Ceramika Artystyczna from Chefworks. Photo by Christina Waters.
CULINARY SANTA VISITS CHEFWORKS I have had my eye on the blue handpainted Polish Ceramika Artystyczna tableware at Chefworks for a long time now. Santa needs to know how much I covet the heirloom quality cruet sets, the beautiful little pitchers, the casseroles and bowls—each a work of art. Moderate prices let you know it's special without forcing you to occupy a local bank, if you know what I mean. Chefworks has organized its holiday displays in lavish tableaux of red and green. Le Creuset ramikins, diminutive Cordon Bleu condiment bowls, Italian pottery in holly berry crimson, knives to kill for—just go and take a look for yourself. Chefworks is located at 1527 Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. Gifts everywhere you look.
YES TO CHEESY GIFTS Sheep rancher, Garden Variety Cheeses entrepreneuse and former Gabriella chef Rebecca King invites innovative Santas to consider an outstanding—and very distinctive—gift idea. For $500 you can “adopt” an organically raised dairy sheep living at Monkeyflower Ranch in Royal Oaks. Your investment will help pay for the loving care of an individual animal, and of course gives you visiting rights to come and see the lovely pastoral setting and all of King's well-tended flocks. You'll be supporting humanely raised and organically produced products and help keep entrepreneur King living her dream on the land. In exchange for your investment, you will receive $600 worth of dairy and meat products from January to June of next year. For example, the Lamb Package includes a whole lamb, processed to your specifications, plus two pick-ups of cheese and yogurt a month, email updates and invitations to come and visit the farm. Dairy and Wool Packages available as well. GardenVarietyCheese.com
UPDATES Chef Tim Edmonds just called to tell me that he is no longer with Davenport Roadhouse, and as yet has no new plans. . . . Winemakers Jim and Judy Schultze invite you to New Year's Eve Reveillon dinner, pairing their Windy Oaks pinot noirs with the authentic French cooking of chef Muriel Loubiere at Au Midi Restaurant in Aptos. This end of the year fête will feature seared foie gras, venison with red wine-poached pears and more (prix fixe $105–$155). RSVP ASAP at 831.685.2600.
Hot Plate The caramelized onion and kalamata olive pizza made by Mark Sanchez of Kelly's served at last week's opening reception for Vine Hill Winery's new Westside tasting room.
