Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Wed, May 30 2007
Blues Skies Caffe brightens our day
The best way to lighten up a foggy coastal evening? How about a plate of fluffy, 3 Cheese Lasagna in a pool of sauce so mellow that you get no trace of acidic bite to it, so that every other flavor shines through? (That same sauce is wonderful over Chicken Parmigiano, which is not on the menu, but if you ask for it, the chef will happily make it. He made it for my spouse. And then he came out to our table and made sure it was satisfactory. Satisfactory would have been an understatement.)
Forgive me. I'm teasing all of you who aren't within fork-reaching distance of Watsonville, California. But if you can get here you must find your way to 1983 Main Street. Tucked between a chain sandwich shop and a chain pizza place, Blue Skies Caffe is the newest restaurant in town, and it's a keeper. Think of comfort food favorites like Chicken Fried Steak, Meatloaf and Gravy, but a bit more upscale in quality and presentation, still with a price that won't make you reluctant to open your wallet. Now surround yourself with walls of graduated hues of relaxing blue (which will have faux clouds added as soon as the artist can schedule adequate time to do them).
To be fair, we know the owner, Joanna, from a previous engagement at another area establishment. But you'll be treated like an old friend, no matter who you are. And when she asks you how things are, she isn't just being polite. She wants your input so that the place can best serve the needs of those who choose to eat there.
If you prefer vegetarian meals, you can opt for a Portabella Burger, Veggie Stacker or pasta with that great sauce. (They also have Fettucine Alfredo, which I haven't yet tried, but plan to soon.) They also serve breakfast in the mornings. If you want some zing you can have them put jalapenos in your 3 Egg Omelet. (The menu says it's for the Chorizo Omelet, but ask for it anyway.) I have to go and try their 2-piece Belgian Waffle. Yes, of course I'll have them add the blueberry topping and freshly whipped cream. Charbroiled Steak and eggs? No problem. Are you a hot cereal lover? They've got several kinds of that too, including grits. How many places in California can you get grits? If you don't eat pork, order the turkey links instead of regular sausages.
We have it on reliable authority that weekend karaoke will soon be available. The restaurant has applied for a license to sell beer and wine. Even a place full of blue skies has to put up with the inevitable red tape.
Did I mention the homemade Flan, which is another of my spouse's test dishes, and which got a solid nod of approval after he let it linger on his palate for awhile. My Tiramisu was top-notch. I won't give away his secrets, but the chef told me he replaced one often-used ingredient (that I don't care for) with another ingredient. It works. The effect is subtle and decadent at the same time.
Their Coffee Bar is open with Espresso, Cappucino and other specialty hot beverages. A full menu is also available there.
I apologize to those of you who can't make it to the restaurant in person. It isn't very nice to tantalize you, but I had such a good time there that I had to write about it. They do cater. I don't know if you could get them to cold-ship that Tiramisu to you, but if you could, it would be worth it.
I also apologize to those of you who are professional restaurant reviewers. My food descriptions don't really do justice to the food at Blue Skies Caffe. But I'll bet yours won't either. If you don't believe me, go and give them a try.
posted at: 10:47 | category: /Food | link to this entry
The best way to lighten up a foggy coastal evening? How about a plate of fluffy, 3 Cheese Lasagna in a pool of sauce so mellow that you get no trace of acidic bite to it, so that every other flavor shines through? (That same sauce is wonderful over Chicken Parmigiano, which is not on the menu, but if you ask for it, the chef will happily make it. He made it for my spouse. And then he came out to our table and made sure it was satisfactory. Satisfactory would have been an understatement.)
Forgive me. I'm teasing all of you who aren't within fork-reaching distance of Watsonville, California. But if you can get here you must find your way to 1983 Main Street. Tucked between a chain sandwich shop and a chain pizza place, Blue Skies Caffe is the newest restaurant in town, and it's a keeper. Think of comfort food favorites like Chicken Fried Steak, Meatloaf and Gravy, but a bit more upscale in quality and presentation, still with a price that won't make you reluctant to open your wallet. Now surround yourself with walls of graduated hues of relaxing blue (which will have faux clouds added as soon as the artist can schedule adequate time to do them).
To be fair, we know the owner, Joanna, from a previous engagement at another area establishment. But you'll be treated like an old friend, no matter who you are. And when she asks you how things are, she isn't just being polite. She wants your input so that the place can best serve the needs of those who choose to eat there.
If you prefer vegetarian meals, you can opt for a Portabella Burger, Veggie Stacker or pasta with that great sauce. (They also have Fettucine Alfredo, which I haven't yet tried, but plan to soon.) They also serve breakfast in the mornings. If you want some zing you can have them put jalapenos in your 3 Egg Omelet. (The menu says it's for the Chorizo Omelet, but ask for it anyway.) I have to go and try their 2-piece Belgian Waffle. Yes, of course I'll have them add the blueberry topping and freshly whipped cream. Charbroiled Steak and eggs? No problem. Are you a hot cereal lover? They've got several kinds of that too, including grits. How many places in California can you get grits? If you don't eat pork, order the turkey links instead of regular sausages.
We have it on reliable authority that weekend karaoke will soon be available. The restaurant has applied for a license to sell beer and wine. Even a place full of blue skies has to put up with the inevitable red tape.
Did I mention the homemade Flan, which is another of my spouse's test dishes, and which got a solid nod of approval after he let it linger on his palate for awhile. My Tiramisu was top-notch. I won't give away his secrets, but the chef told me he replaced one often-used ingredient (that I don't care for) with another ingredient. It works. The effect is subtle and decadent at the same time.
Their Coffee Bar is open with Espresso, Cappucino and other specialty hot beverages. A full menu is also available there.
I apologize to those of you who can't make it to the restaurant in person. It isn't very nice to tantalize you, but I had such a good time there that I had to write about it. They do cater. I don't know if you could get them to cold-ship that Tiramisu to you, but if you could, it would be worth it.
I also apologize to those of you who are professional restaurant reviewers. My food descriptions don't really do justice to the food at Blue Skies Caffe. But I'll bet yours won't either. If you don't believe me, go and give them a try.
posted at: 10:47 | category: /Food | link to this entry
