Cheers for Wildlife Conservation

This story as it appeared in 805 Living, July/August 2019. Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Zoo.

This story as it appeared in 805 Living, July/August 2019. Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Zoo.

Something cold, refreshing, and eco-friendly is brewing at the Santa Barbara Zoo (sbzoo.org) this summer. Sales of Zoo Brew, a custom California pale ale produced by Ventura Coast Brewing Company (vcbc.beer), have already exceeded expectations, says zoo culinary programs manager Emily Largey. While the zoo gets the profits, the beer serves an even more important role as a vehicle to educate adults about animal conservation efforts. “Learning isn’t just for the kids,” Largey says. “The conservation messaging on the first can is ‘Drink beer, save wildlife.’ Each season we’ll roll out a new beer and a new label featuring an endangered or protected animal at the zoo.” 

This story originally appeared in the July/August 2019 issue of 805 Living.

805 Living Pulse Jul-Aug 2019 (click here to see the story as it appeared in 805 Living)

 

 

Cocktail Corner: Beer is Good for You!

A Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg 

We can all use some good news these days, so here goes. There’s yet another good reason to say cheers to beer! A study recently came across my desk that there is new research indicating that drinking beer may be good for your health.

Researchers from Pennsylvania State University presented their findings in a poster presentation at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions in New Orleans in November. They followed more than 80,000 participants for six years and found that while HDL, or the so-called good cholesterol, declined over time, those who drank beer had a slower decrease in HDL, therefore a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

(This particular study was conducted in China, but previous studies suggest that other populations would experience a similar effect.)

 Some other findings:

  • Moderate drinkers (defined as 1-2 servings/day for men; 0.5-1.0 servings/day for women) had the slowest decline in good cholesterol.
  • Beer consumption had a positive effect on HDL levels even among heavy drinkers, but for hard liquor only light to moderate drinking was beneficial. (defined as 1 serving/day for men; sadly 0-0.4 servings/day for women).
  • Note: there were not enough wine drinkers represented in the study to test the effects on HDL.
  • These effects were still present when the analysis was restricted to people without diabetes, hypertension, obesity, fatty liver and elevated inflammation status.

In summary, now’s the time to resolve to drink more beer.

Want to get a tasty head start on your resolution to imbibe (for your health, of course!)? Why not plant yourself at The Garden at the Santa Barbara Public Market on Jan. 28 for a special beer pairing dinner with Allagash Brewing Company. It starts at 6 p.m. and reservations are required.

Here’s the four-course pairing menu designed to highlight some of the best beers that Allagash has to offer:

FIRST COURSE

AHI CRUDO SERVED WITH WATERMELON RADISH

PAIRED WITH ALLAGASH WHITE

SECOND COURSE

CHICKEN MOLE ON A CRISPY POLENTA CAKE

PAIRED WITH ALLAGASH HIBERNAL FLUXUS

THIRD COURSE

PORK TENDERLOIN REMOULADE STUFFED WITH BLACK CHERRY

PAIRED WTH ALLAGASH SIXTEEN COUNTIES

FOURTH COURSE

APPLE TART TATIN , APRICOT GLAZE WHIPPED CREAM

PAIRED WTH ALLAGASH JAMES BEAN

Tickets to this event are $49, which includes gratuity & tax. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling The Garden at 805/ 770-7700. 

Sounds pretty good, right! 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 on January 20, 2017.

It’s Football Season at the Garden

Courtesy The Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Courtesy The Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Sunday Funday is now happening every week at The Garden inside the Santa Barbara Public Market. With NFL Sunday Ticket and wide coverage of NCAA Football, you’ll never miss a game. Plus, the Garden is now serving up breakfast on weekends starting at 9 a.m. in this fun, family-friendly new venue.

Plant yourself in The Garden and enjoy Fried Chicken & Waffles, Chilaquiles, Monster Breakfast Burritos and lighter fare including egg white omelettes and housemade granola served with yogurt and locally grown fruit. Breakfast drink specials also include fresh mimosas and micheladas.

Courtesy the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Courtesy the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Located inside the Santa Barbara Public Market, The Garden offers guests the ability to view all the games while enjoying food and 41 craft beers and eight wines on the always rotating on-tap menu.

The Garden is located at 38 W. Victoria St. (at Chapala) with free underground parking. For more information, visit sbpublicmarket.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Fried Chicken and Waffles from the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Fried Chicken and Waffles from the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Mary’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich topped with jalapeno slaw & house pickles on a sesame bun from the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Mary’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich topped with jalapeno slaw & house pickles on a sesame bun from the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Courtesy the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Courtesy the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 6, 2016.