Category Archives: Blog Posts

Blog Posts

Cocktail Corner: Top Shelf Gifts

Posted on by
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!
Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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.”

Celebrate Family Holiday Movie Weekend at the Granada Theatre

Posted on by

Granada Holiday Movie Weekend

Enjoy the magic of the holidays at The Granada Theatre’s Family Holiday Movie Weekend on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14!  In addition to screening holiday movie favorites with the only 4K cinema projection system in the region, Santa Claus will make a special visit to The Granada Theatre to greet children, and there will be special seasonal musical performances by local school and musical groups including Montecito Union Elementary, La Colina Junior High, San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara High School and local public elementary school students from the Incredible Children’s Art Network (iCAN) program.

Here’s the schedule:

Saturday, December 13

11 a.m. Music by Montecito Union Elementary

Movies: Merry Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda

noon to 1:30 p.m.   Meet Santa Claus!

3 p.m. Music by San Marcos High School Madcappella Choir

Movie: White Christmas

7 p.m. Music by La Colina Junior High Outburst Choir

Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Sunday, December 14

11 a.m. to noon Meet Santa Claus!

noon Music by Incredible Children’s Art Network (iCAN) group Pacific Choir

Movie: Miracle On 34th Street

5 p.m. Music by Santa Barbara High School Madrigals Choir

Movie: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas

General Admission tickets are just $5 and include open seating. Reserved seating in the Loge is available for $10 per ticket. Click here to purchase tickets for each music and movie performance, or by calling The Granada Theatre’s Box Office at 805/899-2222.  The Granada is located at 1214 State St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 10, 2014.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Posted on by
David Melville, courtesy photo

David Melville, courtesy photo

The Granada Theatre presents the holiday classic, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, performed by actor David Melville as a one man show on Friday, December 12 at 8 p.m. in the McCune Founders Room.

Recapture the spirit of an old-fashioned 19th century Christmas with this timeless classic, with nearly all of your favorite characters performed by Melville as Charles Dickens.

In his lifetime, Dickens was famous for performing dramatic interpretations of his own work. In what has become a holiday tradition, the Independent Shakespeare Company (ISC) re-creates, with a great deal of artistic license, the experience. A young actress joins Melville, and what follows is an evening of wry humor, romance and redemption.

Click here to purchase tickets for what is sure to be a lively performance, or by calling The Granada Theatre’s Box Office at 805/899-2222. The Granada is located at 1214 State St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 10, 2014.

100 GRAND, 2014: (100 WORKS FOR $1,000 OR LESS)

Posted on by

Sullivan Goss 100 GrandIt’s that time of the year again: the sixth annual 100 GRAND exhibition at Sullivan Goss.Featuring 100 quality works of art for $1,000 or less, the exhibition has become an incubator of emerging talent, an entryway for beginning collectors and a holiday celebration in the art community.

Last year, almost a thousand people attended over the course of the evening.  December’s 1st Thursday at Sullivan Goss has become one of the area’s must-attend events of the year- a chance for artists and collectors to get together, network, and celebrate the accomplishments of another year in art.

The exhibition runs from December 4 to February 1, 2015, and features paintings, drawings, photographs, assemblage and sculpture by emerging and established artists that are priced to sell and sized (for the most part) to fit into smaller spaces.  For this year’s exhibition, Contemporary Curator Susan Bush was able to secure work from many of last year’s best-selling artists, but there are also more than 20 new artists who have never before shown with Sullivan Goss.

Since its first come first serve, buyers are encouraged to arrive early and to act fast.

ARTISTS INCLUDED:  Meredith Brooks Abbott, Benjamin Anderson, Scott Anderson, Ken Bortolazzo, Aron Bothman, Liz Brady, Lisabette Brinkman, Phoebe Brunner, Pat Calonne, Chris Chapman, Dorothy Churchill-Johnson, Connie Connally, Jeanne Dentzel, Mehosh Dziadzio, Naneki Elliott, Kathleen Elsey, Pamela Enticknap, Peggy Ferris, Kee Flynn, Jon Francis, Valori Fussell, Nancy Gifford, Dane Goodman, Robin Gowen, Amanda Grandfield, James Taylor Gray, Ruthy Green, Bay Hallowell, Holli Harmon, Tracey Sylvester Harris, Derrek Harrison, Wyllis Heaton, Cynthia James, Jow, Scott Kahn, Philip Koplin, Mary-Austin Klein, Marilee Krause, Elizabeth Ladacki, Dan Levin, Mark Lozano, Laurie Macmillan, Larry Mcadams, Virginia McCracken, Susan McDonnell, Svetlana Meritt, David Molesky, Zoe Nathan, Lisa Pederson, Angela Perko, Chris Peters, Hank Pitcher, Ian Putnam, Erik Reel, Maria Rendon, Brad Reyes, Joan Rosenberg-Dent, Blakeney Sanford, Caren Satterfield, Susan Savage, Marie Schoeff, Susan Shapiro, Lanny Sherwin, Elena Siff, Leslie Lewis Sigler, David Skinner, Nicole Strasburg, James David Thomas, Susan Tibbles, Dug Uyesaka, Taj Vaccarella, Sarah Vedder, Deborah Veldkamp, Tom de Walt, Nina Warner, Vani Winick, Roe Ann White, Monica Wiesblott, Abigail Zimmerman and Michele Zuzalek.

The opening artist reception is 1st Thursday, December 4 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Sullivan Goss Gallery, 7 E. Anapamu St. in downtown Santa Barbara. To see a video about the exhibition click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 2, 2014.

David Starkey Reads “Like a Soprano” at Antioch

Posted on by

Like a SopranoYou never know where the muse will strike. Santa Barbara Seasons’ contributing poetry editor David Starkey binge-watched the entire six-season 86-episode story arc of The Sopranos, then turned the dark, violent mobster underworld into a mordantly humorous collection of 86 prose poems. Like a Soprano (Serving House Books) is, like The Sopranos, a darkly entertaining, disturbing and touching piece of art.

Starkey will read from his work on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. at Antioch University Santa Barbara, 602 Anacapa St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 1, 2014.

An Evening with John Cleese

Posted on by
John Cleese, photo by Andy Gotts

John Cleese, photo by Andy Gotts

Comic legend John Cleese is beloved the world over for his hilarious antics and physical comedy in cult films and TV shows, including Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers and A Fish Called Wanda. From the Minister of Silly Walks to Sir Lancelot, to bumbling hotel manager Basil Fawlty, his many madcap characters have kept audiences roaring with laughter.

Cleese returns to Santa Barbara for an evening of wonderfully entertaining anecdotes and amusements just after the release of his new autobiography, So, Anyway. An Evening with John Cleese takes place Wed., Nov. 19 at The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., in Santa Barbara.

For tickets or more information, call 805/893-3535 or purchase online at ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 14, 2014.

BalletBoyz

Posted on by
BalletBoyz, courtesy UCSB Arts & Lectures.

BalletBoyz, courtesy UCSB Arts & Lectures.

BalletBoyz is one of the most cheekily original and innovative forces in modern dance. Combining spectacular dance – both energetic and graceful – with groundbreaking music and film, its distinctive style has thrilled audiences and critics the world over. For the TALENT, 10 exceptional young male dancers were hand-picked to perform by BalletBoyz founders Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, both former lead dancers of the Royal Ballet. Appearing in Santa Barbara after a sold-out international tour, the company performs two stunning, “sensational” (The New York Times) dance works by multi-award-winning choreographer Russell Maliphant and Royal Ballet Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett.

Nov. 1, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall

Five Four Seasons Chefs, Two Nights

Posted on by
Chef Alessandro Cartumini will be preparing the first course of Uni with Sweet Corn, Tortilla–Lime Salt, Abalone, Finger Limes, and Avocado. Photo courtesy

Chef Alessandro Cartumini will be preparing the first course of Uni with Sweet Corn, Tortilla–Lime Salt, Abalone, Finger Limes, and Avocado. Photo courtesy Four Seasons the Biltmore Resort Santa Barbara.

Four Seasons hotels and resorts of Santa Barbara, Baltimore, Palo Alto at Silicon Valley, Jackson Hole, Scottsdale and Austin recently joined forces to bring a unique six-course tasting menu with wine pairings to the historic James Beard House in New York City. This honor is given to just 250 restaurants per year, which makes it all the more special that guests will have the opportunity to taste the James Beard House dinner here in Santa Barbara.

Lucky diners begin their evening with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, including seared duck breast with mole sauce and stone fruit chutney, and pistachio-crusted goat cheese-grape lollipops. This special dinner will feature six courses: one course designed by each chef with expert pairings provided by Beverage Director Mark Sayre of Four Seasons Hotel Austin.

The menu includes:

  • Hors d’Oeuvre:
    • House-Cured Lonzino with Black Truffles, Arugula, Meyer Lemons, and Parmigiano
    • Foie Gras–Black Pepper Macarons with Blackberry Jelly
    • Watermelon Proscuitto with Achadinha Farms Aged Goat Cheese, Candied Walnuts, and Vincotto
    • Seared Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast with Mole Sauce and Stone Fruit
    • Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese–Grape Lollipops
    • SOTER MINERAL SPRINGS RANCH BRUT ROSÉ 2010
  • Dinner:
    • Uni with Sweet Corn, Tortilla–Lime Salt, Abalone, Finger Limes, and Avocado
    • STOLPMAN VINEYARDS L’AVION ROUSSANNE 2012
    • Cedar River Farms Beef Carpaccio with Seven-Minute Farm Egg and Caviar
    • CHÂTEAU STE. ANNE BANDOL ROSÉ 2011
    • Crispy Chesapeake Rockfish with Blue Crab Dumplings and Crab Consommé
    • RUDI PICHLER GRÜNER VELTLINER FEDERSPIEL 2012
    • Pasta all’Amatriciana with House-Cured Guanciale, Pelati Tomato Sauce, and Pecorino Fiore Sardo ​
    • SCARPETTA BARBERA DEL MONFERATTO 2012
    • Dry-Aged Buffalo Rib-Eye with Sarsaparilla Short Rib, Mushroom–Truffle Grits, Kale,  Onion Bark, and Huckleberries
    • WATERS WINERY FORGOTTEN HILLS SYRAH 2012
    • Panna Cotta with Melon, Piment d’Espelette, and Cilantro
    • DR. HERMANN ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING AUSLESE 2008
Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara executive chef, Alessandro Cartumini. Courtesy photo.

Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara executive chef, Alessandro Cartumini. Courtesy photo.

Participating in this James Beard Dinner are:

  • Alessandro Cartumini, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
  • Oliver Beckert, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
  • Dyan Ng, Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
  • Marco Fossati, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto
  • Michael Goralski, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
  • Mel Mecinas, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
  • Mark Sayre, Beverage Director at Four Seasons Hotel Austin

James Beard House Tasting Menu: Five Four Seasons Chefs, Two Nights in Santa Barbara takes place on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25  at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, 1260 Channel Dr.  The cost of the dinner is $98++ per person, or $140++ including wine pairings. For reservations, call 805/565-8237 or reserve online.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Solvang’s “Scarecrow Fest” and Halloween Fun Start This Week

Posted on by
Scarecrow Fest, Grand Prize Winner, Buellton Valley Pets. Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.

Scarecrow Fest, Grand Prize Winner, Buellton Valley Pets. Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.

The beginning of Solvang’s 5th Annual Scarecrow Fest coincides with the Santa Barbara Wine Country Celebration of Harvest Weekend, then there are numerous fall activities planned in the Santa Ynez Valley/Santa Barbara Wine Country, spread throughout the month.

Running from Oct. 10-Nov. 10, some of the festival highlights include:

-The amazing scarecrow contest, where Solvang businesses, organizations and, as a new facet to this year’s contest, Solvang residents, will participate in the contest by featuring a scarecrow of their own creation, posted at their location. You can vote via ballot boxes scattered about the city, for scarecrow winners in six  different categories: “Best Scarecrow in Motion,” “Best Use of Recycled Materials,” “Best Use of a Business Theme,” “Most Danish,” “Spookiest” and “Most Humorous.” Ballots are available at the Solvang Visitors Center and at select Solvang businesses, and feature maps to direct voters to each of the contest’s scarecrows.

Once a “Best Solvang Scarecrow” winner has been chosen, it will be entered into the Santa Ynez Valley-wide competition with the respective winners from Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez, to determine the “Valley’s Best Scarecrow” bragging rights.

Solvang Scarecrow Fest, Best of Solvang Lucas & Lewellen, #1 Judges Choice Winner. Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.

Solvang Scarecrow Fest, Best of Solvang Lucas & Lewellen, #1 Judges Choice Winner. Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.

–The October installment of Solvang’s Third Wednesday, to be held on October 15, which will feature a “Fall Frolic Block Party” at the town’s “West End” including live music, free treats, a local business-supporting “Cash Mob” and free admission to the Wildling Art Museum.

–The Oct. 15 “Fall Frolic,” Lemos-sponsored doggie costume contest and parade kicks off at 5:45 p.m., with prizes – $20 Lemos gift certificates – being awarded for best costumes in three categories: “Funniest,” “Scariest” and “Most Original.” To enter the costume contest, human handlers should show up in front of Lemos (1511 Mission Dr.) by 5:45 p.m., with their animal counterparts. Along the “parade” route, a handful of Solvang’s West End businesses will be upping the “free” and “food” antes including Wandering Dog Wine Bar, (1539-C Mission Dr.) which will be offering gratis Rosemary Spiced Nuts, as well as free cider and nibbles in front of Kandra’s Beads (1539-A Mission Dr.).

-The 21st Annual Haunted House and Street Fair, which will thrill visitors with food, fun and spirits, on Oct. 30-31. The Haunted House and Street Fair, to be held at the Solvang Festival Theater (420 2nd Street), will include a “Trunk or Treat” candy-palooza among other tasty and spirited delights.

Additional information is available at www.solvangthirdwednesday.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Solvang Scarecrow Fest, Best Use of Recycled Materials, Waste Management, courtesy photo.

Solvang Scarecrow Fest, Best Use of Recycled Materials, Waste Management, courtesy photo.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 8, 2014.

 

See One-of-a-Kind Vhernier Italian Jewelry at Silverhorn Special Event

Posted on by
Vhernier Rings, courtesy Silverhorn.

Vhernier Rings, courtesy Silverhorn.

Toreh Bahrami, Brand Ambassador of  Vhernier Italian Jewelry, will be showing a selection of one-of-a-kind Vhernier pieces at Silverhorn (1155 Coast Village Rd., Montecito), on Friday and Saturday Oct. 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

While Silverhorn has represented the Vhernier line for the past 20 years, this is Bahrami’s first visit to Santa Barbara and the first ever Vhernier show in the area.

Founded in 1984, and headquartered in Milan, Vhernier has achieved a world-wide presence and a fashionable following. Vhernier’s jewels are loved and worn by fashionable celebrities, including Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Biel.

Vhernier represents the finest in Italian jewelry, a collection influenced by trends in contemporary art.  Vhernier’s superiorly trained Italian craftsmen have an in-depth knowledge of materials, stones, cuts and traditional manufacturing techniques.  The company has storefronts on several continents and a presence in high end department stores throughout the world. Silverhorn Vhernier Invite

Since 1976, Silverhorn has been hand crafting exquisite pieces of jewelry of the finest materials and enduring quality. Silverhorn owners Michael and Carole Ridding travel the world seeking out rare and unique gemstones, and fine jewelry lines.  Silverhorn’s own design team win awards for creativity and craftsmanship year after year.  Each piece, created with the gemstone in mind, is crafted using artisan methods and exacting precision. Internationally recognized, the Silverhorn collection appeals to discriminating individuals who expect unparalleled quality in fine jewels, stone carvings and timepieces.  For more information, visit www.Silverhorn.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 3, 2014.