Vinocruz co-owner Steve Principe is still fine-tuning. Photo by Christina Waters.
DRINK LOCAL With the boldly colorful acrylic artwork by W.M. Vinci currently adorning two walls and hundreds of wine bottles providing the rest of the visuals, Vinocruz offers more sensory bombardment than ever. Steve Principe, who with partner Jennifer Walker re-opened the popular downtown wine tasting depot in late August, is still fine-tuning many attractive new features.
Not wanting to fix what was already working for the five-year-old wine station, Principe says Vinocruz continues to be “committed to the wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains. They really represent the uniqueness of the region.” The current tasting menu includes offerings from Odonata, McHenry, Trout Gulch, Fernwood and Hallcrest vineyards.
A local since his UCSC days in the late ’70s, Principe is clearly excited about his first-ever wine business. “So many people are excited that we're open and that we haven't changed things too much,” he says. But the new owners have made some attractive additions to the stylish wine shop, including a handsome tasting bar designed and created by Carlos Prentiss, son of painter Charles Prentiss. An inviting front patio artfully cordons off Vinocruz guests from the public space of Abbott Square. And, intent on accentuating the shop's generous wall space as a serious gallery venue, Principe has made sure Vinocruz is front and center as part of the First Friday art walk.
Meanwhile, the shop continues to court overflow participants of the many bold, interactive events held at the adjoining Museum of Art and History. “We generally stay open when there is something happening there,” Principe explains. “I’m excited about the tie-ins with the museum. There’s opportunity to build on the synergy there that I’m looking forward to.”
Admitting to a steep learning curve, the new co-owner says with a smile, “We're interested in getting it right.” I'll toast that idea. Vinocruz hosts winemaker pourings on weekends and is open for tastings and sales. 750 Cooper St, Santa Cruz. 831.426.8466. Open Tue-Thu 1-7pm, Fri-Sat 1-8pm, Sun 1-6pm.
http://www.facebook.com/vinocruz
Mimi Does Asian Fusion Culinary diva Mimi Snowdon is offering an Asian fusion cooking class on Friday, Mar. 2, the only class she plans to offer this year. So if you’ve ever wanted to take one of her classes, now’s the time. The cost is $125 for instruction, recipes, dinner and wine. To reserve a space, email [email protected] or call the office at 831.722.4011.
Hot Plates The sausage-stuffed roast quail on a bed of cannellini beans, one of the Sunday night specials at Gabriella Cafe. Yes!
Send tips about food, wine and new dining discoveries to Christina Waters at [email protected]. Read her blog at http://christinawaters.com.
