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Eat and Meet

Wednesday, 04 April 2012 11:37 Karen Petersen Dining - Dining Reviews
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If preparing marvelous meals appeals to you, the Santa Cruz Mountains Gourmet Dinner Club allows you to explore the world of food and wine, as well as the opportunity to meet people throughout the county.

The SCMGDC will hold its annual membership drive and brunch on Sunday April 15 from noon until 3 p.m. in Ben Lomond. Reservations are required for the $15 event which will include a sampling of the members’ culinary skills. Wines will be available for purchase.

A shared supper table has long been a source of building communities. What began as a club for residents of the San Lorenzo Valley has expanded to include Aptos, Capitola, Live Oak, Santa Cruz, Bonny Doon and Redwood Estates.

The mission of the nonprofit, which is entering its fourth year, is “To enthusiastically celebrate the preparation and enjoyment of good food, to create new and enduring friendships, and to offer a warm welcome to new members.”

The club welcomes couples, singles and paired friends, who are 21 years of age or older, as members who pay annual dues of $20 per person. The club meets on the first Sunday of each month at numerous homes throughout the county. The host couple prepares an appetizer or salad, entrée, and side dish. Two visiting couples bring either two bottles of quality wine, or dessert and one bottle of wine.

Each month features a new set of hosts who are paired with different sets of guests. Every couple typically hosts three or four times during the year. It is certainly a charming and cost-effective way to discover new foods, cooking styles, ingredients, and neighbors.

Other club events include an all-member New Year’s Eve party, Oktoberfest, Summer party and Spring Membership Drive. New this year will be a two-day excursion to the wine country surrounding Paso Robles.

Santa Cruz Mountains Gourmet Dinner Club brunch and membership drive, Sunday, April 15 from noon to 3 p.m. Cost of $15 per person includes food; wine is available for purchase. Reservations are required. Contact Chairperson Colly Gruczelak at 336-8098 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    Must be 21 years of age or older.

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written by Donna Horne, April 07, 2012
My husband, David, and I have been members of this social club for 3 years now. We have enjoyed many delicious meals, excellent wine pairings and wonderful conversation at the homes of club members. This is a great way to expand your culinary skills and meet new people in the local area. The group events are always fun and allows us all to enjoy the company of the majority of the club members at one venue.

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