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Leslie Dinaberg’s columns

Cocktail Corner: Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival

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Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Solvang Feb. 9-11, featuring just about every varietal of small production wines. Courtesy photo.

Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Solvang Feb. 9-11, featuring just about every varietal of small production wines. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

The Garagiste Festival is back in Solvang next month and I am so excited to taste what they have in store for us this year.

A fun and very unique wine festival celebrating small production wines and their makers (who are usually there to pour and talk about all things vino), Garagistes (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to put down renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything not a chateau), who refused to follow the rules, and has now become a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world.

The 2018 Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival, which features more than 30 of California’s best micro-production wineries, takes place on Feb. 9-11 at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall in Solvang (1745 Mission Dr.). 

New this year, the festival’s sixth in Santa Barbara County, is a seminar series that pays tribute to the “Original Garagistes,” featuring a Q&A and wine tasting with Central Coast winemaking pioneer, Bob Lindquist of Qupé.  An original Rhône Ranger (America’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting American Rhone varietal wines) and recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award, Lindquist was one of the first in the wine industry to advocate American-made Syrah and other Rhône varietals. His winery Qupé has been named one of the Wineries of the Year for Wine & Spirits Magazine every year since 1999.

“A true original garagiste, Bob is an inspiration to micro-production winemakers everywhere and epitomizes everything that the American Garagiste movement is about—handcrafting stunning wines from under-appreciated grapes, ignoring established rules, innovating and taking risks and generously sharing knowledge with peers,” says Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick.  “There would be no Garagiste movement, no Rhone Rangers—and the Central Coast would still be a blip on the way to Napa—without visionary winemakers like Bob.”

Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Solvang Feb. 9-11, for its sixth annual festival. Courtesy photo.

Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Solvang Feb. 9-11, for its sixth annual festival. Courtesy photo.

The weekend’s fun kicks off on Friday night, Feb. 9, with a “No Repeats, Rare and Reserve” tasting and BBQ, featuring food from local favorite Neighbor Tim’s BBQ (6480 Calle Real, Goleta). The “Original Garagiste” event with Lindquist takes place on Saturday, Feb. 10, immediately preceding the Grand Tasting, at Veterans Memorial Hall. Sunday, Feb. 11 marks the return of Passport Day, which offers special deals at participating local wineries for Garagiste Festival ticket holders who want to further explore the area.

Winemakers already scheduled to pour include:

Ann Albert Wines, Santa Barbara County

Ascension Cellars, Paso Robles

Bevela Wines, Central Coast

 

Courtesy photo.

Courtesy photo.

Bradley Family Winery, Santa Ynez Valley

Buscador Wine, Buellton

Byron Blatty Wines, Los Angeles

Caliza Winery, Paso Robles

Camlow Cellars, Russian River Valley

Cavaletti Vineyards, Southern California

Cholame Vineyard, Buellton

Cloak & Dagger Wines, Paso Robles

Clos de Amis Winery, Ventura County

Cordon Wine, Santa Barbara County

D. Volk Wines, Santa Ynez Valley 

Courtesy Garagiste Festival.

Courtesy Garagiste Festival.

Diablo Paso, Paso Robles

Dunites Wine Co., San Luis Obispo County

Dusty Nabor Wines, Westlake Village

El Lugar Wines, San Luis Obispo

Elwood Wines, Santa Maria Valley

Golden Triangle, Paso Robles

Ground Truth Wine, Santa Barbara County

Hoi Polloi Wines, Central Coast

Kimsey Vineyards, Santa Barbara County

Luna Hart Wines, Buellton

March Wines, Napa Valley

Marin’s Vineyard, Lockwood 

Courtesy Garagiste Festival

MCV Wines, Morro Bay

Metrick Wines, throughout California

Mollie Wines, Santa Barbara County

Montagne Russe, Mill Valley

Montemar Winery, Lompoc

Ryan Cochrane Wines, Santa Barbara County

Serrano Wine, Paso Robles

Sycamore Ranch Winery, Crestline

TLO Wines,  Paso Robles

Torch Cellars, Paso Robles 

TW Fermentation Co., Paso Robles

Velvet Bee Wine, Santa Ynez Valley

Vino Vargas, San Miguel

Volatus Wines, Paso Robles

Weatherborne Wine Co., Santa Barbara County

Called “wildly exuberant and fun,” “wine tasting Nirvana” and “not-to-be missed’ by the Los Angeles Times, Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure has showcased hundreds of micro-production winemakers from Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez area, many of who poured their first vintage at the festival and have gone on to greater renown.

Garagiste Festivals Inc. is a nonprofit organization and benefits the Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture Department, so not only can you drink great wine and meeting interesting winemakers, your ticket also gives back to local youth. 

For more information, visit californiagaragistes.com. Hope to see some of 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 considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons

on January 19, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Cocktails for a Cause

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Community Cocktail for a Cause: Glitz, Glam & Get Down

Their New Year’s festivities may have been cancelled, but the show must go on, so The Kimpton Canary Hotel with Finch & Fork Restaurant are hosting a 2018 Community Cocktail for a Cause: Glitz, Glam & Get Down with DJ Darla Bea (winner of “Best Event DJ” for 2016 and 2017) getting everyone out on the dance floor.

“Let’s celebrate and welcome in 2018, and help provide support to those affected in the community by the Thomas Fire,” say the organizers.

The rooftop party will be on January 20, from  7-11 p.m., with a portion of proceeds benefiting United Way of Santa Barbara.

 2018 Community Cocktail for a Cause: Glitz, Glam & Get Down at the Canary, courtesy photo.

2018 Community Cocktail for a Cause: Glitz, Glam & Get Down at the Canary, courtesy photo.

There will also be a community cocktail competition featuring popular local cocktail bar competitors, with the winner giving raffle proceeds to the charity of their choice, benefitting Thomas Fire affected community members.

Tickets for the cocktail party are $120 amount with a portion of proceeds to United Way of Santa Barbara. That includes sweet treats from Finch & Fork Restaurant, an end of night champagne toast to the community, and a cash bar. 

Tickets: https://nightout.com/events/community-cocktail-thomas-fire/tickets

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 12, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Sipping on Sipp Cocktails

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Pomegrante Mojo LemonDrop, photo and recipe courtesy Sipp Sparkling Organics.

Pomegrante Mojo LemonDrop, photo and recipe courtesy Sipp Sparkling Organics.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

We’re always looking for simple cocktail mixers around here, so when the sample box of Sipp Sparkling Organics arrived, I was eager to try them.

Company founder Beth Wilson-Parentice began experimenting with flavors after being laid off from her corporate job. “After many inspiring conversations with my friends, I knew there had to be something here…something relating to creating, mixing and entertaining,” she writes.  “After researching, I saw a growing niche.  A niche that I was already creating in my home entertaining with natural and organic cocktails!  Ah ha!  That’s it!  I will be the one who can help people entertain naturally, but with style too!  Eco-chic!”

She says, “My hope is to inspire you to live your passion and be prepared for your moment of opportunity. Sipp all started with a passion. A passion for superior taste, creating, entertaining and wanting to find MY passion. As they say, when you are handed lemons make lemonade (or cocktails, in my case)!”

After researching costs to create beverages, Wilson-Parentice decided to go in the direction of non-alcoholic brand.  “The costs were less and I liked the idea of creating a specialty beverage for people who don’t drink alcohol but also offer the versatility as a cocktail mixer,” she says.

It’s certainly been a hit. Entrepreneur just named Sipp one of the best entrepreneurial companies in America and Sipp is now widely available at Target and other selected retailers such as BevMo and Pacific Health Foods in Carpinteria (I also spotted it at Luna Grill in the Five Points center recently), and has six different flavors: Mojo Berry, Ginger Blossom, Zesty Orange, Lemon Flower, Ruby Rose and Summer Pear. 

Blackberry Mint Margarita, photo and recipe courtesy Sipp Sparkling Organics.

Blackberry Mint Margarita, photo and recipe courtesy Sipp Sparkling Organics.

We started the taste test out by mixing the Sipp sodas with Vodka. The Zesty Orange was my favorite, combining the flavors of blood orange, lime and jalapeno for a spicy yet lightly sweet cocktail. I also really liked the Mojo Berry (inspired by a berry Mojito), a layering of blackberry, mint and lime flavors. Lemon Flower (with lemon, Elderflower and tarragon) was another crowd favorite, but each flavor had its fans. Ginger Blossom (with ginger, vanilla and lime flavors) was my favorite without the vodka and Ruby Rose (with grapefruit, honey and rosemary) and Summer Pear (with pear, green tea and honey flavors) were also quite good.

The Ginger Blossom was also tasty with Rum and the Zesty Orange paired well with Tequila. We’ll do some more experimenting soon.

Meanwhile, Sipp has a some more complicated recipes to try on the website, including a Blackberry Mint Margarita, Zesty Orange Margarita, Pear Vanilla Cocktail, Lemon Flower Martini, Pomegranite Mojo Lemondrop, Winter Spritzer Punch, Lemon Flower Sparkler and more.

Lemon Flower Sparkler from Sipp Eco Beverage Co. on Vimeo.

I hope you check out Sipp and let us know what you think. 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 5, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Seasonal Spirits at the Good Bar

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The Good Bar's "Pick Me Up Jalisco," courtesy photo.

The Good Bar’s “Pick Me Up Jalisco,” courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

One of the best local places to hang out is the Good Bar, an intimate lounge in Goleta’s Goodland Hotel (5650 Calle Real) with cozy couches and chairs, a billiards table and backgammon boards.

Try one their new seasonal cocktails, like the Pick Me Up Jalisco (pictured above), which features Herradura Reposado Tequila, St. George Nola coffee liqueur, orgeat, cinnamon syrup and cold brew coffee topped with fresh whipped cream. Yum! 

Tequila not your cup of tea? Try Parkyour Car Don’t Drive, with Aviation Overproof Gin, St. George spiced pear liqueur and dolin blanc Vermouth, or the Copper Nail, made with Dewars Scotch, Grand Poppy Bitter Liqueur, Falernum (a sweet syrup used in Caribbean and tropical drinks) and plum bitters.

Happy Hour is Mon.-Fri. from 4-6 p.m. and Trivia Night Wednesdays start at 7 p.m. Check out this cool place and let us know what you think.

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 December 29, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Toasting the New Year

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Local favorite band King Bee performs at Dargan's on New Year's Eve, courtesy photo.

Local favorite band King Bee performs at Dargan’s on New Year’s Eve, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to the New Year!  By Leslie Dinaberg

There’s no shortage of great ways to ring in the New Year in Santa Barbara County! Here are a few options to start 2018 off in style:

King Bee at Dargan’s, courtesy photo.

King Bee Dance Party at Dargan’s

One of my favorite local bands, King Bee, performs a rare New Year’s Eve at Dargan’s. They’ll have a full menu available, including a champagne toast and a filet and shrimp special, as well as loads of dancing and loads of fun! This is a ticket-only event ($10), with limited dinner seating.

Dargan’s is located at 18. E. Ortega St. in downtown Santa Barbara. For more information, click here.

The Bear and Star, photo by Grey Crawford.

The Bear and Star, photo by Grey Crawford.

The Bear and Star’s Jazzy Celebration

The Bear and Star, Los Olivos’ hot new restaurant, which has been quickly embraced by food lovers for Chef John Cox‘s inspired, refined ranch cuisine, celebrates New Year’s Eve with a lively jazz quartet reminiscent of bygone days and a five-course menu.

Begin the evening with a flute of complimentary Fesstivity Rosé Sparkling Wine and Sunny Side Quail Egg, Black River Caviar and Tater Tot; followed by a Spicy Winter Greens with Smoked Lamb Bacon, Caramelized Apple and Pomegranate Vinaigrette; then a course of Shrimp & Grits with Santa Barbara Spot Prawn and Stone Ground Grits. The main course is a Petite Wagyu Filet with Cast Iron Sunchoke Hash, Brussels Sprouts and Bone Marrow Bordelaise. Top off the evening with Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake with Fuyu Persimmon and Speculose. Pricing for the prix-fix New Year’s Eve Dinner is $95 per person, with optional pairings by General Manager and Sommelier Robert Williams offered at $50 per guest.

For reservations, call The Bear and Star (2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos) at 805/688-7788 or visit OpenTable.com

Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

New Year’s Eve 1920s Countdown Party at the Goodland

Party like its 1920 at Goleta’s Goodland and Outpost restaurant’s 1920s inspired countdown party! Wear your best flapper dress or pinstripe suit  and get into the speakeasy spirit. General admission tickets are $10, which gets you access to Goodbar and a champagne toast at midnight. VIP tickets are $20, which includes access to Goodbar and an exclusive speakeasy with a specialty welcome cocktail, passed appetizers specially a live jazz band and DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight.

The Goodland is located at 5650 Calle Real, Goleta. For tickets, go to https://nightout.com/events/new-years-eve-countdown-party/tickets.

DJ Darla Bea, courtesy photo.

DJ Darla Bea will spin into the wee hours on the rooftop at the Canary, courtesy photo.

Get Glitzed & Glammed Then Get Down at Finch & Fork and the Canary this New Year’s Eve

Kick off the New Year in style with dinner at Finch & Fork, where Executive Chef James Siao prepares a tasteful a la carte menu with specials set to festive décor and served with a champagne toast. Guests can also ring in the New Year by taking part in Finch & Fork’s New Year’s Eve tradition, where from 11 p.m.-midnight they’ll be serving complimentary passed bites and offering a midnight toast. Reservations: 805/879-9100

After dinner, head to the Canary’s rooftop for spectacular views and, starting at 9 p.m., the Canary’s Glitz, Glam & Get Down rooftop celebration, which includes a welcome cocktail, midnight toast and sweet bites from Finch & Fork. DJ Darla Bea will be spinning and setting the tone for the New Year! Tickets to the Glitz, Glam & Get Down party at Canary are $110, and can be purchased at NightOut.com.

 The Canary and Finch & Fork are located in downtown Santa Barbara at 31 West Carrillo St. Call 805/879-9100 for reservations.

Champagne, courtesy S.Y. Kitchen.

Champagne, courtesy S.Y. Kitchen.

Ring in the New Year at S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez 

In dedication to the rich provisions found in the Central Coast, Chef Luca Crestanelli and his brother, Sous Chef Francesco, have planned a bountiful and elegant dinner to celebrate New Year’s Eve. 

In addition to S.Y. Kitchen’s dinner menu, start the evening off with a platter of freshly-shucked Kumamoto Oysters with Mignonette; or a Dungeness Crab Salad with Frisée, Mushroom, Green Apple and Pomegranate. For the Pasta course, try Francesco’s hand-made Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Oxtail Ragout and Pecorino Romano. Main courses include fresh Wood-Fired Roasted Orata with Saffron-Braised Fennel, Tomato Confit and Roasted Castelvetrano Olives; and a tender Wood-Oven Grilled Delmonico Steak with Porcini Mushrooms, Polenta and Black Truffles. Finish the evening with an extraordinary Italian Tortino al Cioccolato crafted by Francesco Crestanelli.

Optional wine suggestions by Sommelier Bingo Wathen are also available by the glass or bottle, featuring Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut; Araldica Barbaresco 2014; and Ronco del Gelso Pinot Grigio 2015. The holiday menu items are offered à la carte and are meant to be enjoyed alongside other seasonal offerings and signature dishes from S.Y. Kitchen’s dinner menu.

S.Y. Kitchen is located at 1110 Faraday St. in Santa Ynez.  For reservations, call 805/691-9794. 

Chumash Casino Resort New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring The Boogie Knights and The Spazmatics

Fill your New Year’s Eve with flashbacks from the 1970s and ’80s as you dance the night—and the year—away at the Chumash Casino.

The party kicks off at 9 p.m. in the Samala Showroom and is free for all Club Indulge members. The Boogie Knights were originally formed in 1992 as a Halloween gag in Los Angeles. Almost overnight, the group took the live music scene by storm. Complete with choreography, polyester, afros and bell bottoms, The Boogie Knights have been proclaimed “The greatest disco revival show in the world.” You can expect to hear covers from Disco sensations such as Heatwave, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, The Bee Gees, Kool and the Gang, the Village People, Rick James and Earth, Wind and Fire.

When The Spazmatics take the stage, you’ll find yourself feeling right back in the 1980s. Complete with skinny ties, brylcreem hair, and horn-rimmed glasses, The Spazmatics deliver the ultimate new wave ‘80s show. The band specializes in music from favorites such as Duran Duran, Men at Work, The Knack, Thomas Dolby, Men Without Hats and Devo.

The Chumash Casino is located  at 3400 Hwy. 246 in Santa Ynez, Tickets for all events are available at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Club Indulge or online at www.chumashcasino.com. 

For even more New Year’s Eve celebration ideas, Visit Santa Barbara has compiled a great list. Go here to to get the scoop!

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 December 22, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Oh Hanukkah!

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The final 8 Days {an Edible Hanukkah Collaboration} takes places on Dec. 19 at K’Syrah Catering & Events, courtesy photo.

The final 8 Days {an Edible Hanukkah Collaboration} takes place on Dec. 19 at K’Syrah Catering & Events, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

The first night of Hanukkah is December 12, and that night also kicks off an awesome edible Hanukkah collaboration between two Santa Ynez Valley Chefs—PICO’s Drew Terp and Brooke Stockwell of K’Syrah Catering & Events—on an eight-day foodie fest building up to a final eight-course, seated dinner with wine pairings—featuring some of Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Jewish winemakers.

The “8 Days” event begins on December 12, with the first Hanukkah candle at PICO restaurant (458 Bell St., Los Alamos) and Chef Drew’s reveal of a new Hanukkah-themed dish hinting at the courses destined for the final night’s seated, eight-course dinner. Diners at PICO will be able to view all six nights’ special dishes, but will only be able to order the dishes as they are “lit”–in other words, “Dish #1” will be available on night one and all subsequent nights, whereas on night three, guests will be able to order Dish #1, #2 and/or #3. In addition, winemakers scheduled to pour at the final night’s event will pour their wines at PICO on select nights of candles one through six.  

The last two evenings of 8 Days {an Edible Hanukkah Collaboration} take place at K’Syrah Catering & Events, courtesy photo.

The last two evenings of 8 Days {an Edible Hanukkah Collaboration} take place at K’Syrah Catering & Events, courtesy photo.

Then, on Monday, December 18, the second-to-last night of Hanukkah, the holiday party travels to K’Syrah Catering & Events’ venue (478 4th Pl., Solvang), where a ticketed reception will showcase eight different Hanukkah-inspired plates in a passed hors d’oeuvres format. A cash bar will also be available that evening, offering a full bar plus creative craft cocktails entailing ingredients traditionally used in Jewish holiday celebrations. Tickets for the food portion of the evening of December 18 are $25 per person if purchased through December 13, or $30 per person if purchased after December 13 or at the event entrance, and are available at 8-days-edible-hanukkah-collaboration.eventbrite.com. (Cash cocktail bar is not included in the ticket price.)

The finale takes place on Tuesday, December 19 at K’Syrah Catering & Events and includes an eight-course collaborative Hanukkah menu from Chef Drew and Chef Brooke and an optional selection of associated wine pairings. 

Here’s the delicious sounding “8 Days” Finale Menu” (Wine Pairings TBA)

1 — Potato latke, smoked salmon, black pepper, salmon chicharrónes, crème fraîche, chive oil

2 — Roasted beet salad, honey vinaigrette, goat cheese crouton

3 — Fritto Misto (zucchini, winter squash, apple, fennel, with sage brown butter emulsion)

4 — Savory Kugel (kale, cipollini, gruyere, challah breadcrumbs)

5 — Parsnip latke, grilled quail, pomegranate, with charoset

6 — Braised brisket, fermented apple sauce, grilled root vegetables, smoked sunchoke cream, crispy taro root

7 — Olive oil cake, cherry soup, bay leaf chantilly lace

8 — Apple beignet, dulce de leche, sour cream ice milk

Tickets for the Tuesday, December 19 finale event run $85 per person with optional wine pairings for an additional $40 per person, and are available at 8-days-edible-hanukkah-collaboration.eventbrite.com (advance ticket purchase is required).

Courtesy 8 Days {an Edible Hanukkah Collaboration}.

Courtesy 8 Days {an Edible Hanukkah Collaboration}.

Are you cooking your own meal this Hanukkah? Israel’s leading wineries just released a food and wine-pairing guide for the holiday, offering an innovative spin on matching wine with traditional Hanukkah dishes.

The guide, from Israel’s Golan Heights and Galil Mountain wineries, and their North American importer, Yarden Inc., calls for creative pairings such as gewurztraminer with potato latkes and sour cream. “The spicy and off-dry notes of the gewurztraminer will accentuate the subtle spices of the latkes,” the wineries suggest. “The medium-bodied viscosity will work great with the cream.”

However, if you are among those who prefer applesauce with your potato pancakes, the wineries suggest sauvignon blanc should be your go-to bottle. “You will want a bit more acidity to go with the underlying acidity in the applesauce,” the guide says. “The dryness of the sauvignon blanc will make the applesauce taste slightly sweeter; and the grass and herbal notes will bring out the earthiness of the potato.”

Other creative twists include viognier with sweet potato latkes and applesauce, and chardonnay with zucchini latkes and sour cream. For those who prefer to head straight to the classic jelly doughnuts, the wineries suggest a moscato as “the perfect foil.” Download the entire, free guide here.

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 December 6, 2017. 

Cocktail Corner: Sip, Swirl and be Merry at the Canary

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Holidays at the Canary, courtesy photo.

Holidays at the Canary, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

The rooftop of the Canary will decked in the spirit of the holiday season this December with a special holiday Sip & Swirl Series.

First up is Dec. 7 with Bubbles Sip & Swirl, where guests can enjoy sparkling wine from top labels like Taittinger, Laurent-Perrier, Henriot and Gruet.

The Dec. 19 Sip & Swirl features Bourbons and Cabernets and will showcase cab producers such as DAOU, Freemark Abbey and Grassini, as well as bourbons from local and domestic distillers like Breaker Bourbon Whiskey and Four Roses Bourbon.

Holidays at the Canary, courtesy photo.

Holidays at the Canary, courtesy photo.

Both events feature festive décor, music and cheese pairings, as well as local chocolates for sale, and select wineries taking bottle orders.  

The Canary Holiday Sip & Swirl series will be held on Dec. 7 and Dec. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, and can be purchased at NightOut.com, or at the door.  The Canary Hotel is located at 31 W. Carrillo St.

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 25, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: National Apple Cider Day

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Ginger Whiskey Cider, courtesy Brooklyn Crafted.

Ginger Whiskey Cider, courtesy Brooklyn Crafted.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Saturday November 18 is National Apple Cider Day. In honor of this auspicious holiday, we’ve got a tasty recipe for Ginger Whiskey Cider, courtesy of Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer.

I’m a big fan on using this new super spicy ginger beer in Moscow Mules—and they have a sugar free version—but it’s also a great compliment for cider. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Courtesy Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer.

Courtesy Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer.

GINGER WHISKEY CIDER

Courtesy of Brooklyn Crafted

  • 2 oz. Hard Cider
  • 1 oz. Whiskey
  • Ginger Beer, to fill
  • Crushed Ice

Directions

In a 12-16 oz. high ball glass, combine the hard cider and whiskey. Fill the glass with crushed ice and top with Brooklyn Crafted. 

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 17, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Cheers to Fall Cocktails at S.Y. Kitchen

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S.Y. Kitchen's new Kiwi-Tini, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

S.Y. Kitchen’s new Kiwi-Tini, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year in the Santa Ynez Valley. Why not toast the season with one of General Manager and Mixologist Alberto Battaglini‘s delicious and creative new fall cocktails at S.Y. Kitchen!

S.Y. Kitchen's new Fig & Licorice Margarita, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

S.Y. Kitchen’s new Fig & Licorice Margarita, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

Now available are five new fall cocktails inspired by autumn’s seasonal local market produce, herbs and botanicals. In addition to the restaurant’s impressive list of specialty drinks, Kiwi-Tini; Pom-Passion; Fig & Licorice Margarita; Honey & Berry Sour; and the Kiwi Caipirinha are now on the menu, designed to complement the acclaimed cuisine by Executive Chef Luca Crestanelli. 

S.Y. Kitchen's new Pom-Passion, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

S.Y. Kitchen’s new Pom-Passion, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

Battaglini is renowned for his infusions of spirits and bitters from a local bounty of fruits, vegetables and herbs. He says, “The soul of mixology is found in all the old recipes that we twist with modern ingredients and tools, in order to play with tastes to give every customer an extraordinary experience.”

S.Y. Kitchen's new Kiwi Caipirinha, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

S.Y. Kitchen’s new Kiwi Caipirinha, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

It’s hard to pick a favorite, the Kiwi-Tini is made with kiwi, vodka, lime & parsley, while the Pom-Passion is a mixture of pomegranate, basil, gin, lemon & simple syrup. The Fig & Licorice Margarita has fig, licorice, tequila, lime & agave; the Honey & Berry Sour has crème de mûre, gin, lemon, honey, egg white & violet; and Kiwi Caipirinha is made with kiwi, cachaca, lime & sugar.

S.Y. Kitchen's new Honey & Berry Sour, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

S.Y. Kitchen’s new Honey & Berry Sour, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

Try them all … and let us know what you think! S.Y. Kitchen is located at 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez, 805/691-9794, 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 considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 10, 2017.  

Cocktail Corner: Sukari Spirits

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Sukari Spirits, courtesy photo.

Sukari Spirits, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits around, so it always fun to try out a new bottle. Sukari Spirits has created an ultra-premium vodka that’s infused with super fruit flavors of natural dragon fruit, pear, pineapple and blood orange. 

The fruit flavors are subtle but tasteful enough to make it a great solo sipping spirit that also plays well with others. I made up a batch of “Tropical Punch” for a party recently, using Sukari with equal parts Pineapple juice, Orange juice, Mango juice, Guava juice and Lime juice and served it on the rocks—it was gone in minutes and people were begging for more.

Sukari Spirits, courtesy photo.

Sukari Spirits, courtesy photo.

It also paired well with soda, Grapefruit juice Cranberry juice, tonic and flavored bubbly waters from Perrier and Le Croix. Pretty much anything we tried!

Sukari is a little lighter than most vodkas (25% alcohol by volume versus an industry average of about 40%), so it’s a little more health conscious. It’s also gluten free, with no added sugar, artificial colors or unnatural ingredients, and is distilled five times and filtered five times through natural lava rock using naturally purified water from the Cascade Mountains of Bend, Oregon.

Owner Rolesha Brown has based Sukari Spirits in California and the company is a woman-owned, minority, service-connected disabled veteran-owned business, which is always nice to throw some support to when we like the product!

For more information about Sukari Spirits,  visit www.sukarispirits.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 October 27, 2017.