I was out shopping and noticed so many ads for Valentine's Day! I keep thinking I will make my own cards, but my days are so busy I don't think I will get to it. It does remind me to send cards to those I love, and to plan an evening with John. Or maybe John will plan a special evening with me? My Valentine to you is my recipe for Sexy Chocolate Chunk and Banana Bread Pudding.
This year is the 15th anniversary of the Seafood Watch Program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where I am the culinary partner. The mission of the not-for-profit Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans. The Seafood Watch Program promotes sustainable seafood by providing professional and consumer education through a variety of media channels. Recently I joined with 19 chefs from across the country to talk about ways we can elevate sustainable seafood in the marketplace and with consumers. You can read more here.
January, the month of the whole hog at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen, was a big hit and lots of fun for Jim and his crew. This month we are celebrating lamb and goat. Jim will prepare Jamaican and Indian curries, enchiladas, and grilled house-made Merguez sausages paired with Hog Island oysters on the half shell. We'll be serving a warm goat cheese crostini and using sheep's milk Pecorino in the pasta of the day. Bring your sweetheart to Cindy's on Valentine's Day and enjoy a special menu; reservations highly recommended.
For Pour-Off Pair-Off, Mustards Grill is celebrating a month of Big Sicilian Love. Every Thursday, we are serving by-the-glass big, red Napa Valley wines paired with Sicilian-inspired dishes. We're offering a special Mustards Grill Valentine's Day Menu to create that loving mood. Check out the menus to the left and reserve your table now!
Also, don't miss the debut event of my new partnership with the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, a Valentine's Day Swing Dance Celebration! There will be an amazing menu from me and my catering team and live music and dancing from the Martini Brothers. It's not too late to grab a pair of tickets!
On a more somber note, I closed Cindy Pawlcyn's Wood Grill & Wine Bar last month. After a seven year run at the Main Street location, it was time to turn out the lights. Thank you for your past support and I look forward to continuing to serve you delicious food and drink at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen and Mustards Grill, as well as Cindy's Waterfront at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Happy Valentine's Day!
