Christina Waters

Summer solstice.

Chilled sauvignon blanc, cucumbers in hummus, flame grapes, crackers and a selection of robust and intriguing cheeses. How lucky of me to have a friend whose greenhouse balcony provided all of the above — a friend whose hedonistic instincts are exceeded only by her impeccable taste.

Thinking outside the usual Stonehenge or Tikal cliché —I think a summer ritual has been born.

Having as much fun as their neighbors, Kelly and Mark Sanchez managed to pull off one of the biggest block parties in Westside history.

Obviously it was an idea whose time had arrived. The idea of an outdoor community dinner seemed simple enough. But who knew that it would be so wildly popular that even before the 6pm start time the long table between Kelly’s and its companion wineries was packed. Grills were blazing, families had staked out turf on the long, long table — which was quickly joined by every piece of furniture the popular bakery-bistro could find.

The idea of inviting folks to bring their own glasses, plates and utensils, to purchase dinner dishes from a variety of tempting open-air stations, and then to just somehow go with the happy chaotic flow – well it worked. Gloriously.

Everyone seemed willing to play, and the warm summer evening helped everything work. From across the parking lot, Cellar Door chef Charlie Parker (shown here in white) set up a station offering gorgeous fingerfood as well as the inventive wines of Randall Grahm.

Always willing to take chances, to create little islands of social warmth and to never take themselves too seriously - Mark and Kelly Sanchez just keep getting it right.

Thanks to a vigilant field informant, I discovered this delightfully drinkable and seriously affordable Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The 2008 Vin-Koru is 12.8% alcohol and loaded with lemongrass and pepper. The central core of minerals and salt leads to a very lively finish of tart peaches and fennel. This could be your new summer tipple — and for $5.99, it is definitely one of mine. Check TJs.

Here’s my story, even if it isn’t what you expected.

I never made it to Israel. I got as far as Newark, when root canal complications got the best of me.

Swelling, pain, fever – the full Cleveland. And flying to the East Coast the day after major root canal work was probably, in retrospect, a bad idea. In a diagnostic epiphany, my prescient physician B. Hilberman pronounced it a case of “bad mazel.”

So I cancelled my flight to Tel Aviv. Cancelled my original return flight to SFO, and – after paying handsomely for the privilege – made a new return flight reservation.
Then I killed time by 1) seeing the Francis Bacon exhibit at the Met, 2) consuming pizza at Otto in the Village, and 3) mega-dosing ibuprofen, Cipro and lying flat on my back.

In the meantime, I got to know the lounge staff at the Hilton Newark Airport (Cobb salad dinner, left), and the labyrinthean off-ramps of the New Jersey Turnpike. Heavy skies, leaden humidity, the look of perpetual acid rain — the northeast reminded me all over again just why I live in California.

So, I have no tips for great dining in Jerusalem. Alas. But I can reveal that a subtle and delicate balance of anti-inflammatory pain killers, high powered antibiotics and steady doses of red wine can indeed help win the fight against pain and mid-career disappointment.

Onward!

If you like to try wines by the number, you might want to look for vintage 2006 wines under the Vine Hill wine group’s Cumbre label. These Cumbre wines blew away the reviewers at Wine Enthusiast magazine — you’ll find their point spread in the July 2009 issue.

2006 Cumbre Hicks - 94 points
2006 Cumbre Raffaelli - 93 points
2006 Cumbre Santa Cruz Mountains (blend) - 92 points

Vine Hill’s playful Gatos Locos label garnered 89 points for a 2006 Gatos Locos Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir. Keep your eyes peeled for the group’s new Vine Hill label, named for the historic vineyard location, showcasing the work of winemaker Sal Godinez.

In fact, why don’t you come on down and meet Godinez, taste some of his ridiculously drinkable wines for yourself?

He’ll be pouring the Cumbre label at Vinocruz, on Saturday, July 11th, from 3-5pm.

Give your eyes a plein air odyssey, at the 79th Annual Statewide Exhibit, filling the Santa Cruz Art League from May 30-June 28.

Irreplaceable Places: Contemporary Landscape Painters of California — showcases fine work from some of California’s leading landscape painters, including Santa Cruz painter Pat Woodman, a virtuoso of clouds.

Reception: Saturday, June 6, 3-5pm More…

That would be Bonny Doon Vineyard’s Cellar Door — where Friday night hosted out-of-towners and locals, artists — including “Cigare” sculptor Michael Leeds, who sat directly under his distinctive metal creation (see post below) — and robust ultra-fresh dishes (shown is what’s left of our beef panzanella salad with arugula and fresh peas) that perfectly matched the wines (in this case, the 2004 Cigare).

A terrific time – all the curved tasting bars were full, and each of the family-style tables was packed with new-found best friends. Kudos to chef Charlie Parker and his amazing staff — quite an achievement for this brand new cafe concept. Three courses, prix fixe, $28. Plus the small plates menu.

Make a res immediately, or risk being hopelessly out of the culinary loop.

Cellar Door Cafe - 831.425-4518 - 3-course, prix fixe dinners Thurs - Sunday.

The all-Fiestaware platters, bowls and plates at Cellar Door Cafe somehow enhance the colorful, regional ambience of this new Westside magnet.

A velvety puree of broccoli, with a float of crème fraiche — nice partner for Ca’del Solo’s Le Cigare Blanc.

Most dishes rarely taste as good as they look. Except the ones at Gabriella, dreamed up with fresh attitude by chef Brad Briske.

Consider this supple halibut creation. Adolescent beet sprouts, micro-zest of lemon, drizzles of scented oils - unbelievable.

This dish — shared last week with soon-to-be-ex-pat Dan Dickmeyer — tasted even better than it looks. The accompanying Hunter Hill blend of viognier and roussanne didn’t hurt one bit, either.