Tag Archives: McConnell’s Ice Cream

Fiesta Ranchera

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Fiesta Ranchera, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Fiesta Ranchera, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Come celebrate Fiesta in June at the always fun Fiesta Ranchera party! Truly a great night out for locals, this is an awesome way to get into the spirit of Fiesta, Goleta style!

On June 16, Fiesta Ranchera opens the Fiesta summer season with the help of Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society for an unforgettable night of food, fun and merriment. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the historic Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Rd. in Goleta.

The beautiful gardens make this a perfect place for a night of pre-Fiesta fun that includes sampling of food from local restaurants, wines from award-winning local wineries, craft beer and signature drinks. Guitarist Tony Ybarra will play as the crowd mingles, followed by performances from the 2016 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta. Then dance the night away to the ever-favorite sounds of Area 51.

Fiesta dancers, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Fiesta dancers, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

“We look forward to welcoming you for a rare opportunity to enjoy this lovely, historic landmark after the sun sets for a magical night at the Ranch,” says Amanda De Lucia, executive director of Goleta Valley Historical Society.

Restaurants and chefs to showcase their fabulous fare include Anna’s Bakery, Angel Oak at Bacara Resort & Spa, Catering Connection, Country Catering & Meat Market, Goodland Kitchen, McConnell’s Ice Cream, The Nugget, Pepe’s Mexican Food, Rincon Events, Trattoria Grappolo, Caffe Primo, On The Alley, Benchmark Eatery, Farmer Boy, High Sierra Bar & Grill, Woodstock’s Pizza, Woody’s BBQ and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Guests will sip wine by Alexander & Wayne, Arthur Earl, Bella Cavalli Vineyard, Sunstone, Windrun and Zaca Mesa, along with craft beer from Hollister Brewing Co., Enegren Brewing, Captain Fattys, Santa Maria Brewing, Telegraph Brewing and Knee Deep Brewing.

Fiesta photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Fiesta photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Tickets for the event are $65 and are now all inclusive (no more pesky drink tickets) and may be purchased online at http://www.sbfiesta.org. Tickets will also be available onsite for $80 at the door. Designated driver and group discounts are available, and guests must be 21 to enter. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Fiesta or ranch attire.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 9, 2016.

Foodbank’s Table of Life Fundraiser

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Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, Sherry Villanueva and Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin, courtesy photo

Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, Sherry Villanueva and Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin, courtesy photo

Support Foodbank of Santa Barbara County‘s Feed the Future programs—which include Food Literacy in Preschool, Kid’s Farmers Market, Picnic in the Park, Teens Love Cooking and Healthy School Pantry—at the Fourth Annual Table of Life Fundraiser on Oct. 17, from 4-7 p.m.

The event, which brings together the local food industry, chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers and foodies to celebrate Santa Barbara County’s finest, and provide nutritional meals to children will be held at Jim & Stephanie Sokolove’s Montecito estate. This year’s honorees are Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree and Sherry Villanueva, who receive special recognition for their leadership and steadfast commitment to improving food security.

Chef Jason Paluska of The Lark, courtesy photo

Chef Jason Paluska of The Lark, courtesy photo

The garden party features live music from the Doublewide Kings, wine and spirits and food stations from local favorites: Michael Hutchings, Christine Dahl, Stephanie Sokolove, The Lark, Driscoll’s Berries, World Cuisine Express Organic Kitchen, Edie Robertson, Liz Santa Barbara Caterer, Catering Connection, Pete Clemens, McConnell’s Ice Cream, Tri-County Produce, Shalhoob Meat Company, Nimita’s Cuisine and Bacara Resort and Spa.

School of Knowledge Table Sponsors have generously released limited tickets for purchase. A $250 ticket donation sponsors five children enrolled in our Feed the Future programs. Each child receives delicious, fresh produce and food literacy training. Click here to buy a ticket.

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Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is transforming health by eliminating hunger and food insecurity through good nutrition and food literacy. The Foodbank provides nourishment and education through its award-winning programs and a network of over 300 member nonprofit partners. In Santa Barbara County, one in four people receive food support from the Foodbank; over 146,000 unduplicated people of whom nearly 35% are children. Last year, the Foodbank distributed 9.7 million pounds of food — half of which was fresh produce. For more information, visit foodbanksbc.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on October 3, 2015.