Category Archives: Business

Her Kitchen Rules

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Iron Chef and Santa Barbara local Cat Cora is certainly on a roll! Her new burger joint, Mesa Burger, is constantly packed with locals craving the award-winning chef’s crave-worthy burger creations.

So far, my favorites are the Montecito (made with griddled goat cheese/bourbon glazed mushrooms/house onion ring/truffle aioli/arugula/grilled onions) and the Goodland (with double cheddar/sliced & grilled 805 beer brat/crispy onion strings/applewood smoked bacon/smoked bbq sauce), but we’re slowly working our way through the entire menu.

It’s all good, and a welcome addition to the Mesa neighborhood.

Mesa Burger'sFunk Zone: sunny side up fried egg/applewood bacon/bourbon glazed mushrooms/bbq sauce/cheddar cheese/roasted tomato . Paired with their original sweet potato waffle fries. Courtesy photo.

Mesa Burger’s Funk Zone: sunny side up fried egg/applewood bacon/bourbon glazed mushrooms/bbq sauce/cheddar cheese/roasted tomato. Paired with their original sweet potato waffle fries. Courtesy photo.

That’s not all the busy Cat has been up to. She also has a new Fox television show, My Kitchen Rules, which she co-hosts with Curtis Stone.

At last week’s premiere party (at Mesa Burger) it was a little hard to follow with the lively crowd of friends, but from what I can gather it’s a celebrity dinner party contest, with different celebs entertaining each other each week. Cat and Curtis provide the culinary expertise and the cast—which includes Andrew Dice Clay, Naomi Judd and Lance Bass, among others—provides the comedy. It’s definitely worth checking out on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on Fox.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 18, 2017.

 

Cocktail Corner: Figueroa Mountain Turns Six

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figueroa-mountain-brewing-company-anniversary-release-courtesy-photoA Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg 

Cheers to our friends at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, which, in just six short years, has grown from a small production facility and taproom in Buellton to a six-taproom, four-brewery operation with distribution throughout California, Arizona and soon expanding to additional states.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company is the fastest growing craft brewery on the Inc. 5000 list, and also recently joined the Pacific Coast Business Times’ 50 Fastest Growing Companies list for California’s Central Coast.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company was founded by in 2010 father and son team, Jim and Jaime Dietenhofer. With a passion for craft beer, they set out to pay homage to the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley with handcrafted beer and hand-drawn artwork depicting the local landscape on their labels.  There are currently six taprooms along the Central Coast of California.

Excited about the future, the fig team is going BIG for its annual celebration, with a 6th Anniversary Party on Saturday, November 26 from 1-9:30 p.m. at the Buellton taproom (45 Industrial Way, Buellton).

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Admission is free and guests can take advantage of the 6th Anniversary bottle release a day before it goes on sale at the other five taprooms and in select local retailers.  Enjoy contests, food for purchase, special mini-events and live music at their flagship brewery and beer garden.

In addition, this year’s special bottle release is Figueroa Mountain’s 6th Anniversary Grand Cru Ale aged in apple-pear brandy, grape brandy and whiskey barrels and sold in 22-ounce bottles.   Special holiday gift-packs will also be available with two 6th Anniversary bottles and a 6th Anniversary t-shirt.

“I’m always excited about our Anniversary beer releases and this year is no exception,” says President Jaime Dietenhofer.  “Despite the 14% ABV (alcohol-by-volume) of this barrel-aged Grand Cru Ale, it has a smooth taste and a complex flavor profile.  We discovered a long list of flavors including notes of marshmallow, vanilla, whiskey, almonds, honey, pears, figs and gentle toasted oak.  It’s one of those beers you reward yourself with or bring to a holiday celebration to share.”

In addition to the food items for sale in the beer garden from Figueroa Mountain’s new Buellton taproom restaurant, there will be several special offerings throughout the day.  Unlimited cask tastings will be sold for $10 per wristband with four cask releases throughout the day.  Wristband holders will also be eligible to win prizes such as a private beer pairing dinner for 10 with Chef Brian Champlin.

Also available for serious beer aficionados is the 6th Anniversary Barrel Tasting & Pairing held in the upstairs mezzanine from 3-5 p.m.

Taster of Figueroa Mountain beers (L-R): Ginger Red, Hurricane Deck Double Indian Pale Ale, Stagecoach Stout, and Irish Stout

Taster of Figueroa Mountain beers (L-R): Ginger Red, Hurricane Deck Double Indian Pale Ale, Stagecoach Stout, and Irish Stout

“Our brewers will walk guests through a flight of four versions of the 6th Anniversary Grand Cru Ale,” explains Head Brewer of Buellton, David Traille.  “We’ll have samples of each barrel followed by the final blend for comparison.”  Each taste will include a small bite of food that pairs with that particular sample.  For $75 per ticket, guests will also receive a 6th Anniversary t-shirt and a 22-ounce bottle to take home with them.

Tickets can be purchased at http://fig6th.nightout.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 11, 2016.

 

Cocktail Corner: Calivore Spirits

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Aaron Bergh, the "President & Commander-in-Mischief" of Calivore Spirits, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Aaron Bergh, the “President & Commander-in-Mischief” of Calivore Spirits, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg 

I had the opportunity to sample some spirits with Aaron Bergh this week, the “President & Commander-in-Mischief” of Calivore Spirits, a new California born and bred business specializing in regionally made liquor.

Bergh started his venture just a few years ago as a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student who basically made hooch in his dorm room. Studying agriculture, he started fermenting the fallen fruit from Cal Poly’s orchards and initially made fruit brandy, followed by rum, whiskey and assorted liqueurs. He quickly realized he might have a legitimate business in the making, and got help from a campus group for budding entrepreneurs. He soon won a “Shark Tank” style business plan competition and started working with a craft distillery to produce spirits from his recipes, teaming up with two friends (Raleigh Nejame and Luke Beaton) to help send the resulting Calivore Spirits brand out into the world this year.

So far they’ve got three products—Blonde Rum, Spiced Rum and Big Sur Gin—I sampled all three and this is not just a great young entrepreneurial story, they’re quite tasty.

Intermezzo's "Cali Mai Tai," made with Calivore Blonde and Spiced rums, pistachio orgeat, lime and grenadine. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Intermezzo’s “Cali Mai Tai,” made with Calivore Blonde and Spiced rums, pistachio orgeat, lime and grenadine. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Calivore Blonde Rum is fermented from US-grown raw sugar cane and rested in chardonnay barrels. The Calivore Spiced Rum is a delicious autumnal mix of orange peel, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, ginger and molasses, also mellowed in wine barrels. The Calivore Big Sur Gin is unusual in that it’s grape-based (a very California influence) with 12 different herbs including juniper, sage, yerba santa, bay, fennel, and elderberry—the idea is to bring you the experience of a Big Sur hike in a bottle.

Wine Cask and Intermezzo Bar & Cafe Beverage Director Matt Pickett whipped us up a wonderfully refreshing “Cali Mai Tai” made with Calivore Blonde and Spiced rums, pistachio orgeat, lime and grenadine. It’s on the specialty cocktail menu and well worth a try, especially with these hot autumn days we’ve been having.  Calivore Spirits are also on the menu at The Bobcat Room, Chase Bar & Grill, La Arcada Bistro, The Nugget Bar & Grill, Sama Sama Kitchen, Scarlett Begonia and Viva Santa Barbara, with more outlets soon to follow. 

Calivore Spirits are also carried in Whole Foods, with additional distributors coming soon. For more information, go to calivorespirits.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 Magazine on September 30, 2016.

Local Dish: Les Marchands Expands Food Offerings

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Clockwise: Cheddar- Herb Fries with Dill Crème Fraiche, Couscous Salad, Brussel Sprouts Caesar Salad Photo credit Laura Ray

Clockwise: Cheddar- Herb Fries with Dill Crème Fraiche, Couscous Salad, Brussel Sprouts Caesar Salad
Photo credit Laura Ray

Best known for having an impressive variety of wines and exceptional wine education classes and special events, Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant has expanded its menu options to include an everyday lunch menu created by Chef Weston Richards. 

The lunch menu includes snacks like Pastrami Fries and Cheddar-Herb Fries with Dill Crème Fraiche.

Also available is a Couscous and Tomato Salad with feta, olives, avocado and Moroccan spice, the Brussel Sprouts Caesar Salad, and a Cold Fried Chicken Sandwich with blue cheese dressing and house-made pickles served on Helena Avenue Bakery brioche. Chef Weston’s Weekly Cheese and Charcuterie Selections are available for lunch and throughout the day. 

Oven Roasted Porchetta, Rosemary Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts and Salsa Verde | Photo Credit Laura Ray

Oven Roasted Porchetta, Rosemary Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts and Salsa Verde | Photo Credit Laura Ray

In addition, Les Marchands has added Porchetta Thursdays, featuring a new Porchetta Dinner in addition to the regular menu options.

 Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

 Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant is located at 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0380.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 21, 2016.

CPK Celebrates 25 Years in SB

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CPK's new Fire-Grilled Ribeye, photographed in the CPK Test Kitchen, Redondo Beach, courtesy CPK.

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.

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.

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.

Cocktail Corner: Fess Parker’s New Spot to Sip by the Sea

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Fess Parker Tasting Experience opened this week at The Fess Parker - A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. Courtesy photo.

Fess Parker Tasting Experience opened this week at The Fess Parker – A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

There’s a great new addition to Santa Barbara’s waterfront area: Fess Parker Properties now has a tasting room right inside of the beachfront hotel, The Fess Parker – A Doubletree by Hilton Resort.

Opening its doors last night, the new venue features a a rotating selection of 16 wines from Fess Parker Winery and Epiphany (winemaker Eli Parker‘s small production label), focusing on limited production and single vineyard offerings.  Not only is this comfortable, earth-toned spot a convenient, low key place to taste the excellent Parker family of wines, it also features the state-of-the-art Enomatic wine dispensing system, known for protecting the freshness, flavors and characteristics of each wine.  Wines are enjoyed with the touch of a button, and savored as if each bottle had just been opened. 

With just an easy and admittedly fun push of a button, you can choose whether you want a taste, a half glass or a full glass of wine, and you are billed accordingly. Among our favorites sampled last night were the Fess Parker Winery Santa Barbara County Viognier (a zippy, full-bodied wine that’s perfect for summer) and the Fess Parker Winery Pommard Clone Pinot Noir (a beautifully balanced red), but with 16 varieties on tap at any given time, there is definitely something to please every palate.

Eli Parker shows a guest the Enomatic wine dispensing system at the Fess Parker Tasting Experience. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Eli Parker shows a guest the Enomatic wine dispensing system at the Fess Parker Tasting Experience. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

 “We are excited to have the opportunity to bring the Fess Parker Winery experience ‘over the hill’ to our hotel guests who aren’t able to journey to wine country during their stay,” says Eli Parker, “It is a project we have envisioned for this property for quite some time.  To see it come to fruition is very satisfying.”

 The Santa Barbara beachfront tasting room is open daily from noon to 7 p.m. and is located off of the main lobby inside the resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., 800/879-2929, www.fpdtr.com.

 For more information on the Fess Parker family of wines, please visit www.fessparker.com.

Fess Parker Tasting Experience opened this week at The Fess Parker - A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. Courtesy photo.

Fess Parker Tasting Experience opened this week at The Fess Parker – A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. Courtesy photo.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

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

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 23. 2016.

SB Style File: Santa Barbara Greeting Cards

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

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.

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.

Local Lowdown: Harvesting H2O

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Harvesting H20

Courtesy of Skywell

Who says you can’t produce anything out of thin air? Imagine filling your glass with clean, fresh drinking water made from the air. While it may sound like science fiction, Skywell LLC has developed a series of products that create air water, a new source of water designed to be a sustainable alternative to conventional drinking water sources.

At a recent event at Hotel Indigo, which is one of a dozen Southern California hotels and businesses piloting the company’s first models for free in a “first-glass program,” Skywell co-founder and president Jonathan Carson reminded guests that Luke Skywalker’s character in Star Wars was a “moisture farmer” before becoming a Jedi.

Check out the new technology in the lobby of Hotel Indigo, 121 State St., (with an updated version later this year) or at UCSB’s Bren School. For more information, visit skywell.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine, Spring 2015.

Local Lowdown: Christmas in the Sand

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Santa Claus on Santa Claus Lane, historic photo by SB Vintage Photo

Santa Claus on Santa Claus Lane, historic photo by SB Vintage Photo

Shopping Santa Claus Lane | By Leslie Dinaberg

Santa may be gone*, but the shopping scene is alive and well on his namesake street in Carpinteria. Tucked just south of Montecito, amid the soothing sounds of the sea—and occasional toots from the train—the eclectic Santa Claus Lane is home to an impressive variety of charming shops displaying everything from garden goodies and home decor to surf supplies and casually elegant clothes.

Porch is a unique shop

Porch is a unique shop “where shelter and nature converge.” Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Porch

A unique shop “where shelter and nature converge” into distinct art and home accessories and furniture.

1. PORCH, 3823 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-0300, porchsb.com.

Ze Bird is an ever-evolving treasure trove for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Ze Bird is an ever-evolving treasure trove for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Ze Bird

Original artwork plus a design and consign business makes this an ever evolving treasure trove for the fashionable home.

2. Ze Bird, 3825 Santa Claus Lane, 805/318-1818, zebirdsb.com.

Hawthorn, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Hawthorn, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Hawthorn

This clothing and accessories boutique embodies the casual elegance of the Santa Barbara lifestyle.

3. Hawthorn, 3817 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-6474, facebook.com/hawthornpadarobeach.

The Garden Market on Santa Claus Lane offers unique gifts like Mama's Preserves. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

The Garden Market on Santa Claus Lane offers unique gifts like Mama’s Preserves. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

The Garden Market

This tranquil little bistro is a great place to relax in the outdoor garden, or shop for unique gifts and treasures.

4. The Garden Market, 3811 Santa Claus Lane, 805/745-5505, gardenmarketsb.com.

Reed Interiors offers a variety of stylish lighting, as well as flooring, furniture and more for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Reed Interiors offers a variety of stylish lighting, as well as flooring, furniture and more for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Reed Interiors

This design showroom offers flooring, stylish lines of furniture, lighting, accessories, window treatments, wall coverings, upholstery and more.

5. Reed Interiors, 3821 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-7583, reedfloors.com.

Hummingbird is a chic boutique on Santa Claus Lane. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Hummingbird is a chic boutique on Santa Claus Lane. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

 

Hummingbird

A chic boutique carrying women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, eyewear, art and gifts.

6. Hummingbird, 3823 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-5800, hummingbirdcarpinteria.com.

a-Frame Surf Shop, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

a-Frame Surf Shop, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

a-Frame Surf Shop

Whether you’re looking for surf lessons, the latest in surf gear or the coolest in clothing and beach wear, they’ve got you covered.

7. A-Frame Surf Shop, 3785 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-8803, aframesurf.com.

Holiday on the Lane

Santa may have retired, but he’ll be back for a visit at the Santa Claus Lane Annual Block Party on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

*The jolly red giant moved to Oxnard in 2003.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine, Winter 2014/15.

Don’t Miss Small Business Saturday in Downtown Santa Barbara

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Small Business SaturdayKicking off the holiday season this is a relatively new retail holiday: Small Business Saturday (November 29). Nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

This year, Downtown Santa Barbara is promoting Small Business Saturday as a way to kick off the Holiday season.

 A complete list of participating locations are listed on the Downtown Santa Barbara website (DowntownSB.org). As of press time, participants included: 33 Jewels at El Paseo (814 State), Aveda (304 Paseo Nuveo), Bella Rosa Galleries (1103-A State), The Book Den (15 E. Anapamu), Churchill Jewelers (1015 State),The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (811 State, #A), Crazy Good Bread Co. (38 W. Victoria), Culture Counter (38 W. Victoria), Distinctive Framing ‘N’ Art (1333 State), Flagstone Pantry (38 W. Victoria, #108), Foragers Pantry (38 W. Victoria) and  Green Star Coffee (38 W. Victoria).

Courtesy Downtown Santa Barbara

Courtesy Downtown Santa Barbara

Also participating are Hampstead Village (1100 State), Harlequin’s Theatrical Supply (17 W. Gutierrez), Imagine (11. W. Canon Perdido), Indigo Interiors (1321 State), Industry Home (4 E. de la Guerra), Italian Pottery Outlet (929 State), Kernohan’s Toys (18 W. Anapamu), Kitson (651 Paseo Nuevo, #101), Oliver & Espig (1108 State), Plum Goods (909 State), Salt  Cave Santa Barbara (740 State), Salt Boutique (1-A W. Canon Perdido) and Samy’s Camera (530 State).

Additional participants include:  Santa Barbara Arts (1114 State, #24), Santa Barbara Public Market (38 W. Victoria), Santa Monica Seafood (38 W. Victoria), Sojourner Cafe (134 E. Canon Perdido), State & Fig (1114 State, #18), The Pasta Shoppe (38 W. Victoria, #122), Viva Oliva (651 Paseo Nuevo, #207), Wendy Foster State Street (833 State), Whistle Club (819 State. Suites A + B) and Wine + Beer (38 W. Victoria)

DSB staff will be on hand at Marshalls Patio (900 State), giving out Shop Small tote bags, balloons and dog bandanas. “We’re encouraging Shop Small customers to post or tweet where they are shopping or dining throughout the day, using #shopsmall and #DowntownSB,” says Kate Schwab, Downtown Santa Barbara Marketing & Communication Director.

“We have such a diverse and unique blend of small businesses downtown. It is a pleasure to support our many small business in Downtown Santa Barbara and give them an opportunity to show off great places to shop, eat or visit.”

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 26, 2014.