Eats

Often taking a back seat to flirty Pinot Noirs and roguish Rhone varieties, Chardonnay nevertheless persists as a worthy partner for food and fun. Golden, gorgeous, and capable of displaying tremendous stylistic differences, it remains one of the world’s most popular wines. Santa Barbara County vintners, in concert with the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country […]

As the summer season ripens, so do the fruits and vegetables that thrive in Central Coast soil. Growers work year round to put fresh food on our tables, and now’s the perfect time to take advantage of the region’s many farmers markets. With alfresco markets held in Nipomo, Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Lompoc, shoppers can […]

Red, white, and rosé may not match the colors in Old Glory, but they come close to a patriotic standard for liquid refreshment. And as Independence Day nears, Santa Barbara County wineries stand ready to celebrate with time-honored traditions of fun, food, and flags a’wavin’. Actually, some robust reds, such as the Rideau Vineyard Petite […]

The buzz builds as locals count the days until the grand re-opening of Manny’s, a beloved purveyor of fine Mexican food in the Santa Ynez Valley. Much to the delight of friends and fans, the Tovalin family is back in the culinary game. On Thursday, July 1, the new Manny’s opens its doors in Denmarket […]

On the threshold of Independence Day, thoughts naturally turn to patriotic displays, festive parades, and family barbecues. Sensing an opportunity for a little pre-holiday fun, two local wineries have come up with a sure-fire way to jumpstart the celebration. On Saturday, June 26, the folks at Longoria Wines and Buttonwood Farm Winery invite oenophiles, picnickers, […]

A hearty appetite knows no season, but the long days of summer, laced with mouthwatering aromas from hundreds of busy barbecues, do tend to send tastebuds into overdrive. Fortunately, here in the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, chefs and food purveyors offer plenty of creative options for locals looking to quiet those pesky […]

Closet winemakers and garage-bound bottlers are in for a rare treat at the upcoming Hidden Gems of California Tasting and Competition. This gala benefit and wine judging proves that even amateur vintners can garner attention for their liquid labors of love. Presented by Santa Ynez Valley’s People Helping People (PHP), the Hidden Gems of California […]

In a bright, airy restaurant off Santa Maria Way, dining hours are posted on a yellow surfboard, palm trees bloom on the walls, and the mingling scents of teriyaki beef and chicken katsu make mouths water. This is Zoe’s Hawaiian BBQ and Catering, a friendly eatery and dream come true for its owner, Chef Rex […]

Spring has arrived, and with it comes a visible spurt of growth across the acres of grape vines that thrive in Santa Barbara County. Fresh green leaves unfurl and tiny clusters of blossoms begin to open, signaling the birth of a brand new vintage. As growers welcome the young crop, winery workers drain barrels, create […]

With May Day and Cinco de Mayo behind us, the festivities of Memorial Day and the Elk’s Rodeo can’t be far away. And although Santa Marians take advantage of fine weather by rolling out their grills pretty much all year ’round, barbecue season has officially begun. A social magnet capable of drawing diners from near […]

Among the first winemaking facilities to open doors in Santa Barbara County following the repeal of Prohibition, Zaca Mesa Winery ranks as one of the oldest in the region. Founded in 1972 by a group of adventurous oilmen and real estate investors, it continues to ride the cutting edge of estate production and innovative winemaking. […]

Navigating the grocery store can prove challenging, especially when the aisles and checkout lines teem with shoppers. Finding crisp apples, firm zucchini, and flavorful tomatoes among the often mass-produced selection stymies many a veggie buyer, but thanks to Babé Farms Local Farmer’s Garden, there’s a convenient, delicious solution. With the arrival of April comes the […]