Food & Drink 2024
Welcome to October! Whoa. Where has 2024 gone? I would like to kick off our inaugural “Food + Drink” issue the way I like to wrap up most days... sharing a great meal, a glass [or two] of wine, those we love most around the dinner table, and lastly, with a “cheers”. Food and drink are two things that we love most in the DeMarcus household. Our daily ritual of breaking bread as a family around the dinner table is something that has a last ing impact on our hearts, our families, and our broader community. Many of our happiest moments are spent with a house full of people, tri tip on the grill, and sharing a beautiful meal with friends and family alike.
This time of year is so much fun. Throughout this issue, we share stories of local farms, local produce, local wine, and local recipes. I love fall. The crispness of the air - aka hopefully not 100+ degrees outside - football season, volleyball season, flannels, the pumpkin patch, and everything else... this time of year really jumpstarts the holiday season. As you start planning out Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, we encourage you to build longer tables, rather than taller fences. The holiday season is a time to come together and share with those around you.
This month, our pages are graced with mouthwatering dishes and beverages crafted from local ingredients. The culinary talents in our Valley continually blow my mind. Our local community is so blessed with the premium local farms, produce, wine, distilleries and everything in between. To the farmers, ranchers, winemakers, and more - thank you for all that you do. We appreciate you and support you! Please do your best to try new cuisine this month, you might just surprise yourself...
Go Pirates!
Cheers,
SARA DEMARCUS, PUBLISHER
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Sara DeMarcus | sara.demarcus@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Matt DeMarcus | matthew.demarcus@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Drew Stephens
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Matt DeMarcus, Ryan Smith, Sarah Suput, Brianna Haley, Anna Vocino
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matt DeMarcus, Christian Rodriguez, Lena Britt Photography, Jasmine Gonzalez
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
Cottage Primary Care
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY PROVIDERS
Kathryn Brewer, MD
Roger I. Lane, MD, FACP
Janina Meissner-Frisk, DO
Pablo Rojas, PA-C
1: Family fun at Summerset Farms pumpkin patch! 2 – 4: Behind the scenes with Cassidy Alexandrou of the Motley Crew Ranch. 5: Family fun at Summerset Farms pumpkin patch! 6: School field trip to the Summerset Farms pumpkin patch! 7: Family fun at Summerset Farms pumpkin patch!
@PHOTOGRAPHYBYMICHAELPAIGE
@PHOTOGRAPHYBYMICHAELPAIGE
business monthly
Gainey Concert in the Vines: Bryan Titus Trio
This trio has recently been touted as a “Postmodern Barn Dance” band that writes and performs toe-tapping tunes that evoke themes and melodies of yesterday and combine a fascinating mix of Bluegrass and American Roots. Join Gainey Vineyards for a beautiful outdoor evening, nestled amongst their ancient oaks and vineyards, for a lovely evening of music & wine. This event runs from 5:30pm - 9:00pm; check in begins at 5:30pm.
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Summerset Farm Pumpkin Patch
Summerset Farm invites you to celebrate the Fall season, at their annual Pumpkin Patch. They offer a vibrant array of pumpkin varieties, an exciting Sunflower maze, homemade jams and sauces, local goods and more. Open from mid-September through November, the Summerset Farm Pumpkin Patch is dog friendly and fun for all ages. Enjoy the cornucopia of all Summerset Farm has to offer, it is the perfect Fall family tradition!
Support the Vikings of Solvang
Founded in 1974 and celebrating 50 years in 2024, the 200+ member Viking organization places considerable emphasis on its ability to provide financial support to requests that help those with medically-related needs. On October 18 the Viking’s are hosting a Gala Dinner at Mendenhall’s Museum [tickets required] and October 19, downtown Solvang will be transformed into a classic car (and motorcycle) mecca as more than 200 pre-2000 impeccably restored, stock and customized vehicles [free event].
PUMPKIN PERFECTION
Put the carving tools down and check out how you can add some pizzazz to your pumpkins with just a paint brush.
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
the CREEPY crawler
For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.
Paint your “background” pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around.
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MOTLEY CREW RANCH BRINGS REGENERATIVE FARMING HOME SWEET HOME
From Their Farm, To Your Table...
ARTICLE BY BRIANNA HALEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASMINE GONZALEZ
This is what meat is supposed to taste like.
Tucked away on a sprawling 700 acre property, you will find a husband and wife who are fighting to provide their local community with direct access to local agriculture. I know that sounds like it should not be difficult in the Santa Ynez Valley, but ironically those “local” sections of our grocery stores just don’t seem to be that local anymore. The cost of producing, processing, and applying a fair-priced mark up, coupled with the indifference of chain grocery stores who prefer to stick with their mass producing suppliers, there has grown to be a stark failure in the accessibility between the rancher or farmer next door and the average community consumer.
Cassidy and Markos Alexandrou of Motley Crew Ranch, are trying to bridge the gap between local farmers and the communities that surround them. With a background in environmental studies and evolutionary marine biology, you can guarantee that this ranch finds a passion for producing everything in a regenerative, humane, and purely healthy way.
Motley Crew Ranch, named for the “motley crew” of more than 8 different species of animals you can find on the property, have been providing their quality non GMO, soy free, and corn free proteins in a convenient Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) monthly subscription box called the “Ranch Share”. The Ranch Shares are a subscription service for a monthly box of their pasture raised products from chicken, eggs, ever changing variety of meats, they have even managed to include a thriving Santa Barbara locally caught seafood option. This treasure chest of local, sustainable protein options was created with the local consumer in mind. They have
found a unique niche in which both their strengths and love of sourcing their own foods, has become a life consuming passion.
Beyond their full time farming business, this unstoppable team of 1st generation farmers is determined to break through the middle man and work with local farmers to help provide a consistent place for the community to purchase local goods and produce. They have set their sights on opening a larger scale full-time marketplace conveniently located right off the 101 freeway in Buellton. This location will truly be the farm-stand of all farmstands, with a focus on providing not only their own organic wares but also a variety of sundries that are unique and local to our agricultural centered valley.
One of their most important offerings will be their ability to offer custom cut and wrap for customers. This is a certified way for local small farmers to process their meats without having to journey over 2 animal-stressing hours to the nearest USDA processing facility. This helps farms who want an accessible selling outlet to the public, but are often out-priced by larger full-scale producers. This is unique to a community who prioritizes their health in a generational flip that pushes back on fast and easy. Cassidy described the first chicken she prepared after raising and culling it herself as “Mind blowing moment of ‘This is what meat is supposed to taste like’... I guess I have never had real chicken before.” Our Valley will soon be lucky enough to have the opportunity to experience and focus on choosing a known, healthy food source from our local farmer, thanks to Motley Crew Ranch!
www.sisterbstudios.com
shrimp fra diavolo
ARTICLE BY ANNA VOCINO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Fra diavolo means “the brother of the devil.” This sauce is often confused with arrabbiata sauce as they are both spicy, but traditionally, fra diavolo is made without pancetta. It’s perfect with shrimp or shellfish.
Serves: 4
ingredients
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or Calabrian pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Toss the cherry tomato halves on a rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Season well with salt and black pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and starting to blister. Remove from the oven and set aside.
In a large, flat-bottomed nonstick sauté pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the pepper flakes and vinegar and season with salt and black pepper. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Add the roasted tomatoes and any juices that have collected on the baking sheet and toss with the shrimp until hot. Season once more with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with the parsley.
WELCOME TO: THE GOOD LIFE
Discover Rotating Wine and Beer Selections That You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT DEMARCUS
One of the SYV’s most cherished traditions is our unwavering dedication to wine production. With nearly 300 different wineries, there’s always a risk of catching a case of choice paralysis or fatigue. But in the heart of downtown Solvang, there is a place that prides itself on variety and the celebration of a local assortment of award-winning and world renown wines and independent breweries. For 12 years now, Alfred and Lisa
Mesa have been tirelessly curating a myriad of choices of not only wines, but branching out to all corners of California for their micro beer selections as well. Once we learned they rotate their tap beer choices weekly, we had a sit down with the husband and wife team and ask some questions about how they ended up here, and how on earth they have the mental capacity to sift through the endless wine and beer possibilities.
WHAT ORIGINALLY BROUGHT YOU TO SOLVANG TO OPEN THE GOOD LIFE?
Alfred: For Lisa it was reminding her of home. You know, small town, rolling hills. Lisa: We would come here and drive the back roads. We have so many photos from those first 2 years of visiting, not even wine tasting: just driving. It didn’t matter what time of year we would come, it was always so pretty and refreshing.
HAPPY 12 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, HOW HAS THE LAST 12 YEARS BEEN?
Lisa : Sometimes I feel like its been a rollercoaster. Other times I feel like its been a constant uphill climb. When we opened in 2012, it was in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crash so there were a lot of empty shops. We knew we had a good concept, we just needed a way to let people know we
were here. Our winemakers helped us a lot. We were the first store in this area to feature small production wines, and wineries that didn’t have their own tasting rooms. The sign we had that said “Beer” really captured people’s attention also… and there wasn’t a lot of beer on the central coast so it was good that we carried beer as well.
HOW
DO YOU BOTH GO ABOUT PROCURING YOUR WINE AND BEER OPTIONS?
Lisa : It started off as us going to restaurants and looking at the labels on the menu and writing them down, calling them, and seeing if they wanted us to feature them in our tasting room. Hearing their stories is what pushed us to quit our other jobs and do this with the tasting room. The beer was a no brainer, we knew that would be a hit because there just wasn’t anything like that in this area. Alfred : Back in 2012 there was about 600 micro-breweries in the state, and now there are approximately 1,100. Because this place is run by the two of us, 6 days a week, it’s a lot of emailing, calling, looking at social media. As far as the selection goes, we just want it be well rounded. We’re looking for quality and to support the mom-andpop’s that are trying to succeed.
“AS FAR AS THE SELECTION GOES, WE JUST WANT IT TO BE WELL ROUNDED. WE’RE LOOKING FOR QUALITY AND TO SUPPORT THE MOM-AND-POP’S THAT ARE TRYING TO SUCCEED.”
PAST. PRESENT. FUTURE.
PIRATE ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Landon Lassahn - Men's Water Polo, Swimming, and BasketballSYHS Class of 2023
A four-year letterman at Santa Ynez High School, Lassahn transcended the conventional boundaries of sports, mastering not one but three disciplines with unrivaled prowess and dedication. Named Athlete of the Year in 2023, Lassahn’s impact was felt across the pool and the court.
A formidable force in men's water polo, Lassahn dazzled with an astounding 133 goals, earning the coveted Mountain League MVP title. His dominance in the pool was equally impressive; twice honored as the Water Polo All-Mountain League First Team selection, he set the bar high for future competitors On the basketball court, he carved his name into the record books, amassing 1,000 career points and securing a spot on the Mountain League First Team all four years. His athleticism extended to swimming, where he made waves at the CA State Championships, clinching top honors with school records in the 50-yard, 100-yard, and 200-yard freestyle events. He also triumphed at the CIF Central Section Championships, taking first place in the 100-yard and 200-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle relay.
Today, Lassahn is making a splash at UCSB as a rising star in Division 1 Men’s Water Polo. His versatility shines through as he excels as both a center defender and attacker. As the Gauchos gear up for their first game on September 7th against UCSD, the anticipation is palpable. With UCSB finishing 7th nationally and 2nd in the Big West last season, the team is primed for greatness. Lassahn, driven by his remarkable past and an unwavering ambition, is at the forefront of their quest for an NCAA championship this fall.
Honor the past. Represent the Present. Prepare the Future. Sponsored by the Freedom Fighter Family
HARVEST 2024
From Our Ground, To Your Glass
Keith Saarloos shares the evolution of his family’s journey from apple farmers to respected winemakers, a story marked by humor and perseverance. The heart of their tale unfolds each harvest, capturing their resilience and passion.
In 1999, Larry and Linda Saarloos purchased an apple orchard in Ballard Canyon, hoping to supply a local market. Their dreams hit a harsh reality when the entire apple crop was rejected. Keith reflects, “It was like one of those moments where you cry and throw up. Welcome to farming, idiot.”
Despite the setback, Linda’s vision turned their fortunes. “You can only eat so many apple pies… why not plant grapes?” she suggested. Her belief reignited Larry’s determination, leading them to replace the apple orchard with a vineyard. Keith recalls their early days of viticulture as a steep learning curve, noting, “No rational person plants a vineyard. You have to be audacious and tenacious.”
Keith and his wife, Heather, initially split time between Long Beach and Los Olivos. Heather’s pregnancy made their move to
ARTICLE BY RYAN SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
Los Olivos imminent. Keith’s excitement about raising their children in the Valley was clear: “The best decision I’ve ever made was asking my wife to marry me. The second best decision was to raise my kids in this Valley.” Heather’s encouragement also pushed him to start winemaking. “Heather believed in it when I had doubts,” he says.
Their entry into winemaking was unconventional, with unique touches like chairs in the tasting room and personal photos on labels. Keith describes their approach: “We started with a skate shop vibe that sold wine. It resonated and built our reputation for quality and a distinct experience.”
Larry Saarloos’s passing in 2020, due to an agricultural accident, was a significant loss. Keith fondly remembers his father, a passionate farmer who spent his final moments doing what he loved. “It was fitting he passed while doing what he loved,” Keith says. “He was always out in the fields, picking grapes at dawn.”
Today, the Saarloos family remains deeply involved in every aspect of their vineyard and winery. Harvest is a family tradition, filled with teamwork and celebration. “Farming and harvest is like being pregnant. You know the baby’s coming soon, but you’re not sure when,” Keith explains. The process is a mix of anticipation and constant checks to ensure the grapes reach their peak.
The harvest begins with a blessing from Keith’s eldest child, Brielle, followed by a hands-on effort from the entire family. “My wife, mother, daughter, son, and ranch hands Pedro and Alfonso—we’re all involved,” Keith shares. “Even in the cold and chaos, there’s laughter and camaraderie. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
After harvesting, the grapes are swiftly processed into wine. Keith marvels at the transformation: “Seeing the grapes turn into wine is incredible. All the hard work and sleepless nights culminate in this moment. When someone enjoys our wine, it makes everything worthwhile.”
Saarloos and Sons remains committed to its roots.
“From our ground to your glass,” Keith asserts, “we do it all ourselves—growing, making, and even designing the labels. It’s a labor of love that makes our wine special.” For the Saarloos family, harvest is more than a season; it’s a celebration of family, resilience, and the art of winemaking.
Typical Day of Harvest Schedule
• 3am: wake up, take a shower, cry
• 4am: put on uniform
• 4:15am: warm up equipment
• 4:16am: fix what’s broke
• 4:20am: move equipment into place
• 4:25am: talk smack
• 4:30am: get smack talked on
• 4:35am: laugh
• 4:40am: reminisce past harvests
• 4:45am: “Let’s Go!”... pick like a madman
• 6am: have a minor panic attack
• 6:05am: rethink every decision I’ve ever made in my life
• 6:07am: watch sunrise and realize every decision was correct
• 6:10am: more laughing and smack talk
• 6:11am: feel sunrise on face while tractor murmurs
• 6:12am: get choked up from happiness
◦ Pick until finished, overload the flatbed
◦ Deliver grapes to winery, unload
◦ Go back for more, overload again
◦ Crush grapes
◦ Talk smack
◦ Laugh
◦ Eat
• 5pm: clean for tomorrow
• 6pm: reset the vineyard
• 7pm: look at emails in truck
• 8pm: kiss wife
• Rinse. Repeat.
Natascha Ruiz
Spooky Sips
ARTICLE BY SARAH SUPUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LENA BRITT PHOTOGRAPHY
This Halloween Twist On a Classic Will Be Sure to Treat Any Party Guest
During the fun of Halloween, nothing can transform a cocktail faster than activated charcoal. The flavor remains unchanged and yet the darkened drink will add a special seasonal flair. Perfect for a party or even as a treat for two while the candy is passed out! Our take on a margarita has the ideal balance of spicy, sweet and salty. Be careful... You just might make this all year round.
ingredients: Spicy Black Cadillac
• 2 oz Rock 12 Serrano Infused Vodka
• 1 oz Citrus Liqueur (like Cointreau)
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• ½ oz Agave Syrup
• 1 tsp Activated Charcoal
• Rock Salt and Orange Sugar Crystals (for the rim)
directions:
Step 1. In a shaker, add vodka, liqueur, lime juice, agave and ice and shake vigorously.
Step 2. Rim glass with orange crystals and rock salt.
Step 3. Fill glass with ice and strain shaker into iced glass.
Step 4. Gently stir activated charcoal and enjoy!
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 1ST – 31ST
Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Festival
Throughout the Entire Santa Ynez Valley
Enjoy walking around each of the Santa Ynez Valley towns to see all of the scarecrows! You can even vote for your favorite. You will see scary ones, humorous ones, all-natural plus scarecrows that depict our businesses. Enjoy this free competition all month long!
OCTOBER 5TH – 6TH
Chumash Intertribal Powwow returns
Corner of Hwy 246 & Meadowvale Road, Santa Ynez | 10:00 AM
The Chumash Intertribal Powwow is a two-day event, hosted in October in Santa Ynez, CA. Over 300 Native American dancers and singers representing many of the tribes from Canada and the United States attend annually to participate socially and competitively. This event is open to the public!
OCTOBER 19TH
Day in the Country [Los Olivos]
Downtown Los Olivos: 2900 Grand Ave Los Olivos, CA 93441 | 10:00 AM
Join us for a weekend of vendors, specials, small-town parade, food, wine + beer, and everything you love about our small town as we Celebrate Los Olivos. This special day is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy country living the way it used to be in simpler times. Attendance is free!
realty report
YOUR FULL SERVICE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY HEARING CARE PROVIDER
CONTINUED
OCTOBER 19TH
40th Annual Santa
Barbara Vintners Festival
Vega Vineyard & Farm: 9496 Santa Rosa Rd, Buellton, CA 93427 | 11:00 AM
Offering hearing tests and hearing aid sales programming/ maintenance both in office or from the comfort of your own home. We work with all top hearing aid manufacturers.
Complimentary hearing screening and otoscopic exam
Contracted with Medicare
Doctor of Audiology
Taste wines from over 50+ wineries while you meet winemakers and owners who share the details of why their wines are among the most elegant and sophisticated in the world. Santa Barbara Wine Country produces globally recognized wines from one of the most diverse growing valleys in the world. Education, experience, passion and wisdom are poured into every bottle.
OCTOBER 25TH – 26TH
Melissa Alexander, Au D. CCC-A
Solvang Parks
&
Rec Presents: Lost Shadows
Formerly of House Ear Clinic, Dr. Melissa Alexander has become one of the top audiologists in the Los Angeles area. She is passionate about providing highly individualized care and educating her patients on the latest hearing devices, including digital hearing aids, invisible hearing aids, sound therapy for tinnitus management and bluetooth technology.
Halloween Haunt
Solvang Theaterfest: 420 2nd St, Solvang, Ca 93463 | 6:00 PM
30th Annual Halloween Haunt at the Solvang Theaterfest. Darkness is all you see! This two event will run with a “Kid Friendlier” time from 6-6:30 pm and then the standard Halloween Haunt from 6:309:30 pm. Tickets are available at the door!
OCTOBER 26TH
Sasha Olson is a board-certified
Hearing Instrument Specialist with nearly a decade of experience.
A native of San Diego, Sasha is eager to bring her expertise to the Central Coast.
As a member of the International Hearing Society, she is passionate about hearing solutions with the latest technology.
2024 Haunted Ball at Sunstone
Sunstone Winery: 125 Refugio Road
Santa Ynez, CA 93460 | 6:00 PM
Experience the transformation of the Sunstone Winery for their Annual Haunted Ball. Enjoy the Halloween inspired sips, delicious bites, and dancing the night away! Join in on the fun Saturday, Oct 26 from 6 - 10 pm.
Sasha Olson BC-HIS
