Food & Drink

Dining in North County just got a lot more interesting. With the recent opening of Bell Street Farm, in Los Alamos, the tiny town that time forgot looks more and more like a destination for hungry locals and travelers alike. Located in a 1916-vintage building (the former Lariat Saloon), Bell Street Farm offers a distinctive […]

Founded in 1994, Bedford Winery reigns not only as a producer of fine wines—from Gewürztraminer to Grenache—but also as an innovative cultural center. Located in the heart of Los Alamos, the winery’s tasting room plays host to a refreshing variety of events, including dramatic readings, rousing debates based on historical events, and a culinary series […]

When heat-dulled palates crave something refreshing, dense red wines just don’t fit the bill. To brighten the sultry days of summer, uncork a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and cool off with a quaff guaranteed to cut the dust. Light, refreshing, and a generous partner to a wide variety of dishes, Sauvignon Blanc may not […]

If you’ve been waiting for the arrival of sultry weather to get into a seasonal groove, you’d better just dive in because calendar pages are flipping by with lightning speed. Labor Day looms, but there’s still time to enjoy summertime events hosted by local purveyors of wine and food. The second week of August finds […]

When asked about the tricks of their trade, most Santa Barbara County winemakers quickly declare that wine is made in the vineyard. They admit the impossibility of crafting great wine from mediocre grapes and generally spend as much time prowling among the vines as they do working in the cellar. The soil, a living medium […]

A longtime Santa Maria Valley cattle ranching family, the Minettis opened the Far Western Tavern in 1958. Among the dishes served at the restaurant was a humble side of savory beans, carefully spiced and cooked to tender perfection. Called pinquitos (a Spanglish-sounding name suggesting a combination of “pink” and “little”), these diminutive legumes became an […]

As summer sizzles, imbibers turn their attention from robust reds to lighter vinous fare. Whether lingering poolside, taking a trailside lunch break, or lounging in the shade, wine lovers crave something cool and crisp to brighten spirits and soothe parched throats. The lasagna reds and casserole Cabernets still deserve a place in the rack, along […]

As staffers at the landmark Far Western Tavern prepare to move from a site the business has occupied for more than half a century, another popular Santa Maria-area restaurant, Chef Rick’s Ultimately Fine Foods, bites the dust. Both pieces of news come as a bit of a shock to locals used to a certain culinary […]

A noble Burgundian, Chardonnay thrives in Santa Barbara County, especially in the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley. Noted for its low yields and adaptability to most soils, the vine produces golden grapes that unerringly reflect regional terroir, as well as vinicultural style. When made into wine, Chardonnay may vary greatly, from a viscous […]

Our nation’s birthday calls for a grand celebration, and whether the party entails a backyard feast of burgers hot off the grill or a festive wine country excursion, the Central Coast is the place to be. Since the July 4 holiday falls on Monday, there’s no excuse not to stretch the fun out over a […]

In the early 1980s, Tony Austin, one of Santa Barbara County’s pioneer winemakers, famously described his product as “consumable art.” To further illustrate the connection between the visual arts and his liquid creations, Austin became among the first area vintners to reproduce original paintings on his wine labels. Central Coast wineries continue to celebrate the […]

When Dad has all the cordless drills and crazy neckties he’ll ever need, it can be tough to choose a gift he’ll like. For Father’s Day this year, why not give him something that’s always welcome and never goes out of style? This gift comes in all sizes, suits all types and personalities, and is […]