Inside Paso Robles

First 2014 Paso Robles Rhone Rangers Varietal Series - Petite Sirah

Photo courtesy of Rhone Rangers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Experience a fun and educational varietal tasting that includes amazing Petite Sirah wines from 17 Paso Robles wineries. This is the first of a series of "Hot Tuesday Varietal Nights" put on by the Rhone Rangers that also inculdes live music, incredible cheese pairings, small bites and an educational area where you can extend your knowledge about this great Rhone varietal.

The host for the January Varietal Night is Niner Wine Estates located at 2400 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased here: http://petitesirahnight.bpt.me.

Don't miss this fabulous event!

 

About Rhone Rangers
The Paso Robles Chapter of the Rhone Rangers is dedicated to the education and promotion of Rhone varietals and Rhone blends to local trade, media, and consumers, and of Paso Robles as a top California region in the production of outstanding Rhone varietal grapes and wines.

 

 

 

Pairings in Paso: Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Paired with Vines on the Marycrest Syrah

By Sarah Leslie

Those who know me know that I don’t always get along with my kitchen. No one would ever use the words “cook” or “chef” to describe me. Sous chef? Maybe. But that hasn’t stopped me from seeking out the perfect food and wine combination and even I can pull off this month's Pairing in Paso.

This cold snap has clearly brought up an urge to hunker down and be cozy and cook comfort food. When I think comfort food I think meatloaf.  It doesn’t hurt that for all you Seinfeld fans out there that meatloaf was served for Festivus. And this is a festive time of year. But I digress…

For this meatloaf the special ingredient is bacon. I think we can all agree that bacon makes everything better. What’s even better is to enjoy the meatloaf paired with the wonderful Rhone varietal of Syrah. One of my favorites is the 100% Syrah from Vines on the Marycrest, 2011 vintage. This wine manages to be at the same time both bold yet delicate with tasty black raspberry and licorice that hold up against this bacon meatloaf beast. Enjoy the beast!

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 yellow onion, medium, diced

1 garlic clove, diced

3 white button mushrooms, finely chopped

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 egg

¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce

3 tablespoons ketchup

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

1 pound lean ground beef

½ pound pork sausage, fresh (not in a casing)

¼ cup milk

6 slices bacon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and saute onions and garlic for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté 3-5 minutes until onions become soft.  Transfer onion, garlic, mushroom mixture into a large bowl and add all remaining ingredients except the bacon. With clean hands (and jewelry removed), mix all ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Put the meat mixture in a broiling rack covered in tin foil. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf about 5 x 9 inches. Wrap the strips of bacon around the loaf crosswise overlapping them slightly and tucking ends under the loaf to prevent curling.

Bake at 400 degrees until it reaches an internal temperature of 155-160 degrees, 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Remove from oven, cover in foil and let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Sarah Leslie is a marketing guru with Mental Marketing who loves to cook alongside her husband, striving to find the next great food and wine pair-up.   When not donning an apron, Sarah can also be found behind the bar at Clayhouse serving up some delicious Paso wine.  

 

Adelaida's 2nd Annual Walnut and Wine Festival

by Melani Meister

During the 1940's, Paso Robles was one of the largest nut producing regions in the nation and this Saturday, December 7, Adelaida Cellars pays homage to this historic period at their 2^nd Annual Walnut and Wine Festival.

The festival will highlight Adelaida Cellars' 85-year-old estate grown, dry-farmed walnuts with delicious walnut-inspired bites paired with Adelaida wines, holiday music, olive oil tastings and more.

Discover these amazing local walnuts, just in time for holiday baking, from 10:00 to 5:00 pm on December 7th in the Barrel Room at Adelaida Cellars. Tickets are $10 and include small bites, eight wines, and the festivities. 

Hope to see you there! 

 

 

Holiday Shopping Sparkles in Paso Robles

by Tina Swithin

While I am not one of the brave ones who venture out on Black Friday, I do love to shop. One of my favorite places to do my holiday shopping is Paso Robles. Brimming over with artisan gifts, amazing wine and cheese clubs, along with a festive Downtown filled with boutique shopping, unique galleries and holiday lights, there is no better place to kick off the holidays.  

This year, Paso Robles is celebrating the holidays in style with giveaways such as wine,  Wine Wrangler Tours, Hearst Castle tickets and coveted holiday recipe cards.  Winners will be drawn weekly from November 8^th through December 20^th. 

Enter to win by signing up on FACEBOOK, or sign up for their e-newsletter using promotional code Stockings2013. Click here to read more.

If you haven’t had a moment to start your holiday gift list, I’ve taken the liberty of creating a list for you!

• Vivant Fine Cheese Club - Many Cheeses if you Pleases!

Sign up a friend or loved one for their amazing Cheese Club! Located in historic downtown Paso Robles, Vivant Fine Cheese is 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. Experience what their cheese experts have in store to make your cheese tasting experience truly amazing. You can also try their "Wine Parings" and discover which wines pair best with cheese selections from Paso Robles and around the world. For more information visit their online store at www.VivantFineCheese.com.

• Paso Robles Wine Club - Great Way to Get to Know Paso Wines

Become a member and enjoy premium award-winning wines from the Paso Robles Wine Region. This wine club is a premium wine club for the aficionados who love Paso Robles wine, or want to know more about this fast-growing region. It offers a diverse selection of quality Paso wines starting from $80 a shipment. For more information visit the online store at www.BuyPasoWine.com.

• General Store Paso Robles - the Ultimate Artisan Stocking Stuffer! 
  

  The owners of General Store Paso

Paso-made fabulousness including a whole line of olive oil products and everyone's favorite "Paso Chick" t-shirts. Joeli Yaguda, Erin Stuck and Jillian Waters are the proprietors of General Store Paso Robles, bringing a combined 25 years of experience in Paso Robles food, farm and retail. This dynamic three-some loves sharing their finds, from the Central Coast and beyond, with visitors, from local-made jewelry, food and pantry items to lots of odds and ends. For more information go to the General Store Facebook page.

• Find an Amazing Cabernet Sauvignon to Suit Your Fancy

Along with Zinfandels, Paso Robles gained notoriety for its Cabernet Sauvignons. For some of Paso's legendary Cabernet Sauvignons, check out Eberle, J.Lohr Vineyards, EOS Estate Winery, and Adelaida Cellars. For a list of wineries visit www.PasoRoblesCab.com.

• Find Works of Art at Studios on the Park - Witness the Action

Discover art originals and prints, handmade designer jewelry, scarves and home décor at Studios on the Park in Paso Robles. A unique open studio environment where you can witness the creative processes of over 40 local artists as they create their masterpieces, Studios on the Park offers classes, workshops and exhibitions. Proceeds support this non-profit's goal of sharing the creative process with all including local children. For more information visit www.StudiosOnThePark.org.

• Give the Gift of Paso's Rhône Varietals - California's Rhône Zone 

Paso Wine Country is gaining popularity for their exciting Rhône varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvédre. Here are just a few wineries offering Rhône varieties: Robert Hall Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Linne Calodo, Halter Ranch, Clavo and Eberle Winery. For a complete list of wineries visit www.RhoneRangers.org/about/pasorobles.php.

• Pithy Little Wine Company - So Clever

Located in the heart of historic downtown Paso Robles, this charming boutique produces and sells fine California wines, olive oils, sodas and lifestyle products. The winery and mercantile is a great place to taste their collection of reserve wines, extra virgin olive oils and old fashioned cane sugar sodas while exploring a selection of California lifestyle inspired products for home and life. For more information visit their online store at www.PithyWine.com.

• We Olive - Everything Olive Lives Here

For an urban olive oil tasting experience, head to We Olive in downtown Paso Robles to taste more than 30 specialty, extra virgin olive oils, both local and national, vinegars, olives, tapenade, olive oil-infused gifts sets, jams and more. Great gift ideas and corporate gift baskets. For more information and to visit their online store go to www.WeOlive.com.

• Craft Distilled Vodka and Gin from Grapes - Thirsty?

Paso Robles Craft Distilling, a micro-distillery, utilizes a unique distilling ingredient: premium Paso Robles grapes, a luxury that is normally too expensive for most distilleries to use in production. Paso Robles Craft Distillery applies the excess juice from its sister company, Villacana Winery, to its product, resulting in a high-end vodka and gin made with ultimate sustainability. For more information visit www.RefindDistillery.com.

• Firefly Gallery - a Beautiful Boutique

Mother and daughter owners, Emily and Lauren, create holiday magic in their window displays and crafts throughout the store. They feature amazing books, linens, designer clothing, kid's crafts and high end apothecary items. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/pages/Firefly/103839587506.

• Brown Butter Cookie Company - Serious Cookies

Smell the brown butter sea salt cookies in downtown Paso Robles courtesy of the Brown Butter Cooking Company's new location in the iconic Acorn Building at 12th and Park Streets. The popular shortbread cookie company has opened the 1,300-square foot spot, complete with a storefront directly under the brick building's acorn-topped clock tower. For more information visit their online store at www.BrownButterCookies.com.

• Sealed with a Kiss (SWAK) - Retro Cool

The popular store featuring retro, eclectic and, most of all, fun merchandise, has moved to Pine Street. Treasure hunters will find more cool stuff in the new location, right in the heart of downtown with an entrance on Pine Street. For more information visit www.SwakStuff.com.

• Sole Tree - a High-End Shoe Store

Owned by a young woman entrepreneur named Piper, this store is a dream come true for her. She had always wanted to open a shoe and accessories store in Paso Robles; and now she has! Specializing in all leather shoes from brands such as Born, Frye, Corso Como, Me Too and Kork Ease, as well as accessories and handbags, Sole Tree is the only high end shoe store in Downtown. For more information visit www.TheSoleTree.com.

• AndBe Boutique - Wine Lifestyle Goods

This store showcases the Paso wine lifestyle with everything from jewelry to premium leather jackets and linens from all over the world. Also the home of Paso Underground, a collective of small winemakers without tasting rooms. This group utilizes the store's back patio as a collective space to pour their wines for patrons. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/AndBeBoutique.

Tina Swithin is the Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Dining out for Thanksgiving? Here are 4 options in Paso Robles

Planning on dining out for Thanksgiving this year? There are a handful of Paso Robles restaurants who provide a warm, friendly place to spend the holidays with somebody else doing the cooking and clean up. The following restaurants will happily accommodate you on Thanksgiving, please call ahead for reservations to ensure you get a table.  

1. Artisan Paso Robles
843 12th Street
805.237.8084
www.artisanpasorobles.com

The acclaimed American restaurant by brothers Chris and Mike Kobayashi in the heart of Paso Robles is celebrating Thanksgiving with an inspired menu of traditional holiday favorites founded by Chef Chris Kobayashi’s personal dedication to showcasing the bounty of  foods produced on the Central Coast of California. Hours are 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

2. Paso Robles Inn and Steakhouse 
1103 Spring Street
805.238.2660
www.pasoroblesinn.com

A treasured local tradition for those dining out is the special Thanskgiving buffet served in the historic Grand Ballroom of the Paso Robles Inn (or the Steakhouse dining room, your choice.) Items include traditional holiday fare, seafood stations and more. Hours are noon-8:00 p.m. Reservations recommended. 

 

3. Panolivo
1344 Park Street
805.239.3366 
www.panolivo.com

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Thanksgiving with your choice of a $27 3-course prixe fix dinner, an a la carte menu or Thanksgiving to Go, with all the trimmings. Open 11:00 a.m to 8:30 p.m. and serving a Kids Menu all day. Reservations recommended. 

4. Odyssey World Cafe

1214 Pine Street
805.237.7516
www.odysseyworldcafe.com  

Join us Thanksgiving Day for a home style meal in a comfortable setting with great food, including: Traditional Roast Turkey,  Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Cranberries, Stuffing and Pumpkin Pie. We're open Noon-7pm. Call for reservations. 

 

 

 

Sunset in the Vineyard at Vina Robles Amphitheatre

by Tina Swithin

I've been awake for a while now
You've got me feelin' like a child now
'Cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tingles in a silly place

It starts in my toes
And I crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

The folks over at Sunset Savor the Central Coast sure know how to throw a party!  This four-day food and wine festival is packed full of amazing activities but I must admit that Sunset in the Vineyard tops my to-do list!  My excitement runs from the top of my head all the way down to my bubbly little toes. Colbie Caillat will be performing right here in Paso Robles for Sunset in the Vineyard at Vina Robles Amphitheatre!

Yes, Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter, Colbie Caillat! It’s an evening under the stars filled with wine, food and music in beautiful Paso Robles, California.

Sunset in the Vineyard – Saturday, September 28, 2013 6-11pm 

Reception

Prior to Colbie Caillat taking the stage, there will be a food and wine reception and a book signing by world renowned celebrity chef Michael Voltaggio of ink. and ink sack.

Sipping and Dining Options Await

• Indulge in a seated dinner prepared by winery Chef Thomas Drahos paired with wines from Vina Robles. Click here to view the menu options and to secure your seat today. Space is limited and must be purchased in advance. 
• Enjoy a picnic bag filled with specialty food items created by Trumpet Vine Catering of Paso Robles and selected by Chef Nathan Lyon and Sunset Magazine along with one (1) bottle of wine from Vina Robles. Click here to view the picnic options and to purchase. This dining option must be purchased in advance.
• Grab a bite from the Vina Robles no-host concession stand filled with culinary dishes prepared just for this alluring night. 
• A selection of wines from Vina Robles and participating Paso Robles wineries will be available for purchase throughout the evening following the reception. Beer offerings will also be available. 
• Check back often for a list of participating wineries.

Attire: Wine country casual-chic attire is suggested.

Savor the Central Coast
September 26-29
www.savorcentralcoast.com

Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

 

What's New and HOT in Downtown Paso Robles?

By Tina Swithin

I received a message this morning on Facebook regarding the Brown Butter Cookie Company. Before I tell you what the message said, I want a moment of silence in which to envision Brown Butter Cookies in my hand and then, getting closer and closer to my taste buds…..AMAZING! 

Okay, here’s the deal: I LOVE Brown Butter Cookies!  I love them so much that a simple craving could prompt me to close my laptop in the middle of a workday and drive 30 minutes to Cayucos to experience one little morsel of culinary cookie heaven…gulp. It’s okay…I’m okay. Whew!

Now that I’ve purged my feelings, let’s get back to the Facebook post from BBCC this morning that prompted this blog post:  BIG NEWS Paso Robles and North County folks.....the FIRST Brown Butter Cookie Company retail shop scheduled to open LATE SUMMER 2013.....12th and Park...on the park...downtown Paso Robles....we are so very excited!!!! More details coming soon....

To say that I am excited is a huge understatement!  We get our very own, brand new, Brown Butter Cookie Company in Downtown Paso Robles!!! 

Speaking of new companies, business is BOOMING in Paso Robles.  I can hardly keep up with the new openings of restaurants, galleries, wine tasting rooms and retail outlets on the Downtown City Park!  Check it out:

• Artisan as moved to their new location right on the square and the reviews are off the charts! Visit them on the park at 843 12th Street, Paso Robles.  
• General Store Paso Robles is open and happily catering to the needs of your picnic, pantry and home!  Stop by for some picnic items before heading out in the countryside wine tasting. Visit them at 841 12^th Street, Paso Robles. 
• Paso Underground is officially pouring fabulous wines out of their collective tasting room featuring the wines of Aaron, Clos Solene, Edmond August and Turtle Rock Vineyards. Visit them at 1140 Pine Street, Paso Robles.  
• Firefly Gallery has moved to a sparkly new location on the square where they can continue to showcase all that is unique and handmade in and around Paso Robles. Visit them at 839 12^th Street, Paso Robles.
• La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Santos MacDonal and his wife Carole, owners of the uberly popular Il Cortile. Opening this summer with a location on the city park, the new eatery and bar will be serving Latin and Spanish cuisine along with inventive mixology drinks and handcrafted cocktails.

Paso Robles is the place to be this summer for wine, shopping and culinary excellence!  We look forward to seeing you! 

Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country. - See more at: http://blog.travelpaso.com/#sthash.GFt9YQDf.dpuf

Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country. - See more at: http://blog.travelpaso.com/#sthash.GFt9YQDf.dpuf

Family-Friendly Paso Robles, Part 6: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

This is part six in a series from guest blogger Zane Thormodsgaard, who impressed local marketing experts with his fourth grade social studies report on Paso Robles and was invited to enjoy the family-friendly attractions in Paso Robles firsthand and report out on his experiences.

June 23, 2013

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a very sweet place (pun intended)! 

Not just the because of the candy, but for the people who work there too. 

Trixie gave us a warm welcome by greeting us with samples of fudge and peanut butter dark chocolate.  She also let us make our own caramel apples with white chocolate and we could add as many toppings as we wanted! 

I recommend that you buy the caramel apple with nuts. 

I think that Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has the best chocolate ever!

 

Zane Thormodsgaard

Family-Friendly Paso Robles, Part 3: Panolivo Family Bistro

This is part three in a series from guest blogger Zane Thormodsgaard, who impressed local marketing experts with his fourth grade social studies report on Paso Robles and was invited to enjoy the family-friendly attractions in Paso Robles firsthand and report out on his experiences.

 

June 23, 2013

If you are looking for a good place to eat, Panolivo Family Bistro is the place for you!   

Not only does it have good food, but the service was amazing.  A girl named Tanisha was our server and she was really nice and welcoming.

The food was delicious.  There are many choices of pasta dishes on the menu, my family each enjoyed a different one. My mom had the butternut squash ravioli, my dad had the shrimp pasta, my brother had the marinara pasta and I had the buttered pasta and Caesar salad.

I also loved the bread! It was crisp, warm and buttery.  

Last but not least, it had a great location in downtown Paso Robles. 

I recommend going to the movies after a nice meal at Panolivo’s Family Bistro.

 

About Panolivo Family Bistro:

Established in 2003 by husband and wife Beatrice and Didier Cop, Panolivo caters to locals and wine country visitors looking for a tasty dinning experience in a warm and inviting, casual atmosphere. 

Chef Beatrice utilizes her long experience of traditional French Family cooking combined with local, fresh California ingredients and flavors to create a unique experience of wholesome and comforting food. 

When you step in the door of Panolivo Family Bistro you will most likely be greeted by Didier. Every detail is carefully thought out so that your dining experience is exceptional. Both Didier and Beatrice are proud to welcome you to their home away from home.

Walk the Culinary Streets of Paso Robles with Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast

Runners and foodies get ready to play in San Luis Obispo County throughout the SLO Marathon weekend.

As part of the SLO Marathon weekend, Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast has teamed up to host four exclusive Adventure Tours. This is the first SAVOR has offered these popular tours outside of the event weekend held annually each September. These exclusive tours give guests an inside look into the people and place that are special to San Luis Obispo County. You get to play local for the day.

Taking to the culinary streets of Paso Robles to a behind the scenes tour of Hearst Castle or playing pastry chef at the Madonna Inn and discovering SLO Wine Country, the SAVOR Adventure Tours have something for everyone.

Highlighting the town’s farm to table and vine to bottle way of life, the Paso Robles Adventure Tour will guide guests through the culinary streets of Downtown Paso Robles. Led by Laura Gurreau of Central Coast Food Tours, guests will enjoy a mix of food and wine tastings at four venues that best represent the array of agricultural, culinary and viticulture resources the area is so well known. Along with tantalizing the palate guests will learn the vast history of this quaint town and how it has come to be a new culinary frontier

The walking tour will begin at Thomas Hill Organics where guests will enjoy a farm fresh salad paired with wine from Calcareous Vineyard. The next stop takes guests through the Paso Robles City Park to the outdoor patio of the Paso Robles Inn and Steakhouse. Here the group will delight in the Inn’s famous Prime Rib Sandwich paired with Cabernet Sauvignon from Liberty School while tunes of a local musician fill the air. Following this delicious pairing, guests will head into the Inn's gardens for a tour and stories of its 160 year history. Then off to Estrella Restaurant for an assortment of tapas and full glasses of their trademark Sangria. The tour will come to a close at Panolivo Bistro for specially prepared petit fours and robust, fresh coffee.

The tour takes place from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Seats are limited and tickets are now on sale. Grab a ticket to play in Paso Robles Wine Country with Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast and the SLO Marathon today.