Casa Pacifica Announces 5th Annual “Best in Fest” Brewery Competition Winner

May 24, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

CAMARILLO, Calif. – On Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Bottle & Pint in The Annex at The Collection RiverPark, Casa Pacifica chose its 5th Annual “Best in Fest” brewery winner. This year, Topa Topa Brewing Co. took home the top prize with their Chief Peak IPA. Institution Ale’s Rx Pils and MadeWest’s Red Rye earned honorable mention.

This was the first year the “Best in Fest” judging was open to the public. Attendees tasted the twelve brews alongside the judges. The esteemed panel of judges included: Kevin Pratt, the nation’s second highest ranked beer judge; Jason Hendrick, General Manager of Barrelhouse 101; Zach Rosen, Certified Cicerone; Erin Peters, also known as the Beer Goddess; and Bec O’Neal, Sales Rep for Stone Distribution Company. Guests also received delicious small bites from other Annex tenants: Pancake, Scratch Sandwich Counter, and Seoul Sausage Co. Another welcome addition to the competition was the dispensing of beers via numbered taps. In years past, competition co-chairs Curtis Taylor and JC Lombardo collected the brews and stored them in coolers until the judging.

The breweries vying for the title were: 14 Cannons Brewery, Enegren Brewing Co., Institution Ale, The LAB Brewing Co., Leashless Brewing, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ojai Valley Brewery, Red Tandem Brewery, SLO Brew, Topa Topa Brewing Co., Ventura Coast Brewing Co., and Westlake Brewing Company. All twelve brews from the “Best in Fest’ Brewery Competition will be available for tasting at the 25th Anniversary of the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at CSU Channel Islands.

Casa Pacifica and the Angels are excited to welcome back their generous Hosts, The Zarley Family; The Van Huisen Family; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; Conico Oil/MacValley Oil & Mission Produce. The VIP Lounge will be presented by Wells Fargo. The newest addition to the festival is the Ultra VIP Experience, sponsored by Union Bank. This special addition for the 25th Anniversary will only be available to high-level sponsors.

As always, the Festival will offer an unbeatable array of exhibitors offering delicious food samples from fabulous restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and specialty shops, to the palette-pleasing tastes of fine wines, smooth brews, and specialty beverages from throughout the region and California. A large online silent auction will tempt festival-goers with must-have, one-of-a-kind, themed baskets. The Yummie Top Chef Competition will crown winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece among the participating exhibitors. Actor Oded Fehr returns as the Yummie Culinary Competition emcee. Live entertainment from the main stage throughout the day will keep the festival-goers rocking out and crowding the festival’s dance floor. Bruce Barrios, Ventura County’s favorite DJ, will emcee the day’s festivities.

All proceeds from the “Best in Fest” Brewery Competition and the Wine, Food & Brew Festival will benefit the vital programs and services Casa Pacifica provides to the community’s most vulnerable children and their families. Get your tickets today at http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

To purchase tickets or for more information about exhibitor opportunities, please visit http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com. For further questions please contact Carrie Hughes, Director of Development & Public Relations for Casa Pacifica at (805) 366-4011, or by email at chughes(at)casapacifica.org.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in both counties and administers a number of community-based programs designed to strengthen families and keep children in their homes and communities. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website http://www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.

Ole Smoky Distillery, Yee-Haw Brewing & Music City Roots Have Teamed up

January 8, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) – Ole Smoky Distillery, the leading craft distiller of Moonshine and home of the world’s most visited distillery, announced today that they are expanding their East TN presence by joining forces with Yee Haw Brewing Company, one of Tennessee’s top craft breweries. In collaboration with Music City Roots, they will collectively open an entertainment complex in Nashville’s burgeoning area of SoBro. The venue, currently being called 6th & Peabody will feature a distillery, brewery, live music, bars, tasting rooms, beer & bottle shops and merchandise. Visitors will be able to enjoy cocktails by the glass, as well as purchase jars of moonshine and bottled beer for enjoyment at home. Doors are scheduled to open in the second half of 2018.

“We are all very excited about this new endeavor,” says Joe Baker, Owner of Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Founder of Ole Smoky Distillery. “By providing guests with the best of Tennessee music, beer and moonshine, in a comfortable setting, we are confident that our newest venue will do extremely well in Nashville.”

The announcement of the multidimensional property comes after years of planning the overall concept. Having a brewery and distillery under the same roof will give visitors a unique experience with something that appeals to every individual, which is what the companies always envisioned. On any given day, there will be at least six beers on tap, and ten moonshine flavors being poured.

Along with experiencing a unique drinking occasion, guests will also enjoy authentic, world–renowned musical performances. Music City Roots, will be curating the live music talent and entertainment for the venue. Music will be presented day and night with an intimate performance area in the tasting room, a full-production concert stage in the main hall, as well as a broadcast studio for WMOT Roots Radio 89.5 FM. In order to build anticipation for the new venue, Music City Roots will be hosting a “Roots on the Road” campaign where they will go to various venues in Nashville, performing and spreading the word about the new location.

“Music City Roots looks forward to continuing to export the diversity and quality of our musical culture to a national and international audience from the heart of Nashville. We are honored to expand our long-term relationship with the great folks at Yee Haw and Ole Smoky by opening what will be an iconic and authentic addition to Music City,” says executive producer Todd Mayo.

“The heart of this partnership is our shared goal to curate a world-class listening environment, and present the music with the utmost respect for the artists that create it. In addition to being a live venue, it will be fully equipped for HD video broadcast, state-of-the-art live audio recording and radio broadcast”, says executive producer John Walker.

Baker and team will be transforming a warehouse currently standing on a 12k square foot property located in SoBro, also known as the South Six District. Currently the area is surrounded by a number of apartment buildings and hotels in development, which means there will be a need for more entertainment facilities for these residents and guests to enjoy. SoBro is a short walk and easily accessible from the popular “Lower Broadway” strip, the Music City Convention Center, and Bridgestone Arena.

“It makes sense for Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw to team up and create a space where all of our fans can enjoy themselves outside of our East Tennessee home base,” says Robert Hall CEO of Ole Smoky. “Both brands have a strong presence in the state and by joining forces we can offer great entertainment and a wide variety of beverages to fit every taste.”

This facility will be Yee-Haw’s second location and Ole Smoky’s fourth location.

Details about the bottle shops and tasting room (including a full beer and moonshine list, hours, events, and more) will be available soon. For more information about Ole Smoky please visit http://www.olesmoky.com. For more information about Yee-Haw please visit http://www.yeehawbrewing.com. For more information about Music City Roots please visit http://www.musiccityroots.com.

About Yee-Haw Brewery Co:
Founded in 2015, Yee-Haw Brewing Co is a craft brewery and tap room located in a historic railroad depot built in the late 1800’s in Johnson City, TN. Yee-Haw quickly grew from a start up to one of the southeast’s fastest growing craft breweries. Best known for their World Beer Cup award-winning Dunkel, Yee-Haw Brewing’s reputation for high quality ales and lagers is built on their commitment to using only the finest ingredients.

Yee-Haw is an expression of exuberance, a celebration of life, and a commitment to adventure. They’re serious about making great beer and improving the lives of those around them. Whether it is their commitment to a local nature conservancy, reviving a local outdoor concert series, supporting local art programs, or helping a local bike club raise money to build new trails, Yee-Haw is part of that experience. Remember, you’ll say it when you drink it, and cheers to the good times.

About Music City Roots:
Founded in October of 2009, Music City Roots is a weekly live musical variety radio show hosted by Grammy winning “Mr Americana” artist, Jim Lauderdale. Streamed live every week online to a global audience and airing on over 25 radio stations, Music City Roots has aired nationally in 75% of the United States on public television. Roots was created to shine a light on the variety and diversity of American Music. Roots has hosted Grammy winning artists like Chris Stapleton , Sturgill Simpson, Emmylou Harris as well as iconic American acts like The Doobie Brothers and features a weekly emerging artist as well. A community of fan’s, bands and brands, Music City Roots hearkens back to the golden age of live radio utilizing traditional and present platforms of discovery: radio, television, and streaming both live and on demand.

About Ole Smoky Distillery LLC:
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the U.S. and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. The company’s roots can be traced to the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains. In 2009, the law in Tennessee changed and suddenly, it was legal to make, distill and sell the infamous bootlegger’s hooch. It was at that point that a group of families decided to bring their artistry of superior moonshine making to the world at large.

And the world welcomed it. Ole Smoky was named an Impact Hot Brand by M. Shanken Communications, a leading publisher in the U.S. wine & spirits industry. The Hot Brand Award is given to both established and upcoming brands that achieve double-digit growth in each of the past three years, with a minimum of 200,000 cases. Additionally, people from all over the world visit the famed Gatlinburg Distillery, The Holler™, to see and experience how Ole Smoky moonshine is made. Since it’s opening in July of 2010, Ole Smoky Distillers have opened two more locations with The Barn™ in 2013 and the Barrelhouse™ in 2015, which produces the company’s new whiskey line that just launched nationally in Fall 2017. 2018 will mark the opening of the company’s fourth distillery in Tennessee.

Ole Smoky now retails globally and offers more than twenty creative flavors crafted from authentic family recipes. And while Ole Smoky has long been enjoyed on the porch from the jar or the jug, Ole Smoky now finds itself mixed in handcrafted cocktails of the finest order in establishments across the U.S. including at some of the biggest music and sporting venues in the country.

For more information, please visit http://www.olesmoky.com and find them on social media @olesmoky.

Shine Responsibly®

Brunch at the Races 2017

September 17, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

L.A. Weekly is excited to announce the return of Brunch at the Races, the third annual brunch extravaganza! Taking place on Sunday October 15th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.at Santa Anita Park, this event is sure to be one to remember!

Curated by LA Weekly Editor Mara Shalhoup, this event will feature signature brunch bites from over 30 of Los Angeles’ most iconic breakfast, brunch and lunch spots.

New eats added!! The following restaurants have confirmed attendance at this year’s event: AR Cucina, Pez Cantina, Fred 62, Myke’s Café, Kobawoo House, Jones Coffee Roasters, Monkey Bar, McConnells, Chez Tex, Poppy + Rose, Red Herring, Cindy’s Eaglerock Restaurant, Pono Burger, Little Dom’s, Sweet & Savory, Mascarpone Cheesecakes, La Huesuda Tacos, Tavern, and even more to come!

Sponsors of this year’s event include: Beam Suntory’s Effen Vodka and Maker’s Mark, The Dude’s Brewing Company, Angel City Brewery, Bai, Cacique, Rita’s Italian Ice, Zico, Hubert’s, Imperfect Produce, with more to come.

Tickets are on sale now! And can be purchased at: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1523763?utm_source=law&utm_medium=press.

General Admission tickets will be available starting at $40 and include: entry into the event, full day admission to Santa Anita Park, unlimited food samples from 30+ restaurants, beer/wine/cocktail samples from our partners, access to entertainment and a vendor village. A limited number of VIP admission tickets will be available starting at $60. VIP Admission tickets include all general admission perks plus access to an exclusive VIP lounge and VIP gift bag.

Follow L.A. Weekly on Facebook facebook.com/LAWeekly, Twitter @laweeklystreet, Instagram @laweekly and foursquare for updates as they unfold.

Don’t miss out on our second annual Brunch at the Races!

About L.A. Weekly:

L.A. Weekly, and more recently laweekly.com, has Los Angeles covered, with investigative reporting, comprehensive calendar listings and forward-thinking cultural coverage, including daily blogs like the highly regarded Squid Ink, which covers the city’s food scene. We keep our readers loyal with stories by some of the country’s finest writers—now accessible through our mobile platforms. L.A. Weekly has won more awards from the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies than any other paper in the country, and in 2007 was the first newspaper to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for its food criticism.

Nick Jonas Welcomes 2017 Harvest Season at Honig Vineyard and Winery

September 7, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NAPA VALLEY, CA (Newswire.com) – Nick Jonas (singer, songwriter, producer, and actor) visited Napa Valley’s Honig Vineyard and Winery on Thursday, August 10^th to help kick off the 2017 harvest season, and to offer his thanks for the incredible fundraising event that was held at the winery to raise money for Type 1 diabetes. Nick made his way into the vineyard with Honig winemaker Kristin Belair to sample sugar levels in the Sauvignon Blanc grapes. As Kristin explained, “The refractometer we use in the vineyard is not that different from the glucose meter you use to check blood sugar.”

The previous evening, Stephanie and Michael Honig hosted 350 guests at the winery, raising $215,000 for Type 1 diabetes. Their ten-year old Sophia, the oldest of their four children, was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of 5, dramatically altering their lives and their family dynamic.

BT1-BIKE-HEADER-MAP-2 The party at Honig was one stop on an epic, 10-week adventure for the Team Bike Beyond cycling team. On the afternoon of the event, the 20 riders, all with Type 1 diabetes, were met at the county line and escorted to the winery by the Napa County Sheriff and Congressman Mike Thompson, who also rode his bike to celebrate the occasion. “The Honigs have been tireless advocates for their daughter Sophia and the millions of other children and families living with Type 1 diabetes. Their efforts are more important than ever as federal funding for medical research comes under attack,” said Representative Thompson.

On the evening of Wednesday, August 9^th, after a special singing performance by Ambrosia songwriter David Pack, and a surprise flash mob choreographed by Honig family member Regina Weinstein and in which Stephanie Honig and fifteen of her close friends participated, the dancing continued into the night with music from Groovetronix Productions.

Partygoers feasted on culinary creations provided by Brasswood Napa Valley, Brix Restaurant & Gardens, Charlie Palmer, The Clif Family’s Bruschetteria, Crisp Kitchen and Juice, Elaine Bell Catering, Harvest Table by Charlie Palmer, Heritage Eats, Kara Cupcakes, Model Bakery, Mustards Grill and Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, Oakville Grocery, Salute Santé! Grapeseed Oil, and Prabh Indian Kitchen. Wine and beverages for the event were provided by Honig Vineyard and Winery, Beran Wines, C. Beck Winery, The Chafen Family Dutch Henry Winery, Charbay Distillery, The Frank Family, Luna Vineyards, Mad Fritz Brewing Co., St. Supéry, Schramsberg Vineyards, Tobias Wines, and Vineyard 29. In true Napa Valley style, the community rallied to support the Honig’s and their cause. Sponsors of the event included Darioush, Breakthru Beverage Group, Chuck Wagner, David Drucker/EmpireMerchants, Nadalié USA, St. Helena Hospital, The Rudd Foundation, Trinchero Family Estates, Inc., and The Winebow Group, as well as the host committee which included American AgCredit, Andrea Ivarsson + Bryan Kolozsi, Jamie Kurtzig + Family, Jelly Belly Candy Company, and Nomacorc|Vinventions.

Silent auction donors included: Alpha Omega Winery, Beran Wines, Chambers Hotels, BD Hotels, LLC, Charbay Distillery, Cynthia Carey/Jessup Cellars Gallery, DJ Boca Negra, Donny Frate, Mr. Jean and Dr. Karin Denoyer, Harvest Table by Charlie Palmer, Jordan Vineyard +

Winery, Karen Rose, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Michelle Baggett, Napa Valley Aloft Air Balloon Rides, NBC Universal, The Restaurant at Meadowood, Rockin’ Love Producions/Dusty Kramer, Round Pond Estate, Staglin Family Vineyard, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery, and Volker Eisele Family Estate.A special thanks goes to Bright Party Rentals for donating the evening’s party equipment, furnishing, and supplies.

Don’t be left off THE ROOF – Do YOU have your tickets yet?

August 4, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

We’re giving you DOUBLE the fun this year as we begin with our pre-party celebration on August 17^th at TPC’s Oaks Grille! Come by from 5pm to 9pm for happy hour pricing all night long, bartender lessons, DJ MAV (the same DJ we will have at the main event for the third year), dancing and the best sunset in Santa Clarita, all while giving back to the WiSH Education Foundation! Have a big party? Call ahead to reserve your table: 661-288-1995.

Cocktails on the Roof, on August 25^th, has us looking forward to a new, fun layout, more lounges (you can even sponsor your own lounge – email Wish@Hart District.org to learn more) and voting on your favorite Craft Cocktails – you’ll even be able to win a social or dinner for a group of six this year in our new silent auction tables!

Everyone is a VIP this year! All tickets are general admission ($85) so you get to enjoy the entire evening from 8pm until 11pm… or come as a Designated Driver and enjoy mocktails and all that amazing food for just $65. All tickets at the door are $95. Either way, let us know about your excitement with #COTR17 on all your social media posts!

Hosted by Eve Bushman of Eve’s Wine 101, Marlee Lauffer, President of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and WiSH Executive Director Amy Daniels, this year promises to be another top notch event with returning favorites and brand new participants! The restaurants sharing their most sought-after cocktails, mocktails and food are back. Included in the list is Speakeasy Bakery, California Pizza Kitchen, Yoshi Murikami with sake-based cocktails, Sisley Italian Restaurant, solita Tacos & Margaritas, Honu Coffee, Newhall Refinery, TPC Oaks Grille, An Indian Affair, Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company (coffee cocktails), Salt Creek Grille, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewing Company, Persia Restaurant and Lounge, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Bonefish Grill, Pomp & Whimsy, Deep Eddy Vodka, Sweet Beams Ice Cream, Olive Terrace Bar & Grill, Marston’s, CPB Winery with wine-based cocktails, The Distillery at Opolo, Vina Sympatica Sparkling Wines, LA Scotch Club and Vines Restaurant. Get your tickets and stay tuned for every exciting announcement (and guest party secrets) on the WiSH Facebook and Cocktails event pages and www.WiSHscv.org!

Although WiSH sponsors many programs and initiatives NOT funded by tax dollars, we are focusing our funding this year on the ARTS, with another emphasis on our public school libraries. Together we can make a difference for our public school youth in our own backyard! Why not have fun while raising badly needed funding?

Many thanks to our sponsors, without whom we could never get this party started –Westfield Valencia Town Center and The Magazine of Santa Clarita/Elite Magazine, EveBushmanConsulting.com, Mitchpickswine, SOS Entertainment, 24/7 Events, Andy Gump, Burrtec, Brightview Tree Company, Lundgren Management, Nick Rose Insurance, California Credit Union, Littler, Randy Plaice & Associates, Oasis Associates, Jeff & Melanie Meyer, Gymnastics Unlimited, Peterson Printing, Enchanted Kids, The Signal, Solprint, KHTS and SCVTV. Special thanks to Genesis Moss, Print & Web Design (www.genesismoss.com), for creating our brand new dedicated website, www.CocktailsontheRoofscv.org.

WiSH asks that you be responsible – 21 & over only; please leave your car in the parking garage overnight (approved by Westfield) and take alternate transportation.

South Bay Beer & Wine Festival

May 11, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

South Bay Beer & Wine Festival

May 21^st 2017 at Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates

1 PM to 5 PM

VIP – 12 NOON to 5 PM

The South Bay Beer & Wine Festival invites you to enjoy the wares of approximately 70 Craft Beer, Wine & Restaurant exhibitors this May. The best of Southern California’s regional breweries, wineries and restaurants are featured, yet the Festival in its fourth year is a mecca for craft brewers from throughout the west. Tasting of all beer, wine and food is unlimited, and each festival attendee receives a great souvenir glass to take home.

The VIP upgrade adds tastings of assorted spirits, preferred parking, and entry to the Festival one hour before general admission. We applaud the generosity of all our exhibitors who energetically participate each year to raise money for our charitable beneficiaries. Treat your palate and have a blast with your friends this Spring on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula.

All proceeds fund the community outreach programs of Rotary Clubs within the South Bay and Harbor cities of Los Angeles. It’s a Springtime event that can’t be missed.

Tickets Prices

Tickets for the South Bay Beer & Wine Festival includes unlimited tasting of craft beers, fine wines, delicious food, live music, and silent auction.

General Admission $75.00 online; Day of the event, if any are still available, $75.00 at the gate.
Your Ticket includes:

Festival Access from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Souvenir Tasting Glass
Unlimited Tastings of Craft Beer, Fine Wines, and Foods from ~70 Great Exhibitors
Live Music
Art Exhibition
Free Parking

Unlike many festivals, your ticket price provides an “all-inclusive” experience. No hidden costs (like food trucks or parking). It’s a great value!

VIP Upgrade $30; Limited; advanced online purchase only. Day of the event: Not available.

Access to VIP Tent with seating and shade for relaxing
Premium distilled spirits tastings
Preferred parking next to event field
Early entry to event. Access at 12 noon — 1 hour before General Admission
To be used with a General Admission ticket

Fine Print: You must be at least 21 years old to enter the Festival. No smoking in the Festival. And, please, no pets.

Wine in the Pines 2017: Leave Your Troubles Behind You (Look for Eve there too!)

April 28, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB, CA – Leave your troubles behind and travel to an oasis – only an hour or so north from Los Angeles. Pine Mountain Village, at the crest of the 5-freeway, has a unique venue that wine, beer, food and music lovers have enjoyed attending for more than a decade: Wine in the Pines. The event is on June 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a VIP entry at 12:00. Proceeds from Wine in the Pines benefit the American Cancer Society.

“It’s so exciting to see so many wineries, both big and boutique, returning for Wine in the Pines 2017,” Mark Bailey, owner of the local Madd Bailey’s Pub and the Wine Room Gallery said. “Last year’s event was epic, and once again, the village gazebo area will be transformed into the fabulous Lompoc Wine Ghetto, alongside barbecue and live music.”

At press time winery participants include Ascension Cellars, Cass Winery, Cantara Cellars, Charles Wine, Enjoy Wine, Frolicking Frog Cellars, Flying Goat, Golden Star Vineyards, JFC International, La Montagne, Lapus Luna, Madd Bailey’s Wine, MM Organics, Mountain Ranch Winery, Opolo Vineyards, Pomar Junction, Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, Sagebrush Annie’s, Silkwood Wines, Stephen Hemmert Wines, Tobin James, Turiya, Vinestead, Vista Del Rey Vineyards and Workman Ayer.

Wolf Creek Brewery, Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company, Firestone and Stella Artois are the craft beer breweries also signed up so far, while food vendors include Big Mike’s Ragin BBQ, Brazil Hot Dogs, La Lena Mexican Restaurant and Wolf Creek Restaurant.

In addition to the wine, beer and food vendors there is always live music wafting through our woods – at least three bands!

The Wine Room Gallery Wine Bar in Pine Mountain will be open on both Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. and guests will be able to purchase and take home some of the wines they tasted at the festival. Tickets and information: www.WineInThePines.com, 661-242-8810, thewineroomgallery@yahoo.com and Facebook.

Information on cabins available for rent is also on the website: www.WineInThePines.com and there is a Holiday Inn located nearby.

L.A. Weekly Announces The Return of Burgers and Beer

April 5, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

L.A. Weekly is excited to announce the return of their signature event, Burgers & Beer, to their 2017 food festival calendar! Taking place on Saturday, April 29th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in DTLA, this event is a slider and craft beer lovers dream!

Curated by L.A. Weekly’s editorial staff, this event will feature Los Angeles’ best burger restaurants serving their signature sliders and California’s best craft breweries sampling the brews that have made them famous!

As of press time, the following restaurants have confirmed attendance at this year’s event: Baldoria, Belcampo Meat Co., Burger City Grill, Button Mash, byCHLOE, Grill ‘Em All, Hinoki and the Bird, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Mascarpone Cheesecake by Chef Turok, Myke’s Café, Simmzy’s, Slater’s 50/50, The Pikey, The Upper West, Venice Whaler and WOLF with more to be confirmed.

As of press time, the following breweries have confirmed attendance at this year’s event: 101 Cider House, Absolution Brewing Company, Angel City Brewery, Arts District Brewing Company, Baja Brewing Company, Beachwood BBQ & Brewing, Boomtown Brewery, Brewyard Beer Company, Claremont Craft Ales, Coronado Brewing Company, Dry River Brewing, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Fireman’s Brew, Inc., Golden Road Brewing, High Water Brewing Company, Homage Brewing, Indie Brewing Company, Iron Triangle Brewing, Kona Brewing Co., Ladyface Ale Companie, Lagunitas Brewing Co., MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., Noble Ale Works, Pizza Port Brewing Co., Scholb Premium Ales, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Simmzy’s, St. Killian Importing, Strand Brewing Co., The Bruery, The Dudes’ Brewing Co., The Lost Abbey, Transplants Brewing Company and Wolf Creek Brewery with more to be confirmed.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1429993

A portion of this year’s event proceeds will benefit Food Forward. Food Forward rescues fresh local produce that would otherwise go to waste, connecting this abundance with people in need, and inspiring others to do the same.

General Admission tickets will be available starting at $50 and include entry into the event, unlimited food samples from 20+ restaurants, craft beer samples from 40+ breweries, access to entertainment and vendor village. A limited number of VIP admission tickets will be available starting at $70. VIP Admission tickets include all general admission perks plus hour early entry into the event and a VIP gift bag.

Follow L.A. Weekly on Facebook facebook.com/LAWeekly, Twitter @laweeklystreet, Instagram @laweekly and foursquare for updates as they unfold.

Don’t miss out on L.A. Weekly’s third annual Burgers & Beer celebration!

About L.A. Weekly:

Eli and Ashley Parker Confirm Spring Opening of The Bear and Star in Los Olivos

March 22, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Chef John Cox’ Refined Ranch Cuisine is Founded on the Rich Ecosystem of the Parker Ranch in Foxen Canyon

Wagyu Cattle, Chicken, Quail, Pigs and Produce Raised on the Ranch to Supply the Restaurant

LOS OLIVOS, California; March 2017 – Eli and Ashley Parker of the Parker Hospitality Family announce their restaurant, The Bear and Star, opening in April 2017 at 2860 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos, the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. The restaurant features refined ranch cuisine inspired by the Santa Ynez Valley and the heritage of the Parker family.

15844713_1310824712314175_6629638173887395214_o Leading the culinary team is celebrated Chef/Partner John Cox, who earned accolades for his work at Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Cox is supported by the talents of Santa Barbara native Chef Jeremy Tummel and Sous Chef Trent Shank. Overseeing the restaurant and beverage program is General Manager Andrew Scherer.

The Bear and Star refined ranch cuisine model is intrinsically intertwined to the 714 acre Fess Parker Home Ranch located seven miles away on Foxen Canyon. 75 head of Wagyu cattle are raised and finished with the spent grains and pomace from the family brewery and winery. Also raised on the ranch are chickens, quail, rabbits, pigs, and bees, and a number of heirloom fruits and organic vegetables for use at the restaurant. With this all-encompassing ecosystem developed under John Cox’s passion and vision, the Parker family links their lasting history and expertise in hospitality, wine-making, and ranching to the dining experience. Chef Cox’s extensive culinary background in both California and Texas – shared by founder Fess Parker – creates a style that is singular to The Bear and Star and the town of Los Olivos.

There are four distinct environments within the restaurant space: The Dining Room; Wine Room for local winemakers and private functions; Chef’s Room for classes and small dining groups; and the Bar/Lounge. Integral to the restaurant is the 30′ custom reverse-flow Texas smoker housed at the Home Ranch, the source for slow smoking and barbecuing many of the selections on the menu. Designed by Chef Cox, the mobile smoker is a self-contained wood-fired kitchen with a pizza oven, Big Green Egg, sink, onboard refrigeration and lighting.

Breakfast, lunch and brunch service takes place on the front terrace and cozy bar/lounge facing Grand Avenue where guests may observe the comings and goings of Los Olivos locals. The 50 seat dining room for evening service is a perfect blend of sophistication and rustic elegance. This space features jewel tones of garnet and ruby with lush oversized chairs and velvet banquettes accented with kilim pillows, dark barn wood floors and sleek marble surfaces. The design by Oliva Villaluz’s results in an elegantly casual feel designed to complement Chef Cox’s refined ranch menu.

“John and his team are incredibly talented and passionate about this ambitious project. Connecting the restaurant to our family ranch is something we’ve always dreamed about, and with John’s guidance, it’s finally coming to fruition. What a great fit with the Parkers,” states Eli Parker. “Ash and I are very excited to share the refined ranch cuisine concept with our Valley locals and visitors.”

The restaurant is open daily for breakfast from 7:00-10:30 a.m.; full day menu for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.and serves brunch on weekends from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Bar and Star Bar serves from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 midnight.

ABOUT THE FESS PARKER FAMILY:

Since the late 80s, the Parker family has focused their time, energy and resources on building a hospitality portfolio around the beauty and bounty of Santa Barbara County. The acquisition of 714 acres on the venerable Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in 1987 set the stage for the establishment of the Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard. With an emphasis on estate-grown Rhône varietals, the wines consistently earn 90+ point ratings from top wine critics around the world. The launch of The Bear and Star Restaurant, nestled within the Wine Country Inn, is the latest endeavor of this wine, food and hospitality-loving family enterprise.

The Bear and Star

2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441

For updates on the opening the public can visit:

www.thebearandstar.com

follow The Bear and Star:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebearandstar

Twitter: TheBearAndStar

Instagram: @thebearandstar

Sixth Annual California Wine and Jazz Fest – April 9, 2017

March 20, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

An eclectic mix of hot jazz and cool swing performed on two stages and unlimited sampling of wine, craft brews, boutique spirits and gourmet food are part of the 6th Annual California Jazz & Wine Fest. Artisans will also be displaying their wares.

Presented by Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise

Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley and other Rotary charities, both locally and globally.

Day and hours: Sunday, April 9, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., VIP ticket holders can enter an hour earlier at noon.

Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village

The Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village is the perfect setting for the preeminent jazz and wine festival between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The festival covers the entire main ballroom, an adjacent covered tent and outdoors area.

What: The festival is limited to 1,500 guests and sells out every year. They can sample a variety of wines, brews, specialty spirits and gourmet foods from over 50 exhibitors while enjoying the sounds from some of the best jazz musicians in the country.

Wineries, Breweries and Spirits Exhibitors Include: Opolo Vineyards, Golden Star Vineyards, Sunland Vintage Winery, Firestone Walker, Surf Brewery, Channel Islands Distillery Rum and Navarro Vineyards.

Participating Gourmet Food Exhibitors Include: We Olive, Urbane Café, Spanish Hills Country Club, Grissini Italian Ristorante and Maestro’s Steakhouse.

Entertainment: Musicians will perform on two stages—in the main ballroom and in an adjacent enclosed tent.

Headlining the Entertainment: Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Danny Janklow, known internationally for his soulful and passionate sounds.

About Danny Janklow: A southern California native, Danny has enjoyed the pleasure of sharing the stage and recording with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and George Benson. His heart-felt, passionate, and highly energetic music has reached and inspired thousands of listeners around the world.

Other Performers: Also performing are the Adam Clark Quartet, Lao Tizer, D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers, The Barrelhouse Wailers and Bruce Forman’s “Cow Bop.”

Tickets: $100 per person/general admission and $150 per person/VIP admission (VIP tickets include one-hour early entry for tasting, valet parking, preferred seating and other amenities).

Only 1,500 tickets will be sold. Must be age 21 or older to attend.

More Information: 805-380-6010, info@californiajazzwine.com, on Facebook, facebook.com/califjazzwine, Twitter, twitter.com/califjazzwine, or go to http://www.californiajazzwine.com to purchase tickets.