“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. Don’t be fooled, however, for within that heat-filled dome, whole-wheat pizzas—covered with organic veggies and cheeses—bake to golden perfection.
Los Olivos Café will weigh in on the COH culinary games with a canapé of braised short ribs in a parsnip puree, served with puffed rice drizzled with a grilled fig demi-glace.
“Los Olivos Café is very excited to be involved in Celebration of Harvest,” said Shaun King, executive chef at the café. “Wines to try with the canapé are Bernat Syrah ’08, Santa Barbara County, ‘Equality,’ or similar varietals.”
Panera Bread, which opened in 2007 in Santa Maria, will feature its famous Orchard Harvest Chicken Salad, a mélange of crisp field greens and romaine lettuce, dried cherries, freshly sliced d’Anjou pears, gorgonzola cheese, and toasted pecans, dressed with a cherry balsamic vinaigrette. On the side, a moist, mini-muffin made with cranberry and orange makes an ideal dessert.
[image-2] “This dish would blend fabulously with a Chardonnay,” said Janette Rizk, marketing representative for Panera Bread, “particularly a New World Chardonnay.
“The buttery feel and smooth taste of a Chardonnay is a perfect enhancement, but won’t overpower the distinctive ingredients
of the salad.
“The franchise group behind Panera Bread,” she continued, “recognizes the significance of harvest and the produce originating from this geographically rich territory … Panera wants to fully embrace the traditions of the region, and the menu is a reflection of how one can experience and celebrate harvest on the Central Coast.”
Also on hand to keep hunger at bay will be Chef Rick’s Ultimately Fine Foods, Enterprise Fish Company, New West Catering, Marmalade Café, Brothers Restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern, and Trattoria Grappalo. To stay alert while enjoying the festivities, visit the tents where Rhythms Coffee and Smoothies, along with Peet’s Coffee and Tea, will be pouring their rejuvenating brews.
In addition to food and wine, COH offers tasters a chance to browse original art, buy SBCVA logo wear, bid at a charitable silent auction, and dance to two different bands. Accompanying the celebration is a host of open houses and winemaker dinners taking place before, after, and during the Saturday event, so food lovers can sip and nibble to their heart’s content.
COH comes around every year during the heart of crush, when wineries buzz with the whirring of forklifts and the wheezing of grape presses. Despite their busy schedules, winemakers and restaurateurs take time for this neighborhood gathering, a lively afternoon of wine, music, art, and yes, lots of fabulous food.
K. Reka Badger has glass in hand and is ready to celebrate the harvest. Join her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Sep 30 – Oct 7, 2010.