Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Looking for a lively Sauvignon Blanc that will pair well with a wide array of foods? Then Husch Vineyards’ 2011 should do the trick. With its zesty aromas of guava, lime, passion fruit and grapefruit, this is an easy-to-drink wine that will go well with global foods such as Mexican, Greek, Thai or Indian.
With its bold acidity and minerality, it’s exploding with citrus and tropical fruit—and is a pretty good buy for around $14. This is a good wine to have at the ready with your next Thai take-away.
Husch Vineyards, founded in 1971, is a well-known winery based in the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. It’s a friendly and fun place to visit—their tasting room is an old pony barn dating back to the 1800s. Husch Vineyards, 4400 Highway 28, Philo. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1-800-554-8724. Huschvineyards.com.
Wine Events:
Dare to Pair
Cabrillo College Culinary Arts students are teaming up once more with Surf City Vintners for the annual Dare to Pair food and wine challenge. The competition will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 in the Surf City Vintners’ tasting rooms in the area of the Swift Street Courtyard complex in Santa Cruz. Enjoy delicious food and wine pairings and then vote on your favorites. Local industry professionals (including myself) will also be casting their vote for the best pairing. Enjoy enticing appetizers, prepared by Cabrillo’s culinary students, paired with fine wines from 11 wineries and then have yet more fun at an After Party hosted by Equinox Wines with music by Broken Shades and food by Original Sin Desserts. There is also a live auction with a stay in Volcano, Hawaii and raffle prizes. Advance tickets are $60 or $70 day of event (if not sold out). Visit: pinoaltorestaurant.org or call 435-3000
for more information.
Mixology Class at Center Street Grill
A fun evening I had recently with my friend Lori was at a mixology class at Center Street Grill in downtown Santa Cruz. Master mixologist Mark Thompson demonstrated to a small group how to make three exciting cocktails from his own recipes, and Center Street Grill provided three tasty courses of food to pair with each cocktail. Thompson has worked in mixology in high-end hotels, and at the prestigious Gordon Ramsay restaurant in West Hollywood, and he’s an expert at making delicious drinks of all kinds. Thompson’s classes will be ongoing and the next one is at 6 p.m. on May 2. For $60 you get to blend three cocktails (and drink them!), insight on how to make them, three courses of food from Center Street Grill and recipes of the cocktails. For reservations contact Thompson directly at 331-3473 or email him at [email protected] or contact Center Street Grill at 423-4745. Center Street Grill is at 1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz. Visit thecenterstreetgrill.com to see menu and specials.
