Fine Vines
Vinoschmooze Last Saturday saw the grand re-opening of Vinocruz, now the baby of Steve Principe and Jennifer Walker of Network Mortgage. Over the course of the afternoon some 150 guests streamed in and out of the cozy space next to the Museum of Art and History and lounged around tables on the petite outdoor patio, sipping the wines of Alfaro Family Vineyards courtesy the always-charming Richard Alfaro. (Sweet story: years ago Alfaro got the business loan for Alfaro Bakery from Principe, then a loan officer at Santa Cruz Community Credit Union.) Full disclosure, now—Principe and Walker are close personal friends. But if I do say so, they’ve done a great job of warming up the interior. A gorgeous bar made by Carlos Prentiss from oak barrel staves is the room’s new centerpiece, and a few high tables and chairs invite lingering over flights of Santa Cruz Mountain wines. Paintings by Charles Prentiss, including some jaw-dropping large-format numbers, brighten the walls. And the shelves are stocked with pride of Santa Cruz Mountain viticulture, which Walker describes as perhaps the most “underappreciated wines in the world.” It made my little heart swell with pride to see all our local wines in one place, Ahlgren to Zayante. Stay tuned for word on food offerings. On Cooper Street between Front and Pacific; 831.426.VINO.
We Are Blessed It was sad to see Asana go (they’re actually still selling tea and teaware online at www.asanateas.com), but in its place is now Café Gratitude. Serving vegan and raw food dishes like the I Am Comforted (zucchini noodles in a cashew cheese sauce) and the I Am Transformed (a vegan taco plate), this small Bay Area chain features produce from its own Be Love farm in Vacaville. 103 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz. 831.427.9583.
Penny Turns One You could have fried an egg on the sidewalk the day Penny Ice Creamery opened its doors, one year ago today. As I recall, Bruce Bratton caught the mercury loitering around the 103 degree mark that afternoon, and that guy sits in the shade. Fortunately Kendra Bakery and Zach Davis were on hand to save the good citizens of Santa Cruz from heat exhaustion and predictable dairy desserts: they brought the people flavors like Earl Grey, bourbon bacon chocolate and cardamom, and the people rewarded them with love. This Wednesday, Aug. 24, the shop celebrates its first birthday with free scoops for everybody. As if we needed another reason to sidle over to the little place at 913 Cedar Street, thinking happy thoughts all the way.
Traci Hukill is filling in for Christina Waters until Sept. 7. Write Christina and tell her how much you miss her at [email protected].
