Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.
The Central Coast Wine Classic (Aug. 10–14) celebrates 31 years of excellent wine tastings, tours, symposiums, rare wine dinners and more, including a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Symposium and another highlighting Champagne Louis Roederer and Black River Caviar (centralcoastwineclassic.org).
—Leslie Dinaberg
This story originally appeared in the Summer 2016 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.
Inside Wine Santa Barbara—a fun and educational Meetup group which is open to the public—features winemaker Coby Parker Garcia at a special gathering on July 23, at 5:30 p.m., in the charming courtyard of the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, 2559 Puesta Del Sol.
Under the El Lugar label, Garcia creates small lot, vineyard designate Pinot Noir, defined by their place of origin. The site-specific Pinot is sourced from Hawk’s Roost Ranch in the Russian River Valley, Rincon Vineyard, which is part of the historic Talley Vineyards of San Luis Obispo County, Greengate Vineyard of Edna Valley and Santa Maria’s famed Bien Nacido Vineyards which has produced many award-winning and highly-rated wines. One such example is El Lugar’s 2013 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir which received 93 Points and “Editor’s Choice” from Wine Enthusiast with the praise: “Longtime Claiborne & Churchill winemaker Coby Parker-Garcia releases his own project with exemplary results.”
Garcia is also the head winemaker at Claiborne & Churchill, taking the helm after his long-time mentor Clay Thompson retired.
Guests will have the opportunity to hear from Garcia on his winemaking techniques and taste two of his premium El Lugar Pinot Noirs and three of his elegant Claiborne & Churchill wines. Light appetizers will also be served.
The cost of the event is $24. To register: http://www.meetup.com/inside-Wine-Santa-Barbara/.
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on July 14, 2016.
Mastey’s line of color protection hair products, courtesy Mastey.com.
You’ve got to love a hair care product line that can do the job without harsh chemicals, and Mastey‘s line of environmentally conscious products fits the bill.
Designed especially for color-treated hair (mine isn’t colored, but I find that products for color-treated hair tend to be a bit gentler) to help you achieve longer lasting color while maintaining shine and healthy hair, the Mastey products are made of only the healthiest ingredients, like anti-oxidant rich grapeseed extract, certified argan oil and olive oil, vegan natural moisturizing factor, rice amino acids, lipids and vitamins.
The complete line of color protecting products includes Shampoo, Conditioner, Restorative Mask, Oil Treatment, Therapy Spray, Finishing Spray, Defining Cream, Beach Spray, Volumizing Foam, Styling Gel and Dry Wax. I’ve tried most of them and like them all. Especially Mastey’s Leave-In Therapy Spray, which is designed to:
Mastey’s color protection therapy spray, courtesy Mastey.com.
Plus, it’s 100% vegan with no animal testing—and that grapeseed extract makes it smell really, really good!
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on July 12, 2016.
CPK’s new Fire-Grilled Ribeye, photographed in the CPK Test Kitchen, Redondo Beach, courtesy CPK.
It’s hard to believe, but CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Santa Barbara’s Paseo Nuevo this week (located at 652 Paseo Nuevo, http://paseonuevoshopping.com/directory/california-pizza-kitchen/, 805/962-4648). For those of us who remember Piccadilly Square being where the mall now is, it’s hard to believe that the family-friendly favorite restaurant is actually a quarter of a century old!
CPK is celebrating with special prizes and deals this week, like in-restaurant restaurant raffles with prizes, including a CPKids party, office catering, and dinner for two; free dessert on Thursday and Friday (their amazingly yummy butter cake or red velvet cake for guests who dine in) and double rewards for Pizza Dough Rewards members, which is a nice deal for regular customers.
CPK’s Butter Cake, courtesy photo.
We dined there this week and sampled the new menu items from CPK’s “Next Chapter initiative,” which includes additional entree style dishes and a whole bunch of hand-crafted cocktails. Don’t worry, your old favorites like The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Crunch Salad and Spinach Artichoke Dip are still there, but there are also some tasty new main plates like a Fire-Grilled Ribeye, Hearth Roasted Haibut and Mahi Mahi Tacos, among others. We also loved the Bianco Flatbread with whipped truffle cream, gorgonzola, mozzarella and fresh sage.
Sangria Flight (L-R) Orchard, Red Berry, Harvest, courtesy CPK.
Cocktail faves include the Moscow Mule, a Blueberry Ginger Smash (with Jack Daniels) and a seasonal selection of Sangrias—try the flight of three, smaller pours. My favorite Sangria was the seasonal harvest with rum, St. Germain, Chardonnay, mint and basil. This is definitely not your Abuelita’s Sangria, but it’s delicious, refreshing and perfect for summer!
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on July 12, 2016.
LipDrink SPF 15 Lip Balm, courtesy Jane Iredale.
It’s important to stay hydrated during the warm summer months, and that mandate includes your lips.
So what do you use when lipstick is a bit too much and Eos lip balm (as much as I love it!) is not quite enough color?
I’ve been loving these Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balms with SPF 15. They’ve got just enough color to give you a little glow and are perfect to carry around in your beach bag, summer clutch, or even your pocket!
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad spectrum sunscreen, LipDrink provides SPF 15 and powerful blend of antioxidants, green tea extracts and Vitamins C and E, to help protect against future damage. Plus, they smell just like lemons and are available right now in four fun shades: Buff, Crush, Sheer and Flirt!
Jane Iredale products are are available online, and (whoo hoo!) I recently learned they are also available locally at Aqua Skin and Nail Bar, 3455 State St., 805/687-8483.
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on July 5, 2016.
J. Wilkes Wines were served a recent State Department Dinner. Photo courtesy J. Wilkes Wines Facebook Page.
It’s always exciting to hear about a local winery’s success. Santa Barbara County wines are definitely being served in high places.
For the second time this year, Santa Maria Valley’s J.Wilkes wines were selected to be served at the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. Last month Nordic Leaders from five countries enjoyed J. Wilkes wines at a luncheon hosted by Secretary John Kerry and then proceeded to a meeting with President Barack Obama.
State Department Executive Chef Jason Larkin chose the J.Wilkes 2014 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Blanc and the 2012 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir to serve with a Nordic-themed menu, prepared by Larkin and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, an Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef and restaurateur who appears regularly on Top Chef, Chopped and over food-oriented television shows. Guests enjoyed a Spring Salad including pickled shrimp and cured char, followed by a Bourbon Beet-Glazed Salmon.
J. Wilkes winemaker Wes Hagen was there. “Seeing the leaders of the five Nordic countries toasting peace, the environment and friendship with the wines I represent was a humbling moment for me,” he says. “Wine was instrumental in the development of Democracy in the ancient Athenian ‘symposia’, and it is still strongly a positive element in diplomacy and open dialog in a free and democratic world.”
J. Wilkes Wines were served a recent State Department Dinner. Photo courtesy J. Wilkes Wines Facebook Page.
A week before, the J. Wilkes 2012 Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay and 2012 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir were served at a luncheon on the occasion of the U.S.-Caribbean-Central American Energy Summit, hosted by Vice President Joe Biden and attended by Secretary of State John Kerry.
The wines were thoroughly enjoyed, so much so that Chef Larkin was inspired to serve them again, according to the J. Wilkes team.
Hagen says the crew at J. Wilkes is thrilled about this newly established relationship with the U.S. Department of State and Chef Larkin. “Working with Chef Jason Larkin and his team at the State Department to pair three J. Wilkes Wines in two separate events … has been one of the true pleasures of my 22 years in fine wine,” says Hagen. “I have confidence that our wines will continue to be used at State functions, and I also expect interest in J. Wilkes Wines to peak as a result.”
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 18, 2016.
Miss Dior, courtesy photo.
I know a lot of women swear by a signature scent, but for me fragrance is all about setting the mood. And my moods tend to, well, change—a lot!
Luckily there are always new perfumes to try out.
Absolutment Absinthe, courtesy photo.
Here a few I’ve been enjoying recently.
Feeling sweet
Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet is a refreshing floral scent that pays homage to Christian Dior’s legendary passion for flowers. The “bouquet” includes notes of Peony, Damascus Rose, Calabrian Bergamot and White Musk.
Feeling fresh
Gucci Flora Glorious Mandarin, courtesy photo.
Gucci Flora Glorious Mandarin is a light, young, fresh scent with notes of Mandarin, Pina Colada Accord, Jasmine, Creamy Wood, White Musk.
Feeling flexible
0.2 Fragrance, courtesy photo.
0.2 Fragrance is a unisex scent that features notes of Italian Bergamot, Spearmint, Neroli and Orange Blossom.
Feeling sophisticated
Velvet Orchid by Tom Ford is a powerful blend of Turkish rose, jasmine, magnolia and Cattleya leopoldii, balanced by notes of honey, rum, sandalwood, labdanum, and vanilla. A sexy scent perfect for summer nights.
Feeling frisky
Absolument Absinthe, inspired by the mythical liquor, is a fun foray into the forbidden. This complex scent pairs feminine amber and floral notes with
Viva La Juicy Rose, courtesy photo.
masculine vegetal and woody notes for a very unique perfume.
Velvet Orchid by Tom Ford, courtesy photo.
Feeling fun
Viva La Juicy Rosé is blinged-out girly bottle full of fresh, fun scents that combine a bouquet of honey-like pink blossoms and the glow of sensual amber. Girls (of all ages) who just want to have fun, will certainly do so with this one!
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 14, 2016.
Fiesta Ranchera, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.
Come celebrate Fiesta in June at the always fun Fiesta Ranchera party! Truly a great night out for locals, this is an awesome way to get into the spirit of Fiesta, Goleta style!
On June 16, Fiesta Ranchera opens the Fiesta summer season with the help of Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society for an unforgettable night of food, fun and merriment. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the historic Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Rd. in Goleta.
The beautiful gardens make this a perfect place for a night of pre-Fiesta fun that includes sampling of food from local restaurants, wines from award-winning local wineries, craft beer and signature drinks. Guitarist Tony Ybarra will play as the crowd mingles, followed by performances from the 2016 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta. Then dance the night away to the ever-favorite sounds of Area 51.
Fiesta dancers, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.
“We look forward to welcoming you for a rare opportunity to enjoy this lovely, historic landmark after the sun sets for a magical night at the Ranch,” says Amanda De Lucia, executive director of Goleta Valley Historical Society.
Restaurants and chefs to showcase their fabulous fare include Anna’s Bakery, Angel Oak at Bacara Resort & Spa, Catering Connection, Country Catering & Meat Market, Goodland Kitchen, McConnell’s Ice Cream, The Nugget, Pepe’s Mexican Food, Rincon Events, Trattoria Grappolo, Caffe Primo, On The Alley, Benchmark Eatery, Farmer Boy, High Sierra Bar & Grill, Woodstock’s Pizza, Woody’s BBQ and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Guests will sip wine by Alexander & Wayne, Arthur Earl, Bella Cavalli Vineyard, Sunstone, Windrun and Zaca Mesa, along with craft beer from Hollister Brewing Co., Enegren Brewing, Captain Fattys, Santa Maria Brewing, Telegraph Brewing and Knee Deep Brewing.
Fiesta photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.
Tickets for the event are $65 and are now all inclusive (no more pesky drink tickets) and may be purchased online at http://www.sbfiesta.org. Tickets will also be available onsite for $80 at the door. Designated driver and group discounts are available, and guests must be 21 to enter. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Fiesta or ranch attire.
Published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 9, 2016.
I’ve got hair that’s a little bit curly, a little bit wavy, a little bit frizzy and even a little bit straight in places … so as you can imagine, finding the “just right” hair products can be kind of tricky.
Then I found Mixed Chicks. This innovative haircare company describes itself as, “Finally, a curl-defining system for ‘us.’ Whether you’re black, white, asian, latin, mediterranean, or any glorious combination of the above, you’ll love the way these non-sticky, lightweight curly hair products leave your hair inviting to touch as they define and lock moisture into every curl. Be a proud part of our multiracial movement…’MIXED CHICKS’ your curls! And yes, it not only works on wavy, tightly curled or straight hair but it also works on weaves.”
I’ve tried a whole slew of Mixed Chicks products and one of my favorites is the Morning After Redefining Foam, which revitalizes your curls the day after you shampoo (or for several days after), leaving your hair feeling and looking healthy and radiant, as well as allowing for a few precious extra minutes of sleep in the morning!
Courtesy photo.
I also really liked the Shampoo, the Detangling Deep Conditioner and the Leave-In Conditioner. This product line is available locally at Skin Deep Salon (3405 State St., 805/687-9497), as well as online at http://www.mixedchicks.net/. Check it out, your curls will say thank you!
—Leslie Dinaberg
This story originally appeared in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 7, 2016.
Amarte Overnight Express Therapy is available at select retailers, courtesy amarteskincare.com.
You’ve gotta love a skin care product that works overnight when you’re asleep. I’ve written about the luxury Korean skin care brand Amarte before (I really, really like their products), and their Overnight Express Therapy does not disappoint.
You simply put it on just like lotion, after cleansing your skin, then it works overnight to moisturize while simultaneously absorbing oil and toxins.
The key ingredients are Silk Fibroin (Silk Extract) to help boost collagen, Propolis to heal blemishes and skin irritations, Nano-Encapsulated Retinol for improved absorption, efficacy and tolerability and Epidermal Growth Factor (Human-Ogliopeptide 1), which is small peptide that contains 53 amino acids to stimulate epidermal cell growth and reproduction overnight, which helps heal wounds, even tone and reduce pigmentation.
Don’t ask me how they work … but you wake up to renewed, supple skin you can feel right away. I like it and I think you will too!
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on May 31, 2016.