Wednesday, March 31, 2010 

Mr. President....You have it wrong

It's NOT "drill, baby, drill"....it's "KRILL, BABY, KRILL!"

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Monday, March 29, 2010 

Plow to Porch Organics

looking to set up a bricks and morter for their delivery?

Plow to Porch Organics, Inc.
Delivering a weekly box of delicious organic produce picked fresh from local farms and extras including local organic honey, local organic eggs, local organic pies and quiches, organic meals, organic fair trade coffees...and more to your doorstep, school, business or designated drop-off spot. Joyfully serving Ventura, Carpinteria, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buellton. www.plowtoporch.com

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Saturday, March 27, 2010 

Jamie Oliver

The Revolution will be harvested....

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Thursday, March 25, 2010 

Could another downtown restaurant

be on the "selling block?" Looks like this State Street restaurant could be a "spicey" acquisition for someone.

Specialty Ethnic Restaurant doing 800,000 per year...Wow !
Santa Barbara, California
Type: Established business
Category: Retail - Restaurants
Category: Retail - Other Eating & Drinking
Places
Ad ID: 512608
Financials

Asking: $350,000 Included
in the Asking Price: Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment:
$200,000


Summary Description
Have you ever dreamed of owning the ultimate Specialty Restaurant? This phenomenal restaurant, located on the trendy State Street in Santa Barbara. The cuisine is a mix of Indian and Mughlai style, with a blend of flavors, spices, curries, fennel, ginger and much more. The ambiance invites you to truly relax and enjoy. The daily clientele includes many regulars, tourists and even local area celebrities. Also over 60 pages of fantastic reviews have been made about and are available upon request...... Also remaining at the business, will be the recipe cards so the new owner can continue to create Spice Avenue's tasty dishes. - Troop Business Services

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Note to Film Crews

if you are going to shoot a car commercial, could you not close off a street used by people getting off the highway to get downtown to their jobs...in a bridge reconstruction area...especially at 8:30 a.m.?

I'm sure the new car (which I understand is a BMW) will forever be known here in Barbarianville as the "cluster-you-know-what."

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Wednesday, March 24, 2010 

Happy Blogiversary to....me!

March 24, 2005.
Our first posting. 5 years ago.
Wow...time goes quickly.


Emily's Birthday Cookies - Cupcake
Originally uploaded by SusieHazCakes.

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010 

Farmer's Markets


Pleeeez don't squeeeeez
Originally uploaded by santa barbarian.


an interesting article on them in Miller-McCune. (the magazine started by local Barbarian, Sara Miller McCune.)

In the United States, research suggests it costs significantly more to eat healthy than to eat processed. As Food, Inc. points out, when a family has a few dollars to spend on food per day, why would they buy a few apples if they can buy a Big Mac for the same price?

Farmers markets may help mitigate that problem. In Canada, Kristian Larsen and Jason Gilliland found that the addition of a farmers market to a “food desert” — an urban location with poor access to healthy and affordable food — significantly reduced the cost of eating a nutritionally balanced meal. Another team of Canadian researchers found that local food environments can lead to obesity and suggests that improving access to natural food — farmers markets, anyone? — can combat this trend.

Plus, as Jaydee Hanson argues, eating locally has food safety perks because it minimizes the number of places your food has been. “It won’t keep you from getting sick,” she said, “but at least you’ll know who made you sick.” - Miller McCune

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Monday, March 22, 2010 

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day

tomorrow, March 23.




See you at 305 Paseo Nuevo.

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Thursday, March 18, 2010 

Olio e Limone expanding?

It looks like construction is happening in the old Video Schmideo space in Victoria Court. Signage in the window with the "legalese" has Olio e Limone's name on it.

More space for more good food...what could be better?


Olio e Limone Santa Barbara May 24th 2009
Originally uploaded by The Larch.


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Probably not coming to a Starbucks near you

"Inhalable" coffee. Le Whif.

First there was the chocolate aerosol that gave chocoholics all the flavour without the calories of their favourite snack.

Now the same scientists have come up with the coffee spray that gives you as much caffeine as found in one single espresso.

...The sticks are sold individually for $3 or in boxes of three for $8. Each stick delivers 100 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent of a cup of espresso.

A 'whiffer' can get up to nine hits from an individual stick, depending on how hard they inhale.

All of Le Whifs are biodegradable, organic and contain less than one calorie

- Daily Mail also at Gizmodo

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010 

Organic...Really?

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Tuesday, March 16, 2010 

Outstanding in the Field

has their new website and new 2010 tour dates up.
Ten seasons of Outstanding in the Field. A new decade. What better way to celebrate than with a new look. We are very excited about the release of our new website. Our goal was to create an experience that makes the everyday fall away and takes you out to the field. Whether you wander around exploring every link or go straight to the event listings, we hope to provide you a view into both the world of our travels and the contributions of people joining us at the table.

2010 Tour Dates - Ready for Viewing!
We have over 50 confirmed events for you to start perusing on the site. There are several more events that are almost confirmed and will be posted before Saturday. If you don't see an event that you were expecting, don't worry, it will likely show up by early Friday.


You can become "outstanding in the field" on May 31 locally at Coleman Farms in Carpinteria

May 31, 2010
Coleman Farm , Carpinteria, CA
PRICE: $220.00
HOST FARMER: Bill & Romeo Coleman, Coleman Farm, Carpinteria
GUEST CHEF: Richard Mead,
Sage Restaurant, Newport Beach
TIME: 4:00PM

Chef Rich Mead and the Coleman Family Farm is a match made in heaven. Farmers Romeo and Bill Coleman have hosted several past Outstanding in the Field farm dinners. We once again look forward to what has become a yearly tradition. There is a lot growing here and Bill and Romeo always lead a fascinating walk around the grounds.

or May 29 at in Ojai at the Old Creek Ranch.

May 29, 2010
Old Creek Ranch, Ojai, CA
PRICE: $200.00
HOST FARMER: John Whitman & Michael Meagher,
Old Creek Ranch
GUEST CHEF: Tim Kilcoyne, The Sidecar Restaurant, Ventura
TIME: 4:00PM

Returning Outstanding chef Tim Kilcoyne of the Sidecar Restaurant in Ventura is enthusiastic about farms and local producers. When 2010 planning commenced Tim was sure to let us know he wanted to do it again. Last year Chef Tim joined us for a wonderful farm dinner with Phil McGrath of the McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo. This year we are heading out to the Ojai Valley North of L.A. for dinner in the vineyard at Old Creek Ranch. Talented winemaker Michael Meagher and owner John Whitman of Old Creek Ranch have joined us before, pouring wine at Earthtrine Farm, McGrath Farm and Wattles Farm. In 2010 we are off to visit their place. The beautiful Ojai Valley is set in a wide valley surrounded by tall mountains. Proximity to the coast and mountains gives this area consistently perfect Southern California weather.

One way cool event to attend would be the one on Catalina Island...with the cutie patootie chef, Curtis Stone.

June 29, 2010
Catalina Island Sea Cove, Catalina Island, CA
PRICE: $300.00
GUEST CHEF:
Curtis Stone, Los Angeles
TIME: 4:00PM

Chef Curtis Stone first came to our attention a few years back when we came across an Australian cooking show called "Surfing the Menu" with the concept of two chefs going out to field and ocean shore and cooking up a menu with local foods they found. Sounds a bit like Outstanding in the Field. Curtis contacted us recently and expressed excitement about participating as a 2010 guest chef. Since Curtis has got out and about quite a bit it seemed our first OITF event on Catalina Island would be the perfect match for a fellow wandering chef.

On the event day, you will take a short boat trip from the Avalon harbor, along the shores of Catalina, to a beautiful cove we have discovered. Our signature table will be set in the sand. Boat transportation will also be provided back to Avalon after the event.

Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, March 20th at 9 am PT/12 noon ET.

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Sunday, March 14, 2010 

Happy Pi Day

Although, we are thinking about purposefully misspelling it and celebrating Pie Day.

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Saturday, March 13, 2010 

Mothra

Or rather, little tiny moths having the economic hit of a monster that size...and they're here.


California grape growers have a new threat to deal with this spring, in addition to perennial concerns about frost and heat: The European grapevine moth has invaded Napa Valley, one of the top U.S. wine-producing regions.

More than 160 square miles (414 square kilometers) have been quarantined, including parts of Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties, after larvae from the non-native moth were discovered, the California Department of Food and Agriculture said yesterday in a statement.

...One grape farmer lost his entire crop last year, according to the Food and Agriculture department. - Business Week


California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura came to the Yountville Community Center Wednesday and spoke briefly at a pest workshop sponsored by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers.

His visit came one day after the state agriculture department and the U.S. Department Agriculture announced a 162-square-mile quarantine in and around Napa Valley against the European grapevine moth for Napa Valley. The quarantine means growers, vintners, and those transporting grapes will have to receive special certification and follow specific safety guidelines and inspections before moving or crushing grapes.

....State budget constraints are making it more difficult to adequately deal with threats to agriculture, he said.

He encouraged farmers to make their voice heard with state lawmakers. No one wants the cuts, Kawamura said, “because it makes you more vulnerable. You have to be vocal. Don’t be afraid to send e-mails and letters.” - Napa Valley Register

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Friday, March 12, 2010 

Flickr Foto Friday


Blue Whale Bones - SB Museum of Natural History 2
Originally uploaded by santa barbarian.

Buh-bye Blue Whale Version.

(Well...it's only for restoration....he'll be back.)

Years of exposure to the elements, coupled with over-zealous visitor “touching,” has caused widespread damage to the skeleton, with large sections of its protective coating sloughing away from the delicate bone underneath. The skeleton had become so fragile, according to officials, that not long ago the museum restricted visitors from walking through and around it for fear of possible breakage and visitor injury - SB Indy

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Thursday, March 11, 2010 

Santa Barbara Fair & Expo

is coming up soon!
Get your appetite for fun ready for "Sweet Home Santa Barbara", the 21st annual Santa Barbara Fair & Expo, April 28-May 2, 2010 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. There's a lot of excitement on the menu – from appetizing carnival rides to delicious Fair treats to sightings of farm animals and livestock. - SBFairAndExpo.com

Of course my favorite is the cooking part...gentlereaders...get your spatulas at the ready.
Cooking Contest
A big highlight of the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is the Cooking Contest, which takes place in Warren Hall. Here's a chance to enter a treasured recipe, watch the judging and take part in all of the fun. There are categories for both youth and adult entrants. Contestants receive free fair admission with any pre-entry in the Fair & Expo Cooking Contests. Please see the Handbook for details, or download the entry form below.


Schedule:
Wednesday, April 28: Fudge, 7:00pm

Thursday, April 29: Brownies, 7:00pm
Friday, April 30: Cheesecake, 7:00pm
Saturday, May 1: Peanut Brittle, 1:30pm; Chocolate Chip Cookies, 3:00pm
Sunday, May 2: Cupcakes, 1:30pm; Apple Pie, 3:00pm

Exhibitor Handbook
It's easy to register your talent using our Entry Handbook. You can access sections
of the Handbook by clicking on the downloadable forms below. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to read these forms, which is available free by clicking
here.

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Tuesday, March 09, 2010 

They have spiffy trash cans


Morro Bay Trash Can
Originally uploaded by santa barbarian.


In Morro Bay!

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Monday, March 08, 2010 

The neighbors


A little brunch
Originally uploaded by santa barbarian.

stopping by for a little nibble.

(From my trip up to Cambria...finally got some time
to upload them....)

Saturday, March 06, 2010 

Wine and Cookie Pairings.....

now THAT's what I'm talking about!
Have fun, taste wine, and support the Girl Scouts by purchasing your favorite cookies!

Saturday, March 6th
5pm Early Admission For Axxess Members

5:30pm – 7pm General Public
Santa Barbara Cellars Wine Storage
5329 Calle Real, Santa Barbara
(event location on the covered porch)

Wine Tasting Fee $15 (cash only)
Must be 21+ to attend.

Brad George, aka "The Wine Guy”, has paired the Girl Scout Cookies of 2010 with local production, small lot boutique wines for this special tasting.

Featured Vintners
  • Hug Cellars
  • Cru Club Co.
  • Paige 23 Wines
  • Bedford Thompson Winery
Axxess Members: Get the first opportunity to buy bottles signed by the vintners!

Save 25% on open case wine (while supplies last.)

The Girl Scout’s will also have everyone’s favorite cookies, from Thin Mints to Peanut Butter Cookies. (No limits on purchases!)

Paige 23 Wine is currently poured at the US Embassy in Tokyo and a preferred wine of James Beard.

Girl Scout Cookies - Tagalongs
Originally uploaded by zemok2007.

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Friday, March 05, 2010 

Outstanding in the Field is coming back

Outstanding in the Field will, again, be coming back to Santa Barbara and the California Central Coast. The exact date won't be known until they release their schedule March 15th, but they did send out a little "teaser" that they will be coming our way. (Perhaps the Coleman Farm where they have visited before.)

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Wednesday, March 03, 2010 

The suspect was light, buttery and flakey

Our country has gone insane.
The suspicious brown bag was found in a downtown building late Tuesday morning. Guards weren't comfortable opening the bag, but ran a metal detector over the package.

The device went off.

Dozens of people were evacuated. A street corner was shut down. The bomb squad was called.

More than two hours later, police discovered what the bag contained: a croissant. - Tampabay.com

If someone wants a great croissant that would be devoured so fast it would never be left languishing in a brown bag, head on down to my favorite patisserie, Renaud's.

h/t to why now?

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Tuesday, March 02, 2010 

Re: the Starbuck Venta

a clarification is in order.

The Trenta size (31 oz.) is only being offered in certain markets..."hot" markets like Phoenix and Tampa...you know those places where a large, iced anything hits the right spot! It is simply a new item the caffeinated elves at Starbucks are testing in response to their customers asking for larger iced tea and coffee. Trenta is only available for iced teas and iced coffees. Unsweetened the beverages are less than 5 calories, but even a sweetened iced coffee or tea in a Trenta cup would be less than 200 calories. (Might I add it would be a h**l of a lot "skinnier" than any humungous soda...and in my view, much tastier, too....)

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California Organic Farmers

the State might have some moolah for you.
California agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic production, may qualify for technical and financial assistance through a special initiative administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Some $2 million in funding will be available to eligible producers in California as part of the agency's Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Organic producers must submit applications by March 12 for funding consideration during fiscal year 2010.

Noting that the EQIP deadline for most applicants was Jan. 15, District Conservationist Phil Hogan said the agency was allowing a bit more time for organic and transitioning producers to develop their conservation applications but stressed they should begin the process as soon as possible.

Hogan encourages organic producers and those transitioning to organic production to contact his office at 662-2037, ext. 111, and learn more about this opportunity before the March 12 sign-up deadline. - The Daily Democrat

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Monday, March 01, 2010 

While the rest of the world is "downsizing"

Is Starbucks really thinking about "UpSizing?" It was first the "short", "tall" and "grande", then the "tall", "grande" and "venti"...now are they going to add the "Trenta?" Do we really need a "Big Gulp®" Frappaccino?

The new trenta cup at starbucks...yes it's bigger than a vent... on Twitpic
Web site callmethirsty.com has calculated that the impact of some drinks can exceed 700 calories. And Starbucks' own nutrition page allows you to minutely track the calories for each extra dollop of cream.

But now the math is about to get even more complicated, and the drinks that much more fattening, as Starbucks is test-marketing a gargantuan new serving size... - Seattle Weekly

The 32-ounce Trenta has gotten buzz on Twitter and Facebook, and a Starbucks Gossip reader says a friend just got back from Phoenix, where they were demoing a Trenta iced cup. What's the word on this? A national roll-out coming soon? - Starbucks Gossip

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Best Signage...Evah....

“Parents:
Unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy."

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  • From Santa Barbara, California, United States
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