MASTERS OF TASTE RETURNS – The Fifth Annual Masters of Taste Returns Sunday April 3, 2022

September 1, 2021 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – Come celebrate and be part of the fifth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 3^rd, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl with 100% of the proceeds going directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services!

Chef Vanda Asapahu, Photo credit: Masters of Taste

Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022 which also happens to mark the 5^th Anniversary of this celebrated event which had to be canceled in 2020 due to the Pandemic. Masters of Taste 2022 Culinary Master and Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine and she has participated since its inception in April 2016. Asapahu went to college at UCLA and to graduate school at Yale, then she spent four years living, traveling, and working her way through Thailand before returning home to Los Angeles. During Asapahu’s stay in her native country, she took extensive notes, which included absorbing Bangkok’s street food scene and reviving old family recipes. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, Asapahu brought back these treasured old recipes and new flavors to share at Ayara Thai. While her mother Anna Asapahu still helms the family kitchen, Asapahu is the vanguard, taking up the torch of her family’s culinary tradition at Ayara Thai Cuisine, and in May of 2019 Ayara Thai Cuisine was named one of MICHELIN Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands.

“I have had the pleasure of participating in Masters of Taste since its inaugural year,” states Asapahu. “As a proud UCLA alum (Go Bruins!), I’d give anything for the opportunity to cook, eat and dance on the field of the Rose Bowl. The most amazing thing about Masters of Taste is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services and not many food festivals can say that. Union Station Homeless Services is committed to ending homelessness in Los Angeles.”

Masters of Taste 2019 was a sold-out event that attracted over 3,000 guests and garnered media attention all throughout Southern California and beyond. The fifth annual Masters of Taste 2022 is also expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar featuring top Mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2022 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping men, women and children experiencing homelessness, rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last four years Masters of Taste has raised over $2 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Mark your calendars and save-the-date for the return of the fifth annual Masters of Taste 2022!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2022 will take place on Sunday, April 3^rd, 2022, and this is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale Sunday, August 1^st, 2021. For more information on Masters of Taste 2022, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com.

Masters of Taste

Pasadena Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

T: 626.791.6677

E: info@MastersofTasteLA.com

www.MastersofTasteLA.com

SANTA ROSA BUSINESS AND VISITOR INDUSTRIES THRIVE AMID PANDEMIC RECOVERY, WITH MORE THAN 25 NEW OFFERINGS AS CALIFORNIA FULLY REOPENS ECONOMY

July 26, 2021 by evebushman

(SANTA ROSA, Calif.) — With new and expanded air service, a growing portfolio of new or completely renovated hotels, and a lengthy list of new restaurants, bars, and other businesses, the timing of the reopening of California’s economy coincides with a welcome resurgence of visitor and tourism-related services in the Sonoma County community of Santa Rosa.

Photo: Rickey Buckets

In total, more than two dozen new, renovated, expanded, or planned businesses now call Santa Rosa home, at a time when many similar projects have been postponed, delayed indefinitely, or altogether shuttered nationwide. Santa Rosa’s hoteliers, restaurateurs, shop owners, wineries, breweries, and activity providers are now eager to show off their new or improved products.

“My hat is off not only to the Santa Rosa businesses that endured the pandemic’s challenges, but also to the many entrepreneurial spirits in our community who doubled down on tourism’s future, and who will not let anything get in the way of their pursuit of the American dream,” said Brad Calkins, Executive Director of Visit Santa Rosa. “Our resolve has been tested before, and each time we emerge stronger, more unified, and ready to welcome visitors back to a wonderful place that we are fortunate to call home.”

Following is a list of the new, renovated, or expanded businesses and services that have sprung up in Santa Rosa in recent months, or plan to do so in the coming months:

AIR SERVICE

Avelo Airlines – The inaugural Flight from America’s first new mainline airline in nearly 15 years — Avelo Airlines — touched down at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport on April 28. Avelo offers daily non-stop service between LA’s iconic Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Santa Rosa (STS), the gateway to wine country.

Alaska Airlines – Alaska Airlines has increased its service and commitment to Santa Rosa/Sonoma County with more nonstop flights. Starting June 1, the airline added daily nonstop service between Santa Rosa/Sonoma County and Burbank. On Sept. 8, Alaska will add additional flights to both Orange County and San Diego. With the additional flight, the airline will have 13 peak day nonstop flights to six destinations from Sonoma County.

LODGING

AC Hotel by Marriott (Opened August 2020) – Located in the historic Railroad Square, the hotel offers a blend of Spanish roots and European style, paired with the authentic urban vibe of Santa Rosa and its surrounding neighborhoods.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham (Opened February 2021) – The new La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham is a contemporary hotel, located in the heart of Santa Rosa and features include super-fast Wi-Fi, micro and fridge, outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pit patio area, oversized fitness center, and a lobby bar.

Flamingo Resort (Remodel completed June 2021) – The Flamingo Resort is a mid-century marvel and was the place to see and be seen in Santa Rosa of the late 1950s. Patterned after the horizontal glass and stone design of Las Vegas’ Flamingo, wings of rooms fanned out from a resort-size pool and manicured gardens, all topped by a big, pink bird revolving atop a landmark 50-foot tower. The buildings, rendered with natural materials and iconic angular silhouettes, are the work of master architect Homer A. Rissman and were declared a Historic Landmark in 1996. Fully remodeled in 2021 the 10-acre campus includes 170 sanctuary rooms, a year-round heated pool, hot tub, ice bucket shower, full-service fitness center, Pilates and cycling studio, tennis courts, lap pool and spa.

Holiday Inn Express Santa Rosa North (Remodel completed June 2021) – Following a seven-month closure for a complete remodel, the property recently reopened under the Holiday Inn Express brand. The top-to-bottom remodel included all guest rooms, public areas, and the outdoor pool where they have added grills and fire pits for the year-round wine country experience.

Art House Hotel (Opening August 2021) – The 36-room Art House Hotel, built in a sleek modern design and appointed in serene neutral tones, offers a sophisticated stay, designed as a city sanctuary, and just steps away from the heart of downtown action. Its prime location, two blocks off historic Courthouse Square, makes for the perfect launch point to Sonoma County’s spectacular wine country, redwoods, and coastline or just relaxing in our Art Gallery Lounge. Choose from a Classic King Room with your own private balcony, Urban Escape Studio designed for chic city life or a Glassy, expansive, intimate and evocative Apartment Suite that offers appointed living rooms, boasts a queen sofa sleeper, fully appointed kitchens and dining tables that make dining in a tempting option.

RESTAURANTS & BARS – NEW IN 2021

Warike Restobar – Warike Restobar was born in the search for the perfect pairing between Peruvian cuisine and the best product obtained in the California waters. Three family partners with Latin roots: Luigi, Kevin, and Gustavo bring the concepts of the true cevicheria and Peruvian restaurants to downtown Santa Rosa. From the same family as Ayawaska in Petaluma and Novato.

La Fondita – Roseland’s iconic La Fondita restaurant is expanding to downtown Santa Rosa. Known for more than 20 years for authentic, affordable Mexican cuisine, the downtown location will be the third for owner Maria Elena Reyes. Elena Maria Reyes started her food business in 1996 with an old food truck she and her husband financed by selling their cars and asking her grandmother for a few thousand dollars in start-up money.

Falafel Hut 2 – Owner Mohamed Shawa opened his first restaurant, Falafel Hut, in 2006 with his father in San Rafael. Since then, he’s been serving up authentic Middle Eastern cuisine reminiscent of his Palestinian heritage — shawarma, kebabs, gyros, and, of course, falafel. His recipes, inspired by his mother’s cooking, come straight from Palestine, a place he’s visited for long stretches of time over the years, and where his cousin has been a chef for thirty years. Now, he’s going into business with his cousin, Asem Alshawwa, to open Falafel Hut’s sister restaurant, Falafel Hut 2 in Santa Rosa.

Nothing Bundt Cake – Founders Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz started out making cakes for their friends and family and the cakes they made were delicious, unlike anything anyone had tasted and as a result, the side project turned into something more. Local owners Jan and Waverly are a mother and daughter team. Jan’s bakery in Arizona has won best dessert/bakery in the Phoenix East Valley for the past three years and Waverly is currently the chairwoman of the Healdsburg Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs.

Sushi Rosa – From the same family as the popular Otoro Sushi in Healdsburg comes Sushi Rosa, which recently opened in downtown Santa Rosa. Like their sister restaurant, Sushi Rosa specializes in traditional Japanese cuisine with a touch of California flavor, and features the freshest, highest quality fish daily.

3 Disciples Brewing (Relocated brewing facility to Santa Rosa) – 3 Disciples Brewing is the result of the perfect balance that three partners, James, Matt, and Luke have created. Determined to never cut corners, and to make certain every single batch has all the qualities they desire, or else it never makes it to your glass. We believe in our vision and have prevailed to ensure our followers will also see the light. 3 Disciples Brewing has crossed boundaries and blended style genres, yet we keep our focus on one goal: Innovative Ales.

Grill Santa Rosa (Opened April 2021) – Head founders, Ali Cetin and Berat Ilhan, fuse Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, comforting classics, and west coast flair to craft their seasonal menus including our ever-changing Grill Santa Rosa, a four-course dining experience.

Johnny Donuts (Opened May 2021) – Owner and founder Craig Blum was part of the opening team for the first US Hard Rock Café but then he got the idea of starting a food truck and doughnuts quickly became his calling. In addition to doughnuts, the new shop will serve up Crodoughs, Bismarks, cinnamon rolls, and even vegan doughnuts.

Dolan’s Den (Opened April 2021) – Local owners Derek and Trinh Dolan have always appreciated restaurants and bars, never missing a date night at any one of Trinh’s favorite spots. While working in the corporate world, Trinh would always dream of bartending or cooking up one of her amazing meals for the reward of putting a smile on a stranger’s face. Born in Vietnam and raised as an Air Force brat, Trinh spent her childhood in different countries and was exposed to many different cultures. Her love of cooking might have derived from cooking for her 3 siblings as her parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Derek–born in San Francisco and raised in Sebastopol–always had one foot in the city and one in the country. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his grandpa and great-grandpa and is working as a Local 38 plumber in San Francisco. The thought of a career change often crosses his mind but for now, plumbing is first. Derek spends his free time supporting Trinh’s dream of owning a bar and grill during an unprecedented time of entering the restaurant business.

Crumbl Cookies (Opened April 2021) – Local owners Jim and Moley are successful restaurateurs from Ukiah and their son Chris, and his wife Caley (from Petaluma) decided as a family to jump headfirst into this adventure together. A rotating menu with 120+ specialty cookies are made fresh daily, and they’re baked in an open kitchen for all cookie-lovers to see up close! They are still looking for that quintessential Santa Rosa/Sonoma County cookie to add to their offerings.

Huckleberry’s (Opened January 2021) – Ann Bailey, owner and General Manager is from the Bay Area and has always been a breakfast fan. Ann previously managed other restaurants before diving headfirst into ownership and opening Huckleberry’s in Santa Rosa, where they serve southern cooking with a California twist.

3 ^rd Street Aleworks (Remodeled May 2021) – When the new owners took over in April of 2019, they set out to carry on this winning tradition, and breathing some fresh life into the pub itself. During the pandemic, they took advantage of being closed/outdoor dining, and started a multi-phase remodel. They fully remodeled the bar. Now when you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a marble-like facade and seven brand new TVs, with a 75” digital beer board in the middle, which will double as a TV for the big games!

RESTAURANTS AND BARS – NEW IN 2020

4 ^th Street Social Club (Opened October 2020) – The energetic 30-something first-time restaurateurs Melissa and Chris Matteson hope will make the 4th Street Social Club an instant favorite for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. A longtime gardener using sustainable practices, Melissa is creating health-forward, yet crave-able dishes (including gluten-free options) such as Jacked Up Popcorn Chik’n and Seasonal Sliders (meat-based and vegetarian) based upon the changing bounty of her garden; currently planted with over a dozen varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Multi-flavored signature micheladas and creative, food-friendly cocktails such as About Thai’m utilizing Thai tea will draw on Melissa’s 17 years of experience in the service industry from New York City to San Francisco.

Nimble & Finn’s Homemade Ice Cream (Opened October 2020) – Back in 2012, Jazmin turned her background as a baker and her passion for ice cream into a new career. She named her fledgling business after her two children’s nicknames and started visiting local farmers’ markets with one pushcart freezer filled with old-fashioned artisanal ice cream. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, and Jazmin quickly had more work than she could handle alone so she roped her sister Leandra into the business with promises of endless creamy desserts. They use organic dairy from Straus Creamery, seasonal produce, and housemade jams, cakes, and candy in their inspired takes on classic flavors.

Mi Ranchito Downtown (Opened October 2020) – The Rodriquez family of Cuernavaca, Mexico established the first Cantina in 2008 and it is based on the heritage of the family. They offer the most delicious traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas. When you visit you will discover an ambiance that makes you feel at home, the Mexican-style way.

Grossman’s Noshery & Bar (Opened March 2020) – James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalists Mark and Terri Stark together own and operate six of Sonoma County’s favorite, and most highly rated, restaurants including the newly opened Grossman’s, a New York-style deli, bakery, and bar. The menu features eclectic breakfast dishes, noshes, sandwiches, soups, salads, platters for sharing, nightly specials, dumplings, and desserts based on Jewish cuisine from the East Coast of the US, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Baked goods and cured and smoked fish and meats are made in-house.

Flagship Taproom (Opened June 2020) – Who would have known that five childhood friends would reunite to start a business in their hometown? With backgrounds in restaurant management and entrepreneurship, it only made sense to combine our assets to create the type of place where we would want to work and hang out with friends & family. From pilsners to sours and everything in between, we serve a variety of beer styles to suit every palate. We love our local community and love serving our neighbors, friends, and family.

Land and Water Coffee (Opened June 2020) – Land and Water Coffee is a specialty coffee roasting company in Santa Rosa. All our coffees are ethically and sustainably sourced, and meticulously roasted.

Americana (Opened March 2020) – Samantha & Ryan Ramey are a husband/wife duo with a passion for all things food. Ryan is a classically trained chef and Samantha was raised working in the front-of-house of restaurants. They began their own entrepreneurship as caterers in the Bodega Bay Area before purchasing Estero Cafe In Valley Ford in 2014. Americana is a classic American-style diner located in Historic Railroad Square.

COMING SOON

ACME Burger (Opening July 2021) – Todd’s passion for food began when he assisted his father in the family catering business at 15 years old in Connecticut. He pursued a culinary career at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, and completed his apprenticeship on Grand Cayman Island. ACME features Sonoma Mountain Beef (locally raised, hormone and antibiotic-free, grass-fed and grain-finished), Willie Bird (local) turkey burger, the Impossible Burger (plant-based protein), Bodega Bay rock cod, and a comprehensive menu of freshly prepared sides and salads.

Tony’s Galley (Opening July 2021) – Chef and owner Tony Ounpamornchai owner of SEA Thai Bistro and SEA Thai Noodle is opening a new restaurant. Tony’s Galley is a seafood-centric café and will include four versions of the classic East Coast lobster roll sandwich, including Maine Style with chilled mayonnaise, celery and scallions; Connecticut Style featuring lobster poached in clarified butter; Thai Style with tempura-fried lobster in sweet chili aioli, pickled chiles, tobiko (flying fish roe) and green onion and an LGBLT with lobster, garlic butter, bacon, mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Sessions Climbing (Broke ground in April 2021) – Local rock climber Kevin Jorgeson, who completed a free climb of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park with partners Tommy Caldwell is starting the next adventure. Set to open in early 2022, Sessions Climbing is a 55-foot-high, 23,000-square-foot structure featuring indoor climbing, yoga, and fitness center.

Ruth Asawa Fountain (Scheduled Opening TBD) – Ruth Aiko Asawa was an American sculptor, her works can be seen in San Francisco along with collections at the Guggenheim and the Whitney Museum of American Art. At the dedication of her Santa Rosa fountain in 1987, Asawa was there, wearing a floppy white hat and her very best smile as the joyful crowd celebrated with her as the Santa Rosa sculpture was one of her last large works. The fountain panels depicting Sonoma County life were originally installed as concrete. With the completion of the Courthouse Square project, the next step is to reinstall the fountain with the original, carefully conserved sculptured panels re-cast in bronze. Santa Rosa’s Art in Public Places and the Downtown Action Organization are working on private donations to complete the bronze panels as a tribute to Asawa.

About Santa Rosa, CA:

Located just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa is the urban heart of all there is to see, do, eat, drink, hike, bike, and explore in Sonoma County. Santa Rosa is the biggest city in Sonoma Wine Country, yet the town’s vibe and charm are as welcoming as a small town. Central to Sonoma County’s 400+ wineries, Santa Rosa is also just 30 minutes from the Pacific Ocean and even closer to California’s majestic redwood trees. Santa Rosa is home to an impressive array of world-class restaurants and craft microbreweries, some of the best cycling routes in the U.S., the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, and Safari West. For more information, or to begin planning a trip to Sonoma County’s Santa Rosa, visit www.visitsantarosa.com.

Beer Club Soaks Up a 5-Star Rating from Top Consumer Reviews

January 3, 2021 by evebushman

OVERLAND PARK, KAN. (PRWEB) – TopConsumerReviews.com recently gave its first-place ranking to U.S. Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club, a subscription-based craft Beer Club.

Monthly clubs make gift-giving easier than ever, especially for that special someone who seems to have everything already. There’s no need to settle for a boring gift card or floral arrangement when there are so many subscription plans to choose from. For the beer lover in everyone’s life, Beer Clubs offer a fun way to try craft beverages from small breweries around the country – or even around the world. Most deliveries come with several different flavors, including seasonal varieties that aren’t typically found at local stores. The best Beer Clubs offer free shipping and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, along with flexible payment plans and delivery schedules.

“With more than two decades of experience, Monthly Clubs knocks it out of the park with their U.S. Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club,” according to Brian Dolezal of TopConsumerReviews.com, LLC. “Every delivery comes with twelve beers in four different flavors, selected from two different American microbreweries. The package includes a fun, informative newsletter detailing the breweries’ histories, beer profiles, suggested food pairings and tasting notes. We really love the flexibility of this Beer Club too: you can have it delivered monthly, every other month or quarterly, and you get to choose the number of times you want it shipped. Plus, you can either pay in full or as you go, making it affordable to send a year-long gift to really impress a lucky gift recipient. For all of these reasons, Monthly Clubs’ U.S. Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club earns our highest recommendation among Beer Clubs in 2020.”

To find out more about U.S. Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club and other Beer Club options, including reviews and comparison rankings, please visit the Beer Clubs category of TopConsumerReviews.com at https://www.topconsumerreviews.com/best-beer-clubs/.

About U.S. Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club
U.S. Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club is one of six services offered by Monthly Clubs, whose other subscriptions include wine, cigars, cheese, chocolates and flowers. Founded in 1994, the company takes great pride in being a big part of fostering exploration as members try beers they’ve never seen before. The business also focuses on being environmentally conscious, with 100% recyclable packaging, a solar array at their corporate offices, and partnering with breweries and vendors that share the same “green” focus.

About TopConsumerReviews.com
TopConsumerReviews.com, LLC is a leading provider of reviews and rankings for thousands of consumer products and services. From Beer Clubs to Dessert Clubs and Cigar Clubs, TopConsumerReviews.com delivers in-depth product evaluations in order to make purchasing decisions easier.

Craft Malt Producer Admiral Maltings Trailblazes California-Style Single Malt Whiskeys and Beers

October 4, 2020 by evebushman

Alameda Point, Calif. — The San Francisco Bay Area is steeped in a storied history with premium barley. A top export from the 1860s – 1940s, barley was among one of the essential California commodities transported to the United Kingdom. With the recent surge of new craft breweries and distilleries throughout the state, renowned craft maltster Admiral Maltings is at the center of a California Liquid Gold Rush spotlighting specialty releases with ingredients that are distinctly Californian. In a matter of three years since the opening of Admiral Maltings (2017 – 2020), a new category of California single malt whiskeys are hitting the market featuring Admiral’s artisanal malt varieties contributing singular characteristics.

Valiant efforts by Admiral Maltings and the University of California, Davis have resuscitated the region as a preeminent source for exceptional barley, and its malted counterpart. UC Davis’ registration of Butta 12, as an official malting barley grown in the California Central Valley, signifies a trend towards modern, locally bred malting barley varieties. Dr. Lynn Gallagher, the plant-breeding scientist primarily responsible for developing Butta 12, is publishing his research that led to the release of Butta 12 in Wiley Publishing’s Journal of Plant Registration in the coming months.

Admiral’s resurrection of the uniquely California Atlas Heritage Barley draws on an older, heritage barley variety as evidence of the evolution of barley throughout the Sacramento Valley and south to North Los Angeles. In turn, local barley production embarks on a renaissance in the form of a viable land resource for California’s handcrafters of top tier libations.

For the first time in decades, craft distillers and brewers have unparalleled access to ingredients with idiosyncratic terroir for their singular products. Admiral Maltings proudly connects California’s acclaimed distillers/brewers with regional farms growing barley and other grains (wheat, rye, oats) for ingredients that are reflective of the land and Mediterranean sub-climates as well as pathways towards a more sustainable footprint.

With distinguished valleys and appellations defining California’s world-class wine industry, the state now boasts an emergence of California-style single malt whiskeys showcasing the finest of ingredients solely harvested within its borders. In addition to the newly emerging California-style single malt whiskeys, California distillers are further finding a myriad of ways to employ locally grown and malted grain into their creations. The onsite pub The Rake at Admiral Maltings debuts for the first time in modern California history eight exclusive whiskeys from local distillers using Admiral malts, including: Pekut & Carwick’s “Maiden Voyage,” Seven Stills’s “Eau de Oyster,” 117° West’s “California Single Malt,” 117° West’s “Yolo Gold,” 117° West’s “West Coast Whiskey,” Workhorse Rye’s “Virgin Cask V3,” Golden Gate Whisky’s “Golden Gate Whisky,” and Golden Gate Whisky’s “Mizunara Single Cask.”

For detailed whisky descriptions, please download The Rake’s new Spirits Menu (LINK).

Admiral Maltings provides artisanal malts to almost 300 breweries and over 30 distilleries. One might say that Admiral Maltings is doing something old, something new with things that are old and new.

Sierra Nevada Brewing is certainly one of the first, if not the first major modern brewery to brew an all California beer – its Estate Series. For many years now, Sierra Nevada’s CCOF organic Estate Ale has been brewed with hops and barley grown on its estate in Chico, California. For this year’s harvest, Sierra Nevada focused on growing the newer malting varieties developed at UC Davis, Butta 12 and Tahoe. In turn, this has led to an outstanding harvest of over 60,000 lbs. of malting barley, which Admiral Maltings will floor malt for Sierra Nevada’s Estate Ale.

Seismic Brewing Company (Santa Rosa, CA) collaborates with Admiral for a 100% California grown, malted, and brewed beer: Tremor California Light Lager (4.2% ABV). With a dedication to crafting high-quality beers in an environmentally sustainable manner, Seismic is among an uptick of breweries leading a new way of brewing with all state-grown ingredients for a truly California tasting experience. Tremor California is crisp and refreshing with Admiral’s Pilsner Malt giving it tremendous body and a clean, balanced malt flavor. The first official California Light Lager, the effervescent lager is made exclusively with organic West Coast hops and 100% local organic barley.

East Brother Beer (Richmond, CA) brings back an American Lager style with the use of a landrace, heritage California variety of 6-row barley. The brewery’s Pre-Pro Lager harkens to the old, pre-prohibition days using an heirloom, California-grown and malted Atlas barley. Atlas barley was the foundation of the California malt and brewing industry for the first half of the 20th century. The Spanish originally brought the barley over from Morocco where it got its name from the Atlas Mountains. Dry-farmed for decades near Paso Robles, Admiral malted five tons of Atlas barley especially for East Brother’s Pre-Prohibition Lager.

Adjacent to Admiral Malting’s germination floor sits a pub unlike any other in the world at The Rake. With its intimate view of the floor malting process in action, Admiral offers a dynamic beer list (20 taps) including Seismic Brewing’s Tremor California Light Lager and East Brothers’ Pre-Prohibition Lager, as well as the eight brand new California whiskeys. The Rake is a mecca for beer and spirits geeks with its constant rotation of freshly brewed beers and exquisitely distilled whiskeys made with Admiral malt. San Francisco Chronicle put The Rake on its shortlist of “The Bay Area’s Best New Places to Drink” in 2018.

Admiral Maltings is hard at work trendsetting the local malt movement throughout California with their eye on the prize to encourage craft brewers/distillers in all corners of the country to embrace locally sourced, high quality, and eco-friendly ingredients.

For more detailed information regarding Admiral Maltings and The Rake, please visit: admiralmaltings.com and therake.admiralmaltings.com.

About Admiral Maltings
Admiral Maltings produces premium quality malt using unique barley, wheat, rye and oat varieties, traditional floor-malting methods and sustainably grown, locally sourced grain. With our emphasis on process, terroir, grain variety, and freshly kilned malt, Admiral Maltings seeks to meet the changing demands of a growing craft beer and spirits industry by offering California-based creativity, terroir, choice, innovation, and freshness to craft brewers and distillers. Admiral Maltings fosters a robust connection between craft brewers and distillers and their local agricultural community. Admiral Maltings supports sustainable farming including No-Till, CCOF Organic, and dry farmed grains. Admiral Maltings’ facility has a grey water system and its malt bags are 100% recyclable.

Casa Pacifica’s Award-Winning Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival

April 1, 2020 by evebushman

CAMARILLO, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Tickets are now on sale for the 27th Annual Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival which will be held on Sunday, June 7th, 2020, at CSU Channel Islands! Voted Best Charity Event and Best Food & Drink Festival by VC Reporter eight years running, the all-inclusive festival is a county favorite.

All proceeds from the festival benefit Casa Pacifica, which provides vital programs and services to the community’s most vulnerable children and their families. The festival always sells out so get your tickets early for best pricing. This year, a new ticket level, Admission Plus, is on sale, offering guests the chance to make the most of their afternoon by granting early admission to the general festival area at noon and creating an enhanced festival experience. Admission, Admission Plus, and VIP tickets are available at http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

Casa Pacifica is excited to welcome back to their generous hosts: Conico Oil/MacValley Oil; Mission Produce; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; SDI Industries; The Van Huisen Family; and The Zarley Family. The festival offers a chance for guests to sample food and drinks from over 150 exhibitors including: restaurants, caterers, bakeries, specialty shops, wineries, breweries, and specialty beverages. A large online silent auction offers guests and people not able to attend the chance to bid on must-have baskets and experiences.

The “Best in Fest” competition winners will show off their winning creations, and the Yummie Top Chef competition will crown winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece among the participating exhibitors. Live entertainment throughout the day on the main stage will keep the festival-goers dancing all afternoon.

If you are interested in sponsoring or being an exhibitor at the festival, please visit http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

About Casa Pacifica
Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for foster 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. Casa Pacifica is also a foster family agency, which recruits and trains families for potential placement with a foster youth. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website http://www.casapacifica.org or call the Development & Public Relations Department at (805) 445-7800.

Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley to showcase the best of wine country

September 19, 2019 by evebushman

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — The Santa Ynez Valley will celebrate the bounty of the region in a fresh, unique way with the inaugural Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, a four-day experiential event scheduled for Oct. 17-20. The event will be an immersive experience designed to serve as an introduction to the food, wine, and beer that have made the Santa Ynez Valley the wine country jewel of California’s Central Coast.

Over four days, more than 100 restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, and breweries will come together for nine main events and dozens of ancillary events set in and around the distinct communities that make up the Santa Ynez Valley — Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Solvang, and Santa Ynez. With so much to offer, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley promises to be the signature event on the region’s fall calendar for years to come.

“Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley is meant to be a celebration of everything that has made this region such a world-renowned wine country and foodie destination,” said Shelby Sim, President/CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, which is overseeing the event’s production. “With four days of events incorporating the diverse and unique aspects of all six of our communities, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will offer a little bit of something for everyone, both visitors and locals alike. And it will ultimately put on full display the many reasons the Santa Ynez Valley has earned its reputation as a must-visit wine region.”

Each day of the Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will focus on specific communities in the region, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 17, with a day in the charming Old West town of Los Alamos, and ending on Sunday, Oct. 20, with a celebration of the best of Buellton. The events will include wine tastings, special dinners, vineyard experiences, wine and cheese pairings, grape stomps, cooking classes hosted by local chefs, and much more.

Along the way, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will incorporate longtime favorite events — such as the Solvang Grape Stomp (Oct. 19) and the Los Olivos Day in the Country (Oct. 19) — with an all-new lineup of experiences.

It’s also during Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley that the region will be marking the 15th anniversary of the release of Sideways — the movie that helped put the Santa Ynez Valley wine region on the map — with Sideways Fest. The celebration of the film will include a screening of the movie under the stars at Solvang Festival Theatre and a Sideways-themed Wine Festival.

“One of the most appealing aspects of the The Santa Ynez Valley is that each community has its own culture, offering its unique food and wine experiences,” Sim said. “Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will give each attendee a feel for its diversity, while still enticing each to return for an even deeper exploration of the region.”

The event includes an array of single- and multi-day ticket packages to fit most any budget. For more information on ticket packages and a full list of Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley events, including dates and times, please visit www.tastesyv.com.

About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with their own culture, vibe and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops which colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

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TASTE OF THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY HIGHLIGHT EVENTS

Thursday, Oct. 17 – Los Alamos

Los Alamos Tasting in Ferrini Park: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Bell Street Restaurant Dinner in Los Alamos: 5:30-9 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18 – Santa Ynez

Morning Wine Seminar in Santa Ynez: 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Grand Tasting of Santa Ynez and Happy Canyon Wines: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cooking Class at The Baker’s Table with Chef Robin Goldstein: 2-4 p.m.
Wine and Cheese Seminar: 2-4 p.m.
FrancFest at Gainey Vineyards: 4-6 p.m.
Sideways Movie Experience and Tasting at Solvang Festival Theater: 6-10 p.m.
Grimm’s Bluff Vineyards & Winery Dinner at the Estate: 6:30-10 p.m.
BBQ Dinner and Live Music at Maverick Saloon: 6:30-10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19

Solvang Events:
- Solvang Grape Stomp and Santa Ynez Valley Grand Wine Tasting: 2-5 p.m.
- Pence Vineyards & Winery Dinner at Root 246: 6:30-10 p.m.
- First & Oak Restaurant Winery Dinner: 6:30-10 p.m.
Los Olivos events:
- Los Olivos Wine Roundup + VIP Tent at ‘Day in the Country’: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Day in the Country.
Ballard events:
- Cooking Class with Chef Budi Kazali of The Ballard Inn and The Gathering Table: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Winery Dinner with Chef Budi Kazali of The Ballard Inn and The Gathering Table: 6:30-10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 2 – Buellton

Cutting, Casing and Curing Cooking Class with Industrial Eats + Lunch: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m
Sideways Wine Festival: Noon-4 p.m.
Sta. Rita Hills vs Santa Maria Valley Wine Seminar at the Sideways Inn: 10:30 a.m.-noon
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Craft Beer Dinner: 6-9 p.m.

Santa Ynez Valley: a trip for any generation

September 2, 2019 by evebushman

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — A perfect trip to the Santa Ynez Valley means just a little something different for every visitor. This is exactly what makes the wine country of California’s Central Coast such a gem: With so many incredible options and attractions — from morning hikes that peak with Pacific Ocean views to lush vineyards that produce a broad array of varietals to a diverse culinary scene rooted in the farm-to-table movement — the Santa Ynez Valley offers more than a few things for everyone.

Casa Dumetz Tasting Room.

It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure book … but with better wine.

Less than 45 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), two hours from Los Angeles, and four hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, getting to the Santa Ynez Valley is the easy part. Choosing from the array of unforgettable experiences that the six distinct communities of the Santa Ynez Valley offer is the bigger challenge.

Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you get started:

For the Baby Boomer

Arrive in late afternoon at the Santa Ynez Inn or the Ballard Inn, two of the most charming and romantic wine country bed and breakfasts in California. Once settled in, head to dinner at the Ballard Inn’s The Gathering Table, where award-winning chef Budi Kazali melds Asian and French cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience.

Begin the day with an Old West exploration of the shops, museums, and galleries of Santa Ynez. Then have a local wine tour operator pick you up for a day of wine tasting. First stop is The Lucky Hen Larder, where a gourmet picnic lunch will be prepared and packaged for you to enjoy at one of the many picturesque estate vineyards near Santa Ynez. Finish the day with dinner at S.Y. Kitchen, where you’ll treat yourself to fresh, modern Italian dishes that are almost entirely locally sourced.

Day Two starts with a spa treatment at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa or the The Spa at The Chumash Casino Resort. Next, move to downtown Los Olivos, enjoying lunch at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe. Save time for the boutique shopping, art, and tasting rooms that have given Los Olivos so much character. Then cruise the estate vineyards of Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Cap a perfect day and trip with the refined ranch cuisine of The Bear & Star.

For the Gen X family

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott or the “glamping” experience at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground make Buellton the perfect base for family travelers. In Buellton you’ll find a visit to Ostrichland USA will please the kids while two family-friendly breweries, Figueroa Mountain and Firestone Walker, will help adults unwind after a day of travel.

Day One begins in the storybook Danish-American town of Solvang. Enjoy a famed Aebleskiver at Solvang Restaurant, then treat the kids to a chocolate-making or cookie-decorating experience at one of Solvang’s authentic Danish bakeries. After lunch, it’s time for a group horseback ride through the vineyard with Vino Vaqueros or KAP Land & Cattle. Then relax with a family-friendly wine tasting at Buttonwood Farm and Winery. Return to Solvang for some fun at The Ultimate Escape Room or Space VR (virtual reality) and some authentic Italian at Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Day Two begins at Nojoqui Falls State Park, where a relatively short, shady hike ends with a big payoff. Stop at El Rancho Marketplace for picnic supplies, then head to Lake Cachuma for a day of fishing, wildlife viewing, or water recreation. Finish the day with a casual dinner at La Tequila in Buellton.

For the Millennial

Make your basecamp in the Scandinavian chic confines of The Landsby, an urban retreat in downtown Solvang, or the themed rooms of The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos, nestled in the foodie haven of Los Alamos. Start the trip with dinner at PICO at the Los Alamos General Store, named by Wine Enthusiast as among the best wine country restaurants anywhere.

Begin the first full day with breakfast at The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez followed by a glider ride over the Santa Ynez Valley from Cloud 9 Glider Rides, which operates out of the Santa Ynez Airport. After the ride, head to Los Olivos for a tour and tasting at Global Gardens, renowned for its estate-produced, organic olive oils. Return to Los Alamos, where tasty eats such as the moules frites at Bell’s await. Visit the urban tasting rooms such as Casa Dumetz and finish the day with dinner at Full of Life Flatbread, a pioneer of Los Alamos’ culinary scene.

Begin the second day with a scenic three-hour hike through Gaviota State Park, which includes 2,775 acres of oak-dotted trails, a natural hot spring, and views of the Pacific Ocean. After the hike, grab lunch at Industrial Eats in Buellton then explore the wineries around the area, including Standing Sun Wine, which boasts a unique combination of wine, art and music. End with dinner at First & Oak in Solvang for a truly intimate experience.

For more information or to begin planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, visit visitsyv.com.

Ninth Taste Of Brews Long Beach Announces “Craft Championship Challenge”

August 14, 2019 by evebushman

LONG BEACH, Calif. (PRWEB) – The unique tasting event celebrates its ninth anniversary at the 12-acre, ocean-front peninsula with dozens of craft breweries and select hard ciders, seltzers and kombucha; an amazing mix that includes world-class brands, younger breweries and startups. Foodies can choose from among a variety of options including Gluten-free, Organic and Vegan provided by a diverse selection of mobile restaurants. Live musical entertainment includes the Tom Cats from Riverside and Long Beach’s own Manuel the Band, each performing in different areas of the venue.

Taste of Brews’ features high profile names like Bootleggers (Fullerton), Lagunitas (Petaluma), Ballast Point (San Diego), Sierra Nevada (Chico) and Golden Road (Los Angeles) positioned among younger breweries like Four Sons (Huntington Beach), Concrete Jungle (Ventura), Pacific Plate (Monrovia), Calidad (Los Angeles) and Chihuahua (Newport Beach). Local fan favorites include Common Space, Ten Mile, Rock Bottom, Beachwood, Belmont, Steady, Trademark, Scholb, Liberation, Timeless Pints, Ximix, Hog Canyon, House, Phantom Carriage and Hop Saint.

Other participants include Speakeasy (San Francisco), Guinness (Ireland), All-American (Anaheim), Angry Horse (Montebello), Newcastle Brown Ale (UK), Seekout Seltzer (Oregon), SLO (San Luis Obispo), No Clue (Rancho Cucamonga), Hop Valley (Oregon), 2 Towns Ciderhouse (Oregon), Pacific Plate (Monrovia) and Pizza Port (Carlsbad). Also featured are Boochcraft (Chula Vista), Estrella Jalisco (Mexico), Saint Archer (San Diego), Bocanegra (Mexico), Inquisitors (Los Angeles), Firestone Walker (Paso Robles), Stereo (Placentia), Mike’s Hard Lemonade (Canada), Phantom Carriage (Carson), Santa Ana River (Santa Ana), Rev (Covina), Divine Science (Anaheim), ABK (Germany), Ska (Colorado) and White Claw (Canada) among others.

A hallmark of Taste of Brews, the long-running festival features a number of brands and styles that are new to the marketplace and not yet carried in major retailers. These emerging breweries go head-to-head against established regional and national brands, providing attendees a truly unique tasting experience. The excitement will only be heightened with the all-new, friendly competition. A complete list of participants is located at http://tasteofbrews.com/lbtob.html.

“Taste of Brews is one of the few tasting events where I can try craft brews that I can’t find at Bevmo or Total Wine,” said Carrie Pennington of Torrance, a frequent attendee. “I also can sample larger regional and national brands at the same time. It’s a win-win for attendees.”

Gourmet food trucks include the Green Truck, Bison Burger, Tropic Truck, Middle Feast, Pinch of Flavor, Fettes Schwein, BBQ Smokehouse, Ralph & Riches and Canvas Truck, providing attendees with the largest selection of healthy eating options to date. An extensive recycling program will be in place—all food vendors are required to use environmentally friendly packaging and utensils.

Staged near the Aquarium of the Pacific and across from the iconic Queen Mary, Taste of Brews Long Beach has become a “must do” festival for craft breweries and aficionados alike. The event prides itself on delivering a quality tasting experience; focusing on craft beer and not superfluous activities that do little to enhance or showcase participating breweries.

Taste of Brews’ adheres to strict guidelines including providing sufficient breweries and representatives to speak with the public (in many cases, the brewers themselves), quality portable toilets and multiple food options per attendee, thereby cutting down on unnecessary wait times. A veteran staff provides move-in and out assistance for vendors, ongoing trash and recyclable removal and constant ice replenishment to maintain optimal beer temperature.

The festival employs more licensed/bonded security than similar events, a professional medical (EMS) staff and plenty of free drinking water provided by Essentia Water. Taste of Brews’ prides itself on consistently delivering a first-class tasting environment for breweries and genuine craft beer enthusiasts therefore no tickets are sold via discount sites ensuring an upscale audience of craft beer devotees.

The brewery, cidery, seltzer or kombucha that wins the inaugural Craft Championship Challenge will receive a host of perks as the reigning champion during the 10th Annual Taste of Brews in 2020. Benefits include first choice on positioning, “Super VIP” service throughout the event and priority move-out. In addition to yearlong bragging rights, heading into TOB, the champ will receive prominent logo placement on the Taste of Brews’ website, heightened promotional efforts and more.

Taste of Brews’ online-only pricing starts at $40.00 for the 4-hour session (noon to 4pm) and $30.00 for the 3-hour session (1pm to 4pm) which includes unlimited beer tastes, plenty of free drinking water, food samples, access to food trucks and live entertainment. Prices are due to increase in mid-July and they will be higher at the door. Purchasers of four-hour passes may enter the park early ensuring no wasted time standing in long lines outside the venue.

All attendees must be 21 or older and no children or pets are allowed; apologies but this includes strollers and babies.

Shoreline Aquatic Park AKA Lighthouse Park is located at 200 Aquarium Way in Long Beach. Parking is available at the Pike Parking Structure located at 65 Cedar Ave. for an additional fee. Proceeds benefit the Long Beach Marine Institute and Make-A-Wish OC-IE, both 501(C)(3) non-profits.

A limited number of brewery and vendor spaces remain available. Please contact brewmaster(at)tasteofbrews.com or call (714) 375-1132.

Fans can follow along at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tasteofbrews/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteofbrews/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TasteofBrews
YouTube: https://youtu.be/7kMx16RaBRI

Vintage Eve circa 11/2015: Tasting into the Sunset…in the Vineyard 2015

July 9, 2019 by evebushman

Oh dear, the ladies stepped it up a notch this year! The ladies, those being the hardworking ladies for the Assistance League Santa Clarita, not only gathered a unique group of non-commercial Santa Clarita Valley-based winemakers (only a small handful are commercial), beer brewers, the DeRobertis Family Artisan cheese makers, the ultra-hidden Speakeasy Bakery and College of the Canyons Culinary Arts students – this year they added more space to the two-house-long event by moving a lively auction to the expansive front yard.

L to R: Eve Bushman, Marlee Lauffer, Ann Marie Bjorkman and Alesia Humphries

But that didn’t happen until 2 ½ hours into the event. Guests began by tasting with several winemakers, brewers and food artisans while experiencing one of the rarest sites of the Santa Clarita Valley: the local Compa Vineyard owned by Chris, Jeannie and Tim Carpenter.

Many of the wines we tasted came from grapes grown in and around the Santa Clarita Valley and are similar to the Carpenter’s vineyard; while others source grapes or juice from the Central Coast and beyond. The event, now in it’s 8^th year, has motivated many wannabe winemakers to plant grapevines and become dedicated winemakers.

There were several wines that struck my fancy at the tasting, a benefit of having a designated driver perhaps (and I liked the musicians that serenaded us both in the front and in the back of the property too) while I enjoyed:

Mystic Hills Vineyard Unforgiven blend, Les Deux Chats Zinfandel, Compa Vineyard Rose, Whistling Vineyard Syrah, Hundred Red Vines Zinfandel/Petit Syrah blend, Golden Star Purple Haze and Viognier, Bellissimo Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Bouquet Vineyard 2014 Merlot (my fave of the day) and Cabernet Sauvignon, Due Nasi Mourvedre, Stephen Hemmert 2012 Zinfandel and 2014 Entwined white blend, Reyes Winery 2013 Quinn’s Zinfandel and many others offered by the Beer Garden, Browne Family, Capuano Winery, CP Iconic Wines, Pagter Brothers, Gagnon Cellars, One Vine Four Branches, Alonso Family Vineyards, Pulchella Winery, Two Hearts Vineyard and Nuggucciet Cellars.

I took a bazillion photos of the wines and the people tasting, and turned it into a YouTube slide show you can see here.

Sunset in the Vineyard Artisans

Alonso Family Vineyards, Bellissimo Cellars, Bobcat Red, Bouquet Vineyard, Browne Family, Capuano Winery, Compa Vineyard, Copper Hill Brewery, CP Iconic Wines, DeRobertis Family Artisan Cheeses, Due Nasi, Gagnon Cellars, Golden Star Vineyards, Les Deux Chats Cellars, VNYBC, Mystic Hills Vineyard, Nuggucciet Cellars, Oasis Vineyard, One Vine Four Branches, Pagter Brothers Winery, Pulchella Winery, Reyes Winery, Speakeasy Bakery, Two Hearts Estate Vineyard, Nanno Brewery, Wheelhouse Band and Whistling Vineyard.

What The Auction and Ticket Prices Do For Our Community (From the Assistance League Website)

We provide over 22,000 hours of community service each year and touch the lives of over 3,500 people in our valley. We provide new school clothes for students, we cook meals for convalescent home residents, we provide teddy bears to people in traumatic situations, we play games with schoolchildren in an after school program and we help students see better with new eyeglasses.

We are a hands-on group of individuals committed to helping others in need. We operate Assistance League Resale, an all-volunteer thrift store in downtown Newhall. We hold two fundraisers each year to help fund our programs. An added bonus is that Assistance League members become life-long friends.

Platinum Partners: Woodward and the Magazine of Santa Clarita.

Gold Partners: SGL Group, KHTS AM 1220, LensCrafters, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. John Hamby, C.A.M. Johnson Family Foundation

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column.

Artisan Cheese & Craft Beer in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Region This August

July 8, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Curd nerds and growler geeks can now find fulfillment as they travel with Cheese Journeys on its inaugural adventure to northwestern Vermont, August 8-13, 2019, to some of America’s favorite creameries and breweries, including award-winning Jasper Hill Farms & Cellars and the “Best Brewery in the World,” Hill Farmstead Brewery. The journey will aptly include an exclusive experience at the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival at historic Shelburne Farms on August 11, 2019.

Officially kicking off the tour in the city of Burlington, food trippers will enjoy a convivial signature cocktail featuring a local spirit and brew, followed by a short introduction to food photography before heading to a leisurely dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

The next day travelers head to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom to visit renowned Jasper Hill Farm, one of America’s most innovative and successful artisan cheese businesses. An exclusive visit to the creamery with founders and brothers, Andy and Mateo Kehler, will not only include tasting some of the most prized cheeses in the US and abroad, but will also provide an opportunity to learn about their philosophy of cheesemaking, affinage, and sustainability. A stop at Jasper Hill’s Randi Albert Calderwood Cropping Center, the Farm’s state-of-the-art hay drying facility which allows the company to produce much of their herd’s own feed, contributing to the true taste of Jasper Hill’s products, underscores the meaning of “terroir.”

A behind-the-scenes tour of the Burlington Farmers Market will offer an overview of many of Vermont’s best artisan producers of cheese, meats, cider, and even veggie fermenters. Mad River Distillers and Lake Champlain Chocolates are just two of the several specialty food makers that will be visited. During an exclusive Vermont Cheesemakers Dinner, including cheesemakers (naturally) and the director of the Vermont Cheese Council, Tom Bivens, guests will learn about the Vermont cheese scene in more depth.

At the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, idyllically located on the shores of Lake Champlain, travelers will enjoy VIP admittance as they meet up with nearly fifty cheesmakers as well as local wine, craft beer, and numerous other food and beverage purveyors in attendance. Presentations about farmstead and artisan cheesemaking, cooking demos, workshops, and educational seminars are all awaiting at the festival.

A return to Shelburne Farms with a cheese-tasting and tour of the grounds, as well as a stop at Shelburne Vineyards to enjoy their award-wining wines will add to the appreciation of this region’s agricultural heritage and diversification.

Finally, no cheese venture to Vermont would be complete without a stop at Vermont Creamery, one of the country’s best-known goat dairies. Company president, Adeline Druart, will reveal how co-founders, Allison Hooper and Bob Reese, developed their highly-acclaimed fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter, and other European-style dairy products 35 years ago.

Cheese Journeys founder, Anna Juhl, will lead this adventure throught the back country of Vermont, accompanied by two co-hosts: Tenaya Darlington, author and academian who goes by ‘Madame Fromage,’ and Jeff Roberts, author and one of Vermont’s food-scene experts. Believing in the importance of cheese education, Curds & Co (Brookline, MA), The Cheese Shop (Concord, MA), and Fairfield Cheese Company (Fairfield, CT) are collaborating with Cheese Journeys on this trip. FREE travel to and from Burlington, VT is available at each of these three locations.