Cocktail Corner: Finch & Fork’s Sublime Summer Sips

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

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.

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.

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.

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 believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com.

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

Nell Campbell: Portrait of Cuba

Fisherman on the Malecon, Havana 2002, 40 x 40 archival pigment print, by Nell Campbell.

Fisherman on the Malecon, Havana 2002, 40 x 40 archival pigment print, by Nell Campbell.

Don’t miss Nell Campbell‘s collection of photographs from her travels to Cuba. The exhibition, Nell Campbell: Portrait of Cuba, is on view at wall space at the Waterline Shops (120 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara) through August 31.

There will be an artist’s reception on Wednesday, August 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the gallery. wall space at the Waterline Shops is open Sunday-Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m.

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 21, 2018.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com.

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

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

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

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.

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 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 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 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 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’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.

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 believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com.

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

 

Summer Supper Concert in Los Olivos Continues

The next Summer Supper Concert in Los Olivos at St. Mark’s will be Thursday, August 9 at 5 p.m., featuring Tri-tip BBQ and the Just Dave Band with country tunes. Photo by Frank Panaro Photography.

The next Summer Supper Concert in Los Olivos at St. Mark’s will be Thursday, August 9 at 5 p.m., featuring Tri-tip BBQ and the Just Dave Band with country tunes. Photo by Frank Panaro Photography.

Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip BBQ and all the fixings will be accompanied by the Just Dave Band  at Thursday’s Summer Supper Concert Series in Los Olivos

People of all ages are invited to enjoy the band—featuring lead singer, acoustic guitarist and harmonica player Dave Bernal and known for its high-energy legit country tunes as well as some fun originals—on August 9 from 5-8 p.m. in the shady, garden courtyard at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley church located at (2901 Nojoqui Ave., just one block from the flagpole in downtown Los Olivos).  

Guests gathered in the shady courtyard at St. Mark’s in Los Olivos during the second Summer Supper Concert on Thursday, July 12. Courtesy photo.

Guests gathered in the shady courtyard at St. Mark’s in Los Olivos during the second Summer Supper Concert on Thursday, July 12. Courtesy photo.

Directly benefitting the St. Mark’s Preschool Scholarship program, each Summer Supper Concert begins with a themed food & beverage supper served at 5 p.m. The live music begins at 5:30 p.m. The suggested donation per ticket including supper, concert and a beverage is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 years and under (there is a capped cost of $30 for a family with three or more children). Additional beverages are available for purchase, but no outside food or drinks are allowed. 

Complimentary childcare for ages 2-10 is available onsite. Tickets are sold at the door as well as online in advance https://www.smitv.org/syv-summer-supper-concerts.html.

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published on August 7, 2018 in Santa Barbara Seasons.

Cocktail Corner: Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com.

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