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Dear Friends,
Okay, who stole the year? How did it get to be July already? I could have stayed in the fantastic moment of Mustards Grill's 30th anniversary (June 16) for a month. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate with Cake, Rattle and Roll. Huge congratulations to Sheila Buggia, Susan Gridley and Nancy Kelso on their perfect records of 30 days of cake, and to Angela Sosna and Carla Griffin for 20 out of 30. Enjoy your Mustards gift certificates, and stay tuned for news about the cake cookbook!
Connoisseurs and collectors take note: The anniversary party rolls on with a fantastic retail wine special created by Patrick called The Big Bottle Buy-Out. Through July, enjoy 30% off any wine over $130. Get a bottle or two (or 12) to take home after a Mustards lunch or dinner, or just come on in to get great wine at a great price. Cheers!
This month's Pour-Off Pair-Off (every Thursday) highlights fresh produce from Mustards garden. With all the bounty, Michael and I had a blast putting the menus together. The beds and orchards are in full glory so be sure to stroll through the garden next time you're here. At Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen, July marks our Fourth Annual Hot Dog Classic. This week, we'll feature the Chili Cheese dog ($8.95), then Phil's Favorite (house-made corn dog with Sriracha sauce, $8.95), and for the grand finale, John's new "Saltimbocca" (prosciutto-wrapped with Fontina cheese and sundried tomato jam, $10.95). Yum. Supper Club (Wednesdays and Thursdays at Cindy's Backstreet) brings the joy of barbeque to the table this month. If I could only cook one kind of food, this would be it. Get 3 fabulous courses for $33, or order a la carte. (This month's recipe is my favorite BBQ sauce, with suggestions on how to use it.)
At CP's Wood Grill, Haber Family, Jaffe Estate, Saracina Vineyards and Freemark Abbey will be pouring complimentary tastes of their wonderful wines at our popular Vintner Splash (Saturdays, 6-8pm). Live music Thursday evenings on Napa Valley's best tree-shaded patio continues. Bring your well-behaved pooch to CP's Wood Grill patio for our first-ever "Dog Social" Wednesday, July 10, 4-6pm. Friend and beloved veterinarian, Dr. David Gold, will be on hand to answer questions. House-made dog treats will be provided. How fun is that?
Cindy's Waterfront at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is busy with summer visitors and the exhibits are gorgeous. I was thrilled to see the aquarium, café and restaurant highlighted in the July issues of Sunset Magazine and AAA Via magazine. Aquarium members, don't miss July's Picnic by the Bay and other great events.
Cindy's Shout-Out (recent, personal favorites):
- Two thumbs up for my friend Brian Culbertson's latest CD, "Dreams." Silky smooth jazz and R&B.
- Check out Commis Restaurant next time you're in Oakland. They've got a Michelin star, a reasonably priced 9-course tasting menu, amiable service and a modest, comfortable setting. A great find.
- Headed to So. Cal? Fellow Top Chef Master and friend, Ludo Lefebvre, has a new restaurant in Los Angeles, Trois Mec. Say hello from me!
Happy summertime!
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