Lindt Chocolate expands Easter treat offerings for 2016

Posted on March 19, 2016 by admin
Lindt Chocolate has lots of fun items for Easter 2016

Lindt Chocolate has lots of fun items for Easter 2016

Lindt Chocolate has always been a delicious option for Easter with many fun offerings, and this year they added even more great selections—whether you’re looking to make an Easter basket for one of your kids or you want to buy a treat for a special someone.

I had a recent opportunity to try a couple items—the traditional mini chocolate egg bag and the brand-new large, hollow milk chocolate Lindt “Little Chick”—and highly recommend both (the latter also comes in a package of five mini hollow figures made from milk chocolate).

The 2016 Lindt Easter collection is available online, at Lindt Chocolate Shops, and at select retail locations.

Here are a few other Easter highlights from Lindt:

Lindt Bugs and Bees
These decorative, foil-wrapped critters are perfect for spring and to crawl around in Easter baskets. The bugs and bees are comprised of milk chocolate with hazelnut and have a crisp filling.

Lindt Chocolate Carrots
These make a cute combination with the Lindt bunny since all bunnies love carrots. Each of the four solid milk chocolate carrots is blended with hazelnut.

Lindt GOLD BUNNY Basket
This ready-to-gift bunny basket features a pair of hollow milk chocolate Lindt GOLD BUNNY figures in a springtime display.

NEW: Lindt GOLD BUNNY Storybook Gift Set
This gift set comes with a 3.5 oz Lindt GOLD BUNNY in milk chocolate and the new “An Easter Surprise: The Tale of Lindt GOLD BUNNY” storybook (as told by the Lindt Master Chocolatier).

NEW: LINDOR Milk Egg Carton
This carton of six smooth LINDOR eggs comes in Milk Chocolate and is perfect for decorating or egg hunting.

NEW: Lindt GOLD BUNNY Carrot Car
Lindt GOLD BUNNY is now on the go. One 3.5 oz Lindt GOLD BUNNY takes the wheel of a specially designed Carrot Car with two 10g Lindt GOLD BUNNYS in tow which are created with premium Milk Chocolate. This one is available exclusively at Kroger.

Happy Easter!

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.

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New Leaf Community Markets’ upcoming classes & Aptos expansion

Posted on March 7, 2016 by admin
Artist’s rendering of Aptos Village green and New Leaf Community Markets store

Artist’s rendering of Aptos Village green and New Leaf Community Markets store

New Leaf Community Markets has news to share: it’s adding a location in Aptos, and it has a variety of appealing cooking classes this month including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

First, the expansion. The 17,500 square-foot store, expected to open by August 2017,  will be in the Aptos Village Project (Soquel Drive and Trout Gulch Rd.). The store will be New Leaf’s eighth, including six in Santa Cruz County, one in Half Moon Bay and one in Pleasanton. New Leaf plans to feature outdoor patio seating plus a large freshly prepared foods department with new, made-to-order options such as a wok and ramen bar. Like other New Leaf locations, there will be freshly-made juices and smoothies, local and organic produce, natural meats, sustainable seafood and local handcrafted products.

The store will be housed in the relocated, historic Hihn Apple Barn and serve as the anchor for the Aptos Village Project, which contains approximately 65,000 square feet of leasable commercial space and 69 homes (mostly townhouses and condominiums).

Interested in classes? There are lots to choose from this month across the county; here is a sampling of what the Westside location (1101 Fair Ave., 831-426-1306) is offering.

Global plant-based cooking class
Chef and cookbook author Lauren Hoover-West will lead a four-week hands-on cooking class, “Cooking Around the World,” on Wednesday nights March 9th-30th. All recipes will be plant-based and gluten-free; they include enchilada pie with spiralized carrots, walnut taco “meat,” paleo bread, crockpot veggie lasagna, and carrot muffins. Each class includes a full meal. Topics will include how to spiralize veggies and fruit, fermenting (coconut yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and nut cheeses), veggie and bone broth making, and slow cooker and pressure cooker recipes and techniques. Preregistration is required. The series costs $219 until March 7, then $249. Wednesday classes are 6:30-9 p.m.

Homemade Pie Workshop
Celebrate National Pi Day by assembling sensational seasonal pies from scratch with nutrition consultant Madia Jamgochian. Teams of three will prepare winter/spring favorite pies that are gluten-free—lemon meringue, strawberry cream and apple marzipan—and then enjoy them. Monday, March 14, 6-8:30pm. Preregistration is required. Cost is $35 or $30 each for two.

Gluten-Free Italian Favorites
Join chef Amy Fothergil for a hands-on cooking class Tuesday, March 29, and learn how to make gluten-free Italian classics from scratch: pasta, chicken parmesan, focaccia and a special surprise Italian dessert. Class includes full meal and recipes to take home. Time: 6-8:30pm. Cost is $40 or $35 each for two. Preregistration is required.

Free Spring Bunny Photo Booth
In honor of Easter, customers are urged to “hop on over and snap a picture of your little loved ones with our furry friend.” There are two options: New Leaf can take a pic using their camera, and then send people a link to access it online (parents must sign a release, and New Leaf can use photo for promotional purposes) and/or people can take photos using their own cameras.
• Friday, March 25, Noon-3pm, New Leaf, 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz
• Saturday, March 26, Noon-3pm, New Leaf, 1210 41st Ave, Capitola
• Sunday, March 27, Noon-3pm, 1134 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

On Twitter? Follow me @santacruzfoodie.

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Santa Cruz First Friday food highlights for March 4

Posted on March 4, 2016 by admin
For First Friday, HGP’s Angie Smith is making sweet potato and kale boxty with gingered applesauce

For First Friday, HGP’s Angie Smith is making sweet potato and kale boxty with gingered applesauce

Friday, March 4 is the next “First Friday Art Tour” in Santa Cruz; that night there are lots of related events with good food plus a couple unrelated events with delicious food that happen to be the same day. Here are a few highlights. FYI, the free First Friday tour happens every month, rain or shine, at different venues including restaurants, cafes, wineries and galleries.

Santa Cruz’s Homeless Garden Project (HGP) is hosting an event at its downtown shop to coincide with First Friday. Retail store and product manager Angie Smith will be cooking up tasty treats for attendees: sweet potato and kale boxty (latkes) with gingered applesauce (vegan and gluten-free), and vegan chocolate Stout cupcakes (plus some non-alcoholic chocolate cupcakes). There will also be “Sasquatch Red” wine (a blend from Humboldt County). There will be a special exhibit by Jessie Case, “Volunteers Giving While Getting Back,” which is a photo essay. Jessie photographed and interviewed some of Homeless Garden Project’s volunteers. The theme of the night is “Celebrating our Growing Community.” In 2015, nearly 2,500 people volunteered their time at HGP. “It’s also National Social Work Month so we are celebrating the Social Work interns that work with our trainees,” says Smith. “Since it’s March, we are having an Irish band and Irish themed appetizers.”

The HGP store stocks items including culinary products made in its training program from herbs and flowers grown at its organic farm. Income from sales helps provide job training and transitional employment for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and volunteer and educational opportunities for community members who want to learn about and practice sustainable agriculture and social justice.
Location: 110 Cooper St.

The Art Bar at the Tannery Art Center is having a grand opening celebration during First Friday with paella and more. Chef Antonette Wood is cooking up Spanish seafood paella for 100 (!) in the Art Bar’s patio using a traditional paellara. Read more about The Art Bar and its current offerings in my Feb. 27 restaurant news article. Ian McRae of Hula’s Island Grill and Tiki Room has taken over as sole proprietor of The Art Bar. On First Friday, The Great Morgani will perform from 7-8 p.m., and Kirby Scudder will be creating a 6 x 8 ft. live action painting of “a prominent politician… he won’t say who,” says McRae. “I think it will be Trump.” As usual, there will be lots of Tannery artists participating in First Friday; people are encouraged to visit the surrounding studios at 1050 and 1060 River St.
Location of The Art Bar: 1060 River St. #112 in the Tannery Arts Center

My Mom’s Mole will be at POPUP for dinner on Friday, March 4. The menu, which will include items from $3-10, will feature their signature mole sauce AND a new mole verde (green mole) served with chicken, pork and veggie tostadas paired with a locally sourced cactus and kale salad. I have tasted the signature mole several times—including at last week’s wonderful Event Watsonville night at the Commercial Kitchen Incubator—and can vouch that it’s delectable!

Here is a description of the food from Cesario Ruiz, who created the My Mom’s Mole recipe after watching his mother make mole and seeing all of the different ingredients she used: “My Mom’s Mole was named Best Mole, People’s Choice at the 2015 Mole & Mariachi Festival at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. The signature recipe is in the Guanajuato style and is more savory with a bit of heat at the back of the palate…our mole verde, also known as pipián, has a subtle, yet rich & fresh flavor to it. We are excited to share it with you; it may be our next product in stores so we can’t wait for you to try it!” There will be vegetarian/vegan (Guanajuato style) and gluten-free (verde) options available.
Location: POPUP, 1108 Pacific Ave.

LionFish SupperClub is having its grand opening celebration and Santa Cruz Chamber ribbon cutting at the MOTIV upstairs bar/kitchen starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The menu that night will include chili-carmel brussels sprouts, rosemary-parmesan fries, French onion soup, smoked duck carnitas tacos, foraged mushroom ragout, candy cap souffle cheesecake, and caramel creme brulee. Read more about LionFish in my March 2 restaurant news article.
Location: 1209 Pacific Ave.

Mutari Chocolate is hosting a First Friday popup café and shop at Front Street Kitchen from 5 to 9 p.m. accompanied by the art of Randy Cardona. Mutari will be serving up a full menu of hot chocolates and sipping chocolates. Bean-to-bar, single origin chocolate bars will also be available. During First Friday, customers will receive 10% off any in-store retail purchases. For more news on Mutari changes, see March 2 restaurant news article.
Location: 504A Front St.

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.

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Santa Cruz restaurant news highlights, Part 2 of 2

Posted on March 3, 2016 by admin
Savory hand pies at Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting

Savory hand pies at Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting

Here is some restaurant news for Santa Cruz — I published Part 1 of this two-part series a few days ago.

Openings

Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting opened its new spot about 2 weeks ago, moving to Pacific Ave. (former Noah’s Bagels site) from around the corner on Locust. It’s got so many changes that it’s basically a brand-new place! Don’t worry: the amazing cupcakes, regular or mini-size ($4 or $2), are still available in flavors including signature Triple Orange (Earl Grey frosting on blood orange cake). Now you can order espresso from Lulu’s to accompany the sweet treats. New food items include granola with yogurt or milk ($5), spicy corn muffins with paprika garlic cream cheese, gluten-free vegan “miracle muffins” (ingredients include coconut and almond flour), and vegan scones (like lemon cherry; ingredients include coconut oil). There are savory and sweet “handpies” (mini $2, regular $5) with rotating flavors like potato-egg-cheddar or The Greek (feta, spinach, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts). Rotating soup varieties include chipotle corn chowder ($4/bowl). Current hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun-Thurs, and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat. In the future, hours will expand to 8am-9pm daily.
Location: 1411 Pacific Ave., (831) 466-0373.

Ashby Confections now has a second storefront—it’s keeping the Victor Square store in Scotts Valley, and is now offering lots of goodies—including selected handmade chocolates and caramels—at the Santa Cruz Food Lounge (it took over the space formerly occupied by Mutari; for more on Mutari, see “Changes” section below). Just today Ashby announced a new, freshly made ganache “made with Askinosie Chocolate dark milk chocolate made with single origin Filipino cacao with a touch of goat milk powder and sea salt.” They are serving lots of hot chocolates including “European style” and traditional South American-style drinking chocolates made by local company CACOCO. They also offer fresh honey marshmallows and vanilla bean whipped cream. Hmmm, and there is rain in the forecast the next few days…sounds like a good combination! In the future, Ashby will have a variety of chocolate milks and frozen desserts available at the Lounge. Current hours are Wed-Sun noon to 8 p.m. Location: 1001 Center St.


Opening Soon
Café Iveta will be opening its second location soon, probably in late March: an expanded restaurant at UCSC. The original Westside location—2125 Delaware near Swift—will remain open (and thriving!). The new location will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It will feature a full espresso bar and sustainable coffee, plus craft beer and wine. Campus hours will be 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon-Fri and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Location: Graduate Student Commons (across from the Bay Tree Bookstore), UCSC, 1156 High St.

Changes
The Santa Cruz Food Lounge is now open 5 to 9 p.m. Wed-Sat with a full bar serving local wine, beer, cider, and artisan spirits. There will be special guest bartenders on occasion; this Saturday, March 5 features Tabitha Stroup (owner of Friend in Cheeses Jam Company) who will be “slinging original cocktails incorporating her delicious locally made jams” according to Food Lounge owner Andrea Mollenauer. On March 5 customers can also purchase food from Tanglewood…if you haven’t tried this yet, I highly recommend it. I tried Tanglewood chef Rachel Hughes’ meatballs at the last Artisan Market and they were delicious. Hughes is a former Ty’s Eatery sous chef. Tanglewood will be serving food at the Food Lounge bar regularly (except at the times other local chefs are doing popup dinners). Location: 1001 Center St.

Ty’s Eatery, which used to do a weekly pop-up Sunday brunch at the Food Lounge, is no longer a regular participant. However, Ty still does catering; for details call him at (925) 451-7944.

Mutari Hot Chocolate is no longer at the Food Lounge. Owners Adam and Matt Armstrong closed that location at the end of 2015, and sold the business to Katy Oursler and Stephen Beaumier. Mutari fans can still buy products online, and Oursler and Beaumier are hosting occasional popup cafés at Front Street Kitchen (504A Front St.). The next one is Friday, March 4, 5 to 9 p.m.

LionFish SupperClub has big news. It has discontinued the weekly Tuesday popup gig at the Food Lounge. LionFish is now offering dinner service every Wednesday through Saturday at nightclub MOTIV’s upstairs bar/kitchen (formerly known as Pearl Alley Bistro). Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Wed-Thurs and 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fri-Sat. The grand opening celebration and Santa Cruz Chamber ribbon cutting is Friday, March 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. LionFish will continue to hold occasional special events such as dinners (at various venues) and private culinary events. Location: 1209 Pacific Ave./110 Pearl Alley.

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie. Have food/restaurant/wine/culinary event news to share? Write me at tfatemi@gmail.com.

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Santa Cruz & Capitola restaurant news, Part 1 of 2

Posted on February 27, 2016 by admin
Food from Lawmen Ramen at POPUP Photo credit: POPUP Facebook page

Food from Lawmen Ramen at POPUP
Photo credit: POPUP Facebook page

Here is some restaurant news for Santa Cruz and other local areas. I’ll be publishing part two in the next few days. I also wanted to remind folks: if you have any food/restaurant/wine/culinary event news to share, please email me at tfatemi@gmail.com.

Openings
The Artbar & Cafe at the Tannery Arts Center has reopened with a new chef and new menu after a period of closure, restructuring and renovations. The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails. Food selections prepared by chef Antonette Wood of SwingTime Catering include soups, salads and scones. Earlier this month, the menu featured beef barley soup with fresh spinach; butternut apple goat cheese soup; gouda and chive scones; and mac and cheese. Cocktails included Gimlet Da Vinci (ingredients include rosemary and vanilla) and Woolf’s Moon (vodka, fresh raspberries, Nigori, lemon). Hours are Mon-Thurs from 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Fri-Sat from 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. The location is 1060 River St., (831) 234-5356.

Gyros & Grill Express at the food court of the Capitola Mall is now open. Their mostly-Mediterranean menu includes selections such as falafel, hummus, Greek salad, chicken gyros, beef gyros, koobideh kabob, and burgers. Sides and accompaniments include garlic sauce and French fries. There are several wraps and platters to choose from, and many of the platters include rice and salad. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. daily. The location is 1855 41st Ave., (831) 477-0777.

Pho 831 is a new Santa Cruz popup. It had its first appearance Feb. 12 at the winery Sones Cellars and announced that its second popup will be Saturday, March 5 at 6pm, also at Sones Cellars. This time, customers can order food to go or eat on-site. FYI, people under 21 years of age are welcome. Pho 831 will be serving two versions of pho: 1) beef, and 2) vegan mushroom. Event organizers say that both broths are made “with Chef Shane’s medley of flavors inspired by traditional pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) including ginger, star anise, and lemon grass.” Food will be sold until 8:30 p.m. or sellout, whichever comes first. In addition to pho, there will be spring rolls available from Pho 831 plus wine by the glass and bottle, nonalcoholic drinks and water from Sones. The location is at Swift St. Courtyard, 334 Ingalls St. Suite B.

East Cliff Brewing Co. is open for business in the East Cliff Shopping Center, in a storefront next to Dollar Tree. They specialize in English-style ales and current beers include Burton’s Bounty (IPA), Black Point (Porter) and The Gypsy (Irish stout). Hours: Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The brewery just opened Feb. 19 and plans to expand hours in the future. Location: 21517 East Cliff Drive, (831) 713-5540.

Lawman Ramen from chef Amy Ajas is a weekly Friday lunch popup at POPUP. Ajas has great cred — her day job is working as a line cook at Assembly right next door and she formerly worked at a Bay Area ramen eatery. Up until recently, the popup featured two choices–a Tonkotsu bowl with pork belly and a vegetarian bowl; now Ajas has added vegan ramen with a savory mushroom broth and buckwheat noodles to the regular lunch service. Bring your own bowl for a $1 discount. Hours are Fridays 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. POPUP is at 1108 Pacific Ave.
Changes

Oswald is now open for lunch Friday through Sunday; it used to only serve lunch Fridays. In addition, the restaurant features a new cocktail hour 4:30-6 Tues-Sat in the bar and lounge. The lunch menu features many new dishes. Chef Damani Thomas says his favorite current lunch item is a sautéed spinach and farro dish; customers can order as-is or add a chicken breast, Arctic char, or fried egg. The bar menu includes Caesar salad, soup (recent varieties have included Fuyu persimmon-squash or mushroom with crème fraiche and scallions), a cheese plate with fruit/nuts/baguette, and a bleu cheese burger and fries. Oswald is at 121 Soquel Ave., (831) 423-7427.

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.

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Valentine’s Day 2016: celebrating at San Francisco restaurants

Posted on February 12, 2016 by admin
Valentine’s Day dessert: Red Velvet Crepe “Cake” from SF’s Presidio Social Club

Valentine’s Day dessert: Red Velvet Crepe “Cake” from SF’s Presidio Social Club

We are 3 days away from Valentine’s Day — if you’re planning to dine in San Francisco, here are a few restaurants to consider.

Roka Akor
On Valentine’s Day weekend at Roka Akor there will be a five-course tasting menu. Led by Executive Chef Roman Petry, the robatayaki-style menu ($98 per person) features dishes to share, such as Tuna Tataki with spicy ponzu, red onion and lotus root chips; Robata Grilled Wagyu Filet with grilled bone marrow and spicy sweet garlic soy; Sake Kasu Marinated Sea Bass with shiso and lime; and Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake with almond caramel and vanilla ice cream, among others. Additionally, the lounge downstairs, Roka Bar, will be offering five love-inspired cocktails ($7-13), including the Fatal Attraction ($13) with Zaya rum, Appleton Estate rum, Dumante pistachio liqueur, Combier triple sec, fresh blackberries, lime, and fresh mint; and At First Glance ($7) with cherry blossom infused rice milk, Rihaku Nigori Sake, hibiscus bitters, pomegranate seeds, orange zest, and fresh shiso. A limited a la carte menu will also be available. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 415-362-8887 or visiting the restaurant’s site.

A16
A16 in San Francisco is celebrating Valentine’s Day (and their 12th anniversary) with a multi-course menu from Executive Chef Rocky Maselli and traditional wine pairing options from Wine Director/Co-Owner Shelley Lindgren. The five-course menu will be available on both Saturday and Sunday night with dish highlights including Southern Italian specialties like Squid Ink Tonnarelli Puttanesca with chili, capers, and oil cured olives, and a special Coccola – a heart-shaped blood orange Cappelletti jello shot – for dessert from Executive Pastry Chef Hannah Buoye. The prix fixe dinner is $85 per person with optional wine pairings optional. Reservations can be made by visiting the restaurant’s site or calling 415-771-2216.

Flour + Water
Chef Thomas McNaughton and Chef de Cuisine Evan Allumbaugh have created a menu that focuses on traditions from the Umbria region interpreted through the flour + water style of cuisine. Umbria is rumored to be the birthplace of San Valentino making it the perfect reason to celebrate. The menu is $95 per person with wine pairings available for an additional $70 per person. Menu highlights include: Mushroom Mousse and Perigord Truffle Bruschetta, Beet Cured Trout with roasted beets, compressed beets, poppy seed, creme fraiche, and horseradish, Pappardelle with rabbit ragu, Suckling Pig Porchett, and Chocolate Hazelnut Torte. Call 415-826-7000 for reservations.

Luce at the InterContinental San Francisco
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Luce with dinner prepared by Michelin-star chef Daniel Corey. Guests can order off the regular a la carte menu or enjoy a three course Valentine’s Day menu for $75 per person. Highlights from the a la carte menu include handmade sweetbread ravioli with crispy sweetbreads with black perigord truffles and mustard leaves;  prime new york strip steak, slowly cooked with rosemary & garlic caramelized salsify, date-coffee marmalade, and trumpet royale; and duck breast, poached & roasted, baby carrots with honey & lavender, apple, and trompette de la mort. For reservations, visit the restaurant online.

Presidio Social Club
Along with the regular menu, Presidio Social Club will have several special items available a la carte throughout the entire weekend, including a blood orange and shaved fennel salad with black olives and sumac vinaigrette; smoked salmon carpaccio with fried capers, caviar cream, chervil and rye toast; chitarra pasta with jalapeño, cilantro, uni butter and dungeness crab; and braised beef short rib with celery root purée, pickled red beets and chocolate red wine sauce. For dessert, pastry chef Rene Cruz will be serving a delicate Red Velvet Crepe “Cake” made of thin crepes layered high with cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut tuile, and the Passion Parfait made with passion fruit mousse, coconut brittle, honey roasted cashews, and white chocolate crisps. Visit the restaurant’s site for information or reservations.

SPQR
This Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Matthew Accarrino of SPQR will be offering a three-course prix fixe lunch for $52 per person and a four-course prix fixe dinner for $94 per person with an optional truffle course. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 415-771-7779.

Salumeria – Make Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home
This Valentine’s Day, Salumeria is offering a “flour + water” pasta project for $45 plus tax, ideal for two people. The kit includes all you need to make beet caramelle with salsify, prosecco and calabrian chili. Make it a complete meal by adding on cured meats and cheeses or chocolate budinos. Order by calling 415-471-2998.

Aatxe
Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with Aatxe and enjoy a special supplemental menu created by Chef Ryan Pollnow on Friday and Saturday evening – highlights include oysters on the half shell and California Osetra Caviar Montadito. In addition, guests can let the kitchen decide, where chef will bring out a tasting of his favorite tapas for $65 per person. Aatxe will be closed on Sunday, February 14 so that their staff can enjoy Valentine’s Day. For reservations call 415-471-2977 or visit the restaurant’s site.

Fogo de Chão 
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Southern Brazilian Steakhouse Fogo de Chão in San Francisco, which opened in late December. The restaurant is located on the corner of 3rd and Howard in the heart of San Francisco’s SoMa District. Fogo de Chão will be offering one complimentary dining card to each couple that dines with them during Valentine’s Day weekend (February 12-14). Complimentary dining cards are redeemable for one lunch or dinner on their next visit (valid February 15 – April 28). For more information on location and pricing for San Francisco please visit the web site.

If you’re on Twitter, please follow me @santacruzfoodie.

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Valentine’s Day and discounts at Santa Cruz’s Chaminade Resort & Spa

Posted on February 5, 2016 by admin
Rose geranium body polish: part of a Valentine’s Day spa package at Chaminade

Rose geranium body polish: part of a Valentine’s Day spa package at Chaminade

Chaminade is a wonderful setting for Valentine’s Day dinner, an overnight stay, a spa treatment, or all of the above. They’ve got some special offers right now; here are a few highlights.

Seafood-themed buffet
For Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, Executive Chef Kirsten Ponza and her culinary team are offering an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner with lots of seafood from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy items like Monterey Bay calamari, a variety of shrimp, ahi sashimi, assorted sushi, cracked crab, oysters, and a smoked seafood platter. A selection of hot entrees such as rotisserie chicken and pasta with porcini crème and wild mushrooms will also be served. There will be New England and Manhattan clam chowders as well. Last but by no means least is dessert. Chaminade is renowned for its decadent, always-scrumptious sweets, and there will be NY cheesecake, Bananas Foster, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and more. The Valentine’s buffet price is $120 per person inclusive and each guest receives a glass of sparkling wine. Reservations are required at Opentable.com or 831-475-5600.

Don’t forget, the Chaminade offers a great brunch buffet every Sunday (including this year’s Valentine’s Day) from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $30.95 for adults, $17.95 for kids 6-12, plus tax/gratuity. Reservations are available by phone or online.

An Affair to Remember
Through February 29, Chaminade is offering a special package for two that includes overnight accommodations at 10% off the best available rate, two glasses of wine and an appetizer to share at Linwood’s Bar & Grill, and wine tasting for two at wineries MJA Vineyards and Beauregard Vineyards. Blackout dates apply. Package prices start at $219. For reservations or more information call 800-283-6569 or visit the web site.

Spa Valentine’s Packages
The Spa at Chaminade has created two different Valentine’s packages, both available until Feb. 29. For reservations and information call The Spa at Chaminade at 831-465-3465. When enjoying spa treatments at The Spa at Chaminade, guests can relax before and/or after on the spa’s peaceful patio with a rock waterfall and a beautiful view of the Santa Cruz Mountains. I took time to tour the patio recently, and it was divine.

  • The Be My Valentine spa package includes a 75-minute rose geranium body polish, a glass of sparkling wine, and chocolate-covered strawberries made on-site. Cost is $216 inclusive.
  • The Valentine for Two package features an 80-minute side-by-side couples massage, a split of sparkling wine, and chocolate-covered strawberries.  Cost is $405 inclusive.

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.

Chaminade location: One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz

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Valentine’s Day dinner and hotel/spa discounts at Monterey’s Portola Hotel & Spa

Posted on February 3, 2016 by admin
Jacks Restaurant is offering Valentine’s Day dinner for tw

Jacks Restaurant is offering Valentine’s Day dinner for tw

If you’re looking for a getaway for Valentine’s Day, the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey has packages available—and they’re good all the way through March—or you can just choose to dine there for a romantic and delicious dinner. Here are highlights of their offerings.

Valentine’s Dinner at Jacks Restaurant
For Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, Jacks Restaurant’s executive chef Jason Giles is serving a four-course dinner for two for $99. The meal includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for each person. Reservations are required at 831-649-7874.

  • First course: smoked serrano & chicken boudine with lemon spätzle chimichurri sauce and a micro green salad
  • Second course: choice of butter lettuce salad with roasted beets, candied pecans, glacier bleu cheese, and a port vinaigrette or lobster bisque with brioche croutons and crème fraîche
  • Third course: choice of petite filet mignon with grilled rosemary gulf prawns served over parmesan-whipped potatoes and asparagus; sesame and black pepper crusted ahi tuna served over cashew rice with a broccolini sauté; mesquite roasted chicken breast served with a cherry & faro ragout, organic spinach topped with a sherry vinegar butter sauce; roasted beet ravioli chive and white wine sauce with shaved parmesan
  • Fourth course: white and dark chocolate mousse filled tulips with fresh raspberries and a vanilla crème anglaise

Romance for Two Package
Through March 31, the hotel is offering a special package starting at $199 that includes overnight accommodations for two, warm homemade chocolate chip cookies at check-in, a bottle of Piper-Sonoma sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and use of the 24-hour fitness center plus the pool, Jacuzzi, and poolside cabanas. Blackout dates apply.  For reservations or information call 888-222-5851.

Spa Packages
The hotel’s Spa on the Plaza is offering a couple of Valentine’s specials; see details below. For reservations call the spa at 831-647-9000.

  • Aromatherapy Massage with a Hydrating Facial & private tub, 110 minutes / $175 (valued at $245)
  • Symphony Massage with a Spa Pedicure, 1.5 hours / $159 (valued at $180)

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay location: 201 Alvarado Street, Monterey

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Wine, cider, sweets, makeup & mini-makeovers at Whole Foods Market on the Peninsula

Posted on January 22, 2016 by admin
Customer Gillian from Barre3 Los Altos, who received a mini makeover from Whole Foods Market staff member Kiara (Los Altos Whole Body Assistant Team Leader)

Customer Gillian from Barre3 Los Altos, who received a mini makeover from Whole Foods Market staff member Kiara (Los Altos Whole Body Assistant Team Leader)

Whole Foods Market on the Peninsula is hosting “Natural Glow, Makeup and Pampering” during the next two weekends, Saturday and Sunday Jan. 23-24 and Jan. 30-31, 2016. See end of article for various locations’ dates and times.

The events, which take place at four stores (a different one each day), include free mini-makeovers, free goody bags, and refreshments. Makeup artists from Gabriel Cosmetics/Zuzu will be available at all four events. Artists from Dr. Hauschka will be at three locations: all but San Mateo. Artists from Mineral Fusion will be visiting just the Los Altos and San Mateo stores.

For the mini-makeovers, reservations are recommended but not required. These are available through customer service at each store location. Another bonus: during the pampering events, customers can participate in a special “do-it-yourself aromatherapy activity” by Aura Cacia at each store.

The makeup/pampering series leads up to Whole Foods Market’s annual pre-Valentine’s sale during Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb. 12-14), when all makeup and lip balm is discounted by 25%. Individuals who take part during the next two weekends can place pre-orders at the events. If you can’t make the events, you can also visit the stores anytime between Jan. 27-Feb. 11 for the pre-sale.

In terms of refreshments, the Palo Alto store will have complimentary sparkling rose and chocolate truffle samples available. Los Altos will offer hard cider samples with cheese pairings, plus coconut bites by Wonderfully Raw. The store will also be featuring free chair massages.  Redwood City will be serving a few appetizer platters plus healthy “superfood” tonics. San Mateo will have wine samples, and possibly cheese.

Curious about what else the markets are featuring during this series? Many other sales are occurring at the same time. For example, organic blueberries are on sale for $3.99, organic Opal apples are $1.99/lb., and Saffron Road frozen entrees are 2 for $7 — all through Jan. 26. Then, from Jan. 29-31, hair care and color products are discounted by 25% at WFM locations in Northern California.

Store details including event times and days

  • Whole Foods Market Palo Alto: Saturday, January 23, 11am – 2pm, 774 Emerson Street, Palo Alto
  • Whole Foods Market Los Altos: Sunday, January 24, 1– 4pm, 4800 El Camino Real, Los Altos
  • Whole Foods Market Redwood City: Saturday, Jan 30, 1-4pm, 1250 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City
  • Whole Foods Market San Mateo: Sunday, Jan 31, 1– 4pm, 1010 Park Place, San Mateo

On Twitter? Follow me @santacruzfoodie.

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Saratoga’s Mountain Winery serves up crab feed

Posted on January 21, 2016 by admin
Crab at the 2015 Mountain Winery crab feed

Crab at the 2015 Mountain Winery crab feed

The Mountain Winery in Saratoga is dishing up its delicious annual all-you-can-eat crab feed on Sunday, January 31. The cost is $100 for adults, $46 for kids 3-11, and free for kids under 3. Tickets cost a bit more than last year since the crab is being brought in from Oregon due to California’s crab shortage. Advance online ticket purchase is required. Parking is free.

The event takes place at the winery’s Historic Winery Building. Tickets include fresh crab from Oregon (choice of cold and/or hot) plus pasta, garlic bread, salad, and dessert. Beverages will be sold separately, and gratuity is not included. When buying tickets, attendees can choose a 4 p.m., 5 p.m., or 6 p.m. seating. But that doesn’t mean you only have an hour to eat. For example, if you choose 4, you can stay until the end. The separate seatings and staggered arrival times are for the purpose of eliminating long lines.

Dinner guests will enjoy live music by acoustic rock/pop band “Hootenanny!” (that’s not a typo, their name actually has an exclamation point in it). For those who will be attending for the first time, know that the event’s atmosphere is fun, casual and comfortable. I enjoyed it tremendously last year. Bon Appetit!

On Twitter? Follow me @santacruzfoodie.

The Details
Crab Feed
Sunday Jan. 31, 4-8 p.m.
Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd., Saratoga
$100 for adults; $46 for kids 3-11

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