Category Archives: Columns

Leslie Dinaberg’s columns

Cocktail Corner: Everything You Need to Know About Molecular Mixology

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Parks and Recreation, courtesy NBC.com

Parks and Recreation, courtesy NBC.com

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Want to know about Molecular Mixology? Here’s the real lowdown from Parks & Recreation.

And by the way, this hilarious show just started its final season. (Pawnee drinking game, anyone?)

Cheers!

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Published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 16, 2015.

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Stocking Stuffers

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Wine Twirls, courtesy photo

Wine Twirls, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

Make your Christmas morning memorable by celebrating the art of celebrating with these fun, cocktail-themed stocking stuffers.

Wine Twirls

These pretty little “wine twirls” make sure your white wine stays chill right where it counts—in the glass. Just put them in the freezer ahead of time, then pop one into your glass and twirl, swirl and sip away to your heart’s content.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses

These pretty pink Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses are perfect for adding subtle saltiness to your favorite tequila. Not only that, they come from Salt Cave Santa Barbara, also known as North America’s Largest Himalayan Salt Cave right here at 740 State St., with a second location to purchase merchandise at 32 W. Anapamu St.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, courtesy Salt Cave

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, courtesy Salt Cave

Whiskey Stones

Your favorite whiskey drinker will savor the scotch even more when he/she adds these chilled whiskey stones to their next dram. Milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the US, these cubes also come in cute, themed icons such as fishing, Paris, skull & crossbones and more.

Bubi Bottles

These versatile Bubi Bottles are portable, scrunchable and BPA free … need I say more! Not only will they hold your adult beverages, in a pinch they can be used as an ice pack or a hot pack, making them great gifts for everyone on your list.

 

 

Cocktails Galore Drink Coasters

Cocktail Coasters Courtesy After 5 Catalog

Cocktail Coasters Courtesy After 5 Catalog

A collage of drink names artfully displayed—the Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, Martini, Mojito, Mai Tai, Gin and Tonic, Pina Colada, Screwdriver and more —will set the cocktail mood at your next bash. Set of four coasters from the local After 5 Catalog comes with its own stand made from durable hardboard.

Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier

The most portable way to transport your vino without the weight of a breakable bottle, this Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier is outfitted with an easy screw cap and a peekaboo window. What better gift than portable way to let you keep the party going wherever your adventures take you.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 19, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Top Shelf Gifts

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Courtesy Grassini

Grassini Winery offers one of the many local wine clubs, a great gift idea for just about anyone! Photo courtesy Grassini.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

It’s that most wonderful time of the year once again—from wine clubs to spirits, to gifts that give back and ideas that are sure to impress—here are some of our favorite holiday gift ideas for just about everyone on your list.

It’s Not a Gang; It’s a Club…

A wine club, that is, which is the perfect gift for all of the wine drinkers on your list. You can’t go wrong with so many great wineries in Santa Barbara County. One of our favorites is Carr Winery, which offers three different options, including the red wine only Luxury Club, which includes six bottles of new releases as well as one bottle made exclusively for club members. Members also get a free tastings at the totally cool Quonset hut tasting room, access to private events, a 20% discount on wine purchases, logo items and private parties, and when you refer your friends you receive a free bottle of wine.

Carr Winery barrel room, courtesy photo

Carr Winery barrel room, courtesy photo

Grassini Family Vineyards offers four different wine club options, all of which include discounts on shipments and purchases, complimentary tastings for you and your guests in their charming downtown tasting room in historic El Paseo, club exclusive events as well as complimentary or discounted tickets to other special events and priority access to limited-production bottlings. For more information on local wine clubs, visit Santa Barbara Vintners, sbcountywines.com.

 

Drink to Your Health

Bluecoat American Dry Gin, courtesy photo

Bluecoat American Dry Gin, courtesy photo

Gin lovers will appreciate a prescription for Bluecoat American Dry Gin, a beautiful blue bottle that not only tastes delicious and looks impressive on your bar, but also is made from organic juniper berries, which have spicy, earthy notes instead of the pungent pine-tree flavors of regular berries. Juniper, found in all gin, is reputed to relieve bloating cramping and gas.

Give Back

Almost anyone will appreciate a gift of wine or spirits, but why not up the ante a bit with gifts that give back to worthy causes at the same time.

For example, Stemmari Wines is partnering with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). The Sicilian wine brand will donate part of their proceeds in support of the SOWF programs to benefit the military’s special operation forces and their families. This Stemmari lineup won’t break you bank, either, as all are less than $15. Wines include

Fonseca Bin 27 in Artist Series gift box, courtesy photo

Fonseca Bin 27 in Artist Series gift box, courtesy photo

Stemmari Nero d’Avola, Stemmari Pinot Grigio, Stemmari Pinot Noir, Stemmari Moscato, Stemmari Baci Vivaci (100% Grillo), Stemmari Dalila (80% Grillo, 20% Viognier) and Stemmari Contodoro (80% Nero d’Avola, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon).

 

Also worth checking out is Fonseca’s 2014 Limited Edition BIN 27 Erik Parker Artist Series, which showcases Parker’s creative water-inspired art and Fonseca BIN 27’s support for the Waterkeeper Alliance and their mission to advocate for environmental issues surrounding our waterways. This delicious ruby port is perfect for a cold winter’s night, and a purchase will support the needs of our environment.

Teeling Small Batch 750ml Whiskey, courtesy photo

Teeling Small Batch 750ml Whiskey, courtesy photo

 

A Twist on the Traditional

Since 1782 the Teeling family has been crafting Teeling Irish Whiskey, a small batch bottling that consists of hand selected casks, which are given further maturation in Flor de Cana Rum barrels, giving this whiskey an extra sweet and smooth rum-finished vanilla flavor.

 

For the Man or Woman Who Has Everything

Hall Wine's Gift of Indulgence

Hall Wine’s Gift of Indulgence

If (lucky you) money is no object, for a mere $18,000 HALL Wines offers a “Gift of Indulgence,” pairing wine with experiences that are sure to impress. The package from owners Craig & Kathryn Hall (Kathryn is most known for being our United States Ambassador to Austria under the Clinton administration as well as being a lifelong vintner, and Craig is the author of business-focused books and owns HALL Financial) includes first class airfare for two to and from Napa; a three-night stay at the new luxury boutique SENZA in Napa Valley; private tours of multiple vineyards and a wine blending session with HALL’s award winning winemaking team, led by Steve Leveque, among other perks.

 

A Weekend in Wine Heaven

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

The World of Pinot Noir comes back to the Bacara Resort March 6-7, and is a must attend for pinot lovers. This fabulous annual event includes two days of in-depth tasting seminars and excursions, grand tastings, a Burgundy seminar and tasting and gourmet, locally influenced lunches and dinners. I had so much fun at last year’s event; I can’t wait for this one!

Santa, I hope you’re reading this.

Cheers!
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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 12, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Celebrate Prohibition Repeal Day

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Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Prohibition Repeal Day returns to Santa Barbara this week (Friday, December 5) to celebrate the end of Prohibition in 1933, more than 80 years ago! This year the event coincides with the annual Downtown Holiday Parade on State Street, which sounds like a winning combination to me.

Joe Andrieu and Ted Mills, two Santa Barbarians who both love cocktails and Constitutional history, turned this unsung moment in history into a lively gathering of history buffs and cocktail aficionados.

Here’s the scoop from the organizers:

This year, on Friday, December 5, Repeal Day Santa Barbara hosts a multiple location celebration in downtown Santa Barbara from 5 p.m. to late in the evening. Revelers in vintage garb can expect to find fellow celebrants at all locations, all of which will be offering deals to those dressed to the nines. Hosts Andrieu and Mills will be touring all locations to raise a glass and honor the passing of the 21st amendment to the Constitution, ending 13 years of Prohibiiton.

Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

Repeal Day Santa Barbara is organized as a self-guided tour, with maps provided at each of the featured bars: Milk & Honey (30 W. Anapamu St.), Finch & Fork (31. W. Carrillo St.), Pickle Room (126 E. Canon Perdido St.), Blue Agave (20 E. Cota St.), Roy (7 W. Carrillo St.), La Arcada Bistro (1112 State St.)  and Wildcat Lounge (15 W. Ortega St.). Each bar will offer deals for those in vintage costume, specialty cocktails, and more.  Hat shop Goorin Bros. (802 State St.), the event’s sponsor, also will provide an evening of fun.

Other events this evening include an Prohibition-themed Art Show, curated by Michael Long, at Roy; a Romantic Rock fashion show at Wildcat; special tastings of Amaro at Milk & Honey and Irish Whiskey at La Arcada,

A ticketed afterparty will also be held at the latter location at 10 p.m.

Mills and Andrieu designed the event so anyone can join in at any time with real-time updates and special deals through Twitter and Facebook, and at repealdaysb.com.

Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

“Prohibition was a constitutional mistake that created thirteen years of widespread lawlessness,” explains Andrieu. “We celebrate the anniversary of its repeal to help us all remember both the errors and the corrections our country is capable of.” The two organizers believe that such an important event relating to our freedoms should be recognized and celebrated.

Nationwide prohibition began on January 16, 1920 with the 18th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed the manufacture, sale, transportation, import and export of intoxicating liquors. It lasted until its repeal with the ratification of the 21st amendment on December 5, 1933.

Santa Barbara played a special role during the dry years of Prohibition. Its long coastline and various inlets—plus numerous caves on the Channel Islands—made it one of the top areas on the West Coast for rum runners importing illegal spirits.

Tickets for all tastings and the after party are available online at repealdaysb.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 5, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”

Cocktail Corner: A Tuscan Evening at Armada Wine & Beer

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

A Tuscan Evening at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant will take place on Nov. 8. Courtesy photo.

A Tuscan Evening at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant will take place on Nov. 8. Courtesy photo.

Armada Wine & Beer Merchant is hosting a special evening in Tuscany next weekend and it sounds like it will be amazing.

Their resident sommelier Carlos Mascherin has selected a special flight of four Sangiovese wines, and they’ll be accompanied by delicious Italian appetizers from Via Maestra 42. Sangiovese wines are typically savory reds, which pair well with herbs, tomatoes, cured meats and cheeses. It should be a yummy evening.

The fun starts on Saturday, November 8 at 6 p.m. in the historic, charming San Marcos Courtyard of Armada Wine & Beer Merchant at 1129 State St., Suite A.

For more information or to purchase tickets click here or call  805/770-5912. Tickets are $60 per person.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 31, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Haunted Halloween Cocktails

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Grand Marnier Raspberry Jolly Rancher, courtesy Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier Raspberry Jolly Rancher, courtesy Grand Marnier

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s a spooky time of the year, and with Halloween on a Friday this time around, it’s a perfect time to imbibe in something haunted—and fun—to honor this holiday.

The folks at Grand Marnier have created a candy-inspired cocktail which is quite delicious. Here’s the recipe they’ve so generously shared:

Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach Jolly Rancher

Created by mixologist George Carney

2 oz Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach

1 oz peach liqueur

Splash of cranberry juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Carr Winery Halloween BashAlso in the candy-themed spirit is this Candy Corn Cordial recipe from cocktails.about.com, featuring Tequila and Butterscotch Schnapps.

For something a little more on the savory side, try Michael’s Bloody Maria, from Food Network Chef Michael Chiarello, or this Gin-based Vampire Ritual from DrinkoftheWeek.com.

Don’t feel like mixing your own drinks? Carr Winery‘s annual Halloween bash on Oct. 31 sounds like loads of fun. Featuring live music by the Rat Poison Pack (!), the festivities are from 7:30-11 p.m. at the tasting room at 414 N. Salsipuedes St. Costumes are required (but of course!) and tickets are just $15 in advance or $20 if available at the door.

There also the annual Voodoo Lounge Halloween Dance Party upstairs on the roof at the Canary (31 W. Carrillo St.), which is sure to be rocking. Here’s a video about what to expect:

Hope your weekend is sweet and spooky. Cheers to whatever gets you in the holiday spirit!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 24, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Figueroa Mountain’s Real Ale Invitational

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Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Cask beers take the spotlight next weekend when Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. hosts the Real Ale Invitational lunch and festival on Saturday, October 25 from 1–4 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s flagship brewery and taproom, 45 Industrial Way, Buellton.

The company’s cask program is run by head brewer of Santa Barbara, Kevin C. Ashford. Each taproom boasts a cask engine for new releases every “Firkin Friday” featuring many of their standard ales. These casks contain high quality ingredients such as hops, spices, coffee, cacao, and even locally grown fruits. Real Ale, or cask beer, is “beer that is unfiltered which undergoes a secondary fermentation and conditioning process. This process naturally carbonates the beer to a softer texture. It is poured directly from the cask—essentially a 10.8 gallon stainless steel barrel—without additional Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide assistance,” Ashford explains.

At the Real Ale Invitational 20 breweries will be showcase their own styles of real ale. Participants include:

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

Beachwood Brewing Co.

Belching Beaver Brewing Co.

Bottle Logic Brewing

Central Coast Brewing

Coronado Brewing Company

Eagle Rock Brewery

El Segundo Brewing Co.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

Golden Road Brewing

Ironfire Brewing Company

The Libertine Pub

MacLeod Ale Brewing Company

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Monkish Brewing

Noble Ale Works

Pizza Port Brewing Co.

Poseidon Brewing Company

Santa Barbara Brewing Co.

Smog City Brewing Company

Stone Brewing Company

Admission to the event is $40 and includes a souvenir glass, unlimited tastings and live music, plus a portion of the proceeds will benefit Los Padres Forest
Watch.

For those beer lovers that want a more intimate experience paired with food, a limited number of tickets will be sold for a Real Ale Lunch prior to the Invitational from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. There you will meet the cask masters who have perfected the skill of brewing real ale while enjoying a four-course meal prepared by Beto Huizar, executive chef of Beto’s Place, a new restaurant slated to open in Fig Mtn Brew’s Buellton taproom later this year. Tickets to the lunch are $75 and include admission to the Invitational.

For more information about Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s Real Ale Invitational, please visit www.FigMtnBrew.com/RealAle.

Cheers!

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FINAL-FMB_RealAle_Flyer_20Brewers

Leslie Dinaberg

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 October 17, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Celebration of Harvest

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Celebration of Harvest, photo by Gary Coon, courtesy SB Vintners

Celebration of Harvest, photo by Gary Coon, courtesy SB Vintners

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Local winemakers have been hard at work amongst the vines for the last few weeks, but now it’s time for them to take a break for the annual celebration of the year’s bounty. Celebration of Harvest Weekend is a time to enjoy the fruits of those labors, when vintners pour their wines, relax a little bit, and if you’re lucky, share their harvest tales with the winehounds among us.

The Festival Grand Tasting is Saturday, October 11 from 1-4 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang. All 100+ winery members of Santa Barbara Vintners will gather to present their wines, which are often poured by the winemakers themselves. A ticket gets you unlimited wine tastings from Santa Barbara County wineries, food samplings from local restaurants, caterers, and food creators, pop-up wine seminars and live music from the Occasional Mustache and Donna Green and the Roadhouse Daddies.

Everyone from Alma Rosa to Zotovich will be pouring, with food from a number of favorites, including The Willows, Trattoria Grappolo, Hitching Post II and Global Gardens.

Celebration of Harvest, photo by Tenley Fohl Photography, courtesy SB Vintners

Celebration of Harvest, photo by Tenley Fohl Photography, courtesy SB Vintners

There are also a number of special events throughout the weekend, everything from winemaker dinners, library tastings, new wine releases and barrel tastings. On Saturday night there’s a special concert at Solvang Festival Theatre starring Toad the Wet Sprocket with special guests Jonathan Kingham and Tommy & the High Pilots.

Also available just for the weekend are an all-inclusive tasting pass.  You can purchase a Vintners Visa for unique and complimentary offerings at your choice of tasting rooms. For all the details on the Grand Tasting and special events, and to purchase tickets click here.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

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 October 3, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Italian Reds

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Photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Photo by Leslie Dinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

I’ve got a soft spot for all things Italian, especially red wines.

Barolo is one of my special favorites. The vineyards and wineries in the Barolo district are famous for producing some of Italy’s very finest red wines—predominantly from the region’s signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.  The area includes a handful of micro-terroirs that, thanks to their sun exposure, soil and climate, as well as the ages of the vines and the care lavished on them for decades, help to elevate these wines even further.

I recently drank an amazing bottle of Damilano Barolo DOCG Cannubi 2008, which I had been saving for a special occasion (my birthday). It was indeed sumptuous. (Especially when paired with chocolate cake.) Made from 100%  Nebbiolo grapes from 30-50 year old vines, this full bodied red was simply delicious, and well worth the wait. Unfortunately, at upwards from $70-$90 a bottle I’m going to have to wait a while before I’ll get to drink this again.

Thankfully, there are some Barolo bargains to be found, including another wine from the same producers, the Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo DOCG. Also made from Nebbiolo grapes —from the regions of Barolo, Verduno, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra and Novello—this lovely, ruby red wine retails under $40.main_variation_na_view_01_204x386

But you don’t have to travel far to enjoy la dolce vida! Locally, Palmina produces a variety of great Italian style red varietals, including at least four different but equally delicious Nebbiolos. Mosby Wines is also creating Italian style wines locally, including award-winning Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio and more, including the latest addition, Dolcetto—the everyday wine of Piedmont, Italy.

Tre Anelli, which has a tasting room in Los Olivos, has some nice Italian style red  varietals too, as does Tres Hermanas, on Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Barbara.

Amore tutto italiano! Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Want to know more about drinking “Italian Style?” Here’s a fun article you might enjoy.

Leslie Dinaberg

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 September 26, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Bottomless Bellini Brunch at Belmond El Encanto

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s tough to improve upon the spectacular ocean and mountain views from the terrace at Belmond El Encanto, but the amazing Bottomless Bellini Brunch—available Sundays from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.—adds a delicious bubbly kick to what is already an embarrassment of riches. This brunch is a perfect way to treat that special someone to a meal they won’t forget.

The Bottomless Bellini and a view from the Terrace at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Bottomless Bellini and a view from the Terrace at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Bellini, a sparkling beverage of Prosecco and peach puree or nectar, was first created at Belmond El Encanto’s sister property Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy, and Chef Leo Andres Ayala does the tradition proud.

The brunch includes a nice assortment of locally-sourced  dishes, starting with an array of  appetizers served family style, including  Ahi  Tuna  Salad,  Chilled  Prawns,  Smoked  Duck, Smoked Salmon, Marinated Berries  and  Charred Vegetable  Salad. The meal is luxurious on its own, but its even more of a treat to have the dishes brought to you at the table, rather than having to serve yourself.

Family style appetizers at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Family style appetizers at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The feast seems to be never-ending as the Belllinis continue to flow and you choose from  a tasty list of entree selections,  including   Brioche   French   Toast,   Eggs   Benedict,   Steak   and   Eggs,   Buttermilk Pancakes, Lobster Fritatta, Duck Confit Chilaquiles, Santa Barbara Seafood Cioppino, Roasted Salmon, Crispy Seared Branzino, Veal Scallopini, Roasted Jidori Chicken Breast, Seared   Rare   Ahi   Tuna   Sandwich   or   a   Classic   Cobb Salad. It’s hard to go wrong!

Eggs Benedict at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Eggs Benedict at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

We hope you saved room for something sweet. Complementing   the   meal,  guests   are   invited   to   The   Wine   Room   where  a  gorgeous selection  of  house-made  desserts  from  Pastry  Chef  Aaron  Lesch  awaits. Don’t worry … you can pick more than one!

The  Bellini  Brunch  is  $75  per  adult  and  $35  per  child  (12  years   and  younger).  Belmond El Encanto is located at 800 Alvarado Pl. For more information or reservations call 805/770-­3530 or visit elencanto.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

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 September 19, 2014.