Ventura has its agriculture, Santa Barbara has its shopping, and San Luis Obispo has its vineyards. But hidden among the chain of Central Coast hotspots lies a secret enclave with fewer crowds, small-town charm, and big-time creative culture: Lompoc, California. You find Lompoc by getting off the 101 at one of several random turnoffs that will […]
Once upon a time, 10 years ago to be exact, the sleeper-hit film “Sideways” dismissed the city of Oxnard, California, as a ho-hum suburb. To be fair, there really wasn’t much of a food and wine scene to keep Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church entertained when the movie was made 10 years ago. But […]
On one side the Pacific Ocean glitters, beckoning surfers and sun worshippers. On the other side, tall coastal grasses and the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, punctuated with oak and sycamore trees, hint at what’s to come. I am driving along US Highway 101 approaching the Santa Ynez Valley, just two-and-a-half hours north of […]
It was like something out of a spy movie. We met at precisely 4:45 p.m., chose our seats in a white, unmarked van in front of a local motel, and were shuttled to an undisclosed location: a greenhouse high above the breezy coastline and amidst a plethora of other such flower-growing, hydroponic hot houses. Although […]
If I could outsource my New Year’s resolutions, I’d hire the idyllic town of Ojai. Nestled in a cozy valley thirty miles east of Santa Barbara—but miles from any interstate—this peaceful community is a famed refuge for self-betterment and spiritual retreat. In Ojai, wellness collects like morning dew. But it’s not all crystals and dragons. […]
At many hotels around the world, guests can find promotions and packages based around seasons, holidays, or special anniversaries. Orient-Express properties go one step further, exploring unique characteristics of a hotel’s surroundings to draw visitors in and give them a taste of the local culture. The company’s recently renovated El Encanto hotel in Santa Barbara […]
Every year, on December 1, the California town of Solvang begins the celebration of Jul, the Danish Christmas. Also known as the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang embraces the traditions of Denmark with holiday decorations and festivities throughout the month. The annual Julefest brings the small town filled with many second, third, even fourth generation […]
Less than a two-hour drive north of Los Angeles is beautiful Santa Barbara, the American Riviera. Marinas, farmland, beaches, trendy restaurants, vineyards, shopping … this town has it all. Throughout the month of October, epicure.sb will highlight local restaurants, shops, services, and wineries by offering special deals and events. I was lucky enough to be […]
Award shows, in my opinion, are usually best enjoyed on a comfy couch with a bowl of something caloric. When I was told one of the stops on the Santa Barbara Film Feast press trip would be the Virtuosos Award show I immediately selected the obligatory gown and uncomfortable (but very cute) shoes. To my […]
By Michele Mahone Julia Child made Santa Barbara her home later in life. “People just seem friendly and happy here,” the California-born chef and author once said. The menu at Olio e Limone Ristorante is filled with Child’s favorite dishes so you can eat what she ate, sit where she sat, and love what she […]