Cocktail Corner: Pinot Noir Comes to Paradise

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!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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.”

A Visit to UCSB’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum

UCSB's Art, Design and Architecture Museum, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

UCSB’s Art, Design and Architecture Museum, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

A visit to UCSB’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum is always full of delights, and last week was no exception. Curator Elyse A. Gonzales kindly walked me through the current exhibitions.

This includes “Alice Aycock Drawings: Some Stories Are Worth Repeating, Early Work,” a fascinating complementary exhibit to the current Santa Barbara Museum of Art show which also highlights the prolific Aycock, an artist best known for her large-scale installations and outdoor sculptures.  Drawing, however plays a vital role in her creative process and the AD&A Museum installation focuses on the early years of the artist’s career, 1971–1984, and includes detailed architectural drawings, maquettes, and photodocumentation for both realized and imagined projects. It is on view through April 19.

Also currently on view through April 19 is artist-in-residence Fran Siegel‘s innovative drawing project that examines the landscape, history and current state of the Santa Barbara region through 50 unique drawings and related porcelain components. She basically deconstructs the city, using data sets from different time periods.

Both exhibitions are well worth a look, as is the student-curated show “Duke and the Masters: The Sedgwick Collection, ” on view through April 19.

The Art, Design & Architecture Museum on the UCSB Campus  is open Wednesday–Sunday from noon–5 p.m. Admission is free.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Alice Aycock's work at UCSB's AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock’s work at UCSB’s AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock's work at UCSB's AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock’s work at UCSB’s AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock's work at UCSB's AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock’s work at UCSB’s AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock's work at UCSB's AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock’s work at UCSB’s AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock's work at UCSB's AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock’s work at UCSB’s AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock's work at UCSB's AD&A Museum

Alice Aycock’s work at UCSB’s AD&A Museum

 

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 25, 2014.

Fast Pitch Offers a Winning Opportunity for Nonprofits

Courtesy Fast Pitch SB

Courtesy Fast Pitch SB

Concise communication is key in today’s world of ever-shorter attention spans. With that in mind, this spring local nonprofits will have the opportunity to participate in a Shark Tank style competition to make three-minute pitches to a panel of judges and a live audience for cash awards, including a $25,000 Judges award and two $10,000 Coaches awards.

Fast Pitch SB, a project of Social Venture Partners Santa Barbara (SVPSB), has already received almost 100 applications from nonprofits looking to receive personal coaching and communications training from experts in the field.

“This is a great way to help an organization have sustainable change,” says Seth Streeter, a member of SVPSB and the “Chief Energy Officer” for Fast Pitch SB.

Courtesy Fast Pitch SB

Courtesy Fast Pitch SB

The opportunity is open for any nonprofit with a compelling idea or project they would like to bring to fruition in the community. After all applications are complete, SVPSB will identify 20 nonprofits to enter seven weeks of communications training to develop their presentations.

From these 20, ten finalists will be invited to present their three-minute “fast pitch” to a panel of judges at the Music Academy of the West on May 15. There will be a live audience populated with potential investors, donors and community members, as well as satellite voting and viewing locations set up throughout Santa Barbara. Nonprofit supporters and community members will be able to gather at these locations to watch a live feed during the event and organizers are working to set up a text-to-vote process to give one organization the Audience Choice award.

I went to watch our sister Social Venture Partners group in Los Angeles do this event (which originated there about eight years ago). It was so great that, “I couldn’t control it, ” says Streeter. “I got so excited I just raised my hand and said ‘let’s do it.'”

The process moved quickly after that. When the event takes place in May, “the whole thing will have happened in nine months,” says Streeter.

“People are really excited about this program,” says Joan Young, executive director of SVPSB. “We all know when we’ve heard a bad talk, but it can be difficult to refine that into the right message … especially if you have a complicated message.”

“In talking to nonprofits who have done this in other places, most said they did it for exposure and money but found the leadership and communications training had a tremendous and lasting effect,” says Streeter.

“As for the communications training, SVPSB will identify 40 individuals (two coaches per team) to work with the nonprofits so that the best possible pitch can be developed. This in itself, can also be seen as a valuable prize,” says Jessica Tade, director of communications and marketing of the Santa Barbara Foundation, which is one of the sponsors of the event.

“We’re really hoping to find organizations that need just this little step up,” says Young, explaining, “Social Venture Partners is a unique group of individuals who pool their money and talents and leverage networks to improve the nonprofit sector.”

“Getting involved is a way to give one donation and support 20 organizations,” says Streeter. For more information about getting involved with Fast Pitch SB click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Cocktail Corner: Get Schooled in Sake

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.”

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias at the Arlington

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias (courtesy photo)

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias (courtesy photo)

Gabriel Iglesias‘s  new world tour, Unity Through Laughter, comes to Santa Barbara this weekend.

Iglesias had a banner year last year,  with Forbes Magazine including him in its “Ones to Watch” list, and The Hollywood Reporter naming him to its “Top Five Grossing Standup Comedians.” In addition, Iglesias’ Comedy Central special Gabriel Iglesias: Aloha Fluffy premiered this past spring and generated the network’s highest ratings for the year.

Season three of his hit series Gabriel Iglesias Presents: Stand-Up Revolution airs in spring of 2014 on Comedy Central. In addition, he can currently be heard as one of the voices in the  family film The Nut Job.  He will next be seen in Marlon Wayans’ upcoming film A Haunted House 2 this April. Iglesias’ other recent film credits include this summer’s Disney animated hit film Planes, and he appeared opposite Channing Tatum in  Magic Mike.

Iglesias appears at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St.,  on Saturday, February 22 and Sunday February 23 at 7:30 p.m.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 18, 2014.

Jazz at the Lobero presents The Spring Quartet With Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding & Leo Genovese

Esperanza Spalding, photo by Takuo Sato, courtesy Lobero

Esperanza Spalding, photo by Takuo Sato, courtesy Lobero

The first event of the Jazz at the Lobero 2014 series is a star-studded turn by The Spring Quartet, featuring legendary jazz musicians Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding and Leo Genovese performing together at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.,  on Tuesday, February 18 at 8 p.m.

Jack DeJohnette is one of the most respected drummers on the planet and an NEA Jazz Master. He has been, in constant demand as a drummer, bandleader, and sideman for over five decades.

GRAMMY award winning saxophone giant Joe Lovano has been hailed by the New York Times as “one of the greatest musicians in jazz history;” distinguishing himself as a prescient force in the arena of creative music.

Bassist/vocalist/composer Esperanza Spalding was one of the biggest breakout stars of 2011 when she received the unprecedented GRAMMY for Best New Artist–the first time in history that a jazz musician has won the award.

The amazing Argentinean pianist Leo Genovese, member of Spalding’s Chamber Music Society and Radio Music Society tours, and long-time cohort, rounds out the all-star frontline.

Tickets for Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding and Leo Genovese are on sale now at Lobero.com and at the Lobero Box office by calling 805/963.0761.

Next up in the Jazz at the Lobero Series is Pat Metheny Unity Band on February 26, followed by a celebration 60 years in the making with the Newport Jazz Festival: Now 60 on March 14, followed by An Evening with Branford Marsalis on May 7.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 17, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Eros from Sunstone

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

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.”

Paul Reiser is the Perfect Date for Valentine’s Day

It turns out that stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Paul Reiser isn’t just funny on TV and movie screen or on stage, he’s equally funny via email. He’ll be appearing at the Lobero Theatre  (33 E. Canon Perdido St.) on Friday, February 14.

Paul Reiser, courtesy photo

Paul Reiser, courtesy photo

Reiser is probably best known as the star and co-creator of the beloved TV series Mad About You, but more recently he’s been doing movies. This year he starred opposite Matt Damon and Michael Douglas in the Steven Soderbergh-directed HBO movie Behind The Candelabra, a film about Liberace that won 11 Emmy’s. He also appears in two highly anticipated Sundance Film Festival contenders this year, Life After Beth and Whiplash.

Reiser is also a talented musician. He wrote the Mad About You theme song (with Grammy-winning producer Don Was) “The Final Frontier,” which has the unique distinction of having been broadcast on Mars. NASA mission directors chose the song as the “wake up call” for the Sojourner Rover on Mars. He recently collaborated with British singer/songwriter Julia Fordham on Unusual Suspectsan album of original songs on which Reiser also arranged and played piano.

I interviewed Reiser via email this week. Here are few tidbits:

SEASONS: Your publicist mentions your musical talents. Will there be music in the Santa Barbara show or will it be strictly stand-up?

Paul Reiser: Just standup, maybe a little Q&A at the end—but no music. However people are invited to sing along at any point, should they be so moved.

SEASONS: Your show takes place at the Lobero on Valentine’s Day. What will your wife be doing while you’re in Santa Barbara entertaining all of us?

Paul Reiser:  That’s a good question. Your guess is as good as mine. The woman remains a mystery. Though seeing as how it’s Valentines Day, I might persuade her to come along for the ride.

SEASONS: Any chance of a creative reunion of some sort between you and your TV wife Helen Hunt?

Paul Reiser:  Well, that depends on what you call ” creative.” We get together for lunch pretty regularly, and while I like to think we order pretty creatively (for example, I recently had soup, she had a salad, and then—wait for it: we split a couple of sides) – which I thought was a bit outside the box—these events are generally not broadcast for public consumption and probably not what you had in mind.

SEASONS: No, not exactly.

But we are excited that after all of these years of having Reiser make us laugh on TV and movies (and most recently on email), we’ll finally get to him perform live, up close and personal. Not only that, we have a few tickets to give away.

Check out our Facebook page on Thursday, February 6, Tuesday, February 11, and Thursday, February 13 to see how you can win a pair of tickets to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Paul Reiser at the Lobero Theatre on Friday, February 14 at 7:30 p .m.

To purchase tickets call 805/966-4946 and visit www.lobero.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 6, 2014.

Oprah and UGG Australia: A Match Made in Film Fest Heaven

Oprah Winfrey (SBIFF)

Oprah Winfrey (SBIFF)

As loyal viewers know, UGG’s iconic sheepskin boots are one of Oprah Winfrey‘s “favorite things.” The classic boots have been featured on Oprah’s “favorite things” show a record five times, so it’s not surprising that UGG Australia president, Connie Rishwain is thrilled to be up on stage at the Arlington Theatre on Wednesday night introducing Winfrey as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival‘s Montecito Award recipient.

This is UGG’s eighth year as a sponsor of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) but its first as the presenting sponsor. When asked why the company decided to make an even stronger financial commitment now, Rishwain expressed gratitude to the company’s corporate base in Santa Barbara.  “UGG has enjoyed great success, as has Deckers, and we’ve consistently put the majority of our philanthropic dollars back into our local community. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s also a privilege to be able to do it. Sponsoring the SBIFF is a way to thank not only the fans of the brand who continue to support us, but also our own Deckers family who live and work here,” she said.  “Last year was a good year for our business and it seemed like an ideal time to become the presenting sponsor of the SBIFF. ”

Connie Rishwain (courtesy photo)

UGG Australia president Connie Rishwain (courtesy photo)

She continued,  “It’s a thrill to have the opportunity to celebrate Oprah Winfrey, and I am honored to be able to thank her in public for all that she has done for UGG.  We’ve been featured on her ‘favorite things’ show five times, and we attribute part of our global success to her love of UGG.  It’s wonderful to be able to express our love and admiration for her and all that she’s done in film, but beyond that, in the way she’s helped us understand our place in this world and how to make it better.  She’s a real inspiration.”

Deckers has more than 400 employees in Santa Barbara, and most of the UGG brand team is in Goleta in the new corporate headquarters.  “We’ve just moved into our new campus headquarters (at Hollister Ave. and Los Carneros Rd.),” Rishwain said, “so it’s an exciting time for us as we bring together people from the four offices from which we were operating, and are all together again under one roof.”

When asked about the company’s local nonprofit support, Rishwain said, “Giving back to our community and causes has been a part of Deckers’ DNA since its founding. We are a lot bigger now, and support nonprofit organizations all over the world because we have Deckers and UGG employees all over the world committed to causes and programs they care about, but the ethos is the same: ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’  We can’t be a successful company without the employees who work with us, the customers who choose to wear us, and vibrant communities in which to work and live, and we take our obligations to ‘do well and do good’ very seriously. ”

The Montecito Award was created in recognition of a performer who has given a series of classic and standout performances throughout his/her career and whose style has been a contribution to film. Previously, the award has been given to such luminaries as Daniel Day-Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate Winslet, Javier Bardem, Naomi Watts and Annette Bening, who was the very first recipient in 2005. Winfrey, who appeared most recently in Lee Daniels’ The Butler, will receive the award on Wednesday, February 5 at 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 4, 2014.