Cocktail Corner: Fork & Cork Classic to Benefit Foodbank

Posted on March 19, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s 3rd Annual Fork & Cork Classic takes place on April 10 at Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Photos by Eric Roland.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

I love it when good causes and good food and wine come together. Such is the case with the 3rd annual Fork & Cork Classic to benefit Santa Barbara County Foodbank by pairing gourmet tastings with local wine to fund nutritious meals for Santa Barbara County residents.

Taking place on Sunday, April 10, from 3-6 p.m. at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (3375 Foothill Rd., Carpinteria), 100% of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Foodbank’s 300 local nonprofit partners who supply nutritious meals to Santa Barbara County residents.

Fork & Cork 2014, photo by Eric Roland Photography

Just last year, the Foodbank served 146,198 people, of whom 51,533 were children.

“Santa Barbara Fork & Cork Classic is an important event for the Foodbank,” says Erik Talkin, CEO, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. “By taking part in this event, attendees are helping to provide healthy produce and staples for in-need Santa Barbara County residents.”

This year the Fork & Cork Classic 2016 will honor Dario Furlati, chef-owner at Ca’ Dario Ristorante and Ca’ Dario Pizzeria; Steve Beckman, winemaker at Beckman Vineyards, and Jack Motter and Jeff Kramer, farmers-owners at Ellwood Canyon Farms, for the contributions they have made towards advancing their respective crafts as well as their efforts to support the local community, including the Foodbank.

2016 Fork & Cork Classic Honorees

Participating wineries and other beverage donors from previous years include Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, Ampelos Cellars, Ascendant Spirits, Beckmen Vineyards, Blair Fox Vineyards, Caribbean Coffee Company, Casa Dumetz Wines, Cutler´s Artisan Spirits, Consilience, Marianello & Tre Anelli, CORE Family Winery, Deep Sea by Conway Family Wines, DV8 Cellars, Falcone Family Vineyards, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Foley Wine Estates, Island Brewing Company, Jaffurs Wine Cellars, Kaena Wine Company and Kenneth Volk Vineyards.

Also pouring in the past were Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, Nagy Wines , Pegasus Estate Winery , Scott Cellars, Silver Wines LLC, Summerland Winery, Pressed Juicery , Turiya Wines, The Real McCoy Rum, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Water Store, William James Cellars, Whitcraft Winery and Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards.

For an updated list of food and beverage participants visit forkandcorkclassic.org. General Admission tickets are $95 and VIP tickets—which include early entrance to the event at 2:30 p.m. and a VIP lounge—are $125. To purchase tickets click here.

2016 Fork & Cork Classic

I hope to see some of you at this fun—and very worthy—event. Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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.”

This story originally appeared in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on March 18, 2016.

My Santa Barbara: Unseen Santa Barbara

Posted on March 16, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Photograph by Patricia Houghton Clarke

By Leslie Dinaberg

Photograph by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

At first glance, it is unclear if you’re viewing an impressionist painting or simply a captivating reflection, which is exactly what drew Patricia Houghton Clarke to take this intriguing photograph.

Clarke was wandering along a path at Arroyo Hondo Preserve, on her way to the birthday party of Phil McKenna, a longtime friend and one of the founders of Naples Coalition and Gaviota Coast Conservancy. The reflections caught her eye as she was standing in the middle of the creek, recalling a conversation about the preservation efforts with J.J. Hollister, whose family once owned the 782-acre Arroyo Hondo—sometimes called “Jewel of the Gaviota Coast”—and later sold it to Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, which now runs the preserve.

“That was the first time I went to Arroyo Hondo, to see the homestead they have there, and J.J. (who passed away in January 2016) talked a lot about the preservation of the creek and the steelhead and what they’ve done on that…I’m sure that was part of my fascination with that creek,” says Clarke. “Then, obviously, the image was just right there. It was like a Monet painting.”

She continues, “The photograph is untouched, not Photoshopped at all…I didn’t take it with a great camera or anything—it was just one of those things, a little point-and-shoot I had with me to take pictures of Phil’s birthday. Just a moment in time.”

Incidentally, McKenna is the only person with a print of this image, part of Clarke’s “Unseen Santa Barbara” series.

One of the things I love about the photo,” she says, “is that you really can’t tell what it is unless you look into that lower right hand corner and see a little stone in the water, so there’s a little giveaway of what it is.
For more info about Arroyo Hondo Preserve and the steelhead trout preservation efforts, visit sblandtrust.org. For more information about Patricia Houghton Clarke and her work, visit patriciahoughtonclarke.com.

This story was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Photo Gallery: SBIFF Maltin Modern Master Johnny Depp

Posted on February 11, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Johnny Depp and Film Critic Leonard Maltin attend the Maltin Modern Master award tribute during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theater on February 4, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

Excited fans packed the streets outside of the Arlington Theater anxiously awaiting the arrival of the recipient of this year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Maltin Modern Masters award, Johnny Depp.

Depp greeted his screaming fans on the Santa Barbara International Film Festival red carpet. Once backstage, the montage rolled with some highlights from his illustrious career—from Benny and Joon to Edward Scissorhands to Pirates of the Caribbean and Black Mass, Depp has had an impressive and varied career.

Moderator Leonard Maltin covered the full span of Depp’s career, from his start as a struggling musician who fell into acting, all the way through his most recent performance in Black Mass. Depp kept the audience laughing, with funny stories from his many attempts at getting fired from jobs (including one particular time when he refused to remove a turban filming 21 Jump Street) and the many subsequent apologies to his agent Tracey Jacobs who was also in the audience. When Maltin attempted to redirect the conversation towards a more serious route, Depp quickly responded “Is Barbara Walters here? Am I gonna cry?”

At the end of the conversation, Depp’s Black Mass director Scott Cooper gave a heartfelt presentation as he gave him the Maltin Modern Master Award.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Actor Johnny Depp attends the Maltin Modern Master award tribute during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theater on February 4, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

Black Mass Director Scott Cooper and Actor Johnny Depp attend the Maltin Modern Master award tribute during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theater on February 4, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

Johnny Depp speaks onstage at the Maltin Modern Master award tribute during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theater on February 4, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

Film Critic Leonard Maltin and ActorJohnny Depp speak onstage at the Maltin Modern Master award tribute during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theater on February 4, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

Johnny Depp signs autographs for fans at the Maltin Modern Master award tribute during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theater on February 4, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on February 10, 2016.

The Books of 2015

Posted on January 11, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Fates and Furies cover So many books, so little time—part nine.

My son started keeping a reading list in third grade, so I did too. This is the ninth year we’ve done this.

My favorite books of 2015 were probably The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt (which incidentally, won the Pulitzer Prize), Girl on a Train, by Paula Hawkins, and Fates and Furies, by Lauren Groff—all of which are widely-praised fiction, so nothing too original in my suggestions for this year, unfortunately. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but I did really enjoy Quiet (about introverts) by Susan Cain and I Am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai.

Anyway, I’d love to hear about other people’s favorite books this year.

2015 Book List

title	author first	author last
Amber Beach	Elizabeth	Lowell
Pegasus	Danielle	Steel
A Grown Up Kind of Pretty	Joshilyn	Jackson
Love Anthony	Lisa	Genova
Shopaholic to the Stars	Sophie	Kinsella
Small Victories	Anne	Lamott
The Quality of Life Report	Megham	Daum
The Best of Us	Sarah	Pekkanen
Delicious	Ruth	Reichel
Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda: 60 Endings, 2 Happily Ever Afters	Tara Lee	Reed
The Rosie Project	Graeme	Simsion
The Heiresses	Sara	Shepherd
Yes Please	Amy	Poehler
Sweet Salt Air	Barbara	Delinsky
Then Came You	Jennifer	Weiner
The Last Anniversary	Liane	Moriarty
The Last Letter From Your Lover	JoJo	Moyes
14	Peter	Cline
Night Road	Kristin	Hannah
Flight Behavior	Barbara	Kingsolver
Lift	Kelly	Corrigan
Family Ties	Danielle	Steel
Lock and Key	Sarah	Dessen
Littlebee	Chris	Cleave
The American Heiress	Daisy	Goodwin
Big Little Lies	Liane	Moriarty
Spring Fever	Mary Kay	Andrews
Julie and Romeo: A Novel	Jeanne	Ray
Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty	Diane	Keaton
The Rosie Effect	Graeme	Simsion
Laura Rider’s Masterpiece	Jane	Hamilton
Glitter and Glue	Kelly	Corrigan
Dirty Daddy	Bob	Sagat
A Tale for the Time Being	Ruth	Ozeki
The Goldfinch	Donna	Tartt
Funny Girl	Nick	Hornby
The Precious One	Marisa	de los Santos
Wife 22	Melanie	Gideon
Summer Island	Kristin	Hannah
Jane and the Genius of Place	Stephanie	Barron
Marry Kiss Kill	Anne	Flett-Giordano
Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls	David	Sedaris
Single, Carefree, Mellow	Katherine	Heiny
The Summer Hideaway	Susan	Wiggs
Along for the Ride	Sarah	Dessen
Scandal in Spring	Lisa	Kleypass
Me Without You	JoJo	Moyes
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much	Allison	Hoover Bartlett
All the Light We Cannot See	Anthony	Doerr
Mine Till Midnight	Lisa	Kleypass
Pretty Much Screwed	Jenna	McCarthy
From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess	Meg	Cabot
You Won’t Remember This	Kate	Blackwell
The Nightingale	Kristin	Hannah
Finding Audrey	Sophie	Kinsella
The Beginning of Everything	Robyn	Schneider
The Vacationers	Emma	Straub
The Girl on the Train	Paula	Hawkins
This I Believe		Various
Life’s a Beach	Claire	Cook
Blueprints	Barbara	Delinsky
Breakfast at Tiffany’s	Truman	Capote
Then Again	Diane	Keaton
Friends Like Us	Lauren	Fox
Circle of Wives	Alice	La Plante
China Rich Girlfriend	Kevin	Kwan
Smart Blondes	Sonia	Koso
A Fine Romance	Candice	Bergen
Mermaid Out of Water	Randy	Gross
Quiet	Susan	Cain
A Wonder Story: Pluto	R.J.	Palacio
The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story	R.J.	Palacio
A Window Opens	Elisabeth	Egan
Luckiest Girl Alive	Jessica	Knoll
Red Summer	Fran	Davis
I Am Malala	Malala	Yousafzai
After You	JoJo	Moyes
Arcadia	Lauren	Groff
The Woman I Wanted to Be	Diane	Van Furstenberg
Crystal	Walter Dean	Meyers
We Were Liars	E.	Lockhart
Being Committed	Anna	Maxted
Dietland	Sarai	Walker
Cross My Heart	Carly	Phillips
My Fair Lazy	Jen	Lancaster
Movie Star A Novel by Lizzie Pepper	Hilary	Liftin
Everybody Rise	Stephanie	Clifford
Fates and Furies	Lauren	Groff
The Bee Cottage Story	Frances	Schultz
Killing Monica	Candace	Bushnell
Modern Romance	Aziz	Ansari
Ladies Night	Mary Kay	Andrews
Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?	Lisa & Francesca Serratella	Scottoline

Cocktail Corner: Why Wine is Good for You!

Posted on December 21, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Corks ‘n Crowns

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

In honor of the holiday season, here are some reasons why wine is good for you!

A glass of wine a day may keep depression away! A group of researchers from Spain found that “those who drank moderate amounts of alcohol (5 to 15 g a day) were less likely to suffer from depression. Additionally, those who drank a moderate amount of wine on a weekly basis (two to seven small glasses a week), were found to have an even lower risk of depression.”

Wine is heart healthy. Two studies, one in Germany and one in Israel, suggest different approaches as to how merlots and cabernet sauvignons and other types of red wine offer heart-healthy benefits.

Drinking wine lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, according to study at Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center, moderate drinkers have 30% less risk than nondrinkers of developing type 2 diabetes.

Resveratrol, a component in red wine, was seen to improve physical performance, heart function and muscle strength similar to the affect exercise has on the body. In fact, according to a new study out of The University of Alberta, drinking a glass of red wine may have the same affect on the body as an hour at the gym.

Photo Courtesy of Urban Wine Trail

Drinking wine can promote longevity. A study of 2,468 men over a 29-year period, published in the Journals of Gerontology found that wine drinkers have a 34% lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “More than 100 prospective studies show an inverse association between moderate drinking and risk of heart attack, ischemic (clot-caused) stroke, peripheral vascular disease, sudden cardiac death, and death from all cardiovascular causes.” In other words, wine can reduce the risk of heart attack.

Wine can lower the risk of stroke in women. “A study of more than 80,000 women found that low to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a 17% to 21% reduction in risk of stroke.”

Wine is good for our local economy. According to statistics on the Santa Barbara Vintners website, the Economic Value of Wine Grapes in Santa Barbara County (2014) is $155,255,791 and the Economic Impact of Wine in Santa Barbara County (2011) is $789,000,000. So drink up, my friends!

(For still more reasons why wine is good for you, check out Jen Reviews for some healthy wine recipes and more.)

And while you’re at it, why not buy a few bottles for Santa and his helpers. Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 18, 2015.

SB Style File: Santa Barbara Greeting Cards

Posted on December 21, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

The American Riviera postcard set by Santa Barbara Greeting Cards. Photo courtesy Donna Greene

Looking for a special gift this holiday season? How about a trip to Santa Barbara in a tin? Donna Greene’s new venture, Santa Barbara Greeting Cards, offers two beautiful sets of cards and postcards spotlighting iconic Santa Barbara scenes that will appeal to both locals and visitors.

“Living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, we know how spoiled we are, and a new line of cards with a dazzling array of stunning colors is proof positive of the paradise that we live in. Having these cards is like belonging to an exclusive club — ‘You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave (Santa Barbara),'” says Greene.

Both the greeting card set and the postcard set, have 12 breathtaking photos, come in a custom tin beautifully printed with more scenes of Santa Barbara and come with an engraved bamboo pen.

The sets are available online at santabarbaragreetingcards.com. They are also available at Chaucer’s Bookstore (3321 State St.) and Santa Barbara Arts (1114 State St., Ste. 24 in La Arcada Plaza).

The Quintessential SB greeting card set by Santa Barbara Greeting Cards, courtesy photo.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 18, 2015.

Editor’s Pick: Kids Helping Kids

Posted on December 14, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Photo courtesy Kids Helping Kids

There are a lot of ways to learn about philanthropy and economics, but the San Marcos High School Kids Helping Kids program has to be one of the most interesting and unique. Over the course of 11 years, students have volunteered more than 10,000 hours of work, resulting in $700,000 being raised for charitable purposes—to improve the lives of disadvantaged children both globally and locally. This year’s completely student-run annual gala benefit concert features Needtobreathe as headliner, with an opening set by Johnnyswim. | Jan. 8-9. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org, kidshelpingkidssb.org.

(Editor’s Note: A second concert, on Jan. 8, has been added and is not yet sold out.)

–Leslie Dinaberg

This story originally appeared in the winter 2015/16 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: Seasonal Cocktails at the Goodland & Potek Pop-Up

Posted on December 5, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Outpost at the Goodland Red Rooster Highball, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Goleta’s hippest hangout has upped its game even further recently, both The Goodbar and Outpost at the Goodland (5650 Calle Real, Goleta) have bold, fun new cocktail menus from lead bartender Chris Burmeister.

The already extensive—and very creative—menu now includes a dozen new sippers between the two bars. My friend Laura and I got to taste them recently, along with some sensational seasonal bites from Executive Chef Derek Simcik.

First up (from the Outpost menu) was the sweet and spicy Red Rooster Highball. Made with Sriracha Mango Cordial mixed with Aviation Gin, Marie Brizard Orange Curacao and fresh lime juice, this is a pretty, aromatic and delicious drink!

The Goodbar Feelin’ Renegade, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Feelin’ Renegade—and who wouldn’t be after that Red Rooster Highball—the next cocktail was a lovely balance of Cynar, house falernum, cinnamon syrup, fresh pineapple and fresh lime. It tastes like Santa Barbara’s autumn in a glass, mixing the traditional fall flavors with bright fruits and citrus (from the Goodbar menu).

Also from the Goodbar is the Backseat Driver, an expertly blended concoction of Maker’s mark, housemade English bishop, averna, fresh lemon, demerara and angostura bitters.

Spoon Fight at the Outpost, courtesy photo.

Another Goodbar star was West of Autumn, made with sweet potato maple syrup, blended with Barrel Aged Flor de Cana Rum, Amaro Montenegro, Dolin Sweet Vermouth and chicory-pecan bitters, this comforting and delicious drink made my tastebuds sing.

Also new at the Goodbar is Eve’s Fault, which features George Dickel Rye, LeCompte Calvados and Kronan Swedish Punsch, a flavorful liqueur with hints of toffee, smoke, molasses and leather. Served with a large Apple Cider ice cube, this well-balanced cocktail hits is perfect for the season.

Tullamore Dew and Cold Press on Draft from the Outpost, courtesy photo.

When the weather gets cold, the coffee gets spiked, and Outpost has a unique twist on traditional Irish Coffee with its Tullamore Dew and Cold Press on Draft, topped with hand whipped Chartreuse cream.

Also on the sweet side, available at both Outpost and the Goodbar is Burmeister’s Housemade Irish Cream. The classic, creamy sipper is amazing, served neat, on the rocks or with hot coffee.

Check out the website at outpostsb.com/menu/ for the complete menus.

Housemade Irish Cream at the Outpost and Goodbar, courtesy photo.

Everything the Outpost Chef Simcik makes is music to my tastebuds, but diners are really in for a treat next week, when he’ll pop up at Potek Winery (406 E. Haley St. #1) for an intimate wine dinner on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

The four-course menu, perfectly paired with Potek’s notable wines, includes:

Thai Crab Salad

shaved avocado, green curry coconut, roe, shrimp puff

Pairing: 2013 Kick On Riesling

Brulee Bone Marrow

foie, pickled carrot, balsamic, mustard seeds

Pairing: 2012 Tierra Alta Grenache

Beef Cheek

Seasonal bites from Outpost at the Goodland, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

squid ink, umami bomb broth, quail egg, root vegetables

Pairing: 2013 Sanford and Benedict Old Vine Pinot Noir

Trio of Desserts

Ritz Crackers and Foie

Reese’s Bacon Cup

Mango con Chili

Pairing: 2014 Potek Kick On Ranch Riesling Ice Wine from Barrel

Seating is extremely limited, and can be reserved by purchasing tickets at muniwine.com. The cost is $75 per person.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 4, 2015.

Santa Barbara Empty Bowls Returns Nov. 1

Posted on October 28, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Santa Barbara Empty Bowls

Help to end hunger when one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved events, the annual Santa Barbara Empty Bowls luncheon, returns on Sun., Nov. 1 at the Ben Page Youth Center, 4540 Hollister Ave. Tickets are still available.

Always a unique and fun fundraising event, Empty Bowls benefits the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, which works to eliminate hunger and food insecurity by distributing nutritious food, education and other resources through its own programs and through a network of more than 300 member nonprofit partners and programs in Santa Barbara County.

For a donation of $30 (or more), participants choose a beautiful bowl handcrafted by local ceramic artists, enjoy a simple meal of soup, bread and water, and take home the bowl as a reminder of the meal’s purpose to feed the hungry in our community.

Following the luncheon, attendees may tour the Foodbank Warehouse Facility, located next door from the Page Center at 4554 Hollister Ave. and enjoy a slice of pie and delicious coffee from French Press while touring.

Last year, more than 800 people attended Empty Bowls, which raised $108,109 for the Foodbank. Santa Empty Bowls has donated over $1 million to the Foodbank over the last 17 years to help alleviate hunger in Santa Barbara County and has provided huge community awareness for Foodbank’s mission and work.

The event is hosted by Santa Barbara Empty Bowls Committee: Danyel Dean (Founder), Diane Durst, Cathy Closson, Merrillee Ford Bev Hanna, Donnalyn Karpeles, Nancy Krug, Elizabeth Olson, Laurie Potter, Shanon Sedivy, Linda Shillerstom and Dierdre Woode. Tickets are still available and guests can choose between three seating times: 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. For tickets click here. Online registration ends Friday, October 30, but tickets can also be purchased at the door.

For more information, visit foodbanksbc.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

SBIFF Honors Jane Fonda

Posted on October 16, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

(L-R) Elizabeth Banks, Jane Fonda, Diane Lane and Executive Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Roger Durling attend Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s 10th Annual Kirk Douglas Awards Honoring Jane Fonda (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF)

Elizabeth Banks and Diane Lane were in town to fete their friend Jane Fonda recently when the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and its Director Roger Durling honored Fonda with their 10th annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film at a gala event held at the Bacara Resort & Spa.

The event kicked off with a pre-reception and red carpet held in the courtyard, where guests mingled and sipped Altos del Plata wines. Following Banks and Lane, Fonda danced onto the red carpet looking stunning in a green Elie Saab jumpsuit.

Jane Fonda accepts award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s 10th Annual Kirk Douglas Awards. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF)

After dinner, Hennessy’s Paradis Imperial cognac (Which retails between $1,000 and $3,000 a bottle!) was distributed for a toast. Following the toast, Banks took the stage to thank Fonda for her art, activism, and inspiration, calling her a “walking celebration of femininity and power.” Charming the crowd, Banks also said that she watched a reel including all of Fonda’s films, she was not embarrassed to say that 9 to 5, which she first saw at age seven, was her favorite. It made her dream of being a BOSS, said the actress, who recently directed Pitch Perfect 2.

Elizabeth Banks attends Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s 10th Annual Kirk Douglas Awards Honoring Jane Fonda. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF)

Lane presented the Kirk Douglas Award award to Fonda, saying she was there out of a sincere love for her, Lane thanked her for being the woman who has informed everyone’s love with courage and honesty.

Diane Lane speaks onstage at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s 10th Annual Kirk Douglas Awards Honoring Jane Fonda. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF)

The evening concluded with Fonda’s acceptance of the award. She thanked everyone in attendance as well as Kirk Douglas who had submitted a taped message that played earlier in the evening. Fonda also thanked the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and lauded the festival for its many year-round charitable programs.

(L-R) Diane Lane, Jane Fonda and Elizabeth Banks attend the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s 10th Annual Kirk Douglas Awards Honoring Jane Fonda at Bacara Resort and Spa on October 3, 2015. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF)

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on October 14, 2015.

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

Category Archives: Human Interest News

Cocktail Corner: Fork & Cork Classic to Benefit Foodbank

My Santa Barbara: Unseen Santa Barbara

Photo Gallery: SBIFF Maltin Modern Master Johnny Depp

The Books of 2015

Cocktail Corner: Why Wine is Good for You!

SB Style File: Santa Barbara Greeting Cards

Editor’s Pick: Kids Helping Kids

Cocktail Corner: Seasonal Cocktails at the Goodland & Potek Pop-Up

Santa Barbara Empty Bowls Returns Nov. 1

SBIFF Honors Jane Fonda

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