K. REKA BADGER

A land of lush vineyards and fertile fields, the Santa Maria Valley produces an enviable bounty of fresh edibles, from crisp broccoli to succulent strawberries. Though many area growers still farm conventionally using petro-chemicals and fertilizers, a full 1,000 acres of area cropland have been certified organic. “There’s actually more organic land here than most […]

For one night only, area Francophiles can indulge themselves in the literature and flavors of their favorite corner of Europe. Thanks to an innovative pairing of two local organizations, Old World culture meets New World wines in Santa Maria. On May 9, enjoy an evening of fine wine and live theater—with a scholarly twist—as Pacific […]

Once a sleepy crossroads, Old Orcutt now bustles with diners drawn to its ever-evolving mix of quick eats and fine cuisine. Among the newest culinary stars on the block, Trattoria Uliveto has been serving traditional Italian fare since August 2008, and continues to celebrate the enduring appeal of simple flavors gracefully rendered. Housed in the […]

Most imbibers have learned that wine can transform a meal into a delicious whole bursting with flavors beyond the sum of its ingredients. In a bid to showcase the fine dining scene on the Central Coast, as well as the merits of pairing wine with food, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and five […]

When considering edibles to pair with wine, treats like grilled beef, pungent cheese, and even dark chocolate come to mind. Each offers layers of flavors that mingle with those of a well-matched wine, proving that food and vino just naturally go together. Amid the verdant beauty of Lompoc’s River Park, organizers of the Vintners’ Festival, […]

Before the American West turned notoriously wild, Franciscan padres from Spain set up shop on some of the region’s finest real estate. In addition to building dams and irrigation ditches, they planted vast vegetable gardens, olive groves, and, of course, hundreds of acres of grapevines for making both sacramental and everyday wine. These so-called mission […]

Some business owners simply slap a catchy moniker on their establishments, while others consider the choice with mathematical precision. For one Nipomo-area restaurateur, however, the two approaches collided, giving rise to a neighborhood gathering place with an unforgettable name: Pi-Whole Pizzeria. “How do I explain?” chuckled Phil Silver, owner of Pi-Whole Pizzeria. “My son said […]

Adored by imbibers, feared by growers, and endlessly debated by the experts, Pinot Noir reigns as one of the wine world’s most persnickety grapes. It requires sufficiently warm days and cool nights to thrive, tends to produce a light crop marked by relatively low tannins and high acids, and vexes winemakers with its volatile, unforgiving […]

Nearly a century ago, a hardy band of Danes immigrated to the Santa Ynez Valley, where acorns and venison dominated the culinary scene. The newcomers built barns and planted fields, and as they settled in, their cooking filled the air with aromas of smoked sausage, pickled vegetables, and baked confections. Eighty-odd years later, a group […]

It’s coming up fast, that day when just about everyone is, wishes they were, or might as well be Irish. Love it or hate it, St. Patrick’s Day rolls around every year about this time, offering the perfect excuse for wine with dinner, happy toasts over shot glasses brimming with Irish whiskey, or gathering with […]

Interested in eating locally grown food and supporting area growers? Keen to help heal the environment by cutting the number of miles your comestibles travel from farm to table? These goals, coupled with the tasty benefits of dining on super fresh ingredients, are yours for the asking in this land of fertile fields and industrious […]

Once again, Central Coast vintners prepare to roll out the red carpet for wine lovers, especially those who favor Pinot Noir above all other varietals. On March 6 and 7, the World of Pinot Noir unfolds at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach and offers a dazzling array of tastings, seminars, winemaker dinners, and panel […]