Cocktail Corner: Wine Notes

Posted on April 6, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

The beautiful home of Westerly Wines, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Purely by coincidence, I spent the last two weekends tasting a number of limited production wines—while the number of bottles may be small, their variety is large and their quality is excellent.

Westerly Wines

First up was a lovely tour, barrel sampling and wine tasting at the Santa Ynez estate home of Westerly Wines. What a treat! Winemaker Adam Henkel played host for the private event. He’s a Kentucky-born charmer who came to the vineyard a few years ago, after a decade in Napa Valley making wines for Harlan Estate and Swanson Vineyards.

Westerly Wines Winemaker Adam Henkel with one of the ceramic “eggs” used in the white winemaking process. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

First of all, the estate is beautiful. Based in the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA, it was once part of a 3,900-acre horse ranch, Westerly Stud Farms, and horses still graze the neighboring estates. Our first wine was a 2013 Westerly Sauvignon Blanc, a bright, fresh and balanced wine that was perfect for a warm, spring afternoon. Then Henkel took us into the barrel room, where we sampled the 2014 Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay and the 2013 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, both of which were quite promising. This winery is state-of-the art, with reds fermenting in concrete conical tanks, French Oak and traditional stainless steel, while the whites cold ferment in concrete “eggs,” as well as small French Oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. It’s amazing the number of different winemaking vessels available, and Westerly seems to have them all on hand.

Then it was onto the picturesque dining room, where owner Roger Bower greeted us warmly. At lunch we tasted an excellent Bordeaux varietal, the 2010 Westerly Fletcher’s Red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. We also tasted the 2012 Cote Blonde, a blend of 87% Syrah and 13% Viognier co-fermented together to create my new favorite wine. It’s really nicely balanced and full bodied with a wonderful smell of dried apricots of flowers. Trust me, it’s delicious! It was a great introduction to these (new to me) wines. I definitely won’t be a stranger!

The winery is not open to the public, however wine club members are invited to special events and staff will be pouring at a number of upcoming wine festivals, including the 2nd Annual Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend at the Bacara Resort & Spa April 16-17. Click here for details.

The Garagiste Festival

Speaking of festivals, if you want to know what’s new and exciting in the world of wine, the Garagiste Festival is the place to be. Named for the GARAGISTES (gar-uh-zhē-stuh), which comes from a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their garages, who refused to follow the “rules” of traditional winemaking, the festival focuses on producers of less than 1,500 cases, which means these are wines you are unlikely to find very easily. The Solvang festival had two days of Grand Tastings, with different wines poured a each one.

One of my favorites was the 2012 Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay from Seagrape Cellars, which is a side project for Buttonwood Farm Winemaker Karen Steinwachs (started with her late husband, Dave). Another festival fave (I was focused on whites) was Baehner Fournier Vineyards 2013 Sauvignon Blanc from Vogelzang Vineyard in Happy Canyon.

This is the special rose flight from Wine + Beer, photo courtesy JZPR.

Wine + Beer

Rosé was also on the menu this week. As part of its one-year anniversary celebration, Wine + Beer in the Santa Barbara Public Market is offering a special “Drink Pink” rosé tasting series that runs through April 7 features some excellent local winemakers:

Tatomer “Spaatburgunder” Rosé, made of 100% Pinot Noir

Stolpman Vineyards Rosé, Ballard Canyon, made from 100% Grenache

Margerum Wine Company “Riviera” Rosé (97% Grenache, 3% Counoise and Cinsaut)

Dragonette Cellars Rosé, Happy Canyon (70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre),

Liquid Farm “Vogelzang Vineyard,” Happy Canyon, made from 100% Mourvedre.

Tasting flights are only available through next week, but the wines—so perfect for spring —are all for sale by the bottle in this bustling tasting room. Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on April 3, 2015.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: When Life Gives You Lemons

Posted on March 14, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Hanky-Pinky, courtesy Limoneira

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

When life you gives you lemons, they may as well be pretty in pink!

Lemons mostly come in shades of yellow, but Limoneira Company—a 120-year-old international agribusiness headquartered just down the road in Santa Paula—has a beautiful line of variegated pink lemons and an array of delicious pink lemon cocktails designed just for them by mixologists across the country.

Pucker up! These cocktails are a lot of fun and perfect for the beautiful spring days we’ve been having.

Pink Lemon Rumble

You’ll need: 1 bottle red wine; 150 ml strong tea; 100 ml pineapple juice; 80 ml rum; Juice of 1 pink lemon; 100 g sugar; 200 g pineapples and 50 ml sherry

Place the pineapple pieces in a punch bowl and pour the sherry over them. Chill for 2 hours. Place tea and sugar in a pot; add wine, juice of a pink lemon and rum. Heat but do not boil the mixture. Pour over the pineapple pieces and sherry.

Pinkee Plus

You’ll need: 1 fifth vodka; 3 oz pink lemon juice; 9 oz cherries and 2 liters lemon-lime soda

Pour Maraschino cherries and their juice into a two-gallon jug. Add vodka and let soak for a few minutes. Add the pink lemon juice and fill with sprite. Pour mixture into a serving container and strain out cherries. Serve over ice, with cherries dropped in.

Pink Persuasion

Pink Varigated Lemons, courtesy Limoneira

You’ll need: 1 oz tequila, 1 oz citrus vodka, 2 oz Limoncello lemon liqueur, ½ oz pink lemon juice and 3 oz lemon-lime soda

Fill shaker with ice and add ingredients. Shake a few times then pour into cocktail glass.

Pink Stinger

You’ll need: ½ liter sweet sherry; ½ liter brandy; 3 oz triple sec; 3 oz maraschino liqueur; 2 liters champagne; 1 liter soda water; 6 oz juice of pink lemons and 5 oz sugar syrup

Add to punch bowl with sufficient ice to chill. Serve with sliced fruit.

Hanky-Pinky

You’ll need: 2 oz gin; 2 oz of juice from pink lemon and ¾ oz grenadine syrup

Pour ingredients into a shaker half-filled with ice. Shake well and pour into a lowball glass. Garnish with pink lemon slice.

Lemon martini, courtesy Limoneira Pink Goose

You’ll need: 3 cups vodka, 5 cups homemade lemonade; 2 cups cranberry juice; 3 tbsp pink lemon juice; 4 cups ginger ale; 4 cups ice cubes; frozen cranberry for garnish and 1 pink lemon slice for garnish

Combine the lemonade, cranberry juice, pink lemon juice and vodka in a punch bowl and mix well. Just before serving, slowly pour in the ginger ale. Add the ice cubes. Garnish with the frozen cranberries and pink lemon slices; serve immediately.

Pink Thunder

You’ll need: 1 oz melon liqueur; 1 oz peach liqueur; ½ oz pineapple juice; 3 strawberries; 1 mango chunk; 1 ½ oz vodka; 1 splash of juice of a pink lemon and 1 splash of crème de cassis

Mix everything in a blender with 5-6 ice cubes for 10 seconds. Pour into glass. Garnish with piece of pink lemon.

Pink Archipelago

You’ll need: 2 oz white rum; 2-3 dashes grenadine syrup, 1 tsp powdered sugar and ½ oz pink lemon juice

Shake well over ice cubes in a shaker, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Rumba Rose

You’ll need: 1 ½ oz lemon rum; 2 oz sweet and sour mix; ½ oz juice of a pink lemon and ½ oz cranberry juice

Shake and strain into a chilled, sugar-rimmed glass. Garnish with a slice of pink lemon.

Pink Tingle

You’ll need: 1 oz Blue Curacao liqueur; 1 oz Jamaican dark rum; 1 oz grenadine syrup; 100 ml lemonade using pink lemons and ice cubes

Place ice in shaker, add all ingredients and shake well. Pour into shot glass to drink.

Packapink Punch

You’ll need: 1 liter Applejack; 2 cups orange juice; 5 oz grapefruit juice; 2 oz grenadine syrup; ½ oz orange bitters; ½ oz pink lemon juice; 1 qt lemon-lime soda; 1 qt ginger ale; 1 slice orange and 1 sliced apple

Combine the Applejack, orange juice, grapefruit juice, pink lemon juice, grenadine and orange bitters in a large punch bowl and stir well. Add lemon-lime soda and ginger ale; stir again. Add one large block of ice. Garnish with pink lemon slice.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 13, 2015.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Lots of Ways to Eat, Drink and Make Merry

Posted on March 6, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Kurt Russell will take part in the annual Santa Barbara Food &amp;amp;amp; Wine Weekend at the Bacara Resort. Photo by Isaac Hernandez

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

There’s no shortage of fun wine, beer and cocktail events in Santa Barbara County, but the next few weeks are particularly eventful.

Here’s a look at some of the toast-worthy happenings:

March 6-7 World of Pinot Noir

Indulge in the pleasures of Pinot Noir at the beautiful Bacara this spring, when the 15th Annual World of Pinot Noir unites producers from the most exceptional and unique regions in the world with Pinot Noir enthusiasts for a weekend of celebration and education. Last year’s event set a high bar for wonderful wines. Sip and savor at the Bacara Resort & Spa, 8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta, 805/489-1758, worldofpinotnoir.com.

Courtesy World of Pinot Noir

March 18-22 Taste of Solvang

Celebrate the 23^rd year of “Taste of Solvang” Food & Wine Destination Weekend with a five-day experience that encourages attendees to embark on “a culinary journey through Solvang, where wine country meets ‘dine country.” Highlights include the two-day Taste of Solvang Wine & Beer Walk, which allows guests to taste their pick from more than a dozen participating wine tasting rooms, wine bars and beer bars during the two-day stroll through Solvang Village. In addition, there’s a special Winemaker Dinner in a greenhouse setting with local winemaker and vineyard owner, Michael Larner of Larner Vineyard & Winery, and a carefully-curated pairing menu by Bacon & Brine’s Chef Pink. New this year is Bubbles & Brunch, an exclusive brunch held at Solvang’s Wildling Museum, featuring three different sparkling wines from local label, Flying Goat Cellars’ “Goat Bubbles” – a Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and a sparkling Rosé. Flying Goat Cellars Winemaker, Norm Yost, is available to walk guests through each sparkling wine and the sparkling winemaking process. Various locations throughout Solvang. Tickets are available at solvangusa.com/tickets, and for further information, visit solvangusa.com/tos.

Garagiste Southern Exposure 2015 March 27-29 Southern Exposure Festival in Solvang

This popular festival returns to Veterans’ Hall in Solvang for what Festival co-founder Stewart McLennan promises will be “our best Southern Exposure ever—with many more exciting wine discoveries on tap from Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County.” The weekend of events will showcase the wines of over 60 artisan garagiste commercial winemakers who produce under 1,500 cases per year from the Santa Barbara region and the Central Coast. As an added benefit, the nonprofit Garagiste Festivals benefit the Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture program. For more information on The Garagiste Festivals, go to http://garagistefestival.com.

April 16—19 Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend

Now in its second year at the Bacara, the Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend showcases the distinct tastes, sights and sounds of Santa Barbara County while also bringing cutting-edge culinary talent from across the country to our region. This multi-faceted event, which includes cooking classes with famed chefs, local wine and food tastings, movie screenings, special presentations and much more, is a benefit for The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. Among the highlights this year is a special dinner with actor/winemaker Kurt Russell on April 18. Bacara Resort & Spa, 8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta. BacaraCulinaryWeekend.com.

April 18 Earth Day Pop-Up Farm-to-Table Dinner

When the sun goes down on Saturday’s Earth Day celebration, a large community table pops in front of the main stage immediately after the last band. The only activity in the park with an admission fee, this four-course locavore feast—a benefit for Community Environmental Council—features seasonal delights from New West Catering and Cultivate Events, as well as local wine pairings and live music. This limited-seating special event will sell out, so get your tickets early. | Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St., 7 p.m. For tickets contact Kathi King at 805/963-0583 ext.108, or visit SBEarthDay.org festival-highlights/farm-to-table-dinner.

April 19 Magic on the Urban Wine Trail III

Join the Parks and Recreation Community Foundation (PARC) for its third annual fundraising bash, Magic on the Urban Wine Trail, where music, art and wine meet. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting featuring more than 12 wineries from the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, while you mingle with friends, enjoy local art and music and feel great about supporting Parks and Recreation programs for under-served youth. There is also a silent auction, raffle and bottles of favorite wines for purchase. Carrillo Recreation Center Ballroom, 100 E. Carrillo St., 3-6 p.m. 805/897-1946, parcsb.org.

Hope to see some of you there. Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on March 6, 2015.

Cocktail Corner: Martini Time at Holdren’s

Posted on March 3, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

“The Perfect 10 Martini” at Holdrens, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

“Martinis are the only American invention as perfect as a sonnet.” —H. L. Mencken

I love Martinis, both with vodka and with traditional, old school gin. There’s something about the shape of the glass, the warmth and smoothness of the booze, the saltiness of the olives … it makes me feel like a member of the Rat Pack or something. Very sophisticated.

As Frank Sinatra famously said to Dean Martin, “Let me fix you a Martini that’s pure magic.” To which Martin responded, “It may not make life’s problems disappear, but it’ll certainly reduce their size.”

Ain’t that the truth!

I recently had a particularly magical Martini at Holdren’s (512 State St., 805/965-3363, holdrens.com/sb). They call it “The Perfect 10 Martini,” made with Tanqueray #10 Gin and a splash of dry Vermouth. Ask for the blue cheese olive garnish, it’s pure perfection. Especially during happy hour, which takes place every day from 4-6 p.m. Their $7 appetizer specials include spicy crab and artichoke dip, bruscetta and grilled Castroville artichokes. Just don’t forget the Martini.

As Ernest Hemingway wrote in A Farewell to Arms, ”I had never tasted anything so cool and clean.” “They made me feel civilized.”

Quite civilized indeed. Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Primavera in Winter at SBMA’s Atelier

Posted on February 13, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Ciaramella, courtesy SBMA

Santa Barbara Museum of Art‘s Atelier cocktail parties are always a feast for the senses, and Atelier: Primavera in Winter, which celebrates everything Italian—including the fabulous exhibition of Botticelli, Titian and Beyond: Masterpieces of Italian Painting from Glasgow Museums, which is on view through May 3—is shaping up to be a great event.

Cavaliere d’Arpino (Giuseppe Cesari), Archangel Michael and the Rebel Angels, ca. 1592&ndash;93. Oil on tin leaf(?)-coated copper.
Glasgow Museums; Bequeathed by Archibald McLellan, 1856 (153) &copy; CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. Courtesy American Federation of Arts.

Taking place at the Museum on Friday, February 27, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., this evening celebrates what the organizers are calling, “the drama of the divine, the sensuality of the secular and the splendors of spring in a one-night pilgrimage through 500 years of Italian painting in the galleries.” The entertainment includes music and dance performances by Ciaramella and Helios Dance Theater, participatory fresco painting, an interactive installation—From Mad Love to Bad Love—inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the Italian greats.

Start out your evening with a visit to Dante’s Purgatory, a literary work that inspired a 1480 commission by Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici for a series of narrative paintings by Sandro Botticelli.The tiered terraces of purgatory look suspiciously like dessert at the From Mad Love to Bad Love station, so you can have your cake and eat it too in this interactive, artist-designed installation.

After your journey through purgatory, immerse yourself in large-scale works at the fresco painting interactive installation. Work with SBMA Teaching Artist Kendall Pata to create a communal fresco inspired by the exhibition and painted directly onto dry plaster panels. Then tune in to the instrumental tapestry of Ciaramella, a wind ensemble dedicated to the music of the 15th century. The six-piece group—whose name is from he Italian shawm (a double-reed instrument similar to the oboe) and a 15th-century story about a beautiful girl whose clothes are full of holes and “knocks men flat” when she opens her mouth—performs a blend of Renaissance polyphony and improvisation.

Helios Dance Theater, courtesy SBMA

Helios Dance Theater, led by critically-acclaimed choreographer and artistic director Laura Gorenstein Miller, returns to Santa Barbara Museum of Art with a performance that mixes sensual abandon with fierce physicality. Praised by the Los Angeles Times as presenting a “sensual partnering of maneuvers constructed of both intimate gestures and acrobatic lifts,” Helios performs at the intersection of period music and contemporary dance to deliver a visual exploration of the sacred and the sensory.

Guests will also enjoy a selection of baroque music curated for the occasion by composer, violist, baroque violinist, and 17th-century music specialist Andrew Mcintosh.

As you make your way through the ages, sip on Brander wine and savor Italian-inspired piccolini and small bites inspired by the flavors of Rome, Venice, and Florence, and prepared by Fire and Ice Events. A blend of Cutler Vodka, limoncello, and fresh citrus makes the evening’s signature cocktail: the Sacred and Profane. Inspired by the symbol of purity in love, lemons, the Sacred and Profane provides a refreshing, revealing, and possibly redemptive experience—as can be said for the beautiful and powerfully moving paintings around which the evening revolves.

This is a 21 and over party, and tickets $25 SBMA members/$30 non‐members) include hors d’oeuvres, wine, and signature cocktails, along with the entertainment. Purchase tickets at sbma.net/atelier. For more information, call 805/884.6423 or email atelier@sbma.net. Santa Barbara Museum of Art is located at 1130 State St.

Hope to see some of you there. Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on February 13, 2015.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: A Toast to Love and Valentines

Posted on February 6, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

S.Y. Kitchen’s Valentine’s Kiss cocktail, photo by mixologist Alberto Battaglini.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Nothing says romance quite like a great bottle of wine or a sexy cocktail. Here are some ways to toast your beloved this Valentine’s Day.

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective has a special Valentine’s Day library flight of Babcock Cabernet Sauvignon

The Babcock Library Cabernet Flight, courtesy photo

paired with local chocolate truffles created by Santa Barbara confectioner Jessica Foster. The flight includes Babcock’s 2004 Nucleus Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Nucleus Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Block 15 Cabernet Sauvignon and a special release of Babcock’s “Naughty Little Nectar” Late Harvest Pinot Gris. All wines will be paired with Jessica Foster Truffles and winemaker Bryan Babcock will be on hand from 4-7 p.m. to offer an in depth look at each wine. The Santa Barbara Wine Collective, 131 Anacapa St., www.santabarbarawinecollective.com, 805/456-2700.

Jessica Foster Confections, courtesy photo.

Chef Derek Simcik at Outpost has created a special “Get Your Freak On” aphrodisiac-filled Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe menu that includes: oysters with pork cheek, green curry and coconut (aphrodisiac: oysters & spicy chilies in the curry); rabbit with soba noodles, red wine, pomegranate, pine nuts (aphrodisiac: red wine, pomegranate and pine nuts); and a special Cocoa Boba Tea made with cocoa and cayenne (aphrodisiac: cocoa, cayenne pepper). In addition, bartender Chris Burmeister will have a number of specialty “love potions” – available all weekend at both Outpost and Good Bar, including: Roses are Red (Vodka, passion tea infused aperol, rose water, prosecco); Violets are Blue (Gin, dolin blanc vermouth, blueberry syrup, crème de violet, lemon juice), Between the Sheets (White rum, Cognac VSOP, Cointreau, simple syrup, lemon juice) and With a Bottle of Booze (Tequila, carpano bianco, Pimm’s No 1, Peychaud’s Bitters). Outpost and Good Bar at the Goodland Hotel, 5650 Calle Real, Goleta, www.outpostsb.com, 805/964-1288.

The very romantic dining room at the Wine Cask features a special three-course menu with chocolate truffles from Jessica Foster Confections (she’s obviously in demand this holiday season). The Wine Cask, 813 Anacapa St., www.winecask.com, 805/966-9463.

El Beso De Luz, courtesy Casa Noble

Not every man can serenade his sweetheart the way Carlos Santana can, and the man can also mix a mean cocktail. Santana named this drink El Beso de Luz (The Kiss of Light) as a tribute to his wife Cindy, because the first sip of the cocktail reminded him of the feeling one gets when they first

The Raspberry Kiss cocktail from Eureka! , courtesy photo.

fall in love. Combine 2 oz Casa Noble Crystal Tequila with ½ oz Licor 43 and 1 oz Lime juice. Then squeeze an orange wedge over the cocktail and drop it into the glass. www.casanoble.com.

Eureka! is offering both His & Hers Special Valentine’s Day Cocktails. His is a collaboration with Mission Brewery on a version of their Dark Seas Russian Imperial Stout that was aged for eight months in Four Roses Bourbon Barrels. Hers is the Raspberry Chocolate Kiss cocktail featuring Prichard’s Double Chocolate Bourbon, raspberry gomme syrup, and red grapefruit juice. Both are available from Feb. 9 on. Eureka! , 601 Paseo Nuevo, www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com, 805/618-3388.

Les Marchands has a Valentine’s Day menu designed to inspire passion. Begin with Oysters on the Half Shell with Champagne Mignonette and then sample one of Chef Weston Richard’s acclaimed Ramen dishes—a Pork Belly Ramen for carnivores or, for vegetarians, a Roasted Butternut Squash Ramen. For dessert, a Dark Chocolate Mousse with Earl Grey Custard, Strawberries, Pistachio and Chocolate Tuile (sounds amazing!). Available from 4-10 p.m. with no reservations required and à la carte pricing, this is a great option for people who don’t like to plan far ahead. In addition, a flight Rosé hand-selected by Brian McClintic MS is available. Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant, 131 Anacapa St., www.lesmarchandswine.com, 805/284-0380.

The romantic S.Y. Kitchen Firepit at Night , Photo by Rocco Ceselin.

Just over the hill, S.Y. Kitchen has a San Valentino dinner designed for romance. Beginning with a first course for two of a Branzino Carpaccio with Osetra Caviar and Dill Crème Fraiche, guests will share Sous Chef Francesco’s House-Made Ravioli with Porcini and Black Truffles. The main course is a choice of a tender Filet Mignon with Foie Gras, Pineapple and Port Reduction or a Maine Lobster Catalana, to be selected by each guest. Chef Francesco will prepare a Chocolate Trilogy for the table completing a perfect Valentine’s Day evening in the Valley. Plus, Mixologist Alberto Battaglini has crafted his special Valentine’s Kiss cocktail —a stunning presentation of Rose Infused Gin with Lime, Lemon, Rose Liquor and Lavender. S.Y. Kitchen, 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez, www.sykitchen.com, 805/691-9794.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on February 6, 2015.

Cocktail Corner: Movie-Inspired Sips and Savories

Posted on January 30, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

The Lark is one of many restaurants offering specials to honor the 30th anniversary of SBIFF. Photo courtesy of The Lark.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s easy to get the star treatment during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). As part of a special Film Feast promotion, all sorts of local watering holes and restaurants are offering movie-themed specials during the Film Festival (January 27 – February 7).

Here are a few of my faves:

Get in the mood for a sweep at the Oscars (my prediction) with a Birdman Martini at Ty Lounge at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (1260 Channel Dr.). Made with 10 Cane Rum, Galliano, Gran Gala and lime, I recommend trying this one outside on the patio at sunset. Other specials include an Outstanding Carell Collins and a Cousteau Margarita. All come with an excellent view of Butterfly Beach.

The Lark (131 Anacapa St.) also has a special SBIFF Fizz Cocktail made with Cutler’s Gin, Santa Barbara Blood Oranges and Pimm’s.

Margerum M5

If you prefer wine to cocktails, one of the newer tasting rooms in the Wine Collection of El Paseo, Jamie Slone Wines (23 E. De La Guerra St.) is doing a salute to As Good as it Gets. They’ve partnered with C’est Cheese (Hello? Wine and cheese pretty much are as good as it gets!) to offer $20 wine and cheese pairings, along with screenings of the Jack Nicholson film daily at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (pairings are available from noon – 6 p.m. daily).

Another great movie—Vino Veritas (“In Wine, the Truth”) —is screening at Margerum Wine Company Tasting Room (813 Anacapa St.), which is in the Wine Collection of El Paseo as well. Also in that same charming paseo is Happy Canyon Vineyard‘s “A Good Year” Tasting Flight One, featuring a Staffords Chocolate Truffle paired with 2013 Happy Canyon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 Happy Canyon Vineyard Barrack Blanc, 2010 Piocho, 2009 Barrack Brand and 2010 Barrack Ten-Goal.

The other Wine Collection of El Paseo tasting rooms—Au Bon Climat and Grassini—also have special film fest deals going on, so feel free to make a double- or triple-feature of it.

Also down the street at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant (1129-A State St.) is the James Bond Globe Trotter Flight, where you can sample three wines from around the globe, as a tribute to the festival of course!

The food side of the film feast also has some fun options. Here are some highlights:

The Pasta Shoppe, in Santa Barbara Public Market (38 W. Victoria St.) has a special $30 prix fixe menu in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The special Italian-film-themed menu includes “Under the Tuscan Sun” Insalata dell casa with arugula, shaved red onion, teardrop tomatoes and house made grapefruit vinegrette; plus a choice of: “The Big Night” spinach, Ricotta Gnudi, pomodoro, pecorino; “Lady & the Tramp” bucatini with beef and pork bolognese, fresh herbs and parmigano; or “American in Rome” wild mshroom gnocchi, with herbed white wine sauce truffle oil. I tried the gnocchi recently and it was amazing! Don’t miss out on this one.

The Pasta Shoppe’s “American in Rome” wild mushroom gnocchi, with herbed white wine sauce and truffle oil. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Also saluting the festival is “I Am Prawns!” at Crocodile Restaurant and Bar at the Lemon Tree Inn (2819 State St.). This prix fixe menu is inspired by the 2009 Italian film I Am Love. Take 1: Bacon wrapped prawns, paired with Rusack Sauvignon Blanc. Take 2: Filet mignon with portobello mushroom demi glaze, garnished with blue cheese, served with grilled vegetables and truffled mac n’ cheese; paired with Qupe Syrah. Take 3: Triple layer chocolate mousse cake paired with Robert Hall Vintage Port. This is well-priced at $35 per person or $50 per person with wine pairings. Give them a call, as reservations are recommended.

Enjoy the fest and the feast! Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 30, 2015.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: A Toast to Downton Abbey

Posted on January 23, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

One of my favorite television shows recently had a wonderful plot twist: Downton Abbey, the wonderful British period drama which returned this month to PBS, now has its own wine label, believe it or not!

Available at www.Wine.com and www.DowntonAbbeyWine.com as well as select retailers, the Downton Abbey Wine Collection features two blends from the Bordeaux region of France: a “Blanc” white wine and a “Claret” red wine. Downton Abbey Blanc is a light and crisp white blend, while Downton Abbey Claret is medium-bodied red with bright fruit and a silky finish.

Made in the finest Bordeaux winemaking tradition by the Grands Vins de Bordeaux, a family-owned winery with more than 130 years of winemaking experience in the prized Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, France, both blends are finely balanced, elegant wines that are eminently drinkable. According to the manufacturer, they’re even using the same vines, soil and region used to produce the wines from the Downton Era.

In addition, other offerings from the collection include a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon. These new world bottlings take their inspiration from Lady Cora Crawley, the thoroughly modern, American-born wife of British aristocrat, Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham. Bold-flavored and fruit forward, the new wines are a counterpoint to Downton Abbey Wines’ more classically restrained Bordeaux offerings.

Lady Mary would most certainly approve.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 23, 2015.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Everything You Need to Know About Molecular Mixology

Posted on January 16, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Parks and Recreation, courtesy NBC.com

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Want to know about Molecular Mixology? Here’s the real lowdown from Parks & Recreation.

And by the way, this hilarious show just started its final season. (Pawnee drinking game, anyone?)

Cheers!

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Published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 16, 2015.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Stocking Stuffers

Posted on December 22, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Wine Twirls, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

Make your Christmas morning memorable by celebrating the art of celebrating with these fun, cocktail-themed stocking stuffers.

Wine Twirls

These pretty little “wine twirls” make sure your white wine stays chill right where it counts—in the glass. Just put them in the freezer ahead of time, then pop one into your glass and twirl, swirl and sip away to your heart’s content.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses

These pretty pink Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses are perfect for adding subtle saltiness to your favorite tequila. Not only that, they come from Salt Cave Santa Barbara, also known as North America’s Largest Himalayan Salt Cave right here at 740 State St., with a second location to purchase merchandise at 32 W. Anapamu St.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, courtesy Salt Cave

Whiskey Stones

Your favorite whiskey drinker will savor the scotch even more when he/she adds these chilled whiskey stones to their next dram. Milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the US, these cubes also come in cute, themed icons such as fishing, Paris, skull & crossbones and more.

Bubi Bottles

These versatile Bubi Bottles are portable, scrunchable and BPA free … need I say more! Not only will they hold your adult beverages, in a pinch they can be used as an ice pack or a hot pack, making them great gifts for everyone on your list.

Cocktails Galore Drink Coasters

Cocktail Coasters Courtesy After 5 Catalog

A collage of drink names artfully displayed—the Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, Martini, Mojito, Mai Tai, Gin and Tonic, Pina Colada, Screwdriver and more —will set the cocktail mood at your next bash. Set of four coasters from the local After 5 Catalog comes with its own stand made from durable hardboard.

Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier

The most portable way to transport your vino without the weight of a breakable bottle, this Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier is outfitted with an easy screw cap and a peekaboo window. What better gift than portable way to let you keep the party going wherever your adventures take you.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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

Leslie Dinaberg

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

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