Have you ever been to a cigar festival?

They are a rare breed indeed, and we have one here in Paso Robles that is raising the bar on cigar events.

Crush and Roll West, the only cigar event within 200 miles, celebrates all things cigar with a definite Paso twist.

by Danika Reed - Owner, Vivant Fine Cheese

Hello cheese lovers!

I have to confess, being a Northern SLO County native, I absolutely love this time of the year!  The hotter the better for me. While many people don’t associate cheese with our beautiful summer weather, relegating it the “comfort food” category of the cooler months, I would like to try to open some minds and hopefully change this misconception altogether with one of my favorite pairings of the summer. 

For our August event on the patio at Vivant Fine Cheese, we teamed up with Caliza Winery to present a cool, creamy, crisp and udderly ( I couldn’t resist!) fantastic line up of summer wine and cheese pairings. 

Caliza makes what might just be the most fabulous summer wine available (though quantities are limited) called “Pink”.  With notes of fresh summer st rawberries, this wine speaks so delicately and completely to one of our very favorite cheeses.  A beautiful, creamy, soft ripened organic California cows milk cheese from the famed Cowgirl Creamery named Inverness. When enjoyed at the peak of ripeness this cheese produces a fireworks display for all of your senses. 

Serving this pairing at your next get together will ensure you will be the talk of the town!  So get out and enjoy this gorgeous weather and … don’t forget the cheese!!      
 
Thanks!
Danika

BIO: Danika Reed is the Cheese Monger at Vivant Fine Cheese, located in historic downtown Paso Robles. The Central Coast's premier cheese tasting room, featuring premium, local and imported, handcrafted artisan cheeses paired with the finest Central Coast wine and beer.  Danika is our monthly guest blogger for Cheese'n it Up!

By Julie Matthews, Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

The excitement is building as Paso Robles ‘revs up’ for the Annual Paso Robles Classic Car Weekend, September 2 – 4, 2011 in historic downtown Paso Robles. The Paso Robles Classic Car Show Weekend serves as a fun activity for locals as well as out of town visitors. This year will feature more cars, more fun, with the addition of a Sunday Poker Run, BBQ, and Live Music.

The Weekend will feature three days packed with car show excitement including a Friday cruise in the historic downtown, a Saturday car show in the City Park, and a Sunday Poker Run. The Cruise and Car Show are FREE to attend for spectators and enthusiasts.

Friday Cruise- September 2, 2011 Kick off Labor Day Weekend Friday night with a preview of the gorgeous classic show cars when they hit historic downtown Paso Robles. Be a part of the excitement by attending the cruise on Spring Street. Bring a chair and enjoy a free show or call for special VIP seating.

Saturday Car Show-September 3, 2011
The Classic Car Show opens Saturday morning in the beautiful downtown City Park from 9 am to 4 pm. The Show will feature immaculate cars from 1979 and prior. All cars must be finished, licensed and insured to take part in the show. Automotive vendors will also be on site to help you turn your own car into the car of your dreams. A full day of shiny classic cars, great vendors, music, and fun!

Sunday Poker Run- September 4, 2011 Conclude the weekend as car enthusiasts will drive through Paso Robles Wine Country participating in the first annual Poker Run starting at 11 am. Participants will check-in and begin their route at Pioneer Museum where they will receive a map with stops and directions. Additional stops include Silver Horse Winery, Vina Robles Winery, Estrella Warbird Museum with a tour or Dick Woodland’s car collection and the final stop at Le Vigne Winery for a BBQ and Live Music by local favorite, Rhythm Method. Participants will receive randomly drawn poker cards at each location stop. Prizes will be awarded for the best hand, worst hand and more. The Poker run is included with Car Registration, $25 without Registration or $20 for BBQ only.

The 2011 Paso Robles Classic Car Weekend will be packed with car show excitement, food, wine, shopping, and Poker Run Fun!

Hosted and organized by the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, Golden State Classics Car Club and the City of Paso Robles.

For more information, call 805.238.0506 or to register your vehicle, go to www.visitpaso.com

by Tina Swithin

This series, Down on the Farm is one of my favorite blogs to write. I meet the most amazing people and I get to shine a spotlight on local families who truly inspire me with their positive attitudes and hard working mentalities. In today’s fast paced world, it is refreshing to slow down a notch and take a glimpse into our local farm life.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking to Joy Barlogio, owner of Jack Creek Farms. This year’s growing season has caused a huge delay in the opening season for the family farm. After my conversation with Joy, I looked up the expression “Patience is a Virtue”. The definition was, “The ability to wait for something without getting angry or upset is a valuable quality in a person”. That sums up Joy’s attitude which is honestly quite inspiring.

Joy explained, “We learn and grow with the trials life throws at us. We need to have faith and trust – and we all need to help each other when we can”. Help each other they do — this family doesn’t hire outside help and works as a team of four on all farm duties — Tim, Joy and their daughters, Becky and Mandy. 

When you pull into Jack Creek Farms, a fifth generation family farm, the family’s love for their business is contagious and the story of their family is worth the read. Depending on the season, there are u-pick berries, herbs, vegetables, fruit, pumpkins and flowers. You can come out and play a friendly game of horseshoes, try roping a dummy steer, climb haystacks or hand-pump water the old fashioned way.

There are photo ops galore – perch your little one in the wooden train or snap pictures while they are petting the goats or viewing the bunnies. Bring your picnic lunch out and create an afternoon of memories. Dessert is always the way to end a day— Joy bakes daily and you can find fresh cookies, cobblers, crisps and breads using the eggs, fruit, honey, wheat and walnuts from the farm. They also make fudge which is my personal favorite!

Bring the while family and kick off the season with the Old Fashioned Threshing Bee event on August 27^th from 10am-1pm. Step back into a simpler time and connect with the past- watch as they bind, stack, thresh, sack, clean and grind the wheat grain into flour just like it was done in the early 1900’s. You can even purchase freshly harvested whole wheat berries directly from the antique threshing machine.

Admission is free and the Tim, Joy, Becky and Mandy personally invite you!

Guest Blogger
Christopher Taranto, Marketing Director, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

An entire month dedicated to wine seems almost extreme, but then again, we are Californians. Bacchussessive images (yes, I just made that word up) come to mind - men and women draped in toga’s feeding one another grapes; dining tables adorned with cornucopias line the middle rows of purple hued vineyards; and lamp posts along main street bound with grapevines in post-apocalyptic fashion. Ok, that last one was a bit much, but I am a marketer and my mind got a little carried away. Although in a strange way, it does take us back to center since California Wine Month is a program developed to market the virtues of California wine by raising the awareness of this industry whose $61.5B economic impact is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.

September symbolically marks the beginning of harvest each year, so it was logical seven years ago when this campaign began to designate it as California Wine Month. The month-long campaign, organized by the Wine Institute, highlights the significance of California wine to the economy through advertisements, public relations programs, winery events, retailer promotions, and restaurant specials. Wine Institute and its more than 1,000 wineries and associated businesses seek to elevate the recognition of California wines locally, regionally and nationally. Ultimately, this program helps define who this industry is and places meaning behind its effort.

When you look at the big picture, California makes 90 percent of all U.S. wine and is the world’s 4th leading wine producer after France, Italy and Spain. It’s amazing to think that there are only 3,400 wineries in California and the greater majority of them are family-owned businesses competing on the world’s stage. There are approximately 4,600 wine grape growers and 535,000 acres of wine grapes being grown in our state, which represent one of the top three agricultural commodities in California.

In Paso Robles Wine Country, we celebrate our leading industry regularly with numerous festivals and gatherings that focus on wine and agriculture, utilize its facets to help raise funds for causes, or simply complement an event. However, California Wine Month provides a platform each year to appreciate our wine community and the more than 400 wineries and winegrape growers that employ more than 8,000 of our neighbors and create a local economic impact of $1.5B. It is once a year that we take a little time to recognize these contributions to our quality of life and invite others to celebrate with us.

The excellent quality of life in our region is palatable, with so many great culinary offerings as well as complementary shops and services; which arguably may not exist if not for our agricultural roots. One thing that rings true is that the local community could not support all these wine industry associated businesses alone. Our wine country lifestyle is shared by approximately 1.2 million visitors each year who purchase our wines, stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, and spend dollars in our community. Thank you to those visitors who entrust their wine country experience to us; and cheers to our local wine community whose personal goals for a better life have such resonating results.

Whether you are a resident or live out of the area, we invite you to visit Paso Robles Wine Country in September during California Wine Month. Many wineries and related businesses have events and promotions scheduled for the month for your indulgence. If a visit to Paso Robles Wine Country is not in your near future, then I encourage you to raise a glass (preferably a glass of Paso Robles wine) and toast to California Wine Month!

Cheers to California Wine Month!

by Tina Swithin

With the Paso Robles Olive Festival just behind us, I've had olives and olive oil on the brain for weeks. I've naturally decided to feature a scrumptious recipe that took Grand Prize in the Discover California Extra Virgin Olive Oil Contest sponsored by Paso's very own, We Olive . Recipes poured in from around the state and one lucky chef walked away with an amazing prize package which is the culinary adventure of a lifetime.  The Grand Prize package was a stay at The Olive Cottage- Bed & Breakfast at Alta Cresta Orchard, VIP Admission to the Paso Robles Olive Festival, Olive Oil Sensory Class given by the UC Davis Olive Center, expert-guided tour of an olive orchard, wine tasting tour and a $100 shopping spree to We Olive.  

This month’s Pairings in Paso recipe was submitted by A.J. Dale and has scored a prime spot in my recipe book. Being a full-time, working mom, there are a few components that are required for a recipe to secure a spot in my personal cookbook: healthy, simple and mouthwatering. This recipe scored high in all three categories. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

California Sea Bass with Citrus Jalapeño Herb Vinaigrette
Note from AJ Dale: Using fresh, simple ingredients, including California EVOO, this healthy, flavorful entrée takes under 20 minutes to prepare

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 teaspoons honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup We Olive Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
¼ cup We Olive Tuscan Varietal Blend Olive Oil
1 jalapeno, seeded & diced
5 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (any combination of dill, flat leaf parsley, thyme, cilantro or basil)
Salt & pepper to taste

4 – 7 ounce pieces of California White Sea Bass
1 tablespoon buttery California EVOO (We used We Olive Mission Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Salt & pepper

Preparation:
Whisk first 7 ingredients in a small bowl. Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the vinaigrette. Stir in jalapeno and herbs. Salt & pepper to taste. Set aside while preparing fish.

Prepare grill (medium-high heat). Brush fish with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until just opaque in center, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to plates. Top with Chili Citrus Herb Vinaigrette and serve.

Pair with Twin Coyotes Winery 2010 Vermentino

This recipe was so delicious and fun to make that I wanted to secure the perfect pairing leaving no room for error. I knew exactly who to contact for advice—Coy Barnes, The Wine Wranger. I had a response from Coy within minutes suggesting the 2010 Vermentino from Twin Coyotes Winery in Paso Robles.  This particular wine was the Silver Medal Winner in the 2011 SF Chronicle Wine Competition.  The chilled, food-friendly wine is amazingly fruity and floral, perfectly complimenting the spicy, herby and citrusy flavors from the sea bass dish. Oak barrels were not used in an effort to preserve the pure fruit and the mission was successful in my humble opinion. A fun, summer wine made by fun people—as their website says, “We believe wine should be fun. Enjoy the wines, drink responsibly, and occasionally howl at the moon. After all, life should be fun.”

By Tina Swithin

Vino therapy.  Sounds redundant, doesn’t it?  The normal rule of thumb is that you have to wait until 5pm for vino therapy but all of that is about to change.  When I first read about Vino+Therapy Studios , I immediately sent an email to my colleagues stating, “We need THIS in Paso Robles”.  Vino+Therapy is located just down the road in the little town of Atascadero; however, I was excited to discover that they have several fabulous collaborations underway in Paso Robles. 

 Being a blogger for Inside Paso Robles, you can imagine my delight when I first heard the news.  I now have an excuse to drink wine and indulge in spa treatments.  Pinch me.  I promptly called Nena Benson, owner of Vino+Therapy and she graciously invited me to her studio for a wine foot soak and a mini spa treatment.  Did I mention that they put a glass of wine in your hand while all of this is taking place? 

“Do not disturb” should have been posted on my forehead: I was in vino heaven.  

While my tired feet were soaking in wine, I was growing increasingly curious about these “vino treatments” and what makes them different from other spa products.  As it turns out, the high antioxidant count in wine has health benefits for your skin AND body.  I’ve given wine the proper credit all of these years for the de-stressing properties of my mind—now I find out that it’s good for the my skin too!  Nena explained, “The antioxidants, vitamins and minerals of the wine are used for so many things.  At Vino+Therapy, we use local, plant derived skin care products using certified organic ingredients and grape seeds which are an antioxidant-rich byproduct of winemaking.  The ingredients are designed to work together to deliver skin plumping antioxidants to your face and body which keep you looking young and radiant.”        

As if the wine-spa and wine tasting wasn't enough, they also have a "Local Fare" menu offering cheese plates and tapas.  There are also plans in place for an outdoor patio where you can sit and enjoy gourmet delights, wine and live music. 

Here are a few of the ways you can experience Vino+Therapy in Paso Robles:

• The Ultimate Wine Experience

Vino+Therapy Studio is now colaborating with UnCorked Wine Tours to offer a package fit for a queen-- a wine tasting adventure, gourmet lunch, day at the spa and photos of the entire affair!  They also offer local pick up and drop off.  Let Vino+Therapy Studio and Uncorked Wine Tours pamper you.  I know one thing for sure- you don't have to ask me twice.

• Crush and Roll West Cigar Festival

Vino+ Therapy offers their “on location” wine spa services during this fun filled event.  Indulge in chair massages, wine foot soaks and champagne sugar-scrub hand treatment. Crush and Roll West

• Private Events

Bring Vino+Therapy Studio to your next Paso Robles event.  Guests will be talking about their experience even after the wine stops flowing!  

• Dunning Vineyards

Find Vino+Therapy Studio on location at the Villa located at Dunning Vineyards.  

 

By Nancy Hoover

This Paso Robles Winery is located near the Estrella River Bench on the North East side of Paso Robles wine country. In fact, the winery was once known as the Estrella River Winery before it changed ownership in the late 1980s. The winery's first vintages were produced wine from Napa Valley fruit, but today produces mostly Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County wines. The home ranch, as they call it, is nestled in Paso Robles wine country.

Can you guess the winery?

by Guest Blogger and Wedding Planner, Sarah Angelique

Hello Wed Heads!

You would think I would have run out of things to say about weddings, well you would be wrong.  I never tire of wedding talk and have lots of tips, thoughts and advice on planning your perfect day. 

Recently, this year, I have planned and coordinated quite a few weddings and events with tents as the main venue location.  Some planned with purpose and some were forced under cover due to rain.  No matter the reason, tents are an awesome option for your wedding day if done properly.

Paso Robles has beautiful rolling hills, 100 year oak trees and golden fields.  Any wide, open space lends itself perfectly for a tent wedding.  Many properties in Paso Robles are large lots with acreage.  If you don’t personally have a large property then I’m sure you know someone who does.  If you don’t- I have plenty of suggestions for you!  

This amazing tent ( John Patrick Images  ) was set up for a wedding at ‘Under the Creston Stars’ for a wedding of 300 guests.  Unlimited Events in Paso Robles spent two days creating this incredible tent. Tents have many options and sizes.  You start with the canopy to create a room like effect.  You can then build your tent to suit your needs.  Walls, windows, lighting, heating, draping and even actual doors can be added. 

Tents can also provide much needed shelter.  This June was a great example- it randomly rained in Paso Robles.  On this particular rainy day, I had two events planned and was desperately seeking tents at the last minute to shield almost 300 guests.  This is when having a wedding planner really pays off.  I called my contacts and literally rented the last three tents they had.  One was a simple canopy for a private event.  The other was for a wedding.  After calming down the understandably upset bride - I sprung into action mode.  Up went a gorgeous tent complete with walls and full draping inside.  It was stunning and the bride was thrilled!
 
There is a lot to know when renting and putting up a tent.  There are laws that need to be followed and permits that need to be secured.  Knowing what size tent you need for your event is key—you wouldn’t want to turn guests away due to improper planning!  Always make sure you are working with qualified wedding professionals in any situation. 

Call me and let’s start planning your stunning tent reception!

 

by Tina Swithin

Save the Date- August 20th, 2011, 10:00am to 5:00pm, Downtown City Park

Paso Robles is known for its festivals.  Find a reason to throw a party and Paso Robles is on board.  It’s just another reason why I love this town—I love parties!  The 8th Annual Olive Festival is right around the corner and I am getting excited.  A festival to celebrate olives, tapenades, extra virgin olive oils (EVOO), and other fabulous olive inspired products.  This is what I imagine Culinary Heaven to be like.  You can count me in!