Burgers and beer now at Soif, plus new restaurant Mozaic, wine events, and marshmallow-making classes
We had our mouths set for serious burgers. And we got ’em! The mighty Soif Burger took us by storm last week at the new improved Walnut Avenue brasserie. We came, we dined, we fell in love with the flawless Niman Ranch organic grass-fed beef on a bun the size of Bodega Bay. Aioli, local cheddar cheese, sweet pickles—I especially loved the pale yellow zucchini ones—and a Wild-West herd of addictively tasty hand-cut french fries joined the mega-burger. It was a dinner so big that none of us could finish it. Hard to believe that a mere $15 could do all this.
My dinner partners, also happily working their way through burgers and fries, paired the generous entree with—gasp—beer! Yes, it’s all part of the new democratization of Soif, once merely a chic Fort Knox of eclectic wines. Now there’s beer, both on tap and in bottles. A draft IPA and bottle of Hefeweizen were the choices at our table. I, however, was very happy to agree with the menu suggestion—a rich, round Rhône-style blend, 2011 Mas de Dames “La Diva” Syrah/Grenache/Alicante for nine bucks and change. French wine and a California burger—a mixed metaphor that makes perfect sense. The meal also let us test drive the front seating nook in the lounge section of the renovated Soif. Three of us shared a corner banquette table—very cozy, yet allowing a view of the bar, restaurant, and even a glimpse of the retail wine-shop action. We could grow accustomed to this. Seriously. Soif now officially makes a destination burger, a contender for “Best Burger in Town” title.
Tidbits
After much redecorating and streamlining, our newest restaurant Mozaic is open. Go check out the “you’re not in Clouds anymore” decor. The landmark outpost of food and drink, at 110 Church St. in downtown Santa Cruz, offers a menu filled with Greek and Mediterranean classics. Sounds like dinner might involve some quantities of retsina and ouzo. Can’t wait!
Wine Time
Time flies when you’re enjoying good wine. One year ago Jim and Judy Schultze opened their Carmel tasting room, and to celebrate they’ll be on hand to greet you with a special tasting of five wines, catered appetizers, cheeses and olive oil sampling, all for $10 and free for wine club members. Held at the Windy Oaks Tasting Room in Carmel, Noon-7 p.m., on Aug. 22 and 23. For more details call Judy at 724.9562
Also, join two savvy rising-star Italian wine producers, Arianna Occhipinti and Alessandra Bera, for an informative tasting at Soif on Saturday, Aug. 22. If, for example, you’ve been to La Posta, you’ve doubtless been wowed by Occhipinti wines, which will be represented by the precocious winemaker. The Bera property in Piemonte dates from 1785, according to Soif wine director John Locke, and now specializes in organic, handcrafted wines. Well, here’s your chance to find out much more about some outstanding Italian varietals. The tasting ($20) is from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, and includes snacks. Check the soifwine.com site for a lineup of wines to be tasted.
Baking Class of the Week
Sign up for Companion Bakeshop’s S’mores & Chocolate tasting Sunday, Aug. 30, from 5-7 p.m. It’s truly a treat to make grahams and marshmallows from scratch. You will taste the difference and have tons of fun, too. Held at the shop on 2341 Mission St., the class, $75, will feature a chocolate tasting as well. Follow the links from companionbakeshop.com to sign up. Seriously, have you ever made your own marshmallows from scratch? Neither have I.
WELL DONE Soif’s chefs—Caleb Tumin, Paul Queen, Mike Raskin and Robert Woolery, from left to right—keep it cool in their newly renovated kitchen, which now offers burgers. PHOTO: CHIP SCHEUER
