Eats

Just in time to kick off the festivities of fall, Nipomo weighs in with an event sure to please locals who harbor a taste for fun dished up with a dose of spice. On Sept. 19, the Olde Towne Nipomo Association proudly presents its first-ever Chili Cook-Off, a community-wide gathering of ambitious cooks and hungry […]

Among the early, brave souls to tackle winemaking in Santa Barbara County, Bill Wathen and Dick Doré turned a messy hobby into a booming business. In the nearly 30 years since they slid a fresh cork into their first bottle of wine, the pair has earned global fame as “the Foxen boys.”   “I remember, […]

An oasis of high-test coffees and wholesome eats, Café Monet has been serving Santa Maria for nearly 20 years. Beloved for its relaxed atmosphere and affable staff, the café entered a fresh era when new owners took over in February 2009.   Six months after buying Café Monet, Katie and Rick Renaud have proved their […]

Take one freelance writer, give her an assignment that requires happy conversation, a look at local history, and (heaven be praised!) the thoughtful sipping of wine, and watch a smile sweep across her face. That writer was me, a year ago this month, when a soft-spoken editor from Sonoma offered me a job.   I […]

August boils on, parching throats and inspiring those who harbor a sweet tooth to dip into a little creamy indulgence. If the craving hits and you’re on the Central Coast, you’re in luck, for in the heart of Lompoc you’ll find McConnell’s Ice Cream Café, where staffers dish up a dreamy selection of America’s favorite […]

With its diverse climates and soil conditions, California offers a perfect home for more than 110 different kinds of wine grape varietals. From Albariño to Zinfandel, they thrive in coastal canyons and interior valleys, providing a heady selection for imbibers with adventurous palates.   As American wine buyers expand their horizons, they begin to look […]

Late summer brings fine weather, back-to-back barbecues, and a wealth of fresh goodies from local food purveyors. During the month of August, why not celebrate the dazzling variety of edibles grown on the Central Coast and—even better—shake the hand that feeds you?   Thanks to the organizers of Pallet to Palate, area residents can do […]

Marking the heart of summer on the Central Coast, July brings us long, warm days, plenty of Packers baseball action, and endless excuses for gathering with friends over a glass of wine. In the vineyard, however, the passing Dog Days are not quite so leisurely, for they trigger dramatic changes that influence the future and […]

Some of us hum while gardening or wail like a diva in the shower, but precious few warble with abandon while slaving over a hot stove. Among those with lung power and good cheer to spare is Andy LoRusso, the Singing Chef, who gaily belts out Italian tunes, despite bubbling sauces and flaming grills. On […]

Calling all painters, water colorists, and artists with a fondness for vineyard themes. It’s time to touch pigment to paper for the annual Mano Tinta wine label design competition, a contest that puts the winning work of art on posters, print ads, and no less than 500 cases of wine bottled to benefit area vineyard […]

Every year, we celebrate our nation’s birthday with hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecued tri-tip, and potatoes prepared a half-dozen different ways. This Fourth of July, daring foodies might want to shake up the old-school menu a bit by including a array of red, white, and—yes—blue foods. With banners flying, bunting flapping, and all the hues of […]

About a century ago, a group of dynamic ladies formed the Alpha Literary and Improvement Club of Lompoc, dedicated to the discussion of culture, literature, music, and history. In 1922, they staged their first flower show, an event that now lies at the heart of the Lompoc Valley Flower Festival. Slated for June 24 through […]