Cocktail Corner: Finch & Fork’s Sublime Summer Sips

Posted on August 27, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

Here are some of the zesty new cocktails from Finch & Fork, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Finch & Fork‘s Lead Bartender George Piperis has some lovely new additions to the cocktail menu this summer.

Try their Dill Berrymore, a bright, balanced drink with Toki Japanese Whiskey, Lustau Oloroso Sherry, strawberry, dill and lemon. Also new to the menu is Papa Don’t Peach, a blend of Highwest Double Rye, Amaro Montenegro, peach, purple basil and a coconut foam float. Remembering Monica is a great warm weather choice, made with Herradura Reposado Tequila, hibiscus, grapefruit and lime. Piperis even has an no-octane option for the designated drivers among us: the Seedlip Laura with Seedlip distilled non-alcoholic spirit, thai chili, butterfly pea blossom tea, lemon and ginger—an excellent, refreshing choice.

Finch & Fork’s Papa Don’t Peach blends highwest double rye, montenegro, peach, purple basil and a coconut foam float. Courtesy photo.

Don’t miss the happy hour weekdays from 4-7 p.m. with special prices on wine, beer and selected cocktails, as well as some of our favorite bar bites like their deviled eggs made with smoked trout, sliders with bacon and fig jam and aged cheddar, and chipotle smoked hummus with yummy grilled bread.

Finch & Fork is located at 31 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara in the Kimpton Canary Hotel.

Finch & Fork’s Dill Berrymore is a bright, balanced drink with toki japanese whiskey, lustau oloroso sherry, strawberry, dill and lemon. Courtesy photo.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 24, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Taste of the Town Santa Barbara Benefit for the Arthritis Foundation

Posted on August 17, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

Once again, the beautiful Riviera Park will host the 37th annual Taste of the Town Santa Barbara benefitting the Arthritis Foundation on Sunday, September 9, from Noon-3 p.m. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

The Taste of the Town Santa Barbara Weekend features two signature culinary events, so why not eat and drink to your heart’s content on September 7 and 9!

First up is Taste of the Town Santa Barbara Connoisseurs’ Circle Gala Dinner on Friday, September 7, at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. At this VIP tasting event with a select group of Taste of the Town wine and beer partners, guests will enjoy appetizers, as well as a four-course gourmet dinner prepared by 2018 Honorary Chefs Matt Johnson (San Ysidro Ranch), David Rosner (Monarch at the Montecito Inn), Steven Giles (formerly of Sage & Onion and Le Gavroche London), David Cecchini (Cecco Ristorante), and a guest chef from Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Taste of the Town’s 2018 Honorary Vintner is Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, courtesy photo.

The evening takes place in the beautiful oceanview Rotunda and includes special wine pairings from 2018 Honorary Vintner Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat.

In addition, guests will have the opportunity to meet 2018 Youth Honoree Shannon Morehouse and 2018 Honorary Artist Chris Potter, and enjoy a live auction and dancing under the stars. Seating is limited so advance reservations are highly recommended.

Sunday, September 9, brings yet another opportunity to indulge for a good cause. The popular Taste of the Town Santa Barbara features unlimited samplings from the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and spirits providers, with a silent auction of lifestyle items, photo booth and live jazz entertainment by the David Tovar Trio.

One of the 2018 Taste of the Town Honorary Chefs is Matt Johnson, executive chef at San Ysidro Ranch. SB Seasons file photo by Amy Barnard.

Confirmed food purveyers include: Ca’Dario, Chefs on a Mission, Country Catering, Finch & Fork, Finney’s Crafthouse, Flightline, Green Table, High on the Hog Catering, Lilac Patisserie, Michael’s Catering, Mizza Artisan Pizza, opal Restaurant & Bar, Pascucci’s, Santa Barbara Yacht Club, SBCC Culinary, The Little Door, The Little Kitchen, The Nook, The Nugget Goleta, The Palace Grill, The Secret Ingredient and Via Maestra 42.

Confirmed wine, beer and spirits purveyers include: Alexander & Wayne, Alma Rosa, Arthur Earl, Artiste, Au Bon Climat, Brander, Brewer-Clifton, Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Demetria Estates, DV8 Cellars, Gainey, Giessinger, Grassini, Islands Brewing Company, Jaffurs, Ken Brown Wines, Kessler-Haak, Margerum Wine Company, Melville, Presqu’ile, Qupe, Refugio Ranch, Roblar, Temperance Cellars and Whitcraft Winery.

It all takes place from noon-3 p.m. at Riviera Park, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara.

Taste of the Town’s confirmed wine, beer and spirits purveyers include: Alexander & Wayne, Alma Rosa, Arthur Earl, Artiste, Au Bon Climat, Brander, Brewer-Clifton, Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Demetria Estates, DV8 Cellars, Gainey, Giessinger, Grassini, Islands Brewing Company, Jaffurs, Ken Brown Wines, Kessler-Haak, Margerum Wine Company, Melville, Presqu’ile, Qupe, Refugio Ranch, Roblar, Temperance Cellars and Whitcraft Winery. Courtesy photo.

All (yes, ALL) proceeds from Taste of the Town Santa Barbara support the programs and services of the Arthritis Foundation. The Foundation is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of 50 million people (including nearly 300,000 children) with arthritis through health education, advocacy, research, and local juvenile arthritis support. Tickets are available at www.arthritis.org/tasteofthetownsb or by calling the Arthritis Foundation Central Coast at 805/563-4685.

Hope to see you there! Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 17, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: The Valley Cocktail Collection at S.Y. Kitchen

Posted on August 13, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

S.Y. Kitchen’s El Dorado cocktail with mezcal, ancho chili liquor, yellow pepper, sage, lime and agave, photo by David Zepeda.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Inspired by Santa Ynez Valley produce, herbs and botanicals, mix maestro Alberto Battaglini knocks it out of the park once again with these fantastic new cocktail concoctions at S.Y. Kitchen. “The Valley Collection” was inspired by our warming temperatures and designed to complement the amazing cuisine of Chef Luca Crestanelli.

“The soul of mixology is found in all the old recipes that we twist with modern ingredients and tools, to play with tastes and to give every customer an extraordinary experience,” says Battaglini, the General Manager and Resident Mixologist at S. Y. Kitchen, where he creates his infusions of spirits and bitters from a local bounty of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

S.Y. Kitchen’s Mediterraneo cocktail with pisco, aperol, red bell pepper, basil and lime, photo by David Zepeda.

A native of Verona and school friend of Chef Crestanelli’s, Battaglini dreamed of a restaurant career from the time he was a young boy. Attending Scuola Alberghiera, he learned the fundamentals of cooking and food service, and quickly learned that being a chef was not for him. From there he started his ardent love affair with spirits, which took him to Gatwick, London where he met his mentor in mixology, Ian Slater. He further honed his mixology passion and skills in Spain and Mexico before meeting up with his old school friend Crestanelli, at Bar Toscana in Los Angeles and eventually coming to Santa Barbara County with Toscana and Bar Toscana owners Kathie and Mike Gordon, who partnered with Crestanelli to create S.Y. Kitchen.

Battaglini, who recently competed as a western division finalist for the United States Bartenders Guild, has created seven new summer drinks for the Valley Collection cocktail menu : Cilantro Margarita, El Viejo, Pineapple & Basil Mojito, Sundown, Last Tokyo, Mediterraneo and the El Dorado.

S.Y. Kitchen’s Pineapple & Basil Mojito with rum, pineapple, basil, lime and sugar, photo by David Zepeda.

S.Y. Kitchen’s Cilantro Margarita with tequila blanco and reposado, fresh cilantro, lime, agave and black lava salt, photo by David Zepeda.

S.Y. Kitchen’s Sundown cocktail with rum, dry elderflower, strawberry, mint, basil, lime, photo by David Zepeda.

S.Y. Kitchen’s El Viejo cocktail with mezcal, jalapeño, pineapple, cilantro, agave, lime and gusano powder, photo by David Zepeda.

S.Y. Kitchen’s Last Tokyo cocktail with Japanese whisky, fresh sage, green chartreuse, maraschino and lemon, photo by David Zepeda.

S.Y. Kitchen is located at 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez. For further information and full menus, visit www.sykitchen.com. Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 10, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival

Posted on August 6, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival, photo by Jon Endow.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Get ready for another fun festival when the Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival returns to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club on Saturday, September 8.

The festival combines polo, local wine, and music for a unique one-day experience that includes musical performances by ZZ Ward, Booker T. Jones, California Honeydrops, Quinn DeVeaux and DJ Sets by Soul Dust Productions.

Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival, photo by Andrew Thill.

The Festival features a careful curation of local food and wineries, including Jardesca, Lavender Oak Vineyard, Old Creek Ranch, Sanford Winery, Standing Sun Wines, Summerland Winery and more. In addition to a wine tasting hour from 1 -2 p.m. where attendees will having a chance to sample all of the featured wines, there’s also a VIP champagne and cheese hour from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

In addition, sommelier guided wine tasting tours will be available on a first come first serve basis and attendees will be guided across all of the wineries of the festival and given an overview, history, and tasting notes at each winery as well.

Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival, photo by Andrew Thill.

There are several different levels of experiences and perks available at the Festival, so visit sbpoloandwine.com for all of the specifics.

Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival, photo by David Lominska.

In addition, this year, the Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival is the kick-off event to the 8-goal polo series at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. This will be an official polo game of the series, and is sure to be an incredible match. While not mandatory, the game’s elegant atmosphere will encourage guests to get in touch with their inner Julia Roberts (think the polo match scene in Pretty Woman). The bigger and more elaborate the hat the better, although September 8 is my birthday, so I might just wear my tiara!

Hope to see you there. Cheers!

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is located at 3300 Via Real, Carpinteria.

Nick Waterhouse at Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival, photo by Andrew Thill.

Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival, photo by Jon Endow.

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 3, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Toasting National Tequila Day

Posted on July 23, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant’s Naughty Maggie with Patron Barrel Select Reposado, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Tequila is always one of our favorite spirits, but especially on National Tequila Day, which falls on Tuesday, July 24 (get it … Tequila Tuesday). In honor of the holiday, here are some favorite cocktail recipes from bars and restaurants across the country.

Enjoy!

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Las Vegas is saying “Salud!” to National Tequila Day with specially priced shots of Patron Barrel Select Reposado—Pancho’s custom eight-month aged, single barrel tequila made of French limousine oak. The cantina, prepared for the holiday with over 35 brands of tequila, will offer its signature Cadillac “Naughty Maggie” margarita (pictured above)

Naughty Maggie
3 parts house lemon lime mix
2 parts Patron Barrel Select Reposado Tequila
1 part Gaetano Triple Sec

Fort Willow Daisy Pusher, photo by Neil Burger, courtesy Wicked Creative.

DMK Restaurants’ Chicago treehouse-themed lounge, Fort Willow, celebrates National Tequila Day with a smokin’ hot cocktail—literally! Holiday celebrators can commence the holiday with the restaurant’s Daisy Pusher, made with a spicy blend of jalapeno tequila and guava, mixed with a smoky flavor of mezcal.

Daisy Pusher
1 oz jalapeno exotico blanco tequila
1 oz banhez mezcal
1.25 oz guava juice
.75 oz lime juice
Shake all ingredients, strain into a rocks glass, garnish with lime wedge.

Cabo Wabo White Peach Margarita, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

Cabo Wabo Cantina in Las Vegas offers a white peach margarita, made with Cazadores Blanco, Monin White Peach Syrup, peach nectar, fresh lime juice and sweet & sour mix.

White Peach Margarita
Combine in a cocktail shaker w/ no ice
1.25 oz Cazadores Blanco
.75 oz Monin White Peach Syrup
1.5 oz Peach Nectar
1 oz fresh lime juice
1.5 oz sweet & sour mix
Pour over ice in margarita glass w/ remaining amount over ice in souvenir shaker.

Therapy’s Mango Ricky, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

Therapy restaurant, located in Downtown Las Vegas, is te-killin the game this year for Tequila Day with the Mango Ricky cocktail, made with reposado tequila, mango puree, fresh lime and organic agave.

Mango Ricky
1.5 oz Gran Agave Tequila
1 oz Mango puree
.75 oz lime juice
.75 oz simple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass or tin, add ice, shake, strain and garnish with a lime wedge.

MB Steak Spicy Cucumber Margarita, photo by Jim Decker, courtesy Wicked Creative.

MB Steak, brothers David Morton and Michael Morton’s steakhouse at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, celebrates National Tequila Day with a boozy tequila cocktail.

Spicy Cucumber Margarita
1.5 oz Milagro Silver Tequila infused with habaneros and jalapeños
3.5 oz Fresh Sour mix
0.5 oz Agave Néctar
3 slices cucumber
3 leaves of Mint
Muddle the cucumber and mint with tequila, add ice, sour mix and agave, shake well and serve in a tall glass with a tajin rim.

The Top of the World Restaurant’s Bibiana, photo by Chris Wessling, courtesy Wicked Creative.

Located more than 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip in the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, the Top of the World Restaurant is the only revolving restaurant in Las Vegas, where guests enjoy breathtaking views as the restaurant revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes. In celebration of National Tequila Day, the bar is pouring Bibiana cocktails.

Bibiana
1.5 oz Don Julio Anejo tequila

1 oz Pama pomegranate liqueur

0.5 oz lime juice

0.5 oz agave nectar

3 dashes of Hellfire bitters

In a mixing glass combine all ingredients. Shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cheers to wherever you enjoy your tequila this month! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on July 20, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Olé Rosé

Posted on July 14, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

Rose Wine, photo by Ulrika, Flickr.com.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Our recent summer heat wave is a perfect time to sip rosé, but honestly, this easy-to-pair-with-almost-any-food, warm weather go-to wine has become a year-round favorite for me—and I know I’m not alone.

According to the buyers at Whole Foods, “Rosés are on fire, making up nearly 40% of all wine purchases, and rightfully so—they’ve thrown off their ‘sweet and simple’ shackles and are unabashedly delicious.”

Among the many excellent rosés I’ve had the pleasure of tasting recently, one of the highlights was Brick Barn Wine Estate‘s 2016 Grenache Rosé. Inspired by the classic dry rosés of the Rhône Valley, this lovely wine was a 2018 Silver Winner in the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition. For the best experience, visit their recently opened estate vineyard, located on a historic 1,100-acre ranch in Buellton (795 W. Hwy. 246), a stunning spot to savor both the wine and the views.

Brick Barn Wine Estate Winery, photo by Bottle Branding, courtesy Brick Barn.

Another local favorite is Margerum Santa Barbara County 2017 Riviera Rosé, crafted from Grenache and Syrah grapes sourced from select vineyards including Estelle and Camp 4 vineyards in Santa Barbara County and Alamo Creek Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County. Dry and refreshing, this is a consistent go-to wine for me.

Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards 2015 Rosé of Pinot Noir uses grapes from three prominent Central Coast vineyards to create this refreshing Rosé, which offers up enticing aromas of berries and melon followed by a crisp, fruity finish.

Herzog Lineage Rosé 2017 blends 12 grape varieties from the Herzog’s family’s Prince Vineyard in California. Their Oxnard-based facility prides itself on keeping Kosher, without any negative impacts on the taste of the wine, which features aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries, papaya, and pomegranate seeds. Winemakers note that this unique rosé should be served very cold, which is my preference in most cases.

Rose Wine, photo by Susanne Nilsson, Flickr.com.

Psagot Rosé 2017 is another Kosher blend of red grape varietals, in this case they’re harvested from vineyards located in the northern Jerusalem Mountains at a height of 700 meters. With a very clean and fresh flavor, the wine pairs particularly well with Mediterranean cuisine.

Another excellent Kosher rosé is the Tabor Adama Barbera Rosé 2017, which is characterized by red berry and cherry aromas and high acidity. Israeli producer Tabor showcases these attributes in a flavorful, light-bodied wine with a nice balance between the fruity notes and the acidity.

The 2017 BY.OTT Cotes de Provence Rosé is an elegant yet friendly French bottle with a pale, pretty color and a delicate and fruity nose and taste that’s perfect for toasting a happy couple at a price point that won’t break the bank.

Sparkling rosés are also terrific for toasts, and have become quite popular of late. Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG is a perfect choice for your next summer party. The fruity flavor and aromas of peaches and flowers pair well with seafood, cheese appetizers and dessert. And bubbles always add a festive touch.

There are two main ways to produce rosé wine, and in both cases they’re made from grapes with dark skin,” explains Gabriel Geller, Vice President of Public Relations for The Royal Wine Corp. The first method is known as maceration. After the red or black grapes are pressed, the skins macerate in the juice for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, until the desired color is released. The second method is called saignée, which is French for “bleeding.” The red or black grape skins are pressed with the skins, producing a slightly pink-colored juice. This juice is fermented into wine that will become a rosé.

Whether you prefer your rosés fruity, slightly sweet, or very dry—they’ll pair beautifully both beachside or poolside. Enjoy!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on July 13, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: The Wine Shepherd

Posted on July 7, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

The Wine Shepherd, photo courtesy Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Two of Santa Barbara County’s hottest restaurant teams—PICO in Los Alamos and The Black Sheep in Downtown Santa Barbara—have joined forces to create The Wine Shepherd, a new wine bar, tasting room and wine shop located next to The Black Sheep at 30 E. Ortega St., Santa Barbara (at the corner of Ortega and Anacapa Streets, across from Paradise Cafe).

PICO co-owners Will Henry and Kali Kopley have an excellent selection of wine in the retail section of the restaurant and The Wine Shepherd extends those offerings into Santa Barbara’s buzzy Presidio Neighborhood. It also offers an additional tasting room for the well-regarded Lumen Wines, which Henry co-owns with pioneering Santa Barbara County winemaker Lane Tanner.

The Wine Shepherd, photo courtesy Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing.

“We have a 2,000-bottle wine inventory at PICO, available to enjoy at the bar, in the restaurant, or for purchase to take with you…with The Wine Shepherd, we’re simply sharing PICO’s unparalleled wine selection with a greater portion of Santa Barbara County,” states Henry, whose father, Warner Henry, founded The Henry Wine Group import, wholesale and broker empire.

The Wine Shepherd, whose name is a play on words referencing The Black Sheep, offers a wide array of local, domestic and international wines for sale, as well as a carefully-curated list of beer and cider. Housed in the former Seagrass Restaurant space, The Wine Shepherd’s “upcycled chic” ambiance features a tasting bar built by Henry himself, where a selection of 14 or more wines by the glass—plus beer and cider—are available, as well as Lumen Wines tasting flights and excellent cheeses and charcuterie from PICO Chef and Partner Drew Terp. The Wine Shepherd also offers competitive pricing on bottles to go.

The Wine Shepherd, photo courtesy Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing.

With a string of hits in the food and wine world, Kopley is owner-founder of five different establishments in North Lake Tahoe, California: three Uncorked wine bar locations, Soupa restaurant, and Petra, a wine-inspired restaurant in Northstar. As a restaurateur, Kopley was a customer of The Henry Wine Group, which led to her introduction to Will Henry. The two are now married are parents to an adorable little girl.

“The Wine Shepherd marks the seventh wine-related business in which I’ve recently had a hand in launching, and is modeled after some of my Tahoe-area businesses,” says Kopley. “We have such a loyal PICO following…and many of our friends and fans make the drive from Santa Barbara to Los Alamos. The Wine Shepherd will give them just a taste of what PICO has to offer, but closer to home.”

“We will offer a large selection of wines from around the world, as well as a healthy representation of local heroes. As we do at PICO, we will focus on small production, family-owned producers and obscure, hard-to-get wines, plus old vintage rarities and gems,” says Henry.

The Wine Shepherd, photo courtesy Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing.

Henry and Kopley chose The Wine Shepherd’s location after becoming friends with The Black Sheep’s family of owners, Chef Robert Perez and his son, Ruben.

“We have always loved what the Perez family has done with The Black Sheep. Kali was also a patron and huge fan of their former Nevada City restaurant, Citronée,” says Henry. “We intend this to be a partnership with them that will both enhance the wine experience that we’ll offer, and augment The Black Sheep’s existing wine program.”

The Wine Shepherd is open Tuesday through Friday from 3-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m., with special happy hour prices from 4-6 p.m. daily. For more information, visit WineShepherdSB.com.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on July 6, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Biltmore Summer Tasting Series

Posted on June 30, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

Photo courtesy Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

It’s always a treat to visit Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, and this summer’s tasting series offers some particularly fun ways to celebrate the season. Next up, on July 13, is RED, WHITE & BREW, which features a Tequila Bar, as well as ice cold beer from some of Santa Barbara’s award-winning local microbreweries including Topa Topa, Telegraph Brewing, Brass Bear Brewing, Rincon Brewery, Island Brewing Company and Boochcraft.

In addition, guests can make a meal of it and pair their drinks with ceviche, barbecue suckling pig, Ensenada mussels and chorizo, lime coconut black beans and corn avocado salad from the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore’s creative culinary team. RED, WHITE & BREW takes place from 6-9 p.m. and is $55 per person.

Also on the Biltmore’s summer calendar is SUNSET SPRITZ, on August 24, featuring an Apertivo Bar offering Aperol Spritzes, Negroni’s and Italian red and white wines. The offerings also include housemade bites like fried cheese, olives, dalla forma pasta (prepared in Pecorino cheese wheel) and Cichetti Veneziani, aka traditional Venetian fare. SUNSET SPRITZ takes place from 6-9 p.m. and is $65 per person.

The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore is located at 1260 Chanel Dr., Montecito. To purchase tickets for either event, please call 805/565-8232.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on June 29, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Get the VIP Treatment at Fess Parker Winery

Posted on June 25, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

Fess Parker Winery Barrel Room, photo by Rob Brown.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

It’s always lovely to visit Fess Parker‘s bucolic 714-acre ranch in Los Olivos, but they recently refurbished the VIP Barrel Room, which makes it an even better wine tasting experience.

The tour starts with a video, shot by acclaimed photographer Rob Brown, of the history of the ranch and Fess Parker’s development of the vineyard on what is now known as the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Though Fess passed away in 2010, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard is still family owned and operated, as it has been since 1989.

Fess Parker Winery, courtesy photo.

Following the video, we went into the barrel room for a discussion of the cooperage selection, and the wine aging process, as well as a special barrel tasting. Our tour was just for my husband and I, but they can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Tasting at Fess Parker Winery, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

You then go into a seated tasting of some top notch wines, accompanied by a selection of savory bites prepared by the culinary team at The Bear and Star restaurant (another delicious Fess Parker family venture at the nearby Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos). Among the six notable wines we tasted that day were the 2016 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills and the 2015 Ashley’s Pinot Noir, also from Sta. Rita Hills.

Fess Parker Winery Barrel Room, photo by Peter Malinowski.

Tasting in the sophisticated new barrel room—designed in dramatic shades of red and black, which are warmed up by wood cabinetry and shelving—definitely feels like you’re entering the inner sanctum of the winery, and creates a dynamic contrast to the more homespun vibe found in other, more public, parts of the winery, where tastings are also offered.

Fess Parker Winery patio, courtesy photo.

The VIP Barrel Room Tasting and Tour is only available on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m., by reservation only, and is $50 for non-wine club members and $35 for wine club members. For more information, call 800/841-1104 or email barrett@fessparker.com.

Fess Parker Winery is located at 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the 12 other wineries on the Foxen Canyon Wine trail (one of the most beautiful ways to explore Santa Barbara Wine Country, in my opinion) click here.

Fess Parker Winery, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on June 22, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Mixologists Compete for “Official Drink of Santa Barbara” Title

Posted on June 18, 2018 by lesliedinaberg

Puesta Del Sol cocktail by finalist Loquita, photo by Loquita, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Last year’s winner was “Ginspiration Point” by Alcazar Tapas Bar—a delicious homage to Inspiration Point, one of the most popular hiking trails in Santa Barbara’s foothills. Who will win bragging rights in the Second Annual “Official Drink of Santa Barbara” Cocktail Contest?

Visit Santa Barbara hosts this fun and lively competition on Thursday, June 21 at El Paseo Mexican Restaurant (813 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara) from 5-8 p.m.

Biltmore Fuerte cocktail by finalist Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, photo by Four Seasons, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara.

“We invite the public to sample the drinks of some of our region’s most creative mixologists, root on their favorites, and raise a toast to our community’s extraordinarily gifted food and drink professionals,” says Visit Santa Barbara President/CEO Kathy Janega-Dykes.

Local restaurants and bars were once again invited to develop a new, unique signature mixed drink that celebrates the distinctive attributes of The American Riviera. The creation must include a spirit from Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, a locally owned small-scale craft distillery located in the Funk Zone. Contestants were encouraged to use at least one local ingredient and take inspiration from Santa Barbara’s dramatic landscapes, architectural landmarks and culinary scene.

The Drive Home cocktail by finalist Finch & Fork, photo by Finch & Fork, courtesy Visit Santa Barbara.

The finalists were selected by the public. The winning cocktails include: “Biltmore Fuerte” by Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, “The Drive Home” by Finch & Fork, “Riviera Hermosa” by Santo Mezcal, “Puesta del Sol” by Loquita, and “The American Riviera” by Santa Barbara Brewing Company.

Riviera Hermosa cocktail by finalist Santo Mezcal, Photo by Santo Mezcal, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara.

The live competition is emceed by Gabe Saglie, television personality and senior editor for Travelzoo. The cocktail judges include: food and wine author and columnist Michael Cervin; writer and publisher of Unique Eat and Eateries of Santa Barbara Geneva Ives; senior editor for the Santa Barbara Independent, Matt Kettmann; and “2017 Official Drink of Santa Barbara” winner and owner of Alcazar Tapas Bar, Alvaro Rojas. In addition, Santa Barbara Independent contest winner Gina Andrews was also selected as a judge.

I got to be a judge last year and I can tell you, these guys are in for some tough decisions. I’ve already sampled both the Biltmore and Finch & Fork’s entries and they’re both excellent.

The American Riviera cocktail by finalist Santa Barbara Brewing Company, photo by Santa Barbara Brewing Company, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara.

Tickets are on sale now. The cost is $25, and includes two glasses of wine, appetizers and a sample of the five finalists’ entries (while supplies last). Casa Dumetz Wines and Margerum Wine Company will be pouring wine. Beer and cocktails are available for purchase at the bar. Click here to purchase tickets and for more information. Must be 21 and older to attend.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on June 16, 2018.

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

Category Archives: Cocktail Corner

Cocktail Corner: Finch & Fork’s Sublime Summer Sips

Cocktail Corner: Taste of the Town Santa Barbara Benefit for the Arthritis Foundation

Cocktail Corner: The Valley Cocktail Collection at S.Y. Kitchen

Cocktail Corner: Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival

Cocktail Corner: Toasting National Tequila Day

Cocktail Corner: Olé Rosé

Cocktail Corner: The Wine Shepherd

Cocktail Corner: Biltmore Summer Tasting Series

Cocktail Corner: Get the VIP Treatment at Fess Parker Winery

Cocktail Corner: Mixologists Compete for “Official Drink of Santa Barbara” Title

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