Cocktail Corner: Beer and (Big) Bites in Buellton

Executive Chef Brian Champlin and General Manager Jeff Hawxhurst from The Kitchen @ FigMtnBrew, courtesy photo.

Executive Chef Brian Champlin and General Manager Jeff Hawxhurst from The Kitchen @ FigMtnBrew, courtesy photo.

A Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg  

The kitchen is now open at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company (45 Industrial Way, Buellton) and as Executive Chef Brian Champlin vowed, this place definitely has, as he modestly states, “under-promised and over-delivered!”

Boy does Fig Mountain ever deliver, both in terms of high quality food that pairs perfectly with beer and in terms of huge portions at small prices as well.

Named “The Kitchen” at FigMtnBrew, the new restaurant offers a full menu featuring gastropub fare such as creative burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, tacos, salads and more.  Our group particularly loved the “21+ and Over Grilled Cheese” (with three kinds of cheese, avocado, tomato, caramelized onion, apple smoked bacon and Edna’s Bakery sourdough), Davy Brown Nachos and Chorizo Cheese Fries—but honestly, everything that came out of the kitchen was delicious, especially paired with craft beers like Fig Mtn Mosaic, I Dunkeled in my Pants and and Paradise Rd Pilsner.

“We wanted to provide top-notch food with great prices,” says General Manager Jeff Hawxhurst, a longtime local chef who started his career as teenager working at the original Habit in Goleta and most recently worked with the Chumash Casino Resort before coming on board with the ever-growing Fig operation.  “The casual environment helps us keep prices affordable while offering fresh, farm-to-table cuisine,” he says.

Champlin also has impressive foodie credentials, most recently as co-owner and Executive Chef of Succulent Café in Solvang. Taking the farm-to-table concept up a notch,  “Our brewery actually gives our spent grain to a local farm who then feeds it to their cattle. We are then able to serve the local beef on our menu. It’s a sustainable cycle that ensures we know what’s in our food and where it is coming from. We call it ‘brewery-to-farm-to-table’ cuisine,” he says.

Just a few snippets from the menu at The Kitchen at FigMtnBrewCo., photos by Leslie Dinaberg.

Just a few snippets from the menu at The Kitchen at FigMtnBrewCo., photos by Leslie Dinaberg.

In addition to opening the new onsite restaurant, Figueroa Mountain is also in the process of an impressive expansion of its brewing capacity, featuring state-of-the-art production equipment from Germany which will be on view to guests through a large picture window when complete.  Meanwhile The Kitchen is definitely worth the drive!

For more information, visit www.FigMtnBrew.com.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor ofSanta 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 on March 3, 2017 in Santa Barbara Seasons.

Cocktail Corner: Figueroa Mountain Turns Six

figueroa-mountain-brewing-company-anniversary-release-courtesy-photoA Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg 

Cheers to our friends at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, which, in just six short years, has grown from a small production facility and taproom in Buellton to a six-taproom, four-brewery operation with distribution throughout California, Arizona and soon expanding to additional states.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company is the fastest growing craft brewery on the Inc. 5000 list, and also recently joined the Pacific Coast Business Times’ 50 Fastest Growing Companies list for California’s Central Coast.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company was founded by in 2010 father and son team, Jim and Jaime Dietenhofer. With a passion for craft beer, they set out to pay homage to the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley with handcrafted beer and hand-drawn artwork depicting the local landscape on their labels.  There are currently six taprooms along the Central Coast of California.

Excited about the future, the fig team is going BIG for its annual celebration, with a 6th Anniversary Party on Saturday, November 26 from 1-9:30 p.m. at the Buellton taproom (45 Industrial Way, Buellton).

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Admission is free and guests can take advantage of the 6th Anniversary bottle release a day before it goes on sale at the other five taprooms and in select local retailers.  Enjoy contests, food for purchase, special mini-events and live music at their flagship brewery and beer garden.

In addition, this year’s special bottle release is Figueroa Mountain’s 6th Anniversary Grand Cru Ale aged in apple-pear brandy, grape brandy and whiskey barrels and sold in 22-ounce bottles.   Special holiday gift-packs will also be available with two 6th Anniversary bottles and a 6th Anniversary t-shirt.

“I’m always excited about our Anniversary beer releases and this year is no exception,” says President Jaime Dietenhofer.  “Despite the 14% ABV (alcohol-by-volume) of this barrel-aged Grand Cru Ale, it has a smooth taste and a complex flavor profile.  We discovered a long list of flavors including notes of marshmallow, vanilla, whiskey, almonds, honey, pears, figs and gentle toasted oak.  It’s one of those beers you reward yourself with or bring to a holiday celebration to share.”

In addition to the food items for sale in the beer garden from Figueroa Mountain’s new Buellton taproom restaurant, there will be several special offerings throughout the day.  Unlimited cask tastings will be sold for $10 per wristband with four cask releases throughout the day.  Wristband holders will also be eligible to win prizes such as a private beer pairing dinner for 10 with Chef Brian Champlin.

Also available for serious beer aficionados is the 6th Anniversary Barrel Tasting & Pairing held in the upstairs mezzanine from 3-5 p.m.

Taster of Figueroa Mountain beers (L-R): Ginger Red, Hurricane Deck Double Indian Pale Ale, Stagecoach Stout, and Irish Stout

Taster of Figueroa Mountain beers (L-R): Ginger Red, Hurricane Deck Double Indian Pale Ale, Stagecoach Stout, and Irish Stout

“Our brewers will walk guests through a flight of four versions of the 6th Anniversary Grand Cru Ale,” explains Head Brewer of Buellton, David Traille.  “We’ll have samples of each barrel followed by the final blend for comparison.”  Each taste will include a small bite of food that pairs with that particular sample.  For $75 per ticket, guests will also receive a 6th Anniversary t-shirt and a 22-ounce bottle to take home with them.

Tickets can be purchased at http://fig6th.nightout.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 considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 11, 2016.

 

Cocktail Corner: Americana Fest at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

Figueroa Mountain Americana FestA spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Get into the Independence Day spirit a little early this weekend, on Sunday, July 3, when Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company in Buellton presents Americana Fest, featuring live music, craft beer, barbecue and baked goods.

Sounds pretty all-American to me!

Four Americana bands will play throughout the day. The concert kick offs with the bluegrass string band, Grass Mountain at 1 p.m.; followed local folk songstress, Kathleen Sieck and the Paradise Road at 3 p.m.; Americana and self-proclaimed “cosmic country” singer Jaime Wyatt shows off her unique style at 5 p.m.; followed by folk-country singer Leslie Stevens at 7 p.m.

In addition to music, try your luck at winning the watermelon eating contest at 4:30 p.m. or come for the specialty cask releases at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled to have such a talented line-up for this event,” says Retail Operations Director, Tony Grimes. “We are celebrating Independence Day weekend with top-notch local bands and then bringing in some terrific entertainment from Los Angeles.”

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

General Admission tickets are $25 in advance and include full access to the concerts, 1 beer ticket and a pint glass ($30 at the door). Special beer package tickets include one General Admission ticket plus four additional beer tickets for a total of 5 beers and a pint glass. This discount is only available in advance. Young adults and kids under 21 years old are free but still require tickets to enter. Visit www.FigMtnBrew.com for more information or purchase tickets directly at www.AmericanaFest.Nightout.com.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. flagship brewery and taproom is located at 45 Industrial Way in Buellton.

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.”

 P.S: Here’s a sneak peek at local band Kathleen Sieck and the Paradise Road, who will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday!

 

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 30, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Summer Sips by the Sea

Rosé Solstice is coming at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara on June 10. Courtesy photo.

Rosé Solstice is coming at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara on June 10. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Situated perfectly overlooking Butterfly Beach and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is always a fabulous place to meet for drinks, but this summer will offer some extra special sipping opportunities. 

Coming up next in the 2016 Summer Tasting Series is a celebration of Rosé Solstice on June 10. Rosé Day (how did I not know about this?!?) is apparently celebrated on this day in wine tasting regions, and the resort will celebrate with a variety of wines from France and California. Get ready to drink pink! The tasting runs from 6-9 p.m. in the Palmera Garden, where attendees also will enjoy French appetizers paired to match the wines.

Beers from Telegraph Brewing Company will be among those spotlighted on Jul. 22 at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

Beers from Telegraph Brewing Company will be among those spotlighted on Jul. 22 at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In July the resort showcases Santa Barbara County microbrews, with a special beer tasting event located on the ocean front La Pacifica Terrace from 6-9 p.m. on July 22. Beers from Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Telegraph Brewery, Island Brewing Company and Rincon Brewery will offer tastings alongside treats, as part of an Independence-themed celebration called “Red, White and Brew.”

In August, Sunstone Vineyard takes center stage at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In August, Sunstone Vineyard takes center stage at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In August, Bella Vista Restaurant hosts an exceptional wine dinner at sunset, featuring food designed to pair with the exceptional wines of the Santa Ynez Valley’s Sunstone Winery.  Held from 6-9 p.m. on August 26, winemaker Bion Rice will be on hand to share his favorite varietals.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara hosts a tribute to Santa Ynez Valley wines in September. Courtesy photo.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara hosts a tribute to Santa Ynez Valley wines in September. Courtesy photo.

The series concludes in September with a tribute to the harvest season in the Santa Ynez Valley.  Rare local wines will be offered for tastings on September 23 in a beautiful resort venue to celebrate one of the world’s finest wine-growing regions.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is located at 1260 Channel Dr. For reservations, please call 805/565-8232.

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 May 20, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Cheers to Beer!

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Wine + Beer and the Public Market will partner with Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company and chef Kyle Jones of Country Catering for the market’s first-ever beer dinner on Nov. 12. Courtesy photo.

Wine + Beer and the Public Market will partner with Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company and chef Kyle Jones of Country Catering for the market’s first-ever beer dinner on Nov. 12. Courtesy photo.

Beer and food pairings are all the rage, and not surprisingly, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, chef Kyle Jones of Country Catering and Wine + Beer at the Public Market are excited to get in on the action on Nov. 12.

How yummy does this menu sound?

Amuse Bouche

Kettle chips with whipped beer cheese

paired with FMB 101

First course

Garlic Baked Oyster

Oyster, Weiss Weiss topping, shaved asparagus salad

paired with Weiss Weiss

Second course

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp, linguica soffrito, manchego grits (pictured)

paired with Danish Red

Intermezzo

Prickly Pear- Lizards Mouth IPA Sherbet

Third course

Ox Tail and Wild Mushroom Pie

Davy brown braised oxtail, wild mushrooms, black truffle crust

paired with Davy Brown

Fourth course

Black and Tan Dessert Duo

Saint Andre, Corn Tuille, Toasted Almond, Honey

paired with Paradise Pilsner

Stout Graham Streusel Cake, Milk Chocolate Stagecoach Ganache, Burnt Marshmallow

paired with Stagecoach Stout

The Santa Barbara Public Market is located at 38 W. Victoria St. Tickets are $65 and advanced reservations are required. Call 805/770-7702 to reserve your spot.

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 October 30, 2015.