Santa Barbara is celebrating 5 years as a member of the Edible Communities magazine circuit. The quarterly publication incorporates gorgeous photography, and the cover of their anniversary issue is particularly well done, with an arrangement of bright spring greens against a stark backdrop. Highlighting a selection of local agriculture, cuisine and wine as well as seasonal recipes, the Edible magazines are available for free at fine grocery stores and farmers markets around the country. For a complete list of cities, click here.
Drink:
Located on the south-central coast, Santa Barbara wine country became the darling of America with the popularity of the movie Sideways, the 2004 Oscar-winning film that follows two 40-something men (and their romance-seeking shenanigans) on a road trip through the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. These days, Santa Barbara is not only heralded for its climate-friendly Pinot Noir, but also has a wonderful selection of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. A fantastic list of wineries and tasting routes, along with beautiful images can be found on the Santa Barbara County Wines website. Santa Barbara has also ventured into microbreweries and brewing companies, and has enjoyed increasing acclaim of local brands Firestone, Telegraph and Hollister.
Visit:
The long-awaited Santa Barbara Public Market has finally opened its doors. Located in the brand new (and oh-so-lovely) Alma del Pueblo building, the market focuses on local purveyors of seafood, meat, coffee and juice, along with bakery and pastry shops, ice cream, and of course — lots of wine. They’ve gone for a typical Santa Barbara exterior and a hyper-industrial look and feel inside, and it really works. The market is also intended for mixed-use and features an open commissary kitchen and a glassed-in private dining space, to be employed for cooking classes, wine dinners, and whatever special dining experiences the culinary artists of the city can dream up.
XO,
N&N
// Niko & Nonnie // 