Santa Barbara SEASONS Magazine, Spring 2016

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CE LE B R ATING COUNT Y LIFE & CULTUR E |

OUR VALLEYS of WINE From Planting to Tasting to Life in the Santa Ynez Valley

WON DER FU L

RANCHO la ZACA

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FOOD W ITH FR IEN DS COUNTY & WINE COUNTRY MAPS, DINING GUIDE, SPRING STYLE & MORE

Spring 2016 $4.95 | sbseasons.com

spring

DISTINCTIVE SANTA BARBARA PROPERTIES

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Celebrating

75 Years of Art in Santa Barbara We invite you to Imagine More‌.

Now celebrating our 75th anniversary, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has launched the most ambitious fundraising campaign in our history to renovate our building, which has survived earthquakes, storms, and many other challenges.

The results will be clear—bold new spaces to showcase enduring works of art, seismic upgrades to ensure the long-term integrity of the building, new meeting places for the community, and a new experience for every person who visits.

We are asking those who believe in the power of art to invest in our urgently needed renovation efforts. You can go to campaign.sbma.net to make a gift and learn about the campaign.

“Our building is located in the heart of the community. We wish it to stay there—in the heart of the community—where its influence will reach the hearts of all our citizens.”

Buell Hammett, Santa Barbara Museum of Art founding member

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SPRING 2016

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M ARCH / APRIL / M AY

F E AT U R E S

52 Our Valleys of Wine

By Wendy Thies Sell

62 Wine Tasting With a Point of View

By Nancy Ransohoff

66 Southern Hospitality Meets California Rancho

52 62 Santa

SANTA BARBAR

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A SEASONS | Spring 2016

LTUR FE & CU UNTY LI TING CO CELEBRA

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OU R VA L L EYS of W IN E

C E L E B R AT

to Tasting to From Planting Ynez Valley Life in the Santa

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LT U R E LIFE & CU

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FR IEN DS FOO D W ITH

NTRY WINE COU COU NTY & G GUID E, MAPS , DININ & MOR E SPRIN G STYLE

sbseason s.com

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY SANTA BARBARA WINERY, CARA ROBBINS, COURTESY GRASSINI FAMILY VINEYARDS

By Cheryl Crabtree Photographs by Cara Robbins

On the Cover Frances Schultz takes in the sights and smells of spring at Rancho La Zaca in Los Olivos. Photo by Cara Robbins.

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28 18 Editor’s Letter + Our Editor’s Picks for Spring Fun and Entertainment

36 On Exhibit Featured Artists at Local Galleries

20 Contributors

42 First Person Matchmakers Sherri Murphy & Tammi Pickle

22 Local Lowdown Wine + Dine, IV Lightworks and more!

28 Spring Style With Kim Curtis

BY JUDY FOREMAN

32 Spring Datebook Performing and Visual Arts and Other Favorite Events for Spring 34 Poetry “Equinox”

BY SUSAN CHIAVELLI

BY NANCY A. SHOBE

44 Sustainable Seasons Happy Birthday National Park Service

BY LESLIE A. WESTBROOK

46 Legacies Pearl Chase Society

BY CHERI R AE

48 Rearview Mirror From Russia With Love to Franceschi House

BY MARC FLACKS

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74 Santa Ynez Valley News Tales From the Tavern series takes listeners on a journey of discovery

BY BRETT LEIGH DICKS

78 WINE Winery Guide & Map 82 Tee it up!

Golf in Santa Barbara County 84 Santa Barbara County Explore Map 86 Explore Santa Barbara County 40 great things to do in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland,

Carpinteria, Goleta, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Los Olivos 88 Santa Barbara Urban Wineries 92 FOOD & WINE The Joy of Food: Leela Cyd’s Latest Artful Adventure

BY LESLIE DINABERG

94 FOOD & WINE Our Dining Out Guide to favorite area restaurants 100 My Santa Barbara Unseen Santa Barbara PHOTOGR APH BY PATRICIA HOUGHTON CLARKE

BY LESLIE DINABERG

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT): CARA ROBBINS, LEELA CYD, COURTESY GRASSINI FAMILY VINEYARDS

D E PA R TM E N T S

S P R I N G 2 016 • VO LU M E L X I I • N U M B E R 1

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

David W. Fritzen A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R

Greg Corso M ANAGING EDITOR

Leslie Dinaberg A R T D I R E C T O R

Kim McKeown COPY EDITOR

Lindse Davis CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Jennifer Ortiz Nancy Ransohoff POETRY David Starkey STYLE Judy Foreman

CALENDAR FOOD

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Susan Chiavelli, Cheryl Crabtree, Brett Leigh Dicks, Leslie Dinaberg, Marc Flacks, Judy Foreman, Jennifer Ortiz, Cheri Rae, Nancy Ransohoff, Hana-Lee Sedgwick, Wendy Thies Sell, Nancy A. Shobe, Leslie A. Westbrook CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGR APHERS

Patricia Houghton Clarke, Leela Cyd, Cara Robbins, Henry L. Fechtman PREPRESS PRODUCTION

Glenn Vargen EDITORIAL INTERNS

Anne Felicitas, Jessica Floyd, Michelle Jarrard, Rachael Sablik DISTRIBUTION M ANAGER

Fred Vercota

Copyright 2016, Seasons Publishing Company. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

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SPRING EDITOR’S LETTER

“Give me books, ... wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know.” —John Keats

Leslie Dinaberg MANAGING EDITOR

leslie@sbseasons.com

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Spring Editor’s Picks Just in time for our wine-themed issue is one of my all-time favorite wine festivals. The 16th Annual World of Pinot Noir (Mar. 4–5) brings together an impressive lineup of producers from the most exceptional and unique regions in the world with pinot noir enthusiasts for a weekend of celebration and education at the beautiful Bacara Resort & Spa. This year’s event includes two days of food and wine extravaganzas hosted by an outstanding panel of sommeliers from across the U.S. (worldofpinotnoir.com).

Memorial Day weekend brings a beloved Santa Barbara tradition to town—the colorful I Madonnari Festival of Italian street painting in front of the Old Mission (May 28–30). The otherwise drab grey pavement blossoms with vibrant pastels for these three days, as artists create dazzling works that delight visitors year after year. Not only is the festival beautiful, but all proceeds benefit Children’s Creative Project, a nonprofit arts education program that serves 50,000 children in more than 100 schools with visual and performing arts workshops and performances throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties (imadonnarifestival.com).

The longest-running Earth Day celebration in the U.S., Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival (Apr. 16–17) is a weekend of live music, educational speakers, sustainable food and hundreds of exhibitors eager to help you reduce your carbon footprint. This year’s 46th annual festival theme, “One World,” is a reminder that we must work together to keep global warming well below two degrees, the level at which scientists say climate change will have seriously detrimental effects on the human population (sbearthday.org).

UCSB Arts & Lectures has a fabulous lineup of speakers this year, including one of comedy’s most original and beloved personalities, Conan O’Brien (Apr. 16); Serial’s visionaries Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder, who speak about creating what has quickly become the most popular podcast in the world (Mar. 3); perennial favorite humorist and author David Sedaris (May 1); and Temple Grandin Ph.D. (May 10), one of the world’s 100 most influential people, according to TIME, a best-selling author and the world’s most well-known adult with autism (artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu).

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): AMY BARNARD, COURTESY WORLD OF PINOT NOIR, COURTESY I MADONNARI, COURTESY UCSB ARTS & LECTURES

THE BE AUT Y and the promise of spring offer the perfect season to showcase the tranquil beauty found in the rolling hills and sweeping vineyards of Northern Santa Barbara County.

In “Our Valleys of Wine” (page 52), Wendy Thies Sell takes us on a fascinating journey through Santa Barbara County’s wine industry, speaking with winemakers and visionaries about the blood, sweat, tears and triumphs that go into creating our region’s stellar sips. Continuing with the wine theme, Nancy Ransohoff offers a taste of local tasting rooms in “Wine Tasting With a Point of View” (page 62), demonstrating that just as each wine tells a story, so does the setting where that wine is swirled and sipped.

Yet another stunning setting, where “Southern Hospitality Meets California Rancho” (page 66), is the Los Olivos enclave of Frances Schultz and Tom Dittmer. Cheryl Crabtree chats with the renowned tastemaker, author and hostess about life at Rancho La Zaca.

Flowers are blooming everywhere this springtime, including in our Style File (page 28), featuring the lovely Kim Curtis, owner of the design, production coordination and floral design company TOAST. We also take a look at the past with the Pearl Chase Society (page 46) and the history of Franceschi House (page 48), have a tasty preview of Seasons’ contributor Leela Cyd’s gorgeous new cookbook, Food With Friends (page 92), and much, much more!

Cheers to a fabulous spring season!

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SPRING CONTRIBUTORS

Emmy award-winning journalist and wine country wanderer Wendy Thies Sell has covered the Central Coast’s blossoming wine industry for 15 years; first for KSBY-TV and now as a freelance writer based in northern Santa Barbara County. She has had the pleasure of strolling through vineyards and sipping in cellars with hundreds of winemakers from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. She wrote “Our Valleys of Wine” (pg. 52).

Cheryl Crabtree | Writer The writer of “Southern Hospitality Meets California Rancho” (pg. 66), Cheryl Crabtree has penned many a word for regional and national travel books, magazines and websites. Her credits include The Insider’s Guide to Santa Barbara, Hometown Santa Barbara, California Directory of Fine Wineries: Central Coast, Fodor’s California and Fodor’s The Complete Guide to National Parks of the West. She also covers the Central Coast region for Bindu Media, a worldwide itinerary-based travel website. Crabtree says that to celebrate spring, “I love to wander around all the exhibits in Alameda Park on Earth Day, a global tradition inspired by Santa Barbara.”

Cara Robbins | Photographer Cara Robbins photographed “Southern Hospitality Meets California Rancho” (pg. 66), as well as “Style File” (pg. 28). Whether focused on an artist, model, entertainer or friend, Robbins’ photos aim to bridge the gap between subject and camera. She graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography and is based on the West Coast, where she works primarily in portraiture and lifestyle photography. Her images are intimate, thoughtful and distinctly personal—a true and honest reflection of both the person and the moment in which they’re captured.

Henry L. Fechtman | Photographer Henry L. Fechtman’s work has appeared in numerous local and national magazines, including Architectural Digest, People, Town & Country, Bon Appétit, Arizona Highways, Spa, Garden Design, Santa Barbara Magazine, Montecito Magazine and Great Resorts & Hotels, among others. He was also an instructor for Brooks Institute of Photography and the still photographer for Julia Child’s PBS series, “Dinner with Julia.” In this issue, Fechtman turns his lens toward the wine country to shoot “Our Valleys of Wine” (pg. 52). His favorite springtime tradition is to go to the Chelsea Flower Show in London. Held at Chelsea since 1912, it is perhaps the most famous flower show in the world.

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): COURTESY WENDY THIES SELL, CARA ROBBINS, HENRY L. FECHTMAN, CAM CRABTREE

Wendy Thies Sell | Writer

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PHOTO:

LOCAL LOWDOWN

THE PERFECT BLEND OF FAMILY AND TEAMWORK

BY HANA-LEE SEDGWIC K

PHOTOS: COURTESY GRASSINI

How Grassini Family Vineyards is changing lives with their Equipo red blend TUC KED AWAY IN Santa Ynez’s Happy Canyon lies Grassini Family Vineyards, a beautiful property on the edge of the valley where gently rolling hills frame 35 acres of pristine vines.

Behind the picturesque landscape and thriving vineyards, though, is a heartwarming story of family, dedication and, most of all, teamwork.

At Grassini, family and teamwork go hand in hand. Several generations of the Grassini family have tended the land, but it wasn’t until more recently that grape growing became the family tradition. Grassini’s vineyard team, including foreman Manuel Cardoza, has been with them since the vines were first planted in 2001, and all have since become extensions of the family.

“We are fortunate to have had the same team ever since we first planted our vines,” says CEO Katie Grassini. “It’s important to us to have the same team year after year, because throughout the growing seasons, they develop a very intimate knowledge of the land.” A passion for the land is a theme at Grassini, where their commitment to sustainability is evident through things like the use of reclaimed wood and solar panels to power the winery.

At their annual end-ofharvest picnic several years ago, when family matriarch Sharon Grassini was talking with Manuel, she learned that his infant son needed life-saving heart surgery. Worried about the

expenses, Sharon and her family organized an emergency fund not only to help defray some of those costs for Manuel’s family, but also to help other members of their crew with future unexpected costs.

The idea has since grown, transforming into an ongoing collaboration aptly named The Equipo Program (“equipo” is Spanish for “team”), where a portion of the vineyard has been allocated to producing the Equipo blend, a wine in which the crew has complete control over the decisions made in the vineyard, such as irrigation, fertilization and pruning. “They feel a sense of pride and ownership, knowing that the grapes from their vines are destined to become an ‘Equipo’ wine,” says Katie, “and we look forward to collaborating with our crew on this wonderful project for years to come.”

Part of the proceeds from the sale of the Equipo wine go toward keeping the emergency fund going, with the potential for future scholarship funds for crew members’ children as the program grows.

Although the Equipo wine started out as a sauvignon blanc, it was later decided that it should be a red given the fact that more than half of the vineyards are planted to red varietals. A majority of the blend is cabernet sauvignon, specifically from block 7, which has been allocated to the Equipo.

Block 7 also happens to be Manuel’s favorite for its consistency and reputation for producing high-quality grapes. Production is steadily increasing from an average of 250 cases per year to upwards of 600 cases with the 2013 Equipo Red. To the Grassini family, the Equipo program is more than just a story of hard work and collaboration. “We see our Equipo project as one part of our larger overall commitment to sustainability at the vineyard,” says Katie. “We want to enhance the quality of life for the folks in the local community whose hard work and dedication help us grow these superb grapes.”  FOR MORE INFOR M ATION , visit grassini-

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FIND YOUR M ATCH

WINE AND FOOD PAIRING

BY NANC Y R ANSOHOFF

Wine with food is a match made in heaven, but sometimes finding that match can be a challenge, so we asked local food and wine experts for a few gustatory guidelines and tippling tips.

DOUG M ARGERUM has been a fixture in Santa Barbara wine and hospitality for the past 30 years. Among his many ventures, he founded Margerum Wine Company in 2001 and is co-owner of the Wine Cask.

“The golden rule is light with light and heavy with heavy. I’m not a strict adherent of white with fish and red with meat…People should not ignore the classic pairings, but then again they shouldn’t be afraid to experiment. When you taste oysters and champagne, port and Stilton cheese or seared ahi and pinot noir, that’s when you understand how well a wine can complement food and create an amazing food and wine experience,” he says.

Not surprisingly, Margerum is a fan of incorporating wine into everyday life. “You shouldn’t be afraid to drink great wine with any food. You could pair a wonderful Bordeaux with an In-N-Out burger.”

Emily Johnston, wine director at S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez and a certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, seconds the vinous advice of matching the body of the wine with the richness of the food.

“Sometimes a detail of the preparation comes into play,” she says. “Say you have lamb shank with a berry reduction—syrah with a pepper quality balances the lamb well, and one with a distinct berry note also brings out the flavor of the berry reduction. A nice one would be Paul Lato Il Padrino Syrah

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2007 from Santa Maria Valley. And for a lighter fish dish, such as the whole branzino that we sometimes have on the menu, you might go with sauvignon blanc from the area with medium body and mineral character, such as the Dragonette Cellars Happy Canyon bottling.”

Johnston notes that popular pinot noir pairs well with a lot of dishes and is made in a wide array of styles. She suggests sipping pinot with earthy preparations, such as the wild mushroom pappardelle on the menu.

For pinots, the S.Y. Kitchen wine list offers everything from the light, bright Habit La Encantada Vineyard to the bigger Hilliard Bruce from Sta. Rita Hills. “Each has its own character,” she says. “The first question I would ask is what the person prefers in a flavor profile. Do you lean toward fruity or spicy notes…or floral or herbal?”

Lenka Davis, wine director at the downtown Santa Barbara-style bistro Barbareño, and a certified sommelier, also emphasizes flavor profiles and patron preferences when helping to make a match. “There is no perfect pairing that would work for everybody. I talk to my guests first to find out what category of wine they prefer. Red or white?

Opulent or more restrained and nuanced?

Viscous or light and crisp? Everybody has a favorite. This narrows my choices. Then I pair this category with guests’ food and usually give them three choices at various price points. When pairing, I try to highlight similarities or contrasts between food and wine. Most important is acidity—that to me is the driving force. The wine should have more acidity than the dish. Without it, the wine will taste flabby,” she says.

Specific suggestions from Davis include sipping a light, crisp, fresh wine like sauvignon blanc or riesling with greens and any kind of vinaigrette. She notes, “If there are aromatic herbs or flowers or some fruit on the dish, I might choose viognier for its stone fruit and honeysuckle notes. I usually like to pair smoked dishes with a smoky, peppery syrah. Thus, my perfect pairing for the Santa Maria barbecue on the Barbareño menu would be syrah.”

Wine and food folks agree that it’s a good idea to keep basic pairing principles in mind, but don’t be shy about stirring things up a little to discover a happy marriage. 

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LET THERE BE LIGHT!

BY LESLIE DINABERG

THE PARKS AND STREETS of Isla Vista will pulse with artistic spirit on May 20-21, when LightWorks: Isla Vista comes to life. This exciting series of temporary installations and performances that transform the parks of Isla Vista into illuminated evening spaces, engaging existing underutilized spaces and animating them through visually compelling experiences that contribute to the safety, economic viability and quality of night life and sense of place.

Spearheaded by UCSB Art Professor, Kim Yasuda, an Isla Vista resident who is passion-

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ate about using the arts as a positive force for community engagement, LightWorks is part of a long-term community development partnership effort with Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, and other key partnerships that include UCSB Visual and Public Arts; Offices of the 3rd District Supervisor and County Sheriff; Isla Vista Recreation and Parks District; Isla Vista Community Network; UCSB Materials Research Laboratory; Santa Barbara Center for Art, Science, and Technology and the Santa Barbara Foundation.

“This multi-agency arts

initiative is the first of its kind for Isla Vista and offers a way to engage the leadership of artists and designers in helping Isla Vista reimagine its future as a creative community,” says Yasuda, who worked hand-in-hand with Santa Barbara County Arts Commission to secure grant funding for the project.

Building on momentum from last spring’s Blunite Memorial Vigil (bluniteiv.org), which lit the UCSB campus and adjacent Isla Vista area with thousands of blue LED lights, Yasuda says, “All of that was really the momentum of posttragedy healing, artists kind of moving into those spaces and engaging them. Art is always kind of a way to make a space more beautiful. …So art is our catalyst. Artists and art are, to me, catalytic in beginning something beautiful and positive and that’s kind of how…I hope this will work.”

She continues, “I was thinking about the lighting as being a key feature that artists could tackle. Rather than having enforcement lighting or surveillance lighting or security lighting, we would have engaged lighting in beautiful illuminated spaces.”

“While public lighting and clear sightlines are critical components for safety, we have identified the arts as an

integral component to affect the permanent cultural change our community so desperately needs,” writes Alex Rodriguez, board chair of Isla Vista Recreation and Park District.

Initial funding for LightWorks: Isla Vista is based on temporary art installations, but Yasuda envisions this project as the beginning of developing a more permanent exhibit.

“What I imagine is that the campus and IV community actually embark on a partnership to host this event annually, so essentially we would have a kind of contemporary art festival. That’s my dream. And also that we would start a collection, an illuminated public works collection of different projects…We would actually be one of the first campus communities that would have a public art collection comprised of light and technology.”

With support from UCSB Materials Research Laboratory—the lab of UCSB Professor Shuji Nakamura, who won a Nobel Prize in physics in 2014 for the invention of efficient blue light-emitting diodes (LED lights)—Isla Vista certainly seems ideally suited to bring the long-term vision of LightWorks to life. 

PHOTOS: (TOP-BOTTOM) ROBERT BERNSTEIN, MARCOS NOVAK, COURTESY KIM YASUDA

LightWorks: Isla Vista Illuminates a Vibrant Community

SPRING STYLE FILE

SPRING STYLE WITH KIM CURTIS There Are Always Flowers For Those Who See Them WRIT TEN & ST YLED BY JUDY FOREM AN PHOTOGR APHED BY CAR A ROBBINS KIM C URTIS WE ARS M AN Y HATS . A wife and mom to

two sons, she owns the boutique full-service design, production coordination and floral design company TOAST (805/689-8130, toastsantabarbara.com). Kim’s days are filled with carpools and home renovations, as well as marketing, planning events and making sure they go off without a hitch.

To meet these multi-faceted demands, her wardrobe is kept comfy and effortless, but on trend and professional. Kim starts her work week choosing her flowers at Florabundance (florabundance.com), a national wholesale florist distributor based in Carpinteria, with flowers from all over the world. TOAST wedding and floral designs are characterized by simple elegance with hints

Top: Picking out blooms at Florabundance, Kim wears a blue felt hat, cashmere turtleneck sweater, Italian quilted vest and Acne Jeans, all from Jenni Kayne (525 San Ysidro Rd., 805/309-0550). Her Fermani boots are from DIANI Shoes (1324 State St., 805/966-7175). Left: In her home office, Kim stays cozy with a plaid blanket by Faribault, boyfriend shirt, Acne Jeans, and Chelsea boots, all from Jenni Kayne. Lower right: Veranda: The Romance of Flowers by Clinton Smith is available at Legacy (1137 Coast Village Rd., 805/845-3300) and the texture-rich grey and white vintage batik runner, leather-handled Burgon & Ball shears and Tajika high-quality, hand-crafted scissors are from DIANI Living (1324 State St., 805/770-7043).

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A M O Denim

SA N TA BA R BA R A 833 STATE STREET 805.966.2276

wendy foster wendyfoster .com

LOS OLIVOS

2928 SAN MARCOS AVENUE 805 . 686 . 0110

SPRING STYLE FILE

of organic whimsy and careful attention to detail.

Flowers evoke powerful feelings and emotions, so their beauty and fragrance must be in sync for different occasions.

Kim’s home studio in the hills of Santa Barbara is the staging ground for meeting with clients and strategizing with employees. As she thoughtfully does her research, accompanied by a cup of tea (often with social media and production assistant Tamara Kesser), Kim looks comfortable and chic.

The TOAST team loves to develop weddings around a couple’s romantic story, from the flirtatiousness of new romance to the bride and groom on their wedding day. Telling their stories is another way to celebrate their love. “We have the most fun when we are hand in hand with the client, creatively producing incredible expressions of life’s most important events. We are not just creating a moment, but creating a memory,“ Kim says.

Left: Beautiful spring weather calls for beautiful jewelry, like this stunning 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring the finest translucent 72 carat Chrysoprase or a 27.47 carat Blue Chrysocolla ring, set in 18 karat rose gold, with Paraiba Tourmaline stones and round diamonds, both available at Silverhorn Jewelers (1155 Coast Village Rd., 805/969-0442).

Top: Kim arranges tulips, wearing jeans and top from Jenni Kayne and a handmade Indian cashmere scarf from Whistle Club (1235 Coast Village Rd., 805/565-2800). Lower right: Kim is ready for spring flowers to bloom in her Warby Parker glasses, cashmere and silk cardigan and a silk striped t-shirt with tassels from Jenni Kayne. Left: Ready to head off to an event looking effortlessly chic, Kim wears a felted cashmere sweater coat, silk striped Henley shirt and cropped pants, with tote bag and shoes from Jenni Kayne.

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UPSTAIRS AT PIERRE LAFOND / WENDY FOSTER

516 San Ysidro Road, Montecito

805.565.1503

upstrs.com

Mon– Sun 9 to 8

Spring Datebook Seasonal events, happenings and things to do for March, April and May

March 4-6 Santa Barbara International Orchid Show 32

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SPRING DATEBOOK

Find updated information and additional events at sbseasons.com/datebook.

Ongoing Through Mar. 25 Ed Inks Longtime Santa Barbara City College 3D design and sculpture professor Ed Inks has a one-man show to honor his retirement. | Atkinson Gallery, SBCC, 721 Cliff Drive, Humanities Building, Room 202. 805/965-0581 ext. 3484, gallery.sbcc.edu.

Through May 1 California 101: Art from the Collection; Lucile Lloyd: A Life in Murals; The Art of Colonial Latin America and Stephen Westfall’s Stars and Candy Wrappers An ambitious variety of art can be viewed at these four continuing exhibits at the Art, Design & Architecture Museum. | Wed.–Sun., noon–5 p.m. AD&A Museum, UCSB. 805/893-2951, museum.ucsb.edu.

March 1 Danish String Quartet Danish String Quartet returns to Santa Barbara after its thrilling 2014 debut. People all over the world revere the BBC Radio new generation artists for their flawless, almost magical sound. | 7 p.m.

PHOTOS: (L-R) LARRY VIERHEILIG, ANDREW ECCLES

Campbell Hall, UCSB. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Jordi Savall Jordi Savall, a talented viol player, is one of the leading musicians for the revaluation of historical music. The Grammy Award Winner, with more than 170 recordings, was appointed a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2008.

In this special performance Frank McGuire joins Savall to deliver an emotional night full of beauty and life. | 8 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

2 Sebastiao Salgado Sebastiao Salgado, the subject of The Salt of the Earth, has visited more

than 100 countries across the globe to capture the effects of poverty, famine and industrialization. The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador presents his latest project, Genesis, a collection of photos focusing on nature, animals and indigenous people, as well as other works. | 8 p.m. Arlington Theater, 1317 State St. 805/963-4408, thearlingtontheatre.com.

3 Sarah Koenig & Julie Snyder In fall 2014, radio producers and journalists Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder launched Serial, one of the most popular podcasts today. The 12-part series captivated audiences around the globe. In their live presentation, Koenig and Snyder discuss their success, share stories and show the audience the pros and cons of modern journalism. | 8 p.m.

Campbell Hall, UCSB. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

4–5 16th Annual World of Pinot Noir World of Pinot Noir unites producers from the most exceptional and unique regions in the world with pinot noir enthusiasts for a weekend of celebration and education at the edge of California’s beautiful Central Coast.

This year’s event includes two days of food and wine extravaganzas hosted by an outstanding panel of sommeliers from across the U.S. | Bacara Resort & Spa, 8301 Hollister Ave. 805/489-1758, worldofpinotnoir.com.

4, 6 L’Elisi D’Amore Opera Santa Barbara presents L’Elisi D’Amore by Gaetano Donizetti, featuring his Bel Canto pieces that are sure to astound. This delightful comedy—full of magic, love and passion—showcases Donizetti’s vibrant and charming melodies. | Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/898-9386, granadasb.org.

4–6 71st Annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show With thousands of bright blooms around every corner, more than 50

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, April 12-13, Arlington Theatre

orchid exhibitors and vendors from around the world and several workshops, Santa Barbara International Orchid Show has something for all orchid lovers, flower fans and admirers. Marvel at garden exhibits, floral arrangements, demonstrations and botanic photography. With the theme “Wild World of Orchids,” it’s sure to show you a new appreciation for these unique, beautiful gems. | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. 805/403-1533, sborchidshow.com.

5 Bonjour de France! A French Family Day Come create, play and experience French art and culture on the campus of Westmont College with a free fun day of activities, crafts, games, music, food, dance, performances and more celebrating French culture and history. | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westmont RidleyTree Museum of Art, 955 La Paz Rd. 805/565-6162, westmontmuseum.org.

5–6 West of the West West of the West: Tales from California’s Channel Islands tells the

stories of the eight Channel Islands, colonized more than 13,000 years ago, and the people who have raised children, explored and restored, lived on, and more on these crown jewels of the Central Coast. | Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. 805/963-4408, thearlingtontheatre.com.

8 Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Joshua Bell, music director and violinist, leads Academy of St. Martin in the Fields in an impressive performance for lovers of classical music.

Bell’s charm and talent has made him an inspirational award-winning artist across the world. | 8 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/898-9386, granadasb.org.

Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music Get ready for an evening of glittering music with Taylor Mac, whose dynamic performance features selections from a 24-hour extravaganza that covers the last 240 years of popular music. | 8 p.m.

Campbell Hall, UCSB. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu. k

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POETRY is ALWAYS in SEASON

Susan Chiavelli’s award-winning prose and poetry have |appeared in Miramar, The Los Angeles Review, The Louisville Review, New Millennium Writings, Minnetonka Review, Rattle and elsewhere. A native of Seattle, Susan and her husband, Dennis, have lived in the foothills of Santa Barbara for many years.

Of her inspiration, Chiavelli writes: “We live on the edge of a canyon above the Old Mission and below St. Mary’s Seminary—in air filled with prayer and souring birds. “Equinox” came from the hopeful feeling that the end of winter always brings our desire for light to triumph over darkness and, in troubled times, for reason to triumph over blame. And maybe for the magic of an ancient myth to be true.”

—David Starkey, contributing editor, poetry

EQUINOX

BY SUSAN CHIAVELLI

Confused, a woodpecker descends upon my chimney, drills the metal flue, which yields nothing but percussion, persistent wake-up call in this earliest of dawns.

Nameless birds I call little browns, common wrens or sparrows feather my windows, fling themselves at the mystery of a hardened world, mistake their reflections for competition, as we often do— blaming the blameless weather on someone or anything, witches, curses or smokestacks.

All this, while our world tilts once again toward the new, toward the vernal, when we are neither leaning away from nor toward the sun as it hangs above the equator, lights my windows and reveals spring’s omen: On the ledge—an egg stands on end— small, unexplained miracle.

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9 Man & Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon Santa Barbara Foundation recognizes outstanding citizens of the year. | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Four Seasons Biltmore, 1260 Channel Dr, 805/9692261, sbfoundation.org.

In the Mood: A 1940s Musical Revue This toe-tapping revue features sensational singers, dancers and an orchestra you won’t want to miss.

In the Mood promotes the popular music and songs of the 1930s and 1940s, the most significant time in American history. | 2 p.m., 7 p.m.

The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/898-9386, granadasb.org.

quarter, UCSB Gospel Choir’s concert is one performance you won’t want to miss. Under the direction of Victor Bell, the choir recently produced a CD, Praize Party on the Yard, and was featured on The Steve Harvey Show. | 7:30 p.m.

Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall, Music Department, UCSB. 805/893-2064, music.ucsb.edu.

12 A Spring Celebration of Dance State Street Ballet Young Dancers presents A Spring Celebration of Dance, including pieces like Peter and the Wolf and new works by Kassandra Taylor Newberry and other emerging choreographers. | 7 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Rosanne Cash performs selections from The River and the Thread with her collaborator and husband, John Leventhal. The album showcases Cash’s roots, the American South and her ancestors. | 8 p.m.

AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen Join longtime friends Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen as they interview each other in an unscripted, unforgettable night. These two journalists give insight into the world of pop culture and world news. | 8 p.m. Arlington

Campbell Hall, UCSB, 805/893-3535. artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Theatre, 1317 State St. 805/963-4408, thearlingtontheatre.com.

10 Jerry Seinfeld Legendary Jerry Seinfeld appears with the signature stand-up routine that made him “America’s premier comedian.” His 2016 tour travels both domestically and internationally, delivering Seinfeld’s relatable jokes to audiences everywhere. | 7 p.m. Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. 805/963-4408, thearlingtontheatre.com.

José González and yMusic Just one man and his guitar, José González builds from folk, pop and world music to create powerful songs that astound audiences. The Swedish-born musician is joined by yMusic, a group of six New York City instrumentalists who have collaborated with notable artists like Beck, Sufjan Stevens, Mark Dancigers and Ben Folds. | 8 p.m., Campbell Hall, UCSB. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

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UCSB Gospel Choir Presenting sold-out concerts each

12–13 Maestro’s Favorites Maestro Nir Kabaretti joined Santa Barbara Symphony in 2006 and has since inspired musicians and audiences alike. “Maestro’s Favorites,” celebrating his 10th year as music director, features guest star Jon Lewis and masterworks from Kabaretti’s first concerts. | Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m., The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

13 Santa Barbara Floor to Air Festival Artists from around the world come to Santa Barbara Floor to Air Festival, comprising six international dance companies, four days of workshops and more! | 9:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

15 Loreena McKennitt Singer Loreena McKennitt has sold more than 14 million albums in over

SPRING DATEBOOK

15 countries around the world. Her unique Celtic music has earned two Grammy nominations. She has even performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. | 7:30 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

16–20 Taste of Solvang Solvang’s annual food and wine—and, now, beer and spirits—destination event, Taste of Solvang, celebrates its 24th year with a multi-day event lineup encouraging attendees to embark on a culinary journey through Solvang, where “wine country meets dine country.” | Various locations, Downtown Solvang. 877/327-2656, solvangthirdwednesday.com.

18 Leon Bridges Texas native Leon Bridges quickly grew in popularity after his album Coming Home was released. | 8 p.m. Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. 805/963-4408, thearlingtontheatre.com.

HOME FURNISHINGS ANTIQUES INTERIOR DESIGN GIFTS CLASSIC DESIGN PURE & SIMPLE 1321 State Street Santa Barbara California 93101 805 962-6909 www.indigointeriors.com

22 Martin Beaver Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra features soloist Martin Beaver as he performs favorites like Mozart’s “Overture: Marriage of Figaro,” “Symphony no. 40 in G minor” and Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto.” | 1:30 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

23 Behind The Lens A special live stage tour of photographic works by Henry Diltz and Pattie Boyd celebrates the legendary photographers’ work around the United States. Each night of the run features Diltz and Boyd on stage as they tell stories and present some photographs taken over the course of their respective careers. | 8 p.m.

Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

24 Montréal Symphony Orchestra Join CAMA’s International Series

for Montréal Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1934 and one of the world’s great orchestras. Since 2006, music director Maestro Kent Nagano has led the orchestra to success alongside Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov. | 8 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

26 An evening with John Fullbright Spend an evening with John Fullbright, the Grammy-nominated Americana musician. Fullbright’s latest album, Songs, quickly gained popularity as the artist appeared all over the UK and America. | 8 p.m.

Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

29–30 Ragtime A musical set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York and set to a glorious Tony Awardwinning score with a Tony-winning book based on the classic E. L. Doctorow novel, Ragtime features

a 28-piece orchestra and a vibrant cast of 40. | 7:30 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

31 Mack Avenue Superband Watch Mack Avenue Superband take command of the stage with their inspiring jazz music and sound.

The superband has fostered many different artists, creating some of the most powerful sounds and together bringing jazz to the world. | 8 p.m..

Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

April 1 Elvis Costello Wowing audiences all over the U.S., Elvis Costello’s shows highlight special moments, stories and more in the artist’s life. The legendary k musician performs well-known songs,

SPRING DATEBOOK

as well as new hits. | 9 p.m. Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. 805/963-4408, thearlingtontheatre.com.

2 It’s Magic!

America’s longest-running magic revue returns to dazzle audiences.

It’s Magic!, a one-of-a-kind magic show, features an all-new lineup of top illusionists such as Garry Carson, Danny Cole, Mystina, Tom Ogden, Dan Raspyni and more. | 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

On Exhibit Now

Nell Brooker Mayhew (1875-1940) Mother Mission, San Diego 1921, etched monotype, 12” x 15” Overview: Recognized for her boldly colored “paintings on paper,” Nell Brooker Mayhew (born Nell Cole Danely) brought an innovative approach to painting and printmaking to Southern California in 1908. Having trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Mayhew was fluent in the aesthetics of French Impressionism, Japanese woodblocks, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Symbolism. She combined these cutting edge ideas and won acclaim, showing alongside such artists as William Wendt, Edgar Payne and Hanson Puthuff.

Sullivan Goss is pleased to present the estate of the artist.

Gallery: Sullivan Goss–An American Gallery 11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara 805/730-1460, sullivangoss.com SBADA MEMBER

Grupo Corpo One of the most celebrated dance companies, Grupo Corpo is well-known for its seductive dances and stimulating music. The popular group reflects the diversity of Brazil and mixes traditional ballet with the contemporary Afro-Brazilian movement. | 8 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

Child Abuse Listening and Meditation (CALM) Annual Celebrity Author’s Luncheon More than 600 book lovers gather for a day of appearances and book signings by a variety of authors, both big-name and local, with all proceeds going to benefit the good work of CALM. Headline authors will be interviewed at the event, with book signings and the opportunity to meet a dozen local authors as well. | Fess Parker’s DoubleTree, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 805/969-5590, calm4kids.org.

5 Jennifer Koh & Shai Wosner In a search of self-discovery, violinist Jennifer Koh and pianist Shai Wosner explore Beethoven and his works in their new four-part project, including pieces by composers Vijay Iyer and Andrew Norman. | 7 p.m. Hahn Hall, Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Rd. 805/969-4726, musicacademy.org.

7 Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour Arlo Guthrie’s career in folk music spans more than 50 years. Known to

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generations as a master storyteller and songwriter, Guthrie is an iconic figure. His ability to mix comedy and song is revered and showcased in the Alice’s Restaurant Massacree 50th Anniversary International Tour. | 8 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

David Gergen David Gergen served under four presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. As the current co-director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Gergen has insight into the world of the executive branch. In this enlightening talk, he discusses the domestic and international challenges faced by the commanders-in-chief and the 2016 presidential election. | 8 p.m.

Campbell Hall, UCSB. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

9 Hot Swing Artist and composer Mark O’Connor’s spectacular Hot Swing is an homage to legendary jazz master and mentor Stephane Grappelli.

O’Connor’s original, exciting compositions celebrate not only the work and life of his close friend, but also acoustic string jazz music. | Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

9-10 Sounds of the Ocean Maestro Nir Kabaretti and guest violinist Timothy Chooi perform in Sounds of the Ocean, which includes works by Michael Torke, Britten, Debussy and one of the most beloved violin concertos of all time, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. | Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

10 Fork & Cork Classic Support Foodbank of Santa Barbara County by enjoying food and wine from Santa Barbara’s best chefs and vintners.

Guests will taste from an array of wines and delicious dishes prepared by Santa Barbara’s top chefs, while lovely live entertainment sets the mood. Proceeds go toward the Foodbank’s goal to transform health by eliminating hunger

and instilling knowledge on nutrition. | Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, 3300 Via Real, Carpinteria, 3-6 p.m., foodbanksbc.org.

Santa Barbara Kite Festival This year’s 31st annual fun-filled, family-style, kite flying festival includes several new contests, such as “Best of Fest,” “Best Ground Display (banners, flags display), “Youngest & Oldest Kite Flyers,” “Most Unique/Unusual Kite,” “Funniest Kite,” and “Most Unflyable Kite.” In addition, popular past contests will return, including “Children’s Tail Chase,” “Most Beautiful” (handmade & commercial), “Highest Flying,” “Largest & Smallest Kites,” “Kite Fighting” and “Sport Flying.” | West Campus Lawn at Santa Barbara City College, 973 Cliff Dr., 11 a.m.–5 p.m., sbkitefest.net.

11 Anoushka Shankar Grammy-nominated musician Anoushka Shankar’s innovative experimental music blends together her father Ravi Shankar’s teachings in ancient Indian classical roots, along with an Austrian percussionist, a modern DJ and more. | 8 p.m. Campbell Hall, UCSB. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

12–13 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Be inspired by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s dancers as they bring you contemporary favorites and spirit-lifting classics. Experience the power of Ailey and see why this extraordinary company is known as America’s cultural ambassador to the world. | 8 p.m. Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. 805/963-4408, thearlingtontheatre.com.

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PH O EBE BRUNN E R f urther to f ly APRIL 7 - MAY 28, 2016 11 East Anapamu St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101

STEWART FINE ART

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet Following his incredible performance with London Philharmonic, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet returns for a solo recital. The award-winning pianist was named one of Gramophone‘s artists-of-the-year and performs works by Beethoven, Schumann, Ravel and Debussy. | 8–10 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon

www.sullivangoss.com

Specializing in early California Plein Air painters, and museum quality 19th/20th century American and European art, as well as a selection of fine antiques and antique furniture.

Open from 11 to 5:30, closed Thursday and Sunday, available by appointment.

Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

14 Boban and Marko Markovic Orchestra Boban and Marko Markovic Orchestra is known as the greatest Balkan Gypsy brass orchestra.

The band’s sound is characterized by its Gypsy roots, old-world brass heart and unique influences like flamenco, klezmer, Latin and rock. | 8 p.m.

Established 1986 Diane Warren Stewart

Campbell Hall, UCSB. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

14–May 1 Bad Jews Daphna Feygenbaum is opinionated and very connected to her Jewish heritage and faith, unlike k

WILLIAM LOUIS OT TE (1871-1957) “SPRING DAYS AT CARMEL” CIRCA 19 30 FR AMED OIL ON CANVAS 25.5” HIGH X 36” WIDE

215 W. MISSION STREE T SANTA BARBAR A, CA 9 3101 805-8 45-0255 PARKING IN BACK

SPRING 2016

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her cousin who arrives to claim a treasured family and religious heirloom. A battle of epic proportions ensues with the youngest generation of Feygenbaums in this Ensemble Theatre production. | 8 p.m. New Victoria Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St. 805/965-5400, ensembletheatre.com.

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On Exhibit Now

An Afternoon with Conan O’Brien Spend an afternoon with Conan O’Brien, one of comedy’s most original and beloved personalities.

With his distinctive and quirky charm, O’Brien has delighted audiences through many lenses. From appearing in Saturday Night Live to being a celebrated television host, the comedian brings his charisma to Santa Barbara in a rare conversation filled with laughs and followed by a Q&A. | 4 p.m. Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. 805/963-4408, thearlingtontheatre.com.

William Ritschel (1864–1949) Nocturne, Cypress at Monterey 1935, oil on canvas, 30” x 36” Overview: Born in Nuremberg, Germany, William Ritschel studied at Royal Academy in Munich. He immigrated to New York City in 1895 and later settled in Carmel in 1911. He continued to exhibit on the East Coast, receiving acclaim for his paintings of the sea and rugged California coast. In 1914, he was elected a member of the National Academy in New York City. Ritschel’s artworks are held in the collections of National Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C.; Monterey Peninsula Museum of Art; Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art; Art Institute of Chicago; Fort Worth Museum; St. Louis Art Museum; Bowers Museum in Santa Ana; Smithsonian Institute; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Minneapolis Art Museum and National Arts Club in New York.

Gallery: James Main Fine Art 27 E. De la Guerra St., Santa Barbara 805/962-8347, jamesmainfineart.com SBADA MEMBER

16–17 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Organized by the Community Environmental Council, this favorite annual festival includes more than 200 exhibitors, a food court, beer and wine garden, main stage, and two mini-stages offering music and demonstrations. Entertainment for all ages makes this day fun as well as educational. | Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St., Sat. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 805/9630583, SBEarthDay.org.

18 Kenny Barron Trio An elegant and infectious performer, Kenny Barron is one of the top jazz pianists in the world. With mesmerizing music and by inciting imaginations, Barron awes audiences around the world with his talent and grace. | 8 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

22 Transition House Auxiliary Mad Hatter Luncheon Join Transition House Auxiliary for its festive annual event where guests can enjoy a special performance

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by Hula Anyone, silent and live auctions, and lunch. Proceeds benefit Transition House’s work to combat homelessness and poverty by offering emergency shelter, housing and antipoverty services for homeless families with children. | 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Fess Parker Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. 805/564-4333, fessparker.com.

22 Gianni Schicchi & Suor Angelica Opera Santa Barbara presents two one-act operas that are sure to inspire. | 7:30 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

23 Calder Quartet Calder Quartet returns to Santa Barbara with its broad selection of engaging pieces, such as works by Christopher Rouse, Terry Riley and Thomas Ades. The group’s musical curiosity and innovative approach are highlighted in their performances. | 7 p.m. Campbell Hall, UCSB. 805/8933535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Chuck Prophet & Garland Jeffreys Since emerging onto the music scene at age 18 as a member of the seminal rock band Green on Red, Chuck Prophet has collaborated with everyone from Warren Zevon and Kelly Willis to Jim Dickinson and Lucinda Williams, among many others. | 8 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

Relay For Life of Santa Ynez This 24-hour team event increases awareness of cancer in the community and raises money to support American Cancer Society’s programs and services. | 10 a.m. Dunn School, 2555 Hwy. 154, Santa Ynez. 805/6886471, dunnschool.org.

27 Cécile McLorin Salvant Grammy-nominated Cécile McLorin Salvant returns after a phenomenal 2015 Santa Barbara debut. Salvant is one of the most acclaimed jazz vocalists to emerge in years. This extraordinary young singer “has it all,” according to the New York Times. | 8 p.m. Campbell Hall, UCSB.

805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

29 Shen Yun In China, art is considered a gift from heaven.

Explore the connection between humankind and the higher universe through the universal language of music and dance. Shen Yun performances include some of the world’s top performers, a unique orchestra blending East and West, exquisite hand-made costumes and dazzling stages that inspire and amaze. | 8 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

30 OFF THE WALL SBMA Women’s Board hosts its popular fundraiser OFF THE WALL, where every ticket holder goes home with a donated work of art by a local artist.

All proceeds support SBMA’s acquisitions, exhibits and programs. | 5 p.m. Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. 805/963-4364, sbma.net.

May 1 Santa Barbara Jewish Festival Beautiful Oak Park comes alive with the sights, sounds and tastes of Israel and Jewish culture at this bold and vibrant piece of Santa Barbara’s rich mosaic of ethnic celebrations. A wide variety of live music artists on two stages, as well as Mediterranean and Jewish cuisine, permeate the air. | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Ave. 805/957-1115, jewishsantabarbara.org/festival.

Cultivating the Wild Santa Barbara Botanic Garden brings its Native Gardens Tour home with a special 90th birthday celebration of the facility’s new gardens, native plant species and more. | 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. 805/682-4726, sbbg.org.

Los Angeles Philharmonic Under the direction of Jakub Hruša, this legendary orchestra returns for its yearly visit with a program of Mussorgsky, Grieg and Janácek, featuring JeanYves Thibaudet on piano. | 4 p.m. The Granada

S T E WA R T M AC D O U G A L L . C O M S C U L P T U R E $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

David Sedaris David Sedaris’ hilarious satire and engaging storytelling have won him an avid following across the globe. Stick around after the show for his epic book signing, which has become the stuff of legends in itself: he might just put you in one of his next stories. | 7 p.m. Arlington Theater, 1317 State St. 805/9634408, thearlingtontheatre.com. k

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SPRING DATEBOOK

2 Yuja Wang Musical prodigy and pianist Yuja Wang is praised for her eloquence and talent. The world-famous artist has received the Gilmore Young Artist Award and the Avery Fisher Career Grant for her exemplary performances. | 7 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

7 Foodbank Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon Wine country becomes “run” country at this annual half marathon, where participants raise money for Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. Race begins at Sagunto St. in downtown Santa Ynez and ends with a post-race Wine & Music Festival in Solvang Park. | 7 a.m.–noon. Throughout Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley. destinationraces. com/runsb.

On Exhibit Now

Arthur-Dominique Rozaire (1879–1922) Cherry Blossom Trees 1915, framed oil on wood panel, 10.5” x 14” Overview: Arthur-Dominique Rozaire, son of the famous artist Dominique Rozaire, was born in Montreal, Canada. He divided his time between Canada and Southern California until his permanent move in 1919, and was famous for his small, poetic impressionistic paintings. He died in 1922 at the age of 43 from pneumonia. Rozaire exhibited frequently throughout his life, including: Montreal Art Academy, 1900–1917; Royal Academy of Arts, 1901–1920; Canadian Art Club, 1908–1914; Crystal Place, London, 1910; and St. Louis Museum, 1918. His work is in the collections of Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Royal Canadian Academy.

Gallery: Stewart Fine Art 215 W. Mission St., Santa Barbara 805/845-0255, dianestewartfineart.com SBADA MEMBER

7–8 American Music on Tour Preparing for their tour in England and competition at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales, Quire of Voyces shares the best of American acapella music this spring by performing traditional and new works that honor the rich history of sacred and folk music. | Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. St. Anthony’s Chapel, Garden Street Academy, 2300 Garden St. 805/9655935, quireofvoyces.org.

10 Temple Grandin Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is one of the world’s 100 most influential people, according to TIME magazine. The accomplished author and scholar has more than 400 articles to her name.

Grandin is the best-selling author of several books, an advocator for autism awareness and the world’s most well-known adult with autism. | 8 p.m.

The Granada Theater, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

11 Jonathan Awards Phoenix of Santa Barbara presents a very special evening celebrating the life of Jonathan Winters, who, in the face of significant psychiatric challenges, turned his struggles into

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a triumphant life. | 6 p.m. Belmond El Encanto Hotel, 800 Alvarado Pl. 805/963-7777, sbnbcc.org/events.

12 Mischa Maisky Having studied with both Mstislav Rostropovich and Gregor Piatigorsky, Mischa Maisky has been trained by some of the best cellists who ever lived and is himself one of the most brilliant cellists of his generation. His technique and talent have won him praise across the globe. | 8 p.m.

Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

14 Best of Classical Guitar Revel in the best of classical guitar with conductor Nir Kabaretti and Pablo Sainz-Villegas on guitar. Santa Barbara Symphony’s last show of the season is a musical treat and an opportunity for people to rediscover the brilliant work of film composer and Santa Barbara resident Elmer Bernstein. | 8 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

Women’s Literary Festival A literary festival to celebrate women authors and their diverse life experiences, the event brings readers and writers together with a day of interactive presentations and book signings. | Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., 8:30 a.m.–3:30 pm., womensliteraryfestival.com.

15 Pearl Chase Society Historic Homes Tour A specially chosen tour takes guests through some of the most distinctive homes in Santa Barbara, including four cottages designed by the Moody sisters and inspired by their favorite English fairy tales. These homes are a vital part of our local history, so register early for this day of sightseeing, history and fun. Refreshments are included. | 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 805/9613938, PearlChaseSociety.org.

17 Alessio Bax The return of Alessio Bax marks the end of Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra’s spring season with

Schumann’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor” and Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 5.” | 7:30 p.m.

Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/9630761, lobero.com.

19–June 18 Joie de Vivre: Tri-County Juried Exhibition Join Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art for the annual tri-county juried exhibition, featuring art from artists living and working in the Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. This year’s theme is “Joie de Vivre.” | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art, 955 La Paz Rd. 805/565-6162, westmontmuseum.org.

21 Jimmer Podrasky Jimmer Podrasky is best known as the frontman/ songwriter for The Rave-Ups, whose EPs and albums like The Book of Your Regrets still have a devoted following more than 20 years after their release. | 8 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

22 “Hands On!” Music Festival Come experiment with orchestral instruments, dance on a massive keyboard and enjoy other musical fun at the first-ever “Hands On!” Music Festival, a free celebration from Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. | noon–4 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

29–30 I Madonnari Festival Memorial Day weekend brings the colorful I Madonnari Festival of Italian street painting to the Old Mission. The pavement blossoms with vibrant pastels for these three days, as artists create dazzling works that delight visitors year after year.

Not only is the festival beautiful, but all proceeds benefit Children’s Creative Project, a nonprofit arts education program that serves 50, 000 children in more than 100 schools with visual and performing arts workshops and performances throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. | The Santa Barbara Mission, Laguna St. and Los Olivos St., imadonnarifestival.com.

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Cultivating the

Wild

NATIVE GARDENS TOUR

comes home May 1, 2016 11am – 4pm Celebrate our 90 th birthday with special tours of our new gardens, fun activities, and cake, of course!

W N

S E

Mission Creek

Children’s Maze

Desert Section

Wooded Dell Redwoods Meadow

Memorial Day Service Special services are held at Santa Barbara Cemetery

by Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Museum and Library to commemorate our veterans and their families. | 10 a.m.–noon. Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Dr. pierreclaeyssensveteransfoundation.com.

All locations are in Santa Barbara unless otherwise noted. For complete event listings, visit sbseasons.com.

Island View Garden

SBBG.ORG

1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara CA (805) 682-4726

SPRING 2016

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FIRST PERSON

Matchmaker, Matchmaker…

Elite Connections International’s Sherri Murphy & Tammi Pickle

WHILE WALKING INTO Santa Barbara’s Four Seasons Resort, I can’t help but hum the tune, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof. Today, I am meeting the CEO and vice president of the professional dating service, Elite Connections International International, and, as ridiculous as it seems, images of Fiddler’s Tevye, his daughters and the decrepit Yente flash through my head.

Moments after I sit down at a table on the outdoor terrace of Ty Lounge, in walk two gorgeous blondes, a mother/daughter team, effervescent with charisma, energy and beauty. They introduce themselves as Sherri Murphy, CEO/Founder (the mom), and Tammi Pickle, Vice President and Matchmaker, hardly the decrepit matchmakers I had imagined only moments before.

Murphy begins by telling the story of founding her company. She was single and looking for her own match. “I said a prayer and asked God to give me a break and send me a nice guy. I couldn’t stand dating. So I hired a matchmaker. My very first date ended up being my husband four years later.

That’s how I got into the business.”

After working with the matchmaker for several years, Murphy decided she could do better by starting her own company. She has successfully run Elite for 21 years.

Both Murphy and Pickle emphasize the personal attention they give to their clients. Murphy says, “We meet everyone

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PHOTO:

BY NANCY A . SHOBE

“We meet everyone in person… and really get to know them, to see what they’ve been through, where they see themselves in five years, what they’ve been doing to meet people, how busy they are and if they have children.”

PHOTO: COURTESY ELITE CONNECTIONS

— SHERRI MURPHY

in person…and really get to know them, to see what they’ve been through, where they see themselves in five years, what they’ve been doing to meet people, how busy they are and if they have children.”

Pickle says, “This is a pretty personal thing to do with someone.”

Because of the friendships they forge, Murphy and Pickle have been invited to and attended clients’ events and weddings all over the world, which has included Scotland. They giggle like two schoolgirls when they talk about their travels together.

It’s clear that they are genuine friends.

Since both Murphy and Pickle have husbands, I can’t help but ask what the men think of their line of work. Pickle says, “My husband is fine with it. In fact, both of our husbands are used to it. They know it is part of our job to befriend successful men. Besides, we aren’t changing our work,” she laughs.

Why choose a matchmaking service over an online dating site? The answer is simple—privacy, personal attention and time savings, according to Murphy and Pickle.

Flight attendant Jingle Baldemor can attest to Elite’s matchmaking success. At 40, she was successfully paired with her now husband, Doug Cowden.

“I joined Elite because I was burned out on all of the other sites. I wasn’t meeting people who were on the same page as me.

Elite really knows their stuff. …They have heard and seen it all…and they give you a lot of feedback after a date.”

Baldemor continues, “Elite is more than just a matchmaking service, it is love coaching.” 

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SUSTAINABLE SEASONS

Happy Birthday National Park Service!

Celebrate the beauty of America

BY LESLIE A . WESTBROOK

AS JOHN MUIR WROTE , “Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike.” But our national parks aren’t just about Mother Nature. They encompass art, history, poetry and more.

While taking many shapes and forms, National Park Service (NPS) is also a master of recycling and repurposing.

For instance, Alcatraz Island,

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the former federal penitentiary, stages noteworthy art exhibitions. Also home to the first lighthouse and U.S.-built fort on the West Coast, “the Rock’s” gardens, tide pools, bird colonies and bay views add a natural element to this unique park.

Climate change is challenging the parks in “ways they’ve never seen before,” according the NPS.gov website. To our north, glaciers are retreating in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National

Park, which covers 3.3 million acres and is one of the world’s largest protected areas. In the Caribbean, coral reefs are dying as seawaters warm in the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park.

Closer to home, waste management and energy efficiency are on the parks’ “to do” lists.

Santa Monica Mountains National Reserve Recreational Area, near Los Angeles, along with 119 other national parks, is part of NPS’s nationwide “Climate Friendly Program,” with goals that include identifying and implementing mitigation actions to reduce emissions resulting from activities; increasing climate change education and outreach efforts and monitoring progress with respect to reducing emissions; and identifying areas for improvement.

Even national parks with a literary bent (Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and The John Muir and Eugene

O’Neill National Historic sites) are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging staff carpooling and engaging in recycling and composting programs To honor the centennial, there’s a website, findyourpark. com, where you can share stories about (and support) your favorite national parks. When accessing the map, you may be surprised by the number of amazing locales, from Hawaii and Alaska and throughout the continent to the Caribbean. Channel your inner Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Moran, Galen Clark or Ansel Adams and share your park impressions and inspirations. If you are 62 or older, you can purchase a $10 Golden Pass, which allows lifetime entrance to all national parks, as well as 2,000 recreation sites managed by five federal agencies.

I’ve visited Yellowstone, whose geysers and Teton views linger fondly in my mind, along with awesome vistas and friendships forged over hikes in Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon. I’ve yet to explore Joshua Tree’s otherworldly desert landscape, but it’s on my list, as well as saluting the 2,100-year-old General Sherman tree in Sequoia National Park (one of 8,000 giant Sequoia trees) that stands 275’ tall and weighs in at 2.7 million pounds, dazzling and dwarfing humans and animal alike.

I recently made a first-time pilgrimage to Yosemite, where nature, as well as the historic Ahwahnee Hotel that has been around since 1927, did not disappoint. The fabulous Sunday

PHOTOS: COURTESY YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, COURTESY ALCATRAZ

Yosemite National Park, left, is a breathtaking way to enjoy the tranquility of the High Sierras. It’s also a fascinating contrast to the historic site of Alcatraz, right, the spot of the first lighthouse and U.S.-built fort on the West Coast, as well as an infamous federal penitentiary.

brunch was worth the wait. Man cannot live by nature alone, it appears.

I hope to return to Yosemite one day to visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (closed while undergoing a $5.2-million, year-long restoration project) as I have a hankering to attend one of the annual Chef’s Holidays (noted chefs and vintners come from across the country) that takes place at The Ahwahnee every January.

Closer to home, our Channel Islands National Park, also known as the “Galapagos Islands of North America,” is definitely worth a closer look. Help blow out the 100 candles on the birthday cake of one of America’s finest assets while reciting your ode to a tree, stream, leaf, rock or even a piece of manmade art.

America the beautiful, indeed. 

ON AUGUST 25 , National Park Service turns 100. Entrance fees will be waived that day at our nation’s 408 national parks, and there will be plenty of ways to party and celebrate in our own backyard, as well as across the U.S.

To honor the centennial, there’s a website, findyourpark. com, where you can share stories about (and support) your favorite national parks. When accessing the map, you may be surprised by the number of amazing locales from Hawaii and Alaska and throughout the continent to the Caribbean.

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LEGACIES & NONPROFITS

The Pearl Chase Society Preserving Santa Barbara’s historic sites

BY CHERI R AE

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The society was successful in saving that threatened structure—described by Adams as “a charming commercial building, small with great personality.” They collaborated with architect John Pittman, who had designed the remodel of the Museum of Art and incorporated the adjacent building into the new design.

This kind of respect for resources and professionalism in its approach has characterized The Pearl Chase Society and its work in the community ever since.

Today the all-volunteer organization promotes and preserves “historic sites of rare value and continuing community interest.” Quietly, and largely unsung, Society members raise funds—and generously distribute them—in many projects that might even go unnoticed by the general public, helping to keep Santa Barbara’s treasures intact.

In endless ways, members see the need and do something about it: When the Old Mission’s ancient stone aqueduct developed a 13-foot hole, the city simply wrapped it in plastic mesh fencing—but alarmed members of the Society voted to

The Moody sisters, left, were a close knit family of sisters who pooled their varied skills, training and talents to create storybook houses referred to as “Moody Cottages,” above, which will be on view at the annual Historic Homes Tour this year.

Pearl Chase expected citizens to help; she was known for asking the question “What are you doing for Santa Barbara?” spend the money to get it fixed.

When the years-long drought began stressing the historic Italian Stone Pines on Anapamu Street, Society members researched innovative watering devices and purchased the green “irricades” now revitalizing the muchloved canopy of trees.

When the Maritime Museum worked to save the Fresnel lens formerly housed at the Pt. Conception lighthouse, the Society helped fund the project.

The list goes on: the courthouse, the historic murals at Santa Barbara Junior High School, the gardens at La Casa de Maria, options for Franceschi House, even a recent roof repair at the Presidio.

The Pearl Chase Society may be preservation-minded, but it’s also forward-looking.

President and founding member Barbara Lowenthal notes,

“Santa Barbara is a memorable place, and we need to keep it that way.”

Board member Erik Davis observes, “It is up to all generations to help preserve this region’s historical architecture, landscapes and cultural heritage. Growing up in Santa Barbara, I feel called to the conservation and preservation of this beautiful region for generations to come.”

The annual Historic Homes Tour—offering an up-close and personal glimpse into the historic homes and gardens of the community—is the Society’s main fundraiser. This year’s edition, on May 15, features the four famed Moody sisters storybook cottages in Montecito and an elegant upper east estate.

For more information, visit PearlChaseSociety.org.

PHOTOS: COURTESY PEARL CHASE SOCIETY

SHE WAS A WOM AN whose vision shaped a city—the venerable Pearl Chase. For more than six decades, when she spoke, Santa Barbara listened—and special things happened. For example, after the 1925 earthquake shattered downtown, she seized the moment and created committees staffed with the right people in the right places to carry out that vision to turn the city’s nondescript architecture into an integrated Spanish Revival community.

In fact, many of our iconic landmarks reflect her personal determination to create beauty (the courthouse), to preserve historical structures (the mission and its surroundings) and to protect the natural environment (the Moreton Bay fig tree).

Pearl Chase expected citizens to help; she was known for asking the question “What are you doing for Santa Barbara?”

In 1995, her former colleagues—known as “Pearl’s Girls”—and other preservationminded individuals became alarmed when they learned of the planned demolition of a notable commercial building on State Street. They organized and searched for a name for their group. Founding member Sue Adams recalls how they selected The Pearl Chase Society: “She was such a heroic figure; we picked up her baton, her energy and her passion.”

Photos courtesy of Santa Barbara City College.

Investing in Our Community’s College Since 1976

For more than a century, SBCC has provided opportunities for all members of our community – whether preparing for a career, transferring to a four-year university, seeking a second chance at higher education, or pursuing lifelong learning goals.

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Your support will help write the next chapter. sbccfoundation.org | (805) 730- 4401

REARVIEW MIRROR

From Russia With Love to Franceschi House “All that is solid melts into air.”

— The Communist Manifesto

BY M ARC FL ACKS

MY FIANC ÉE , Elena, grew up in Russia and was a big fan of the soap opera Santa Barbara. After the collapse of communism, Santa Barbara was extremely popular among Russians and became the longest-running evening TV show in that country’s history, airing from 1992 until 2002. In this period of economic and political turmoil, Russian viewers welcomed the chance to escape, at least vicariously, to the “American Riviera”

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and immerse themselves in Santa Barbara’s fictionalized wealthy and powerful families.

I grew up in Santa Barbara in the 1980s, where my nickname on the Santa Barbara High School football team was “Communist.” Sadly, I no longer live here, but my parents still do, and Elena and I spend several weeks here each year. Two summers ago, Elena’s parents, Boris and Natasha (yes, those are their real names), visited us

from Moscow while we were in Santa Barbara, and they, having also watched Santa Barbara for years, were keen to tour enclaves like Montecito, Hope Ranch and the Riviera to learn what all the fuss was about.

Boris, an old-school Russian, was officially unimpressed with displays of Santa Barbara wealth, but was highly approving of the natural beauty of the place.

On a driving tour of Mission Ridge and the crest of Santa Barbara’s Riviera, we decided to stop at Franceschi Park for a stretch and breathe the fresh air. As we strolled down the path from a water fountain with a breathtaking view of the city, we came upon Franceschi House, which, of all the mansions they had seen in Santa Barbara, was easily the most impressive to Boris and Natasha.

The house is now boarded up and closed to the public, but what most intrigued my guests were the medallions—dozens of bas-relief discs affixed to the

house that honor an eccentric mix of people, places, groups and events.

Boris practically hopped from medallion to medallion, calling out names and quizzing me on my knowledge of American history. “Marc, can you believe there is a plaque with the Russian-born anarchist Emma Goldman on it? And here is William Jennings Bryan! Of course you know who he was?”

He demanded to know about Franceschi and why there was this monument to progressivism in the heart of a town that Russians imagine to be a capital of capitalist decadence. “The Mission and the Presidio were nice—these are typical imperialist monuments, yes?—but why is this wonderful house here, Marc, and what does it mean?”

I began to worry that Boris’s blessing of my union with his daughter depended on my ability to answer his questions. When Boris Skyped me from Moscow some months later, saying he had read online that Franceschi House was in danger of being torn down and that no rightthinking person should allow this to happen, I felt an urgent need to do some research.

Franceschi House was built by and named for Francesco Franceschi, a renowned Italian botanist, who introduced many species of flora to California in the early decades of the 20th century. Franceschi dubbed his estate Montarioso, or “Airy Mountain,” and used it as the base for his botanical work.

But Santa Barbara’s debt of gratitude for the house, the surrounding park and the medallions is owed to Alden Freeman, the heir of a wealthy Standard Oil executive. Freeman bought

PHOTO: PAUL WELLMAN

Franceschi House, in its current, dilapidated state.

the house from Franceschi, expanded and remodeled it, commissioned and installed the medallions and other sculptures (including a large bust of Signor Franceschi that is perched on the hillside above Mission Ridge road), and ultimately donated the house and all its surrounding acreage to the city and people of Santa Barbara.

“Alden Freeman was a millionaire when that meant something, a socialist when that really meant something, and gay, when that meant he was happy,” quips Dr. Rick Closson, a former president of the Pearl Chase Society. Coincidentally, Freeman was also a Russophile.

Among those honored with medallions high up on Franceschi House are several Russians, including Leo Tolstoy, with the inscription “Government is the association of property

owners—to protect property from the needy,” and comrade Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, whose inscription warns sternly “Who shall not work, shall not eat.”

Alden Freeman, for his part, did not need to work to eat and donated his Franceschi estate property to the government of Santa Barbara, not to protect it from the needy, but precisely to give average folks access to it.

“It is my ambition,” Freeman told the Santa Barbara Morning Press in 1927, “to have this estate turned into a public pleasure resort, large enough so that the people of today may learn again the art of walking and the delight it brings.”

Some of Freeman’s plans were realized, but others melted into air. The house and its grounds have served the people of Santa Barbara for several decades, but the dream of a terraced park, whose

gardens would turn “the entire hillside into a blaze of color which will be seen from far out to sea,” did not come true, and today Franceschi House is condemned. In June, the Pearl Chase Society, after several decades of fundraising efforts to save the house, was given six months by the city to come up with a new plan.

Unfortunately, it is a long shot that the society can raise the enormous funds needed to rehabilitate Montarioso. But then, the city is also unlikely to find the monies to demolish it. So, there the old place sits, on its airy mountain, waiting for a miracle.

Boris sent a note recently, saying, “When I recollect our visit to Santa Barbara I remember at once this old house with its mystical and enigmatic atmosphere, reflecting philosophic, historical and artistic views of its former owners. It is most

interesting, especially now, one hundred years after WWI. To my mind the house must be restored. To demolish it means to deprive Santa Barbara of one of its certain treasures.”

I couldn’t agree more, Boris.

Santa Barbara is a city known for its exclusive enclaves and for its imperialist monuments, but it is also known for its amazing public spaces donated by wealthy visionaries. People like Alice Keck Park, Pearl Chase and Alden Freeman may no longer be with us, but there are still Santa Barbarans out there with the means and the civic pride to make miracles happen for Franceschi House.

It sure would make a nice spot for a wedding, Boris. Da?

FOR MORE INFO about the preservation of Franceschi House, visit pearlchasesociety.org.

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Carey Kendall | 805/689.6262 | careykendall.com 3615 Sagunto Street, Suite A, Santa Ynez, CA 93460

FE ATUR ED LIS TING

a site-specific, modern house with updated ranch facilities, using locally sourced materials to fit the home to its landscape. The resulting residence, characterized by harmoniously scaled rooms suffused with natural light and wide windows positioned to frame spectacular vistas, was two years in the making.

Nestled into the foothills, with commanding views from each room, the beautifully landscaped residence is surrounded by a large olive grove and studded with oak and sycamore trees. Inside, the ceilings of the living, dining and family rooms were created using custom-designed, curved wood beams, carved in a wave-like shape and crest at 14 feet, ending at motorized clerestory windows that open to capture soothing breezes on warm summer days.

Son Sereno offers six spacious bedrooms, including two master suites and two family bedrooms with en suite baths, plus two completely private guest suites, perfect for visitors. The fully appointed kitchen is a culinary delight, while formal dining and living rooms provide lavish spaces for indoor entertaining. The family room, sitting room and office are ideal for more relaxed moments, and an exercise room and solar-heated saltwater pool cater to fitness enthusiasts.

Elsewhere on the grounds, a riding arena, exercise track, paddocks and an eight-stall center-aisle equestrian barn are there for horse lovers, as well as a large hay and equipment barn, irrigated pastures and an employee house for possible use as a working farm. Being minutes from boutique wineries, the property also has exceptional vineyard potential.

Note: an adjacent 102-acre parcel with manager’s house, riding trails and a halfacre fenced, landscaped swimming lake may also be available for purchase.

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PHOTO: COURTESY PRESQU’ILE

The almost daily blanket of “sea smoke” moistens Presqu’ile Winery’s hillside estate.

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OUR VALLEYS of WINE

Seasons looks at the state of Santa Barbara County’s wine industry through the eyes of its originators and visionaries.

WRIT TEN BY WENDY THIES SELL

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A gorgeous view of the picturesque vineyards and majestic mountains of Firestone Vineyard. Opposite: The night crew laboring into the wee hours during harvest at Santa Barbara Winery.

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PHOTOS (L-R): HENRY L. FECHTMAN, COURTESY SANTA BARBARA WINERY

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s fate would have it, Santa Ynez Valley had the environmental building blocks of an exceptional wine region long before a few intrepid pioneers took a chance and planted Santa Barbara County’s first modern vineyards.

The magnificent east-west maritime valley, bordered by the Santa Ynez Mountains in the south and the San Rafael Mountains to the north, is nature’s gift to winemaking; an almost daily blanket of “sea smoke” paired with ocean breezes extend the growing season, while California’s warm golden sun fully ripens the fruit.

Among the region’s earliest commercial wine grape growers was Pierre Lafond, who opened the first winery in the county, Santa Barbara Winery, in 1962. The closest vineyards were in northern San Luis Obispo County, where he purchased zinfandel grapes to make wine.

In 1972, a year after Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict planted their groundbreaking Sanford & Benedict Vineyard along Santa Rosa Road between Buellton and Lompoc, Lafond established his own 60acre vineyard nearby, in what is now the esteemed Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA).

“At the time, I didn’t imagine this. It has grown considerably,” says 86-year-old Lafond of the Santa Barbara County wine industry, which now consists of 22,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. “We weren’t even sure when we planted the grapes initially whether it was a good area for planting grapes. It was a gamble, but it was an intelligent gamble because we had people from the California Farm Bureau telling us what the weather was like there, etc.”

It turns out that the cool climate and variety of complex soils in the western Santa Ynez Valley, only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, are ideal for growing pinot noir and chardonnay.

Winemakers say the temperature climbs as much as one degree for every mile traveled inland. On the same summer day, it could be a foggy 66 degrees in Lompoc and, in the valley’s far east, mercury can surpass the century mark at Cachuma Lake. In addition to pinot noir, chardonnay, syrah, grenache and cabernet sauvignon, even lesser known varieties such as counoise and cinsault flourish in the valley’s different microclimates.

“We say that there’s no other region in the world

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for a culinary retreat or special occasion rent The Villa at Sunstone, a spectacular 8,500-square-foot five-suite Tuscan-inspired villa, built entirely with reclaimed materials and historical artifacts from France, such as French limestone, hand-formed roof tiles, a fireplace from the Bordeaux region of France, enormous hand-hewn pine beams from Queen Victoria’s lavender factory, a prison cell door from Normandy constructed during Napoleon’s reign, and a thousand-year old limestone kitchen sink.

“That’s really our new emphasis—getting people to see Sunstone,” invites Rice.

When the wine grapes are ready to be picked, everything else must wait.

“Harvest, for any winemaker, is a very intense experience,” says winemaker Andrew Murray. “The hours associated with it, the physicality of it. It’s very intense! It’s not giving up, it’s not settling, it’s seven days a week for months on end!”

Murray refers to the challenging 2015 harvest as “Mr. Toad’s wild ride.”

“It came early and then was at a frenetic pace. All the varieties were ripening at the same time. Tank space was at a premium. We had a lot of wines fermenting at the same time. It was tense!”

Every harvest is an opportunity to do better than the previous vintage. “We’re never convinced we’ve got everything figured out and it’s what makes showing up to work every day so darn fun,” adds Murray. “We are all still scrappy. I don’t think any of us take anything for granted. We don’t feel like we’ve arrived just yet, at least that’s how I feel. We’re still trying our hardest, and it’s a refreshing way to go through life.”

Experience matters, especially during harvest, when there are no do-overs.

“Harvest is crush. It’s exhausting; it’s physically and mentally exhausting,” attests longtime winemaker and progressive viticulturist Brian Babcock, founder of Babcock Winery & Vineyards, who has 31 harvests in Santa Ynez Valley under his belt. “Ten years into it, I had just enough information to be dangerous, and then 20 years into it, I really started to feel comfortable with the craft, and it is a craft. Now 30 years into it, I feel very comfortable and have some very exciting ideas with regard to my farming.”

Babcock took the viticulture status quo and turned it upside down in quite a radical way, moving his vineyard canes and cordons up several feet to eye level, encouraging new growth to work its way back down naturally, mitigating disease problems. Plus his rows are wide enough to machine harvest, which is also uncommon in Santa Barbara County. “We get cleaner fruit, we pick it

(Clockwise from top) The Villa at Sunstone overlooks the vineyard. Patrons enjoy a harvest party at Babcock Winery & Vineyards. Babcock Vineyards are planted wide enough to machine harvest. Andrew Murray Vineyards’ red wine blend, “Esperance,” has consistently delighted wine critics for over 15 years.

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PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) HENRY L. FECHTMAN, COURTESY BABCOCK WINERY & VINEYARDS (2), COURTESY ANDREW PHOTO: MURRAY VINEYARDS.

that is as diverse as Santa Barbara County—60-plus wine grape varieties do very well,” says Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of Santa Barbara Vintners. “You’ve got five AVAs, all of which are very distinct from each other.

So being able to taste Burgundian vs. Rhone vs. Bordeaux in one area is remarkable and unique.”

An eager teenager when he planted his first vines 25 years ago, Andrew Murray recalls how much has changed since he arrived in Santa Ynez Valley.

“It was really the wild frontier. It’s so different now,” says Murray. “We sought this place out so many moons ago. I love this whole area, but we put ourselves in the heart of Los Olivos for two primary reasons: weather and soil diversity, and the relationship those would have with Rhone varieties.”

Andrew Murray Vineyards farms 98 acres on the Curtis estate, originally planted by the Firestone family; some of the plantings are 45 years old. Murray is grafting, replanting and upgrading farming practices to “up” the vineyard’s prestige.

“The soils are wonderful to grow Rhone varieties; they’re rocky, they’re well drained, they’re uplifted mesas, they’re sandy,” says Murray. “When you add the quality of the weather, it’s sort of a no-brainer that there are so many Rhones and Rhone producers in this area, because it’s a natural.”

One such Rhone (and Bordeaux) producer several miles to the south, in the warmer inner valley, is Sunstone Vineyards and Winery, founded in 1989 by Fred and Linda Rice, along with son Bion, and daughters Ashley and Brittany.

“We start to see ‘bud break’ in early February. We’ve even seen it as early as January,” says Sunstone president and CEO Bion Rice, describing a typical growth cycle in their 28-acre organically farmed vineyard. “The flowers start to set at the end of March or early April, and then we see grapes forming shortly thereafter. By May, we have fully developed fruit, very green of course, and then by mid-June we start to see veraison—the grapes start to turn purple. We start seeing sugars developing over the course of July through September. October is where we see the spike. We’ll jump up to 25 Brix (a measurement of the sugar content) in a matter of weeks. Typically we pick from early October to late October on the heavier, bigger reds. From a winemaking perspective, harvest is always the most exciting time because we’re able to smell and taste the fruit.”

Sunstone encourages customers to experience those heady aromas during harvest or visit their beautiful destination winery any time of year.

Those looking for extraordinary accommodations

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faster, I harvest with three people instead of 60,” explains Babcock. “It’s saving me about 25% per year, per acre, so there are significant savings.”

Babcock also cut his wine production in half, to 10,000 cases, to focus on handcrafting the best wine of his life.

“When I look at what’s happened in the Sta. Rita Hills and the explosion of planting and the newer and absolutely stunning vineyards that we have ... I never could have even conceived of in 1984. ... I now have a whole portfolio of single-block single-vineyard pinot noirs from these stunning vineyards...” Babcock says of the palpable potential. “The whole thing is kind of mind boggling.”

Presqu’ile, an exquisite 173-acre hillside estate positioned on ancient sand dunes in Santa Maria Valley, with views of both the ocean and the San Rafaels, is another of the region’s wineries achieving excellence.

Presqu’ile is a multigenerational collaboration between Madison and Suzanne Murphy, their three adult children, Matt, Anna and Jonathan, and their daughters-

in-law, Amanda and Lindsey. The name Presqu’ile—the Creole word for “almost an island”—is both a tribute to a beloved Gulf Coast family gathering place that was lost in Hurricane Katrina, and because they envisioned Presqu’ile as an island-like haven amid the vines.

“I always knew that this was the place that I wanted to be to make wine,” says Matt Murphy, Presqu’ile Winery’s co-founder and president. “I think Santa Barbara County has a huge amount of potential! It’s being realized too.

There are world-class wines being made from every region ... You can really visit Santa Barbara County and get a full spectrum of and understanding of the wine world without having to travel very far.”

Murphy and Presqu’ile winemaker Dieter Cronje worked closely with leading architects and process engineers to custom design a 12,000-square-foot, contemporary gravity-flow winery on top of the hill, connected, via cave, to a modern hospitality building below. Newly harvested fruit is gently processed in the winery, which is

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(Clockwise from top left) Presqu’ile winemaker Dieter Cronje. Presqu’ile’s barrels, winery equipment; and Presqu’ile’s vineyard and winery complex grounds.

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One of Santa Ynez Valley’s most recognizable wine brands is Fess Parker, the label founded in 1989 by the beloved Hollywood star and his children, Eli and Ashley.

“We really tried to tap into Fess’s fan base and the Baby Boomer generation, so we decided to put the coonskin cap on the label, which I’ve always thought is a really cool icon and pretty subtle, honestly. It distinguishes us,” says winery Executive Vice President Ashley Parker-Snider.

“The name Fess Parker was a blessing and a curse,” she discloses. “It was a blessing because people of a certain age recognized it, but they didn’t recognize it for wine.

But they had warm feelings toward Fess, so maybe they’d give it a shot and try it. However, if the wine wasn’t in the bottle, they weren’t going to try it again. It took us a long time to overcome the idea that we were just in it on the fringe or just as a hobby—26 years is not a hobby!”

The Fess Parker wine club continually brings repeat customers back to the valley to enjoy discounts at the family’s hotels, the winery, and The Bubble Shack and Epiphany tasting rooms in Los Olivos, or to sit down for a harvest wine luncheon with winemaker Blair Fox at the winery’s gorgeous new terrace.

Valley visitors slumber in luxury at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa in the heart of Los Olivos or reserve Fess’s former office, which was recently renovated into a guest cabin.

Parker-Snider recognizes that to be successful in marketing wine, the wine must be good. “There’s just no getting around the fact that if you want your brand to grow and you want to play in the upper price point area, you have to have quality in the bottle,” she says. “You can’t cut corners. It takes great grapes. It takes a really good winemaker, and then it takes some luck, too. I refer to this business as ‘fancy farming;’ you never know what’s going to happen.”

Ultimately, the key to the wine region’s success is the passionate wine artisans striving to craft the best wines of their lives, vintage after vintage.

“What Santa Barbara has not lost is the intent and pursuit of making great wine and also being at the ground level of making great wine,” concludes Morgen McLaughlin. “You have someone like Jim Clendenen [of Au Bon Climat Winery], you’ve got Bob Lindquist [of Qupé Wines], you’ve got Rick Longoria [of Longoria Wines], who set the benchmark, but they’re still actively involved.

You don’t necessarily see that in other regions to the level that we do here. I think it’s an interesting time for Santa Barbara County to still have the legends and the forefathers working beside the young guns and the future.” 

(Clockwise from top) Fess Parker Winery tasting room on the pastoral Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Roblar Winery’s tasting room is nestled among Oak Trees in Santa Ynez. Blair Fox, winemaker for Fess Parker Winery, examines the vines.

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PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY FESS PARKER WINERY, HENRY L. FECHTMAN, COURTESY FESS PARKER WINERY PHOTO:

state-of-the-art and, at the same time, old school.

“The grapes come in from the vineyard in the picking bins. The sorting process is critical for us before we put the grapes into the tank,” Murphy explains. “Anything we sort and process into the tanks, red wine-wise, just drops straight off. The white wines are pressed up on the receiving level and then dropped through holes in the floor and the tanks are filled up by gravity down there, and then the wines are barreled down to the cave, which is also 70 feet below the winery, so that’s gravity.”

Presqu’ile ferments its distinctive sauvignon blanc in statuesque concrete eggs. “The concrete breathes like oak, but it imparts a different flavor. And the shape is unique compared to a barrel because it kind of allows this boiling pot motion during fermentation, during malolactic, and really efficient regulation of heat. You need that slight oxygen interaction to help age the wines…to help soften up the wines.”

Fermentation time—transforming juice into wine—is immensely aromatic. “It’s like walking into a jam factory!

It just smells so good every day,” adds Sunstone’s Bion Rice.

“That’s where all the experimentations start to happen; testing for yeast strains. It’s like cooking, and it happens very quickly, so you have to be on your toes. It’s exciting, it’s a little stressful, but in the end, it’s really fun!”

Valley vintners employ varied strategies to sell wine.

Some winemakers travel extensively, pouring their wines to entice sommeliers in the nation’s best restaurants.

Other wineries, like Roblar Winery, sell every bottle out of their local wine-tasting room.

“It’s an architectural masterpiece,” says manager Billy Kissel of Roblar’s lodge-style tasting room in Santa Ynez.

“It’s a pretty impressive-looking place for such a small winery.”

Roblar, a 40-acre vineyard designed by renowned architect Bob Easton, in collaboration with owners Steve and Denise Adams, is unique in its ability to showcase a wide range of wines with food.

“We are the only winery in the Santa Ynez Valley with a full-service kitchen. We employ seven full-time chefs here,” says Kissel. “On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we offer food. We have chocolate and wine tastings and charcuterie platters and wine tastings. We do a thing called ‘The Perfect Pairing’—you can come in and have a five-course meal with five wines.”

Want to sleep next to the vines? Stay overnight at Roblar’s sprawling rental property, Royal Oaks Ranch estate, a beautiful five-bedroom 6,600-square-foot ranch home that overlooks pastures of Arabian horses, which were bred by the ranch’s former owners.

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WINE TASTING with A POINT OF VIEW

There are about as many ways to taste wine in Santa Barbara County as there are varietals of vino. You can visit tasting rooms in the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valleys along vineyard-lined wine trails or in the industrial-cool Lompoc Wine Ghetto, in the charming Danish town of Solvang or cowboy-chic Los Olivos, or clustered in the hot-spot Funk Zone or historic El Paseo. But wherever it is, each tasting room reflects the personality and values of the winery’s owners. Just as each wine tells a story, so does the carefully created environment where that wine is swirled and sipped.

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HE NEW Alma Rosa tasting room in Buellton is a testament to found-

ers and pioneer winegrowers Richard and Thekla Stanford and their daughter Blakeney’s dedication to quality and commitment to sustainability. Working with Allen Construction, they created an elegantly rustic space that oozes calm and natural beauty, including a live 15-foot-tall olive tree that stretches toward a 14-by-24-foot skylight in the middle of the room. The tasting room brings the ranch to town by incorporating natural elements such as stone from the vineyards. Recycled Douglas Fir is used in bar tops, beams, benches and shelving. Lompoc sandstone, a local river stone quarried in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, finishes the entrance patio and fireplace. And that peaceful feeling? You can thank scraps of recycled denim jeans in the walls that insulate and soundproof the space.

Bottom right, the Los Olivos tasting room for the Sanger family of wines (Consilience, Tre Anelli and Marianello), designed by Shannon Scott, incorporates a Mediterranean approach. Left, Alma Rosa’s eco-chic tasting room in Buellton, built by Allen Construction, incorporates a 15foot olive tree, local river stone and recycled Douglas Fir. 62

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PHOTOS: ALMA ROSA PHOTOS (3) BY PATRICK PRICE, SANGER PHOTO BY JASON BOBZIEN PHOTO:

WRIT TEN BY NANC Y R ANSOHOFF

Wine By Design Over in the walkable western-style Mayberry of Los Olivos, tasting rooms are housed in everything from a quaint historic red cottage to a metal-sided repurposed machine shop. Each is unique, but they’re all warm and welcoming by design. Shannon Scott, whose Los Olivos design studio focuses on hospitality and residential interiors, has worked on about a dozen valley tasting rooms. “The first rule of good design is that form follows function,” says Scott. “We need to make sure the space will work the way the client intends. Then we make sure that the feeling we create with our design is warm and comfortable.”

Cue the spacious three-brands-in-one Consilience, Tre Anelli and Marianello tasting room. United under The Sanger Family of Wines, all three labels are inspired by the Mediterranean approach to food and life. Low-key but sophisticated, the room’s dark woods, cozy chairs, brick fireplace and friendly staff invite you to sip, linger and feel transported to France, Italy or Spain.

Rosé with Rover

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Lucky Dogg Winery tasting room in Solvang is family- and Fido-friendly. Doggie treats and a water bowl (sorry, no wine) welcome canine connoisseurs and a chalkboard, toys and TV occupy the kids. Adults sip handcrafted wines (some named after owner-winemaker Brent Melville’s children) made with fruit farmed from the 100-acre Verna’s Vineyard in Los Alamos’s Cat Canyon. The playful, fun vibe is an extension of Melville’s philosophy that his wines should let the grapes shine through with little to no manipulation. His aim is to let the wines speak for themselves in a light-hearted unfussy setting. Woof.

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Sipping with a Side of History At The Wine Collection of El Paseo in downtown Santa Barbara’s historic Presidio neighborhood, tasters amble along cobblestone walkways among six unique tasting rooms featuring small-lot high-end wines. Jamie Slone Wines embraces the classic Spanish Colonial architecture of the building with its homey, upscale décor of custom-made dark wood furnishings, wrought iron light fixtures and stucco fireplace.

“It was important to us to honor the history of El Paseo,” says owner Jamie Slone.

“We want to be the tasting room that is Santa Barbara. When people come from New York, Chicago and elsewhere, they want the American Riviera experience.”

Happy Canyon Vineyard’s El Paseo tasting room showcases the Barrack family’s passion for the sport of polo and for the 58-acre vineyard on their Piocho Ranch in Santa Ynez Valley’s Happy Canyon. The family wears its heart on its polo-jersey sleeve as it artfully displays polo mallets, riding gear, team uniforms and photos from polo matches held on the ranch. The viticultural area of Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, known for its Bordeaux grapes, is also the home of Grassini Family Vineyards, whose tasting room is just down the walkway. Family is so central to the Grassinis that their logo, incorporated in the custom ironwork over the tasting bar and on their labels, is composed of a capital “G” and the numeral 5 in honor of Larry Grassini’s wife, Sharon, and their four daughters.

Longtime winemaker Seth Kunin now has two popular tasting rooms in the everevolving Funk Zone of Santa Barbara. At Kunin Wines, a surf-shack casual spot just a block from East Beach, the focus is on Rhône varietals. Kunin’s latest addition, AVA Santa Barbara/The Valley Project, is located just around the corner from the stillthriving original and across from elder statesman Santa Barbara Winery. Although there is an educational component at both tasting rooms, the learning is front and center at AVA, with an eye-catching floor-to-high-ceiling chalkboard-like mural map of the region by Los Angeles–based artist Elkpen. The aim here is to taste your way around the county by sipping small-batch, single-vineyard and single-varietal wines that highlight the geographical uniqueness of the five Santa Barbara County AVAs. Just like the tasting rooms, each one is different and tells its own story. 

(Clockwise from top right) The tasting rooms at AVA Santa Barbara/The Valley Project; Jamie Slone Wines (2); Kate Grassini pours at Grassini Family Vineyards (2); and AVA Santa Barbara.

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PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT) CIRO COELHO, COURTESY JAMIE SLONE WINES (2), COURTESY GRASSINI FAMILY PHOTO: VINEYARDS (2), CIRO COELHO

In the Zone

TASTE for YOURSELF Alma Rosa 181 Industrial Way, Buellton 805/688-9090 almarosawinery.com

Jamie Slone Wines 23 E. De la Guerra St. 805/560-6555 jamieslonewines.com

Andrew Murray Vineyards 5249 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos 805/686-9604 andrewmurrayvineyards.com

Kunin Wines 28 Anacapa St. 805/963-9633 kuninwines.com

Au Bon Climat Winery 813 Anacapa St. 805/963-7999 aubonclimat.com AVA Santa Barbara/ The Valley Project 116 E. Yanonali St. 805/453-6768 avasantabarbara.com Babcock Winery & Vineyards 5175 E. Hwy. 246, Lompoc 805/736-1455 babcockwinery.com Consilience, Tre Anelli and Marianello 2923 Grand Ave, Los Olivos 805/691-1020 sangerwines.com Fess Parker Winery 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos 805/688-1545 fessparker.com

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Grassini Family Vineyards 813 Anacapa St. #6 805/897-3366 grassinifamilyvineyards.com Happy Canyon Vineyard 30 El Paseo 805/232-3549 happycanyonvineyard.com

Longoria Wines 2935 Grand Ave., Los Olivos 866/759-4637 longoriawine.com Lucky Dogg Winery 1607 Mission Dr., Ste. 102, Solvang 805/691-9774 luckydoggwinery.com Presqu’ile Winery 5391 Presquile Dr., Santa Maria 805/937-8110 presquilewine.com QupÊ Winery 2963 Grand Ave., Los Olivos 805/686-4200 qupe.com Roblar Winery 3010 Roblar Ave., Santa Ynez 805/686-2603 roblarwinery.com Santa Barbara Winery 202 Anacapa St. 805/963-3633 sbwinery.com Sunstone Vineyards and Winery 125 Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez 805/688-9463 sunstonewinery.com The Wine Collection of El Paseo 812 State St. winecollectionofelpaseo.com S P R I N G 2 016

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It’s a gorgeous, crystal-clear fall day in Los Olivos. Panoramic views of estate vineyards, the San Rafael Mountains and Santa Ynez Valley spill from the hilltop residence at Rancho La Zaca, a hidden 400-acre enclave off of Foxen Canyon Road. Frances Schultz, who lives here with husband Tom Dittmer, is guiding me around the impressive home and property—the epitome of Santa Barbara County wine country life and style.

BY C HERY L C R ABTREE PHOTOGR APHS BY C AR A ROBBINS

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chultz has spent the last several years renovating the Modernist ranch dwelling to create a warm, welcoming haven for the family and a steady stream of guests from near and far. “A house will tell you what it needs and what’s right for it,” she says. “But you also have to make it comfortable and livable for you.”

Schultz happens to know a thing or two about how to create an atmosphere of comfort and livability in any type of home.

Born and raised in rural North Carolina in the traditional manner of a Southern belle (she was the fifth generation of her family to attend the prestigious St. Mary’s School for girls in Raleigh, North Carolina), she still speaks with a charming drawl. She is a contributing editor to House Beautiful and former editor-at-large for Veranda. She has authored and coauthored several books, including A House in the South, and for six years was the on-air host of the awardwinning cable television show Southern Living Presents. She has appeared on The Today Show, CNN’s Open House and The Nate Berkus Show, among many others. She also pens a popular blog at FrancesSchultz. com, filled with witticisms, keen observations and advice.

Schultz experienced a number of personal setbacks in the last decade, including a broken engagement, cancer and a series of devastating losses. She chronicled her struggles in a memoir, The Bee Cottage Story: How I Made a Muddle of Things and Decorated My Way Back to Happiness (Skyhorse Publishing, 2015), which is already in its sixth printing. The project began in 2008 with her popular House Beautiful magazine series on the makeover of a house, Bee Cottage, in East Hampton on Long Island. Her tale combines her considerable expertise with life lessons gleaned from her journey to rebuild her life and the rundown cottage. The renovation became a metaphor and a means of personal discovery and healing for Schultz.

During that time, Schultz met Tom Dittmer, a commodities brokerage executive who had retired as Chair of Refco Group in 1999. He purchased Rancho La Zaca in 2006, planning to split his time between the ranch and a pied-a-terre in Manhattan.

Schultz and Dittmer met in New York in 2008 via mutual friends and were married in an olive grove at Rancho La Zaca in 2012.

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Previous spread: “Weather permitting, we take almost all of our evening meals here under this pergola, which is just off the great room,” says Frances Schultz. The top is covered with corrugated steel and outdoor heaters are attached to the beams overhead. Frances in the olive grove where she and Tom Dittmer were married. This page: Mary Watkins Wood was the interior designer for Rancho La Zaca, including, above: Frances’ office, which can serve as a spare guest room in a pinch (daybed and etageres from Ballard Designs; bed cover and curtain, from Nina Campbell; birdcage chandelier from Visual Comfort). Her latest book (on table), The Bee Cottage Story, is now in its 6th printing.

Right: The great room has a custom sofa in Osborne & Little chenille, chairs from Holly Hunt, custom leather ottoman, vintage lamps and paintings by Ruben Ochoa (wall portraits) and Kimo Minton (abstract over fireplace).

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Left: this bathroom is where Frances sits every morning to meditate, write, read and ready herself for the day ahead (Todd Murphy painting, chair from her childhood bedroom). The master bedroom features a bed from Nancy Corzine; headboard, pillow and curtains in Pierre Frey embroidered linen; duvet cover from Leontine Linens; custom blanket cover; vintage drafting table and arm chair; chaise in Scalamandre silk velvet; botanical art from a Paris flea market and a painting

by Stephanus Haidecker. Frances calls this hallway, below, her “cabinet of curiosities.”

a bit, but consider Rancho La Zaca their true home base. The contemporary house was originally built for actor James Garner and designed by Hugh Newell Jacobsen, Jacqueline Onassis’s architect on Martha’s Vineyard. When Schultz began to redecorate, she decided to “warm it up, soften it without harming the integrity of the house.”

When asked to summarize her approach, Schultz refers me to a paragraph in The Bee Cottage Story: “Architectural historian Grant Hildebrand talks about ‘prospect’ and ‘refuge,’ concepts he says apply even to the humblest of dwellings. …It has nothing to do with the size of the house, but we humans desire areas that offer possibility, views, and the ‘prospect’ of discovery and expansion; while S P R I N G 2 016

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“IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SIZE OF THE HOUSE, BUT WE HUMANS DESIRE AREAS THAT OFFER POSSIBILITY, VIEWS, AND THE ‘PROSPECT’ OF DISCOVERY AND EXPANSION; WHILE CONVERSELY WE ALSO NEED AREAS IN WHICH WE FEEL PROTECTED AND SAFE—‘REFUGE.’”

conversely we also need areas in which we feel protected and safe—‘refuge.’”

On our tour, Schultz says the house “had prospect everywhere, but this place needed refuge—the human spirit needs it.” She therefore designed small spaces dispersed throughout the vast interior, connected by numerous hallways, stairs and steps. “You need a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way back,” she laughs, as we wend our way around a glass-walled atrium. The walls, shelves and alcoves here and in many other sections of the home showcase eclectic items Schultz has collected over the years: pressed leaves and flowers, heart-shaped rocks, a rattlesnake rattle, tree conchs picked up on walks in New England and New York.

“I love butterflies, birds, birds nests,” she gushes, adding that Dittmer gave her one of the nests as a gift—“much better than all the jewelry in the world.” Pushpins on various burlap bulletin boards hold inspirational notes and photos. “Everything has a story and everything means something to us,” she explains.

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More stories and memories—in the form of thank you notes and cards—appear beneath a glass top on a table in the breakfast nook. “It’s a little scrapbook, an evolving collage,” says Schultz, pointing to handwritten lines from Dittmer’s grandchildren, author Fannie Flagg and award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long, among others. Schultz recently transformed the formerly stark breakfast room into a cozy spot, which she calls “the happy place.” She plans to replace one of the large windows with a wall so that she can hang an oversize painting. “We’ve got views going on everywhere,” she explains. “People don’t realize that, at night, all these windows are big black holes.”

In the kitchen, Rancho La Zaca’s private chef, Stephanie Valentine, is hard at work planning and preparing for holiday feasts. An alumna of Charlie Trotter’s kitchen, Valentine plays an important role in handling the busy entertainment Continued on pg. 90

(L-R): Frances on the steps leading from the house to a path that winds its way through oaks and grasses, through the vineyard and to a small pond. The pool, with views of Grass Mountain in the distance. “One of the first things I asked for when I moved here was an outdoor fire pit, and we love it.

So much so that we now have several around the ranch,” says Frances. Designed and built by Rancho la Zaca’s own Isaac “Maestro” Bonilla, with the metal work done by ranch manager Wyatt Cromer’s father, Walter Cromer, the fire pits can be taken apart and moved, which is great, she says. The wooden chaises in foreground are designed by her friend John Danzer, of Munder-Skiles.

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Tale to Tell Local concert series takes listeners on a journey of discovery

BY BRET T LEIGH DICKS STROLL INTO Santa Ynez’s Maverick Saloon on just about any day of the week, and you will find yourself in an archetypical western bar. Dollar bills hang from the ceiling, neon beer signs illuminate the windows, skulls and antlers adorn the walls, and if live country music isn’t emanating from the stage, then it’s blasting from the jukebox.

But all that changes on a handful of Wednesday nights every spring and fall

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when the rustic saloon is transformed into an intimate listening room.

Tales From the Tavern is a biannual concert series that has introduced some of contemporary music’s most lauded singersongwriters to Santa Ynez Valley since its beginning in 2003. Started by valley-based siblings Ron and Carole Ann Colone, the series features performers who hail from across the musical spectrum.

“The genre of music isn’t as important as the message the artist brings,” explains cofounder Ron Colone as he sits on the patio of the Maverick Saloon.

“We’ve had people like Chris Hillman, David Crosby and Donovan—true musical icons—but we’ve also had people like Beth Orton, Bonnie Prince Billy, Malcolm Holcombe and Ryan Bingham before he broke out. These are all artists who make their living on the road, and we want them

to come and share their journey with our audience.”

Tales From the Tavern’s journey of discovery started in a tent behind Los Olivos’s Mattei’s Tavern on a wet and windy night in February 2003. Since Ramblin’ Jack Elliott kicked off the series, more than 150 musicians have followed in his footsteps— and not just any musicians, mind you; what the Colones seek to present is a musical experience that is as intimate as it is enlightening.

“We try to create the best listening environment in which to do that, and the best part is that the audience at Tales From the Tavern gets it,” Colone says. “They invest in the performance, and as a result, the artist invests in them.”

Tales From the Tavern hosts two series each year, typically taking place across six Wednesday nights each spring and fall.

PHOTOS: JEREMY BALL FOR TALES FROM THE TAVERN (2)

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY NEWS

The genres of music in the Tales From the Tavern series vary widely, showcasing everything from Americana singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham (left) to British “folktronia� (mixing elements of folk and electronica) favorite Beth Orton (this page).

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SANTA YNEZ VALLEY NEWS

Ron & Carol Ann Colone

The spring Tales From the Tavern music series line-up includes: Glen Phillips (Feb. 10); Steve Poltz (Feb. 24); Danny Kortchmar, Steve Postell and Dan Navarro (Mar. 9); David Lindley (Mar. 23); Chris Smither (Apr. 6) and The Quebe Sisters (Apr. 10). All performances are at the Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. For more information, visit talesfromthetavern.com or call 805/688-0383.

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PHOTO: JEREMY BALL FOR TALES FROM THE TAVERN

They push the pool table to the back of the room, turn off the glowing neon, hang drapes around the stage and fill the room with around 230 seats.

With candles glowing as an artist takes the stage, you can literally hear a pin drop.

For Tales From the Tavern alumni and Toad the Wet Sprocket front man Glen Phillips, it’s an environment made for connecting.

“Listening rooms are my favorite rooms to play,” says Phillips, who has a new solo album pending, as well as a summer Toad the Wet Sprocket tour in the works. “People lean forward and listen harder when you play a new song and sing along enthusiastically on the old and familiar ones.

“I enjoy being out there and doing the rock thing, but there’s a whole different level of intimacy when it’s stripped down.

People get to go deeper into the songs, and I get to join them there. They also tend to have better wine than nightclubs.”

Patty Murphy C O U N T RY E STAT E S

Charleston-style Manor Embraced by ancient oaks on an approx. 20-acre oak woodland, is a stunning country estate. This 5300 sq. ft. double-stacked Plantation-style residence was crafted from antique materials juxtaposed with the finest fixtures, windows and kitchen appliances for that old world look with new plumbing. Enjoy the rolling hills of prestigious Woodstock Ranch with miles of serene walking and riding trails that will captivate the spirit and begs to be enjoyed.

Offered at $3,600,000

805.680.8571

patty@pattymurphy.com pattymurphy.com CalBRE#: 00766586 Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.

Wine

For more information about local wineries and events, contact the Santa Barbara Vintners at 800/218-0881 or visit sbcountywines.com.

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Visitors Centers 1639 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang 597 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton

WINE SA NTA BA RBA R A COUNT Y

Los Alamos Santa Barbara County vineyards grow exceptional grapes, and now, after more than 40 years of experimentation with an incredible diversity of microclimates and soil types, growers and winemakers know a lot about what to plant and where those vines thrive best—and a host of talented vintners transform those grapes into world-class wines. The best way to explore this authentic wine-producing and wine grape growing region is by visiting the tasting rooms and speaking directly to the people. Here are more than 100 that offer the wine tasting experience.

Western hospitality meets world class wine in the picturesque Western town of Los Alamos.

TASTING AT THE VINE YARD

Martian Ranch & Vineyard

9110 Alisos Canyon Rd., 805/344-1804 IN-TOWN TASTING

Bedford Winery

448 Bell St., 805/344-2107 Casa Dumetz Wines

388 Bell St., 805/344-1900 Municipal Winemakers

423 Bell St., 805/931-6864

Santa Maria Valley

Los Alamos Valley

The Santa Maria Valley American Viticulture Area was the third AVA established in the United States (in 1981) and the first in Santa Barbara County. With its east-west valley and river lands, this scenic area has a climate that leads to early bud break and a long ripening season for the grapes.

Lompoc The ever-growing numbers of urban wineries and tasting rooms in Lompoc are Santa Barbara County’s most western tasting region and are primarily located in the area affectionately known as the “Wine Ghetto,” a bustling industrial park with world-class wines.

IN-TOWN TASTING

Ampelos

312 N. 9th St., 805/736-9957 Arcadian Winery/Bratcher Winery

1515 E. Chestnut Ave., Ste. B, 805/737-3900 Brewer-Clifton

329 N. "F" St., 805/735-9184 Cebada Vineyard

4001 Forbidden Fruit Ln., 805/735-4648 Fiddlehead Cellars

1597 E. Chestnut Ave., 805/742-0204

TASTING AT THE VINE YARD

Cambria Winery & Vineyard

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Babcock Winery & Vineyards

Thirty years ago, Bryan Babcock was one of the characters who lit the fuse of Santa Barbara’s wine explosion. Today, at his family’s 110 acre ranch in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills, he continues to mix the venerable with the progressive, and is known for radical farming, classic single-terroir winemaking, and an industrial chic atmosphere in the tasting room. Open 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

5475 Chardonnay Ln., 805/937-8091 Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery

3940 Dominion Rd., 805/937-8463 Foxen Winery & Vineyard

7600 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/937-4251 Kenneth Volk Vineyards

5230 Tepusquet Rd., 805/938-7896 Presqu'ile Winery & Vineyards

5391 Presquile Dr., 805/937-8110

5175 E. Hwy. 246, 805/736-1455 babcockwinery.com

Flying Goat Cellars

1520 E. Chestnut Ct., Unit A, 805/736-9032 La Montagne Winery

1509 E. Chestnut Ave., 805/291-6643 Longoria Wines

415 E. Chestnut Ave., 866-759-4637 Pali Wine Co.

1501 E. Chestnut Ct., 805/735-2354 Palmina

1520 E. Chestnut Ct., 805/735-2030 Scott Cellars

316 N. "F" St., 805/736-6161 Stolpman Vineyards

1700 Industrial Way, 805/688-0400 Transcendence

313 N. “F” St., 805/689-5258 Zotovich Cellars

300 N. 12th St., Ste. 1D, 805/736-1600

Lompoc/Sta. Rita Hills The eastern gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills appellation is Buellton, while Lompoc lies

as the western gateway. Sta. Rita Hills is home to the most extreme cool-climate vineyards in the area, growing primarily pinot noir and chardonnay, along with other interesting cool-climate wines.

TASTING AT THE VINE YARD

Babcock Winery & Vineyards

5175 E. Hwy. 246, 805/736-1455 Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery

6121 E. Hwy. 246, 805/737–6222 Huber Vineyards & Cellars

4892 Hapgood Rd., 805/736-3854 Melville Vineyards & Winery

5185 E. Hwy. 246, 805/735-7030 Sanford Winery & Vineyards

5010 Santa Rosa Rd., 805/735-5900 IN-TOWN TASTING

Dierberg/Star Lane/Three Saints

1280 Drum Canyon Rd., 805/693-0744

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Presqu'ile Winery & Vineyards

Presqu'ile (press-KEEL), Creole for “almost an island,” was a haven and refuge on the Gulf Coast for generations of the Murphy family.

Presqu’ile Winery, named in honor of that place, produces elegant Santa Maria Valley pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and syrah. Enjoy these estate grown wines, food pairings and views of the valley in the relaxed, yet refined tasting room. Open Fri. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

5391 Presquile Dr., 805/937-8110 presquilewine.com

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WINE SA NTA BA RBA R A COUNT Y

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Koehler Winery

6600 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/934-4332

5360 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/693-8384

Riverbench Vineyard & Winery

Zaca Mesa Winery

6020 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/937-8340

6905 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/688-9339

Tres Hermanas Winery

IN-TOWN TASTING

IN-TOWN TASTING

2933 Grand Ave., Ste. A, 805/686-1144

9660 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/937-8451

Alta Maria Vineyards

Ca’ Del Grevino

Alexander & Wayne

2510 E. Clark Ave., Santa Maria, 805/621-5889

2922 Grand Ave., 805/688-9665

Costa De Oro

Arthur Earl Winery

1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria, 805/922-1468 Core Wine Co.

105 W. Clark Ave., Old Orcutt, 805/937-1600

Santa Ynez Valley Ballard This charming wine country inn offers a selection of difficult to find boutique wines produced locally by family owned, small production wineries.

2922 Grand Ave., 805/693-1771 4

Andrew Murray Vineyards

Andrew Murray—a grape-growing pioneer and Rhône varietal visionary in Santa Barbara County—founded his winery in 1990, planting a hillside vineyard dedicated exclusively to Rhône varieties. Andrew and his team look forward to sharing the AMV experience at their newly remodeled winery and visitor center along Foxen Canyon Road. Open 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

5249 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/686-9604 AndrewMurrayVineyards.com

2436 E. Baseline Ave., 805/688-7770

Buellton The largest custom-crush operation in the area shares geography with tasting rooms in Buellton, located just off Highway 101, it's the eastern gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills area.

TASTING AT THE VINE YARD

Lafond Winery & Vineyards

6855 Santa Rosa Rd., 805/688-7921

Barbieri Wine Co.

2369 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805/688-8882 Bernat Vineyards & Winery

2879 Grand Ave., 805/688-7265 Bien Nacido Vineyards

2963 Grand Ave., Ste. B, 805/691-9913 Blair Fox Cellars

2902 San Marcos Ave., Ste. B, 805/691-1678 Byron

2367 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805/938-7365

IN-TOWN TASTING

Ballard Inn Tasting Room

Artiste Winery & Tasting Studio

2948 Grand Ave., Studio E, 805/686-2626

Mosby Winery

9496 Santa Rosa Rd., 805/688-2415 IN-TOWN TASTING

Alma Rosa Winery

181 Industrial Way, Ste. C, 805/691-9395 Cold Heaven

92 Second St., Ste. A, 805/686-1343 Crawford Family Wines

92 Second St., Ste. G & H, 805/698-3889 Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Winery

406 E. Hwy. 246, 805/688-8403 Ken Brown Wines

Carhartt Vineyard

2990 Grand Ave., 805/693-5100 Carina Cellars

2900 Grand Ave., Ste. A, 805/688-2459 Cinque Stelle Wineries

2982 Grand Ave., 805/686-4101 Consilience, Marianello & Tre Anelli Wines

2923 Grand Ave., 805/691-1020 Coquelicot Estate Winery

2884 Grand Ave., 805/688-1500 Daniel Gehrs Wines

2939 Grand Ave., 805/693-9686

157 W. Hwy. 246, 805/688-9400 Point Concepción

420 E. Hwy. 246, 805/691-1300 Terravant Wine Co. (24 wineries under one roof)

35 Industrial Way, 805/686-9400

Los Olivos The historic village of Los Olivos is a hub for tasting rooms, interspersed with art galleries, boutique shops and cafés. It's a great place to stroll and relax, or drive north to enjoy the bucolic Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.

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Lafond Winery & Vineyards

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TASTING AT THE VINE YARD

Long known as Santa Barbara’s tastemaker, Pierre Lafond founded Santa Barbara County’s first winery since prohibition (now located downtown, two blocks from the beach). His 65 acres in the Sta. Rita Hills and 30 acres across the river have produced medal-awarded syrah, chardonnay, and a pinot noir that “is truly an expression” of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.

Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

2670 Ontiveros Rd., 805/688-8664.

6855 Santa Rosa Rd., 805/688-7921 lafondwinery.com

Firestone Vineyard

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Andrew Murray Vineyards

5249 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/686-9604 Beckmen Vineyards Brander Vineyard

2401 N. Refugio Rd., 805/688-2455 Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard

6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/688-1545 5017 Zaca Station Rd., 805/688-3940

Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard

“After celebrating our 25th anniversary as a family owned and operated winery, the Fess Parker family recently completed an upgraded hospitality venue on our property. We invite you to visit and enjoy the outdoor fireplace, tasting bar, expanded seating area, and an array of elevated tasting options presented by our wine educators.” —Tim Snider, President, Fess Parker Winery. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/688-1545 fessparkerwines.com

Toretti Family Vineyard

2933 San Marcos Ave., Ste. 101, 805/688-8002

Santa Ynez Peaceful and rolling vistas of ranches and farms mingle with vineyards and tasting rooms along the country roads in this region, which is anchored by the town of Santa Ynez.

TASTING AT THE VINE YARD

Bridlewood Estate Winery

3555 Roblar Ave., 805/688-9000 6

Artiste Winery & Tasting Studio

Combining a reverence for tradition and a philosophy of winemaking as an artistic expression, this unique tasting room and art studio makes wines—all blends, like many wineries do in France, Italy and Spain—and labels them with beautiful works of impressionist art, each named after the title of the painting that graces its bottle. As owner and winemaker Bion Rice conveys in a video on his website, “people first arrive at Artiste, they are surprised.” The place is indeed special, so are the wines. Open 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

2948 Grand Ave., Studio E, 805/686-2626 artiste.com

Dragonette Cellars

2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805/693-0077 Dreamcôte Wine Co.

2933 San Marcos Ave., Ste. 107, 805/691-1200

Gainey Vineyard

3950 E. Hwy. 246, 805/688-0558 Kalyra Winery

343 N. Refugio Rd., 805/693-8864 Roblar Winery & Vineyards

3010 Roblar Ave., 805/686-2603 Sunstone` Vineyards & Winery

125 N. Refugio Rd., 805/688-9463 IN-TOWN TASTING

Carr Vineyards and Winery

3563 Numancia St., Ste. 101, 805/688-5757

Sunstone Vineyards & Winery

Committed to growing wine grapes without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fungicides, Sunstone’s 28-acre certified organic estate vineyard produces wine from “a vineyard in harmony with Earth’s cycles throughout the year.” Known for its Provence-inspired ambience and private event venues, Sunstone is the perfect destination for tastings and luxurious group experiences. Open 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

125 N. Refugio Rd., 805/688-9463 sunstonewinery.com

Imagine Wine and Art Gallery

3563 Numancia St., Ste. 103, 805/688-1769

Solvang "The Danish Capital of America,” Solvang is a quaint village shops, parks, hotels, bakeries, restaurants and wine tasting rooms.

Epiphany Cellars

TASTING AT THE VINE YARD

Evans Ranch (Gainey)

2205 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805/686-4492

2974 Grand Ave., 805/686-2424

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Blackjack Ranch

2901 Grand Ave., 805/688-0558 J Ludlow Vineyard

Buttonwood Farm Winery

1500 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805/688-3032 Lincourt Vineyards

1711 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805/688-8554 Rideau Vineyards

1562 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805/688-0717 Rusack Vineyards

1819 Ballard Canyon Rd., 805/688-1278 Shoestring Vineyard & Winery

800 E. Hwy. 246, 805/693-8612 IN-TOWN TASTING

2890 Grand Ave., 805/688-8989

Carivintas Winery

Kaena

476 First St., 805/693-4331

Larner Wines

1607 Mission Dr., Ste. 112, 805/688-8691

Longoria Wines

1659 Copenhagen Dr., Ste. C, 805/691-9175

Qupé, Verdad & Ethan

1672 Mission Dr., 805/688-7111

Refugio Ranch

1659 Copenhagen Dr., 805/693-5466

2890 Grand Ave., 805/688-4069

Casa Cassara

2900 Grand Ave., 805/688-8148

Dascomb Cellars

2935 Grand Ave., 866/759-4637

The Good Life/Baehner Fournier

2963 Grand Ave., Ste. B, 805/686-4200

Lions Peak

2990 Grand Ave., 805/688-5400 Saarloos & Sons

2971 Grand Ave., 805/688-1200

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Roblar Winery & Vineyards

Tercero Wines

Nestled into an oak-studded, 40-acre vineyard, this grand lodge-style winery was built to reflect the rustic, authentic and bold spirit of the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley. The 5,000 sq. ft. tasting room, complete with an indoor-outdoor stone fireplace and trellised patio overlooking expansive gardens, offers a special tasting option: chef-prepared bites of food to be enjoyed with the wine. Two-for-one tasting with mention of Santa Barbara Seasons.

Open 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tessa Marie Wines (E&TWines)

3010 Roblar Ave., 805/686-2603 roblarwines.com

SAMsARA

2466 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. A, 805/331-2292 Semler Wines

2363 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805/688-8105 Stolpman Vineyards & Winery

2434 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805/688-0400 Tensley Wines

2900 Grand Ave., Ste. B, 805/688-6761 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 104, 805/245-9584 2901 Grand Ave., Ste. C, 805/688-6081

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

1645 Copenhagen Dr., 805/686-9336 Presidio Winery

1603 Copenhagen Dr., Ste. 1, 805/693-8585 Royal Oaks Winery

1582 Mission Dr., 805/693-1740 Rusack Vineyards

1819 Ballard Canyon Rd., 805/688-1278 Sevtap Winery

1576 Copenhagen Dr., Ste. 1, 805/693-9200 Sort This Out Cellars

1636 Copenhagen Dr., 805/688-1717 Toccata

1665 Copenhagen Dr., 805/686-5506

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Golf

Santa Barbara County is one of America’s most desirable golf destinations, with splendid courses designed to maximize enjoyment of the region’s splendor and moderate climate, open for play all year long. Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have ranked several of the courses as among the best in the country, and the array of tracks offers multiple levels of challenge for all who enjoy the sport. The City’s course—Santa Barbara Golf Club—is five minutes from downtown and one of California’s best municipal facilties. Here are five other spectacular courses within 15-55 minutes of Santa Barbara.

SANTA BARBAR A COUNT Y

Glen Annie Golf Club

GOLETA

Glen Annie Golf Club In the rolling foothills of Goleta, 15 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, this meticulously maintained and challenging layout is enhanced with panoramic ocean, Channel Island or mountain views from nearly every hole. The tee shot from #16, for example, is fired over a descending terrain with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, a 150-foot vertical drop, to land softly on a manicured landscape near an adjacent lake with a cascading stream. The clubhouse complex includes a snack bar, full bar at Frog Bar & Grill and scenic patios with excellent facilities for gatherings of up to 300. Par 71. Stroke rating from men’s tees: 71.1; slope rating, 122. 405

Glen Annie Rd., 805/968-6400, glenanniegolf.com.

Rancho San Marcos

SANTA YNEZ MOUNTAINS

Rancho San Marcos Fifteen minutes up the incredibly scenic Hwy 154—the historic road winding off State Street into the Santa Ynez Mountains that leads to the charming towns and wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley—“Rancho” has been acclaimed by nearly every major golf magazine as offering one of the finest experiences in Southern California. Nestled in the mountains 12 miles from Santa Barbara, the historic land this outstanding golf course traverses challenges with sand, lakes, the Santa Ynez River, fields of native grasses, oak tree-lined chaparral and changes in elevation. A comfortable clubhouse has a grill with food to go or to enjoy at tables inside or outside on scenic patios. Par 71. Stroke rating from men’s tees: 73.1; slope rating, 135. 4600 Hwy. 154, 805/683-6334, rsm1804.com.

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GOLETA

Sandpiper Golf Club

Sandpiper Golf Club

Established in 1972 as Santa Barbara County’s first resort course open to the public, Sandpiper is an inspiring 18 holes of seaside golf on an extraordinary, natural terrain, with an acclaimed layout named by Golf Digest as one of the top 25 public golf courses in the United States. Designed by renowned architect William F. Bell, the course features beautiful rolling fairways that lead to enormous, challenging greens in a links-style layout with ocean views from nearly every hole. The stretch of holes 10 through 14 is one of the most memorable golf experiences of any player’s life. Par 72. Stroke rating from men’s tees: 74.7; slope rating, 136. 7925 Hollister Ave., 805/968-1541, sandpipergolf.com.

SOLVANG

River Course at the Alisal

River Course at the Alisal

Opened for public play in 1992 on land owned by and adjacent to the renowned Alisal Guest Ranch, River Course provides a layout to be enjoyed by golfers of all levels of skill. Set along the Santa Ynez River, with panoramic views of the mountains beyond, the course features mostly wide fairways and accessible greens. Several holes, however, will challenge even the low handicap golfer—the lengthy #7, with out-of-bounds right and a big lake left; #10, which plays through a chute of trees; and those along the river. The first-class clubhouse has comfortable, inside seating and a view-oriented patio.

Par 72. Stroke rating from men’s tees: 73.1; slope rating, 135. 150 Alisal Rd., 805/6886042, rivercourse.com.

LOMPOC

La Purisima Golf Course

La Purisima Golf Course

A half-hour from the Danish village of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country, “La P,” one of California’s finest and most challenging courses, is pure golf: no real estate, no commercial development for miles, just long, twisting fairways bordered at times by oak and eucalyptus groves and protected by sand, water and out-ofbounds stakes, finishing with big, lightning fast greens. Especially in the afternoon, wind becomes a factor, often making the closing holes our own “Amen Corner.”

Designed by world-renowned architect Robert Muir Graves, a round at La Purisima will not soon be forgotten, and is worth the drive. Par 72. Stroke rating from men’s tees: 74.9; slope rating, 143. 3455 E. Hwy. 246, 805/735-8395, lapurisimagolf.com.

SPRING 2016

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Explore Santa Barbara County

E XPLORE SA NTA BA RBA R A COUNT Y

10. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

hood is also home to the historic Lobero Theatre, one of the city’s architectural jewels, as well as Casa de la Guerra historic house museum. El Paseo, a charming adobe plaza built in the 1820s, houses several nice shops and restaurants, along with The Wine Collection of El Paseo, an upscale array of six excellent wine tasting rooms open daily from noon to 6 p.m. (located off of the 800 block of State Street).

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Santa Barbara Historical Museum exhibits fine art, costumes and artifacts from Santa Barbara’s colorful history. Gledhill Library houses photographs and historic documents. | 136 E. De la Guerra St. Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. Noon–5 p.m. 805/966-1601, santabarbaramuseum.com.

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El Presidio de Santa Barbara, founded in 1782 to offer protection to the mission and settlers and to provide a seat of government and to guard against foreign invasion, is now a state historic park. | 123 E. Canon Perdido St. 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily. 805/9650093, sbthp.org.

D OW N TOW N S TAT E S T R E E T defines the city’s center—and its heart. The intersection of State and Carrillo streets is where Captain Salisbury Haley hammered an iron stake in 1850 to designate the future midtown area. The self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour is a great way to get your bearings (map at santabarbaracarfree.org). Santa Barbara Public Market, home to a diverse collection of merchants and eateries, is worth a visit, and don't miss the historic Arlington Theatre, a notable example of both Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural styles.

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Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a National Historic Landmark in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, was dedicated in 1929. Its immense landscaped courtyard and sunken garden is the site of public celebrations year round. | 1100 Anacapa St. Docent tours Mon.–Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Daily 2 p.m. 805/9626464, santabarbaracourthouse.org.

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Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s outstanding permanent and special collections, housed in a stately building constructed in 1914 as the city’s first federally funded post office, include the only remaining intact mural by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, Portrait of Mexico Today. | 1130 State St. Thur. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 805/963-4364, sbma.net.

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La Arcada, designed by architect Myron Hunt in 1926, is home to a wealth of galleries, shops and restaurants. Dotted along the way are historical curios and sculptures, with all roads leading to the much-loved central fountain stocked with turtles and fish. | 1100 block of State Street.

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Paseo Nuevo is a charming outdoor destination to shop, dine, relax, stroll and people watch. Featuring Spanish-style architecture, Paseo Nuevo is also home to Center Stage Theater, a black box venue showcasing live performances, and MCA Santa Barbara, a museum dedicated to exhibiting the highest quality of contemporary art while recognizing the artists of tomorrow with innovative exhibitions. | 651 & 653 Paseo Nuevo. paseonuevoshopping.com, mcasantabarbara.org.

5

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, named after the benefactor who donated the prime property and renowned for its beauty, is a popular photo backdrop. Audio posts and interpretive Braille signs make the garden accessible for the visually impaired. | Micheltorena and Santa Barbara streets.

PRESIDIO NEIGHBORHOOD is a vibrant section developed around the historic site of the last remaining Spanish fortresses built in California, called presidios. In addition to being Santa Barbara’s birthplace, El Presidio de Santa Barbara, the neighbor-

8

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s 78 acres, accessed by five and a half miles of trails, record the history of the state’s rare and indigenous plants. From the dramatic opening view through the meadows, chaparral and forest to the sweeping ridge-top views of the Channel Islands, the garden is a skillful display of California’s natural bounty. | 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. Mar.–Oct. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Nov.–Feb. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 805/682-4726, sbbg.org.

9

Mission Santa Barbara was dedicated in 1786 by Father Fermin Lasuén. Known as “Queen of the Missions” for its twin belltowers, it remains the only California mission to be continuously occupied by the Franciscans. | 2201 Laguna St. Daily tours 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 805/682-4713, sbmission.org; santabarbaramission.org.

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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History celebrates its 100th birthday in 2016, providing science and nature education to generations of visitors, from toddlers to seniors. The museum, located along Mission Creek, reconnects more than 100,000 people each year—including 5,700 members—to nature indoors and outdoors. | 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. 805/682-4711, sbnature.org.

PHOTO: MERCEDES LOWE

Santa Barbara

MISSION DISTRIC T is identified by Mission Santa Barbara, and is among the oldest residential neighborhoods in the city. Characterized by revival-style architecture, it is also home to the Mission Historical Park and rose garden.

WAT E R F R O N T, running the length of Cabrillo Boulevard from East Beach to the harbor, is a feast for outdoor enthusiasts. A paved pathway runs the full distance—by Stearns Wharf and along West Beach to the harbor.

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Andree Clark Bird Refuge—an artificial freshwater lake and marsh pond adjacent to the zoo —provides one of the best biking/jogging/skating paths in the area around its perimeter. | 1400 E. Cabrillo Blvd.

805/564-5418.

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Santa Barbara Harbor and Breakwater is a working harbor, home to fishing boats, private yachts and nearly 1,200 excursion and sightseeing boats. It is always a busy and interesting place to walk, skate, bike, eat and purchase fresh catch at Fisherman’s Market every Saturday morning. | Off Cabrillo Blvd.

EXPERIENCE

WILD

S A N TA BA R BA R A

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Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, situated on the harbor’s scenic waterfront, presents the region’s rich local maritime history. From ancient seafaring Chumash to modern-day deep-sea research, the emphasis is on human interaction with the sea. | 113 Harbor Way. Memorial Day–Labor Day 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Labor Day–Memorial Day 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Wed. 805/962-8404, sbmm.org.

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Stearns Wharf, a Santa Barbara icon, was built by a Vermont native in 1876 to accommodate ocean-going vessels. Once owned by Jimmy Cagney, its dramatic views of the city and the hills beyond, as well as its mix of shops and restaurants, have charmed visitors for more than a century. | State St. at Cabrillo Blvd.

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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center on Stearns Wharf engages visitors of all ages with interactive exhibits, opportunities to work like scientists, a theater showcasing the wonders of Santa Barbara Channel, a live shark touch pool and a 1,500-gallon tide pool tank, to discover the fun in science and the wonders of the natural world. | State St. at Cabrillo Blvd. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

805/962-2526, sbnature.org.

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Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show is the longest-running public weekly art show in the country, with more than 250 exhibitors, all there in person and carefully screened to ensure originality of work. | Cabrillo Blvd. between State and Calle Puerta Vallarta streets. Sun. 10 a.m. to dusk. 805/897-2519, santabarbaraca.gov.

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The Mill The Mill is a distinctively modern spin on the original feed mill constructed in 1904, which is now an artisan marketplace, featuring a production winery, k

R U N A N D H I D E IN COYOTE BUSH MAZE, S E E WHAT REMAINS OF THE 74-FOOTLONG JUVENILE B L U E W H A L E NAMED CHAD, TOUCH L I V E SHARKS, AND BE A M A Z E D BY L I O N S , C O N D O R S AND H U M B O L D T PENGUINS. VISIT SANTA BARBARA’S WILDEST MUSEUMS —SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN, SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, SANTA BARBARA ZOO AND THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY SEA CENTER—AND EXPERIENCE IT ALL!

E XPLORE SA NTA BA RBA R A COUNT Y

craft brewery and farm-to-table barbecue restaurant, as well as some unique retail offerings. | 406 E. Haley St., 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 805/965-9555, themillsb.com.

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Santa Barbara Zoo opened to the public in 1963 and had only seven residents. Now more than 500 animals live here, and 30 acres of lush gardens spread across a knoll overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Committed to conservation, species survival and education, the zoo is an enlightening and entertaining place to visit. | 500 Niños Dr. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

805/962-5339, sbzoo.org.

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Urban Wine Tasting Although you won’t find any vineyards in this area, these unique and eclectic wineries and tasting rooms are a great way to begin your wine-tasting journey through the area on foot, as an introduction to local wines. Many of the urban wineries have northern Santa Barbara County vineyards that are also open to visitors.

A Area 5.1

137 Anacapa St., Unit B, 805/770-7251

B Au Bon Climat

813 Anacapa St., 805/963-7999

C Armada Wine

& Beer Merchant 1129-A State St., 805/770-5912

D AVA Santa

Barbara 116 E. Yanonali St., 805/453-6768

E Carr Vineyards

& Winery, 414 N. Salsipuedes St., 805/965-7985

F Cebada Vineyard

& Winery 5 E. Figueroa St., 805/451-2570

G Corks & Crowns

32 Anacapa St., 805/845-8600

H Corktree Cellars

Wine Bar & Bistro 910 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, 805/684-1400 I Cottonwood

Canyon, 224 Anacapa St., 805/963-1221

J Deep Sea Wine

Tasting Room 217 Stearns Wharf, 805/618-1185

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K Foley Food

U Municipal

L Giessinger Winery by the Sea 210 State St., 805/568-0820

V MWC32

M Grassini

205 Anacapa St., 805/962-5857

& Wine Society 8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta, 805/968-1614

Family Vineyards, 813 Anacapa St., 805/897-3366

N Happy Canyon

Vineyard, 30 El Paseo, 805/232-3549

O Jaffurs Wine

Cellars, 819 E. Montecito St., 805/962-7003

P Jamie Slone

Winemakers, 22 Anacapa St., Ste. D, 805/931-6864

813 Anacapa St., 805/845-8435

W Oreana Winery

X Pali Wine Company, 116 E. Yanonali St., 805/560-7254 Y Riverbench

137 Anacapa St., Ste. C, 805/324-4100

Z Sanford Winery 1114 State St., 805/770-7873

Wines, 23 E. De la Guerra St., 805/5606555

AA Sanguis Wines 8 Ashley Ave., 805/845-0920

Q Kalyra by the

BB Santa Barbara

Sea, 212 State St., 805/965-8606

Winery, 202 Anacapa St., 805/963-3633

R Kunin Wines Tasting Room 28 Anacapa St., 805/963-9633

CC Silver Wines

S LaFond Winery

Wines, 2330 Lillie Ave., 805/565-9463

T Margerum Tasting

EE Whitcraft Winery & Tasting Room, 36-A S. Calle Cesar Chavez, 805/730-1680

111 E. Yanonali St., 805/845-2020

Room, 813 Anacapa St., 805/845-8435

724 Reddick St., 805/963-3052

DD Summerland

Whale Watching in Santa Barbara Channel offers a marine environment so rich that it draws visitors from throughout the world. More than 27 species of dolphins and whales delight all ages. Coastal trips depart daily February through April, and island whale watching trips depart daily May through February. | 805/882-0088, condorexpress.com.

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Funk Zone is a hotbed of homegrown artistic production. The Funk Zone is known for its eclectic wall murals, ateliers, galleries, alternative exhibition spaces, trendy artist shops and the lively Urban Wine Trail. Half the fun is each surprise that awaits you down the alley or painted on the wall in front of you! | funkzone.net.

Montecito and Points South Montecito’s densely wooded, lightly populated residential area between Santa Barbara and Summerland has attracted the privileged for more than a century, but its genesis was agrarian. Remnants of this rich heritage are still in use. The 500-acre property, on which Harleigh Johnston grew citrus trees until 1893, became San Ysidro Ranch. With the ranch’s completion in 1935 and the Montecito Inn’s in 1928, it

wasn’t long before well-known captains of industry built estates, many of them incorporating the farms and ranches that had originally settled the area.

21

Casa del Herrero, designed for George Steedman by the “father of the Santa Barbara style,” George Washington Smith, offers a glimpse into Montecito life in the 1930s. A splendid example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, the house—and the gardens—are National Historic Landmarks. The gardens, covering 11 acres, were designed by noted landscape architects Ralph Stevens and Lockwood de Forest and horticulturist Frances T. Underhill. | 1387 E. Valley Road.Tours Wed. and Sat. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations required.

805/565-5653, casadelherrero.com.

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Ganna Walska Lotusland is a 37-acre garden estate, prized for its rare and exotic plants and providing new perspectives on sustainability of nature’s offerings. Themed gardens include topiary, bromeliad, succulent, cycad, cactus, fern, Japanese, Australian, water and a blue garden, among others. | Reservations required. Tours Wed.–Sat. 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. between Feb. 18 and Nov. 15. Reservations required.

805/969-9990, lotusland.org.

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Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art seeks to educate students and the community about the power and value of the visual arts through physical, critical and spiritual engagement with the creative process and its results. | Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd. Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 805/5656162, westmontmuseum.org.

S U M M E R L A N D is just a stone’s throw off Hwy. 101 and two minutes south of Montecito, and offers the rural charm of an earlier California beach town and maintains the spirit of an artists’ colony via plentiful antique, home and garden shops, art galleries, boutiques and unpretentious eateries.

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Lookout County Park, off Lillie Avenue at Evans Avenue, is spread out on the bluffs above the beautiful Summerland Beach. From this vantage point, where full picnic facilities await, there are spectacular views of the Channel Islands. | Exit Hwy. 101 at Evans Ave. CARPINTERIA is five minutes south of Montecito and Summerland. Although the city advertises itself as home to the “world’s safest beach,” visitors also come to roam the avocado-laden hills in search of the orchid fields and hothouses, for which Carpinteria is well known.

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Salt Marsh Nature Reserve, a 230acre salt marsh, is home to local and migratory waterfowl and fish and is a birder’s dream. | Exit Hwy. 101 at Linden Ave. at Sandyland Rd., turn right and drive three blocks to Ash Ave.

26

Carpinteria State Beach and Bluffs are among California’s most popular destinations—the result of a broad beach and good sunning, tidepooling and fishing. Most any sunny weekend, you’ll find loads of families settled in for the day. For hikers and birdwatchers, it doesn’t get much better than the Carpinteria Bluffs. | Exit Hwy. 101 at Linden Ave. Continue through town to the beach. Park on Linden Ave. or in the Carpinteria State Beach lot.

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Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club was admitted to the U.S. Polo Association in 1911 and moved to its present location shortly thereafter. The club welcomes visitors for Sunday games from May through October, with the high-goal season capped by the Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open. | 3375 Foothill Rd. 805/684-6683, sbpolo.com.

Goleta and Points North The city of Goleta and several of the area’s well-known institutions and landmarks are just 10 minutes north of Santa Barbara, including University of California Santa Barbara and two championship golf courses.

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Rancho La Patera, one of the oldest landmarks in Goleta Valley, is home to historic Stow House, a beautiful example of Carpenter Gothic architecture, and Cavalletto History Education Center, which focuses on Goleta’s ranching and agricultural history. | 304 N. Los Carneros Rd. 805/681-7216, stowhouse.com.

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South Coast Railroad Museum, housed in a restored train depot, is a magnet for train buffs. Tours of the Victorian depot, rides on the “Goleta Short Line” miniature train and exhibits are part of the experience. | 300 N. Los Carneros Rd. 805/964-3540, goletadepot.org.

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Goleta Beach Park, adjacent to UCSB, is favored by families and groups for its white sands and expanse of lawn with numerous barbecue and picnic table areas. The 1,500-footlong pier accommodates boat launching facilities, fishermen and strollers. | Exit Hwy. 217 at Sandspit Rd. 805/568-2461.

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Art, Design & Architecture Museum at University of California Santa Barbara holds an impressive fine art collection with one of the largest architectural archives in North America. In addition, it engages contemporary artists in exhibits and programs. | UCSB. Wed.–Sun. Noon–5 p.m. 805/893-2951, museum.ucsb.edu.

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El Capitan and Refugio State Beaches, the mixed sand and rock beach at El Capitan links Refugio—a palm-lined crescent of sand with tide pools—by beach, bluff and bike trails. Both are popular beach campgrounds. | From Hwy. 101, exit the northernmost El Capitan exit and/or Refugio Rd. 805/968-1033, parks.ca.gov.

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Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, the Dunes Center at 1055 Guadalupe St. should be the first stop in the exploration of the largest dune complex in the state. | Wed.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 805/343-2455, dunescenter.org.

of the Performing Arts (PCPA), a combination of professional actors and advanced students, as well as other concerts and events. Open June through October. | 420 2nd St. 805/686-1789, solvangfestivaltheater.org.

36

Old Mission Santa Inés is the 19th of 21 missions built in California from 1769 to 1836 by Spanish Franciscan priests. Founded September 17, 1804 by Padre Estevan Tapis, it was the first European settlement in Santa Ynez Valley and still displays artifacts preserved from the Mission era. | 1760 Mission Dr. at Hwy. 246.

805/688-4815, missionsantaines.org.

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Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is housed in a historic handcrafted structure built in a style derived from the large farmhouses of 18th century Denmark. Visitors can view Solvang’s history through photos, artifacts and video displays; enjoy exhibits celebrating the Danish-American pioneer spirit and the colorful heritage of Denmark. | Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

1624 Elverhoy Way. 805/686-1211, elverhoj.org.

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Wildling Art Museum, an educational institution dedicated to presenting art of America’s wilderness, is a place to gain a greater appreciation of art and a better understanding of the importance of preserving our natural heritage. | 1511-B Mission Dr., 805/6881082, wildlingmuseum.org.

Santa Ynez Mountains and Valley Areas

Santa Ynez and Los Olivos

The valley is historically rich and geographically diverse. In the valley, vineyards dot the landscape, many with tasting rooms. Please refer to our winery guide.

These small, charming towns look like they belong in the pages of a book on the history of the west and are world-renowned for their vineyards, equestrian culture, art galleries, inns and restaurants that epitomize the region’s signature wine country cuisine.

34

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area provides 750 campsites just 25 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. Full marina, boat launch, rental boats, fishing equipment and licenses are available. Nature cruises led by park naturalists provide an educational look at the wildlife, birds (including bald eagles) and plants that make Cachuma such a rich habitat. | Hwy. 154. 805/686-5055, sbparks.org.

Solvang With a population of nearly 5,000, Solvang (“sunny field” in Danish) is the largest city in Santa Ynez Valley. Founded in 1911 by Danish educators from the Midwest, Solvang is the “Danish Capital of North America.”

35

Solvang Festival Theater, a 700-seat historic outdoor theater, presents excellent productions staged by Pacific Conservatory

39

Los Olivos melds California history with modern-day wine tasting rooms, restaurants, art galleries and upscale shops in this picture-perfect country town dating back to the 1860s, when stagecoaches passed through. The town dates back to the 1860s, when the stagecoach route began to pass through.

Centered by an iconic flagpole, the serenity of vineyards, lavender farms, orchards, ranches and horse trails surround Los Olivos. This is a charming place to visit for a one-stop wine country experience. | Approximately 40 min. north of Santa Barbara via Hwy. 154, losolivosca.com.

40

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum celebrates the rich history of the Santa Ynez Valley, its pioneering settlers and the five early townships that formed the foundation of this unique region. | Open Wed.– Sun. noon–4 p.m. 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez.

805/688-7889, santaynezmuseum.org.  SPRING 2016

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The I Dream of Jeanie-inspired haven.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALIT Y MEETS C ALIFORNIA R ANC HO

E XP 5 / 3 1 / 2 0 1 6

Yoga Soup

Loose Pooch Dog Club

$25 OFF your first month of Membership!

Yoga Soup auto-renew Membership (regularly $145).

For dogs and the people who love them, Loose Pooch is your one stop shop for dog daycare, training, grooming, retail gifts and supplies. We are an air conditioned, indoor/outdoor facility that is cage-free. First half day is free to new customers.

Benefits: Unlimited classes + 3 free guest passes per month to share with your friends, free mat storage and free mat rentals, 20% off of all workshops and 10% off of all retail, free admission to the Yoga Soup Salon yogasoup.com 28 Parker Way 805/965-8811

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loosepooch.com 1925 State St. 805/569-5201

schedule. “Stephanie’s not just a chef, she’s a moral compass,” quips Schultz, as we pass through on our way to the humongous great room, with ceilings so high “you could land a plane in here,” she laughs.

The couple gathers here often with friends and family, sitting near the two massive limestone fireplaces adorned with mantels.

“A Southern girl’s gotta have her mantel!” states Schultz, who then points to images of herself and Dittmer’s son and daughter and adds, “A Southern girl’s gotta have her portraits!” The couple replaced the room’s original flagstone floor with warmer textured-wood tiles. “That was Tom’s idea,” says Schultz. “He likes the wooden cobblestones in Havana, and they’re not so noisy [as stone].” Schultz is a puzzle fiend and always sets up challenging jigsaw puzzles on tables in the room. “Everyone visits and works on ’em,” she explains.

Apart from the great room, most other rooms in the home now bear Schultz’s comforting signature style. A room that once was the master bedroom is now a sitting room where the family can watch TV. Two-story his-and-her “wings” connect through here. Schultz’s side includes a pink-and-white bathroom suite “where I read, meditate in the morning. It’s my little haven.” Next door is a room designed to resemble the inside of the genie bottle in television’s famed I Dream of Jeannie series. The upstairs office includes a day bed beneath a canopy that gives, once

PHOTOS: CARA ROBBINS

Continued from pg. 73

A cozy breakfast nook.

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more, a sense of refuge. “This room has a ridiculously pretty view,” says Schultz, who clearly enjoys connecting with creative muses here. “It’s kind of my crow’s nest, I can see what’s going on.”

Schultz’s redecorating project extends to the outdoors as well. “The entrance walkway had a little bit of a mine shaft feeling,” she recalls. To make it more welcoming, she leveled it, cut off two steps, added “slivers of lawn” and “made a curving thing.” She added two redbud trees to the existing junipers, plus a fountain designed to resemble a trough in the middle of a cow pasture. “It cools things off and adds movement amid all this rock and stone,” says Schultz. It also appears to attract domestic animals and wildlife.

“One morning I looked out of my office window and saw a cow at the trough, and Stella, our lab, likes to get in every now and then.”

The outdoor terraces and infinity pool overlook rolling oak savannah and 28 acres of vineyards with chardonnay, syrah, sangiovese and viognier. Most grapes go to vintner friends, but this year Dittmer has retained a portion to craft a custom chardonnay for Schultz. The property also includes a pond, a cluster of safari tents and a fire ring for overflow guests, a barn, horse pastures and a rodeo ring.

Three years after their marriage in the Rancho La Zaca olive grove terrace, Schultz and Dittmer have successfully transformed their estate into a warm, welcoming place of refuge for everyone who visits. Schultz credits her Southern upbringing as a major reason for her success. “It all comes back to hospitality.” 

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B a r bar a

CELEBR ATING COUNT Y LIFE & CULTURE

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FOOD & WINE

The Joy of Food Leela Cyd’s Latest Artful Adventure

BY LESLIE DINABERG | PHOTOGR APHS BY LEEL A CYD

FOOD, FUN AND FRIENDS

are, without a doubt, the best ingredients for any kind of gathering, and Leela Cyd’s new book—Food With Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings—is packed with culinary inspiration, gorgeous photography and mouthwatering recipes.

A former personal chef, Cyd is now an accomplished writerphotographer (and contributor to Seasons) and runs the video production company, David Lee Studios, with her husband, David Kilpatrick, in addition to completing numerous editorial assignments and photographing other people’s cookbooks—but this is the first book of her own.

“It’s been a dream since I was a kid. I was always reading cookbooks before I went to bed

and pouring over books,” she enthuses. “Food is the thing I daydream about. When I’m on my bike, I’m like, ‘ooh there’s lavender. I should pick that and then I’ll cook the leaves and then I have lemons and I’ll definitely make a shortbread later with the lavender,’” she laughs. “That’s just the way that I got wired.”

Still, when approached by a book agent, Cyd mulled over the proposal for a long time. “I wanted to do something about how I cook, which is about simple food that has something special. It’s just one yummy little bite, a moment of joy and pleasure, which, fortunately, with food you have to do a few times a day, until I create a moment that’s happy and beautiful,

From Food with Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings by Leela Cyd

SUGAR COOKIES WITH EDIBLE FLOWERS Makes about 3 dozen 2-inch cookies.

COOKIES

C ANDIED FLOWERS

2 tablespoons crème fraîche

3 to 4 dozen organic, untreated, edible blossoms (pansies, dianthus, rose petals, calendula, chrysanthemum, lavender, cosmos, or echinacea are all good options)

2 sticks (½ pound) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface and rolling pin 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon fine sea salt 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

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1 large pasteurized egg white, lightly beaten ¼ cup turbinado sugar

it’s a real treasure. Nothing in the book is hard to make.

I don’t know how to cook really fussy food.

Everything is imperfect and beautiful that way. It’s about the company you keep.”

She continues, “The way to be communal is to feed people and be fed, and it’s even more important now, at this time when we’re so fractured and so outwardly connected but not always really connecting. …Plus, I love that it’s still a beautiful object in this technological age, a cookbook is still a relevant, beautiful thing. …It

just warms my heart to no end that this will live and breathe and hopefully be sloppy with sauce in someone’s kitchen.”

Leela Cyd (LeelaCyd.com) will sign copies of Food With Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings on Apr. 16, from 4–6 p.m. at Potek Winery, 406 E. Haley St.

These flower cookies are one of the charming desserts I hold dearest. They remind me of something Lewis Carroll’s Alice might encounter, long after she falls down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. Pansies, sugar and butter are happy companions—their collective flavor sings and their beauty bewitches. I sometimes make them just for me, to add sparkle and delight to my afternoon tea ritual. When friends come over and these darlings appear, squeals and gasps abound.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the crème fraîche, butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and egg until combined.

PREPARE THE COOKIES:

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the flour mixture and lemon zest to the butter mixture and beat until evenly incorporated.

On a floured work surface, shape the dough into two 5-inch

round disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. (Alternatively, you can freeze the disks, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge for a day before using.)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it rest on the counter for 5 minutes.

Dust a work surface and rolling pin with flour. Give the disks a few whacks with the rolling pin to soften them slightly. Roll out the dough to a Ÿ-inch thickness. Working quickly so the dough won’t soften too much, use cookie cutters to punch out whatever shapes you like. Transfer the cookies to the prepared sheets, rerolling the dough scraps as you go to cut out more cookies.

Bake the cookies for 9 minutes, until the cookies are set but still pale and underdone. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Leave the oven on and set the lined baking sheets aside.

Set up a work station. Gather your edible flowers together. Place the egg white in a small bowl and the turbinado sugar in a second small bowl. Set out a small paintbrush. Gently dunk a flower in the egg white, taking care to get egg white in between the petals for an even pressing, then press the flower into the cookie. The delicate petals may curl up, but smooth them down with your finger.

When the flower is as flat as possible, use the paintbrush to brush a thin coating of additional egg white over the entire surface of the cookie. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of the turbinado sugar. Transfer the flower-topped cookies back to the baking sheets as you work.

C REATE THE C ANDIED FLOWERS:

Return the cookies to the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

NOTE: Make sure to purchase edible, untreated, organic flowers for this, or grow your own. Keep in mind, the colors of the flowers you select will darken, as you bake them, giving an antique color effect.

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The restaurants listed here are selected for quality of food, service, ambiance and variety. Star Symbols (-) highlight our supporting advertisers. Dollar ($) symbols are provided for comparative pricing. Please call for hours of operation and reservations. For expanded listings visit sbseasons.com/blog/restaurant-guide.

O U R F AVO R I T E R E S TA U R A N T S I N S A N TA B A R B A R A , M O N T E C I T O, G O L E TA A N D S A N TA Y N E Z VA L L E Y

Santa Barbara Waterfront

- Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach (Seafood) serves locally caught, fresh seafood specialties. Dine inside or al fresco with one of the best ocean views in Santa Barbara. Full bar and regional wine list. 2981 Cliff Dr., 805/898-2628. $$–$$$

Brophy Bros. (Seafood) has long been one of Santa Barbara’s most popular eateries and is located at the harbor, with excellent views. You’ll find great shellfish cocktails and fresh fish here.

119 Harbor Way, 805/966-4418. $$ Chuck’s Waterfront Grill (Steaks and Seafood) serves prime-grade top sirloin steaks and Australian lobster tail among many other delicious offerings.

The restaurant’s lively upstairs extension,

The Endless Summer bar-café (Seafood), has two terraces for al fresco dining on more casual fare. 113 Harbor Way, 805/564-1200. $$–$$$

Eladio’s (Californian) is opposite the entry to Stearns Wharf and offers casual California comfort cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1 State St., 805/963-4466. $$$ The Harbor Restaurant and Longboard’s Grill (Seafood) on Stearns Wharf are two different experiences from one great vantage point. The Harbor is a romantic oceanview restaurant and Longboard’s is a noisy, energy-packed bar and grill. 210 Stearns Wharf, 805/963-3311. $$–$$$

- Santa Barbara FisHouse (Seafood) serves fresh local fish in a lively setting. Gathering with friends on the dining terrace with ocean views is the perfect way to start the weekend. Be sure to order lobster during the season from these “lobster specialists.” 101 E. Cabrillo Blvd., 805/966-2112. $$$

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Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. (Seafood) is a fun, no-frills seafoodlover’s paradise. Select your dinner fresh from the tanks or that day’s catch just steps from the ocean. 230 Stearns Wharf, 805/966-6676. $$

Shoreline Beach Café (Seafood) is a lively, open-air beach restaurant.

Salads, burgers, fish tacos, fresh seafood and vegetarian items are served daily. Breakfast served on weekends.

801 Shoreline Dr., 805/568-0064. $$

Toma Restaurant and Bar (Italian) is a romantic spot to savor excellent Italian and Mediterranean dishes from Santa Barbara’s seasonal bounty while enjoying warm and attentive service and a view of the enchanting Santa Barbara harbor. 324 W. Cabrillo Blvd., 805/962-0777. $$-$$$

Downtown Arigato Sushi (Japanese) provides designer sushi from inventive chefs.

Daily specials explore the limitless varieties of this Japanese delicacy.

1225 State St., 805/965-6074. $$$

Arnoldi’s Café (Italian) specializes in traditional homestyle Italian cuisine, featuring the freshest local produce and seafood, imported Italian meats, cheeses and olive oils, as well as an extensive wine list, bocce courts and a heated patio.

600 Olive St., 805/962-5394. $$$ Barbareño (Californian) specializes in Santa Barbara-centric dishes with a contemporary twist in a casual, refined rustic setting. The food is a modern interpretation of traditional dishes that are rooted in the area. The farmers’ market-driven menu changes weekly—think re-imagined Santa Maria barbecue as cold-smoked beef tartare, served with pico de gallo ingredients and pinquito beans. Dinner served daily with a special bar menu available Mon.-Fri. 5-6:30 p.m. 205 W. Canon Perdido St., 805/963-9591. $$-$$$

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Benchmark Eatery (Seafood, American) is a casual eatery that does American fare proud, with everything from soul-satisfying pastas, pizzas, grilled ahi and fish and chips to fresh salads to juicy burgers and generous sandwiches.

1201 State St., 805/845-2600, $-$$

- Black Sheep (Californian) has a cool, casual vibe, but serves seriously good farm-to-table food. Try scallop crudo, roasted bone marrow or re-constructed chicken stuffed with walnuts and dried apricots. 26 E. Ortega St., 805/965-1113, $$$

bouchon (Californian) serves “Santa

Barbara Wine Country” cuisine complemented by a remarkable wine list that includes more than 50 Central Coast wines by the glass. Open for dinner nightly. 9 W. Victoria St., 805/730-1160. $$$

Ca’Dario (Italian) promises fine Italian cuisine, whether pasta, fish or fowl—don’t miss the ravioli pillows with brown butter and sage sauce and, when in season, grilled asparagus wrapped with pancetta—and an extensive wine list. A few doors down, Ca’Dario Pizzeria features a tasty array of pizzas, including gluten-free options.

37 E. Victoria St., 805/884-9419. $$$ Cádiz (Mediterranean) is a lovely spot to enjoy tapas and artisanal cheeses on the patio or a full course meal in the dining room. Open daily for dinner.

509 State St., 805/770-2760. $$–$$$ Carlitos Café y Cantina (Mexican) offers exciting regional Mexican cuisine and 100% blue agave Margaritas, along with fresh, imaginative Mexican grilled specialties that borrow from Pueblo, Mayan and Aztec cultures.

1324 State St., 805/962-7117. $$ Casa Blanca Restaurant & Cantina (Mexican) is a fun Mexican hot spot with killer Margaritas, tasty tacos, ample enchiladas and other

classic south-of-the-border inspired fare. 330 State St., 805/845-8966. $$

China Pavilion (Chinese) features high-quality traditional Chinese food, as well as a delicious dim sum brunch on weekends. 1202 Chapala St., 805/560-6028. $$

Cielito Restaurant (Mexican) indulges your senses with its beautiful courtyard patio and inviting dining room in historic La Arcada. Sample antojitos, or “small cravings,” perfect for sharing along with the raw bar’s piquant ceviches and fresh shellfish.

1114 State St., 805/965-4770. $$–$$$ Downey’s (Californian) is an intimate restaurant that has received numerous accolades and is widely considered one of California’s finest.

With just 14 tables and a menu that changes daily, owner/chef John Downey creates matchless nouvelle cuisine.

Open for dinner only, Tues. through Sun. 1305 State St., 805/966-5006. $$$$

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El Paseo Restaurant (Mexican) oozes with the character of old Mexico and old Santa Barbara.

The bar—with great Margaritas—is separated from the festive dining room by large archways, beyond which are a courtyard and a fountain. 813 Anacapa St., 805/962-6050. $$–$$$ Enterprise Fish Co. (Seafood) is one of Santa Barbara’s largest and busiest seafood restaurants. In an exhilarating, nautical atmosphere are an oyster bar and a variety of fresh fish that are mesquite-broiled and served at reasonable prices.

225 State St., 805/962-3313. $$

Finch & Fork (Californian) in the Canary Hotel offers hearty items like buttermilk fried chicken and lighter fare, complete with farm-fresh salads, fresh oysters and yummy flatbreads. 31 W. Carrillo St., 805/879-9100. $$–$$$ The Hungry Cat (Seafood) is a bustling bistro featuring a raw

seafood bar, handmade cocktails and seafood specialties from local waters. Lunch and dinner are served daily; brunch served weekends.

1134 Chapala St., 805/884-4701. $$$$

Intermezzo Bar/Café (Californian) serves local wines on tap, craft cocktails and light fare such as burgers, flatbreads, salads and desserts ‘til late. An array of small plates to share— including cheese and charcuterie offerings, oysters, mussels, steak bites and the most amazing crispy cauliflower—make this a perfect pre- or post-theater stop. 819 Anacapa St., 805/966-9463. $$–$$$ Jane (Californian) offers upscale, fresh, tasty fare that runs the gamut from huge seasonal salads and gourmet burgers to fish and chips with chipotle ketchup and creamy dill. 1311 State St., 805/962-1311. $$

Joe’s Café (American) is a Santa Barbara icon known for its stiff cocktails and raucous atmosphere. The menu of American classics includes steaks, sandwiches and Mexican specialties.

Lunch and dinner served daily; breakfast served weekends. 536 State St., 805/966-4638. $$ Julienne (Californian) features an ever-changing menu at this little gem of a restaurant focusing on fresh food from local fields and farmers’ markets. Open Tues.–Sun. for dinner. 138 E. Canon Perdido St., 805/845-6488. $$$ The Lark (American) delights with Chef Jason

S INCE 1982

“We found Downey’s, hands down, to be the best bet in town. This small, serene restaurant offers meticulous and artful cooking... ” —FOOD AND WINE MAGAZINE EXAMPLES FROM OUR DAILY CHANGING MENU

Seared Ahi

with Fresh Mango-Cucumber Salsa

Downey’s Smoked Black Cod with Avocado, Chiles, Lime & Cilantro

Mary’s Farm Duck

with Cabernet Sauce, Baby Turnips, Scallions & Exotic Grains

Natural Angus Filet Mignon with Wild Mushrooms & Celeriac

2013 28 POINTS FOOD 27 POINTS SERVICE

1305 STATE STREET SANTA BARBARA, CA DINNER TUESDAY–SUNDAY FROM 5:30 F O R R E S E R VAT I O N S C A L L : 8 0 5 . 9 6 6 . 5 0 0 6

Monday - Friday: Thur - Sat:5:00pm 5:30--9:30pm 10:00pm Saturday, Sun,Sunday: Mon,5:30pm Wed:- 9:30pm 5:30- 9:30pm

O R V I S I T: w w w. d o w n e y s s b . c o m

205W. W. Canon Perdido St. 205 Canon Perdido St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

805-963-9591 (805) 963-9591 info@barbareno.com info@barbareno.com

Paluska’s sophisticated family-style plates designed to share and made with the freshest possible local “farm-to-fork” ingredients, along with creative cocktails and a wonderful wine selection. Dinner, Tues. through Sun. 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0370. $$–$$$

Les Marchands (French) is the perfect place to discover expertly chosen wines from around the world and enjoy tastes with locally-sourced bites and traditional French fare pairings in a relaxing, Funk Zone atmosphere, free of intimidation. 131 Anacapa St. Suite B, 805/284-0380. $–$$$ Louie’s (Californian), located inside the Santa Barbara’s oldest operating hotel, The Upham, reflects the charm and tradition of its location. You’ll find extraordinary fresh seafood, pastas, filet mignon and a changing menu of specialties, with options to dine outside on a beautiful wrap-around porch or inside at tables next to paned windows or booths, several of which are tucked into intimate alcoves.

1404 De La Vina St., 805/963-7003. $$–$$$

At Barbareño we seek to help further shape and define Central Coast cuisine. We take our inspiration from traditions and specialties of our area, delicacies unique to our region, and the many outstanding purveyors with whom we are so fortunate to work.

Saturday, Sunday Brunch coming in May!

Lucky Penny (Californian), a freestanding foodcounter-meets-artisan-bakery, offers a take-away hub of bakery goods, coffees, fresh-pressed juices, wood-fired pizzas and delightful snacks, which can be enjoyed on the go or in the courtyard.

127 Anacapa St., 805/284-0358. $–$$ k

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Breakfast • Lunch Dinner • Cocktails

Nectar (Californian) focuses on small and shareable plates using fresh and international flavors. Featuring an extensive local wine list and inventive cocktail flights to pair with luscious food, Nectar is great new spot for a quick bite or a long and lingering evening. Open 5:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. daily, 20 E. Cota St., 805/899-4694. $$$ Olio e Limone (Italian) uses only the freshest ingredients for simply delicious preparations. Tuck into a plate of housemade ravioli filled with roasted eggplant and goat cheese, topped with a fresh tomato and basil sauce and shaved ricotta salata.

Olio Pizzeria offers a casual pizza bar, wine and cocktails next door, while Olio Crudo Bar offers cocktails and sashimi with an Italian accent! 11 W. Victoria St. #17, 805/899-2699 ext. 1. $$$

2981 Cliff Drive (805) 898-2628 www.boathousesb.com

Opal (Californian) is a classic European-style bistro serving eclectic California cuisine complemented by a wood-burning pizza oven, an extensive wine list and full bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 1325 State St., 805/966-9676. $$ The Palace Grill (Cajun) is a place resonating with jazz music that creates the perfect setting for spicy food and spirited service to chase the blues away. Features authentic Louisiana specialities like jambalaya, crawfish etouffée and blackened steaks and seafood. 8 E. Cota St., 805/963-5000. $$–$$$

Paradise Café (American) is located downtown in a unique old building with wall murals from the 1940s. It has one of Santa Barbara’s favorite patios for dining and a bar that will take you back in time with cocktails of your choice and a well-selected wine and beer list. 702 Anacapa St., 805/962-4416. $$ Petit Valentien (French), with its quaint

CROCODILE restaurant & bar

atmosphere and intimate setting, is hidden away in a small corner of La Arcada. Be sure to check out the prix fixe menu only available on Sundays. 1114 State St. #16, 805/966-0222. $$

Petros (Greek) is home to Hellenic-California cuisine and one of the prettiest patios in town. Owner Petros Benekos gives traditional Hellenic recipes a contemporary California spin. 1316 State St., 805/899-9100. $$–$$$

now serving fresh produce from our own local farm!

for reservations, call 805 687 6444 open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

2819 State Street 96

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Santa Barbara

www.crocsb.com

Savoy Cafe and Deli (Californian) has an awardwinning salad bar features organic, local produce with a huge variety of options to choose from. Don’t miss the Citrus French Toast for breakfast. Also try “The Guy Plate,” a turkey pasilla fritter with quinoa mango salad, pesto green beans and carrot, featured as a favorite dish of Guy Fieri’s on the Food Network’s Diners, Driveins & Dives. 24 W. Figueroa St., 805/962-6611. $-$$$ Trattoria Vittoria (Italian) is a longtime local’s favorite spot to linger over a romantic evening or dinner with friends. Featuring traditional pasta

dishes, as well as fresh seafood and meats.

30 E. Victoria St., 805/962-5014. $$$

Wine Cask (Californian) in the historic El Paseo complex offers a beautiful spot to enjoy fine dining and exceptional service in a relaxed setting. Don’t miss the stellar wine selections, including an impressive variety of local wines on tap. 813 Anacapa St., 805/966-9463. $$$

Uptown Belmond El Encanto (Coastal-Californian) presents California coastal cuisine and seasonal favorites from executive chef Leo Andres Ayala, featuring specialties like fresh local oysters, pan seared diver scallops and short ribs sous vide alongside stunning Santa Barbara views. Sit under the stars on the terrace or in the elegant dining room. 800 Alvarado Pl., 805/845-5800. $$$-$$$$

SAVOR

THE

FLAVORS

LOCAL SEAFOOD • LOCAL WINE S

Chuck’s of Hawaii (American) is the home of California’s first salad bar and offers award-winning steaks and fresh seafood right from the grill. A local favorite hangout since 1967. 3888 State St., 805/687-4417. $$ Crocodile Restaurant (Italian/Californian), a local’s secret found at the Lemon Tree Inn, offers a chic, relaxing atmosphere with full cocktail bar and kitchen. A great spot for a sporting match or catching up with a friend. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. 2819 State St., 805/687-6444. $$–$$$­

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Harry’s Plaza Café (American) offers strong drinks and hearty food—a winning combination for this long-time local favorite. Open daily for lunch and dinner and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. 3313 State St., 805/687-2800. $$$

Le Café Stella (French-American) is perched across from Santa Barbara Golf Club and is a neighborhood hot spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour—try the juicy burgers on brioche buns or heart-warming coq au vin.

3302 McCaw Ave., 805/569-7698. $$

101 EAST CABRILLO BLVD. • 805 966 2112 • WWW.FISHOUSESB.COM

Organic, Farmers Market Driven Menu, Gastropub Inspired

the black sheep

The Tee-Off (American) is a friendly uptown restaurant and lounge that features a short but sweet menu of steaks, chops, chicken and seafood. 3627 State St., 805/687-1616. $$$

BLACK SHEEP IS A LOCAL EATING SPOT CREATED ON THE PREMISE OF BEING DIFFERENT AND BEING OK WITH IT.

Montecito Bella Vista (Californian) at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore commands panoramic ocean views and promises top-notch cuisine and impeccable service. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch served. 1260 Channel Dr., 805/969-2261. $$$–$$$$

LET’S JUST EAT, LAUGH AND BE MERRY!

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Cava (Mexican) serves the bold flavors of Spain, Mexico and Latin America in a charming setting k

HAPPY HOUR 5-6PM PRIVATE EVENTS AND LARGE GROUPS 26 E. Ortega, Santa Barbara

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805-965-1113

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Santa Barbara’s Farm-to-table Most Beautiful cuisine.

Oceanfront Dining Table-to-ocean Experience.

views.

For those who realize every single sunset is a Distinctlyoccasion.

Californian with an Italian special

influence, Bella Vista offers the freshestCalifornian local seafood, Distinctly with anorganic Italian produce and an extensive influence, Bella Vista offers the selection freshest of fine wines.

As the nameand suggests, local seafood, organic produce an the panoramic views of the Pacific extensive selection of fine wines in a truly from the heated outdoor terrace unrivaled al fresco setting. After all, the are simply beautiful. restaurant is called Bella Vista.

ToTomake please call call makea reservation, a reservation, please 11(805) or visit (805)969-2261 969-2261 or visit fourseasons.com/santabarbara fourseasons.com/santabarbara

with classic Margaritas and martinis from the bar.

1212 Coast Village Rd., 805/969-8500. $$–$$$

Lucky’s (American) offers steaks, chops and seafood as well as chicken entrées, wonderful salads, six different potato dishes and beautiful desserts. The wine list runs to the extravagant. The adjacent bar is a favorite among locals. 1279 Coast Village Rd., 805/565-7540. $$$–$$$$ Montecito Café (Californian) in the historic Montecito Inn provides surprisingly inexpensive yet tasty fare complete with white linens, big arched windows and a fountain brimming with flowers.

1295 Coast Village Rd., 805/969-3392. $$–$$$ Montecito Wine Bistro (Californian) is a casual yet sophisticated spot to sit on the outdoor patio or cozy up to the fireplace and nibble wine-friendly food. 516 San Ysidro Rd., 805/969-7520. $$–$$$ Pane e Vino (Italian) is a charming ristorante and a favorite among the community’s elite and their guests.

Homemade pastas are near perfection and the fresh fish dishes are superb. 1482 E. Valley Rd., 805/969-9274. $$$$

Plow and Angel (American) is a cozy restaurant attached to the bar at San Ysidro Ranch and is wellknown for its comfort food—famous mac ‘n’ cheese and ribs are just some of the choices. Dinner and bar service daily. 900 San Ysidro Ln., 805/565-1700. $$$ Stella Mare’s (French) pairs a beautiful Victorian building with stylish, Normandy-inspired cuisine. The glass-encased greenhouse’s panoramic view and fireside couches make it a perfect spot for listening to Wednesday night jazz. 50 Los Patos Way, 805/969-6705. $$$–$$$$ Stonehouse Restaurant (American) is located in a 19th-century citrus-packing house on the grounds of San Ysidro Ranch. Stonehouse has a full bar and a menu that emphasizes local fish and produce. Open daily for dinner only. 900 San Ysidro Ln., 805/565-1724. $$$$ Trattoria Mollie (Italian) is a charming standby for locals-in-the-know. The dynamic cuisine consists of recipes that Mollie gathered during her years of training with “the best chefs in Italy.”

1250 Coast Village Rd., 805/565-9381. $$$

Tre Lune (Italian) offers a delicious menu that isn’t afraid of flavor. The high quality, genuine Italian cuisine includes excellent minestrone soup, fall-offthe-fork ossobuco, basil pesto, lobster ravioli and more. 1151 Coast Village Rd., 805/969-2646. $$$

Santa Ynez Mountains

Cold Spring Tavern (American) is an iconic establishment virtually unchanged since the days of the stagecoach run that has served excellent food—including wild game—to hungry locals and travelers alike for more than 100 years. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. daily.

Flannery Designs&Graphics 805-966-2445 . art@m $$$ via MM.S15 5995 Stagecoach Rd., 805/967-0066.

Job billed 98 W W W . S B S E A S O N S . C O M

FOOD & WINE

Goleta Beachside Bar Cafe (Seafood) on Goleta Beach is well-known for excellent fresh fish, serving lunch and dinner in the tropical-style dining room or on the glass-walled patio. Pair your cocktail with the fish tacos, excellent clam chowder or Caesar salad for memorable seaside dining.

5905 Sandspit Rd. 805/964-7881. $$-$$$

Outpost (Californian) is a casual, hip spot at the Goodland hotel. The excellent seasonal menu includes shareable plates, entrees and fresh salads, as well as fish tacos with battered halibut, flat iron steak with salsa verde, pork bao buns and a caper-studded Caesar salad with grilled romaine.

5650 Calle Real, 805/964-1288. $$-$$$

Santa Ynez Valley Ballard Inn Restaurant (Californian) is located inside the charming Ballard Inn. This distinctive little restaurant features wonderfully prepared “creative wine country cuisine” and fine wines. 2436 Baseline Ave., Ballard, 805/688-7770 or 800/638-2466. $$$ Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn (American) offers innovative “made from scratch” cuisine from chef-owners and brothers Jeff and Matt Nichols in this exquisitely refurbished barn. The hearty menu offers American classics like chops, prime rib, and chicken-fried steak.

Lunch and dinner served daily. 3539 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805/688-4142. $$-$$$$ Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar (Mexican) brings bold Mexican and Latin flavors to the valley. An open-fire grill imparts a smoky essence to authentic grilled specials, delicious salsas and the aroma of fresh handmade tortillas.

3544 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805/688-0033. $$ The Hitching Post (American) is an old-fashioned, western-style steakhouse and lounge just a few minutes off Hwy. 101. In addition to Newport Meat Company beef, there are also ribs, quail, turkey, duck and ostrich plus seafood on the menu. 406 E. Hwy. 246, Buellton, 805/688-0676. $$$–$$$$

traditional meatballs) as well as lighter salads, flatbreads and mezze (appetizers). 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. 805/686-5455. $$$ River Grill (American) is part of the famed Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. It overlooks the newest of the resort’s two golf courses, The River Course at The Alisal. 150 Alisal Rd., Solvang, 805/688-7784. $$–$$$ Root 246 (American) is located at Hotel Corque, a hotel and restaurant project by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. This restaurant features innovative cuisine emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients.

420 Alisal Rd., Solvang, 805/686-8681. $$–$$$ Sides Hardware & Shoes—A Brothers Restaurant (American) is located in a restored 1901 building where chef-owners and brothers Jeff and Matt Nichols turn out hearty American favorites with original gourmet twists. 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, 805/688-4820. $$–$$$ S.Y. Kitchen (Italian) is a charming “California version of a little Italian farmhouse” with a focus on unfussy rustic Italian food made from fresh local ingredients. Expect inventive salads, woodfired pizzas and house-made pastas with everything from seasonal seafood to duck ragu.

An outdoor red-oak grill is fired up year-round, turning out juicy steaks and chops. Open daily for dinner and for lunch on weekends. 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez, 805/691-9794. $$-$$$ Trattoria Grappolo (Italian) is a great destination for gourmet pizzas from a woodburning oven, housemade pastas, fresh salads made with local produce and nightly specials.

Grappolo features a list of more than 150 wines from around the world. Open daily for dinner and for lunch Tues.-Sun. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805/688-6899. $$-$$$ The Vineyard House (American) offers local farm fresh cuisine in a charming Victorian house that dates back to the days when the Santa Ynez Valley’s world-class vineyards were just a dream. 3631 Sagunto St., 805/688-2886. $$$

- The Willows at Chumash Casino Resort (American) is a AAA Four Diamond Award-winner

specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood. The elegance of this exquisite dining room is matched by incomparable views of the rolling Santa Ynez hills. 3400 E. Hwy. 246, Santa Ynez, 805/686-9855. $$$–$$$$

modern american cuisine LOUNGE OPEN DAILY

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DINING NIGHTLY

reservations recommended

Los Olivos Café and Wine Merchant (Californian) is a casual restaurant in one of the town’s original Main Street buildings. The thoughtful menu of homemade pizzas and California cuisine is complemented with an enormous list of wines from the adjacent store.

2879 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805/688-7265. $$ Petros (Greek), in Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa, features Greek classics like Moussaka, Souvlaki and Keftethes (Petro’s mother’s

3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez | ChumashCasino.com | 800.248.6274

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MY SANTA BARBARA

Unseen Santa Barbara Photograph by Patricia Houghton Clarke

BY LESLIE DINABERG AT FIRST GL ANC E , it is unclear

if you’re viewing an impressionist painting or simply a captivating reflection, which is exactly what drew Patricia Houghton Clarke to take this intriguing photograph.

Clarke was wandering along a path at Arroyo Hondo Preserve, on her way to the birthday party of Phil McKenna, a longtime friend and

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one of the founders of Naples Coalition and Gaviota Coast Conservancy. The reflections caught her eye as she was standing in the middle of the creek, recalling a conversation about the preservation efforts with J.J. Hollister, whose family once owned the 782-acre Arroyo Hondo—sometimes called “Jewel of the Gaviota Coast”—and later sold it to

Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, which now runs the preserve.

“That was the first time I went to Arroyo Hondo, to see the homestead they have there, and J.J. (who passed away in January 2016) talked a lot about the preservation of the creek and the steelhead and what they’ve done on that…I’m sure that was part of my fascination with that creek,” says Clarke. “Then, obviously, the image was just right there. It was like a Monet painting.”

She continues, “The photograph is untouched, not Photoshopped at all…I didn’t take it with a great camera or anything—it was just one of those things, a little point-andshoot I had with me to take

pictures of Phil’s birthday. Just a moment in time.”

Incidentally, McKenna is the only person with a print of this image, part of Clarke’s “Unseen Santa Barbara” series.

One of the things I love about the photo,” she says, “is that you really can’t tell what it is unless you look into that lower right hand corner and see a little stone in the water, so there’s a little giveaway of what it is. 

FOR MORE INFO about Arroyo Hondo Preserve and the steelhead trout preservation efforts, visit sblandtrust.org. For more information about Patricia Houghton Clarke and her work, visit patriciahoughtonclarke.com.

NORDSTROM • MACY’S • SEPHORA • GAP • VICTORIA’S SECRET AVEDA • WHITE HOUSE | BLACK MARKET • EUREKA! GOURMET BURGERS LORNA JANE • CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN AND OVER 50 OTHER SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS

Monday-Friday: 10 am - 9 pm Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday: 11am - 7 pm Located at State Street between Ortega and Canon Perdido Streets 805.963.7147 | PaseoNuevoShopping.com

HISTORIC

C O U R T YA R D

ART Gallery 113 ~ Original artworks by S.B. Art Association Santa Barbara Arts ~ Original arts and crafts by local artists Waterhouse Gallery ~ Fine California paintings, sculpture

DINING Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant ~ All day and night dining Cielito ~ Fine Mexican regional dining Jeannine’s American Bakery and Restaurant ~ “Come home to Jeannine’s” ~ where good food meets good company La Arcada Bistro ~ Indoor/outdoor café Petit Valentien ~ Small plate tapas with a French twist State & Fig ~ Simple. Rustic. California.

FASHION & STYLE Renaissance ~ Designer and fine consignment apparel and jewelry Socorro ~ Casual clothing in natural fabrics for women

SPECIALTY The Barber Shop ~ Full service in an historic setting Chocolats du CaliBressan ~ Your local French handmade chocolate boutique Coast 2 Coast Collection ~ Luxury tabletop including Christofle fine silver, vintage and bridal jewelry, unique gifts and home decor Isabella Gourmet Foods ~ A boutique artisan grocery Kathleen Cooper Fine Papers ~ Wedding invitations, personal and corporate stationery, letterpress and engraving La Tavola Fine Linen ~ Specializing in thousands of fine linen rental options for all occasions Lewis & Clark ~ Antiques and fine things Peanuts Maternity & Kids ~ Clothing, essentials, gifts, party supplies, and parent/child workshops Sanford Winery ~ Hand-crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the heart of Santa Rita Hills Urban Optics ~ Comprehensive eye exams, glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses

1100 Block of State Street at Figueroa, Santa Barbara LaArcadaSantaBarbara.com