Companion Bakeshop scores again with Ryan Roseman’s harvest
Locavore bread made from local wheat—the new harvest from Ryan Roseman, grown at Coke Ranch—is back at Companion Bakeshop. If you haven’t tasted this superior old-world/new-field bread you are in for a treat. Local loaf tastes the way bread tasted in the pre-digital era—simple, with an incredible chewy texture and a tangy finish. Wheat flour, sourdough culture, and salt—that’s it. “This bread is fabulous,” my sweetie kept saying as he devoured slice after slice of local loaf in its toasted incarnation. At lunch, we finessed one of the finest sandwiches ever, layering avocado, jalapeño jack, prosciutto and tomatoes (from West Vista Farms in Watsonville) on this remarkable bread. No designer tricks. Deep flavor. Must have.
Farm to Film
Next week the Nickelodeon will host two one-night-only screenings geared toward those who need to know the grass-roots intel on socially conscious farming. On April 7, enjoy Occupy the Farm, about urban farmers marking to protect 10 acres from shopping mall development. The screening of 107 minutes will be followed by a Q&A with screening sponsor California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). But wait, there’s more! On April 8, check out the Del Mar’s free screening of Food Chains, a documentary examining the human cost of large-scale fast food and supermarket purchasers of produce. Post-film discussion by UCSC and UC Global Food Initiative reps. Knowledge is power. If you care about how your food is grown, marketed and exploited, come see and participate. Free is good. Come see both and get farm radicalized.
Farmers Market Report
Join chefs Kendra Baker and Carlo Espinas of Penny Ice Creamery and Assembly on Saturday, June 6 at the Westside farmers market for a mouth-watering al fresco breakfast in the company of neighbors. Expect fresh-cooked goodies such as grilled pork side and greens, strawberry parfait, crookneck quiche, chocolate and hazelnut crepe cake, and lots more. Check the full schedule of farmers market pop-ups at santacruzfarmersmarket.org/campaigns/pop-up-breakfast.
Meanwhile, the fifth Season of Scotts Valley Farmers Market starts up this Saturday, April 4, and will set up its stands from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Saturday through fall 2015. The market happens at the Scotts Valley Community Center and offers the full spectrum of organic everything, from vegetables, fruits, herbs, and pasture-raised eggs, to artisanal meats, breads, sea foods and pastries. And those irresistible fresh cut flowers. Bring everybody in the family—there’s always live bluegrass, country blues and jazz bands to delight the ear and soul. And on July 18, look for a special Pop-up Breakfast (chefs TBA). Isn’t it great to live in a snow-free part of the planet?
Wine of the Week: Ghostwriter Pinot Noir 2012
Versatile Hobo Wine Company winemaker Kenny Likitprakong has another beauty in his Ghostwriter Pinot Noir Santa Cruz County 2012. Working an exciting palette of Italian plums, mandarins and tobacco/cola notes, this supple 13.7 percent alcohol wine opens to minerals, black pepper and low-impact tannins. Mint haunts the top tier of aromas. A spicy creation of terroir and imagination, worth every penny of $30. At Shopper’s Corner and Soif.
Condiment of the Week: Zena’s Sass!
Billed as “The Everything Sauce,” this creamy blend of sesame seeds, almonds and zippy spices seems to make friends with every food that doesn’t involve chocolate. Watching my resident male splash Zena’s on his eggs for the past two weeks, I’m beginning to suspect that hot sauce is a coping mechanism for men. Sauce gives them control, and hence relieves anxieties. This past month the hot sauce of choice has been Zena’s. Locally made. At New Leaf Community Markets.
PHOTO: Companion Bakeshop makes bread the old-world way—and the results are remarkable. CHIP SCHEUER
