Mother’s Day Bay Area restaurants Part 2 — Santa Cruz, San Jose & Monterey

Posted on May 8, 2014 by admin
Pastry elements for Cupcake Garden of Sweet Finale course at Restaurant 1833 for Mother's Day, courtesy of restaurant's Facebook page

Pastry elements for Cupcake Garden of Sweet Finale course at Restaurant 1833 for Mother’s Day, courtesy of restaurant’s Facebook page

Here are some more Bay Area Mother’s Day restaurant highlights — if you missed the roundup for San Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto, and Napa, click here.

Santa Cruz & Soquel Restaurants

Lago di Como Ristorante & Pizzeria
Santa Cruz restaurant Lago di Como is serving brunch and dinner on Mother’s Day. Brunch starts at 10 a.m. Call (831) 454-8257 for reservations.
2-1490 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz

Johnny’s Harborside
Santa Cruz restaurant Johnny’s Harborside is offering special dishes for both brunch (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and dinner (4-8:30 p.m.) in addition to its regular menu. Mother’s Day brunch specials include rock shrimp, asparagus, and prosciutto omelet with choice of potato hash, fruit, or polenta ($14), quiche lorraine ($13), and crab cake benedict ($16). Call (831) 479-3430 for reservations.
493 Lake Avenue, Santa Cruz

Tortilla Flats
Soquel restaurant Tortilla Flats is serving a few specials during Mother’s Day weekend. On Mother’s Day the restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. Call 476-1754. Selections include Relleno Poblano (Roasted poblano chile filled with chorizo, goat cheese and green onions), Wild Caught Halibut served with Santa Fe Green Sauce, and Crepas Del Mar (Aji Limo crepes filled with lobster and prawns).
4616 Soquel Drive, Soquel

The Chaminade
The Chaminade offers its annual Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m; the price is $50.95 (adults), $17.95 (kids 6-12), and free for kids under 6. The menu includes a savory seafood bar, roast prime rib of beef, honey glazed ham and roast turkey breast, omelet bar, an array of traditional brunch favorites, fresh fruit and vegetable medleys, and a delectable selection of pastries and desserts.  Children’s favorites include chicken strips and fries, miniature pancakes and macaroni and cheese. There will also be face painting and balloon figures for kids. Call (831) 475-5600 for reservations. Also related to Mother’s Day, there’s a special May promotion: Book overnight accommodations for two in the month of May and receive a $50 resort credit to be used toward the spa, breakfast, brunch or dinner, in addition to a scented spa candle and signature body lotion just for Mom!  Call 800-283-6569 for reservations or visit www.chaminade.com for further information.
One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz

Hollins House
The Pasatiempo Golf Club’s Hollins House is serving a brunch buffet from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The price is $55 (adults) and $20 for kids. Selections include Beet and goat cheese salad with fresh strawberries, Omlette bar with Bacon, Ham, Pasilla Chiles, Tomatoes, Cheese, Scallion, Italian Sausage, Spinach, Egg Whites and Mushrooms, Glazed Pit Ham with Orange Anise Sauce, Carved NY Steak, Horseradish Cream, Au Jus, and Mushroom Ravioli with Basil Pesto and Feta. Call (831) 459-9177 for reservations.
20 Clubhouse Rd, Santa Cruz

San Jose
Fogo de Chao
On May 11, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse in San Jose will offer lively dining that will satisfy the whole family. Plus, moms who dine on Mother’s Day (May 11), will receive a special card — while supplies last — good for a complimentary lunch or dinner on their next visit. The Mother’s Day menu will feature the restaurant’s extensive variety of fire-roasted meats that are specially carved to each guest’s preference. Diners can enjoy selections such as the house specialty picanha sirloin, filet mignon, ribeye, lamb chops, chicken wrapped in bacon, and pork ribs, to name a few, or try the newly-introduced lighter seafood selection. Additionally, Fogo offers a colorful gourmet salad and sides bar with an abundance of fresh and seasonal choices, and Southern Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo (warm cheese bread), crispy hot polenta, and caramelized bananas are served family style. A tempting dessert menu, creative and classic cocktails, and an award-winning wine list complement the dining experience. Pricing is $51.50 per person and Mother’s Day is being celebrated from 11:30am – 9:00pm. Special pricing is available for children 12 and under. Call 408-244-7001.
The Fairmont San Jose

The Fairmont is serving a special Mother’s Day Buffet from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The cost is $59 per adult and $29 per child 5-12, plus tax and  gratuity. Kids under 5 are free. Buffet highlights: a selection of salads such as shaved fennel, artichoke, arugula, citrus with saffron vinaigrette; hot options such as honey baked ham, herb-roasted leg of lamb, and dill-roasted salmon with tomato-olive fondue, and an omelet station with farm fresh eggs.
170 South Market St, San Jose, (408) 998-3960
Monterey
Restaurant 1833
On Sunday, May 11, Restaurant 1833 will open early and host a special Mother’s Day Brunch with a three-course menu for $55. Located in the historic California landmark, the Stokes Adobe house, guests can enjoy dishes from New Executive Chef Abby Burk with selections such as Asparagus and Leek Quiche with gruyere, goat cheese and chives; Booker’s Bourbon and Vanilla French Toast topped with marinated white peaches, whipped crème fraiche, and toasted almonds; The Fried Chicken served with cornbread and rosemary waffles, chicories and roasted grape jus, and a Stroll Through the Cupcake Garden for a sweet ending with an assortment of cupcake flavors including carrot cake, vanilla bean, strawberry & chocolate cream, and lemon meringue . As always, available for a $6 add on are sides such as 1833’s signature Bacon Biscuits served with a sausage gravy. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 831-643-1833.
TusCA Ristorante at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa (1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, 657-6675) is serving a buffet: $56 adults, $25 kids 6-12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrees include lavender-glazed pork loin with Point Reyes studded blue cheese.

Tarpy’s Roadhouse (2999 Salinas Highway, Monterey, 647-1444) is serving a la carte brunch dishes ranging from $4.95-$48 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrees include Maine lobster and avocado benedict on griddled brioche with citrus-chive hollandaise, herb salad, and potatoes.

Jack’s Restaurant at the Portola Hotel & Spa (2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, 649-2698) has a buffet: $39.95 adults, $34.95 seniors, $19.95 kids 6-12. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Twitter? Follow me @santacruzfoodie.

Posted in Restaurant News, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Mother’s Day Bay Area restaurants Part 2 — Santa Cruz, San Jose & Monterey

Bay Area restaurants for Mother’s Day Part 1 — includes San Francisco & Oakland

Posted on May 7, 2014 by admin
Strawberry Rhubarb Gelee with vanilla bean cremoux, huckleberry foam, masago, fresh berries, and lemon verbena coconut snow - Mother’s day dessert from The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse

Strawberry Rhubarb Gelee with vanilla bean cremoux, huckleberry foam, masago, fresh berries, and lemon verbena coconut snow – Mother’s day dessert from The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse

Did Mother’s Day 2014 sneak up on you? It’s less than a week away, on Sunday May 11 – better make reservations if you haven’t already! Here are details on a few Bay Area restaurants; I’ll publish more in the next couple days.

SAN FRANCISCO
A16
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Marina at A16 with a special a la carte menu boasting festive dishes and beverages for the occasion. After their meal, moms will be gifted with flowers for the holiday.  Lunch service will run from 11:00 – 2:30 and dinner will go from 5:00-10:00 pm.
CHAYA Brasserie
Join CHAYA Brasserie for Mother’s Day Brunch as the restaurant hosts a delicious 3-Course Chef Selection menu for $45 with $12 bottomless mimosas. Guests can choose dishes like the Castelle French Toast with caramelized banana, almonds, and fresh fruits or the Dungeness Crab Egg Benedict with avocado, miso hollandaise, and home fries. For dessert, try the Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwiches or the Warm Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding with caramel ice cream. Young adults can enjoy a special $15 prix fixe menu featuring an entrée and a dessert.

1760
In addition to its regular menu, guests are invited to enjoy special brunch dishes from 1760‘s Executive Chef Adam Tortosa from 11:30am -3:00pm on Sunday, May 11. Dishes include French toast with roasted strawberries and whipped creme fraiche; Fried egg sandwich with basil aioli and smashed avocado; Lollipop kale with Guanciale and 63 degree egg; and Avocado toast with parsley, lime and Biber pepper. Bar Manager Christopher Longoria will also offer special brunch cocktails for the day including a Green Strawberry Bloody Mary. The restaurant will be closed for dinner service after 3:00 p.m. that evening.

Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins 
On Sunday, May 11, Top of the Mark not only celebrates moms – it celebrates its official diamond anniversary, having opened 75 years ago to the day.  Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day, Top of the Mark and Executive Chef Nenad Stefanovic present a delicious buffet including a raw bar, carving station, salads, entrees, breakfasts and desserts along with limitless mimosas and entertainment by pianist Michael Athens. All mothers are entered into giveaways throughout the day which includes $100 and $75 gift cards to Macy’s, as well as a grand prize of a $750 gift card to Tiffany & Co. and one hundred roses. Pricing for Mother’s Day is $109 for adults and $59 for ages four through 12. Children three and under are complimentary. Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. For reservations, please visit www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com and www.topofthemark.com or call 415-616-6916.

Luce at the InterContinental San Francisco
Mothers dining at LUCE for Mother’s Day brunch will also be automatically into a drawing for $100 Macy’s card on the hour during brunch hours. A grand prize of a gift card worth $300 at Tiffany & Co. and 100 roses will be given away. This delicious buffet service with mini hot dishes is $45 per person with unlimited bubbly or $22.50 for children 4-12 years old. Call 415-616-6560 to book or visit opentable.com.

Off the Grid: Picnic at the Presidio for Mother’s Day 

Sit back and treat mom to a Mother’s Day experience complete with a reserved blanket and flowers for her to take home as a souvenir. Book here — The $100 package includes:

  • A signature Picnic at the Presidio blanket, for you to keep
  • A Mimosa kit for the group to share
  • Home Sweet Flowers Bouquet Class for two (bouquet to take home included)

Presidio Social Club

Stop in for selections from PSC‘s iconic dinner and brunch menus, and to sample the Mother’s Day Special, Sweet Bay Shrimp with a citrus dressing served over butter leaf lettuce, available throughout the day. Dine indoors, or take advantage of Spring’s beginnings with a table on the back deck.

EAST BAY
Bocanova
Oakland
Celebrate mom with Mother’s Day at Bocanova this year. Special dishes offered for the day will include a Crab Benedict with Arepas for brunch only; and a Stone Valley Pork Leg with butter beans, poached egg and tomatillo crudo for brunch and dinner.

A16 Rockridge
Oakland

Take mom to the East Bay this Mother’s Day holiday for a special a la carte menu by Chef Rocky Maselli. From 11:00am-3:00pm for lunch or 4:00pm-close, guests can enjoy classic A16 Rockridge fare or sample new dishes created for the day. At the end of the meal, moms will be gifted with a sweet treat to take home- a pound cake from Pastry Chef Hannah Buoye.

PALO ALTO
The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse
Chef Yu Min Lin has crafted a special $45 prix fixe menu for the holiday with dishes such as the classic Hamachi Shots and Lobster Scrambled Eggs with tarragon, lemon, and parmesan. For dessert, guests can enjoy the creations of Pastry Chef Dan Huynh like the Chocolate Gateaux with vanilla crème, apricot, and cherry or the Strawberry Rhubarb Gelee with vanilla bean cremoux, huckleberry foam, masago, fresh berries, and lemon verbena coconut snow (see photo above).

NAPA
Silverado Resort and Spa
Mother’s Day Brunch – 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Chef Jeffrey Jake and the Silverado culinary team will create a menu, priced at $60 for adults and $25 for children ages 4-9, that showcases the local bounty of Napa’s spring harvest. Local fruits and vegetables from farmers stretching from Napa into Marin counties, pristine sustainably caught seafood, hormone-free beef and poultry from Northern California ranches, farm fresh eggs from the Hen Pen Farm on Hardman Lane, and local fruit from Silverado Trail and K&J Orchards. Silverado’s pastry chef creations will also include a dark chocolate fountain. In addition, the resort will be serving a limited Mother’s Day menu in the Grill for $32 per adult.
On Twitter? Follow me @santacruzfoodie.

Posted in Restaurant News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Bay Area restaurants for Mother’s Day Part 1 — includes San Francisco & Oakland

May 2 Santa Cruz dumpling pop-up plus Silicon Valley Restaurant Week

Posted on May 2, 2014 by admin
Food from LB Steak on Santana Row, a Silicon Valley Restaurant Week participant

Food from LB Steak on Santana Row, a Silicon Valley Restaurant Week participant

Here are details for two local culinary events:

First, a one-night dumpling pop-up in Santa Cruz Friday, May 2,  beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Location: POPUP, 1108 Pacific Ave. in downtown Santa Cruz next door to Assembly, from the folks who brought you The Penny Ice Creamery and The Picnic Basket.
Tonight’s event showcases food from “Mortal Dumpling.” The talented man behind this business is Chef Noah Kopito, who also cooks for Hidden Peak Teahouse. I have tasted his dim sum once before—including BBQ pork buns and sesame balls—and I highly recommend it! He also sells his food each Monday from 5:30-7:30  p.m. at Front St. Kitchen (504A Front). Visit Mortal Dumpling’s site for more info and see its regular Monday  menu.

If you haven’t heard of it, POPUP is a space that has rotating “curated food concepts and events” as stated on its web site heypopup.com. Since launching in April, POPUP has had 3 events: two food ones and one with nonprofit Walnut Ave Women’s Center.

Next, Silicon Valley Restaurant Week
The event started Wednesday, April 30 and lasts until May 7. More than 50 local restaurants – from Los Gatos, Downtown San Jose and San Jose’s Santana Row to Mountain View, Saratoga, and Palo Alto – are serving discounted three-course gourmet dinners.

Special menus are offered and typically include three options for each course: appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Customers choose one selection for each course. The SVRW menu prices do tend to vary; last fall, restaurants generally priced their meals between $35 and $65. This is because some choose to serve larger portions, use more expensive ingredients, and/or want to showcase signature dishes.

Silicon Valley Restaurant Week is held twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. Restaurant reservations are recommended.  For more information, and to see menus and prices for selected restaurants, visit the event web site at siliconvalleyrestaurantweek.com.

On Twitter? Follow me @santacruzfoodie.

Posted in Cooking & Chefs, Events, Restaurant News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on May 2 Santa Cruz dumpling pop-up plus Silicon Valley Restaurant Week

Starbucks Coffee’s newest blends including K-cups

Posted on April 24, 2014 by admin
Seasonal Tribute Blend from Starbucks Coffee

Seasonal Tribute Blend from Starbucks Coffee

I recently got my first K-Cup brewer, so I’ve started trying out many different coffee varieties including a few from Starbucks.

So far, my favorite K-Cup from Starbucks is its Tribute Blend. I need to stock up on some because it’s only available for a limited time! I noticed when browsing the Starbucks web site there are others who feel the same way and wish it was available more often. It’s a rich, full-bodied blend with hints of cherry. I like it first thing in the morning, and as an afternoon pick-me-up. Originally crafted for Starbucks’ 40th anniversary, it was so popular that the coffee company now releases it once a year during the spring. When it sells out, that’s it until next year. You can find the Tribute blend online at starbucks.com or at Starbucks retail shops, and in addition to K-cups it comes in whole bean packages, Verismo pods, and VIA instant packs.

I had the opportunity to sample a couple coffees from the Starbucks Blonde Roast line. In case you’re wondering, the Blonde Roast was developed due to a customer demand for something milder than Starbucks’ standard offerings. So now, there is a “Starbucks Roast Spectrum” which divides the coffee into three profiles: Blonde Roast, Medium Roast and Dark Roast.

The Blonde Roast coffees I tried were the new Bright Sky and Aria Blends. Aria is formerly known as Willow Blend (it was re-branded this spring), and it’s available in both regular and decaf. It’s a blend of Latin American and East African beans that includes lemony notes. Bright Sky contains Latin American beans, and it has a subtle nutty flavor.

Since I tend to prefer darker roasts in general, these were enjoyable but I like the Tribute better. I ended up liking both blonde ones more when I chose to brew an 8 oz. cup as opposed to the traditional 10 oz. cup I brew. That made the coffee bolder (I have to thank my husband for this suggestion). People that like lighter roasts should definitely try both Bright Sky and Aria; they do have nice flavors. If you prefer darker but happen to live with someone who prefers a lighter roast, you could buy one of the blonde varieties and try the adjustment I made—see if it works you! They are available at Starbucks retail stores and grocery stores, but not online. Bright Sky was made available in grocery stores beginning in January 2014. In addition to K-cups, Aria and Bright Sky come in ground coffee form.

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.

Posted in Coffee | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Starbucks Coffee’s newest blends including K-cups

Local restaurants cook up soup benefiting Santa Cruz Homeless Services Center

Posted on April 20, 2014 by admin
A volunteer preparing dessert at Soupline 2010 – credit to Red Bat Photography via Soupline web site

A volunteer preparing dessert at Soupline 2010 – credit to Red Bat Photography via Soupline web site

Eat a variety of delicious soup from dozens of local restaurants and shops on Thursday April 24—the event benefits Santa Cruz’s Homeless Services Center.

The 15th Annual Soupline Supper and Benefit Auction is at the Cocoanut Grove at the Santa Cruz boardwalk from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For $25 per person or $50 per family (up to 4 individuals), you receive soup, salad bread, and dessert. Purchase tickets.

The event is set up with different tables where chefs serve their homemade soup, with about a dozen available at any one time (selections rotate throughout the evening). Attendees walk around and choose which ones to sample. Public officials and other community leaders serve as “Celebrity Ladlers.” There are lots of tables set up in the dining room where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Buy tickets and read more information online at the special Soupline site.

More than 40 participating restaurants in 2014’s Soupline include Aquarius, The Art Bar & Cafe at the Tannery, The Bagelry, The Buttery,  Café Cruz, Chaminade, Charlie Hong Kong, Crow’s Nest, Gabriella Café, Hula’s, Laili, La Posta, Manuel’s, Sawasdee, Shadowbrook, Soif, The Walnut Ave Café, and Zameen. See full restaurant list.

There is free parking after 4 pm at the Boardwalk lot across from the Cocoanut Grove.

The Homeless Services Center is a community-supported non-profit organization dedicated to the coordinated provision of services for homeless persons. The goal of the Homeless Services Center is to provide both emergency and transitional services to homeless individuals that will enable clients to achieve self-sufficiency.

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

Posted in Benefits, Cooking & Chefs, Events, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Local restaurants cook up soup benefiting Santa Cruz Homeless Services Center

Restaurants for Easter in Santa Cruz, SF and the Greater Bay Area

Posted on April 15, 2014 by admin
Fogo de Chao on Santana Row is serving Easter Brunch

Fogo de Chao on Santana Row is serving Easter Brunch

Dining out for Easter 2014? It’s this coming Sunday; here are some restaurant highlights for Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and the Bay Area.

Santa Cruz Restaurants

Chaminade
The Chaminade offers its annual Easter Brunch Buffet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; the price is $50.95 (adults), $17.95 (kids 6-12), and free for kids under 6. Selections include prime rib, honey baked ham with Jack Daniels glaze, rosemary and garlic encrusted lamb leg, a seafood bar with teriyaki salmon, peel and eat prawns, fried calamari and more, omelets made to order, and Belgian waffles. Additional highlights: several salads, fresh berries, chocolate fondue, and a chocolate fountain. There will be Easter egg hunts for the kids at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Call (831) 475-5600 for reservations.
One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, www.chaminade.com

Johnny’s Harborside
Johnny’s Harborside is offering a special Easter brunch menu from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (last seating at 2:15 p.m.). Dinner service begins at 4 p.m. with a few specials in addition to the regular menu. Easter brunch specials include a variety of Eggs Benedicts (such as a crab cake variation for $16, traditional for $12), a smoked salmon and goat cheese quiche ($14), and a proscuitto omelet with asparagus, hearts of palm, spinach, and housemade dou latte cheese ($14). Call (831) 479-3430 for reservations.
493 Lake Avenue, Santa Cruz, www.johnnysharborside.com

Hoffman’s is serving brunch until 2:30; dinner is served from 3-9:30. Make reservations via OpenTable or at (831) 420-0135.
1102 Pacific Ave., hoffmanssantacruz.com

San Francisco Restaurants
A16
A16 will host a festive Easter brunch and dinner featuring an a la carte menu with creations from Chef Chris Thompson and Pastry Chef Candace Rowan. For brunch, A16 will offer dishes such as Ceci Fettucine with braised sugo, fava, and pecorino and Pastiera Napoletana, an Italian cake made of ricotta cheese that hails from Naples. For dinner, guests can choose from menu items like Roasted Leg of Lamb with senise peppers, English peas, and tendrils and Cassata Siciliana, a traditional round sponge cake from Palermo with fruit juice and ricotta cheese. The special brunch offerings will be available in addition to the restaurant’s regular menu. A16 will be open from 11 am to 2:30 pm for lunch and 5-10 pm for dinner.  For more information on A16 San Francisco or to make reservations, visit www.a16sf.com or call 415.771.2216.

CHAYA Brasserie
This Easter, celebrate the holiday on the water at the Embarcadero gem, CHAYA Brasserie. Offering a special menus like the young adults’ menu for $15 and the 3-course menu for $42, CHAYA will feature dishes such as  Smoked Trout and Crispy Potato with crème fraiche, ikura, and shiso salsa verde; Castelle French Toast with caramelized banana, almonds, and fresh fruits; and Five Spiced Duck Confit Hash with piquillo peppers, red onions, and fried duck egg. For an additional $12, guests can enjoy bottomless champagne or mimosas. Reservations can be made by calling 415.777.8688 or visiting thechaya.com/SanFrancisco.

Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Top of the Mark Executive Chef Nenad Stefanovic presents the annual Easter buffet on Sunday, April 20. In additional to the views to be had from the legendary sky lounge, guests will enjoy a selection of raw bar items, antipasto, salad, and small plates including Almond cucumber gazpacho and Roasted Wild Mushroom with crostini and basil oil. Entrée selections include Alaskan Halibut with caramelized fennel, fire roasted peppers and citrus beurre blanc; Kurabota Pork Loin with Brussels sprouts and whole grain mustard sauce; and Saffron Couscous with spring vegetables and parmesan broth. Brunch favorites can be had at the omelet station and a build-your-own buttermilk waffle station. Guests of Top of the Mark’s Easter brunch will enjoy limitless mimosas, entertainment by pianist Michael Athens, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Reservations can be made by calling InterContinental Mark Hopkins: 415.392.3434.  Easter brunch is served from 10am – 2pm; Adults are $109 and children between the ages of four and 12 are $59. Visit www.topofthemark.com.

Napa
Join Silverado Resort & Spa for their spectacular Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet from 10:30 am-2:30 pm with a menu designed and prepared by acclaimed Executive Chef Jeffrey Jake and his team. Traditional brunch selections include hand-carved gently roasted meats, lavish hot & cold displays and an array of decadent desserts for $60 per adult and $25 per child (ages 4-9).

Los Gatos
Visit award-winning Dio Deka for an Easter filled with traditional Greek favorites seasoned with California technique from Chef Jeff Fitzgerald. Weather permitting, seating will be available in the restaurant’s beautiful outdoor patio as well as in the dining room. The à la carte brunch menu will feature dishes such as Keftethakia, lamb meatballs with blistered grapes, kalamansi yogurt and a light herb-broth ($13); Zambonopita, a crispy puff-pastry stuffed with smoked ham, green onion, feta, kasseri and ricotta cheeses ($16); Plevrakia, slow-cooked pork ribs rubbed with Greek spices, Attiki honey and lemon glaze, and sour cherries with ouzo ($15); and Cinnamon “Greek” Toast with whipped vanilla butter and maple syrup ($14). Brunch will be available from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 408-354-7700. Regular dinner service will resume that evening.

San Jose
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse in San Jose will offer a lively and elegant dining alternative – a Brazilian twist on Easter brunch. The Easter Sunday menu will feature the restaurant’s extensive variety of fire-roasted meats that are specially carved to each guest’s preference. Diners can enjoy selections such as the house specialty picanha sirloin, filet mignon, ribeye, lamb chops, chicken wrapped in bacon, and pork ribs, to name a few, or try the newly-introduced lighter seafood selection. Additionally, Fogo offers a gourmet salad and sides bar with an abundance of choices, and Southern Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo (warm cheese bread), crispy hot polenta, and caramelized bananas are served family style. A tempting dessert menu, creative and classic cocktails, and an award-winning wine list complement the dining experience. Lunch is served from 11:30am – 3:00pm and dinner is served 4:00pm – 9:00pm on Easter Sunday. Price: $51.50 (salad bar only – $26.50); kids 6 and under are complimentary. Children 7 to 12 are half price.

Palo Alto
The Sea by Alexander Steakhouse located in Palo Alto offers a special three-course pix fixe brunch menu for Easter Sunday. Tuna tartare, lobster scrambled eggs, scallops and New York steak are just a few of the selections on this lavish menu prepared by Executive Chef Yu Min Lin. Three courses for $45, and other items a la carte. From 10:30am – 1:30pm. Reservations: (650) 213-1111.
Monterey
On Sunday, April 20, 2014 Restaurant 1833 will open early and host a special Easter Brunch from 10:30-2:30 with a three-course menu for $50. Located in the historic California landmark, the Stokes Adobe house, guests can enjoy dishes from New Executive Chef Abby Burk with selections such as Smoked White Sturgeon Tartine with pumpernickel bread, pickled red onions, capers, and cream cheese; Lemon and Ricotta Waffles topped with marinated berries and whipped cream; Slow Roasted Spring Lamb Rachetta with feta, black olives, tomato confit, bread salad, and rosemary jus; and Mignardise Board of marshmallow peeps, raspberry jellies, chocolate mendiants, and pistachio financier. As always, available for a $6 add on are 1833’s infamous Bacon Biscuits served with a sausage gravy. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made with a credit card through Open Table or by calling (831) 643-1833.

East Bay
A16 Rockridge
Celebrating its first Easter in Oakland, A16 Rockridge will offer special brunch and dinner offerings by Chef Rocky Maselli. For brunch, guests can choose from an a la carte menu with dishes such as Crespelle with rhubarb compote and whipped cream fraiche and candied almonds and Capunti with lamb heart sugo, gava beans, and pecorino reserva. For dinner, the a la carte menu will feature savory dishes such as Verdetto, Easter Lamb with egg, snap peas, pea greens, and grana padano and a special dessert of Pastiera Napoletana with cinnamon, gelato, and orange caramel. An Easter-inspired libation will be available for the holiday as well. The Carrot Top features Boyd + Blair vodka, carrot, grapefruit, and lemon juice with ginger syrup and garnished with festive carrot fronds.  A16 Rockridge will be open from 11 am to 9 pm and switch from its dinner menu at 4 pm.  For more information or to make reservations, visit www.a16rockridge.com or call 510.768.8003.

Bocanova
This Easter Sunday, join Bocanova for two special dishes: A 7-hour leg of lamb Oaxacan-style with beans and tomatillo salsa and a Dungeness Crab Benedict for brunch. Visit www.bocanova.com.

On Twitter? Follow me @santacruzfoodie.

Posted in Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Restaurants for Easter in Santa Cruz, SF and the Greater Bay Area

Santa Cruz & Monterey County food & wine events this weekend

Posted on April 10, 2014 by admin
A scene from Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2010

A scene from Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2010

There are many food and wine events occurring this weekend in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, beginning Thurs. April 10, 2014. Here are a few highlights.

7th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Fest April 10-13
The four-day culinary extravaganza is renowned for drawing top talent. This year’s chefs include Tracy Des Jardins, Hubert Keller, Cindy Pawlcyn, Masahuru Morimoto, Charles Phan, Jonathan Waxman, and Peter Armellino. Past participants have included Jacques Pepin, Eric Ripert, and Charlie Trotter. There are gourmet lunches and dinners, grand tastings featuring wine and food, regular and reserve wine tastings, and celebrity chef cooking demos by Carla Hall, Tyler Florence, and others.  Events are held at multiple venues including The Inn at Spanish Bay and The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
The Inn at Spanish Bay is at 2700 17 Mile Drive. For details go to www.pbfw.com or call 866-907-3663.

9th annual Pinot Paradise April 11-13
Pinot lovers are invited to the event of the season featuring Santa Cruz Mountains wineries, with a Grand Tasting on Sunday, April 13th. There will be 30 winemakers from the Santa Cruz Mountains including Felton’s Hallcrest which will feature the 2012 Santa Cruz Mountains, Barrel Select ($52) and the 2012 Santa Cruz Mountains, Reserve ($64), both of which are made from Pinot Noir grown in Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards. Tickets: VIP Grand Tasting $100, from 12pm-5pm. General Admission Grand Tasting $85, from 2pm- 5pm. Many wineries host events and tastings from April 11-13, including a multi-winery event held at Alfaro from 12-5pm Sat April 12 with Trout Gulch, Lester, Schultze, and more. Visit http://scmwa.com/events.

Santa Cruz Dim Sum dinner with tea pairings April 12
Chef Andrea of Lifestyle Culinary Arts and Chef Noah of Hidden Peak Teahouse collaborate for a unique dinner with handmade dim sum, tea pairings, and family-style dining. I’ve had food from both chefs and highly recommend this event! It’s at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, at Front Street Kitchen, 504-A Front Street in downtown Santa Cruz. It’s $48 per person and advance reservations are mandatory; as of press time there were a few spots left. Contact Andrea 831-588-4515 or andrea@lifestyleculinary.com.

Monterey Chocolate Salon in Carmel April 12
The 1st annual Monterey Chocolate Salon is 11am-5pm. Saturday at the Sunset Cultural Center. Approximately  20 vendors include chocolatiers and confectioners such as Amano Artisan Chocolate, The Tea Room Chocolate Company, and Marich Confectionery, and wineries including Rosa d’Oro Vineyards. Visitors can enjoy chocolate tastings, chef and author talks, more. Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids, and give attendees a specific time to enter the salon. Ticket prices include chocolate tastings.
Sunset Cultural Center is on San Carlos Street at 9th Avenue. For details, go to www.montereychocolatesalon.com

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.

Posted in Cooking & Chefs, Events, Food & Food News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Santa Cruz & Monterey County food & wine events this weekend

Green Mountain offers Island Coconut Coffee as a springtime treat

Posted on April 2, 2014 by admin
Seasonal Island Coconut Green Mountain Coffee

Seasonal Island Coconut Green Mountain Coffee

The first day of spring was March 20, and just four days later Green Mountain Coffee released its newest seasonal coffee: Island Coconut. Available only for a limited time, it comes in K-cup packs and in bags. I had the opportunity to sample it for free—as a K-cup—and it’s mild and smooth. The exotic flavors are slightly sweet yet fairly subtle. In fact, I am NOT a huge coconut lover, yet I enjoyed this! It’s a light roast, and there are no bitter notes.

Like all of Green Mountain’s seasonal varieties, Island Coconut is Fair Trade Certified™. Fair Trade certification gives farmers a fair price for their beans with a guaranteed minimum, which means they can invest in their crops and their communities. In 2000, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters became one of the first roasters in the US to offer Fair Trade Certified™ coffees, and in 2012, the company was named the world’s largest purchaser of Fair Trade Certified™ coffee by Fair Trade USA for the third consecutive year.

Don’t yet have your own K-cup machine? Keurig’s Elite brewer works fast and makes great coffee, and it comes in Coconut White if you want to keep up the tropical theme inspired by Green Mountain’s Island Coconut coffee. Actually, I happened to notice on the Keurig web site that it’s on sale through 4/17, for $100 (discounted from $120) — I checked the Green Mountain site and it is offering the same deal. On both sites, there’s also a “mini” system on sale for $80 from $100.

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.

Posted in Coffee, Food & Food News | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Green Mountain offers Island Coconut Coffee as a springtime treat

Date Night Santa Cruz expands to 14 restaurants in Aptos and Santa Cruz

Posted on March 25, 2014 by admin
Food from Aptos restaurant Au Midi, a participant in Date Night Santa Cruz

Food from Aptos restaurant Au Midi, a participant in Date Night Santa Cruz

Date Night Santa Cruz is a unique dinner-and-a-movie program that began last December, and it just expanded big-time. “In the short three months since launch, the program has gone way above and beyond our initial expectations,” says Ike Jablon, Director of Marketing & Special Events for Nickelodeon Theatres—which also encompasses the Del Mar & Aptos Cinema. “To celebrate, we’re adding nine new restaurants into the mix to make the perfect Date Night for just about anyone!”

Yesterday the number of restaurants involved increased to 14—great news for the local community! Here’s the skinny: customers buy a $50 product that includes dinner and a movie for two. The tickets can be redeemed any Monday through Thursday evening, except holidays and special events. When you purchase your Date Night package, you select which restaurant you are buying a ticket for (they are mostly in Santa Cruz, plus a couple in Aptos), but you can decide later which movie theatre you’re going to of the three in the “Nick Family.” Each restaurant gives customers a certain value to spend on dinner–usually $50. For more information, see the Nick’s Date Night web site.

Jablon created the program in partnership with The Downtown Association, and he is thrilled that so many restaurants have decided to collaborate. These include family-run French bistro Au Midi in Aptos, a perfect stop if you’re headed to Aptos Cinema. Michel Loubiere of Au Midi explains why he and his wife Muriel—the restaurant’s chef—joined the program: “I thought it was a good idea to promote the idea of going out at night and having a more cosmopolitan feel,” he says. “Dinner and a movie kind of remind me of a prix fixe dinner theater you can have in New York. I am happy to be part of it!”

More details:
Tickets for “Date Night Santa Cruz” all cost $50 regardless of the restaurant, and can be purchased at any of the partner restaurants or at the box offices for The Nick, Del Mar Theatre or Aptos Cinema.

Participating restaurants (in alphabetical order)
Assembly
Au Midi
Café Rio
Café Sparrow
Chocolate
515 Kitchen & Cocktails
Gabriella
Hindquarter
Hoffman’s
Hula’s
Kauboi
Laili
Louie’s Cajun Kitchen & Bourbon Bar
Soif

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

Posted in Restaurant News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Date Night Santa Cruz expands to 14 restaurants in Aptos and Santa Cruz

Celebrate National Peanut Month with sweet recipes

Posted on March 20, 2014 by admin
Celebrate National Peanut Month by baking Peanut Butter & Banana Crescents

Celebrate National Peanut Month by baking Peanut Butter & Banana Crescents

One way to celebrate National Peanut Month during March: bake up a treat that includes peanut butter! Of course, there are lots and lots of recipes out there. There are some on the National Peanut Board web site, including a link to a fancy dessert recipe via Bon Appetit: peanut dacquoise with peanut butter mousse. With elements like meringue, be prepared to spend some time and effort.

For those who want a fast, easy recipe, here is a quick one that calls for only five ingredients.  This dish is from the Pillsbury web site. Some of the bakers who tried the recipe shared comments. These include the fact it makes a good after-school snack, it’s easy to do variations, and it also works for any “Elvis-themed” parties since the famous singer reportedly loved peanut butter and  banana sandwiches.

PEANUT BUTTER & BANANA CRESCENTS

INGREDIENTS
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls OR 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet

½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 medium banana, sliced (1 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon roasted salted sunflower nuts or sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS
1. Separate or cut dough into 4 long rectangles (if using crescent rolls, press perforations to seal). Cut each rectangle in half; press into 3 1/2-inch squares.
2. 
Spoon peanut butter in center of each square; top with 2-3 banana slices. Fold dough over filling; press edges with fork to seal. Brush with egg; sprinkle with sunflower nuts.
3. 
Bake at 375°F 12 to 16 minutes.

Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.

Posted in Cooking & Chefs, Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Celebrate National Peanut Month with sweet recipes