Food + Beverage

In The Kitchen

Article by Brittany Meadth | Photography by Josh Gruetzmacher Last summer, I hosted a three-day Mommy and Child cooking class—an experience I’ll never forget. Each day built upon the last, as we explored everything from the perfect French omelet and the art of sourdough bread to table setting, roasting chicken, and creating delicious desserts. It was heartwarming to see the kids fully immersed, whisking, kneading, and learning alongside their moms. To make the final day extra special, I...

Arts + Culture

Mezcal is Life

Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan | Photography by Tristin Tracy & Juan Pablo Barbara A third-generation maestro based in San Dionisio Ocotepec (about 90 minutes southwest of Oaxaca), Jose Manuel Mendez is more than someone who makes mezcal. Fuego Y Humo’s mezcalero is a craftsman, a true creative. His work is earnest and tough—there is no AI tool that will harvest 180 pounds of Tobala or mill by tahona. However, the traditional, artisanal way is what attracted Mendez’s mezcal to Elliott and...

Fitness

You Only Get 18 Childhood Summers

Pali Adventures offers kids the kind of freedom only found outside Article by Samantha Durbin & Bailey Pierson | Photography by Isaac Castillo, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Welch Another summer come and gone. Did your child have a memorable one being outside, playing, and moving? Going beyond their comfort zone? We believe kids should get to play all day for as long as life permits, especially in the summer.  Our friends at Pali Adventures offer a one-of-a-kind overnight summer camp in the San...

Arts + Culture

Fall Umami App

Ease into fall with a triple cream brie, mushroom + sage crostini Article by Collin Harmon | Photography by John Harmon Makes ~12 crostini Ingredients:  1 baguette : sliced into ½-inch rounds 6 oz triple cream brie : rind on or off, sliced small 8 oz cremini or mixed wild mushrooms:  cleaned and thinly sliced 2 shallots:  thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic:  minced 1½ tbsp fresh sages:  chopped (plus a few whole leaves for garnish) 3 tbsp olive oil ...

Arts + Culture

Cocktail Crusader

Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan | Photography by Rosewood Miramar Beach, Samantha Durbin In another setting, Eliza Hoar might be considered a mad scientist. At Rosewood Miramar Beach, she’s Director of Bars. The Equal Measure alum, who made a name for herself in New York under Matt Resler, took over the bar program at Montecito’s prestigious resort in May.   Rosewood Miramar Beach wasn’t mincing words when, upon posting her announcement on Instagram, said she was there to shake things up. Not...

Food + Beverage

Wine QA with Carr Winery

Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan | Photography by Atlas Imagery It’s been more than 25 years since Carr Winery’s Ryan Carr first made wine in a trash can. “We started with 10 cases in the garage, and now we’re at 4,500 cases total. We’re still small, but that’s where we plan to stay,” says Jessica Carr, General Manager and Ryan’s partner (in life and business).   Your label has Ryan’s last name. Why?   “Ryan is our winemaker but he’s also in the field, growing the grapes. He really knows...

Arts + Culture

Our Coffee Community

Article by Zoe Echternacht | Photography by Josh Gruetzmacher Zoe here, your resident lover of food, all things local, and owner of the Instagram @bitemesb. Originally from Santa Barbara, I've had the joy of watching the food scene expand over the years. What's been especially thrilling in the last five years is the growth of the coffee roasting community. Now we have a solid foundation of business owners passionate about bringing great coffee and good vibes to town. Here, I find out what...

Life + Culture

Fall at the Farmers Market

What’s in season and how I’m using it Article by Collin Harmon | Photography by Josh Greutzmacher There’s something about fall in Santa Barbara that's grounding—cool mornings, softer light, and the rich colors of the season starting to show up at the farmers market. The market is one of my favorite weekend rituals, and each week feels like a new celebration of what’s growing locally. This time of year, some of my favorite produce shows up: persimmons, figs, pomegranates, delicata squash, and...

Professional Services

The Secret to a Construction Project Done RIGHT

​When it comes to roofing and solar projects in Southern California, general contractors and property managers know one decision can make or break a project’s success: choosing the right roofing and solar contractor.In Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, unreliable subcontractors have caused countless headaches, from missed deadlines and poor communication to costly rework and inconsistent quality. Here, we’ll reveal the secret to a construction project done right: partnering with...

Professional Services

The Lifespan of Your Roof: When to Repair, When to Replace

In Southern California, a good roof is the first line of defense against our intense sun, seasonal Santa Ana winds, surprise downpours, and even wildfires. But every roof has a lifespan.How do you know when your aging roof just needs a simple repair, and when it’s time for a full replacement? And if you’re considering solar panels for your Los Angeles, Ventura County, or Santa Barbara County home, when is the best time to install them? Now or after addressing your roof’s condition?How Southern...