Gathering with friends for lunch or dinner at Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine in Aptos is always a delicious treat. It’s casual dining at its best—with unique Persian/Levant-style food, not to mention the restaurant’s fabulous sauces.
With all of Zameen’s offerings of exotic Mediterranean food, four of us shared a bottle of Morgan Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ($25)—a perfect accompaniment for dishes like dolma, tzatziki, hummus, falafel, and the saffron chicken platter with yogurt, lime, and pomegranate walnut sauce.
The 2015 Sauvignon Blanc features aromas of lemon balm, guava and citrus blossom, and flavors of key lime and grapefruit with a hint of grass. It’s an incredibly versatile wine, and although it pairs well with lighter summer fare, it’s also a good match for richer food, as its “small touch” of oak adds a bright acidity. It even goes well with baklava—take my word for it.
Morgan wines can be found all over, and this one comes with a screw cap. What could be easier with your Zameen take-away?
Note: Zameen also operates a food truck, which you’ll see zooming around all over the county, and look out for another Zameen opening soon.
Morgan Winery’s tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 204 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. 831-626-3700. morganwinery.com
Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine, 7528 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-4465. Zameencuisine.com
Chaminade Farm-to-Table Dinner
The last of the summer series of farm-to-table wine dinners begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. This one features produce from Route 1 Farms, beef from LeftCoast GrassFed in Pescadero, and the wonderful wines of Alfaro Family Vineyards. Winemaker Richard Alfaro will be pouring his first-ever sparkling wine. Visit chaminade.com for info.
Malabar Trading Company
Malabar is where I stop at the Aptos farmers market for my hot chai. My favorite is the Kashmiri Chai, but try the traditional Malabar Chai—a spicy blend of ginger and cardamom. Their new one is Spicy Chocolate Chai, a blend of cacao nibs, spices and rooibos—ideal for a foggy Aptos morning. And check out the company’s impressive assortment of teas. Malabar Trading Company, P.O. Box 622, Santa Cruz, malabartradingcompany.com.
