Tag Archives: Seasons Publishing Group

SB Style File: Stocking Stuffers

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Tis the season … here are some of our picks for stylish stocking stuffers she is sure to love!

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Face & Eye Essentials Set, courtesy photo.

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Face & Eye Essentials Set, courtesy photo.

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Face & Eye
Essentials Set
IT has a nice set of four brushes to line, define, smoke out and blend, plus the allover complexion brush for all your basics from foundation to blush to illuminizer! Includes Complexion Brush, Shadow Brush, Crease Brush, Smudger Brush and Liner/Brow Brush from Ulta (7000 Market Pl. Dr., Goleta) or ulta.com.

 

Jane Iredale Smoky Eye Kit 

Jane Iredale Smoky Eye Kit , courtesy photo.

Jane Iredale Smoky Eye Kit , courtesy photo.

Five step-by-step looks are included on the fold-out ‘how to’ guide. These highly pigmented shadows are simple to blend, sensitivity-tested and long-lasting for stay-put, gorgeous, crease-free color. The kit is packaged in an artful travel box with a mirror and dual-ended application brush and makes a beautiful gift. Each kit includes eight versatile shades. Available at Nordstrom in Paseo Nuevo (17 W. Canon Perdido St.) or janeiredale.com.

 

Mineral Fusion Lipstick Butter in Vine, courtesy photo.

Mineral Fusion Lipstick Butter in Vine, courtesy photo.

Mineral Fusion Lipstick Butter
From nude to coral to blackberry, Mineral Fusion’s mineral-pigmented lipsticks add a beautiful pop of color and are made with Cocoa Butter which provides rich moisture and prevents future flaking, plus Argan Oil softens the surface of lips and penetrates deeper to renew and nourish parched tissue. This  100% Vegan and  65% Organic product is available locally at Whole Foods (3761 State St.) and MineralFusion.com.

 

Whim Holiday Collection 
Exclusive for the holiday are 10 new shades of the 5-free nail lacquer: Sage of Innocence,

Whim Nail Lacquer Holiday, courtesy photo.

Whim Nail Lacquer Holiday, courtesy photo.

Dreaming in Glitter, Cocktails & Fairytales, Blush & Bows, When the Clock Strikes, Moonlit Moments, Sapphire Slipper, Let’s Cuddle, Thyme to Celebrate and Sheet Embrace. Sold at Ulta (7000 Market Pl. Dr., Goleta) or ulta.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 19, 2015.

 

Cocktail Corner: Seasonal Cocktails at the Goodland & Potek Pop-Up

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Outpost at the Goodland Red Rooster Highball, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Outpost at the Goodland Red Rooster Highball, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Goleta’s hippest hangout has upped its game even further recently, both The Goodbar and Outpost at the Goodland (5650 Calle Real, Goleta) have bold, fun new cocktail menus from lead bartender Chris Burmeister.

The already extensive—and very creative—menu now includes a dozen new sippers between the two bars. My friend Laura and I got to taste them recently, along with some sensational seasonal bites from Executive Chef Derek Simcik.

First up (from the Outpost menu) was the sweet and spicy Red Rooster Highball. Made with Sriracha Mango Cordial mixed with Aviation Gin, Marie Brizard Orange Curacao and fresh lime juice, this is a pretty, aromatic and delicious drink!

The Goodbar Feelin' Renegade, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Goodbar Feelin’ Renegade, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Feelin’ Renegade—and who wouldn’t be after that Red Rooster Highball—the next cocktail was a lovely balance of Cynar, house falernum, cinnamon syrup, fresh pineapple and fresh lime. It tastes like Santa Barbara’s autumn in a glass, mixing the traditional fall flavors with bright fruits and citrus (from the Goodbar menu).

Also from the Goodbar is the Backseat Driver, an expertly blended concoction of  Maker’s mark, housemade English bishop, averna, fresh lemon, demerara and angostura bitters.

Spoon Fight at the Outpost, courtesy photo.

Spoon Fight at the Outpost, courtesy photo.

Another Goodbar star was West of Autumn, made with sweet potato maple syrup, blended with Barrel Aged Flor de Cana Rum, Amaro Montenegro, Dolin Sweet Vermouth and chicory-pecan bitters, this comforting and delicious drink made my tastebuds sing.

Also new at the Goodbar is Eve’s Fault, which features George Dickel Rye, LeCompte Calvados and Kronan Swedish Punsch, a flavorful liqueur with hints of toffee, smoke, molasses and leather. Served with a large Apple Cider ice cube, this well-balanced cocktail hits is perfect for the season.

Tullamore Dew and Cold Press on Draft from the Outpost, courtesy photo.

Tullamore Dew and Cold Press on Draft from the Outpost, courtesy photo.

When the weather gets cold, the coffee gets spiked, and Outpost has a unique twist on traditional Irish Coffee with its Tullamore Dew and Cold Press on Draft, topped with hand whipped Chartreuse cream.

Also on the sweet side, available at both Outpost and the Goodbar is Burmeister’s Housemade Irish Cream. The classic, creamy sipper is amazing, served neat, on the rocks or with hot coffee.

Check out the website at outpostsb.com/menu/ for the complete menus.

Housemade Irish Cream at the Outpost and Goodbar, courtesy photo.

Housemade Irish Cream at the Outpost and Goodbar, courtesy photo.

Everything the Outpost Chef Simcik makes is music to my tastebuds, but diners are really in for a treat next week, when he’ll pop up at Potek Winery (406 E. Haley St. #1) for an intimate wine dinner on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

The four-course menu, perfectly paired with Potek’s notable wines, includes:

Thai Crab Salad

shaved avocado, green curry coconut, roe, shrimp puff

Pairing: 2013 Kick On Riesling

Brulee Bone Marrow

foie, pickled carrot, balsamic, mustard seeds

Pairing: 2012 Tierra Alta Grenache

Beef Cheek 

Seasonal bites from Outpost at the Goodland, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Seasonal bites from Outpost at the Goodland, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

squid ink, umami bomb broth, quail egg, root vegetables

Pairing: 2013 Sanford and Benedict Old Vine Pinot Noir

Trio of Desserts

Ritz Crackers and Foie

Reese’s Bacon Cup

Mango con Chili

Pairing: 2014 Potek Kick On Ranch Riesling Ice Wine from Barrel

Seating is extremely limited, and can be reserved by purchasing tickets at muniwine.com. The cost is $75 per person.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

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

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on December 4, 2015.

Cocktail Corner: Jamming at The Lark

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Fall Jams at The Lark, sourced from Chapala Farms, include, L-R, Star Ghost Chili Vodka, Cutler Stagecoach Whiskey and Wilder Gin. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Fall Jams at The Lark, sourced from Chapala Farms, include, L-R, Star Ghost Chili Vodka, Cutler Stagecoach Whiskey and Wilder Gin. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

It takes an awfully inventive mind to look at a jar of jam or marmalade and envision a cocktail, but that’s exactly what those clever folks at The Lark have done, in partnership with Chapala Farms, and the results are quite unique—and delicious!

I tried my first “Jam” over the summer, a delightful concoction of Star Ghost Chili Vodka (made locally by Ascendant Spirits in Buellton)  and Chapala Farms Plum Jam. Not only was it yummy, with a nice kick of sweet and spice, I also loved the fact that Chapala Farms is an urban backyard farm venture from locals Jason Banks and Michelle Decaris, located right down the road on Chapala Street.

The Lark’s “Fall Jams” have kicked up the fun even further.

Local "Jam Cocktail" ingredients at The Lark, photo by Macy Kremzar.

Local “Jam Cocktail” ingredients at The Lark, photo by Macy Kremzar.

You really have to try these cocktails to fully appreciate the unique flavors and textures.

For fall, Star Ghost Chili Vodka is now combined with Chapala Farms Strawberry Passion Fruit Jam for a spicy glass of sweet deliciousness that’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.

We also liked the Cutler Stagecoach Whiskey (from Funk Zone local Ian Cutler‘s Cutler’s Artisan Spirits) with Chapala Farms Cinnamon, Mint, Fig Jam, a perfect holiday libation, as well as the Wilder Gin (from Ventura Spirits Company) and Chapala Farms Tangelo Jam combo.

The genesis of these clever cocktails comes from Buffalo, New York, where following a visit to a family wedding, Acme Operations Manager Dan Russo (The Lark, Lucky Penny, Les Marchands and the Santa Barbara Wine Collective) discovered Jam Cocktails, conceived at Ballyhoo, a popular Buffalo bar owned by Tim Stevens and managed by his nephew, Frank Pusateri. Russo was then

Chef Jason Paluska's Housemade Charcuterie at The Lark, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Chef Jason Paluska’s Housemade Charcuterie at The Lark, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

inspired to bring the concept to The Lark’s beverage program and teamed with Decaris and Banks of Chapala Farms to design distinctive summer cocktails made exclusively with local spirits— Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Ventura Spirits and Ascendant Spirits—and a rotating menu of Chapala Farm’s premier jams and marmalades. That tradition has now continued into the fall.

“The flavors from the jams produce a subtle sweetness and tartness that is different from muddling fruits and other methods. And when combined with our Central Coast spirits they make a great … cocktail,” says Russo. All Fall Jam cocktails are priced at $11 are subject to change with seasonal harvests.

The Lark is located at 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0370.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on November 20, 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.”

Style File: Stella Neptune Cashmere at Plum Goods

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Stella Neptune Cashmere Sweaters, available at Plum Goods. Courtesy photo.

Stella Neptune Cashmere Sweaters, available at Plum Goods. Courtesy photo.

It’s sweater weather (finally!) and Plum Goods is having a special trunk show this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. of adorably snuggly cashmere sweaters that are perfect for gifting—or for treating yourself!

Stella Neptune Cashmere Sweaters, available at Plum Goods. Courtesy photo.

Stella Neptune Cashmere Sweaters, available at Plum Goods. Courtesy photo.

Designer Eva Kisevalter is a devoted thrift shopper who cleverly combined her love of pop graphics with her addiction to cashmere to create wearable art under the name Stella Neptune.

As an added bonus, Kisevalter works with recycled cashmere. According to our friends at Plum Goods, “the thrill of the hunt turned into a lifestyle obsession that just happens to be a better way to make new things without feeling guilty about all the waste and excess in the fashion world. The end result is creating eco fabulous designs.”

Plus, each item is sourced, designed, sewn, and hand screen printed in LA. Everything is done within a 10 mile radius. It can’t get any more local than that.

For more information, visit plumgoodsstore.com or call 805/845-3900. Plum Goods is located at 909 State St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Stella Neptune Cashmere Sweaters, available at Plum Goods. Courtesy photo.

Stella Neptune Cashmere Sweaters, available at Plum Goods. Courtesy photo.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on November 19, 2015.

Impro Theatre’s Twilight Zone UnScripted

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Twilight Zone UnScripted, courtesy photo

Twilight Zone UnScripted, courtesy photo

From the folks that brought us last spring’s laugh-out-loud hilarious performance of Impro Theatre’s Jane Austen UnScripted, Instant Karma Improv Comedy brings the group back to town with their wildly popular Twilight Zone UnScripted, directed by Jo McGinley and Stephen Kearin.

Hailed as “the greatest improvisational theatre company in the world,” Impro Theatre’s Twilight Zone UnScripted creates four brand new, completely improvised episodes at each performance—all in the style of the classic TV series The Twilight Zone.

The critically acclaimed ensemble returns with an eerie, macabre, entirely spontaneous show that begins with a single audience suggestion. From the darkest corners of reality, to the realm of the unexplained, Twilight Zone UnScripted enters a dimension of pure imagination whilst paying homage to Rod Serling’s award-winning sci-fi series.

Once they receive the audience suggestion, the lights go out, the theme music begins, and they, like you, enter into another dimension—a dimension known only as… Twilight Zone… UnScripted.

Performances are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21 at 8 p.m., at Center Stage Theater, in Paseo Nuevo, upstairs at the intersection of Chapala and De La Guerra Streets. For tickets, please call 805/963-0408 or visit, centerstagetheater.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Twilight Zone UnScripted: Trailer “Fear” from Impro Theatre on Vimeo.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on November 18, 2015.

Tamale Window Opens on Cota Street

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Richard Lambert, company owner, and Stephanie Armstrong, with the Chamber of Commerce, courtesy photo.

Richard Lambert, company owner, and Stephanie Armstrong, with the Chamber of Commerce, courtesy photo.

Santa Barbara Tamales-To-Go are becoming even more available this week. That’s right, now you won’t have to wait until the year-end holidays for bagful of fresh tamales on the spot because Santa Barbara Tamales-To-Go is opening a tamale window downtown at 20 E. Cota St. on the east side of Nectar Eatery & Lounge (previously the Blue Agave).

The grand opening, hosted by the Chamber of the Santa Barbara Region, will be Friday, November 20, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

After holding two successful pop-ups at the Santa Barbara Public Market this summer, Santa Barbara Tamales-To-Go owner, Richard Lambert, says he was inspired with the idea of a window.

Courtesy Santa Barbara Tamales-To-Go.

Courtesy Santa Barbara Tamales-To-Go.

 “More than half of the folks who came to our pop-ups wanted tamales to take home. With our new window, they can come get fresh tamales straight from the steamer and packaged to go.”

The company offers six traditional tamales; chicken, pork, beef, chile and cheese, spicy black bean, and farmers’ market (vegetable). According to Lambert, their tamales are gluten and lard-free, and are made fresh daily in Santa Barbara. The tamale window will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please call ahead (805/965-2321) for orders of three dozen or more.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on November 18, 2015.

Tab Hunter Confidential

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Tab Hunter ConfidentialThe Granada Theatre Film Series presents Tab Hunter Confidential, a documentary about Hollywood icon Tab Hunter, in a special screening on Thursday, November 19 at 7 p.m. Tab Hunter Confidential explores the story of a major movie star of the 1950’s who had a secret that repeatedly threatened his career. Hunter was gay, and spent his Hollywood years in a precarious closet. Hunter’s dramatic, turbulent, and ultimately inspiring life story has become an explosive documentary feature directed by Emmy award winning filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz. Hunter will appear on stage for an interview conducted by Montecito Journal’s Richard Mineards.

For more information, please visit www.granadasb.org or call 805/899-2222. The Granada Theatre is located at 1214 State St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on November 17, 2015.

Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams to Receive American Riviera Award at SBIFF

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(L-R): Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams will collectively receive the American Riviera Award at SBIFF in February. Courtesy photos.

(L-R): Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams will collectively receive the American Riviera Award at SBIFF in February. Courtesy photos.

Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams will be honored with the 2016 American Riviera Award at the 31st edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which runs from February 3 to February 13.  This is the first time the award will be given to three honorees, who are receiving critical acclaim for their collaboration in Tom McCarthy’s blisteringly true drama Spotlight.  

The American Riviera Award was established to recognize actors who have made a significant contribution to American Cinema.  Keaton, Ruffalo and McAdams will join a prestigious group of past recipients, including last year’s honorees Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke (2015), Robert Redford (2014), Quentin Tarantino (2013) and Martin Scorsese (2012), Annette Bening (2011), Sandra Bullock (2010), Mickey Rourke (2009), Tommy Lee Jones (2008), Forrest Whitaker (2007), Philip Seymour Hoffman (2006), Kevin Bacon (2005) and Diane Lane (2004).

“Michael, Mark and Rachel are three of the finest actors in the business.” says Festival Director Roger Durling, “They are artists in the truest sense of the word who continue to surprise and inspire audiences with their talent,” adding, “their recent turn in Spotlight demonstrates their skills both harmoniously as an ensemble and individually, it is an honor to celebrate their work with the American Riviera Award.”

For more information, visit sbiff.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on November 17, 2015.

Cocktail Corner: Drinking in the Nectar

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Nectar's new cocktail menu includes flights like this tasty assortment of Mango, Blood Orange and Guava Margaritas. Courtesy photo.

Nectar’s new cocktail menu includes flights like this tasty assortment of Mango, Blood Orange and Guava Margaritas. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Cota Street’s buzzy block east of State Street has great new addition to the scene with Nectar, a beautifully redone new eatery and lounge in the former Blue Agave space at 20 E. Cota St. They offer delicious, shareable plates—I absolutely loved the Pork Belly Potstickers, made with Kimchi, Tamari and Chinese Black Beans and the Smoked Paprika Almonds & Chorizo, as well as the Wild Salmon with Aji Mandarin, Baby Carrots, Black Kale, Couscous + Quinoa.

Ginger Coconut Mojito at Nectar, courtesy photo.

Ginger Coconut Mojito at Nectar, courtesy photo.

Aparna Sherman, an adorable newlywed who owns the restaurant with her husband Brad, says the inspiration comes from the heart, and it shows. “Brad and I love great food from around the world. So when we conjured up Nectar, we thought we should serve foods that have ethnic notes with a fresh California flair that can start and sustain conversations between diners. You can enjoy a great chicken kebab, Aji pepper and Mandarin Orange sauce with Wild Salmon and Roasted Spiced Cauliflower with Crispy Papadums.”

They also have a terrific bar, actually two terrific bars, both upstairs and downstairs, and both of which happen to be stunning. The space is so pretty it’s worth checking out for the decor alone. But that’s not all, one of the most exciting things for me is that they offer two cocktail flights, including a tasty assortment of Mango, Blood Orange and Guava Margaritas, as well as another assortment that includes Kamasutra, Silk Road and Geisha Martinis.

At this week’s press party I tasted them all, as well as a Coconut Ginger Mojito, a Pear Grey Goose Martini and my personal favorite, a French Martini made with Grey Goose Vodka, Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur and Pineapple Juice. Everything was delicious and distinct (And I promise I only took sips of each, after all, I was working!).

Other intriguing cocktails on the Martini menu include Cucumber, Lychee, Key Lime, Side Car, and an Espresso Stoli Vanilla Martini, as well as the three in the cocktail flight. For Tequila lovers, there’s also an Alquimia Tequila & Chocolate Flight, which features Alquimia Silver, Alquimia Reposado and Alquimia Anejo paired with House-Made Fire Roasted Poblano Truffle, Oaxacan Spice Milk Truffle and Cappuccino Chocolate Truffle. I can’t wait to try that one!

In addition to a slew of fun Margarita flavors, Nectar also has specialty cocktails that include Passion Del Diablo (with House Infused Chili Vodka, Mango Puree, Agave Nectar & Fresh Lime), Oaxacan Old-Fashioned, Pepino Diablo (with Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila, Muddled Cucumber, Agave Nectar & Fresh Lime),  Amaro Fix (with Amaro Nonino, Cane Syrup and Fresh Lemon garnished with Seasonal Muddled Fruit), as well as Lucid Absinthe, traditionally prepared with a sugar cube and water spout.

There’s also a full menu of spirits, a nice assortment of beer and a lovely, local-centric wine list. Plus, you want to bring your own, Aparna mentioned that they are waiving corkage fee on wines on Wednesdays. Go check it out, and let us know what you think.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

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

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

Editor’s Pick: Melissa Etheridge

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Melissa Etheridge, courtesy of UCSB Arts & Lectures.

Melissa Etheridge, courtesy of UCSB Arts & Lectures.

Award-winning musician Melissa Etheridge brings her singular song stylings and stage presence to UCSB’s Campbell Hall (Nov. 15) to celebrate the release of her new album and the inspiration behind some of her most beloved songs. artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

—Leslie Dinaberg