Food and Wine
New Listings and Links Segment
These Feature Pages will be active as of October 1st, 2011- Look forward to them !
The Wine List: An always Updating Listing of Vineyards, Wine Makers and Tasting Rooms
Great Eats: Check Out These Great Restaurants, Cafes and Dining Locations
Stay and Play: Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts and Fantastic Stay Locations
Torrontes – the other white wine
by Stepan W. Baghdassarian
Owner of Los Angeles based Rio Joe’s Brands, Inc. (www.RioJoes.com), importer and distributor of fine wines including Cas’Almare Wines (www.CasAlmareWines.com from South America and Europe) and Route 1 Wines (www.Route1Wines.com from California). Stepan, a former attorney who caught the wine bug, is now following his passion of producing and sharing with everyone great wines from around the world. He can be reached at Stepan@RioJoes.com, via Twitter @StepanWB or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/redwine.
Stepan W. Baghdassarian will be submitting articles to Groove Studio One with topics about wine and it’s appreciation.
Fine Dining and Delicious Dishes
Luna Red Global Tapas Wine & Spirits
Nourish your appetite with Luna Red’s mix of global tapas, spirits, and
seasonal, sustainable foods.
Our menu features an array of perfectly paired flavors and textures.
Take our wild tuna tartar. Our menu is fresh, savory, and in a few
words—simply delightful. Or, mix up your definition of traditional with
our duck confit crepes. In the mood for something special, try our
perfectly sized tapa.
Our meze dish, served with preserved lemon hummus and red quinoa tubule
is positively delicious. And paired with one of our carefully-chosen
wines? Divine. We are proud to feature an array of local wineries,
including selections from Chamisal, Alban, Talley, Maloy O’Neill,
Graves, and Villa Creek.
For an evening out, Luna Red serves farm-to-glass cocktails, which are
infused with mindfully sourced fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs.
Enjoy late-night dining on Friday and Saturday nights, complete with
live music.
Warm yourself and Delight in Luna Red.
Luna Red accepts reservations. We invite you to visit our website to see
our menu, read our blog, and learn about upcoming events.
Luna Red- 1009 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
- (805) 540-5243
Robin's Restaurant
Tucked on a side street in charming Cambria, Robin’s is where
international inspiration collides with the season’s bounty.
Tuck yourself into a warm nook, and bask by firelight as you dine on one
of our exquisite offerings, or sit surrounded by fruit trees,
vegetables, and fragrant herbs in our charming garden patio.
We fill our kitchen and your plates with the seasonal gifts from the
local farmers’ markets. Our chefs create inspired meals from global
cuisines. From North Indian lamb curry, to lobster enchiladas, to
Singapore chicken sate, Robin’s menu has something for every preference.
We partner with local wineries and international vintners. We are
proud to feature Central Coast wines, including the best from Opolo
Vineyards, Turley Wines, Claiborne & Churchill, Harmony Cellars, and
Tolosa Winery.
“International Fare and Farmer’s Market Fresh”
Robin's Restaurant
4095 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-5007
Robin's accepts reservations. To see our complete menu and event
listings, please visit: www.robinsrestaurant.com
Novo Restaurant
Tapas Menu and Large Plates with International Influences for fine
dining at a creek side setting.
Novo Restaurant is an iconic dining experience in the heart of downtown
San Luis Obispo. It’s where global cuisine combines and is merged &
crafted and is pure. The
Central Coast region is filled with prolific farms, wineries, and a
culture that values locally produced food.
Novo’s menu takes the local bounty and combines it with internationally
inspired dishes and techniques. Grilled lavender lamb chops, seared
scallops and asparagus, pork carnitas—just a small sample of our menu,
and a reflection of the global pool we draw inspiration from.
We have a vast wine selection, chosen carefully to complement our
diverse menu. We are proud to feature many local wines, including Kynsi,
Chamisal, Claiborne and Churchill, and Linne Calado.
The quality of our food speaks for itself, and we are proud to offer you
authentic, fresh, delicious fare.
Connect. Blend. Novo
Find us on the web at
http://www.novorestaurant.com
Call us at (805) 543-3986 for reservations, visit us, we love company.
726 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo
Rooney’s Irish Pub
Rooney’s Irish pub is a true vision of what an Irish Pub should be.
Inside is a warmth and comfort that is timeless, the décor is exactly
what you would expect to find in the traditional Irish Pub, colors and
murals depicting the emerald Isles and an attentive, friendly staff. The
customer is greeted with a smile and a genuine rustic flare. The pub,
well known in town already, is also experiencing a notoriety that brings
people from several miles away in both the north and south counties. The
restaurant can serve the social set, family dining and large groups.
They do large parties and catering for events. Architecturally
brilliant, there is ample room for dining in a cozy style as well as
feeling you have privacy.
The menu has traditional Irish selections as well as “Fusion” and
American-styled dishes. The desire of the day is customer satisfaction,
their philosophy is a slogan that is on the menu and in their hearts “A
cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle”.
The concept for the menu was to create great combinations at affordable
prices, but not sacrifice quality for cost efficiency. At Rooney’s, you
get an excellent fine dining experience without having to break your
budget.
Rooney’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
241 South Broadway Street
Old Town Orcutt, CA
805-934-3777
http://www.rooneysirishpub.net
Restaurant Review -
Arch Rock Fish
Arch Rock Fish
608 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
805-845-2800
http://www.archrockfish.com
I went to Santa Barbara to review Arch Rock Fish, which I presumed to be
a new neighborhood restaurant that specializes in a Fresh Seafood Menu,
but upon my arrival, I found so much more.
Arch Rock fish opened just last September, and has already secured
itself a place in the hearts and minds of its patrons as the place to
dine. I was greeted by the reception hostess who showed me to the main
bar, just past a large display case showing the exquisite selection of
wines. The restaurant has a warm and cozy interior, but is just as
appealing for family fair. The restaurant touts a large and spacious
dining area that is open and airy but is naturally separated into
secluded getaway spaces. The décor is modern but has a very “Western
Country” feel, in addition there are small details that make it special,
like the Glass Milk Bottles used for serving Ice Cold Water. The
atmosphere was quiet but also a buzz with the patron’s conversations,
the stories, and the laughter, all very pleasant to be around.
I met a partner in the restaurant, Mike Anderson, whom was Bartender for
the evening. Mike and I had a chance to talk and I found that the
favorite drink of the bar is the “El Presidio”. The bar was popular with
the after work crowd and as it was happy hour, the ample space of the
marble top was getting tighter. I could tell that this was a “hot spot”
to be. Mike knew everyone by name and knew exactly how to make each
drink special for each patron. I was enjoying the beginning of my
evening very much, and getting to know all the wonderful people who run
Arch Rock Fish was a pleasure, but I was here to meet and interview the
Chef, Scott Leibfried.
Scott Leibfried is a famously known chef with an amazing history of
employment at restaurants of national acclaim. Chef Scott’s most recent
celebrity status is the fact the he is known as the sous chef of Chef
Gordon Ramsay of the television shows “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Kitchen
Nightmares”. When Chef Scott and I sat down to talk, I found him to be
intellectual, friendly, witty and we had a just “ One of the Guys”
conversation about his Restaurant and his food.
Interview:
Groove Studio: Chef Scott, thank you so much for taking time out of your
busy schedule to meet with me.
Chef Scott: “No problem, always happy to meet new friends”
Groove Studio: Your biography said your interest in cooking started at a
young age, what was the reason for you to pursue what would become a
majorly successful career so early?
Chef Scott: “Because of my family and how I grew up, the dinner table
was where family connected. Food was an important part of my life, and
it really meant something to me. My father taught me that if you wanted
something and was willing to work hard for it, you will make it, in
anything you do. ”
Groove Studio: In your past you have worked at and “moved on” from what
some would have considered dream jobs and career peaks, but you kept
moving, why?
Chef Scott: “Many of my past restaurant situations trained me to take
advantage of opportunities to grow and do better, I never thought I
would be a celebrity or a well-known TV personality. I never meant to be
a celebrity; I just wanted to be a man who loves what he does a man who
creates a place for community, comfort and a place where people can
enjoy great casual dining. Here, at Arch Rock Fish, I can do that, great
food for great people.”
Groove Studio: How would you describe your style of cooking?
Chef Scott: “Since I grew up in Long Island-New York, I have strong and
fond memories of my roots in “Coastal Town “cooking, Fresh Fish and
Seafood is the inspiration of my menu designs”.
Groove Studio: You work with Chef Gordon Ramsay, on of Televisions most
passionate chefs. His persona can be anything from gentile and guiding,
to the “master of the lash”. He has a strong personality that can drive
a staff crazy. How would you say working with him influences how you
work with your staff?
Chef Scott: “First, Chef Ramsay has a phenomenal sense of humor; we have
to keep from laughing constantly. I would say that my staff and I, we
understand the rules and measure of what we do. I appreciate the staff
for everything they do, without them, I am just one man, but together we
are a team that makes all this possible. I want them to be the best, and
they know it, and they are up to any challenge we meet together”.
Groove Studio: Do you plan to have your own Television Show or Networked
Program?
Chef Scott: “I have no specific plans, but there are some opportunities
I am looking at for the future.”
Groove Studio: What is the Goal of Arch Rock Fish? What do you want to
be known for as far as what you bring to your community?
Chef Scott: “Arch Rock Fish is a Seafood Restaurant with a simple goal;
to provide a comfortable dining experience of consistent quality. We
want to be a part of this town, this community and a part of their
everyday lives. We want to make something special in their hearts.”
After speaking with Chef Scott and learning what I have about Arch Rock
Fish, I wanted to see what the bar menu had to offer, I felt “ I could
order a big meal”, but I wanted that part of the family feel, so I
ordered from the Happy Hour Menu. I ordered the Salmon Deviled Eggs and
the Stilton & Truffle Honey Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
Salmon Deviled Eggs: 3 deviled eggs, nicely plated with a creamy white
ginger aioli sauce, the salmon way creamed and blended with just a hint
of citrus and spices. The taste was smooth and just melted away. The
dish had several complimentary flavors; all placed in a firm egg white
topped with fresh herb and is a great appetizer.
Stilton & Truffle Honey Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Fresh multi-grained
bread grilled to a crisp golden brown, not “oily” or “greasy”, but has a
sweet buttery flavor. The Stilton Cheese was creamy with just a hint of
“tang” that lets you know it is there. The sweetness of the Honey and
Truffle create a warm tone to the sandwich, the bread provides a firm
texture and makes a great mix. The seeds and grains in the bread add a
nice variety of additional flavors that make it “bouncy”. The sandwich
is cut into 4ths and could easily be a dish shared by two, but for one,
just great.
Overall Review:
The Arch Rock Fish has found its “Port of Call”. The concept of blending
fine dining with the community based dining experience is perfect. With
the endearing atmosphere, attentive, friendly staff and the innovative
menu of Chef Scott Leibfried, Arch Rock Fish has, in my opinion has
become a very special part of the city.
Communities are built on foundations of Hard Work, Diligence, Faith and
Love, and this is where these are found in abundance. Whether you are a
young couple on their first date, a family night out with the kids, or a
senior couple out on an anniversary, looking to warm their hearts in
each other’s eyes, you will find what you are looking for in Arch Rock
Fish, Santa Barbara’s new Epicurean Treasure.
Restaurant Review – By Joseph Timmons
Epicurean News
AIRR Dinner Club
Formerly known as The Witherby, this unique second story space was used
primarily for private events in the past. Now open to the public as of
March 16th, AIRR offers an exclusive scene for social dining and
provocative lounge entertainment.
Located between Side Bar and Searsucker on Market in downtown San Diego,
a street level door opens up to a tall staircase that leads you to an
urban graffiti-tagged entryway. Divided into two sleek monochromatic
spaces inside, AIRR welcomes guests first into the crimson red room
adorned with custom designed modern lounge furniture. The historic
building’s incredible windows offer electric light from the buzzing
Gaslamp Quarter below, while contemporary chandeliers set the tone for
intimate conversation amid a dim and somewhat mysterious glow.
Accompanied by loud DJ beats and a large full service bar, the red room
is where guests go to mix, mingle, drink and dance.
526 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
619-546-8306
Artisan
Showcasing locally grown produce and foods, Executive Chef Chris
Kobayashi draws much of the inspiration for his dishes from regular
trips to the farmers market and organic farms in the area. His menu
evolves to meet the seasonality of the area's products, yet his unique
approach to the American Bistro remains constant.
Our menu features local and organic produce, and proteins that are wild
caught or sustainably farmed with no growth hormones or antibiotics. The
wine list features top product from Paso's most respected vintners as
well as wines from other sought after regions in California.
The concept of Artisan started as a childhood dream for my brother and
me. Throughout our teen years, we would hang out in the kitchen
discussing exactly how we wanted our first restaurant to look, feel and
taste. Artisan is now the true embodiment of these discussions, and we
are grateful for the opportunity to share our dream with you.
Artisan is located in the central coast wine region of Paso Robles,
California. We proudly support this community whole heartedly in our
wine list, as well as offering a wide range of ales, porters and stouts
from around the world. Above all, our seasonal menu combines the very
best of the superb local fare by way of time honored techniques to bring
you a particularly American Bistro experience.
1401 Park Street, Paso Robles, California 93446
Phone: 805-237-8084
http://www.artisanpasorobles.com
Trattoria Uliveto
California, one of the largest of the continental United States, made up
of many small towns. Plenty of these small towns have “Home-style”
restaurants that claim to be more than what they are. The Trattoria
Uliveto is not one of these; this restaurant is truly a piece of Italy,
and it is right here, in our own back yard.
Trattoria Uliveto gives the impression of a small “bistro” style
restaurant with a clean, warm and cozy interior, soft colors and
lighting which give it a romantic feel; at the same time, this
restaurant’s design is quite able to accommodate family dining
situations. The tables are set at angles so you can enjoy your meal in
quaint comfort or converse with the neighboring table, if you choose.
Soft music floats in the air and the aromas of Italian cooking are
strong yet supple. The tone of the restaurant is lively but not “loud”;
the staff is very busy, but always has time to check with the diners to
see if their needs are being met.
The Trattoria Uliveto also has a full bar, which is in a separate
section, just off to the side with its own entrance. We were brought a
drink menu, which was for table dining, but Persons who just wanted to
get a drink did not have to go through the dining area, and there was
ample space in the bar area as well, no crowding, just comfort.
Trattoria Uliveto
285 South Broadway
Old Orcutt, CA 93455
(805) 934-4546
http://www.trattoriauliveto.com
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