Best Seat for Solstice Parade may be at the Granada Theatre

Posted on June 23, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Enjoy the Solstice Parade from the comfort of the Granada. Photo courtesy “Parades at the Granada.”

Here’s your chance to support a great cause and avoid fighting the parade crowds too! “Parades at The Granada Theatre” offers an opportunity to experience Santa Barbara’s State street parades from seats right in front of the theater.

As part of the Santa Barbara Center for Performing Arts’ Jurkowitz Center for Community Engagement, contributors to the SBCPA Annual Fund, at any level, are invited to come watch the Summer Solstice Parade on Saturday, June 21 with fellow friends and supporters of The Granada Theatre. Guests will enjoy special seating on State Street in front of the theater and have the opportunity to visit inside the theater for festive sips and bites.

After debuting last year, “Parades at The Granada Theatre” are a popular way to build a broader base of support within the community and engage supporters with the not-for-profit Granada Theatre in a family-friendly way.

“The Summer Solstice Parade is one of Santa Barbara’s most festive and whimsical celebrations, and we are thrilled to open our doors so that our generous supporters can enjoy the parade from our grandstands,” says Nancy O’Connor, SBCPA board member. “Our ‘Parades at The Granada Theatre” are a wonderful opportunity to welcome all of the community, both young and old, to the theater and share in the rich history of performing arts.”

This year, The Jurkowitz Center for Community Engagement is presenting “Parades at The Granada Theatre” for the Summer Solstice, Fiesta, and the Downtown Holiday Parades.

For more information, please visit The Granada Theatre’s website, granadasb.org, or call 805/899-3000. For more information on supporting The Jurkowitz Center for Community Engagement, please contact Kristi Newton, Director of Development, at 805/451-2932 or at knewton@granadasb.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on June 20, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Sublime Summer Sips

Posted on June 20, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Sublime Summer Sips are on the menu with a variety of opportunities to wine down on those long summer days.

Pony up for Happy Hour at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. The club now welcomes visitors to take in the excitement of world-class polo competition combining the beauty and speed of thoroughbred horses with the thrill and skill of team competition on Friday nights, as well as every Sunday during the summer. Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, 3375 Foothill Rd., Carpinteria, 805/684-5819, sbpolo.com.

Les Marchands is the place to be on Tuesday June 24, when “the King of Rheingau Riesling,” Johannes Leitz, will sit down to dinner and pour four of his wines. The German winemaker is considered a modern master by people in the know, and Chef Weston Richards will pair stunning Riesling-friendly dishes such as crispy pig ear salad with frisee, avocado and herbs;crab bisque, red curry and puffed rice; housemade ramen, pork belly, spicy garlic pork broth, brussel sprouts and scallions; and pittig aged gouda, lavender honey and apricots for dessert. Space is limited, so click here for reservations. Les Marchands, 131 Anacapa St. 805/284-0380, lesmarchandswine.com.

Santa Barbara Wine Festival on Saturday, June 28, is a wonderful way to appreciate being out in nature underneath the oaks along Mission Creek at the museum, while enjoying more than 50 tantalizing wines from the Central Coast’s premier wineries—everyone from Alma Rosa to Zaca Mesa is there, often with the winemakers themselves pouring and chatting up the crowd—complemented by fitting pairings of savory and sweet delights from local chefs, caterers, bakers and restaurateurs. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta de Sol, 805/682-4711, sbnature.org.

Local winemaker and owner of Larner Vineyards and Winery, Michael Larner is teaming up with Chef Jason Paluska at The Lark for a Local Treasures dinner, which should be amazing! Expect a complete six-course dining experience, pairing locally sourced ingredients with wines from Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley. Seating is limited, so please contact mkremzar@thelarksb.com for reservations. The Lark, 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0370, thelarksb.com.

Tickets must be purchased by June 22 for the 29th annual Central Coast Wine Classic, a weekend in Avila Beach (July 10-13) centered around fine wine and cuisine that features local wineries and restaurants, and draws crowds from across the country and around the world. Many charities on the Central Coast will be awarded gifts, including the Rona Barrett Foundation, a local nonprofit that seeks to provide a solution to affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in need with the development of the Golden Inn & Village, where seniors may access a variety of care that meets their needs as they age in place. Various Avila Beach locations, centralcoastwineclassic.org.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Miró’s—and Nanette’s—Ticket to Paradise

Posted on June 13, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Miró restaurant bartender Nanette Rapuzzi muddles cucumbers for her new cocktail, “Ticket to Paradise.” Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Five years ago, Miró restaurant bartender Nanette Rapuzzi came with big dreams from her native Peru—where she trained at the front desk of another five-star resort—to work at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara.

“I love working with people. I always have. People on vacation, or enjoying themselves at a beautiful resort, are always so happy,” says the bubbly blonde, who started out at the Bacara’s front desk but soon asked for opportunity to train as a bartender. Her goal, generously supported by hotel management, is to work in many different aspects of the hotel business and ultimately to own and run her own resort in Peru.

“But I want something a bit smaller than the scale of the Bacara,” she laughs.

Currently enrolled in the Santa Barbara City College School of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management Program, a unique local program which develops skills and competencies for positions in the hospitality industry and is recognized nationally as a leading center for hospitality training, Rapuzzi is on her way to making her long-term dream come true.

Meanwhile, she has a smaller, but still impressive ambition: to win Restaurant Hospitality’s Best Cocktail in America Contest.

Miró restaurant bartender Nanette Rapuzzi and two versions of her new cocktail, “Ticket to Paradise.”

“You know how Cosmopolitans are so popular … I’d like for my drink to be the next Cosmopolitan,” says Rapuzzi. “But I think people are ready for something a little less sweet and more refreshing, that was my inspiration for this drink.”

The “Ticket to Paradise,” whose name was inspired by the glorious panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, which is always visible from her perch at Miró Bar, is the one that Rapuzzi hopes will be her ticket to national cocktail fame and glory. The cocktail is made with muddled cucumbers, Hendricks Gin, St. Germain and a splash of fresh lime juice, and served either straight up in a Martini glass or on the rocks.

The cheese plate at Miro is almost as beautiful as the ocean view. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

We tried it both ways. I preferred the rocks and my husband liked it straight up. Either way, the drink is absolutely delicious and refreshing! Gin isn’t usually my spirit of choice, but the cucumber, citrus and St. Germain balance it out perfectly. Try the Ticket to Paradise with the museum-worthy fruit and cheese plate, featuring edible flowers and a pretty Pistachio emulsion—it was almost too lovely to eat (but somehow we managed).

Meanwhile our fingers—and swizzle sticks—are crossed that Rapuzzi’s drink brings home big honors. We’ll keep you posted.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Intermezzo’s New Lineup of Handcrafted Cocktails

Posted on June 9, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Handcrafted cocktails, courtesy Intermezzo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Those clever mixologists at Intermezzo are at it again with a new lineup of handcrafted cocktails.

Check out the new Tangerine Falls, made with Coruba Dark Rum, muddled tangerine, lemon, and Regan’s Orange Bitters. It pairs perfectly with long summer nights on the patio—why not try their Montecito Urban Farms Green Salad with field greens, nectarines, toasted pistachios and herbed goat cheese.

You know we’re fans of Pisco around here, and now Intermezzo is serving up a delicious El Pasion de Peru, made with Pisco La Diablada, lemon, simple syrup, egg white, and a splash of passion fruit.

In the mood for something refreshing? The Cucumber Martini is mixed with Zubrowka Buffalo Grass Vodka, cucumber, and a drop of lemon. What a great way to eat your veggies! There’s also “So Pitted Sour” with Michter’s Sour Mash Whiskey, fresh muddled cherries, lemon, and thyme. Or why not drink Mad Men style and try the Margerum Manhattan, made with Barrel 33 bourbon, Margerum Amaro (the digestif featured as Jeffrey Doornbos’ favorite in the summer issue of Santa Barbara SEASONS), Margerum White and Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth?

Then again, Intermezzo is also offering a new version of a warm weather favorite, El Salud, a habanero-infused tequila margarita, featuring house-infused tequila, cherimoya puree, lime juice and agave nectar, served with a lime and sugared rim.

How can we possibly choose just one? We’ll definitely be back, and hope to see you soon on the patio—or inside the beautiful bar and dining area—at Intermezzo, 819 Anacapa St.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Cool New Cocktails at Finch & Fork

Posted on May 30, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Finch & Fork, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Finch & Fork Restaurant at the Canary Hotel is right in the neighborhood (31 W. Carrillo St.) and one of my favorite places for happy hour, wine tastings on the roof and even to meet people for interviews (the bar couches are particularly cushiony and comfortable). Now they have a fun new cocktail menu with a bit of the new age, a bit of the golden age and a bit of my personal favorite, the barrel age.

Barrel aged cocktails are all the rage these days because, … well, some things really do get better with age, and booze is definitely one of them. Finch & Fork’s new menu includes an Aged Old Fashioned made with Templeton Rye, sugar and angostura orange; the Classic Dark and Stormy, made with barrel-aged rum, cruzan black strap and ginger beer; and the Barrel Aged Bols Genever (typically a blend of rye, wheat and corn that is triple distilled in a copper pot still, then blended with the unique melange of botanicals that may include hops, cloves, anise, ginger and juniper, among others) served with ice and a bottle of fever tree tonic.

Fringillidae Mule, courtesy the Canary

The golden age section of the menu includes a nod to one of my favorite cocktails, the Moscow Mule. Finch & Fork’s new version is the Fringillidae Mule (cleverly named for a bird that’s a cross between a finch and a canary), made with absolut vodka, lime, ginger beer and mint. In another nod to the restaurant’s avian roots, they have the Hawaiian Honeycreeper (named for another member of the finch family, a small, passerine bird endemic to Hawaiʻi), made from appleton rum, sailor jerry, fresh lime, lemon, orange and orgeat.

The new age part of the cocktail menu includes the Bluebird of Happiness, made with tanqueray 10 gin, blueberry, lime, lavender and soda; the Flying A, with aviation gin, lemon, orgeat, egg white and atomized peach bitters; and the Barbareño, with herradura silver tequila, vida mezcal, lime, pineapple jalapeño agave and california ale.

The $5 happy hour specials are served from 4-7 p.m. every Monday through Friday, including a selection of beers, wine (Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon) and cocktails, including a fun Champagne Cocktail made with brandy, a bitter-soaked sugar cube and sparkling wine; Tommy’s Margarita, a Lemon Drop, a St. Germain Cocktail and a classic Manhattan. Also great for groups is the $20 Sangria & Bites special, which includes a pitcher of red or white sangria and three bites to share—warm citrus marinated olives, blistered shishito peppers, and honey roasted spiced nuts—all of which I can personally vouch for as yummy!

Finch & Fork’s Blackberry Cooler, made with bulliet rye, blackberry, lemon, rosemary and maple. Courtesy photo.

For a delicious 360 degree view of Santa Barbara, don’t miss the popular Monday night wine on the roof of the Canary this summer every Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. Staring on Monday June 2 with Bratcher pouring, for $25 you can enjoy the view along wine tasting with local wineries, as well as nibbles from Chef James Siao. Andrew Murray is up the next week (June 9), followed by our friends from Beckmen Winery (June 16), Buttonwood (June 23) and Grand Places Selections (June 30).

The July lineup includes Westerly Wines (July 7), Zaca Mesa (July 14), Carr Winery (July 21) and Margerum (July 28).

August’s pours include wines from Lafond Winery (August 4), Demetria Estate (August 11), Summerland Winery (August 18) and Palmina & Brewer Clifton (August 25).

September sips include Standing Sun (September 8), Cluster Wine Group (September 15), Melville (September 22) and Cold Heaven Cellars (September 29), followed by Revel Wines on October 6 and the grand finale tasting with many of the wineries returning on October 13.

Hope to see some of you there.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on May 30, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Burbank Ranch … in Paso Robles!

Posted on May 23, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Burbank Ranch

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Yes, you read that headline correctly, and no, my GPS has not gone crazy. The new Burbank Ranch Winery & Bistro is actually north of Santa Barbara in downtown Paso Robles.

The new restaurant is a dream come true for proprietors Fred and Melody Burbank, whose lifelong passion for balanced wines matched with top notch cuisine led them to create the venue, which opened this spring. Their Burbank Ranch Vineyard, located in the Paso Robles AVA, is home to dozens of grape varietals, each chosen to complement the distinctive growing conditions. The Burbanks established the 45-acre Burbank Ranch vineyard in 2008. The vineyard is SIP-certified and planted with 16 varieties, including many of those that the Burbanks have tasted and enjoyed throughout extensive travels in Italy, France, Spain and beyond. Both WSET-certified sommeliers, Fred and Melody chose the El Pomar District for its terroir, which is ideally suited to producing the balanced, food-friendly wines about which they are so passionate. Ranch manager, Ruben Nodal, meticulously guides the vines’ expression of terroir through to the cellar, where respected winemaker, Steve Anglim, captures that expression in balanced, food-friendly wines.

Courtesy Burbank Ranch

After years of traveling the world’s most illustrious winegrowing regions, the Burbanks delight making wines to complement food, and the Burbank Ranch Bistro is an extension of that philosophy. Chef Nicholas Nolan—whose background includes stints at Paso Robles’ Artisan Restaurant and Craft in Los Angeles—has worked in kitchens across the world. Chef Nolan brings his passion for local flavors and the finest ingredients to Burbank Ranch’s French bistro cuisine with a California locavore twist.

At Burbank Ranch Bistro, these wines are available in flights or by the glass, and are complemented by Chef Nolan’s cuisine.

In addition the new restaurant, Burbank Ranch Winery also has seven new releases for spring and summer. Here are their tasting notes on each:

2013 “Little Rascal” Arneis (163 cases produced, 13.4% abv) Translated from the PIemontese dialect as “rascal” for its reputation as a tough variety to grow, Arneis grows beautifully in the Paso Robles AVA. The 2013 Burbank Ranch Arneis was harvested early and fermented in stainless steel, producing a dry, full-bodied white wine redolent with bright pear, apple, honeysuckle, mineral and white peach flavors, followed by a structured finish. Pair with hard cheeses like Grana Padano or simple pasta tossed with butter and topped with white truffle shavings.

2013 “Summertime” Grenache Blanc (105 cases produced, 13.7% abv) The 2013 Grenache Blanc’s seductive aroma of orange blossoms is a preamble to flavors of ripe pears and peaches. This refreshing wine boasts a crisp acidity ideal for pairing with food; try the Grenache Blanc with a lunch of scallops or oysters.

Courtesy Burbank Ranch

2013 “Picnic Meadow” Grenache Rosé (191 cases produced, 12.9% abv) The Grenache variety ripens late, requiring just the sort of hot, dry summers to fully mature that Paso Robles offers. 2013 produced a brilliantly-colored rosé with aromas and flavors of sweet cherry and strawberry, as well as a luxurious mouthfeel. A classic Mediterranean pairing for rosé is simple roast chicken, but herbed grilled chicken or fish would also fit the bill.

My personal favorite of the new releases was the 2013 “Friends” Syrah Rosé (77 cases produced, 14.2% abv) This sensuous rosé is reminiscent of its Spanish roots with exotic aromas of rose petals and bright cherry and raspberry flavors. Pair with roasted nuts, a classic Spanish tortilla, or fresh albacore salad.

2013 “Summer Dream” Zinfandel Rosé (211 cases produced, 13.5% abv) Zinfandel has found a happy home at the Burbank Ranch. With minimal skin contact during crush and fermentation, the 2013 Zinfandel rosé is vibrant with hints of strawberry, melon and raspberry. Drink alongside a steaming bowl of pad thai or wood-grilled quattro staggioni pizza.

2011 “Wood Pile” Petit Verdot (25 cases, 15.6% abv) When ripe, Petit Verdot grapes are small and black, producing aromas and flavors of violet, leather, spices, blackberry and black cherry. The Burbank Ranch 2011 Petit Verdot ripened exceedingly well, and is an ideal match with grilled meats like barbecued lamb chops, duck breasts or pork spare ribs; or, alternatively, shared around an evening fire.

I also really enjoyed this wine during last week’s late spring heat wave: 2013 “Summer Moon” Sauvignon Blanc (semi-sweet) (93 cases produced, 12.4% abv) With crisp, fresh notes of ripe orange, green apple, honey and melon balanced against enticing sweetness, the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is the product of warm days and cool evening breezes from the Pacific Ocean flowing through the Templeton Gap. Perfect alongside a light supper or after-dinner cheeses, this wine is also ideal for late afternoon poolside sipping.

For more information on Burbank Ranch Winery, visit BurbankRanch.com, or stop by the Burbank Ranch Bistro (at 1240 Park Street, Paso Robles) to sample a selection of wines paired with fresh, locally-sourced cuisine.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on May 23, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Nonprofits Wow and Woo at Fast Pitch SB

Posted on May 20, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

(L-R) Chief Energy Officer Seth Streeter, Mayor Helene Schneider, Fast Pitch SB Winner Bethany Markee of Solvang Viking Kitchen, Jose Hutton of Hub 81, courtesy photo

Organizers from Social Venture Partners say inaugural event will become an annual opportunity for local nonprofits to gain exposure, refine messages and win money.

Thursday night’s inaugural Fast Pitch SB—a Shark Tank style competition for nonprofits to make three-minute pitches to a panel of judges and a live audience for cash awards was an exciting, successful event for all concerned, but Solvang Viking Cafe was the big winner of the night. Founder Bethany Markee—a former professional chef who took over the lunch program at the local elementary school cafeteria at Solvang School—now has an additional $26,000 in prizes to expand her program to feed more students.

Social Venture Partners Santa Barbara (SVPSB) chose the ten finalists out of a field of more than 100 applications from nonprofits looking to receive personal coaching and communications training from experts in the field.

Enthusiastic Fast Pitch audience, courtesy photo

The award winners are:

$5,000 Mission Award: Angels Foster Care

$5,000 State Award: A Different Point of View

$10,000 Audience Award: Solvang Viking Café

$15,000 Grand Prix Award: Solvang Viking Café

Plus, each of the ten finalists received a $1,000 SVP Award:

A Different Point of View

AHA!

Angels Foster Care of Santa Barbara

Talented teen Jamey Geston entertained the crowd. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg

CASA of Santa Barbara County

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

Santa Ynez Fruit and Vegetable Rescue (“Veggie Rescue”)

Sarah House Santa Barbara

Solvang Elementary School’s Viking Cafe

The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens

Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara

For more information about the program click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Amgen Tour of California Blazes Through Santa Barbara

Posted on May 20, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Jersey Winners.

The excitement buzzed down Cabrillo Boulevard this week when BMC Racing Team’s Taylor Phinney (Boulder, CO) whizzed to a solo victory 12 seconds ahead of the peloton to capture his first Amgen Tour of California stage win in a 107.4-mile ride from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara.

Phinney is one of the biggest cyclists in this year’s Amgen Tour, at 6′ 5″ and 185 pounds. He says he used his weight on the descent off San Marcos Pass, about 15 miles from the finish. “If you’re heavy and have speed, you can go faster than everybody else,” says Phinney. “I was able to tuck and pull away and accelerate up to speed and then tuck and keep pulling away.”

This was Phinney’s seventh career stage win, though only the second in a road race. Phinney’s impressive victory also earned him the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider Jersey.

“Sometimes you just have a voice inside you that says go. It just got more and more painful as I went on but I knew that if I made it, it would be worth it, and it definitely, definitely was. It’s the best way to win, to win like that,” says Phinney.

Mike Moxness spoke about his battle to fight cancer, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

As part of Amgen’s effort to honor and celebrate cancer survivors and to raise awareness about its Breakaway from Cancer initiative, the Santa Barbara finish featured a Breakaway Mile, a special walk along the race course that crosses the race finish line to honor the millions of cancer survivors worldwide. Santa Barbara cancer survivor Jack Bianchi was recognized as the local Breakaway from Cancer Champion. He has been in remission 22 years and, in that time, has helped raise more than $1.5 million for cancer programs in the Santa Barbara area. Bianchi dedicates his time to organizing events to raise money for the Santa Barbara Cancer Center and other cancer organizations.

He was joined by approximately 150 community members impacted by cancer and cancer survivor Mike Moxness, scientific director at Amgen, who plays a crucial role in developing innovative medicines to treat cancer and other serious illnesses.

Here’s a summary of the Stage 5 Jersey Winners

Amgen Leader Jersey – Bradley Wiggins (GBR), Team Sky (GBR); Michelob Ultra King of the Mountain (KOM) Jersey – Will Routley (CAN); Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)

Taylor Phinney takes in his victory, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Visit California Sprint Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK),Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA

Crunchies Best Young Rider Jersey – Lawson Craddock (USA), Team Giant-Shimano (NED)

Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider Jersey – Taylor Phinney (USA), BMC Racing Team (USA)

Stage 5 Men – Top 3

· FIRST— Taylor Phinney (USA), BMC Racing Team (USA)

· SECOND – Peter Sagan (SVK),Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA)

· THIRD – Matthew Goss (AUS), ORICA-GreenEDGE (AUS)

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Honoring Moms at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s Mother’s Day Luncheon

Posted on May 20, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Thomas Rollerson, courtesy VNHC

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) hosted its 13^th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon last week at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Each year the nonprofit organization honors two mothers—one living and one in memory—and celebrates their lives and acknowledges their contributions to the community.

This year’s luncheon raised a record sum—nearly $350,000—which will directly benefit VNHC’s mission to provide high quality, comprehensive home health, hospice, and related services necessary to promote the health and well being of all community residents, including those unable to pay.

The event honored mother and local philanthropist Jill Levinson. Guests enjoyed several tributes from her husband, VNHC Board Member Neil Levinson, as well as from their children. Jill has devoted herself to many local organizations and causes, including the Santa Barbara Children’s Museum, Crane Country Day School and Lotusland, among many others.

Shirin Rajaee and Andrew Firestone, courtesy, VNHC

Also honored in memory was Barbara Ward Rollerson, who passed away in 1977. Barbara is the mother of Thomas Rollerson, founder & recently-retired president of Dream Foundation. Thomas shared a video and loving reflections about his mother, who passed away at age 44, and will always be remembered for her unconditional love she had for her five children. As a longtime supporter of VNHC, Rollerson says that the Mother’s Day Luncheon has always been his favorite event because he didn’t have a place to go on Mother’s Day. “Being in a room with amazing mothers, staff and board members, I’ve always left here feeling like I had spent the day with my mother.”

VHNC Fashion Show, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Co-Chairs Jodi Fishman-Osti and Pamela Dillman Haskell welcomed almost 400 guests to the event, which also included the first-ever fashion show. Shirin Rajaee, Fashion Show Mistress of Ceremonies welcomed guests and showcased the latest spring trends from local boutiques, which included styles from Allora by Laura, Bonita, Giuliana Haute Couture, Indian Summers, Lana Marmé, Lola Boutique and Lolë.

Master of Ceremonies Andrew Firestone opened the luncheon program with a warm welcome and introduced Lynda Tanner, President & CEO of VNHC, who then recognized the many supporters and sponsors of the event, including Premier Rose Sponsors Irma and Morrie Jurkowitz and Union Bank.

Established in 1908, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is one of Santa Barbara’s oldest nonprofit organizations. For more information on Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, click here or call 805/965-5555.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Cocktail Corner: The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail “Summer Celebration”

Posted on May 16, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It sure feels like summer with the weather we’ve had this week! The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail will keep the warm summer vibe going with three toast-worthy events over one wine-filled weekend, May 30 – June 1.

Dubbed the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail “Summer Celebration,” the festivities feature a Passport to the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail for the weekend, a Red & White AVA Seminar and the Grand Tasting. The “Summer Celebration” Passport will be happening all weekend long (May 30 – June 1) at all of the 23 tasting rooms. The Passport gives you special wine tasting opportunities and complimentary tastings, including the chance to meet winemakers, reserve vintage exhibitions, light bites and live musical entertainment. Passport holders will also get a 10% discount on wine purchases at all member tasting rooms that weekend.

Guests begin their wine tasting adventures by picking up their Passport and signature logo glass at any one of the three check-in points, including Carr Winery, Santa Barbara Winery and Margerum Wine Company.

Courtesy Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail

The event kicks into high gear on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wine Cask restaurant with the Red & White AVA Seminar featuring ten wines (five red and five white) from some of Santa Barbara’s top wineries, including AVA Santa Barbara, Carr, Deep Sea, Grassini, Jaffurs, Margerum Wine Company, Pali, Riverbench, and Sanford. Learn all about the American Viticulture Areas (AVA) of Santa Barbara County—Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon and Happy Canyon—and how the different grape growing regions affect taste. Each of the winemakers will share one of their finest library and current release wines that represent the AVA it was grown in. Mitchell Sjerven, owner of the renowned Bouchon restaurant, will moderate the seminar and guide guests through each of these unique and notable wines.

Summer Celebration passport-poster The festivities continue on Saturday evening with the Grand Tasting at the Carrillo Ballroom from 6–9 p.m. All 23 of the winemakers from the Urban Wine Trail will host guests for an evening of world-class wine, along with the opportunity to purchase very limited library wines not available to the public. A selection of the area’s best restaurants will also share delicious delights that pair nicely with each of the wine varietals.

It wouldn’t be a true Santa Barbara event without a nonprofit component and this weekend has two terrific nonprofit partnerships. A special collaboration with Youth Interactive Santa Barbara will showcase art produced by the students, inspired by each of the 23 wineries, and will be displayed at the Grand Tasting. There will also be a live auction to raise money for the Unity Shoppe of Santa Barbara.

Tickets can be purchased for just one of the events or the entire weekend, with prices as follows: $60 – Seminar only; $75 – Grand Tasting only; $50 – Passport only; $100 – Grand Tasting/Seminar bundle; $100 – Grand Tasting/Passport bundle and $150 – VIP All Access.

Urban Wine Trail member wineries include: Au Bon Climat, AVA Santa Barbara, Area 5.1 Winery, Carr Vineyards & Winery, Cottonwood Canyon, Deep Sea Tasting Room, Fox Wines, Grassini Family Vineyards, Happy Canyon Vineyard, Jaffurs Wine Cellars and Kalyra Winery.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail.

Kunin Wines, Margerum Wine Company, Municipal Winemakers, Oreana Winery, Pali Wine Co., Riverbench Winery, Sanford, Sanguis, Santa Barbara Winery, Silver Wines, Summerland Winery and Whitcraft Winery are also on the trail.

Created by a group of like-minded Santa Barbara County wineries, the Urban Wine Trail is comprised of 23 wineries that have opened both tasting rooms and production facilities, all within walking distance in downtown Santa Barbara. The Urban Wine Trail’s purpose is to promote and support the wineries and tasting rooms in the downtown Santa Barbara. Members include wineries that hold a Type 02 winegrowers license and whose annual production is at least 75% from Santa Barbara County. For more information visit urbanwinetrailsb.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on May 16, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

Tag Archives: santa barbara

Best Seat for Solstice Parade may be at the Granada Theatre

Cocktail Corner: Sublime Summer Sips

Sublime Summer Sips are on the menu with a variety of opportunities to wine down on those long summer days.

Cocktail Corner: Miró’s—and Nanette’s—Ticket to Paradise

Cocktail Corner: Intermezzo’s New Lineup of Handcrafted Cocktails

Cocktail Corner: Cool New Cocktails at Finch & Fork

Cocktail Corner: Burbank Ranch … in Paso Robles!

Amgen Tour of California Blazes Through Santa Barbara

Honoring Moms at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s Mother’s Day Luncheon

Cocktail Corner: The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail “Summer Celebration”

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Sublime Summer Sips are on the menu with a variety of opportunities to wine down on those long summer days.

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Organizers from Social Venture Partners say inaugural event will become an annual opportunity for local nonprofits to gain exposure, refine messages and win money.

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