For those who drink wine only on special occasions, Thanksgiving offers an ideal excuse to open a bottle or two of the wonderful stuff. Wine lovers who pop the cork for any reason at all—“All the lights were green!” or “It’s Monday!”—derive endless pleasure from matching new finds and old favorites to their Turkey-day recipes. […]
They’re proudly rotund, lightly pleated, and sport the happiest shade of orange imaginable. Welcome harbingers of end-of-the-year holidays, pumpkins deliver a dose of good cheer, especially as the season of diminished days slides toward the winter solstice. Pumpkins make us smile and lend themselves to a variety of fun, including fall decorating, family feasts, and, […]
Believe it or not, summer has slipped into history and the mid-winter holidays loom just around the corner. Rather than resist the inevitable flipping of the calendar pages, why not grab a wine glass and get a head start on the celebration? Aiming to ease oenophiles into the next round of festivities, the members of […]
What happens when traditional German foods merge with California casual food at Hoagies in Avila Beach? You get sausage and sauerkraut with a twist. Or, as Hoagies chef Shawn Swink, put it: “I like my kraut a little more juiced up.” In an e-mail that snagged my attention, I discovered Hoagies was going to celebrate […]
Deep in the fiber of Santa Barbara County’s winemaking community courses a strong current of selfless service. When asked, local vintners don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand and are ever willing to share technical advice, the tools of their trade, or their wares for a worthy cause. Since 2008, a group of winemakers has […]
Autumn has arrived, and the time has come to decorate the house with goblins and oversized pumpkins, while ducking flurries of wind-swirled leaves. Among the fragrances offered by crisp air and rain-dampened soil, sensitive noses will detect the tempting aromas of grilled, stewed, stir-fried, and baked delicacies prepared by kitchen-savvy gents who make their home […]
All festivities on the Central Coast combine optimism, edible plenty, and a call to lend a hand to worthy causes. Area residents gathering to celebrate the joys of harvest are ready to have some fun, while helping to improve the lives of their neighbors. Among Santa Maria’s annual events is the Harvest Festival, slated for […]
“We always look forward to meeting and greeting our customers,” Righetti added, “and to renew friendships with our fellow entrepreneurs in the local food and wine community.” Based in Los Alamos, Full of Life Flatbread makes its customary appearance, complete with a wood-fired oven that looks more like a mosaic-covered work of art on wheels. […]
The ongoing celebration of homegrown food, freshly baked bread, and artisanal cheeses heralds a renewed appreciation for long-held traditions. And those lucky enough to remember visiting the local little old winemaker to fill an empty jug right out of the barrel can rejoice at the latest blast from the past. In an odd blend of […]
Finally, a Central Coast restaurant where simplicity rules and flashy fare takes a back seat to homemade comfort food. Located in Lompoc, Valley Soup and Sandwich offers healthy alternatives for hungry diners who appreciate hearty soups, salads, and sandwiches. Valley Soup and Sandwich is the brainchild of Mark Ashmalla and his sister-in-law, Leslie Rindscliesch, who […]
As harvest begins in earnest, Santa Barbara County wineries want to remind us what all the fuss is about. While workers gather grapes for the next vintage, local vintners gear up to celebrate California Wine Month this September by showcasing a selection of new releases. From Zaca Mesa comes liquid history in the form of […]
The fertile land in and around the Santa Maria Valley supports an incredible variety of fruits, vegetables, and row crops. Although wine grapes seem to receive the lion’s share of the attention and glory, it’s the less glamorous bounty—the radishes, cabbage, celery, carrots, and lettuce—that first put the region on the culinary map. A seaside […]
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