Author Archives: lesliedinaberg

About lesliedinaberg

When she's not busy working as an editor on a variety of magazine and book projects, Leslie Dinaberg writes feature articles, columns and grocery lists.

Editor’s Pick: Glow in the Park

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by
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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by
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

Editor’s Pick: Dane Goodman and Keith Puccinelli

Posted on by
Artwork by Dane Goodman and Keith Puccinelli, on view at Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art.

Artwork by Dane Goodman and Keith Puccinelli, on view at Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art.

Collaborations between artists Dane Goodman and Keith Puccinelli are always a treat, full of clever, thought-provoking humor and surprises. Expect nothing less from their latest teaming, “Tug,” part of the ArtWatch 2015 series at Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art (Sept. 2–Oct. 17).

Opening Reception: September 2 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art, 955 La Paz Rd. 805/565-6162, westmontmuseum.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Cocktail Corner: Getting Pickled!

Posted on by
2015 Screamin’ Pickle Fermented Cocktail Competition takes place on Sept. 8. Courtesy photo.

2015 Screamin’ Pickle Fermented Cocktail Competition takes place on Sept. 8. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Here’s a fun challenge for home bartenders. Local amateur cocktail artists are invited to enter the Screamin’ Pickle Fermented Cocktail Competition. Co-sponsored by Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, The Good Lion  and the Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival, contestants must sign up by Friday, September 4.

The competition will be held at The Good Lion on Tuesday, September 8.

The contest encourages participants to craft innovative cocktails featuring Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, paired with traditionally fermented mixers such as shrubs, raw apple cider vinegar, kombucha, beet kvass, ginger soda, kimchi, sauerkraut juice, fermented fruit and other creative libations.

The winning cocktail artist gets bragging rights, as well as the coveted Screamin’ Pickle Award at a ceremony at the Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival, and will also have his or her cocktail featured byThe Good Lion in the Farm-to-Bar Area of the festival.

Ian Cutler, Cutler’s Artisan Spirits owner and distiller, came up with the contest as a creative way to bring together local spirits created by fermented grains with local mixers also created by the process of fermentation. When he shared his idea with The Good Lion proprietor Brandon Ristaino and Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival Co-Founder Katie Hershfelt, the trio decided they had to make it happen. “We couldn’t be more excited to challenge our fellow cocktail enthusiasts and spread the wild world of fermentation to a wider audience,” Hershfelt says.

Contestants can enter by contacting Cutler at info@cutlersartisan.com by Friday, September 4. Ten slots are available on a first come, first served basis.

Competition and judging by a panel of prominent industry experts will take place at The Good Lion on Tuesday, September 8 [event is closed to the public]. First, Second and Third Place winners will be announced and receive their prizes at the Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival Kick-Off Party at The Good Lion on Tuesday, September 15, at 6:30 p.m. [which is open to the public].

The First Place Cocktail will be served at Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival at Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta on Sunday, September 20 from noon to 4 p.m. (A ticket is required to gain access to the tasting area).

For more information and to purchase tickets to the festival, visit www.SBFermentationFestival.com/activities/, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/836647733108873/ or email info@cutlersartisan.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 Magazine on August 28, 2015.

Style File: Fight the Frizz

Posted on by
Sarah Jessica Parker at the "Hamilton" Broadway Opening Night with hair by Josue Perez. Photo: traceymattingly.com.

Sarah Jessica Parker at the “Hamilton” Broadway Opening Night with hair by Josue Perez. Photo: traceymattingly.com.

Frizzy hair is one of the unfortunate side effects of summer. Luckily, we have frizz-fighting solutions from stylist Josue Perez. He is the stylist for big name celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Karlie Kloss, Abigail Breslin, Cameron Diaz and Rosario Dawson.

Here are Perez’s seven foolproof tips for getting sleek and smooth blowouts.

 

  1. When you get out of the shower, towel dry hair 50%, leaving it still half-wet.  Hair has “porosity” so the leftover dampness/moisture help close hair pores giving it natural shine when blow dryer.

 

  1. After towel drying, never forget to use a heat protectant spray. Try the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. It protects against heat damage but will never weigh down the hair.

 

  1. Ionic blow dryers are crucial to not just frizz-free blowouts, but they also protect the hair. I use the Rowenta Inspiration Pro Dryer when styling because it cuts drying time up to 20% without using too much heat. The ionic generators protect hair from styling damage and seal in cuticle for fast, frizz-free results.

 

  1. Using a concentrator on the blow dryer allows you to control the air direction, giving you a smother look.  Without the concentrator, the dryer will puff the hair cuticle, leading to frizz.

    Rosario Dawson, for her "Kids" 20th Anniversary Screening, with hair by Josue Perez. Photo: traceymattingly.com.

    Rosario Dawson, for her “Kids” 20th Anniversary Screening, with hair by Josue Perez. Photo: traceymattingly.com.

 

  1. Use a smaller ceramic round brush.  The smaller brushes will achieve tighter curls and help the style last much longer.  Also, ceramic brushes lock in more heat and they stay heated longer for a styling bonus, unlike wood brushes, which loose heat faster. Try the Moroccanoil Ceramic Ionic Round Brush.

 

  1. Most people don’t know how/when/why to use it, but when you blow-dry your hair, you’re essentially opening the cuticle allowing it to form (style) in any shape. (Open cuticle = frizz).  So, when hair is dry and wrapped around the brush, finish it off with a shot of cold air. When you remove the brush and it’s slightly tougher to pull out, that means cuticle is sealed in the shape of that brush (frizz-free).
  1. Celebrity Stylist Josue Perez, courtesy photo.

    Celebrity Stylist Josue Perez, courtesy photo.

    Take a break if you have to and practice! So many people give up halfway and say it’s too much to do. It’s good to do as much as you can and go do something else that you have to do. When you come back to it, you will feel more eager to finish it and once you love the results you will become a pro.

For more information about Perez click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 27, 2015.

Cocktail Corner: Tequila Harvest Festival

Posted on by
The 2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

The 2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Our local schools may start next week, but the summer celebrations continue. More than 20 tequila and mezcal brands will be pouring at the 6th Annual Santa Barbara Tequila Harvest Festival on Saturday August 29.

This is the largest tequila show in California, and according to festival co-founder Ernesto Rodriguez, “The purpose of the festival is to promote the history, tradition, and art behind tequila production with the Anglo-Saxon and international community, as well as with the new generations of Mexican-Americans who are interested in learning more about these ancient and magical drinks.”

2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

About 1,000 tequila aficionados are expected to gather at this elegant and festive outdoor event at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd. Featuring live mariachi music and gourmet food, and well as lots of tequila, other highlights at the Tequila Harvest Festival include unreleased and special edition spirits from Tequila Celestial, G4, Siete Leguas, Suerte and Tapatío.

In addition,  a portion of ticket sales, as well as a special silent raffle, will benefit the Elings Park Foundation.

Ticket price includes all tequila/mezcal and food samples. This is strictly a 21 and over event. Tickets can be purchased at AgaveAvenue.com. General admission hours are 6-9 p.m., with VIP tastings starting at 5 p.m. Hope to see you there. 

P.S: If you’re anything like me, talking about Tequila puts you in the mood for a Margarita. Here’s a recipe courtesy of Milagro Tequila.

The Milagro Freshest Margarita, courtesy photo

The Milagro Freshest Margarita, courtesy photo

The Milagro Freshest Margarita

 2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila

¾ part Agave Nectar

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

Pour all ingredients in a Boston Shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously and strain over ice in a rocks glass.

Garnish with a lime wheel.

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 August 21, 2015.

Style File: Sandal-Worthy Nail Colors

Posted on by
Blue Me Away, by Bio Seawood Gel

Blue Me Away, by Bio Seawood Gel

The rainbow-filled sky is the limit for this season’s nail colors. Everything from bright, tropical-inspired shades to lustrous earth tones are in style this summer, just in time to dip your pretty, painted toes in the sand.

Some seasonal favorites, which incidentally have great names, as well as fun colors:

Blue Me Away, by Bio Seawood Gel

This all-in-one UNITY Polish gives you long lasting gel nails quickly and easily without the need for prep coats, finishing coats or even a UV dryer as it can “cure” (a.k.a. dry) in the sun!

Bright Fuchsia, by Opi

Bright Fuchsia, by Opi

Bright Fuchsia, by Opi

A high-fashion bright shade for look-at-me nails that pop! Formaldehyde-free.

Cymbidium, by FABY Nature

Cymbidium, by FABY Nature

Cymbidium, by FABY Nature

The ingredients in this polish, 87% of which are of natural origin, are derived from the manufacture of wood pulp, cotton, maize, cassava and other raw vegetable materials. They are not derived from petroleum, so it’s an eco-friendly choice as well as a fashionable one.

 

Drinks at Sunset, by Whim

In addition to great colors, Whim Nail Lacquers deliver an ultra-glossy, high shine manicure that wears like a gel and removes like a polish.

Drinks at Sunset, by Whim

Drinks at Sunset, by Whim

 

I Woke Up Like This, by Trust Fund Beauty

I Woke Up Like This, by Trust Fund Beauty

I Woke Up Like This, by Trust Fund Beauty

A bright, fun, pink glitter polish with a touch of cheekiness, as evidenced by the company name.

Still can’t make up your mind? Check out the “summer nails” board on pinterest for even more fun and fancy pedicure options.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 17, 2015.