The ingredients were simple and real, but the results were extraordinary. Sweetened egg custard, vanilla, cream and half and half were placed in a canister surrounded by rock salt and ice.

Places to sip wine around the Thanksgiving holiday

Good Libations
Many people take a few extra days off work over Thanksgiving in order to add on to what is, for most, a four-day holiday. This is a perfect opportunity to visit restaurants, wine bars and wineries–and head to a few places you haven’t tried before. Here are some suggestions of where to find some tasty eats and good libations:

Cooking from scratch with local and unique ingredients ensures Solaire a bright future

I once went to the Holiday Inn on Ocean Street to research an article on their food, and what I found was nothing to write home (or to you) about. There was kind of a bar, manned by a staff member who kind of knew how to make a few drinks, and some edible appetizers. The recent remodel of that space, in what is now Hotel Paradox, is miraculous and the food that comes from its kitchen, not only is based on local and organic products, but is also decisively creative with numerous house-made surprises.

Merlot 2010

When my husband and I attend events in the Monterey and Carmel areas, we often stay over at the Hyatt Monterey. It’s conveniently located just off Highway 1 and the facilities are top notch.

You’ll fall for the fresh produce and heritage spices at Thai Heart

We visited some associates who own a store in the same King’s Village Shopping Center in which Thai Heart rests and they had told friends that before trying the restaurant, they didn’t like Thai food. The friends explained it was because they had never eaten good Thai food. I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed great Thai dishes, and have to agree that the meals from Nattawut Yimsamram and Siriporn Kitphongsri are very good indeed.

Rebecca’s at the Tannery might be hard to find at the far end of the Tannery Arts Center complex, but the combination of healthful meals and sinful desserts is worth the search.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Located on a 73-acre compound above Saratoga is House Family Winery. This family-owned-and-operated business makes all its wine from grapes grown in their Old Oak Vineyard on their extensive property.

The Trout Farm Inn still sets the stage for food and fun

At the Trout Farm Inn, I can sit at the bar, where locals swap stories watching a football game, at a bright poolside window, at well-weathered tables in the fresh air, or in the romantic, dimly lit back room which offers idyllic views of the creek and the neighbor’s pond. From this pond, built in 1903 and likely California’s first hatchery, come the restaurant’s trout dinners.

While Highway 1 might be the most direct route between Aptos and Watsonville, Freedom Boulevard presents a scenic alternative. Meandering alongside ranches, farms, and woods, it offers not only relaxing surroundings, but also a few culinary surprises as well.

Index
6 Living In A Local Paradise
The vision behind Santa Cruz Local Foods.
8 Smart Seafood
A primer on where to find sustainable seafood.
10 Farm To Table
Three local farms worth visiting.
12 Market Matters
Wondering what’s in store at the farmers’ market this season? Look no further.
14 Cafe Food Goes Foodie
The story of downtown’s Café Delmarette.
16 Garden Fresh
When it comes to “local,” Main Street Garden & Café looks no further than its own backyard.