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Psst, did you hear? May 2018

Food & Wine Staff Writer

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Happy 1 Year Anniversary!!!!!

It’s Open House at The Bear and Star in Celebration of Turning One with an Evening of Complimentary Barbeque and Live Music

THE BEAR AND STAR, serving “Refined Ranch Cuisine” inspired by the Parker family at the eponymous Fess Parker Inn and quickly embraced by locals and visitors, announces the celebration of their one year anniversary with a BIRTHDAY BBQ bash and the return of BACKYARD BBQ on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

The FIRST BIRTHDAY BBQ features an open house hosted by Chef John Cox and The Bear and Star showcasing the artistry of their 30' custom reverse-flow Texas smoker housed on the property. The FIRST BIRTHDAY BBQ includes Pizza off the Big Green Egg; Deviled Eggs; Smoked Chicken Wings; BBQ Ribs; Pulled Pork Sandwiches; and Birthday Cupcakes. For those guests looking to celebrate the anniversary with a little more spark, The Bar and Star Bar Team serves their classic hand-crafted market cocktails, acclaimed wine and beer selections with an additional beer and wine bar set up on the lawn as a convenience to guests. The bar beverages are available at regular menu prices. Expect live music to enliven the birthday party.

The FIRST BIRTHDAY BBQ is the kick-off for the restaurant’s popular Thursday night Backyard BBQ series. After the May 3rd festivities, Backyard BBQ continues every Thursday night through the fall season with à la carte dishes priced from $5 - $14, a no host-bar and live music.

The Bear and Star’s FIRST BIRTHDAY BBQ is complimentary and served as long as supplies last. Cocktails, beer and wine are offered at regular menu prices. Party hours are 5:00 ¬p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; there is no cover charge for this event.
For more information, visit FIRST BIRTHDAY BBQ. www.thebearandstar.com

Lawn Out Back, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Fess Parker Wines | photos courtesy of The Bear and Star

Featuring Winemakers Peter and Rebecca Work of Ampelos Vineyard and Cellars

Bob’s WELL BREAD Bakery, the iconic bakery and restaurant that holds court at the entry of Los Alamos and adjacent to the Santa Ynez Valley, continues their popular monthly Meet the Winemaker tasting series on Saturday, May 5, 2018. The public is invited to meet Winemakers Peter and Rebecca Work of Ampelos Vineyard & Cellars and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting paired with the best treats from Bob’s Well Bread Bakery foods. www.bobswellbread.com

Photos courtesy of Ampelos Vineyard and Cellars

The Spanish Buffet is an Ideal Feast for Multi-Generational Enjoyment
Loquita celebrates Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, 2018, with a “San Sebastian–Style” Brunch designed by Chef Peter Lee. Loquita is an ode to the roots of Santa Barbara’s culture, and is a favorite of local food lovers and travelers who herald the restaurant’s inspired Spanish cuisine flavored by the Central Coast’s rich ingredients.

The return of the sensational “San Sebastian-Style” Brunch is inspired by Spain’s most renowned destination on the Bay of Biscay, known for its vibrant restaurants and bars. At Loquita, the brunch recreates the beachside environment with a bountiful buffet of over 15 dishes, including all-you-can-eat tapas and signature paella served with bottomless fresh fruit mimosas and sangria. Among the many options are Chef Lee’s Tortilla Espanola with Potato, Onion, Saffron Aioli & Spinach; Little Gem Ensalada with Lemon Vinaigrette, Pickled Red Onion, Radish & Fine Herbs; fresh baked Helena Avenue Bakery Pastries; Butifarra Paella with Jamon Soffrito, Gigante Beans, Maitake Mushroom & Mustard Aioli; and Verduras Paella with Artichoke, Piquillo Pepper, Swiss Chard, Royal King Trumpet & Herb Aioli. For Dessert, finish with Torrijas, the traditional Spanish Easter dessert – Spanish French Toast with Cara Cara Orange & Crema Catalana. Options for kids include Grilled Cheese; Chicken Tenders; and Torrijas for dessert.

Included in the brunch for guests 21 and over are bottomless pourings of Loquita’s handmade and fresh fruit-laden cocktails – Sangria Rojo with Spanish Red Wine, Torres 10 Year Brandy, Lemon & Allspice; Sangria Blanco with Local White Wine, Gin, Suze, Grapefruit & Mint; Sidra with Isastegi Sargardo Sidra, Amontillado, Apple Brandy, Rhubarb & Cinnamon and Spanish Mimosas.

Pricing for the all-you-can-eat buffet brunch is $75 per person for adults; and includes the sangria or mimosas. Children 12 and under are priced at $45 per person. Taxes and gratuity excluded.

Loquita’s Mother’s Day Brunch hours are 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Those that prefer dinner for the Easter holiday can enjoy Loquita’s à la carte menu from 5:00 p.m. Reservations recommended for both brunch and dinner. www.loquitasb.com

Food & Cocktail Photos by Kaitlin Chamblin

Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Cave in Ventura
The Cave inside the Ventura Wine Company will be opening its doors on Sunday, May 13, 2018 for a pop-up Mother’s Day brunch from 10am to 2pm. Alex Montoya, The Cave’s award-winning chef, has created an exclusive menu for the event, designed with fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes the whole family will enjoy.

Since a festive celebration is incomplete without champagne, this special brunch will feature a create-your-own Mimosa bar with a variety of juices, fruit purees, and champagnes for guests to mix their own bubbly combinations. Mimosas are $6 each, or $15 per person for a bottomless mimosa bar! The Cave’s signature self-service enomatic machines will also offer over 40 different wines to sip and taste during the event. A selection of beers and non-alcoholic beverages will be available as well.

To help busy gift-givers, The Cave also offers many mom-friendly gift ideas that can be purchased in advance or in the moment and presented during brunch. These range from glittered glasses, hand-made candles, succulent arrangements and unique accessories made from upcycled bottles and barrels to bottles of wine, champagne, and even membership to The Cave’s own wine club, My Cave Box, which delivers a beautifully-designed, custom-created assortment of wines suited to the recipient’s palate.

This brunch is open to families, and a children’s menu will be offered. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made by calling 805-642-9449. www.thecaveventura.com

The Cave's Mimosa Bar

Find the Perfect Gift for Mom and Enjoy Shopping and Food From Funk Zone Local Artisans

The Lark and Helena Avenue Bakery host a Kitchen, Culinary and Craft Market for Mother’s Day shopping on Saturday, May 12, 2018, featuring a book-signing by The Lark’s Executive Chef Jason Paluska and gifts from local artisans. Guests can also sample yakitori chicken barbecued on site by Chef Adam Shoebridge of Helena Avenue Bakery.

The Funk Zone Mother’s Day Market brings together a collection of local small businesses specializing in kitchen, crafts, confections and other specialties, ideal for finding the perfect last-minute gift for mothers. Chef Jason Paluska will meet and greet guests buying copies of Around the Table – Stories and Recipes from The Lark in Santa Barbara. The cookbook celebrates all that Santa Barbara has to offer, with signature recipes from The Lark and stories and photography about the winemakers, farmers, ranchers, fisherman and artisans that contribute to the restaurant.

The community of Santa Barbara is invited to sample some delicious barbecue from Chef Adam Shoebridge of Helena Avenue Bakery and shop from a diverse group of vendors.

The Mother’s Day Market is held in the parking lot between Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. and the Helena Avenue Bakery just off Yananoli Street and Helena Avenue from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
www.thelarksb.com www.helenaavenuebakery.com

Chef Adam Shoebridge | photo courtesy of Acme Hospitality

Chef John Cox Presents a Lavish Buffet for Families of All Ages

Los Olivos’ The Bear and Star, serving “Refined Ranch Cuisine” inspired by the Parker family hospitality at the eponymous Fess Parker Inn, celebrates Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13, 2018, with a lavish brunch buffet created by Chef John Cox and his team. The Bear and Star is embraced by food lovers for the restaurant’s inspired, refined ranch cuisine.

The plentiful Mother’s Day Brunch is served both indoors and outside with chilled and hot buffet stations. Start off in the Chef’s Room and select from a bountiful spread of House-Made Cornbread, Parker House Rolls, Muffins, Pies and Cookies. Add Texas-Style Caesar Salad with Roasted Corn and Peppers & Cilantro-Chipotle Dressing; Farm Greens with Champagne Vinaigrette; Ripe Strawberries, Feta and Toasted Almonds; Fresh Fruit with Honey-Lime Yogurt and Muesli; House-Smoked Salmon on Brioche; and Brie Cheese “Cake” with Olive Crumble, Radish and Rye. Step outside to visit the Big Green Egg Buffet featuring a Carving Station with Smoked Turkey, Tri-Tip and Leg of Lamb; Green Egg Scrambled Farm Eggs; Deep Dish Apple Pancakes with Mascarpone and Maple; Backyard Herbed Breakfast Potatoes; and The Bear and Star House-Made Bacon Sausage.

Pricing for the Mother’s Day menu is $48 per adult and $25 for children under 12.

Mother’s Day hours at The Bear and Star begin with morning breakfast from 7:00 – 10:30 a.m.; followed by holiday Brunch from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m.

The public can enjoy the Bar and Star Bar every day from 3:00 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Reservations are recommended. www.thebearandstar.com

Some of the Parker Mothers and their Families – Then & Now

Chef Luca Crestanelli Presents a Brunch Menu to Celebrate Moms

S.Y. KITCHEN, and Chef Luca Crestanelli present their Mother’s Day Brunch celebration on Sunday, May 13, 2018, with an expanded brunch/lunch menu brimming with holiday favorite dishes with a broad appeal to families.

Chef Luca offers a brunch menu that includes Greek Yogurt with Local Berries, Bee Pollen, Artisanal Granola and Agave; Frittata with Wild Mushroom, Parmigiano and Pancetta; Sweet Potato Hash with Italian Sausage, Peppers, Zucchini and Poached Egg; Avocado Toast with Arugula, Parmigiano, Whole Grain Bread and Poached Egg; Sweet Crèpes with Fresh Fruit; Savory Crèpes with Mushrooms and Ham; and a Carbonara Pizza with Asparagus, Bacon Lardons and Cracked Egg.

For those preferring to celebrate Mother’s Day for dinner, the restaurant serves their à la carte menu from 5:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended. www.sykitchen.com

Mother’s Day at S.Y. Kitchen / Photo Credit Pearl Brouillet

A MOTHER’S DAY TO REMEMBER AT LES MARCHANDS ON SUNDAY, MAY 13TH

Les Marchands a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors and praised for its weekend brunch. Mother’s Day is no exception with Chef Weston Richard’s delicious Mother’s Day specialties, showcasing local ingredients and hand-crafted breads from sister operation Helena Avenue Bakery. The menu includes House-Made Ricotta, Caramelized Pineapple & Brioche Toast; Smashed Avocado with Orange, Furikake, Radish & Scallion on Sourdough; Frittata with Smoked Salmon, House-Made Boursin, Green Onion & Arugula; Pastrami Hash with Parmesan Grits, and Country Ham, Roasted Peppers + Onions & Poached Egg. Guests will enjoy Les Marchands’ Classic Stirred Cocktails featuring eight daytime-friendly drinks, including the essential Bloody Mary, Bellini, and Aperol Spritz. Also available are Les Marchands’ classic brunch cocktails Buck's Fizz with Sparkling Wine Orange; Bliss with Ruby Grapefruit Vodka, Mandarin, Lemon & Sparkling Wine; Michelada with Beer, Lime & Assorted Sauces, Spices & Peppers; Pimm’s Cup with Pimms, Cucumber, Orange, Gin, Sugar & Lime; and Clear Conscience with Vodka, Muddled Cucumber, Orange, Lime & Ginger. Also, and not to be overlooked are Les Marchands’ well-matched offerings of wines and beers.

Mother’s Day Brunch is family-friendly, and pricing ranges from $7-$22 and is served Sunday, May 13, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and walk-ins are welcome; call 805-284-0380 for reservations or visit www.lesmarchandswine.com. For those guests that prefer celebrating that evening, Les Marchands’ dinner service begins at 5:00 p.m. Expect several Mother’s Day specials by Chef Richards served throughout the day.

Photo courtesy of Les Marchands

A MOTHER’S DAY TO REMEMBER AT LUCKY PENNY ON SUNDAY, MAY 13TH

Lucky Penny, the free standing take-out eatery, with a façade completely tiled in real copper pennies shimmering in the warm Central Coast sunshine, offers a Mother’s Day Brunch Pizza with Bacon, Eggs and Cheese prepared by Lucky Penny Chef Ron Batdorf. Everyone can toast moms throughout the day with a Mimosa made with Chilled Champagne and Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice. Specials are available throughout the day; pricing is à la carte, pizza is $14 and mimosa is $9. For take-away orders call the restaurant at 805.284.0358 or visit them online at www.luckypennysb.com.

photos courtesy of Lucky Penny

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