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 by Tina Swithin
Mmmm....the smell of lavender is in the air! Just a whiff of lavender has the ability to instantly relax me. I look forward to the month of May because I know that I'll be receiving a call from a lovely woman by the name of Lila at Central Coast Lavender Farms. That phone call means that the farm is officially open. There is a short window of time each summer before harvest when you can actually get a sneak peek behind the scenes and into the world of lavender. That time has come!
Head on out to Central Coast Lavender Farm for a unique look at Organic Lavender Farming here on the Central Coast. You will be able to see up close and personal how Lavender is grown and distilled. You will learn about the different varieties of this extraordinary herb as well as its historical uses in both aromatherapy and culinary dishes. You are also welcomed to stroll the many fields of lavender for a unique look at sustainable agriculture. Embark on a seasonal but amazing, self-guided tour of all things lavender.
The Farm is open during bloom on the following dates in 2012:
Friday & Saturday, May 18th and 19th, 10:00 – 5pm. 
Friday & Saturday, May 25th and 26th, 10:00-5pm.
Friday & Saturday, June 1st & 2nd, 10:00 – 5pm
Friday & Saturday, June 8th & 9th, 10:00 – 5pm
Friday & Saturday, June 15th & 16th, 10:00 – 5pm
(Closed June 22 and 23 for the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival)
Friday & Saturday, June 29th & 30th, 10:00 – 5pm
Private tours of the farm are available from mid-May through June. If you are interested, just email the farm to discuss availability. Visit the farm during the Lavender Bloom Celebration where you can tour the fields, enjoy distilling demonstrations, sample lavender goodies, learn about growing, discover the many uses of lavender and much more! Check their website to keep up to date on the Bloom Celebration and more.
While I have lavender on my mind, make sure you add the Central Coast Lavender Festival to your calendar on July 14, 2012. This free event celebrates 'everything lavender' and you will find lavender cuisine, oils, dipping sauces, ice cream and education. You will enjoy demonstrations, vendors, music and children's activities all day long.
Since summer is (almost) upon us, I can't leave you without sharing an amazing, refreshing recipe for Lavender Mint Tea Punch, compliments of Central Coast Lavender. De-licious!
Lavender Mint Tea Punch
6 teaspoons dried mint
6 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon Central Coast Lavender Farms organic dried lavender blossoms
1 liter ginger ale
1 cup purple grape juice
Ice cubes with fresh mint leaf frozen in each
Brew the mint in the water in a teapot for ten minutes. Add the lavender blossoms to the pot. Allow tea to cool. Strain the tea and add the ginger ale, grape juice and ice cubes. If serving in a punch bowl, float lavender buds and mint sprigs on top.
Central Coast Lavender Farm
(805) 233-3288
Toll Free: 1-888-327-6528 Click here for directions to the farm.
Tina Swithin is the Marketing 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 Jennifer Knoll
In Paso Robles we have at our disposal an abundance of fresh, flavorful, organic local produce and meats, virtually all year long. I've become obsessed with shopping for all my veggies, fruits, and sometimes my entire meal, at Farmer’s Markets. Most of the time I go in blind, seeking inspiration from whatever combinations look freshest. And as we find ourselves in late spring, on the verge of summer, the Farmers' tables are starting to blow-up with possibilities – many items begging to be thrown onto the grill!
So with the grill in the back of my mind – and the anticipation of a warm, breezy evening on the patio under the shade – I walked through Paso's Tuesday Market in the near 90 degree heat thinking of the crisp, clean, chilly bottle of Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc I chose for the night, opting to food shop for this particular bottle. With its crisp acidity, granny smith and citrus that are softened by its vibrant minerality and hints of fennel and dill, I knew that the fresh tarragon in my herb bin was going to make it into this show.
But what else?
Walking through the Tuesday farmer’s market I felt a sense of mild regret in that I was only doing one Pairings in Paso post for the month of May: the amazing spring colors of ridiculously fresh beets, radishes, carrots, lemons, oranges, peas, strawberries were overloading my senses! My mind was whirling with the possibilities and almost endless combos. I tried to be logical, determined to keep it simple. My chilling wine would be perfect for the chicken thawing at home, along with the fresh tarragon from my friends at 3 Kids Farm. In addition, I picked up some Cara Cara oranges, a Meyer lemon, and some crisp English peas and beautiful fennel for a playful salad to complement the chicory and licorice in the Grenache Blanc.
Finally, here is my farmer’s market inspired Spring Tarragon Citrus Chicken with Pea and Fennel Salad.
Spring Tarragon Citrus Chicken , Peas and Fennel
2 chicken breasts, butterflied
1 bunch tarragon leaves
3 juiced Cara Cara oranges
2 juiced Meyer lemons
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves crushed garlic
Pinch of salt & pepper
2 cups blanched English shelling peas
1 thinly sliced fennel bulb
Fennel fronds for garnish
Arrange chicken in single layer in glass casserole or pie plate. Season with salt & pepper. Whisk together orange & lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic and tarragon in small bowl. Reserve ½ a cup for salad. Pour marinade over chicken and turn to coat. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Transfer chicken to barbecue. Grill chicken, about 6 minutes per side. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. While chicken is resting add peas and fennel to medium size bowl. Pour reserved marinade over peas and gently toss.
Tablas Creek 2010 Grenache Blanc Tasting Notes:
The 2010 Grenache Blanc shows expressive, intensely mineral nose that also includes sweet flavors like marzipan, licorice and chicory root. In the mouth it is rich yet zesty, with flavors of quince, marmalade and granny smith apple. The vibrant acids come out on the finish, suggesting preserved lemon and ending with just a hint of Grenache tannic. Drink now or hold for the two to three years.
Jennifer Knoll is a lifelong resident of Paso Robles. Growing up in the wine business and being surrounded by farmers she developed her serious fetish for wine and food. She is also the Assitant Tasting Room Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard.
 Whether you’re just emerging into the world of wine and food, or well-traveled gastronomes, you’ll fall in love with Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, happening September 27-30 at the renowned Santa Margarita Ranch - all for just $100 (50% off) if you buy your weekend passes this month.
No other wine and food event provides foodies with such a rich culinary immersion adventure as well as Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast. Home to our very own Paso Robles wine country and one of the most abundant agricultural counties in California, the event encompasses regional artisan food makers and nationally acclaimed wine producers – all coming together to create the West Coast’s most sought after wine and food event of the year. Aarti Sequeira, star of Food Network’s “Aarti Party” says “I was at this event five minutes and I had my mind blown.”
From the President of Sunset Publishing: “From  passionate foodies to people who just want to experience the best of the Central California Coast lifestyle, SAVOR offers four days of unforgettable culinary experiences in a setting where you can personally connect to the wine and food, whether it’s through cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs using fresh local ingredients or winemaking programs with regional winemakers,” says Barb Newton, president, Sunset Publishing. “You can also rub elbows with Sunset’s top editors and favorite experts, and be the first to taste the medal-winning  wines of Sunset’s International Wine Competition while savoring spectacular places like Hearst Castle, unspoiled nature trails and even an evening reception lit only by the stars and glowing hot air balloons. Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast is one of the most exciting and accessible wine and food events around.”
Tickets for West Coast’s “Must Taste” Wine and Food Event of the Year Are on Sale with a Huge Savings in the Month of May: Get a Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2012 Weekend Pass for Just $100 (50% Off)
Some events do sell out, so get your tickets now and take advantage of this spectacular short-term deal!
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.savorcentralcoast.com or call the SLO County VCB at (805) 541-8000.
 By Kris Penick
Cuisine has always been part of California’s Central Coast culture. In the mid 1800’s early ranchers hosted large Spanish style feasts for ranch workers featuring oak grilled beef. This special style of barbecue is now a major attraction for visitors in our region. You can still cruise down Spring Street in Paso Robles any holiday or weekend and find smoking oak pits offering up a juicy tri-tip barbecue meal, pinto beans and all.
While agriculture and great food have always been synonymous, it is the recent explosion of the Paso wine industry that has seduced artisan food producers, chefs and restaurateurs to region. Paso Robles’ rolling fertile hills and valleys, nurturing warm climate, coupled with the bountiful nearby ocean and abundant cattle ranches, also contribute to the allure and add to the diverse landscape of premium fresh food products to choose from.
 Known as agri-tourism, foodies are now discovering that Paso Robles offers an inside look at the local farms, ranches and vineyards that shape the flavors of the region, and Paso Robles seems to be able to maintain its approachable goodness. Many locals enjoy sharing stories and history about families who have farmed for generations. Welcoming new producers who have discovered Paso Robles also contribute to the flavor of the region with their passion and craft.
Imagine eating just picked ollieberries warm from the vine, or customizing fresh made goat cheese with local herbs, or sipping different varieties of local olive oil, or dining on farm tables under the warm sun shaded by oak trees after a day of harvesting grapes. When back from a day on the farm or vineyard, picture yourself taking a stroll around the City Park for a do it yourself Downtown Foodie tour. Start at We Olive on Park Street for olive oil, tapenade  and vinegar tasting, step into the courtyard at Thomas Hill Organics for a farm to table snack, and continue to Estrella or Fenomenal eateries for tapas and beer. Stop by Clayhouse or Orchid Hill tasting rooms for an urban wine tasting experience. Then, linger a little longer with a gelato from Powell’s Sweet Shop or enjoy the patio at Vivant Fine Cheese for a wine and cheese pairing.
Satisfy your culinary appetite in charming Paso Robles, California. Friendly farmers, regional food purveyors, chefs  and winemakers will all welcome you. Now is the time to discover why Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast is becoming a favorite culinary destination.
What to look for now?
Artisan cheeses, organic and sustainably grown produce, heirloom vegetables, olive oil, lavender, honey, sustainably grown meat and poultry, locally caught fish, and world-renowned wine!
Central Coast Lavender Farm ~ Seasonal farm stand, U pick, events and tours by appointment. www.centralcoastlavendar.com
Happy Acres Family Farms ~ Goat cheese farm and farm stand. Tours by appointment. www.HappyAcresFamilyFarm.net
Jack Creek Farms ~ Seasonal U Pick garden, tours, events, picnic ground and pumpkins.  www.jackcreekfarms.com
Natures Touch ~ Local produce and products, nursery, and natural food products. www.naturestouchnurseryandharvest.com
Olivas de Oro Olive Company ~ Olive Oil and olive products, olive orchard, tasting room, events. Open weekends & by appointment. www. Olivasdeoro.com
Pasolivo Olive Oil ~ Olive mill, tasting room, events. www.pasolivo.com
Windrose Farms ~Biodynamic farming for professional and recreational chefs. Seasonal Saturday tours. www.windrosefarm.org
Mt. Olive Organic Farm ~ Sustainable & organic produce, olive oil, bakery, lunch, tours by  appointment. www.mtoliveco.com/farm/
Indian Valley U Pick Farm ~ Northeast of San Miguel bring your own container for seasonal heirloom fruits & vegetables. Call pager before coming, 805.227.5660
Stillwater Vineyard ~ boutique winery with seasonal farm stand herbs and vegetables grown on the winery estate. www.stillwatersvineyards.com
First Crush Winemaking ~ offers wine making and blending seminars, and seasonal harvest experiences
Reserve Events & Destinations is a Destination Management Company that specializes in wine and culinary experiences on the Central Coast of California. Groups of all sizes enjoy unique experiences, customized activities and connections to the region provided by their services.
 It's FRIDAY GIVEAWAY time! Who wants 2 passes to the Earth Day Food and Wine Festival happening this weekend? Just answer the following question:
How many pounds of trash were generated at the 2011 Earth Day Food and Wine Festival?
a) 180 lbs.
b) 18 lbs.
c) 1.8 lbs.
We'll choose a random winner this afternoon. Good luck!
About: The 6th annual Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is a weekend celebration of all that's best here on the Central Coast.
The main event is Saturday's Earth Day Food & Wine Tasting at Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery. Over 200 purveyors of sustainably produced foods and wine will be on hand for a truly unique event: growers, vintners, and chefs coming together to serve out-of-this-world pairings of award-winning wines with one-of-a-kind dishes made with locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, olive oils, chocolates, and more. Trust us, you won't go hungry! Tickets are $75 for regular and $40 for designated driver.
 by Farmer Joe Thomas
There are so many great benefits to buying from our local Farmer’s Markets. The taste and nutritional benefits of buying local is beyond comparison. Living in California affords us the opportunity to eat fresh and local year-round. Being in the Paso Robles area allows us access to two of the best Farmer’s Markets around: Templeton and Paso Robles. On our farm, the customer receives the produce on the exact day it was picked. Most of our local farmers ascribe to that same philosophy. With that being said, you don’t have to go out of your way to give yourself (and your family) the very best.
Continue reading "Paso Robles: What's Fresh at Farmer's Market? " »
 by Tina Swithin
At the Paso Robles Insider, we are excited to be spotlighting the fabulous Paso Robles' restaurants which are participating in Restaurant Month.
In a recent article by Paul Hodgins of the OC Register titled, "Central Coast Wine Industry Spurs Gourmet Food Movement", Thomas Hill Organics was featured for their efforts and reputation in supporting this movement. As journalist Paul Hodgins eloquently stated, "wherever wine flourishes, great cuisine follows". I must agree. Paso Robles is the place to be for great wine and food.
Restaurant Month provides locals and visitors the opportunity to try new restaurants and experiment with new dishes. You are provided a special menu and you receive will receive three courses for only $30. What a deal that is!
I spoke to Debbie Thomas, owner of Thomas Hill Organics who summed it up, "Restaurant month gives our customers a chance to enjoy a very affordable but enjoyable evening out. We have chosen to  showcase our Beef Shortrib Daube. Daube is a dish made with beef, red wine and vegetables all slowly braised for several hours in our wood burning oven. Very tender, very flavorful and it has been quite a hit this past week!"
Head down to Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro & Wine Bar tonight and enjoy one of Paso Robles finest restaurants.
Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro & Wine Bar
1305 Park Street, Paso Robles
805-226-5888
Additional Items to Note:
- $30 per person (tax, gratuity and beverages additional).
- No substitutions.
- $15 corkage fee.
- 18% gratuity added to parties of 6 or more.
- Menu changes mid-month- please click here for new menu.
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 Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance
We've dedicated this blog series to some truly authentic Paso Robles gifts that will delight those on your Christmas list. How authentic, you ask? They are grown right here in Paso Robles!
 Paso Robles is quickly becoming known as a producer of fabulous olive oils. Just when I think that I know everything about Paso, I discover something new. For instance, Niner Wine Estates produces more than just great wines. They also produce olive oil! The Niner Wine Estates Olive Oil is estate grown from their eastside Bootjack Ranch Vineyard property, carefully made and bottled in limited quantities each year. This vintage is a blend of Arbequina, a Spanish variety and Frantoio, an Italian variety. The Arbequina brings a buttery mouthfeel and a peppery finish, while the Frantoio offers fruity aromas and a sweet sensation which makes them excellent blending partners. The 2010 Extra Virgin is medium-bodied, mildly pungent and tastes overall very clean. It finishes with a light spicy almond note. This would make a splendid stocking stuffer for the gourmet goddess in your life.
While olives and wine seem to take the spotlight in Paso Robles, there is an amazing little farm in Paso Robles which deserves a place on the stage. Bring in the holidays with the joy of gourmet treats from Limerock Orchards, Paso Robles' wine country walnut farm. I had the pleasure of speaking to Olivia Wenger of Limerock Orchards who was  happy to share her scrumptious Walnut Holiday Taster with Inside Paso Robles. This delicious gift includes 4 lbs of organic, in-shell walnuts, 250ml roasted walnut oil and 8 ounces of creamy, raw walnut butter and a walnut oil recipe card. Yum!
Each product from Limerock Orchards is produced from their delicious, dryland farmed walnuts which are known for their sweet, buttery flavor. While you are doing your holiday shopping at Limerock Orchards, I highly recommend picking up some extra walnut butter for your own kitchen. It's amazing on everything from crepes to hot cereal.
Niner Wine Estates is located at 2400 Highway 46 West in Paso Robles www.ninerwine.com or call 805-239-2233.
Limerock Orchards is located at 7210 Vineyard Drive in Paso Robles www.limerockorchards.com or call 805-238-6887
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 Tina Swithin
It’s the great pumpkin, Paso Robles!
 You can choose to sit and wait patiently for the Great Pumpkin as Linus did in the classic 1966 television special or you can head out to Jack Creek Farms and enjoy the festivities, fresh fudge and pumpkins. Jack Creek Farms also offers cider tasting, honey tasting and if you’re really, really nice then they may even let you sample the fresh pumpkin fudge. I must admit that I am a fudge connoisseur and Joy Barlogio makes the best fudge this side of the Mississippi.
If you’ve been procrastinating on getting that perfect pumpkin- there is still time and plenty of pumpkins awaiting you! Adopting a pumpkin is much less work than a new puppy- trust me! While you’re out there be sure to take a stroll through the hay bale maze or hop on the wooden train. There are photo ops galore and you will be able to check “family photo” off your annual to-do list. What are you waiting for? Grab the children and the camera and head to Jack Creek Farms to get in on the holiday spirit. If you want to become a pumpkin expert (as I am now), take a peek at the Jack Creek Farms "All About Pumpkins" for facts, history and fab recipes which I will be trying this week.
 If you are looking for something to do before heading out for trick-or-treating than I have another Paso Robles Insider tip. Stop by Jack Creek Farms on Halloween Day from 10am to 5pm for “Halloween on the Farm”. Everyone in costume who poses for a photo will receive a FREE Jack-o-lantern!!! Please note that quantities are limited and the offer is valid while supplies last. What a great way to kick off Halloween! You can bet that I’ll be there with my little ones in tow.
Here is a sneak peek at another event just around the corner:
 Looking for tips on how to prepare that special Thanksgiving dish? Come on out for the Heirloom Winter Squash Tasting event on November 5th from 1-3pm. Discover how to transform your winter squash into fabulous fall dishes sure to delight family and friends.
You will have the chance to sample at least six different varieties of winter squash and walk away with an assortment of festive recipes to add to your collection. I think I forgot to mention the best part- it’s free! Impress your friends with your new cooking talents, sample delicious food and meet the fabulous people who make Jack Creek Farms such a special place.
Jack Creek Farms
5000 Highway 46 West
Templeton, CA 93465
(805) 239-1915
Farm Hours:
Open Daily 10am - 6pm (Closed Wednesdays and rainy days- check website for Nov. hours)
Tina Swithin is the 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 Maryann Stansfield
 Thinking they couldn't improve on the event from last year, I was blown away by Saturday's Savor the Central Coast Event. It was just spectacular. More educational food, wine and gardening exhibits, more cooking demonstractions, fantastic travel exhibits, and food, food, food, and wine, wine, wine!! Fresh seafood right out of the shell, local made sausages hot off the grill, artisan cheeses to pair perfectly with wine from SLO County and WA state, and local organic produce as far as the eye can see.
 Celebrity Iron Chef Cat Cora was on hand doing cooking seminars and interviews, while Sunset Editor-in-Chief Katie Tamony, as well as Wine Editor Sara Schnieder, Travel Editor Peter Fish, and Food Editor Margo True were there engaging with their Savor guests in the Sunset Kitchen Gardens, in the Market Place and at Chef Central.
Today celebrity chef Aarti Sequeira from Food Network Channel's Aarti's Paarti will be on site conducting cooking seminars and tickets are still available.
 Don't miss the Santa Margarita train ride throughout the beautiful ranch, the beer garden with live music, and the Infinity team of professional drivers that will take you for the ride of your lives.
Find that all today at Savor the Central Coast! For more information visit savorcentralcoast.com.
Maryann Stansfield is the Marketing Manager for the Travel Paso Robles Alliance, and Marketing Director for Mental Marketing.
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