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by Shonna Howenstine
 While the exact origins of Valentine’s Day are hazy, the current manner of celebrating the holiday in Paso Robles is clear – it’s all about love, romance, and…food.
That’s right, food. Valentine’s Day is the second busiest day of the year for most restaurants (right
behind New Year’s Eve) and this is great news for lovebirds AND foodies. If the way to a lover’s heart is through the stomach, then Paso Robles is the place to be for Valentine's Day. Our restaurants and wineries pull out all the stops with their Valentine’s Day menus.
Here are a few examples:
Continue reading "Valentine’s Day in Paso Robles" »
 By Coy Barnes, The Wine Wrangler
Want to get away? I recommend taking an extended Valentine’s Tour in Paso Robles.
Due to the new incarnation of Paso Robles’ Hotel Month (book a two nights stay and get the third night free PLUS a bottle of Paso Robles wine), exploring our wine region just got easier. In additon to wine, there are lots of things to do in the area to fill your days and evenings… here is a sample itinerary for you:
Day 1 (Saturday February 11)
There are many leisurely events that you can take part in during the day starting on Saturday.
 For those romantics at heart, Edward Sellers Vineyards & Wines has a special music event “Sax in the Vineyard”. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Le Vigne Winery, and Twilight Cellars are offering chocolate and wine pairings to please your palate. Or, Sextant Wines is offering a Harbor Cruise with wine and food pairing from 1-4pm in Morro Bay.
On into the evening there are many wineries offering Valentine dinners such as: Croad Vineyards, Calcareous, Mitchella, Graveyard, Christian Lazo, and Eberle who is currently planning their annual Black Tie Valentine Dinner in the Caves.
If a Valentines Dinner is not what you are looking for, Saturday evening, D’Anbino Vinyards and Winery has a jazz band playing from 8-10pm.
Day 2 (Sunday, February 12)
Make reservations in advance for a Brunch at the Grill at Hunter Ranch – brunch is served from 9 to 2pm. Kelly, the restaurants’ chef, serves up her special bacon, sausage, prime rib, cheese blintzes, cheesecakes and more. There is something for everyone in the family. Don’t forget the bottomless Mimosas! Unbelievable!
After that, continue to Twilight Cellars where they are still offering chocolate infused appetizers and wine or any other winery you didn’t get to the day before.
To top off the day – return to downtown Paso Robles for Movie Night at the Theatre where they will show a 1938 movie “Bringing up Baby” starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
Day 3 (Monday, February 13)
Take a break from the wine and visit the coast or Hearst Castle. We're only 30 minutes away form Morro Bay and Cambria, and 40 minutes from the Hearst Castle Visitor Center.
Day 4 (Tuesday – Valentine’s Day)
If you decide to extend your stay, celebrate Valentine's Day at Robert Hall Winery or Pear Valley Vineyards for their special dinners.
Anytime during your stay from February 11-14th, complete your oenophilic journey with a special chocolate and port tasting at the Paso Robles Wine Club featuring a variety of wineries ports or make reservations for the Wine Wrangler’s Valentine Tour that visits between 4-6 wineries.
Isn't it lucky that Valentine's Day falls during Paso Robles Hotel Month? See you next month!
For more information on Paso robles lodging, dining, wineries and attractions, go to www.TravelPaso.com
Coy Barnes is the owner of the Paso Robles Wine Club, a wine club that sends an assortment of Paso Robles wines; and The Wine Wrangler, Paso Robles’ longest running wine tour service. Both businesses are located at the Paso Robles Train Station.
by Danika Reed, Vivant Fine Cheese 
Hello Cheese Lovers!
The ladies at Vivant enjoy a good love story, but even more than that, we looove a good treat - especially when cheese is involved. Valentine's Day is coming up, and we have a recipe that is sure to charm that special someone (trust us, we've all used it!). Danika's Signature Cheesecake doesn't require any time in the oven, so you will impress with just a little work. We love the Central Coast as much as we love desserts, so we incorporated a local Creme Fraiche into the mix and topped our cake with a Roxo Port Reduction Sauce. We hope you find our cheesecake irresistible - have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Vivant Signature Cheesecake
Filling
1 2-pound container Sierra Nevada All Natural Cream Cheese
1 Quart Kendall Farms Crème Fraiche
1 Vanilla Bean
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup granulated sugar
Crust
2 packages Graham Crackers
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar Packed
1/2 cup Butter
Topping
1 Bottle Roxo Port
¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
In large metal bowl combine cream cheese, lemon juice and ½ cup of sugar. Scrape inside of vanilla bean and add to other ingredients. Mix on high speed until well combined and fluffy. In separate bowl add crème fraiche and ½ cup sugar. Beat on high speed until very stiff peaks form. Fold the two mixtures together until combined being careful not to mix too much.
In food processor combine graham crackers, cinnamon and brown sugar. Process on high speed until well combined. Melt butter and while processor is running slowly drizzle into mixture. Scrape sides and bottom of processor and mix one more time to fully combine. Spread onto cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Let cool before serving.
In a heavy saucepan combine port and sugar. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium. Keep at a rolling boil for approximately 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully to determine desired thickness. Pour into glass measuring cup to let cool.
On individual plates break up crust add a scoop of filling and top with a drizzle of Roxo Port wine reduction. Enjoy!
Danika Reed is the Cheese Monger at Vivant Fine Cheese, located in historic downtown Paso  Robles. The Central Coast's premier cheese tasting room features 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 Tina Swithin
 If you anything like me, you either have New Year's Eve planned months in advance or you are trying to invite yourself to a party at the very last minute. In this case, you would be known as a "New Year's Eve Crasher". This year is a great example-- I herby admit to being a New Year's Eve Crasher. I had the very best intentions for advanced planning but once again I find myself sitting here pondering...what to do? What to do?
Luckily for me (and for you), I have an inside connection which is known as the "Paso Robles Insider". I made some phone calls and discovered a few places to ring in the New Year- Paso Robles style! If you are staring at an empty calendar entry for December 31, 2011, please don't fret. Grab your phone, pen and calendar and let's start planning!
One event that I discovered was the Twilight Masquerade at Robert Hall Winery. Attendees are asked  to arrive in formal attire and you will be given a mask at the door. If you really want to get into the festivities, grab your favorite masquerade costume and plan to have a New Year's Eve for the memory books.
This event takes place in the cavern at Robert Hall Winery and there are actually two options for the evening. You can enjoy dinner, music and dancing or if you choose to forgoe the dinner and just hit the dance floor while partaking in appetizers, wine and good music. Click here for additional information on the Twighlight Mascarade at Robert Hall Winery.
Another fabulous event that I came across is the New Year's Eve Celebration at the luxurius La Bellasera Hotel. The evening kicks off from 7-8pm with a welcome reception where you will enjoy Hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary signature cocktail. Then, enjoy their opulent five course dinner including a  premium cheese tasting, stacked caprese salad, lemon sorbet intermezzo, an entree of Filet Mignon & Prosciutto wrapped Scallops with Grilled Scallion Mashed Potatoes and Balsamic Glazed Asparagus, and finally a dessert trio including a champagne cupcake, chocolate covered strawberry and chocolate mousse! Enjoy party favors, a special midnight toast and more.
PS: A little birdie told me that there are lodging packages available so you can really ring in the New Year in style!
You can also head out for the Fabulous Forties Wine Maker Dinner at Poalillo Vineyards which starts at 8pm. Partake in a gourmet, five course winemaker's dinner while enjoying Poalillo Wines and a champagne toast at midnight. Please come dressed elegant, dressy or in your finest 40's attire. Click here to view the menu and additional details.
Happy New Year!!!
Tina Swithin is the PR Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.
by Danika Reed, Vivant Fine Cheese
Hello Cheese Lovers!
The holidays are all about getting together with family and friends to reflect on the past year and spend some quality time celebrating all that we are so fortunate to have. Of course, getting together usually involves food, and in our case, definitely involves cheese! One of the most enjoyable eating experiences is gathering a  group of friends around a big pot of fondue. It feels so festive and cozy, especially this time of year!
In our holiday shipment of our Vivant Fine Cheese Club, we included a classic fondue cheese: Comtè. We also included Danika's "famous" fondue recipe.
Danika's Famous Classic Swiss Fondue
Ingredients:
1/2 pound Comte, grated
1/2 pound Central Coast Creamery Holey Cow Baby Swiss
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons Kirsch (optional)
1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
Crusty French bread, cubed, for dipping
Method:
1. Use the clove of garlic to rub the inside of a fondue pot (if ceramic) or other large pot. 
2. Pour dry white wine into the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch and Kirsch (can substitute chicken broth).
4. Gradually add the Comtè and Holey Cow to the saucepan and stir constantly. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
5. When the cheese has just melted, gradually stir in the cornstarch and Kirsch mixture.
6. Allow fondue to simmer, still constantly stirring, for 5 minutes or until thickened.
7. If necessary, transfer fondue to fondue pot. Set the flame beneath the fondue pot to medium and use fondue forks to dip bread into cheese.
Enjoy!
Danika Reed is the Cheese Monger at Vivant Fine Cheese, located in historic downtown Paso Robles. The Central Coast's premier cheese tasting room features 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 Sasha Irving, Studios on the Park
Downtown Paso Robles is an art lover’s paradise during the month of December. Unique shows at three local fine art venues offer exciting original works for everyone on your list!
 Winter White: Creativity comes to life with Studios on the Park’s current show, Winter White. This juried exhibition features artistic interpretations of the color of the season by more than 30 local artists. Juror and judge John Cosby selected original works in a variety of media that demonstrate personal vision and creative approach as well as excellence in execution. Studios on the Park, a nonprofit open studios art center, is located at 1130 Pine Street. For more information visit www.StudiosOnThePark.org.
 The Armstrong Collection: Pierce Modern Gallery is hosting the Cal Poly Duane & Annie Armstrong exhibit through January 2012. Working hand in hand, Cal Poly and PierceModern have made this fundraising show a success, with all Cal Poly proceeds going to support the arts and education. Since this is a fundraising event, there are currently two silent auctions going on for the two signature paintings shown and all offers are considered on any of the other paintings in the gallery. A must see show for your holidays. Pierce Modern Gallery, located at 617 12th Street, is open Thursday through Monday.
For more information, call 805.975.4860 or visit www.PierceModern.com
A Little Nightmare Before Christmas: Vale Fine Art is proud to present “Nightmare Before Christmas,” a two-man show featuring the extraordinary work of Neo Gothic pop-surrealists, Edward Walton Wilcox and Lee Harvey Roswell. The exhibition will be on view from December 13 through January 13, 2012. An opening reception for the artists will be at the gallery on Tuesday, December 13 from 6pm-9pm. 
The work of Edward Walton Wilcox exposes his darkest dreaming; hand-carved Gothic altarpieces soar twelve feet high while young maidens in nightgowns and child-size skeletons are captured in landscapes of blazing windmills. Hauntingly beautiful, the work is overt in its reference to Gothic convention, in both content and physical facture. Wilcox explains his art saying, "I am fascinated with the fine line between beauty and repulsion as I continue to navigate the 'dangerous reaches of the unconscious' whereby a 'romance troubled by nightmares' may be further explored."
 Lee Harvey Roswell is a self-taught artist from Freefall, New York, whose work is noted for its blend of angst and humor. Themes of death and entropy, tribulation and futility run amok in his distinctly surreal, often-slapstick/ often-nightmarish world. The result is at once mocking and melancholic.
Vale Fine Art is located at 619 12th Street (beside Pierce Modern Gallery). For more information contact gallery owner Madeline Vale via email at ValeFineArt@gmail.com or by phone at 310-795-4680.
Sasha Irving is the Programs Director of Studios on the Park and the Coordinator of the annual Paso Robles Festival of the Arts. Proud to be a native Paso Roblan, she is also a member of Balet Folklorico Cachanilla and an usher at Old Mission San Miguel Arcangel. For more information please visit www.studiosonthepark.org or call 805.238.9800
by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance
 Are you still seeking that special gift for the one you love? Luckily, I’ve done the work so you can rest assured that you’ll have the best gift under the tree. I happily continue on my quest to bring you the very best gift ideas in Paso Robles. The theme for this series is quite simple: Rest, Relation and Pampering in Paso Robles.
Continue reading "Give the Gift of Rest, Relaxation and Pampering in Paso Robles" »
by Jim Allen, Director of Marketing for Hearst Castle
 For the past 23 years, I have been fortunate to enjoy the holiday season and decorations at Hearst Castle from an insider viewpoint. As I made my way up the familiar winding hilltop road this past week, I was just as excited as the very first time I traveled the very same route many years ago. The extraordinary Christmas displays at Hearst Castle are something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
People often ask my advice on which tour I recommend for the holiday season. The Grand Rooms Tour is a great way to see the house during the holidays as that tour includes the most lavishly decorated rooms. You will be able to tour the Assembly Room, Refectory, and the Morning Room. In my personal opinion, you really can’t go wrong when selecting a tour to see Christmastime at the Castle as there are decorations throughout the entire estate.
Continue reading "Holiday Magic on the Hilltop at Hearst Castle " »
by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance
 As you all know by now, I am smitten with Paso Robles. They just don't come any more charming than Paso! There are so many events throughout the year that add to the appeal of this fabulous town.
One such event (and one of my personal favorites!) is the Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase. This isn't just another holiday event to add to your calendar, this is a must-do! Grab your friends, your neighbors and your co-workers and create a new family tradition.
Continue reading "A Magical Night in Paso Robles: Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase" »
By Shonna Howenstine, City of Paso Robles Tourism Coordinator
 After hearing a visitor say last year that they planned to purchase items made in or near Paso Robles during the holiday season, we agreed that the idea was genius and set to work compiling THE LIST. That's right, we would put into one place every item we know of that is made or can only be found in Paso Robles. Our shopping adventure took us through websites that in turn inspired our imaginations AND made checking off our shopping lists remarkably easy and fun.
Continue reading "Give the Gift of Paso Robles" »
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