My Santa Barbara | ArchitecTours: Every Building Tells a Story

Julia Morgan—the architect who designed Hearst Castle—said: “Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.” That may be true, but the intriguing personal stories behind the nine buildings highlighted in the 2015 Santa Barbara AIA Annual ArchitecTours also have some tantalizing tales to tell. This year’s tour, themed “buildings with a story,” takes place on Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., culminating with a festive party. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit aiasb.com or call 805/966-4198.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

CL20: Modern suburban home addition prototype by Shubin + Donaldson Architects, courtesy AIASB.

CL20: Modern suburban home addition prototype by Shubin + Donaldson Architects, courtesy AIASB.

Contemporary art-filled residence by Bildsten Architecture and Planning, photo courtesy AIASB.

Contemporary art-filled residence by Bildsten Architecture and Planning, photo courtesy AIASB.

Craftsman bungalow by Blackbird Architects, photo courtesy SBAIA.

Craftsman bungalow by Blackbird Architects, photo courtesy SBAIA.

The Goodland Hotel by DMHA Architecture + Interior Design, photo courtesy SBAIA.

The Goodland Hotel by DMHA Architecture + Interior Design, photo courtesy SBAIA.

Gracious downtown living by Thompson Naylor Architects, photo courtesy AIASB.

Gracious downtown living by Thompson Naylor Architects, photo courtesy AIASB.

Luminous Santa Barbara County offices by DMHA Architecture + Interior Design, photo courtesy AIASB.

Luminous Santa Barbara County offices by DMHA Architecture + Interior Design, photo courtesy AIASB.

Mid-century modern library by PMSM Architects, photo courtesy AIASB.

Mid-century modern library by PMSM Architects, photo courtesy AIASB.

Modern cottage for multiple generations by AB Design Studio, photo courtesy AIASB.

Modern cottage for multiple generations by AB Design Studio, photo courtesy AIASB.

Tract house retread by Ensberg Jacobs Design, photo courtesy of AIASB.

Tract house retread by Ensberg Jacobs Design, photo courtesy of AIASB.

Editor’s Pick: DANCEworks’ production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

adam_barruch_credit-Donna-Ferrato-1

DANCEworks‘ residency performances are always exciting, and this year is certainly no exception. New York choreographer Adam Barruch spends a month at Lobero Theatre, culminating in the creation and premiere of a new dance theater production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sept. 25–26). | 8 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. sbdanceworks.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: A Veritable Buffet of Vino News & Events

Courtesy Bacara Resort & Spa

Courtesy Bacara Resort & Spa

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

I don’t know if it’s the early harvest, the crazy weather, or just that time of year, but my inbox is bursting with wine news these days. We’re barking about a taste of Verona at the Bacara, Doug Margerum’s new Barden wines, Groundboots charity wine label and Wandering Dog Wine Bar’s new vintages in today’s Cocktail Corner.

Here’s a look at what’s going on in the wine world:

A Taste of Verona Returns 

Bacara Resort & Spa welcomes Fumanelli Winery for an operatic evening by the sea with Verona’s top winemaker, Armando Fumanelli, proprietor of Marchesi Fumanelli Winery. The winery dates back hundreds of years, and in that spirit, the Bacara is partnering with Opera Santa Barbara to enhance the Italian-themed event.

“The Fumanelli family has been cultivating grapes and producing prestigious wines for more than 600 years,” says Kathleen Cochran, managing director of Bacara Resort & Spa. “We are honored to offer guests the rare opportunity to dine with a winemaker of this magnitude.”

Photo courtesy Bacara Resort & Spa

Photo courtesy Bacara Resort & Spa

Diners will enjoy four Fumanelli wines personally selected by Armando Fumanelli, paired with an elegant reception and three-course Italian-inspired tasting menu by Executive Chef Vincent Lesage. Each course will be preceded by traditional Italian opera performances. The event takes place on Tuesday, September 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. The price is $150 per person. Space is limited and reservations are recommended (It sold out last year). For tickets and additional information, please call 877/496-8977 or visit BacaraResort.com.

Margerum Wine Company’s New Barden Label Wines

Sometimes I think Doug Margerum must have figured out how to clone himself, he’s such a busy, talented winemaker! Fulfilling Margerum’s dream to create world-class wines using grapes from the renowned Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Margerum Wine Company recently released its new Barden label wines: Chardonnay, Fonte, Syrah and Pinot Noir. Barden is Doug’s middle name and literally translates into “one who lives near the boars den”—a nod also to the wild boars that roam the Sta. Rita Hills.

A little more on the wines:

Courtesy Margerum Wine

Courtesy Margerum Wine

Fonte: Described as “a blend of Chardonnay Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris picked for a balance of flavor and acidity. Barrel fermented in our 55 degree winery, inoculated for malolactic fermentation and batton-aged for 3 months. Aged 6 months sur-lie in 1 year old demi-muid, a neutral puncheon and a bit in stainless steel. Barden Fonte is a collection of rambling memories assembled to reflect the image we imagined it would be. A Fonte is fountain or spring.”

Chardonnay: Doug says, “we pick Chardonnay for opulent flavors, barrel ferment in our 55-degree winery, encourage full malolactic fermentation and it is batton-aged for 4 months. Aged 10 months sur-lie in about half new French oak barriques from Quintessence and François Frères and half in neutral French oak barriques. Barden Chardonnay. Apart but together again. Ours is a path less taken, an assemblage of noble places, temptresses and impossible loves.”

On the Pinot Noir: “We hand sorted and a percentage (depending on the vintage) is whole cluster fermented, we do a 6-10 day cold soak, natural (wild) fermentation, only free-run wine used, no SO2 during maturation on full lees, bottled un-fined and unfiltered. This wine is matured for 10 months in mostly new French oak barriques from Françoise Frères and Ermitage. Barden Pinot Noir is formed so as to touch the heart, mind, body and soul. It’s wrapped in a cloak of mystery, lightly adorned, and respected. Ours is a swirling worldly vision, moody but aware. We dared and entered this world with trepidation. Pinot Noir is fiendishly complex…”

Syrah: “We ferment in a combination of 500 liter (heads off ) French oak puncheons and 400 liter open top insulated fermenters. The wine is aged in half new Françoise Frères and half new Ermitage French oak barrels,” says Doug. “Barden Syrah is shaped and sculptured. Its drapes reveal dark rooms full of the unknown; frightenly sinister, packed, and powerful. Syrah is our blood-right and our passion; we realize we are on the road to madness.”

All are available at select wine shops and restaurants, as well as at the Margerum Tasting Room in Santa Barbara and online.  The wines retail for $36-$82. For more information on Margerum and Barden wines please visit margerumwines.com.

Groundboots Wine Charity Label Launches to Support Soi Dog

Winemaker Deborah Hall of Gypsy Canyon in St. Rita Hills recently launched Groundboots.org, a wine charity label which is crowdfunding to fundraise for and bring awareness to stopping the illegal dog meat trade through wine. She has designated 100% of profits to go to Soi Dog, an organization that has nearly eliminated it in Thailand, and are now moving into Vietnam, China, Korea, and other places,  rescuing and re-homing the survivors.

The campaign is running through September.

And in case you’re wondering about the “taste good” part of the wine, not just the “feel good” part, this Pinot Noir was hand-harvested from their estate vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills. Cluster sorted at the vineyard, berry sorted at the winery. Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak.

According to Wine Enthusiast, the 2012 Ground Boots Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County gets 91 pts. “This wine by Gypsy Canyon’s Deborah Hall raises money for dogs in Thailand, but it’s certainly no gimmick. Deep aromas of black raspberry, cherry chiffon and dried violets mix with chipped slate, charred pine, morel mushrooms and turned loam. The palate shows sharp cranberry followed by graphite and herbal saps, with noticeable grip.”

Here’s a link: http://igg.me/at/groundboots.

Courtesy Ground Boots

Courtesy Ground Boots

Solvang’s Wandering Dog Wine Bar Expands Private Label Wine Program

More on the intersection between wine and dogs, Solvang’s Wandering Dog Wine Bar—incidentally a very fun, dog- and people-friendly spot—recently expanded its private label wine program from four labels to a current line-up of 14 wines, comprised of eight different, locally-grown varietals.

Each of the 14 wines are made by local winemakers/wineries, sourced from local vineyards, and each winemaker/winery is listed on the respective bottle; every winemaker is given full credit for the wines produced for Wandering Dog, in line with the wine bar’s mission to support and foster local vintners–from those just budding to established makers and brands.

Courtesy Wandering Dog

Courtesy Wandering Dog

Wandering Dog’s current releases include a sparkling (’12 “Bentley’s Bubbles”; Norm Yost, winemaker; Santa Maria Valley); ’14 Grüner Veltliner (Graham Tatomer, winemaker; Santa Ynez Valley); ’13 Chardonnay (Kevin Law, winemaker; Santa Maria Valley); ’14 “Mazzey” Viognier (Morgan Clendenon, winemaker; Santa Maria Valley); ’12 “Paige” Pinot Noir (Justin Willet, winemaker; La Encantada Vineyard); ’13 “Leila” Pinot Noir (Norm Yost, winemaker; Rio Vista Vineyard); ’13 “No Leashes” Pinot Noir (Doug Margerum, winemaker; Sta. Rita Hills); ’13 Super Tuscan (76% Sangiovese, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon; Chris Ferrara, winemaker; Paso Robles); ’13 Cabernet Sauvignon (Joshua Klapper, winemaker; Paso Robles); ’12 Zinfandel (Janell Dusi, winemaker; Dante Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles); and ’12 “Lucy” Petite Sirah (Mark Horvath, winemaker; Viejo Vineyard, Ballard Canyon).

Upcoming releases will include a Syrah by winemaker Michael Larner, from Larner Vineyard grapes (Ballard Canyon).

Over the course of its eight years, Wandering Dog Wine Bar has, in addition to international imports, showcased wines from countless winemakers whose own labels were too small to justify the expense of a tasting room. As time passed, many of these producers expanded into their own locations, clearing the way for Wandering Dog to feature the next wave of winemaking superstars.

“This cycle has been instrumental in [Wandering Dog’s] success, but has had the side effect of ending professional relationships with winemakers who are more than an account–they are our friends,” says Wandering Dog Wine Bar’s “Director di Vino”, Charles “CT” Williams.

Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

Wandering Dog Wine Bar first produced wines in this fashion with a 2005 vintage created by Norm Yost, of California Central Coast wine label, Flying Goat Cellars. Yost’s Pinot Noir, produced for Wandering Dog from Rio Vista Vineyard grapes, was affectionately named “Leila,” for CT’s childhood Newfoundland. Ever since, a good portion of Wandering Dog’s private label listing follows suit with names reflecting family canines of past and present. Now, in 2015, Wandering Dog has burgeoned beyond its “Signature Series” wines with its “No Leashes” program, focusing on popular wineries from past wine lists.

As is evident from the wine bar’s business name, and the tale behind its multiple, dog-honoring wine labels, Wandering Dog Wine bar is dedicated to all things “doggie”. Wandering Dog is decidedly dog-friendly and often hosts pet-related events and fundraisers, such as the upcoming October 3, 2015 “Pinot for Puppies”, a benefit for Shadow’s Fund’s “Bright Beginnings: Pit Bull Puppy Ambassador Program.

Wandering Dog Wine Bar is located at 1539-C Mission Drive (next to Paula’s Pancake House), in Solvang.

Cheers!  Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

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 considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 18, 2015.

Local Lowdown: Culture Club–The Mission Poetry Series

Poet Gina Ferrera is one of three authors featured in the September Mission Poetry Series. Courtesy photo.

Poet Gina Ferrera is one of three authors featured in the September Mission Poetry Series. Courtesy photo.

Poetry is always in season around here, and one of the best places to get your fix is the Mission Poetry Series. Now wrapping up its sixth season, the series recently partnered with Antioch University as a new host venue to serve the literary and poetry communities with free readings from an eclectic assortment of poets each fall and spring. Poet Emma Trelles now programs and hosts the series, along with curator Melinda Palacio, as it evolves and continues to be one of the premiere readings on the Central Coast.

The fall reading (at 1 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Antioch University, 602 Anacapa St.) features poets David Campos, Gina Ferrara and Christine Penko.

Since its inception, the Mission Poetry Series has featured more than 30 poets, offering them paid readings and an opportunity to reach a wide and diverse audience. Each poet reads for 20–30 minutes, and original poetry one-sheet prints, with a poem by each of the featured poets, are distributed free at every reading.

For more information, visit facebook.com/missionpoetryseries.

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Local Lowdown: Girls Rock

Girls Rock, originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

It’s a great time to be a girl! The impressive accomplishments and uplifting attitudes of these three local teens are ample inspiration for all of us to work hard and dream big to make those goals a reality.

Paige Hauschild: Athlete

Local water polo fans already know the name Paige Hauschild: she’s been a standout in the pool since she first started playing at age eight and is now one of the star attackers on the San Marcos High School, 805 Water Polo Club and Olympic Development Program teams. At a mere 16 years old, she’s also making a name for herself internationally. Last year, she played in Hungary. This spring, she competed in New Zealand with the USA Water Polo Women’s Senior National Team, alongside Olympic-level athletes, some almost twice her age!

It’s a lot to juggle—along with school work, family and “trying to hang out with friends at Hope Ranch Beach as much as possible”—but Paige does it all with characteristic grace and skill.

She offers this advice for other up-and-coming athletes: “It definitely takes a lot of commitment and, as hard as it always seems, it always gets better. Everything always pays off. I went through a time when I felt just overwhelmed with water polo when I was younger and, as you get older, you kind of accept that it’s kind of what you need to do if you want to play at really high levels—you have to keep playing. You have to be committed. It’s been amazing. All the hard times definitely paid off.”

Indeed they have. She’s already been on college tours of her dream schools UCLA and Stanford) and has set her sights even higher, saying, “It would be a dream come true to go to the Olympics, and I really hope that I get to.”

We’ll be rooting for her all the way.

Aija Mayrock: Author

A victim of bullying in elementary and middle school, 19-year-old Aija Mayrock claimed her power back with a vengeance as the author of The Survival Guide to Bullying, recently published by Scholastic.

“One day, I realized that I had to create a little, yet powerful survival guide that any kid could use as a life-saving device when they were being bullied in the gym, the cafeteria, the locker room, the classroom, the hallways—anywhere. A guide that could be a road map, a flashlight or a friend,” says Aija, who graduated from Anacapa High School and is now a student at New York University.

Aija originally self-published the book, because “we wanted to just help kids. …I wanted it to be as cheap as possible for every kid. But then it was just a dream when Scholastic came along.” The contents—including her original Rap poems or “Roams” at the start of each chapter—are much the same as in Aija’s original book. “They loved it, and it basically is as is; we deleted a chapter and, we added a really wonderful chapter called ‘getting help.’ Then we did a Q&A with myself and an epilogue.”

She gives much of the credit for turning her life around to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). When she and her family moved to town after eighth grade, she wrote her very first screenplay on the day of the deadline for SBIFF’s 10-10-10 student film competition. It was about bullying.

Aija won that competition and says, “I’m so grateful to them because this book would not be here if I had not found my passion through that competition, which is so incredible because it’s accessible to any kid in this community.” Now, in addition to her college studies, Aija travels to speak to kids about bullying, as well as pursuing her other interests in writing, acting and being an activist.

As for taking center stage and speaking out against bullying, Aija says she’s conquered her fears. “There’s a quote that I now live by. It’s, ‘Everything that you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.’”

Sydney Shalhoob: Singer

Santa Barbara’s 2015 Teen Star winner is hardly new to the stage. Now a 15-year-old sophomore at San Marcos High School, Sydney Shalhoob began singing when she was three years old, with pipes so impressive
that professional sports teams took notice, resulting in invitations to perform the National Anthem for the Lakers, the Kings, the Dodgers, the 49ers, the Sparks and the Angels (for seven seasons)—all while still in elementary school.

“I’ve always loved to sing,” says Sydney, who wowed local audiences at Granada Theatre last spring with a soulful delivery of “Creep,” by Radiohead, to take the top Teen Star honor, which earned her a slew of performing opportunities, a bit of cash to further her musical career and a professional recording session at Santa Barbara Sound Design.

Although she worked as a professional model from age three to 11, and tried her hand at acting (“I was not the best actor,” she laughs), Sydney has always had a song in her heart and hopes to study voice in college one day. She currently studies under Carolyn Teroka Brady at San Marcos, participating in the A Capella and Enchante singing groups. She was an alternate the first time she auditioned for Teen Star, which Sydney admits, “taught me a lot. We grew up together, and we definitely grew as singers. I think being a part of Teen Star is my biggest accomplishment at this point.”

That may be true, but keep an eye—and an ear—out for this rising star. We have a feeling that you’ll hear a lot from her for many years to come.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Editor’s Pick: Glow in the Park

IMG_0026

I attend a lot of events on behalf of SEASONS, and last year’s inaugural Glow in the Park Benefit for Doctors Without Walls was definitely a standout. This beautiful evening (Sept. 19) features tethered balloon rides and a sunset dinner under the glow of lit hot air balloons followed by champagne dessert, live music and a dance party with the Beatles tribute band Sgt. Pepper, all to benefit the work of Doctors Without Walls (Santa Barbara Street Medicine), which provides free volunteer medical care for the most vulnerable people in Santa Barbara County.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: Toasting Mexican Independence Day

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Cinco De Mayo (commemorating the Mexican army’s victory under General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862)  gets a lot of attention (not to mention happy hour specials), but the most important national holiday in Mexico is actually Mexican Independence Day, celebrated September 16 with plenty of festive parades, parties, food and of course, tequila!

To celebrate with our neighbors to the south, here’s a toast to the vibrant colors of Mexico with a red, white and green cocktails courtesy of Milagro Tequila, founded in 1998 by Mexico City natives Danny Schneeweiss and Moy Guindi. Of course, your favorite spirit brand can also be substituted.

Agua Verde Margarita 

Agua Verde Margarita, courtesy Milagro Tequila

Agua Verde Margarita, courtesy Milagro Tequila

1.5 parts Milagro Silver Tequila

.25 parts Avocado

3 Cucumber Slices

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

.75 parts Agave Nectar

Combine ingredients and blend with a cup of ice. Pour over rocks and garnish with a lime wheel.

In Love With Coconut, courtesy Milagro Tequila

In Love With Coconut, courtesy Milagro Tequila

In Love With Coconut

1.5 parts Milagro Reposado

.5 part Ancho Reyes

.75 part Fresh Lime Juice

.5 part Coconut Syrup (Monin)

2 parts Ginger Beer

Combine ingredients, pour over rocks and garnish with a roasted coconut rim.

The Freshest Sangria, courtesy Milagro Tequila

The Freshest Sangria, courtesy Milagro Tequila

The Freshest Sangria 

4 parts Milagro Silver Tequila

4 parts Fresh Lime Juice

4 parts Grapefruit Juice

8 parts Grenadine per batch

Serrano Peppers

In four shooter glasses, pour Milagro Silver neat. Cut serrano peppers in half and remove veins, seeds or stems. Blend the halves with remaining ingredients and allow pepper infusion to steep for 2-3 hours. Strain and pour into four separate shooter glasses.

If Tequila’s not your cup of tea, I recently tried a low alcohol sherry, Tio Pepe, that’s a refreshing alternative to hard liquor. The Tiojito is a twist on the classic mojito that’s perfect for our recent heat wave.

Tiojito 

Tiojito, courtesy Tio Pepe

Tiojito, courtesy Tio Pepe

2 oz. Tio Pepe
4 oz. Sprite or Lemonade
Ice
Fresh Mint
Lemon
Pour 2 oz. of Tio Pepe over ice and muddled mint in a tumbler glass, mix with 4 oz. of lemonade or Sprite and add a slice of lemon.

Cheers!  Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

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 considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 11, 2015.

Editor’s Pick: Taste of the Town

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation's Taste of the Town

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation’s Taste of the Town

A premiere event for foodies and philanthropists, at Taste of the Town (Sept. 13) guests sip and savor tastings from 80 of the finest local restaurants and wineries. All proceeds from this 34th annual signature culinary event benefit local programs and services of Arthritis Foundation, the only nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with arthritis. | Noon–3 p.m. Riviera Park Gardens, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra. 805/563-4685, TasteofTheTownSantaBarbara.org.

Originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Labor Day Libations

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Savor the last sips of summer this weekend with some delicious, refreshing Labor Day cocktails!

Here are a few recipes to get your creative juices flowing:

Doit Avoir

Doit Avoir, courtesy Magrino

Doit Avoir, courtesy Magrino

This award-winning cocktail is garnished with gold, sure to impress the guests at your Labor Day party.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Torres Orange Liqueur

1/2 oz. Ramazotti Amaro

3/4 oz. Fresh lime juice

1 Egg white

Dash of Gold dust powder

House made saffron bitters

Topped with Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve

Garnished with a flamed orange peel

Preparation:

Shake and strain first four ingredients into a coupe or flute, top with Champagne.

 Milagro Tequila Red Belly Margarita  

 Ingredients:  

Milagro Tequila Red Belly Margarita, courtesy Magrino

Milagro Tequila Red Belly Margarita, courtesy Magrino

2 Parts Milagro Silver Tequila

1 Part Fresh Lime Juice

.75 Part Agave Nectar

¼ Red Bell Pepper

2 Slices of Serrano Pepper

Garnish: Cracked Black Pepper & Sea Salt 

Preparation:

Muddle red bell pepper and Serrano in a Boston shaker.

Add remaining ingredients, add ice and shake vigorously.

Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass rimmed with a cracked black pepper and sea salt mix.

Solerno Blood Orange & Berry Punch

Solerno Blood Orange & Berry Punch, courtesy Magrino

Solerno Blood Orange & Berry Punch, courtesy Magrino

A simple punch full of the “berry-best” flavors summer has to offer!

(Serves 25 people)

Ingredients:

1 Bottle Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur

1 Bottle Lillet Rouge

12 oz. Red Zinger Tea (brewed at 2x strength)

6 oz. agave nectar

6 oz. fresh lemon juice

6 oz. berry blend puree (Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Red Grapes)

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl and stir well. Float an ice block in the center and garnish with floating blueberries, raspberries, halved grapes, blood orange slices and a few mint leaves.

Flor de Caña Pina Colada

Ingredients: 

Flor de Caña Pina Colada, courtesy Magrino

Flor de Caña Pina Colada, courtesy Magrino

2.5 parts Flor de Caña 7 Rum

3 parts pineapple juice

1 part coconut cream

Preparation:

Combine the Flor de Caña 7, pineapple juice and coconut cream in a blender.

Add cup of crushed ice and blend on high until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Flora Dora

This simple Flora Dora cocktail holds onto the last light, refreshing flavors of

Flora Dora, courtesy Magrino

Flora Dora, courtesy Magrino

summer!

Ingredients:

2 Parts Hendrick’s Gin

1 Part Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 Part Raspberry Syrup

Topped with Ginger Beer

Preparation:

Build all ingredients in a high ball glass over cubed ice. Churn and serve.

Enjoy the holiday weekend. Cheers!  Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 4, 2015.

Leslie Dinaberg

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 considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

 

Editor’s Pick: Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour

Painting by Francis Scorzelli, courtesy photo

Painting by Francis Scorzelli, courtesy photo

Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour takes place on Labor Day weekend this year (Sept. 5–6). It’s always a treat to peek inside the diverse array of local artists’ homes. With 40 artists participating this year, collectors are sure to find something to suit their style.

Originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

—Leslie Dinaberg