Mellow is the word to describe the Old Orcutt Merchants Association’s (OOMA) annual barbecue fundraiser held on Saturday evening, Aug. 20, in the courtyard of Déjà Vu (you may remember this place as the former Loading Dock).
I say this event was mellow because the setting was pastoral and bucolic—on the edge of Old Orcutt—and the ambience was relaxed and inviting. About 120 guests enjoyed the company of each other and the gorgeous view of the foothills. Flames from the barbecue danced in the air, while music—mostly guitar—played in the background.
The event began at 5:30 p.m. and soon thereafter, dusk was on its way, bathing the courtyard in the last rays of a fading sun that did its best to show itself through the smoked-filled, hazy atmosphere. Minute flakes of ash, like solid snowflakes, fell from the sky, having wafted over from the fire areas, reminding us that all was not well in some parts of the county.
Lest my readers think I am waxing too poetic, I have to stress that this event, despite the ash, was really pleasant and I look forward to going again.
Mark Stellar, who owns the Old Town Market on Clark Avenue and is the president of OOMA, wandered around, performing his duties as host. He was aided and abetted in this task by the effervescent Wendy Stellar, (she is the missus), who owns Déjà Vu, which sells all sorts of mostly vintage merchandise from a variety of vendors.
Tickets were a mere $40 for an amazing meal that included a nice-sized ribeye steak or baseball cut steak (12 ounces), beans, salad, garlic bread, and four different kinds of cheesecake. Reasonably priced good wine was available for sale by the bottle or glass.
Marty McGrath flagged me down to ask why I was wandering around with a notebook and camera. She is a volunteer secretary to the board at the Oasis Senior Center. She shared a table with fellow Oasis volunteer Judy Adam and her husband David Adam.
I spotted Heidi and Robert Gruetzemacher, who moved from their location at Clark and Bradley, near the Old Orcutt Library, to a new spot in Old Orcutt near the new library (and Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab). They were at a table with Bruce and Alexandra Thompson, who are now their business neighbors. Bruce runs ProTac Security, while Alexandra sells handmade truffles, French macarons, caramels and tea at her shop, Heart & Sugar Confections. Now, that sounds special.
I was glad to see Jeff and Ann Barnes and Linda Smith and Joe Alligretto. I spoke briefly with Danny George and Kathy Richards Brodie, who were chatting with Steve Strachan. Becky Corey of Corey Wines was at the wine table.
Among the many interesting auction items were generous gift certificates from Rooney’s Pub and Kaye’s Country Kitchen. Valerie Mercado from Noble Productions donated an advertising package worth $2,000.
“Mark and I are very proud to be part of Old Orcutt,” Wendy told me. “This community has come a long way. It is now a destination.” She also explained that proceeds from this event provide scholarships for Allan Hancock College and Orcutt Academy students, and pays for items that help beautify Old Orcutt.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at [email protected].
