I always enjoy a glass of wine in this lovely restaurant. It has a great bar with some good appetizers offered as well. It’s in the old India Joze location on Center Street in Downtown Santa Cruz. Visit:http://thecenterstreetgrill.com/.
