Restaurants
Wine Alcohol Debate
Written by shawn on date 08 April 2015 in Central Coast, Restaurants , Santa Barbara County, Wine Festivals , Winemakers
The Garagiste Festival (Santa Ynez Southern Exposure)continues to shed light on smaller production winemakers. Many of these wine producers cannot be found on a wine map. In some cases, the wines poured cannot even be found in any bar, restaurant, or wine shop. The discoveries can be fun, interesting, and even stellar.
Preceeding the grand tasting in Solvang (Santa Barbara County), a panel of winemakers met to discuss the Great Alcohol Debate, The Elephant In The Bottle. This just might be a more inside or industry debate, but it can be a very hot topic in some circles.
Neither ...
Read moreWorld of Pinot Noir
Written by shawn on date 20 February 2015 in Central Coast, Restaurants , Santa Barbara County, Travel, Wine Days, Wine Dinners, Wine Festivals , Wine Geek, Winemakers
Rex Pickett - Sideways Q/A
Written by shawn on date 22 October 2014 in Central Coast, Restaurants , Santa Barbara County
The Sideways novel and film are arguably the most impactful wine entertainment in today's pop culture, and certainly for Santa Barbara County. Talking with Rex Pickett the author of the book, "Sideways" on his view of the impact of the film.
Q - Could you share a bit about the varietals Pinot Noir and Merlot in relation to the characters in your novel Sideways?
"At the time that I wrote Sideways Pinot Noir was a semi-obscure grape variety coveted by wine geeks who spoke of Burgundy and Sonoma’s Russian River in rhapsodic terms. I, who knew little about wine ...
Read moreThe Best of the 805 Wine Panel
Written by shawn on date 21 October 2014 in Central Coast, Restaurants , Santa Barbara County, Wine Dinners, Wine Festivals , Wine Regions, Winemakers
(All photos copyright protected and taken by Shawn Burgert)
The Best of the 805 is taking place this weekend, October 24/25th, at the historic Camarillo Ranch House. It is a loaded weekend event kicking off with a Friday night wine dinner featuring some of the very best local chefs including John Paolone of Cafe Firenze, Tim Kilcoyne of Scratch, Anastashia Chavez from Barrel House 101, and Gabe Garcia of Tierra Sur.
Saturday, October 25th, is the main event held from 1:00-5:00 PM. The event is loaded with live music, over 100 venders that include great wineries, breweries ...
Santa Barbara Restaurant Pays Homage in Wine Country
Written by shawn on date 04 February 2014 in BBQ , Central Coast, Family Trips, Food , Restaurants , Santa Barbara County, Travel
For wine travelers, great wine and dining experiences are often a partnership. That partnership may be dependant on great palettes, pairings, or simply an appreciation for the sensory experience. Nearly any wine traveler will appreciate stepping into hisory at the new Mattei's Tavern located in Los Olivos, just off Highway 154.
Mattei's Tavern partner and chef, Robbie Wilson, may be among the very best in the culinary world, but you would not know it with his humble approach, demeanor, and complete lack of pretense. I had the opportunity to sit down with Chef Robbie and discuss things that ...
Read moreWine By The Glass, Cafe Firenze
Written by shawn on date 17 January 2014 in Restaurants , Wine Dinners
Top Chef Michael Voltaggio interview at Savor Central Coast
Written by shawn on date 14 October 2013 in Central Coast, Food , Restaurants , Travel, Wine Festivals
Chef Michael Voltaggio was one of the many celebrity chefs at Sunset Magazines' Savor the Central Coast. Savor CC for short, is an annual food, wine, and cooking event held in September at Santa Margarita Ranch in Paso Robles. (More event details)
It really is so much more, with four days of events, winemaker seminars, gardening demonstrations, live music, cooking demos from celebrity chefs, cookbook signings, and all loaded with wineries/breweries/restaurants from all over the central coast.
The best analogy just might be a real life experience from the pages of Sunset Magazine, or maybe just a Disneyland ...
Read moreSanta Barbara Wine Country Restaurants
Written by shawn on date 04 January 2013 in Central Coast, Restaurants , Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara wine country is known for its high quality wine and when it comes to wine tasting, the question nearly always arises of "Where is a good place to eat?"
Begining January 20-26, Santa Barbara or more specificly Santa Ynez Valley initiates restaurant week.
(Photo - above Root 246)
Restaurants throughout the Santa Ynez Valley will offer a special 3-course tasting menus for $20.13 not including tax, tip or beverages. Some restrictions may apply and reservations may be required. This is a great opportunity to try some amazing restaurants for a fantastic price.
Chef Rick and Chef Alfonso Curti ...
Read more