Scenes from a Summer Garden

Summer was slow to start while Mother Nature decided that northern California needed an extra dousing of rain. Despite the late start and the occasional heat wave, the summer growing season has been generous and should extend into early fall. Most summer mornings find Cynthia Sandberg tending to the organic vegetables that David Kinch will prepare for the evening’s dinner service at Manresa. In an exclusive arrangement with Love Apple Farm, Cynthia and David are collaborating on a French-style kitchen garden in a sunny valley in the town of Ben Lomond in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Nationally known for the myriad varieties of heirloom tomatoes she grows Cynthia, the proprietor of Love Apple Farm, has dedicated her two-acre farm to growing fruit, vegetables and herbs exclusively for Manresa. The organic produce has been grown to David’s specifications, while Cynthia adds vegetable plants that she intuitively knows that David will like. She is an articulate, intelligent farmer and manages her farm with a dedication to quality. They both share a vision of impeccable vegetables produced in the biodynamic manner and together they have forged a dynamic relationship between restaurant and farm, chef and farmer. Honey-producing bees, goats and sheep, egg-laying hens and even a pot-bellied pig live together in harmony, while a vintage farm house and an eye-popping dahlia garden all contribute to the arcadian landscape. Love Apple Farm will produce fresh, organic vegetables for Manresa year-round, and as summer progresses to fall, the farm will supply cold-weather vegetables and the root vegetables that David favors for his fall and winter menus.

Photos courtesy of Chez Pim. For more photos of Love Apple Farm visit Chez Pim at Flickr.

Tomato Modernista Dinner

The Manresa vegetable garden is being tended and the tomatoes are ripening under the warm sun and fresh air of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Now is the time to share the rewards of a bountiful harvest. On Tuesday, September 26, Cynthia Sandberg of Love Apple Farm will deliver the most beautiful varieties of tomatoes to Manresa. Grown on the sunny fields of Manresa's organic kitchen garden, David Kinch will transform the intensely flavorful tomatoes into a sensational multi-course Tomato Modernista Dinner. If only for one evening, come capture the pure essence of summer before it slips away. Make your reservations for September 26 by calling 408-354-4330. Open seating from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. $110 per person exclusive of wine, tax, and gratuity.

The Wines of Burgundy Dinner

Jay Druian, David Kinch and Sallie Robbins-Druian at Manresa

Manresa is pleased to announce our Burgundy Wine Dinner with Jay Druian and Sallie Robbins-Druian of The French Cellar in Los Gatos, purveyors of fine French wines. Jay and Sallie will select exceptional wines from the prestigious appellations of Burgundy to pair with a special multi-course dinner prepared by David Kinch. Save the date for Tuesday, October 3. Stop by The French Cellar to learn more or watch this site for more details. Just added: Manresa and The French Cellar will present The Champagne Dinner on Tuesday, November 7.
Photo by George Sakkestad

Celebrate the Holidays

Are you planning your holiday celebrations? To help you toast to the holidays, Manresa will be open every evening beginning December 5 through December 24 including two extra evenings, Monday, December 11 and Monday, December 18. Remember to reserve your holiday soiree early, as opportunities fill up quickly. General Manager Michael Kean can easily help you plan for large events as well as intimate get-togethers. Please contact Michael at 408-354-4330.

Happy Labor Day

Manresa will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on September 4, 5, 6 and will return on Thursday, September 7.

Tuesdays with Manresa

Manresa is now open on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 9:00. Our new hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30, Sunday from 5:00 pm. Call 408-354-4330 for reservations.