Category Archives: cocktails

Cocktail Corner: Pinot Noir Comes to Paradise

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Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

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

Shell Beach’s loss is Santa Barbara gain.

After 13 years of hosting the annual World of Pinot Noir, the two-day event moves to Santa Barbara this weekend (February 28-March 1), specifically to the luxurious, oceanfront Bacara Resort and Spa.

The mission is “to bring Pinot Noir producers from the most exceptional and unique regions in the world together with Pinot Noir enthusiasts for a weekend of celebration and education at the edge of California’s beautiful Central Coast.” For a complete look at the impressive list of participants click here.

Friday’s highlights include a seminar titled “Burgundy & Oregon: Parallels in Latitudes” where wine writer Katherine Cole shines a spotlight on the fact that though 4,000 miles apart, Burgundy and Oregon share a latitude and are both stellar Pinot Noir producing regions. As part of the seminar, guests will be treated to a three-course gourmet lunch in Restaurant Miró prepared by executive chef David Reardon and chef de cuisine Johan Denizot, created specifically to pair with the wines of the 45th parallel.

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Now that’s my kind of professional development day!

Later that afternoon is the Friday Grand Tasting, featuring Pinot Noir from more than 100 producers, as well as a silent auction, screenings of wine-themed movies Somm and Sideways (with wine of course) and special winemaker dinners that evening.

Saturday’s seminar spotlights The Insider Wines of the Cote d’Or, where Don Kinnan CSS, CWE tells all about the secret wines, small producers, and boutique producers of the Cote d’Or. The session also includes a detailed discussion of the mountain of Corton, location of the Cote d’Or’s greatest expanse of Grand Cru vineyard acreage.

In addition to Corton and Corton-Charlemagne, wines will be tasted from Marsannay, Fixin, Pernand-Vergelesses, Savigny-Les-Beaune, Monthelie, Auxey-Duresses, Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay. A short history of viticulture and principal vineyards in each village will be presented. During the presentation, 12 wines, selected to represent their villages best “terroirs” will be tasted.

Following the seminar, guests will enjoy a Burgundy-inspired three-course luncheon created by Bacara’s culinary team in the Miró Restaurant.

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

That afternoon is a second Grand Tasting, featuring a different roster of wineries from California and even more wines from our international and regional participants—more than 120 producers of this alluring wine.

If you’ve still got a taste for the grape, the Saturday Grand Tasting is followed by an evening gala, with a seasonal and fresh plated amuse bouche as the featured winemakers and the team of sommeliers introduce themselves. Eat, Drink, Enjoy!

For more information and tickets click  here.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 28, 2014.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Get Schooled in Sake

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Yuji Matsumoto (courtesy photo)

Yuji Matsumoto (courtesy photo)

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

The Bacara Resort’s new Meet the Masters dining series with the world’s finest wine and spirit masters kicked off this week with a sold out evening with Sabrage & Champagne Master Nicolas Krafft of Christofle.

Up next, on Thursday, March 20, is an evening with Yuji Matsumoto, the United States’ first certified Master Sake Sommelier.  The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a sushi and sake reception on the Miro Terrace, paired with a selection of sushi by the resort’s own Sushi Chef.

That will be followed by a four-course tasting menu by Miro Chef Johan Denizot, elegantly presented by Bacara’s Creative Director Lorrene Balzani. Each course will be expertly paired with renowned sake and wine selections by Matsumoto, whose credentials are quite impressive.

In addition to being the first certified Master Sake Sommelier in the U.S., he is the former  president of both the California Sushi Academy and the Sake Institute of America, the beverage manager of Kabuki Restaurants, Inc., a Sake Samurai (awarded as a Sake Samurai in 2010 by the Japan National Sake Brewery Association Junior Counsel), a finalist of 2006 World Sake Sommelier Competition, a speaker at more than 300 sake seminars, and a contributor  to Japanese Restaurant News and Sushi and Sake Magazine.

Space is very limited and advanced reservations are required. To book a spot click here.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 21, 2014.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Eros from Sunstone

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Sunstone Eros and Chocolate pairing (courtesy photo)

Sunstone Eros and Chocolate pairing (courtesy photo)

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

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Sunstone  Vineyards & Winery is uncorking its newest EROS 2011 Release, a popular blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

According to  winemaker Bion Rice, “Eros 2011 may be the best ever.” They are collaborating with local French chocolatier, Chocolates du Calibressan, and adding a lovely new pairing to the line-up: macarons by French creator, Claire Becker of Duverger Macarons.

This weekend’s annual EROS Release (at the winery, 125 N. Refugio Rd. in Santa Ynez) will include three of their EROS signature blends, their Sunstone Port still in barrel, and the best of their current wine selections.

Rice has chosen each wine personally and carefully paired it with chocolates and macarons.

Tastings will be held on Saturday, February 15 from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 16 from noon to 4 p.m. Click here to make reservations online.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 14, 2014.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: New Handcrafted Cocktails at Intermezzo

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Intermezzo's Cherry Bomb (courtesy photo)

Intermezzo’s Cherry Bomb (courtesy photo)

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

The creative crew at Intermezzo is shaking things up again this month, with a slew of new specialty cocktails to enjoy on a cold rainy day or warm winter afternoon. You never know what to expect weather-wise in February in Santa Barbara, but you can certainly expect these tasty, handcrafted cocktails to hit the spot!

Try the Cherry Bomb, a mix of Caliche rum, lemon, orgeat, egg whites, Brandy Cherry syrup, and Peychaud’s bitters.  It pairs well with girls night out and the “Mission” flatbread, topped with Fig preserves, Pt. Reyes blue cheese, crispy salami, wild arugula and drizzled with 20 year aged balsamic.

Intermezzo's new cocktails include (L-R) a Mai Tai, Pisco Sour, Santa Barbara Sazerac, Cherry Bomb and Tea with a Monk (courtesy photo)

Intermezzo’s new cocktails include (L-R) a Mai Tai, Pisco Sour, Santa Barbara Sazerac, Cherry Bomb and Tea with a Monk (courtesy photo)

Intermezzo’s retro favorite new version of a Mai Tai, a concoction of Gold & Silver Flor de Cana Rum, orgeat syrup, lime cordial, lemon juice, pineapple and dark rum, is a perfect post-theater treat, especially with one of Rosie’s Fresh Cinnamon Rolls, which are mouth-watering yummy. You even get to choose from cream cheese, orange or maple-bacon glaze … as if you possibly could go wrong!

(L-R) Intermezzo's Pisco Sour and Mai Tai (courtesy photo)

(L-R) Intermezzo’s Pisco Sour and Mai Tai (courtesy photo)

Also worth ditching work a little on the early side is Intermezzo’s new Tea with a Monk, made with Hop Head Vodka, Chartreuse, chamomile tea syrup, lemon, mint and chocolate bitters.  The Pisco Sour, made with Pisco La Diablada, lemon, simple syrup and egg white , is also new on the cocktail menu this season, along with the Santa Barbara Sazerac, mixed with Breaker bourbon, absinthe bitters and orange peel. This vintage-inspired cocktail pairs perfectly with Intermezzo’s Fried Chicken & Waffles Basket  with Apricot marmalade dipping sauce.

See you on patio at Intermezzo, 819 Anacapa St.

Cheers!
Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 7, 2014.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Le Café Stella

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The bar at Le Cafe Stella (courtesy photo)

The bar at Le Cafe Stella (courtesy photo)

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

Tucked uptown near the corner of upper State Street and Las Positas across from the scenic Santa Ynez mountains and Municipal Golf Course, Le Café Stella is a charming neighborhood favorite, pairing the ambience of a European café with an American twist.

Le Cafe Stella Margarita (courtesy photo)

Le Cafe Stella Margarita (courtesy photo)

Located at 3302 McCaw Ave., it’s a great place to meet friends, especially during Happy Hour, which happens daily from 3–6 p.m. and 9–10 p.m. (I love this late night Happy Hour trend we’re seeing more and more around town these days!) Sit in the cozy Parisian style bar or outside on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy the sunset.

Cocktail specials include a Margarita (made with tequila, agave nectar and house sweet & sour), a Madras (with vodka, cranberry juice and fresh O.J.) and Pernod (Pernod on ice with a splash of water)—all at just $4 a pop. Also on special is a selections of wines by the glass ($3.50) and bottled beers that include Beck’s Sapphire, Firestone and Long Hammer IPA for $3 each, along with Corona and Sol for just $2.50.

Along with breakfast, lunch and dinner, Le Café Stella has a great menu of nibbles, including Happy Hour specials on a variety of flatbreads, as well as Cajun pork sausage brioche sliders with harissa aioli & tomato cornichon relish. Try the sautéed shrimp with an order of parmesan truffle fries—they won’t leave you hungry for dinner.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 31, 2014.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Wine and Film Pair Perfectly With Santa Barbara Film Feast

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Star in your own romantic comedy with SB Film Feast's wine tasting specials. (photo: photostock, freedigitalphotos.net)

Star in your own romantic comedy with SB Film Feast’s wine tasting specials. (photo: photostock, freedigitalphotos.net)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg 

Santa Barbara’s Film Feast, coinciding with the 29th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) January 30th – February 9th, has something for everyone, including a slew of great wine specials and award-worthy prix fixe tasting flights.

Nominees include “The Graduate Wine Flight” at Au Bon Climat Wine Tasting Room and The Jim Clendenen Wine Library (813 Anacapa St.), which includes eight wines comprised of four sets—one older and one younger vintage of the same wine. Taste the youthful, perky vintage against the graceful, nuanced library edition, accompanied by artisan cheeses from C’est Cheese.

“Film Noir and Pinot Noir,” is on the marquee at Conway Deep Sea Tasting Room (217-G Stearns Wharf), offering a flight of three different Pinot Noirs. The grapes all come from within Santa Barbara County and highlight movies that focus on Pinot Noir’s as well.

Featured at Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room (813 Anacapa St.) is the documentary film “Wine for the Confused,” a light-hearted introduction to wine for novices.  John Cleese, a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, hosts the film. Tastings will offer interactive lessons on tasting wine, including blind tastings, as well as sensory experiences to help you decipher the sometimes confusing world of wine.

At Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant (131 Anacapa St.), it’s your turn to be the sommelier with “SOMM II: The Sequel.” Join the SOMM movie talent, Brian McClintic, as he and the Les Marchands team guide you through your own blind tasting just like in the movie. Enjoy a wine flight with your choice of red or white and take your best guess, while exploring and learning a little more about wine. 

At Margerum Wine Company Tasting Room (812 Anacapa St.) enjoy the “It’s Complicated“ tasting flight and see where parts of the movie were filmed. Try a speciality tasting of the single vineyard Syrah flight, while enjoying clips from the film.

Silent films take center stage at Municipal Winemakers (22 Anacapa St.). With “Blind and Silent,” sharpen your wine tasting skills while enjoying a variety of famous films that will be silently projected. Muni will be offering blind tastings of a variety of its wines, while letting you guess the blend and silent film.

It’s opening night at Santa Barbara Winery (202 Anacapa St.) “Starring Grenache!” and featuring a new release wine flight starring their 2011 Grenaches. Co-starring in the performance will be boxes of locally made Grenache chocolate truffles. Sounds like a delicious way to celebrate the film festival.

Cheers!
Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 24, 2014.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Tupelo Junction Cafe

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The Whistling Dixie at Tupelo Junction Cafe, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

The Whistling Dixie at Tupelo Junction Cafe, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

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

You’ll find Southern comfort food in spades at Tupelo Junction Cafe, but this reliable old favorite downtown restaurant also has a creative and well-priced cocktail menu (1218 State St., 805/899-3100).

This week my tipple of choice was the Whistling Dixie, a smooth concoction of Maker’s Mark Whisky, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade and Soda that was just the ticket before a yummy meal of the Crispy Fried “Free Range” Chicken with Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Swiss Chard, Sweet Corn & Herbed Pan Gravy. Delicious … and just like Grammy used to make, if my Grandma didn’t specialize in making reservations!

Tupelo’s specialty martini list has clever home-fried names—which the writer in me approves of—and lip-smacking top shelf potions—which the drinker in me approves of. For example:

The Kentucky Derby, made with 10 Cane Rum, Amaretto, Pineapple, Orange Juice & Cherry.

The Sweet “Tea”ni, made with Ketel One Citroen, Blackberry Sage Iced Tea & Lemonade.

The Sour Lemon Drop, made with Grey Goose Vodka, Fresh Squeezed Lemon & served in a sugar rimmed glass.

The Pink Flamingo, with Tanqueray Gin, fresh squeezed Pink Grapefruit Juice & Soda.

The Southern Belle, an Absolut Mandarin Cosmopolitan with Cranberry and Lime Juice.

The Rajin’ Cajun, with Absolut Peppar, Chipotle Bloody Mary & Pickled Green Beans. This is definitely a brunch time favorite for Bloody Mary fans. Try the Wild Mushroom, Asparagus, Black Truffle Cheese Scramble with Baby Green Salad & Homemade Bread—you’ll swear you’ve died and gone to truffle-sniffing heaven!

The Spicy Smoked Chipotle & Crab Bloody Mary also has a lot of brunch time takers.

And for dessert, try the Velvet Elvis, made with Stoli Vanilla, Kahlua, Baileys, Banana Liquer & Chocolate. If you really want to “love me tender,” pair this with the Chocolate Turtle Beignets with Crème Anglaise & Candied Pecans. Ahhh, such sweet nirvana!

Happy Hour is also a great time to visit Tupelo Junction Cafe. Every night from 5–7 p.m. (they’re closed Mondays) they have selected cocktails for just $6, including The Rajin’ Cajun and The Southern Belle, as well as a Farmer’s Market Blackberry Mojito and a terrific Margarita with Fresh Lime, Mint, Cucumber & Tangerines. Selected wines by the glass are only $5 during happy hour, in addition to a whole slew of tasty small plates, including Cheddar Cheese Hush Puppies with Spicy Pepper Jam, Fried Green Tomatoes with Herb Buttermilk Dressing, and those Chocolate Turtle Beignets I was telling you about.

I’ll definitely be back again soon. Hope to see you…I mean y’all, there.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Intoxerated

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

One of my favorite gifts this holiday season was a paperback book called Intoxerated: The Definitive Drinker’s Dictionary by Paul Dickson. Billed as “the book that set the Guinness World Record for most synonyms of a single word in English—’drunk,'” this slim volume is a fun read that is sure to spawn a new generation of party games for the tipsy.

According to the author, “the first person to ever collect and publish a sampling from the cornucopia of English slang for drunkeness” was Benjamin Franklin, with his 1737 Drinker’s Dictionary. Other prestigious contributors to the oeuvre were Charles Dickens, H.L. Mencken and Ambrose Bierce, among other lubricated literary lexicography lions.

Some of my favorite synonyms for soused (from the book) include:

A Weeble: from the name of the toy Weebles who wobble but they don’t fall down.

Cabbaged

Boris Yeltsinned: after the notoriously alcoholic Russian Prime Minister, then later popularized in an episode of “The Simpsons,” where they give a breathalyzer to a bar patron to see if it was safe for them to drive. The meter had the following degrees of inebriation: Not Drunk/Tipsy/Pissed/Boris Yeltsin.

The emoticons: *), %*) and %-).

Full of loud mouth soup

Snicker-doodled

Count Drunkula

Zambonied: a reference to the Zamboni ice re-surfacing machine.

Feng schwasted: a surrounding harmonious atmosphere encouraging of a state of intoxication.

Pixelated

Obnoxicated: a combination of “intoxicated” and “obnoxious” coined by Louis Jordan in his 1947 hit song, “Open the Door, Richard.”

Picassoed

X Filed

That’s just a sampling of the synonyms in this toast-worthy book. Pick up a copy. I think you’ll find it … quite intoxicating.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 3, 2014.

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.”

Les Marchands Presents New Year’s Eve With Pierre Péters Champagne & Raw Bar Extravaganza

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Brian McClintic and Eric Railsback of Les Marchands (photo by Emily Railsback)

Brian McClintic and Eric Railsback of Les Marchands (photo by Emily Railsback)

Looking for something elegant to do this New Year’s Eve? As the ball drops, the bubbles rise. when Master Sommelier Brian McClintic and Sommelier Eric Railsback, managing partners of Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant (131 Anacapa St. in the Funk Zone), showcase the best in Champagne and include a Santa Barbara seafood feast to ring in 2014.

The stars of the 2013 hit film SOMM celebrate the passing of 2013 and the arrival of 2014 with a spectacular party befitting this paean to fine wine producers.
Pouring plentifully for solo guests and couples is Pierre Péters, the Champagne produced in France by the family since 1919. This champagne will be accompanied by a raw bar for the ages—replete with Blue Fin Tuna, Oysters on the Half Shell, Local Uni with Burrata and much, much more.
Space is extremely limited; tickets are available for purchase on the Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant website.
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on December 23, 2013

Cocktail Corner: Cocktails and Cookies for Santa

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Ocean Vodka's White Christmas Cocktail, photo by Jessica Pearl

Ocean Vodka’s White Christmas Cocktail, photo by Jessica Pearl

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

Maybe your Santa Claus drinks milk with his cookies … but after a long night’s journey up and down chimneys delivering gifts, mine prefers a good stiff adult beverage.

Here are just a few of Santa’s favorite Christmas Eve cocktails (click on drink names for links to the full recipes).

Santa Sleigh Cocktail from the always-festive Sandra Lee of the Food Network features brandy, amaretto and ice cream. Yum!

Bourbon and pear puree are the primary flavors in this delicious Santa’s Little Helper from bartender Kris Doyle via laist.com.

Want to tickle Santa’s Whiskers? Try this concoction of 42Below Honey Vodka and Angostura Bitters from Mixologist Pete Gugni via about.com’s cocktail section.

Vodka, amaretto and cranberry juice create a refreshing red splash for Santa’s Helper from Chris Nease at celebrationsathomeblog.com.

Leave it to Rachel Ray to create the Tipsy Santa cocktail, featuring bourbon and ginger ale.

Our friends at Ocean Vodka came up with the White Christmas, a tasty treat featuring peppermint extract and Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur.

Finally, we’ve got 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails from the fabulous folks of Tablespoon.com. Try the Spice “Cake Batter” Shots to give your night an extra festive kick.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on December 20, 2013.

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.”