Cocktail Corner: Surf and Swizzle

Posted on January 4, 2017 by lesliedinaberg

Holiday Cocktails by MichiBieri, courtesy Pixabay.

A Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

We’ll be taking off for the holiday season until January, but don’t worry, we plan to do lots of cocktail research between now and then. Meanwhile, here are ten fun libation links to send you into the weekend ready for some fun.

Wine and Book Pairings From The Skimm: http://www.theskimm.com/skimm-guides/skimm-reads

Top Books for Wine Enthusiasts From Wander & Wine: http://wanderandwine.com/top-books-for-wine-enthusiasts/

Totally Instagrammable Bottles of Booze From Hello Giggles: http://hellogiggles.com/booze-bottles-that-make-perfect-gifts/

It’s Bourbon Season From The Kitchn: http://www.thekitchn.com/its-bourbon-season-10-bourbon-recipes-to-warm-you-up-recipe-roundup-179751

A Matisse-Inspired Cocktail Recipe and DIY From Design Sponge: http://www.designsponge.com/2014/10/matisse-inspired-cocktail-recipe-diy.html

Cocktail preparations by Stefan Fiesbert, cocktailpodcast.de via wikipedia commons.

Comforting Holiday Cocktails From Goop: http://goop.com/easy-holiday-cocktails/

The Perfect Cocktail Party Playlist From Apartment Therapy: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/cocktail-party-playlist-181154

The Most Outrageous Pop-Culture Inspired Cocktails From Flavorwire: http://flavorwire.com/562955/the-most-outrageous-pop-culture-inspired-cocktails-sponsored

Feast Days, Food & Drink Poems by George Yatchisin: https://www.createspace.com/6518745

The Best Christmas Cocktails and Mocktails From Martha Stewart: http://www.marthastewart.com/856474/20-years-living-best-christmas-cocktails-and-mocktails

Cheers to Happy Holidays!

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 on December 23, 2016.

Enjoy the Holidays at Loquita

Posted on December 19, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Paella from Loquita, photo by Laura Ray.

Executive Chef Peter Lee of LOQUITA and POQUITA—the new hot spots Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone—has special celebratory menus for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. If you haven’t had the pleasure of checking these restaurants out yet, the holidays are a perfect time to do so.

In addition to the complete menu that Loquita has made popular with bold flavored Mediterranean dishes of olives, lemons, tomatoes, peppers, vinegars, Jamon and Sherries, simply executed and beautifully plated, on Christmas Eve, Chef Lee’s specials feature Bunuelo de Bacalao—Salt Cod, Potato, Lemon & Nora Chili Aïoli; and Cannelloni with Mushroom, Foie Gras; Bechamel & Manchego. Reservations are recommended and are available from 5–8:30 p.m.

Loquita, photo by Rob Stark.

Then, on New Year’s Eve, Loquita presents elegant New Year’s Eve specials, in addition to their acclaimed menu, perfect for an end of year celebration. Selections include Foie Gras with Figs, Dandelion Greens & Celery Root; Paella con Costilla – Iberico Pork Ribs with Artichokes, Mushrooms, Iberico Soffrito, Grilled Lemon & Herb Aïoli; and Cochinillo Asado – Suckling Pig with Asparagus, Mushrooms & Mojo Verde. Loquita’s chefs will display a live “performance art,” preparing the Paella con Costilla outdoors on the patio in a huge paella pan for all guests to experience. Reservations are recommended and are available from 5–10:45 p.m.

Also now open is Poquita, the little sister of Loquita, a perfect choice for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve for those seeking a spontaneous evening. Drop in while exploring the Urban Wine Trail, drinking in the colorful ambiance of the Funk Zone.

Loquita, photo by Rob Stark.

Poquita serves many of the same delicious pintxos, tapas, cheeses and charcuterie as Loquita at their artful, standing-room-only pintxos bar, ideal for casual small bites without the structure of a reservation. Hours are 5 p.m. – midnight.

Also starting on New Year’s Day, Loquita begins serving Sunday Brunch. Chef Lee introduces his inspired daytime menu of exquisite Spanish specialties created with a Santa Barbara sensibility—a Paella Pan Skillet with either Mushroom, Tomato, Spinach, Potato, Eggplant, Chermoula & Eggs; or Chorizo with Bell Pepper, Tomato, Potato, Broccolini, Parsley & Eggs; Benedicts on Pan De Cristal in two versions – Jamon Serrano, Spinach, Eggs & Chorizo Hollandaise; or Cured Salmon, Pickled Red Onion, Eggs & Lemon Hollandaise. Try Lee’s two spins on the Tortilla Espanola – Traditional with Potato, Onion, Frisee & Herb Aïoli; or Especial with Avocado, Piquillo, Potato, Onion, Mushroom & Chorizo. Loquita brunch hours are 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and will continue every Sunday after the new year.

To view all holiday menus visit Holiday Menus or www.loquitasb.com/nye.

Loquita, photo by Rob Stark.

Loquita, “an endearing Spanish colloquial term for a wild, fun loving young girl, is a playful love letter to the Spanish origins and history of Santa Barbara.” The space is designed by San Francisco restaurateur and designer Doug Washington, who created the distinctive styling at The Lark, Lucky Penny, Les Marchands, Santa Barbara Wine Collective and Helena Avenue Bakery. Architect Joe Andrulaitis and the Young Construction team led by Rick Musmecci completely restored the historic building that has served as numerous restaurants and the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission over the past century. Interior finishing touches by Stephanie Greene Fuller incorporated handsome furnishings fabricated by Brothers of Industry of Carpinteria.

Loquita, photo by Rob Stark.

“I was inspired by a quote I read in a recent issue of Food & Wine magazine that said ‘Spain is a country with a big heart, a big thirst for wine, a big appetite for great food and a big affinity for art, music and sports.’ Those who live, work and play in Santa Barbara share these values,” says Sherry Villanueva, Managing Partner for Acme Hospitality, the group behind the restaurant. Bringing a Spanish restaurant to the Funk Zone has been something she has envisioned since the space first became available more than two years ago.

“Santa Barbara’s rich Spanish colonial history has defined our city in ways that span architecture, food, wine and even informs our community celebrations. It’s the right time to dedicate our next restaurant to the incredible culture and food that Spain is known for, but interpreted by a contemporary California sensibility that is our company’s signature,” says Villanueva. “It’s no wonder that Spain is recognized as one of the greatest countries for food and dining today.

The restaurant is located at 202 State St., 805/880-3380.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 19, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Mussel Madness in Montecito

Posted on December 9, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Mussel Madness takes place every Tuesday and Wednesday at Ty Lounge, photo courtesy Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore.

A Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Mussels—which pair well with everything from wine and beer to G & T’s and Martinis—are in season year-round in California, and, in a nod to this bounty, Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore‘s new Executive Chef Marco Fossati has introduced an all new Mussel Madness Menu at Ty Lounge on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3-10 p.m.

Ty Lounge’s G&T Cura, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

I was fortunate enough to check out the mussels this week (along with a delicious G & T Cura, of course). What a yummy treat! It’s hard to choose from the all of the unique variations of seasoned mussels served in cast iron bowls accompanied by grilled country bread and French Fries, but luckily, you can’t go wrong. Mussel dishes include The Belgium, with steamed Belgium ale, Dijon Mustard, shallots and herbs; and the Thai, made with lemongrass, wine, coconut milk and red chili.

Other flavors include Calabrese, with house made nduja sausages, white wine, smoked paprika and white onion; So Cal, with tomato, chorizo, wine and cilantro, French Dijionnaise, with wine, cream, Dijon mustard and parsley; and The Moroccan, made with Riesling, chick peas, Moroccan spices and tomato. We tried a few and they were each unique and oh-so-very tasty!

Ty Lounge’s Gin & Tonic Bar has a number of delicious variations to pair with the mussels, include my favorite, G&T Cura, made with Cutler’s Gin, Fever Tree Tonic, and assortment of Chef’s Garden Botanicals and a seasonal fruit shrub. Also worth tasting are the G&T Pepino, made with Hendrick’s Gin, Fever Tree Tonic, Juniper Berries, and a cucumber mint honey shrub; as well as the G&T Sueno, made with Nolet’s Gin, Elderflower Fever Tree Tonic, cardamom, peppercorn and a coconut grapefruit shrub.

If Gin’s not your thing, other Ty Lounge cocktail specialties include the Masquerade Ball, with Buillet Rye, Balsamic Reduction, Fever Tree Soda, Lemon Juice, Blackberries and Basil, Barrel Aged In American Oak; and 8 Barrels, made with Four Seasons Select 1927 Barrel Aged Breaker Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Lemon, Spiced Simple Syrup and Nutmeg, served in a hand-smoked glass.

Cheers to mussels! Ty Lounge—which is surely one of the most beautiful spots in town—is located at Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore, 1260 Channel Dr., Montecito; 805-969-2261; fourseasons.com/santabarbara.

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.”

Published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 9, 2016.

Local Dish: Fall Desserts at Finch & Fork and Outpost

Posted on November 17, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Fried Carrot Cake is part of the fall dessert menu at Outpost at the Goodland. Courtesy photo.

There’s something about this cooler weather that makes sweets taste even sweeter. Lucky for us, our local chefs have some new treats to share this fall.

At Outpost at the Goodland (5650 Calle Real, Goleta) Chef Nick Bajal has added a few new things to the dessert menu, including Rice Flour Cake Tres Leche (with Puffed Black Rice and Yuzu Cream); Kaffir Lime Flan (with Chocolate Crumble and Marinated Strawberries); Matcha Green Tea Eclairs (with Coconut Eclairs and Grilled Peach); Mexican Spiced Chocolate Pudding (with Salted Carmel Whipped Cream and Crispy Sugar Cookie) and Fried Carrot Cake (with Burnt Orange Sauce, White Chocolate Creamed Cheese and McConnell’s Vanilla Ice Cream).

Over at Finch & Fork (31 W. Carrillo St.), Chef James Siao also has some new sweets to savor: Sticky Toffee Cake (with Local Dates, Brown Butter Whipped Cream and Maple Almond Popcorn); Cream–sicle (with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Mousse and Ginger Orange Crumble Orange Granita) and S’more Pot De Crème (with Chocolate and House Made Marshmallow Graham Cracker Crumble).

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 15, 2016.

It’s Football Season at the Garden

Posted on October 7, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy The Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Sunday Funday is now happening every week at The Garden inside the Santa Barbara Public Market. With NFL Sunday Ticket and wide coverage of NCAA Football, you’ll never miss a game. Plus, the Garden is now serving up breakfast on weekends starting at 9 a.m. in this fun, family-friendly new venue.

Plant yourself in The Garden and enjoy Fried Chicken & Waffles, Chilaquiles, Monster Breakfast Burritos and lighter fare including egg white omelettes and housemade granola served with yogurt and locally grown fruit. Breakfast drink specials also include fresh mimosas and micheladas.

Courtesy the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Located inside the Santa Barbara Public Market, The Garden offers guests the ability to view all the games while enjoying food and 41 craft beers and eight wines on the always rotating on-tap menu.

The Garden is located at 38 W. Victoria St. (at Chapala) with free underground parking. For more information, visit sbpublicmarket.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Fried Chicken and Waffles from the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Mary’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich topped with jalapeno slaw & house pickles on a sesame bun from the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Courtesy the Garden at Santa Barbara Public Market.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 6, 2016.

Angel Oak at the Bacara

Posted on October 4, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

The bar at Bacara Resort & Spa’s new fine dining restaurant, Angel Oak, courtesy photo.

Angel Oak, which recently opened at Bacara Resort & Spa, is a heavenly new addition to the local fine dining scene.

First of all, the restaurant is beautiful. The open-air design takes full advantage of the oceanfront views, with each of the 162 seats from the dining room and bar ensured a view of the Pacific Ocean. The dark wood and earth-toned accents of restaurant are dramatic and unique and include a hand-carved granite podium, exotic Chamcha wood table, hand-blown chandeliers, and an Amazonite bar that serves as a focal point and anchor in the dining room. And of course, the ocean view from the outdoor dining terrace can’t be beat.

Starters at Angel Oak include, clockwise from top left, American Wagyu Beef Tatki, Dungeness Crab Cake and Beef Tartare. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The bar is also top notch. A List Mixologist Cassie Hesse spearheads the cocktail program, which includes hip takes on time-honored classics such as the Manhattan’s Angel with High West Rendevous Rye, Sweet Vermouth, and Bitters; Our Signature Daiquiri No 6 with Denizen, Lime, Sugar and Absinthe; and the very impressive Smoke on the Water, a cherry wood smoked spirit forward cocktail served tableside.

Angel Oak’s wine and spirits program features a curated selection of Old and New World wines housed inside the restaurant’s 12,000-bottle cellar. The expansive cellar is climate controlled to ensure quality, doubling as an impressive event space for up to 40 seated guests. If you ever get invited to an event there, don’t miss it!

Angel Oak’s local fish ravioli, bouillabaisse broth, sardines and basil foam, courtesy photo.

Then there’s the food, the absolutely mouthwatering food. Executive Chef Vincent Lesage says, “the inspiration behind the menu was to reimagine the ordinary, what you classically see in a steakhouse with a twist. We wanted to showcase the best of seasonal ingredients and preparing every single one of them with an element of surprise.”

He’s definitely succeeded. The Angel Oak menu celebrates the theme of duality, showcasing traditionally robust steakhouse offerings juxtaposed alongside refined seafood dishes, all crafted with Lesage’s classically-trained and deft hand.

Angel Oak’s Dry Aged New York steak with shaved black truffle, brown butter. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

We tried a variety of dishes, all delicious. Some of the highlights:

Market Seafood, poached Maine lobster, daily selection of oysters, split king crab legs, boiled jumbo shrimp, fresh lump crab ceviche, house cocktail sauce, signature mignonette, lemon caviar

Kobe Beef Tataki, soy-cured melon, yuzu, puffed rice

Angel Oak Dry Aged New York (12 oz.), shaved black truffle, brown butter

Dungeness Crab Cake, pan seared, local citrus sabayon, lobster claw

Beef Tartare, potato crisp, black garlic, egg yolk spinach

Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops, brown butter puree, pickled cauliflower

For dessert, Pastry Chef Brooke Martin’s Warm Dark Chocolate Molten with malt ganache, almond nougatine, and a bailey’s milkshake; and Cinnamon Apple Cobbler with hazelnut feuilletine crunch and vanilla ice cream, were both amazing.

Angel Oak’s Warm Chocolate Molten, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Angel Oak is open for dinner from 5–10 p.m. seven days a week. For more information or to make reservations, visit angeloaksb.com.

Angel Oak’s Heirloom tomato salad from Elwood farm, courtesy photo.

Angel Oak’s Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Angel Oak’s Halibut Crudo, chili oil, nuoc nam, mint & cilantro, courtesy photo.

Angel Oak’s Cinnamon Apple Cobbler, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on October 3, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Tasty Tidbits

Posted on September 2, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

The Lark, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

I can’t believe that summer is almost over. There’s been a lot of news on the bar beat the last few months. Here are some highlights:

One of Santa’s Barbara’s favorite dining destinations, The Lark (131 Anacapa St.), was recognized by Wine Enthusiast in their sixth annual issue of the “Best Places to Drink Up In While Dining Out.” As a winner of the “Not to be Missed” category, The Lark was recognized for their outstanding wine program curated by Wine Directors Chris Robles and Vern Kettler. The wine list at the Lark focuses on smaller production wines made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, and which reflect a sense of place. Grape varieties for which the Santa Barbara area is known and their international counterparts are the focus. With few exceptions, all American wines are from Santa Barbara County. Wine Enthusiast editors state that “Chef Jason Paluska’s wine friendly foods are inspired by farmers’ markets—smoked pork belly, for example, might come with roasted berries, pickled summer peppers and candied brittle of fat local almonds.” The Lark is the only recipient from Santa Barbara this year, and one of 22 restaurants awarded in California. See the full list here.

J. Wilkes Wines, courtesy photo.

J. Wilkes Wines has opened a new tasting room in downtown Los Olivos at 2963 Grand Ave. The space highlights a distinct wine tasting experience including educational aspects focusing on the region’s unique AVA’s, an entertaining quiz and private Winemaker Office Hours with winemaker Wes Hagen.

The J.Wilkes brand was launched in 2001 by wine industry veteran Jefferson Wilkes and after his passing in 2010, the label was relaunched by the Miller Family, a fifth-generation California farming family, as a tribute to Jefferson’s unwavering love of the region. J. Wilkes, under the guidance of accomplished winemaker Hagen, is dedicated to producing wines from the greatest American Viticultural Areas (AVA’s) on the Central Coast. Their new tasting room and education center in Los Olivos boasts an experience that gives insight into these regions and their wines and provides visitors with information about the area’s AVA’s including Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Paso Robles.

At long last, bottles of Cutler’s spirits are now available for purchase in the tasting room.

Ian Cutler, courtesy photo

You can now come directly to the distillery to purchase your local favorite spirits. Personally, I’m partial to the spicy, cinnamon-tastic, delicious Grandma Tommie’s Apple Pie Liqueur, but Cutler’s Artisan Spirits also has its own Gin, Vodka and 33 Bourbon Whiskey, all of which are high quality and locally produced. (the tasting room and distillery is at 137 Anacapa St., Suite D, in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone).

Some of the fare at Lama Dog and the Nook, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The first two tenants at The Waterline, a commercial mixed-use project at 116-122 Santa Barbara St. in the Funk Zone, have opened for business and both have quickly become local favorites: the Nook by Master Chef Norbert Schulz, and Lama Dog Tap Room and Bottle Shop. Craft beers (and a few wines) paired with fabulous, high quality food is a win-win for the area. Try the House-Made Bratwurst or the Rock Fish Tacos with one of 20 interesting rotating beers on tap.

Ah … it’s a great way to keep that summer feeling going all year long!

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 2, 2016.

First & Oak is a Perfect Pairing

Posted on August 30, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

First & Oak’s Santa Barbara Spot Prawn with marinated cucumber, shrimp toast and sesame vinaigrette; and Roasted Lobster with curried carrot puree, Livier’s Granola and Vadouvan Veloute. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A plethora of perfect bites can be found at Solvang‘s new restaurant, First & Oak. We enjoyed every bit of our meal, from our first taste to the last bite of the exquisite summer menu created by executive chef Steven Snook with owner and sommelier Jonathan Rosenson’s carefully selected pairings of Coquelicot wines.

First & Oak’s Truffle Roasted Cauliflower with chive vinaigrette, crisp quinoa and whipped cauliflower. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

That menu, with an emphasis on fresh, wine friendly cuisine under the headings To Begin, From the Garden, From the Ocean, From the Farm, and To Finish, features small plates so tasty you won’t really want to share them—but just try keeping your dining companions away from these tasty temptations.

The idea is to be able to eat a perfect little bit from each of the categories without feeling overly stuffed. According to the website, “our recommendation is five plates per person which is equivalent to a first and second course, and dessert.”

First & Oak’s Short Rib Bourguignon with pearl onions, wild mushrooms, espuma potato and braising jus; English Pea Risotto with brown butter snails, smoked bacon and wild mushrooms; and Roast Breast of Duck with red miso, crispy garbanzo and hazelnut. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The night we went our meal included a beautifully inventive selection:

Heirloom Tomato Tea with fresh thyme, shaved spring vegetables and lemon vinaigrette;
Truffle Roasted Cauliflower with chive vinaigrette, crisp quinoa and whipped cauliflower;
Santa Barbara Spot Prawn with marinated cucumber, shrimp toast and sesame vinaigrette;
Roasted Lobster with curried carrot puree, Livier’s Granola and Vadouvan Veloute;
English Pea Risotto with brown butter snails, smoked bacon and wild mushrooms;
Short Rib Bourguignon with pearl onions, wild mushrooms, espuma potato and braising jus;
Roast Breast of Duck with red miso, crispy garbanzo and hazelnut;
Coquelicot Poached Pear, with dulce de Leche Mousse, Peanut Powder and crisp chocolate; and
Pain Perdu with carmelized brioche, milk sorbet, balsamic glass and marinated blackberries.

Rosenson paired each course with a special selection from Coquelicot, all of which were lovely, and enhanced the flavors to a tee.

First & Oak’s Coquelicot Poached Pear, with dulce de Leche Mousse, Peanut Powder and crisp chocolate; and Pain Perdu with carmelized brioche, milk sorbet, balsamic glass and marinated blackberries. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

This charming restaurant is clearly a labor of love and also a family affair. Father-son team Bernard and Jonathan Rosenson own the Coquelicot Estate Vineyard in Solvang and purchased the Mirabelle Inn, where First & Oak is located (at 409 First St. in Solvang) in order to showcase their wines and “to create a truly localized restaurant that specializes in local, fresh produce and products from Santa Barbara.”

They have succeeded indeed.

The restaurant is open for dinner daily from 5:30-8:45 p.m. For more information, call 805/6881703 or visit firstandoak.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 29, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Fermentation Festival Kicks Off With a Mule of a Competition

Posted on August 26, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Fermentation Festival Moscow Mule Competition The 6th annual Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival is coming up on Sept. 11, but first up is a pre-festival event called the Year of the Mule Cocktail Competition, from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 30, at The Good Lion (1212 State St.).

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Moscow Mule, both professional and amateur cocktail enthusiasts will compete for a variety of fun prizes. Criteria include taste appeal, visual appeal, story/background and time management! The deadline to sign up is Aug. 26. Click here for more details and entry instructions.

In addition, tickets are now on sale for the Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival, which has proved to be a vibrant educational gathering of local and regional culinary alchemists, wild fermenters and health experts showcasing the history, benefits and preparation of fermented foods. That includes fun beers and cocktails, as well as loads of other fermented concoctions. This annual event is at Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Rd., Goleta). The all-ages festival runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. with the 21+ Farm-to-Bar component from noon-4:30 p.m.

Courtesy Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival, which takes place this year on Sept. 11.

The 2016 Festival includes samples of 75+ artisan fermented foods from 50+ exhibitors, four stages featuring local and regional experts, and interactive hands-on activities. This all-ages experiential one-day festival celebrates the importance of traditionally fermented foods and beverages and empowers attendees to make these foods at home.

“… Fermentation is growing in reputation from a homespun preservation technique into the mainstream,” says Katie Hershfelt, co-founder of the festival along with her mother, Lynn Hartman. “Renowned chefs from coast-to-coast are using fermentation as a culinary tool while health practitioners are recommending fermented foods as a key element in creating a healthy lifestyle.”

The festival’s 2016 theme, Nurture What Nature Gave You, puts the focus on consumers’ increased interest in fermented foods not only as taste and menu enhancers but as a key to a healthy lifestyle. The Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival is part of a global grassroots movement that is changing the way consumers view their food, their connection to the earth and their ability to thrive.

Courtesy Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival.

Profits from the Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival support the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and its mission to end hunger and transform health through good nutrition. For more information or to purchase tickets click here.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 26, 2016.

Local Dish: Les Marchands Expands Food Offerings

Posted on August 22, 2016 by lesliedinaberg

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

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.

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

Category Archives: food

Cocktail Corner: Surf and Swizzle

Enjoy the Holidays at Loquita

Cocktail Corner: Mussel Madness in Montecito

Local Dish: Fall Desserts at Finch & Fork and Outpost

It’s Football Season at the Garden

Angel Oak at the Bacara

Cocktail Corner: Tasty Tidbits

First & Oak is a Perfect Pairing

Cocktail Corner: Fermentation Festival Kicks Off With a Mule of a Competition

Local Dish: Les Marchands Expands Food Offerings

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