Steve Loves California Chardonnay!

Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast wrote a post on his blog today about The Chardonnay Symposium. We’re very grateful for the extra publicity and love hearing that Chardonnay is his favorite white California varietal.

Check it out:
http://www.steveheimoff.com/index.php/2010/05/26/announcing-the-first-chardonnay-symposium/

My only comment is in response to his note about the lack of quality hotels in the area. Fortunately, accommodations in Santa Maria have greatly improved over the last year. First of all, there have been many multi-million dollar renovations (Radisson, the Historic Santa Maria Inn, Holiday Inn, Rodeway Inn). Second, there are two new hotels off Broadway. One of the most drastic renovations probably is the Rodeway Inn. From the outside it looks like a motel that might not be the ideal overnight stay for a wine connoisseur. However, take a look at the photos of the inside–it’s pretty amazing. I would like to stay there myself and I live here!

If you have a favorite chain of hotels (Radisson, Best Western, Holiday Inn, etc.) you can likely find it in Santa Maria. Check out our accomodations page on www.thechardonnaysymposium.com.

Kady Fleckenstein, Executive Director of the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country (smvwines.com) and owner of marketing/public relations company, kadydid.

Trattoria Uliveto

Rural charm, gourmet Italian, wood fired pizzas and a micro brewery next door. Pinch me!

Trattoria Uliveto in Old Town Orcutt, a setting a like no other and combined with it’s ambience, cultured cuisine and friendly staff it’s destined to be your next destination spot for lunch or dinner. It is for me, anyway.

I’ve had Uliveto on my list of must stops for nearly four months,having heard nearly every foodie and wine person I know spoon heaps of praise on this little trattoria in the movie-set-charming town of Orcutt.

You would feel equally at home sauntering up on your pinto pony of gliding in aboard your Prius.

We started off with their Parmigiana di Melanzana; baked egglplant, tomato sauce and mozzarella. If I didn’t know Id be getting plenty o’carbs from the pasta dish I was eyeing I would of ordered their appy, Rollino Veneto; rolled pizza with braised radicchio, onion, smoked mozzarella. Served with tomato, basil and garlic.

The pizzas coming out of their wood fired pizza oven were mighty tempting but I had my heart set on the Linguini Mare Monte pasta made with garlic, olive oil, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, tomato filet and white wine. Speaking of which, the Kenneth Volk Chardonnay from Uliveto’s great wine list was the perfect pal di vino for this dish.

The entrée hit every note my palate had anticipated and more. I was thrilled with the dish. We then split a chocolate flourless cake with espresso sauce. It certainly wasn’t calorieless or caffeineless. Perfect combo of sweet tooth appeaser and mild to jolt to help me out of the chair and back to our travels.

If not for the wine and chocolate I would have made my next stop Orcutt Brewery right next store.

Gourmet relaxation in picturesque, pastoral surroundings and right down the road for most lucky residents of the Central Coast. The rest of y’all will just have to salivate while planning your next wine country vacation.

Trattoria Uliveto
285 S. Broadway St.
Orcutt, CA 93455
805.934.4546
http://www.trattoriauliveto.com

Contributed by Cliff Stepp, Marketing Manager for the Central Coast Urgent Care Medical Group. He can be reached at cstepp@ccurgent.com.

Costa de Oro Winemaker Dinner with Gary Burk at Central City Market

At CENTRAL CITY MARKET
Featuring Winemaker Gary Burk
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010, 7:00 PM

First Course
Local Artisanal Cheese Plate
Paired with 2009 Pinot Noir Rose

Second Course
Ahi Tuna Crudo, Grilled Pineapple, Avocado Mousse
Paired with 2009 Santa Barbara Country Pinot Grigio

Third Course
Balsamic Cherry Glazed Quail, Black Pepper Polenta
Paired with 2008 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

Fourth Course
Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Cabrales Blue Cheese, Roasted Potatoes
Paired with 2008 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

Dessert
Santa Maria Strawberry and Rhubarb Napoleon
Paired with 2006 Syrah Dessert Wine

$65 per person including wine pairings
Space is very limited; please make reservations at 805-925-7766

Gourmet Central – aka Central City Market in Santa Maria’s Town Center Mall

The word is spreading like wildfire through the Central Coast Grapevine about the great dishes and pastries at the relatively new Central Market that opened in the freshly remolded Town Center Mall in Santa Maria.

You first enter a thoroughly modern deli with the aromas of baked veggies and rosemary infused beef mingling with faint hints of cheeses and chocolates. As you approach the “Order Here” zone you’ll discover the large, sunny atrium with lots of cafe tables and live plants.

If you’re dieting you might want to bring your support group; the pastries are some of the finest looking and tasting I’ve experienced anywhere on the Central Coast.

Michael & Nova

How did this all come about? I really don’t know the whole story, except that I discovered that the cuisine is in the capable hands of Chef Michael Wood, who has a devoted following. And they have a Pastry Chef, Nova Bevier, that must have “magician” listed in her resumé.

I first learned of this new tasty jewel because three of the last five wine events I attended were catered by Central City Market. I liked the name because it sounded like some place Batman might go to lunch.

Be that as it may, at lunch my heart leapt into my throat when I found that they serve illy coffee at the table a la French press.

I had their Bistro Steak sandwich with grilled balsamic onions, provolone, spicy greens and horseradish peppercorn sauce. My friend had the BBQ Chop Salad that was a medley of chopped greens, grilled corn, smoked cheddar, marinated beans, crispy onions, chipotle BBQ ranch with your choice of chicken, steak or shrimp.

On Saturdays they have a Prime Rib Special for $16 that includes an 8 oz. portion of very slow roasted, herb crusted Prime rib, scalloped potatoes, fresh market vegetables, horseradish cream and au jus.

Sundays they do Wine Barrel Smoked Baby Back Ribs served with southern style creamy cole slaw, corn bread and house-made BBQ sauce for $14!
They also do “Grilled Cheese Sunday,” from 5:30 – 9:00pm; grilled cheese sandwiches with your choice of tomato soup, house-made French fries or salad.

Speaking of wine barrels; they have a great wine list (featuring local faves) at some of the best deal prices I’ve seen in any restaurant in the area.

I grabbed a flyer for the Winemaker Dinner with Kenneth Volk Vineyards they’ve got coming up April 6th at 7pm. The menu looked absolutely amazing.

There is nothing I can say that will do justice to Nova’s pastries and dessert creations. Truly a case where one photo is worth 1,000 licks.

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Central City Market is on the first floor of the Town Center, near Macy’s.
805.925.776

Contributed by Cliff Stepp, Marketing Manager for the Central Coast Urgent Care Medical Group. He can be reached at cstepp@ccurgent.com.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LAUNCHES SPRING “DINEOUT WEEKS” TO COMPLEMENT STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

“DineOut: Santa Maria Style”
Offers Special Reduced Price Menus at
Participating Santa Maria Valley Restaurants
From April 12 through April 25

Santa Maria, CA—Locals and visitors alike are invited to savor and save as eight participating restaurants in the Santa Maria Valley offer special reduced price menus from April 12 through April 25 under the banner of “DineOut: Santa Maria Style.”

The fixed menu prices start at $10.10, and continue with the “2010” theme at $20.10, $30.10 and $40.10, depending on the restaurant and meal (see below for full menus listing).

“The event dates were chosen to coincide with an established culinary event, the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, in order to encourage locals and visitors to experience a taste of the Santa Maria Valley,” said Gina Keough, manager of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau, which is coordinating the promotion.

The participating restaurants are The Hitching Post in Casmalia, Trattoria Uliveto, Far Western Tavern, Garden Room Restaurant at the Historic Santa Maria Inn, Vintner’s Bar & Grill at the Radisson Hotel Santa Maria, Portabella at the Holiday Inn and Suites, Quizno’s on South Bradley Road and Adelina’s Bistro at the Monarch Club at Trilogy Central Coast.

For example, the Historic Santa Maria Inn is offering a Grilled Salmon Filet atop grilled basil polenta for $20.10, which includes choice of soup or salad, tomato bruschetta and a dessert featuring vanilla ice cream, seasonal berries served in a caramel basket. Prices do not include tax or tip.

Diners are encouraged to make reservations in advance, and to mention the “DineOut: Santa Maria Style” promotion when dining or making a reservation as regular menu items will also be available.

Says Keough, “’DineOut: Santa Maria Style’ is a great way for people to affordably experience the variety of our local flavors.”

“DineOut: Santa Maria Style” Details

What: A two-week promotion featuring eight participating restaurants offering special prix fixe menus featuring entrees and extras.

When: Promotion runs from April 12 through April 25, 2010

Cost: Prices range from $10.10 to $40.10, depending on restaurant and menu

Menus: See below. These same details are available online at Hot Travel Deals at http://www.santamariavisitor.com, or phone (805) 925-2403 x814.

THE HITCHING POST
3325 Point Sal Road, Casmalia
(805) 937-6151 or (866) 879-4088
http://www.hitchingpost1.com
Open Monday – Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
DINNER
Steak & Shrimp $30.10
Australian Lobster Tail $40.10
Complete dinners include: bay shrimp cocktail, dinner salad, potato
or vegetables, entree, coffee/tea and ice cream.

FAR WESTERN TAVERN
899 Guadalupe Street/Highway1, Guadalupe
(805) 343-2211
http://www.Farwesterntavern.com

http://www.opentable.com/single.aspx?rid=33841&restref=33841

Open: Tuesday – Fri day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
LUNCH $10.10
Spinach Steak Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
DINNER $30.10
Petit (6 oz) Filet, Jumbo (9oz) Lobster Tail. Served with reduction of Syrah, polenta, roasted garlic and choice of soup or salad.

TRATTORIA ULIVETO
Menu pending

HISTORIC SANTA MARIA INN
801 South Broadway, Santa Maria
(805) 928-7777
http://www.santamariainn.com
DINNER
-Salmon Filet $20.10:
Served with grilled tomato bruschetta, choice of house made soup or salad,
grilled basil polenta garnished with a citrus salad, and vanilla ice cream and seasonal berries served in a caramel basket

-Black Angus Rib Eye Steak $30.10:
Served with grilled tomato bruschetta, coastal greens salad, creamy mashed potatos, grilled baby vegetables and crème Brulee.

-6oz Bacon Wrapped Black Angus Filet Mignon $40.10:
Served with risotto lobster cake, baby spinach salad with wonton skins, strawberries and mandarin oranges and cheesecake with vanilla bean ice cream.

QUIZNO’S SUB SANTA MARIA
2202 South Bradley Road- ONLY
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 928-4280
LUNCH OR DINNER
Large sub, chips, cookie & drink retails for $10.10

PORTABELLA BAR & GRILL (Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites)
2100 North Broadway, Santa Maria
(805) 928-6000
Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly
DINNER
-Seafood Pasta $20.10:
Scallops, tiger shrimp and Atlantic salmon sautéed in garlic, butter
and white wine then served over a bed of fettuccini Alfredo.

-Beef Short Rib $20.10:
Slow cooked with a flavorful demi-glaze, served with choice
of two sides. Also served with a fresh garden salad or cup of soup.

-Atlantic Salmon $20.10:
Grilled with sun dried tomato pesto or Cajun style with herb butter.
Served with roasted asparagus and cheese-filled tortellini.
Also served with a side of scampi style shrimp.

-Steak & Ribs $30.10:
A juicy char-broiled Rib Eye and 1/2 rack of mouth watering ribs.
Served with two sides and choice of garden salad or a cup of soup.

VINTNERS GRILL (Radisson Hotel Santa Maria)
3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria
(805) 928-8000
Served 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. only
DINNER
-English Cut Prime Rib $20.10
-Champagne Chicken Picatta $20.10
-Blackened Snapper $20.10
*Served with house glass of wine and scoop of ice cream for dessert

Pandee Pearson, Executive Chef, Adelina’s Bistro

ADELINA’S BISTRO AT THE MONARCH CLUB
1645 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo
(805) 343-7501
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
DINNER
Chef’s Selected Entrée $30.10
Four course menu changes nightly to include amuse bouche, choice of soup du jour or bistro salad, chef’s selected entrée, and featured dessert. Call for menu details.

In the Vineyard: March 2010

Our earliest varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are beginning to emerge with new growth from their dormancy in mid November. The buds are between bud swell and rosette stages depending on their age, variety, and elevation.

We have been controlling weeds around the base of the vines and have begun trapping gophers. Both of these pests can do damage to the vines and compete for water and nutrients.

The last few months have been great to recharge our soils with rain water and I expect to see even, moderate growth from the vines over the next few months. This time of year is great because we get to see for the first time what the 2010 vintage may offer. As growth continues and shoots get to be about six inches long we will get our first glimpse of the clusters. Small, green and indistinguishable to most onlookers, they will emerge from the expanding tissue.

I hope everyone enjoys this time of year driving by the vineyards of the Santa Maria Valley. Mornings with overhead sprinklers running to protect from frost damage and the long vine rows with new bright green tips of growth. Enjoy the daylight hours stretching into to evening with one of our delicious Chardonnay or Pinot Noirs and we’ll keep an eye on the new fruit “in the vineyard.”

Jim Stollberg manages vineyards for Maverick Farming Company in the Santa Maria Valley. He can be reached at (805)310-9322 or <jim@maverickfarming.com.

Marshall Miller to Join Bien Nacido Vineyards and Other Family Holdings

Marshall Miller, member of the Miller farming family of Santa Barbara County (owners of Bien Nacido Vineyards, Solomon Hills Vineyards, French Camp Vineyards, Central Coast Wine Services and Paso Robles Wine Services) has joined the family business. He will become the newest member of their management team.

After obtaining an Masters Degree in Business Administration at Notre Dame, and a Masters of Arts in Theology, Miller feels suited to a career in agriculture, “I will be working on the financial and administrative aspects of the family business, but it gives me such joy to walk through the family vineyards, enjoy the wines of our clients and the greater Central Coast, and to live in Santa Barbara. I already feel like I’m immersed in the wine industry and it’s a great feeling.”

Miller continues, “I have a diverse educational background; my MBA will hopefully allow me to contribute to our family’s various business holdings, while my background in theology helps to me embrace the sheer poetry of wine, as it’s expressed by nature’s bounty and man’s artistry.”

Cambria Dinner at Testa’s Bistro

Testa’s Bistro/Cambria Winery Dinner
Thursday March 25th, 2010
4 Course Wine Pairing Dinner
$45++ per person
6:00pm

Champagne Welcome

1st Course-2007 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
Goat Cheese, Crab Roll, Proscuitto and Melon

2nd Course- 2007 Clone 95 Chardonnay
Saffron Fried Risotto, Seared Sea Scallops, Tropical Jalapeno Puree

3rd Course
- 2007 Benchbreak Pinot Noir
Stuffed Quail, Cranberry Carrot Dressing, Pomegranate Reduction

4th Course
-2008 Late Harvest Viognier
Bread Pudding, Amaretto Caramel Molasses

Contact
specialevents@testasbistro.com
805-310-8135

Wine Pairings without Food

Let me explain the title of this post. Recently I was messaging with a fellow wine drinker, Bill Streeter, on Facebook and he wrote the following:

Many wineries want to let me know how to pair wine with food. I don’t care how the food feels about the wine. Give me some useful information like what wine to have while watching a sunset. I did enjoy a nice bottle of Symphony White wine while listening to the Grand Rapids Symphony. The Blue Angels demostration team will be in Michigan this summer. What is a good wine to have while watching them perform thier feats?

Here was my response:

I think a sparkling wine would go well with the Blue Angels demo because it’s such a thrilling thing to watch and the bubbles add to the excitement. Otherwise something bold with a little spice–perhaps a Tempranillo? We have some excellent local Tempranillos here in Santa Maria.

Now I am a self-proclaimed foodie (although I’m not a huge fan of that word) and I LOVE to pair foods and wines. However, I love the idea of pairing wine with activities, music, or art. What are some of your favorite wine pairings unrelated to food?

Photo courtsey of Enobytes.com

Kady Fleckenstein is the Executive Director of SMVWINES, also known as the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country. She can be reached via email: info at smvwines dot com.

Riverbench Goes Green

Just in time for the season of emerald green hills, hats, and beer, a local organization has announced the winners of its coveted Green Business certification. An official nod to companies that serve as models of sustainability, this certification is available to offices, restaurants, hotels, and retailers.

The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County, an effort that includes local governments, nonprofits, utilities, and chambers of commerce, recognizes a handful of area enterprises each year. At a recent awards ceremony, Santa Maria’s own Riverbench Vineyard and Winery tasting room was among the three recipients—and the first tasting room ever—to receive certification.

Read more on the Santa Maria Sun’s website.

From the article “Riverbench gets green recognition” in the Santa Maria Sun, March 11th-18th edition by K. Reka Badger.