Food & Drink

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 […]

Operating something far more complex than a simple storefront and tasting bar, Bion Rice, director of winemaking at Artiste Winery, showcases his craft amid the happy activity of artistic pursuits. He believes that blending wine and putting brush to canvas involve similar creative impulses, and celebrates all manner of expression in his innovative tasting room. […]

Tempting morsels of fruity goodness, they gleam like crimson jewels in fields all around town. With the arrival of spring in all its glory, it’s time once again to dive into the sugary wonder of one of Santa Maria’s signature crops: ripe, juicy strawberries. To celebrate the season of pink milkshakes and gooey shortcakes, organizers […]

Get set for one of the busiest weekends in Santa Barbara County’s wine country, a picturesque wonderland of vineyards and tasting rooms that beckons from just beyond our back yards. Celebrate the season, party with friends, and sample the fresh new foods and wines of spring, all within a short distance from home. This year […]

Green taffy peas, candy bars disguised as fish sticks, and meatloaf layer cake “frosted” with pink mashed potatoes don’t show up on the menu every day. But when April 1 rolls around—the dastardly day on which anyone can earn the catcall, “April Fool!”—food often isn’t what it seems to be. Beware of the “chicken potpie” […]

Oenophiles love to sniff and sip a variety of wines, before comparing notes about their favorite vintages. While they frequent area tastings, scour wine shops for deals, and read all they can find about memorable releases, the creative souls who make the stuff like to stir up some buzz by pitting their oenological skills against […]

If digging into freshly made, gourmet goodies while lounging in the living room sounds too good to be true, prepare for a happy surprise. Thanks to Tastefully Simple, even busy moms and recipe-challenged bachelors can enjoy fine dining without ever leaving the comfort of home. For 15 years, consultants for Minnesota-based Tastefully Simple, a direct […]