Cocktail Corner: Summer Sips by the Sea

Rosé Solstice is coming at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara on June 10. Courtesy photo.

Rosé Solstice is coming at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara on June 10. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Situated perfectly overlooking Butterfly Beach and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is always a fabulous place to meet for drinks, but this summer will offer some extra special sipping opportunities. 

Coming up next in the 2016 Summer Tasting Series is a celebration of Rosé Solstice on June 10. Rosé Day (how did I not know about this?!?) is apparently celebrated on this day in wine tasting regions, and the resort will celebrate with a variety of wines from France and California. Get ready to drink pink! The tasting runs from 6-9 p.m. in the Palmera Garden, where attendees also will enjoy French appetizers paired to match the wines.

Beers from Telegraph Brewing Company will be among those spotlighted on Jul. 22 at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

Beers from Telegraph Brewing Company will be among those spotlighted on Jul. 22 at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In July the resort showcases Santa Barbara County microbrews, with a special beer tasting event located on the ocean front La Pacifica Terrace from 6-9 p.m. on July 22. Beers from Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Telegraph Brewery, Island Brewing Company and Rincon Brewery will offer tastings alongside treats, as part of an Independence-themed celebration called “Red, White and Brew.”

In August, Sunstone Vineyard takes center stage at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In August, Sunstone Vineyard takes center stage at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In August, Bella Vista Restaurant hosts an exceptional wine dinner at sunset, featuring food designed to pair with the exceptional wines of the Santa Ynez Valley’s Sunstone Winery.  Held from 6-9 p.m. on August 26, winemaker Bion Rice will be on hand to share his favorite varietals.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara hosts a tribute to Santa Ynez Valley wines in September. Courtesy photo.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara hosts a tribute to Santa Ynez Valley wines in September. Courtesy photo.

The series concludes in September with a tribute to the harvest season in the Santa Ynez Valley.  Rare local wines will be offered for tastings on September 23 in a beautiful resort venue to celebrate one of the world’s finest wine-growing regions.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is located at 1260 Channel Dr. For reservations, please call 805/565-8232.

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 May 20, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Fork & Cork Classic to Benefit Foodbank

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County's 3rd Annual Fork & Cork Classic takes place on April 10 at Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Photos by Eric Roland.

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s 3rd Annual Fork & Cork Classic takes place on April 10 at Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Photos by Eric Roland.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

I love it when good causes and good food and wine come together. Such is the case with the 3rd annual Fork & Cork Classic to benefit Santa Barbara County Foodbank by pairing gourmet tastings with local wine to fund nutritious meals for Santa Barbara County residents.

Taking place on Sunday, April 10, from 3-6 p.m. at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (3375 Foothill Rd., Carpinteria), 100% of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Foodbank’s 300 local nonprofit partners who supply nutritious meals to Santa Barbara County residents.

Fork & Cork 2014, photo by Eric Roland Photography

Fork & Cork 2014, photo by Eric Roland Photography

Just last year, the Foodbank served 146,198 people, of whom 51,533 were children.

“Santa Barbara Fork & Cork Classic is an important event for the Foodbank,” says Erik Talkin, CEO, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.  “By taking part in this event, attendees are helping to provide healthy produce and staples for in-need Santa Barbara County residents.”

This year the Fork & Cork Classic 2016 will honor Dario Furlati, chef-owner at Ca’ Dario Ristorante and Ca’ Dario Pizzeria; Steve Beckman, winemaker at Beckman Vineyards, and Jack Motter and Jeff Kramer, farmers-owners at Ellwood Canyon Farms, for the contributions they have made towards advancing their respective crafts as well as their efforts to support the local community, including the Foodbank.

2016 Fork & Cork Classic Honorees

Participating wineries and other beverage donors from previous  years include Alma Rosa Winery & VineyardsAmpelos CellarsAscendant SpiritsBeckmen VineyardsBlair Fox VineyardsCaribbean Coffee CompanyCasa Dumetz WinesCutler´s Artisan SpiritsConsilience, Marianello & Tre AnelliCORE Family WineryDeep Sea by Conway Family WinesDV8 CellarsFalcone Family VineyardsFess Parker Winery & VineyardFoley Wine EstatesIsland Brewing CompanyJaffurs Wine CellarsKaena Wine Company and Kenneth Volk Vineyards.

Also pouring in the past were Lucas & Lewellen VineyardsNagy Wines Pegasus Estate Winery Scott CellarsSilver Wines LLCSummerland WineryPressed Juicery Turiya WinesThe Real McCoy RumTito’s Handmade VodkaWater StoreWilliam James CellarsWhitcraft Winery and Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards.

For an updated list of food and beverage participants visit forkandcorkclassic.org. General Admission tickets are $95 and VIP tickets—which include early entrance to the event at 2:30 p.m. and a VIP lounge—are $125. To purchase tickets click here.

2016 Fork & Cork Classic

I hope to see some of you at this fun—and very worthy—event. 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.”

This story originally appeared in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on March 18, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Good Wines, Good Causes

Fork & Cork 2014, photo by Eric Roland Photography

Fork & Cork 2014, photo by Eric Roland Photography

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Santa Barbara winemakers are a generous bunch. They constantly get hit up to donate wine to charitable events, and do so with stunning regularity, often pouring the wine themselves, and always with affable smiles on their faces.

A few causes that are particularly near and dear to the wine/food community have their own fundraising events coming up soon, and lucky us, we get to sip and savor and support them in style!

Coming up on May 3 is the 2nd annual Fork & Cork Classic, which brings food and wine aficionados together to benefit Santa Barbara County Foodbank. Held at the Montecito Country Club, this delicious fundraiser features tastings from an array of select wines and special dishes prepared by over 20 of Santa Barbara’s top restaurants and chefs, including Bella Vista at the Four Seasons, Blue Owl, Ca’DarioEmpty Bowls Noodle Bar, Finch & Fork, Industrial Eats, Jessica Foster Confections, Julienne, Montecito Country Club, Patxi’s, Santa Barbara Yacht Club, Succulent Cafe, The Secret Ingredient, The Pasta Shoppe and Whole Foods.

Participating wineries include Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, Ampelos Cellars, Beckmen Vineyards, Blair Fox Vineyards, Consilience, Marianella & Tre Anelli, CORE Family Winery and Deep Sea by Conway Family Wines.

Additional wineries include Falcone Family Vineyards, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, Nagy Wines, Pegasus Estate Winery, Scott Cellars, Silver Wines LLC, Turiya Wines, William James Cellars, Whitcraft Winery and Zaca Mesa Winery & Wineyards.

Also pouring are Ascendant Spirits, Caribbean Coffee Company, Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Island Brewing Company, Pressed Juicery, The Real McCoy Rum and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

100% of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Foodbank’s 300 local nonprofit partners who supply nutritious meals to Santa Barbara County residents. Last year alone, the Foodbank served 140,575 people—over 25% of the local population, including 50,000 children.  For more information or to purchase tickets visit http://www.forkandcorkclassic.org.

Fork & Cork 2014, photo by Eric Roland Photography

Fork & Cork 2014, photo by Eric Roland Photography

Also back for the second year at the Bacara Resort & Spa is the Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend  April 16—19 . I’ve written about this before but this is a great event for a good cause: The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. Child herself created the foundation, and the mission is to honor and further her legacy, which centers on the importance of understanding where food comes from, what makes for good food, and the value of cooking.  It is a grant making, nonprofit which primarily funds research and scholarships for professional culinary training as well as other activities in the fields of gastronomy and the culinary arts.

Among the highlights this year is a special Saturday Night Grand Dinner & Reception with Kurt Russell featuring GoGi Wines, Hudson Bellamy Wines (inspired by actress Kate Hudson), and Ampelos Cellars. Russell will tell the stories behind the wines, their inspiration and their unique qualities driven by how they are grown and blended in the renowned Sta. Rita Hills AVA and there’s also a VIP access-only wine reception with live music followed by a four-course “ranch to table” dinner with his wine pairings.

Also on tap for the event is an educational lunch with Los Angeles power couple and celebrity chefs, Suzanne Goin (Lucques, AOC & Tavern) and David Lentz, chef/owner of Santa Barbara’s The Hungry Cat; cooking classes with famed chefs and cookbook authors, including Jim DodgeAnne Willan and Virginia Willis; a Neighborhood Tasting & Market that explores Santa Barbara’s top up-and-coming food regions, including Los Alamos, Arts District and the Funk Zone and while lot more.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit BacaraCulinaryWeekend.com.

Kurt Russell, photo by Isaac Hernandez

Kurt Russell, photo by Isaac Hernandez

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on April 10, 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.”

Cocktail Corner: Vintage American Cocktails (and Beer!) at American Ale

Courtesy American AleA spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Burgers and beer are a classic pairing for good reason, but even if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous in your glass, American Ale (14 E. Cota St.) is a great place for drinks.

The name alone was enough to sell me on the Hummingbird Feeder. Made with De Luze Alfred Cognac, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Cointreau Noir, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering, Orange Bitters and Orange Zest, this sweet yet sophisticated concoction is the perfect treat to get your buzz on.

Also worth trying is the Cat Daddy’s Daiquiri, made with CatDaddy Carolina Moonshine, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Fresh Ruby Grapefruit and Fresh Lime Juice. Delicious and refreshing!

The Mary Pickford is another equally fun libation. Made with Montanya Platino Colorado Rum, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Trader Vic’s Grenadine and Peychaud’s Bitters, this cocktail’s so tasty it’s hard to stay silent about it.

On the slightly more traditional side, American Ale offers The Original Sazerac, a nod to the famous Trader Vic’s with the Trader Victoriaia, The Very Old Fashioned, The Manhattan, Tennessee Sweet Tea (made with Everclear!), an American Mule, a Luxardo Cognac Old Fashioned and a minty fresh Kentucky Derby Julep.

There's no shortage of fresh ingredients at the bar at American Ale. Photo courtesy  https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Ale/172053636278700

There’s no shortage of fresh ingredients at the bar at American Ale. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Ale/172053636278700

This is all in addition to a yummy menu of signature burgers (all fresh ground), like the amazing and decadent Make’N Bacon Burger (with maple bacon jam, bacon, Italian Bacon, Canadian Bacon and American cheese) and the awesomely adventurous PB & J Burger (with crispy bacon, chunky peanut butter and grape jelly). American Ale also has healthier fare like an Argula Chicken Burger and a Lentil Burger, as well as a great Chopped Ice House Salad and a few different soups.

Some tasty moonshine from American Ale, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Some tasty moonshine from American Ale, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

In addition to the vintage cocktails, American Ale has a variety of moonshine offerings, as well as a rotating assortment of 24 American craft beers and ciders on draft. For example, on the taps at press time are: Allagash Odyssey, a dark wheat, wood-aged beer from Portland, ME; Stone IPA, Stone Reason Be Damned Abbey Ale Aged In Red Wine Barrels,  Stone Unapologetic IPA  and the big, boozy Arrogant Bastard Ale, from Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido; Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale  from Boulder, CO; Ballast Point Sculpin IPA  from San Diego; the fruity and flavorful Figueroa Mountain – Lizards Mouth, the big dark Figueroa Mountain Grendel   and the Figueroa Mountain Saison from right here in Buellton.

Other nearly local selections are the Firestone Walker 805 Blonde Ale  and Firestone Walker Agrestic American Wild Red Sour  out of Paso Robles.

In addition, American Ale now offers:  Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear , a fruit cider from Colfax, CA;  Great Divide Oatmeal Yeti Imperial Stout  from Denver, CO; another local beer, Island King Tide , and imperial IPA from Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria; Knee Deep Hopotoligist IPA  from Knee Deep Brewing in Lincoln, CA;  Lightning Thunderweizen  a Weizen/Weissbier out of Poway; and the Belgian dark strong ale Lost Abbey Cuvee De Tomme  from San Marcos, CA.

Also on tap are: Modern Times Black House , an oatmeal stout made in San Diego; Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale  from Lyons, CO; Port Mongo IPA  from San Marcos, CA; Saint Archer White Ale  out of San Diego; and Strand Beach House Amber  straight outa Torrance!

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

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

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 12, 2014.

Arthritis Foundation’s 33rd Annual Taste of the Town

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation's Taste of the Town

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation’s Taste of the Town

We got a preview last week of what’s in store for the 33rd annual Santa Barbara Taste of the Town, and there’s a lot to be excited about for this signature culinary event benefiting the Arthritis Foundation.

Taking place on Sunday, Sept. 7 at the picturesque Riviera Park Gardens, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra,  from noon-3 p.m., the fundraiser is expected to attract more than  1,000 guests for an afternoon of wine tasting and delicious nibbles presented from many of Santa Barbara’s finest restaurants and wineries.

Mingle and support a good cause over live entertainment overlooking the beautiful city below.

Opal Restaurant & Bar co-owners Tina Takaya and Richard Yates are co-chairs for the event. Some of the participating restaurants include: Aldo’s Italian Restaurant, Blue Tavern, Ca’ Dario, Fresco Café & Bakery, Il Fustino, Los Agaves, Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant, Louie’s California Bistro, Michael’s Catering, New West Catering/Industrial Eats, Olivos del Mar, Opal Restaurant & Bar, Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro, Santa Barbara City College, The Chase Restaurant, The Faculty Club, The Palace Grill and Via Maestra 42, among others.

Wine, beer and beverages will be provide by: Adelaida, Alexander & Wayne/Arthur Earl, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards (winemaker Richard Sanford is a special honoree), Au Bon Climat, Babcock Vineyards, Brander Vineyard, Brewer-Clifton, Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard, Carr Vineyards & Winery, Consilience Winery/Tre Anelli, Daniel Gehrs Wines, Falcone Family Vineyards, Fess Parker Winery, Fiddlehead Cellars, Figueroa Mountain Brewery, Foxen, Giessinger Winery, Grassini, Island Brewing Company, Jaffurs Wine Cellars, Ken Brown Wines, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Lafond Winery and Vineyards, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards/Toccata Wines, Margerum Wine CompanyMelville Vineyards & Winery, Mosby Winery, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Qupe, Sanford WinerySanta Barbara Winery, Scott Cellars, Silver Wines, Sort This Out Cellars, Starlane & Dierberg Vineyards/Three Saints, Sunstone Vineyards, Tolosa, Whitcraft Winery, William James Cellars and Zaca Mesa, among others.

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation's Taste of the Town

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation’s Taste of the Town

Kendall Viera, a 13-year-old middle school student from Santa Ynez has been named this year’s Youth Honoree. She was diagnosed at the age of 6 with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) and is currently in remission, thanks to medical advances. To see a video of Viera talking about why she supports the Arthritis Foundation click here.

Dr. Timothy Spiegel has been named the event’s Medical Honoree. Hel is a rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) in Santa Barbara that has been diagnosing and treating patients for almost 40 years. 

All proceeds from Taste of the Town support local programs and services of the Arthritis Foundation. The foundation is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of 53 million people (including nearly 300,000 children) with arthritis through research and local programs of education, advocacy and juvenile arthritis support.

Taste of the Town tickets purchased in advance are $125 per person; tickets at the door will be $140, if available, and corporate group discounts are also available. Tickets are limited, so early reservations are encouraged. For tickets and information call 805/463-4685 or visit tasteofthetownsantabarbara.org.

Sponsors and their guests will also enjoy the exclusive Connoisseurs’ Circle, co-chaired by Jennifer Jaqua and Jacques Habra. Celebrating its fifth year, this unique VIP experience will feature a progressive tasting menu designed and prepared by a visiting chef of distinction at Belmond El Encanto on Friday, Sept. 5, along with a live auction. Taste of the Town sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Asher Garfinkel at 805/563-4685.

–Leslie Dinaberg

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