Everett Farms kicks off series of dinners and tours
Seasonal pop-up dining—how very Santa Cruz. We always seem to be at the tip of the wave when it comes to fresh, organic and seasonal. Same with the “food culture” concept of bringing the chef, the fields and the diners together at a single table. And that’s the whole idea behind the Soquel Supper Club series, held on Sunday evenings at Everett Family Farms in Soquel. First comes a farm tour, at 5:30 p.m., led by Rich Everett of Everett Family Farms. For those of us who didn’t grow up on a farm, this is one of the best parts of the event, since participants can check out exactly how a farm operates, and how the organic ingredients for dinner are grown and harvested. The multi-course dinner starts at 6 p.m., made from fresh local ingredients by chef Roland Konicke of Uncie Ro’s, prepared in a wood-fired oven. Wine pairings from Odonata Winery complete the scenic picture. Yes, you do need reservations, since seating is limited. The first dinner is June 1, and the series continues with meals on Aug. 10, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19. Location: Everett Family Farm, 2111 Soquel San Jose Rd., Soquel. Tickets are $75 for dinner, $100 for dinner with Odonata wine pairings.
Pop-Up Dinner Party
Do you really need an excuse to dance, watch vintage films and eat a sensuous Italian meal cooked up by India “Guiseppe” Schultz? Folkloric charmers Paul Rangell and Emily Abbink, along with lots of their musical friends, will be at 418 Front St. on Sunday, June 1, at 5 p.m., to launch their new CD, Noche Azul.While vintage black-and-white movies from Italy and old Mexico screen in the background, Rangell and Abbink will perform from their vast musical repertoire with some of the usual virtuoso suspects: Irene Herrmann, Janet Dows, Dan Warrick, Karen Leigh, Delilah Lewis (of the Creole Belles) and others. If you love the irresistible lilt of tangos, boleros, mazurkas, polkas and waltzes performed on mandolins, guitars, and fiddles, this party is your must-be-there event. Where else can one feast on this much multi-sensory action for a mere $15? Listen to the music, buy the CD and purchase beer and wine on-site to go with that tasty no-nonsense dinner created by maestro Schultz. Plan to be there, bring your friends and family — I’ll be looking for you.
Roux Coming to Youx
Spoke to entrepreneur Chad Glassley a few days ago, and he confirmed that by the end of the month (any minute now), you’ll be able to enjoy some bona fide Cajun cuisine at the new Roux Dat Cajun Creole in Capitola’s Brown Ranch Marketplace complex near Trader Joe’s. Along with his wife, Aurelia, Glassley—a 20-year veteran of the restaurant industry—will be rolling out some serious Cajun Creole dishes. I’m down with the bon temps idea of red beans and sausage, chicken creole and gumbo. The menu will rotate daily, and includes two vegan stews, jambalayas and a hot sauce bar. “My wife is from Santa Cruz,” he explained. “And we thought, why not open a restaurant in this beautiful place?” Low prices, fresh spicy food. My mouth is watering.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Kelly’s Kumquat Marmalade. Glistening rings of copper tartness suspended in a bronze jelly, the kumquat and its fresh, earthy flavor is given its full due in the marmalade I bought last week at Kelly’s French Bakery on Ingalls Street. Especially brilliant atop a slice of the walnut sourdough from Companion Bakers, with that addictive English countryside butter I’ve been getting at Shoppers. Part of my personal quest to live every day to the max. $10 for 9 oz.
