Food & Drink

Machine harvesters ply the vineyards by night and hand crews snip grape clusters by day, yet despite the rigors of crush, Santa Barbara County’s busy winemakers find time for a party. During the second weekend of October, local vintners invite wine lovers everywhere to join them for their annual Celebration of Harvest at Rancho Sisquoc […]

On the heels of September, officially known as California Wine Month, come 31 days devoted to all things edible in Santa Barbara County. Throughout October, organizers of “epicure.sb: a month to savor santa barbara” invite locals and visitors alike to take advantage of more than 100 ways to experience the cuisine, libations, and culture that […]

I first heard about the excellent food at Rancho Nipomo from winemaker Ardison Phillips of McKeon-Phillips winery. Sometime later, I was reminded of it by winemaker Ariki “Rick” Hill of Labyrinth, who spoke highly of it. Then I read a glowing review by Teri Bayus in Grover Beach, and I thought, “I’ve got to try […]

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 […]