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AGORAPHOBIA: PORTRAITS OF AMERICAN INTERIORS at Sullivan Goss Gallery

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Painting by Patssi Valdez, courtesy Sullivan Goss

Painting by Patssi Valdez, courtesy Sullivan Goss

Sullivan Goss presents AGORAPHOBIA: Portraits of American Interiors.  One of four new exhibitions scheduled to open this month, AGORAPHOBIA examines the idea of interior architectural space as portraiture, featuring paintings, photographs, and sculpture by a variety of mostly contemporary artists.

Artists included in this exhibition are: Anders Aldrin, Patricia Chidlaw, Pamela Enticknap, Robert Frame, Kimberly Hahn, Mark Lozano, Zack Paul, Richard Ross, Julius Shulman, Patssi Valdez and Mark Christian Wethli.

This will be the Sullivan Goss Gallery debut for Valdez, Ross and Hahn.

The exhibit opens on December 4 (1st Thursday) and runs through March 1, 2015. Sullivan Goss is located at 7 E. Anapamu St. in downtown Santa Barbara.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 2, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Loving Limoncellotinis

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Limoncellotinis combine Limoncello and Vodka to create a deliciously refreshing cocktail. (courtesy photo)

Limoncellotinis combine Limoncello and Vodka to create a deliciously refreshing cocktail. (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

As we like to say around here, when life gives you lemons … make Limoncello!

An Italian lemon liqueur that is traditionally made from lemon zest steeped in grain alcohol (also known as the deadly Everclear to those of you who went to college frat parties) until the sunny yellow oils are released, then mixed with a simple syrup to create a strong, sweet lemony digestif, Limoncello is delicious all by itself on the rocks and—as I recently discovered—even more deletable when combined with Vodka to create a Limoncellotini.

Although widely available at our local bars and restaurants, I actually traveled to Portland (no, sadly not the Amalfi Coast) to try this refreshing summer sip at the wonderful a Cena Ristorante last week. Talk about a match made in heaven! The Limoncellotini (featuring the restaurant’s house-made Limoncello) paired delightfully well with the house-made Agnolotti pasta, featuring corn and mascarpone raviolini and butter-poached Maine lobster.

My mouth waters just typing those words, that’s how good it was!

Luckily for us, California lobster season is coming up soon, plus we also have the wonderful Ventura Limoncello Company right in our backyard, and plenty of convenient locations stock this regional delicacy, including The Biltmore Four Seasons Resort, Crocodile Restaurant, Maggie’s at State & A, Olio e Limone Ristorante, TOMA and Tydes Restaurant & Bar at the Coral Casino, among others.

If you want to make your own Limoncellotini at home, recipes vary from the simple (combine one part Limoncello with two parts Vodka and shake) to extremely complicated variations involving flavored Vodkas, fresh juices, edible flowers and magic spells. OR here’s a simple video explanation from the Ventura Limoncello Company and Lure Fish House.

Cheers!
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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS Magazine.

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: Sama Sama Kitchen

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Sama Sama Kitchen (courtesy photo)

Sama Sama Kitchen (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

My Indonesian is a little rusty, but I believe “sama sama” means “together or welcome,” or  (when someone says thank you), “my pleasure.”

Whatever it means, the addition of Sama Sama Kitchen to our downtown neighborhood (1208 State St., 805/965-4566)  is indeed our pleasure, especially now that the bar is open for business. Our Tuesday night sips included the delicious and refreshing Sama Sama cocktail made from bourbon, jasmine sweet tea and lemon, as well as their kicky version of now ubiquitous Moscow Mule, called a Mule Kick and made with Thai Chili, ginger-infused vodka, lime and ginger beer.

Both cocktails were yummy and paired well with the out-of-this world fabulous diver scallop dish on the menu that night. Inspired by Indonesian street food, everything on the menu is gorgeous and interesting and rather exotic. On previous visits I tried the Tempe Tacos (fabulous and flavorful) and the mouth-watering sweet corn fritters (called Perked El) which are unfortunately only on the lunch menu right now. Be sure to check the specials board, as Chef Ryan Simorangkir‘s “test kitchen” is always trying out something new and tasty.

Speaking of new and tasty, my co-workers highly recommend the Sama Sama Kitchen version of Sazerac, made with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s, palm syrup and served in a glass rimmed with herbsaint … so that one is definitely on my wish list for next time.

Cheers!

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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.”

This column was originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: Viva la Fiesta!

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Paradise Cafe Margarita, courtesy photo

Paradise Cafe Margarita, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Margaritas are part of the DNA of Santa Barbara and—along with buying Cascarones and seeing old friends—one of my favorite ways to celebrate Old Spanish Days. My son was born on July 27, 1999 and once I got over the initial euphoria, the first thing I wanted to do was drink a Margarita. After all it was Fiesta time and that’s how we do it around here.

There are lots of wonderful places to get Margaritas this weekend (and any weekend for that matter). Here are a few of my favorites downtown:

El Paseo Restaurant (813 Anacapa St.) is one of the oldest and best places to celebrate Fiesta, and their El Paseo Margarita, made with Hornitos, Citronage and Grand Marnier always yummy. Rumor has it my late father-in-late was known to drink these out of lovely seniorita’s shoes during particularly lively Fiesta celebrations. I guess we’ll never know, but the legend lives on.

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina (1324 State St.) also has terrific Margaritas made with fresh juices, not to mention a fun patio for people watching.

You also can’t beat the beautiful Spanish-influenced interiors of Cadiz (509 State St.)  for cocktails, and their Margaritas are sublime.

Paradise Cafe (702 Anacapa St.), as I’ve written before, has simple, straightforward and consistently delicious Paradise Margaritas, poured straight up on the rocks, with Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila.

Casa Blanca, (330 State St.) with its intricate tile work, is one of the most beautiful restaurants in town. Try the Prickly Pear Margarita for special treat, made with El Charro Reposado Tequila, fresh prickly pear and a dash of triple sec, lemonade, fresh squeezed OJ and fresh squeezed lime.

Cielito Restaurant in La Arcada (1114 State St.) has a to-die-for Millionaire Margarita made with Don Julio 1942, Grand Marnier 100-year and fresh lime juice on the rocks but if the $35 price is too steep for you, I also recommend their spectacular Blackberry Margarita, made with Peligroso Blanco, Leopold’s Rocky Mountain Blackberry, fresh lime juice and agave syrup.

With a name like Blue Agave (20 E. Cota St.) it’s no surprise that this place has a long menu of Margaritas. Try the Guava Margarita (Guavarita?) for a delicious fruity variation of the classic.

No matter which direction your taste buds take you, all of these Margaritas taste exactly like a Margarita should: with enough tang to make your lips pucker, enough sweetness to make everyone look prettier and enough Tequila to make your companions smarter, more and wittier, if not downright hilarious.

Via la!

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Originally appeared in Santa Barbara SEASONS Magazine.

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: BarNotes Creative Cocktail App

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BarNotes AppA spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail conversations (i.e. conversations about cocktails and conversations over cocktails) are all the rage around here, so we were excited to find BarNotes, a fun and informative tool available for free in the app store.

While there are plenty of cocktail recipe apps out there, what makes BarNotes a lot more fun are its curated cocktail lists—catering to the holiday, game day or even the time of day; creative takes on old classics—many from well-regarded barkeeps from around the world; and its social sharing element, which brings us back to those cocktail conversations again.

Blood Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Tomato, from Annalisa Rox

Blood Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Tomato, from Annalisa Rox

Here’s a BarNotes staff favorite cocktail recipe for the sweet and spicy (and sensational) Blood Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Tomato, from Annalisa Rox.

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 Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: Viva la Cocktails at Cadiz!

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Cadiz's "Gingham and Palomino" cocktail. Photo by Taylor Micaela Davis.

Cadiz’s “Gingham and Palomino” cocktail. Photo by Taylor Micaela Davis.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Santa Barbara’s Spanish heritage is always on display at the beautiful Cadiz restaurant (509 State St.), but this month, there’s an extra injection of that Fiesta spirit with a special cocktail menu celebrating Patricia Houghton Clarke‘s Old Spanish Days photographs which are featured in the summer issue of Santa Barbara SEASONS Magazine.

“Girls Give It A Go”—inspired by Clarke’s kinetic portrayal of a trio of mechanical bull-riding pre-teen queens—combines vodka, peach liqueur, Peychauds Bitters, lemon juice and Cava for a kicky cocktail that packs a nice punch on a warm summer night.

Cadiz's "Girls Give It A Go" cocktail. Photo by Taylor Micaela Davis.

Cadiz’s “Girls Give It A Go” cocktail. Photo by Taylor Micaela Davis.

“Gingham and Palomino”—a salute to Clarke’s contemplative horse parade portrait—features a powerhouse combination of tequila, Aperol (an Italian apertif made with bitter orange, gentian flowers, rhubarb, and cinchona) and grapefruit juice.

Both are enjoyable cocktails with layers of both bitter and sweet complexity, not unlike Clarke’s photographs, many of which are on view at Cadiz. (Including all of the photos featured in our summer issue.)

Don’t worry if those aren’t to your taste, Cadiz has a fabulous menu of hand-crafted cocktails such as the “Capri,” featuring serrano-infused tequila, Luxardo Amaretto, mango puree and lime juice, with a Spanish paprika garnish; or the spicy “Sevilla” cocktail with serrano-infused tequila, muddled mint, ginger liquer, lemon juice and a jalapeño wheel; as well as a nice selection of wine.

"Capri" cocktail at Cadiz. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

“Capri” cocktail at Cadiz. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Nibble on Prosciutto di Parma Flatbread with wild argula, fontina and black mission figs (my favorite), delicious house marinated olives, delectable diver scallops or the Mediterranean dip trio, which pairs well with just about anything.

Psst … if you’re looking to rest your weary flip flops after the Tuesday farmers’ market, look no further: Tuesday nights at Cadiz feature Happy Hour prices all night long. Perhaps we’ll see you there.

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 appeared in Santa Barbara SEASONS on June 14, 2013.

Cocktail Corner: Summer Sips, Santa Barbara Style

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Intermezzo's Thai High (courtesy photo). Also available at the Wine Cask.

Intermezzo’s Thai High (courtesy photo). Also available at the Wine Cask.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s finally official: summer is here! While just about any cocktail is suitable for summer, when the sun’s beating down, there’s sand in your toes or you’re barbecuing, some sips are just a bit more summery than others. Here are a few of my favorites.

When Life Gives You Lemons …

… by all means, spike the lemonade! I finally got myself over to the hip new Seven Bar & Kitchen this week (224 Helena Ave., 805/845-0377) where my tastebuds were tickled by their yummy strawberry infused vodka lemonade. It’s great on its own, but even better when paired with one of their 7 deadly sins sandwiches.

Luke’s Lemonade at the Hungry Cat (1134 Chapala St., 805/884-4701), spiked with vodka and mint, is also a delicious and refreshing summer treat.

The Wonders of Watermelon

Watermelon is one of my favorite summer flavors, and as if to further prove my theory that it goes with everything, the guys at Arlington Tavern have created Watermelon Beer out of Firestone 805 Blonde Summer Ale and watermelon puree. Seriously good stuff!

Alcazar's Heat of Passion cocktail. Courtesy Photo.

Alcazar’s Heat of Passion cocktail. Courtesy Photo.

Of course, there are lots of other fun things you can do with watermelon cocktails, it goes well with tequila, vodka and even wine. Click here for a great Rachel Ray recipe for Watermelon-Plum Sangria.

Enjoy the Heat

It may seem counterintuitive, but hot days call for spicy drinks. One of my favorites is the Thai High at Intermezzo  (819 Anacapa St.). Made with chili-infused vodka, mango, lime and lemongrass syrup, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and heat. Try it with the tuna tartare on cucumber “boats” and sail away into summertime bliss.

And of course I can’t leave out The Heat of Passion, a habanero chile-infused tequila concoction with fresh passion fruit puree, lime, sweet & sour and pure deliciousness found not only at Mesa favorite Alcazar  (1812 Cliff Dr., 805/962-0337) and downtown hot spot Milk & Honey (30 W. Anapamu St., 805/275-4232), but also at my new Noleta hangout The Bourbon Room (444 Hollister Ave., 805/265-3788).

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 appeared in Santa Barbara SEASONS on June 21, 2013.

Cocktail Corner: Wine Tasting Comes to Goleta

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Bacara tasting room, courtesy of Bacara

Bacara tasting room, courtesy of Bacara

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

The Goodland of Goleta got even better recently with the addition of a new wine tasting room at Bacara Resort & Spa.

Dubbed The Foley Food and Wine Society Experience (Yes, it’s a mouthful, but they’ve also got a LOT of great wines to back it up!), my husband and I were treated to the full Foley experience this week, and I have to say, it was a wonderful way to spend a summer evening.

Thanks to the gracious hospitality and good humor of assistant manager Lila Brown, we were able to taste some delectable wines, as well as learn about several of Foley Family Wines’ properties at the same time.

First up was a Chalk Hill 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, which had a refreshing citrus taste that I really liked. Not only was the wine good, but when Lila gave us a photographic tour of Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery (on the eastern edge of the Russian River Valley, south of downtown Healdsburg in Sonoma County) including the onsite chef’s culinary garden, stables and Olympic-sized equestrian pavilion, a plan to visit immediately went on my bucket list. What a gorgeous place! Continue reading →