Tag Archives: Santa Barbara Seasons

An Evening with John Cleese

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John Cleese, photo by Andy Gotts

John Cleese, photo by Andy Gotts

Comic legend John Cleese is beloved the world over for his hilarious antics and physical comedy in cult films and TV shows, including Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers and A Fish Called Wanda. From the Minister of Silly Walks to Sir Lancelot, to bumbling hotel manager Basil Fawlty, his many madcap characters have kept audiences roaring with laughter.

Cleese returns to Santa Barbara for an evening of wonderfully entertaining anecdotes and amusements just after the release of his new autobiography, So, Anyway. An Evening with John Cleese takes place Wed., Nov. 19 at The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., in Santa Barbara.

For tickets or more information, call 805/893-3535 or purchase online at ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 14, 2014.

BalletBoyz

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BalletBoyz, courtesy UCSB Arts & Lectures.

BalletBoyz, courtesy UCSB Arts & Lectures.

BalletBoyz is one of the most cheekily original and innovative forces in modern dance. Combining spectacular dance – both energetic and graceful – with groundbreaking music and film, its distinctive style has thrilled audiences and critics the world over. For the TALENT, 10 exceptional young male dancers were hand-picked to perform by BalletBoyz founders Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, both former lead dancers of the Royal Ballet. Appearing in Santa Barbara after a sold-out international tour, the company performs two stunning, “sensational” (The New York Times) dance works by multi-award-winning choreographer Russell Maliphant and Royal Ballet Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett.

Nov. 1, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., UCSB Campbell Hall

Cocktail Corner: A Tuscan Evening at Armada Wine & Beer

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

A Tuscan Evening at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant will take place on Nov. 8. Courtesy photo.

A Tuscan Evening at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant will take place on Nov. 8. Courtesy photo.

Armada Wine & Beer Merchant is hosting a special evening in Tuscany next weekend and it sounds like it will be amazing.

Their resident sommelier Carlos Mascherin has selected a special flight of four Sangiovese wines, and they’ll be accompanied by delicious Italian appetizers from Via Maestra 42. Sangiovese wines are typically savory reds, which pair well with herbs, tomatoes, cured meats and cheeses. It should be a yummy evening.

The fun starts on Saturday, November 8 at 6 p.m. in the historic, charming San Marcos Courtyard of Armada Wine & Beer Merchant at 1129 State St., Suite A.

For more information or to purchase tickets click here or call  805/770-5912. Tickets are $60 per person.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 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: Haunted Halloween Cocktails

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Grand Marnier Raspberry Jolly Rancher, courtesy Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier Raspberry Jolly Rancher, courtesy Grand Marnier

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s a spooky time of the year, and with Halloween on a Friday this time around, it’s a perfect time to imbibe in something haunted—and fun—to honor this holiday.

The folks at Grand Marnier have created a candy-inspired cocktail which is quite delicious. Here’s the recipe they’ve so generously shared:

Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach Jolly Rancher

Created by mixologist George Carney

2 oz Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach

1 oz peach liqueur

Splash of cranberry juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Carr Winery Halloween BashAlso in the candy-themed spirit is this Candy Corn Cordial recipe from cocktails.about.com, featuring Tequila and Butterscotch Schnapps.

For something a little more on the savory side, try Michael’s Bloody Maria, from Food Network Chef Michael Chiarello, or this Gin-based Vampire Ritual from DrinkoftheWeek.com.

Don’t feel like mixing your own drinks? Carr Winery‘s annual Halloween bash on Oct. 31 sounds like loads of fun. Featuring live music by the Rat Poison Pack (!), the festivities are from 7:30-11 p.m. at the tasting room at 414 N. Salsipuedes St. Costumes are required (but of course!) and tickets are just $15 in advance or $20 if available at the door.

There also the annual Voodoo Lounge Halloween Dance Party upstairs on the roof at the Canary (31 W. Carrillo St.), which is sure to be rocking. Here’s a video about what to expect:

Hope your weekend is sweet and spooky. Cheers to whatever gets you in the holiday spirit!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 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.”

Five Four Seasons Chefs, Two Nights

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Chef Alessandro Cartumini will be preparing the first course of Uni with Sweet Corn, Tortilla–Lime Salt, Abalone, Finger Limes, and Avocado. Photo courtesy

Chef Alessandro Cartumini will be preparing the first course of Uni with Sweet Corn, Tortilla–Lime Salt, Abalone, Finger Limes, and Avocado. Photo courtesy Four Seasons the Biltmore Resort Santa Barbara.

Four Seasons hotels and resorts of Santa Barbara, Baltimore, Palo Alto at Silicon Valley, Jackson Hole, Scottsdale and Austin recently joined forces to bring a unique six-course tasting menu with wine pairings to the historic James Beard House in New York City. This honor is given to just 250 restaurants per year, which makes it all the more special that guests will have the opportunity to taste the James Beard House dinner here in Santa Barbara.

Lucky diners begin their evening with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, including seared duck breast with mole sauce and stone fruit chutney, and pistachio-crusted goat cheese-grape lollipops. This special dinner will feature six courses: one course designed by each chef with expert pairings provided by Beverage Director Mark Sayre of Four Seasons Hotel Austin.

The menu includes:

  • Hors d’Oeuvre:
    • House-Cured Lonzino with Black Truffles, Arugula, Meyer Lemons, and Parmigiano
    • Foie Gras–Black Pepper Macarons with Blackberry Jelly
    • Watermelon Proscuitto with Achadinha Farms Aged Goat Cheese, Candied Walnuts, and Vincotto
    • Seared Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast with Mole Sauce and Stone Fruit
    • Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese–Grape Lollipops
    • SOTER MINERAL SPRINGS RANCH BRUT ROSÉ 2010
  • Dinner:
    • Uni with Sweet Corn, Tortilla–Lime Salt, Abalone, Finger Limes, and Avocado
    • STOLPMAN VINEYARDS L’AVION ROUSSANNE 2012
    • Cedar River Farms Beef Carpaccio with Seven-Minute Farm Egg and Caviar
    • CHÂTEAU STE. ANNE BANDOL ROSÉ 2011
    • Crispy Chesapeake Rockfish with Blue Crab Dumplings and Crab Consommé
    • RUDI PICHLER GRÜNER VELTLINER FEDERSPIEL 2012
    • Pasta all’Amatriciana with House-Cured Guanciale, Pelati Tomato Sauce, and Pecorino Fiore Sardo ​
    • SCARPETTA BARBERA DEL MONFERATTO 2012
    • Dry-Aged Buffalo Rib-Eye with Sarsaparilla Short Rib, Mushroom–Truffle Grits, Kale,  Onion Bark, and Huckleberries
    • WATERS WINERY FORGOTTEN HILLS SYRAH 2012
    • Panna Cotta with Melon, Piment d’Espelette, and Cilantro
    • DR. HERMANN ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING AUSLESE 2008
Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara executive chef, Alessandro Cartumini. Courtesy photo.

Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara executive chef, Alessandro Cartumini. Courtesy photo.

Participating in this James Beard Dinner are:

  • Alessandro Cartumini, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
  • Oliver Beckert, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
  • Dyan Ng, Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
  • Marco Fossati, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto
  • Michael Goralski, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
  • Mel Mecinas, Executive Chef at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
  • Mark Sayre, Beverage Director at Four Seasons Hotel Austin

James Beard House Tasting Menu: Five Four Seasons Chefs, Two Nights in Santa Barbara takes place on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25  at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, 1260 Channel Dr.  The cost of the dinner is $98++ per person, or $140++ including wine pairings. For reservations, call 805/565-8237 or reserve online.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Cocktail Corner: Figueroa Mountain’s Real Ale Invitational

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Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Cask beers take the spotlight next weekend when Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. hosts the Real Ale Invitational lunch and festival on Saturday, October 25 from 1–4 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s flagship brewery and taproom, 45 Industrial Way, Buellton.

The company’s cask program is run by head brewer of Santa Barbara, Kevin C. Ashford. Each taproom boasts a cask engine for new releases every “Firkin Friday” featuring many of their standard ales. These casks contain high quality ingredients such as hops, spices, coffee, cacao, and even locally grown fruits. Real Ale, or cask beer, is “beer that is unfiltered which undergoes a secondary fermentation and conditioning process. This process naturally carbonates the beer to a softer texture. It is poured directly from the cask—essentially a 10.8 gallon stainless steel barrel—without additional Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide assistance,” Ashford explains.

At the Real Ale Invitational 20 breweries will be showcase their own styles of real ale. Participants include:

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

Beachwood Brewing Co.

Belching Beaver Brewing Co.

Bottle Logic Brewing

Central Coast Brewing

Coronado Brewing Company

Eagle Rock Brewery

El Segundo Brewing Co.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

Golden Road Brewing

Ironfire Brewing Company

The Libertine Pub

MacLeod Ale Brewing Company

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Monkish Brewing

Noble Ale Works

Pizza Port Brewing Co.

Poseidon Brewing Company

Santa Barbara Brewing Co.

Smog City Brewing Company

Stone Brewing Company

Admission to the event is $40 and includes a souvenir glass, unlimited tastings and live music, plus a portion of the proceeds will benefit Los Padres Forest
Watch.

For those beer lovers that want a more intimate experience paired with food, a limited number of tickets will be sold for a Real Ale Lunch prior to the Invitational from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. There you will meet the cask masters who have perfected the skill of brewing real ale while enjoying a four-course meal prepared by Beto Huizar, executive chef of Beto’s Place, a new restaurant slated to open in Fig Mtn Brew’s Buellton taproom later this year. Tickets to the lunch are $75 and include admission to the Invitational.

For more information about Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s Real Ale Invitational, please visit www.FigMtnBrew.com/RealAle.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

FINAL-FMB_RealAle_Flyer_20Brewers

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.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 17, 2014.

Style File: Think Pink to Help Fight Breast Cancer

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Smell the Roses by jane iredale

Smell the Roses by jane iredale

As you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which not only helps build awareness about this terrible disease, it also brings a flurry of pink products, specially formulated to help the cause.

One of my favorites is Jane Iredale’s Smell the Roses. This hydrating facial spritz launched in September, and 100% of the profits (not just proceeds) from the sale of Smell the Roses will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer,  a national education and support organization whose mission is to connect people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support.

I actually got my hands on a sample early this summer and it’s been a lovely, sweet smelling way to spritz on a little and help beat the heat. Just one little spray moisturizes and cleanses the skin, calms irritation and reduces redness, not to mention it smells like heaven!

Another great pink for the cure product to look for is Sparkling ICE, the now ubiquitous flavored, zero-calorie sparkling mountain spring water is promoting the message “Imagine a World Without Breast Cancer” on its pink grapefruit flavor bottles. In conjunction with this, the company has committed to donating a minimum of $25,000 to research facilities nationwide to help find a cure, in addition to aiding local affiliates and communities with more than $100,000 in donations annually.

They’ve even developed a “Sip Pink for the Cure” Cocktail using the pink grapefruit Sparkling ICE flavor. Here’s the recipe:

Sparkling ICE Sip Pink for the Cure Cocktail

Sip Pink for the Cure Cocktail, courtesy Sparkling ICE

Sip Pink for the Cure Cocktail, courtesy Sparkling ICE

Ingredients

•3 oz.  Grapefruit Sparkling ICE

•1 ½ oz.  vodka

•1 oz. lime juice

•Lime wedge

•Sliced fresh jalapeño

•Chili salt for rim of glass (Kosher salt mixed with chili powder)

 Directions

1. Use a lime wedge to rub the entire rim of a chilled martini glass, and dip into chili salt mixture.

2. Combine vodka and jalapeno slices with ice in a shaker.

3. Strain and pour into the chilled martini glass.

4. Top with Grapefruit Sparkling ICE.

5. Garnish with a few Jalapeno slices.

One of three chairs being auctioned to support breast cancer research. Courtesy Regency Shop.

One of three chairs being auctioned to support breast cancer research. Courtesy Regency Shop.

While you’re sipping that cocktail, you could also be sitting pretty in a unique, one-of-a-kind stylish lounge chair that Regency Shop is auctioning off to support breast cancer research. For more information, click here.

Some additional promotions this month include:

• FragranceNet.com will donate 15% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation each time you purchase Vera Wang Truly Pink, Lacoste Love of Pink, Gap So Pink and Lacoste Joy of Pink.

• G.M. Collin skincare donates $2 of each sold product of Daily Ceramide Comfort Capsules to Pink Ribbons Inc.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

•  For the 8th consecutive year, DECLÉOR will donate (10%) of net proceeds of the Sensorial Travel Collections sold during the month of October to Cancer and Careers, a program of CEW Foundation.  Each exclusive skincare program includes five full and travel-sized DECLÉOR products, housed in a large zippered travel pouch, that provide unique benefits targeted to a specific skin-type.

Suki Ultra Protect Body Balm, courtesy photo

Suki Ultra Protect Body Balm, courtesy photo

• The suki® ultra-protect™ body balm, a great moisturizing product, will donate 100% of proceeds from this month’s sales of this product will benefit Breast Cancer Action (www.bcaction.org), an organization whose mission is to achieve health justice for all women at risk of and living with breast cancer.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 9, 2014.

Steve Lyons and Carol Palladini Honored as Man and Woman of the Year

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Carol Palladini was named Woman of the Year. Courtesy photo.

Carol Palladini was named Woman of the Year. Courtesy photo.

Hundreds of friends and supporters gathered at the Four Seasons Biltmore to recognize Steve Lyons and Carol Palladini for their long-standing commitment to volunteerism and the significant impact they have had throughout the community.

The awards were presented by Ron Gallo, president & CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation. “The landscape and sense of community we treasure in Santa Barbara was shaped to a great extent by the efforts of volunteers,” says Gallo. This year’s recipients of the Man & Woman of the Year award, Steve Lyons and Carol Palladini, continue this legacy of service. Their compassion and willingness to give back has touched the lives of thousands and clearly demonstrates the impact of committed volunteers.”

Lyons came to Santa Barbara with his family in the early 1980s. His local nonprofit involvement has included CALM (Child Abuse Listening Mediation), ADL (Anti-Defamation League), Family Service Agency (FSA), Cottage Hospital,  The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, Laguna Blanca School, the Boys & Girls Club and AYSO, among others.

Steve Lyons was named Man of the Year.

Steve Lyons was named Man of the Year.

Palladini, who moved to Santa Barbara from Pasadena in 1996, has also been involved with a number of local nonprofits, including CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, Rotary Club of Santa Barbara and Tres Condados Girl Scout Council. In 2004, she established the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, which has awarded grants totaling $4.7 million to 64 local nonprofit programs impacting more than 83,000 local women, children and families in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.

The awards were presented by the Santa Barbara Foundation and Noozhawk, with special commendations by Mayor Helene Schneider and Rep. Lois Capps.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 8, 2014.

Solvang’s “Scarecrow Fest” and Halloween Fun Start This Week

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Scarecrow Fest, Grand Prize Winner, Buellton Valley Pets. Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.

Scarecrow Fest, Grand Prize Winner, Buellton Valley Pets. Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.

The beginning of Solvang’s 5th Annual Scarecrow Fest coincides with the Santa Barbara Wine Country Celebration of Harvest Weekend, then there are numerous fall activities planned in the Santa Ynez Valley/Santa Barbara Wine Country, spread throughout the month.

Running from Oct. 10-Nov. 10, some of the festival highlights include:

-The amazing scarecrow contest, where Solvang businesses, organizations and, as a new facet to this year’s contest, Solvang residents, will participate in the contest by featuring a scarecrow of their own creation, posted at their location. You can vote via ballot boxes scattered about the city, for scarecrow winners in six  different categories: “Best Scarecrow in Motion,” “Best Use of Recycled Materials,” “Best Use of a Business Theme,” “Most Danish,” “Spookiest” and “Most Humorous.” Ballots are available at the Solvang Visitors Center and at select Solvang businesses, and feature maps to direct voters to each of the contest’s scarecrows.

Once a “Best Solvang Scarecrow” winner has been chosen, it will be entered into the Santa Ynez Valley-wide competition with the respective winners from Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez, to determine the “Valley’s Best Scarecrow” bragging rights.

Solvang Scarecrow Fest, Best of Solvang Lucas & Lewellen, #1 Judges Choice Winner. Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.

Solvang Scarecrow Fest, Best of Solvang Lucas & Lewellen, #1 Judges Choice Winner. Photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.

–The October installment of Solvang’s Third Wednesday, to be held on October 15, which will feature a “Fall Frolic Block Party” at the town’s “West End” including live music, free treats, a local business-supporting “Cash Mob” and free admission to the Wildling Art Museum.

–The Oct. 15 “Fall Frolic,” Lemos-sponsored doggie costume contest and parade kicks off at 5:45 p.m., with prizes – $20 Lemos gift certificates – being awarded for best costumes in three categories: “Funniest,” “Scariest” and “Most Original.” To enter the costume contest, human handlers should show up in front of Lemos (1511 Mission Dr.) by 5:45 p.m., with their animal counterparts. Along the “parade” route, a handful of Solvang’s West End businesses will be upping the “free” and “food” antes including Wandering Dog Wine Bar, (1539-C Mission Dr.) which will be offering gratis Rosemary Spiced Nuts, as well as free cider and nibbles in front of Kandra’s Beads (1539-A Mission Dr.).

-The 21st Annual Haunted House and Street Fair, which will thrill visitors with food, fun and spirits, on Oct. 30-31. The Haunted House and Street Fair, to be held at the Solvang Festival Theater (420 2nd Street), will include a “Trunk or Treat” candy-palooza among other tasty and spirited delights.

Additional information is available at www.solvangthirdwednesday.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Solvang Scarecrow Fest, Best Use of Recycled Materials, Waste Management, courtesy photo.

Solvang Scarecrow Fest, Best Use of Recycled Materials, Waste Management, courtesy photo.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 8, 2014.

 

See One-of-a-Kind Vhernier Italian Jewelry at Silverhorn Special Event

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Vhernier Rings, courtesy Silverhorn.

Vhernier Rings, courtesy Silverhorn.

Toreh Bahrami, Brand Ambassador of  Vhernier Italian Jewelry, will be showing a selection of one-of-a-kind Vhernier pieces at Silverhorn (1155 Coast Village Rd., Montecito), on Friday and Saturday Oct. 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

While Silverhorn has represented the Vhernier line for the past 20 years, this is Bahrami’s first visit to Santa Barbara and the first ever Vhernier show in the area.

Founded in 1984, and headquartered in Milan, Vhernier has achieved a world-wide presence and a fashionable following. Vhernier’s jewels are loved and worn by fashionable celebrities, including Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Biel.

Vhernier represents the finest in Italian jewelry, a collection influenced by trends in contemporary art.  Vhernier’s superiorly trained Italian craftsmen have an in-depth knowledge of materials, stones, cuts and traditional manufacturing techniques.  The company has storefronts on several continents and a presence in high end department stores throughout the world. Silverhorn Vhernier Invite

Since 1976, Silverhorn has been hand crafting exquisite pieces of jewelry of the finest materials and enduring quality. Silverhorn owners Michael and Carole Ridding travel the world seeking out rare and unique gemstones, and fine jewelry lines.  Silverhorn’s own design team win awards for creativity and craftsmanship year after year.  Each piece, created with the gemstone in mind, is crafted using artisan methods and exacting precision. Internationally recognized, the Silverhorn collection appeals to discriminating individuals who expect unparalleled quality in fine jewels, stone carvings and timepieces.  For more information, visit www.Silverhorn.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 3, 2014.