Inside Paso Robles

Have "Mountains of Fun" at the California Mid-State Fair

by Tina Swithin

The 2011 Mid State Fair, “Mountains of Fun” is in full swing and the acts this year are truly top-notch.  This year, the main grandstand has played host to the Steve Miller Band which kicked off opening night of the fair followed by The Fab Four, Sugarland with Sarah Bareilles and Maroon 5 with Train.  I can personally attest that all shows have been phenomenal which seems to be a trend at the fair year after year.    
 
The free entertainment has been impressive to say the very least.  Berlin put on a high energy and impressive flashback to the 80’s while Tanya Tucker, War, Bow Wow Wow have lit up the Fort Frontier Stage night after night.  The corndogs are plentiful and if you are feeling an adventurous streak you could even try a corn dog dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles!  I personally will stick with the staple condiments of catsup and mustard.  Top all of that off with a delicious funnel cake or the infamous fried Twinkie and your fair experience is complete!

Haven’t had a chance to get to the fair yet this year?  Not to fret!  There is an impressive line-up of acts to round out the rest of the week.  Throw on your best boots, grab your margarita from Shakers and enjoy the concerts and activities that only the fair can provide.  There is really something for everyone.   

Here is a glimpse of what’s still to come:

Main Grandstand

• Counting Crows (7/24)
• Selena Gomez & The Scene with Big Time Rush (7/25)
• Jason Aldean with Thompson Square (7/26)
• Kid Rock with Leroy Powell & The Messengers (7/27)
• Lady Antebellum with Troy Olsen (7/28)
• Chicago with Earl Klugh (7/29)
• Country Rodeo Finals (7/30)
• Toughest Monster Truck Tour (7/31)

 
Fort Frontier Stage (Free Concerts):

• Tenth Avenue North
• The Fabulous Thunderbirds
• Crystal Gayle
• Stealing Angels
• George Thorogood
• Spin Doctors
• Charlie Musselwhite
• Little Joe y La Familia

Don’t forget the wine!  Mission Square plays host daily to music, entertainment and WINE. Stop by and see all that the vines of Paso Robles has to offer. 

For more information, click here: 2011 California Mid State Fair

Twist Studio Spa All-in-one for Girlfriend Getaways, Bridal Parties and More!

By Nancy Hoover

Planning a girls trip to Paso Robles this summer? Whether it be a mother-daughter, bridal party or girlfriend getaway trip, Twist Studio Spa is the ideal place to host mid-size groups for a day of pampering in charming downtown Paso Robles.

Discover Paso Robles -- It's a Good Life!

By the Travel Paso Robles Alliance

Want to see what you are missing? Check out our new TV commercial showcasing our beautiful vineyard covered hillsides, green and grassy downtown square, fun-filled farm excursions and farmers' markets, amazing dining, wine tasting, spas, shopping, golf and a plethora of outdoor activities! Come discover Paso Robles, you'll be glad you did!

Where will your spring and summer travels take you?

By Nancy Hoover

With spring just around the corner (hello March!), it's time to start thinking about spring and summer travel plans! I have no doubt that you've been thinking about where you want to vacation this summer, perhaps thinking "can we afford Hawaii?" or "the kid's would love a water park or horseback riding" and "can we even afford an entire week off of work?"  In today's economy, it's a tough subject for some, and we often tiptoe around the idea. But the daffodils are blooming and it's time to decide: where can we go that's affordable and fun?!

Four Fall Favorites in Paso!

By Nancy Hoover

I said it once and I’ll say it again: fall is my favorite season in Paso Robles.  Not only because I love the sweet smell of wine grapes fermenting, but also because the town itself becomes more relaxed as the summer travel season slows down and spirits skyrocket due to the anticipation of the approaching holiday season.  To help you plan a fall visit, I made a list of my four favorite fall activities in Paso Robles that I would like to share with you now.

A country drive will put you and your loved one in a trance as you navigate the vibrant vineyard hues of gold, yellow, rust, red, aubergine and even beautiful shades of brown with your eyes.   Rolling, oak studded hills and windy vineyard roads lure drivers to the east side of Paso Robles.  Bring a picnic and stop at a winery to enjoy the views— and undoubtedly, a glass of wine!  This photo was taken with my Blackberry on El Pomar Road at the junction of South El Pomar Road this past weekend.  Absolutely breathtaking!

 

Fall is one of my favorite times to visit our North County Farmer’s Markets.  Paso Robles’ Farmer’s Markets are held every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning in the charming downtown city park, right next to the playground.  Expect to find an abundance of ripe fruits, vegetables, olives and nuts at both Farmer’s Markets as the Central Coast has one of the longest growing seasons known to farmers.  Moreover, fall is the time of year when most crops are harvested.  Specifically, citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, kiwis and limes, and nutrient rich vegetables, like broccoli, brussel sprouts, spinach, chard and pumpkins are in prime picking condition this time of year.   Perfect for holiday cooking and entertaining!

Grab a small bite at Villa Creek in downtown Paso Robles.  The restaurant is warm, cozy and adorned with beautiful Mission-era paintings, sculptures and artifacts.  Relax with a glass of wine and low light, or order a specialty cocktail, like a Caramel Appletini or a Hot Toddy, made by one of their friendly bartenders.  Villa Creek is known for their delicious carnitas tacos served up every night and for a great price every “Taco Tuesday.”  I like the Butternut Squash Enchiladas and the Not Nachos, which is a duck based mole served over crispy tortillas and topped with feta cheese, onions and cilantro.  After writing this, I might have to make a second visit this week!

Shopping!  How can I write about fall activities and not include a bit on holiday shopping?  Paso Robles has a great downtown chock-full of clothing, furniture, art and jewelry boutiques.  Nearly all the shops are privately owned and therefore, you will find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and family!  Divine Style and Soles is great for women’s boots, sweaters and jackets, and Rendition is perfect for luxurious furnishings, like a new chair or table.  Step on over to Boot Barn to pick up men’s apparel and of course, boots!  Hand-made jewelry can be found at Firefly and one of a kind paintings are hung at Studios on the Park.  The booty is all yours!

Find Ordinary, and Not so Ordinary Pumpkins (and Recipes) at Jack Creek Farms

By Nancy Hoover

On a recent hunt to find the most unique pumpkins grown in Paso Robles, I stopped in for a visit at Jack Creek Farms located just off of Highway 46 West.  Jack Creek Farms is a true treat for families, couples and groups that seek a unique fall experience filled with farm activities, including a u-pick pumpkin patch, bakery and bistro, dummy steer and lasso, hay stack and much more!  To my delight, I pulled up just when a throng of smiling kindergartners was loading their school bus with their perfectly round pumpkins ready to be transformed into Jack-o-Lanterns. I perused the children’s findings and discovered we weren’t hunting the same pumpkin.  I was on the hunt for less conventional pumpkins.  My pumpkins needed be unusual shades of orange, blue, or green, abnormal in shape, and the more scars, scratches and warts, the better. 

I found exactly what I wanted at Jack Creek Farms.  I loved the turquoise green pumpkin I found for a nice fall display on my front porch, and to my surprise the bright tangerine pumpkin that I purchased is also great for any recipe that calls for pumpkin.  Jack Creek Farms also has an incredible inventory of squash and gourds too, perfect for fall decorating or baking!  Thinking of the possibilities made me excited, especially the thought of homemade pumpkin ravioli – yummy!!  I plan to use the below pasta dough recipe from Chef Andre Averseng for my raviolis.

Joy Barlogio who owns Jack Creek Farms and Jack Creek Winery with her husband Tim shared a few recipes with me that will be perfect for Thanksgiving when my pumpkins retire from display. She explained the best way to prepare pumpkin for any recipe is to simply chop the pumpkin into big chunks and cook in the oven at 350 degrees F until tender.  Once tender, you then mash the pumpkin to create a paste similar to the consistency of mashed potatoes that can be used in muffins, pie, cheesecake, you name it!  You can freeze the paste to store it, and then thaw it out when a recipe calls for pumpkin. Check out the great recipes from Jack Creek Farms below.

Whether you plan to use your pumpkins for cooking, decorating or carving, Jack Creek Farms has a great selection of ordinary and not so ordinary pumpkins for children and adults. 

Becky’s Easy Pumpkin Soup
1 ½ Tbsp melted butter
½ onion, finely chopped
1 ½ Tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cream
1 cup pumpkin, cooked and mashed
½ red bell pepper finely chipped
½ tsp salt
Dash of pepper and/or cumin
Instructions: Melt butter in saucepan.  Add onion and sauté until translucent. Whisk in flour and stir constantly 1 to 2 minutes until mixture is smooth and bubbly.  Add chicken broth slowly, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.  Bring to a boil and add cream, pumpkin and bell pepper.  Simmer for 5 minutes to bring out the flavors.  Season with salt, pepper and cumin to taste.

Farmhouse Honey Pumpkin Pie
1 ½ cups mashed cooked pumpkin
¾ cup yellow star thistle honey
Pinch of baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 ½ cups evaporated milk
¼ cup melted butter
1 unbaked 10” pie shell
Instructions:  Mix pumpkin, honey, baking soda, salt and spices and vanilla; mix well.  Add eggs, milk and butter.  Mix thoroughly and pour into unbaked pie shell.  Bake at 375 degrees F for 1 hour or until knife inserted into center comes out clean.  Top will be glossy, be careful not to over bake!

Chef Andre’s Pasta Dough Recipe
1 pound all purpose flour
4-6 medium eggs
1-2 ounces water
Pinch of salt
½ ounce olive oil
Intructions: Mix by hand until desired consistency of dry pasta dough that isn’t too wet, but integrated.  Knead the dough by hand, let it rest at room temperature, then roll out to cut pasta of choice.

Photos courtesy of Jack Creek Farms

Four Favorites in Paso Robles!

by Nancy Hoover

I love when my friends and family visit me on the Central Coast.  Not only because I love their company, but also because I love to plan fun culinary and wine tasting adventures for them.  Lucky me, new adventures are not hard to find in Paso Robles. 

I have listed below just a sampling of some of my favorite spots, and, mind you, there are plenty to choose from, so I’ve just chosen four for now. Tune in each month for more Four Favorites in Paso Robles!!

Favorite #1: Farmstand 46 is a great spot for lunch when wine tasting along the Westside Winery trail and it has a fresh vegetable kitchen garden to die for!  Farmstand 46 is an upscale deli with outdoor seating that offers incredible paninis (try the Cruiser!). It also has an outdoor brick oven that produces delectable pizzas: YUMMY!

Favorite #2: Antiques are for old folks?  Heck no!! I’m not old, but I do enjoy a good antique store.  Thank goodness for that because Paso Robles is full of them!  Located right off of Highway 101 south of Paso Robles, Vineyard Antique Mall is my favorite and stocked full of hidden gems.  And if you are really into antiques, the small town of Santa Margarita holds a monthly antique auction where you can find truly unique Mission style furniture, custom to the area.

Favorite #3: The newest gig in town, Il Cortile Ristorante is a hit with locals and visitors.  Chef Santos MacDonal of Honduran decent is firing up amazing dishes in the kitchen at Il Cortile.  Specializing in rustic Italian cuisine, Il Cortile has an incredible burrata and mozzarella antipasti menu as well as a long list of homemade pasta dishes for your entrée selection.  Attention pasta lovers: the spaghetti al ragu is to die for!

Favorite #4: A pioneer in Paso Robles wine country has returned to his roots, and we locals couldn’t be happier!  After selling his award winning Wild Horse Winery in 2005 to Constellation Wines, Ken Volk ventured down into Santa Barbara County to produce wines at the old Byron Winery facility.  Well, he’s back! Ken Volk is a Paso Robles icon and anyone that know him, loves him – and his wine! Stop in for a taste at his new tasting room located off of Highway 46 West – Ken shares a space with Lone Madrone and Fat Cat Farms, an herb and flower garden nursery with outdoor picnic areas. 

What are some of your favorites? Post them in the comments section below and I’ll be sure to try them out!!!! Come visit Paso Robles – there is a favorite adventure waiting for you!

Photos courtesy of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and Farmstand 46

California is for Olive Lovers!!

By Nancy Hoover

While most people equate olives and olive oil with Greece and Italy, California olive oils, and specifically Paso Robles producers, are fast getting the recognition they deserve as growers of a wide variety of the high-quality, delicious, oil producing fruit.

Paso Robles and a good portion of California enjoy a maritime climate, similar to that of the Mediterranean. So it makes perfect agricultural sense that Paso Robles is not only a burgeoning wine region, but also an olive oil region. I must admit this makes me giddy, because one of my favorite Mediterranean treats is the olive and the fabulous extra virgin olive oil it produces.  My husband and I love to cook with fresh locally grown products, including olive oil.  By living in Paso Robles, we have become spoiled by the wide variety of extra virgin olive oils found here.  Truly fresh pressed olive oils are a little bitter on the tongue and super pungent in dressings.  I crave that fresh olive oil taste, which I never knew was there until I started tasting the good oils produced right in my own backyard. And I love the fruit itself in salads, martinis, and stuffed with jalapenos or blue cheese.  Actually, I like olives in any food dish, cocktail (even my beer) or a la carte.  As you can tell, I love olives!

Could you imagine my excitement, then, when I learned that Paso Robles hosts an Annual Olive Festival?  Held in Paso Robles’ charming downtown city park, the Paso Robles Olive Festival is the perfect opportunity for any olive lover to sample the delicious oils made not only in Paso Robles , but from producers all over California.  This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, August 21st from 10 am to 5 pm. 

Rumor has it that Paso Robles’ Olive Festival is fun for the entire family!  With fun games and activities like, guess the number of olives in the jar, olive branch wreath-making and a special clown appearance by Freckles the Clown, olives are sure to grow near and dear to your children’s heart.  For olive enthusiasts like me, visitors will enjoy olive and olive oil product samples, olive infused foods from gourmet vendors, olive branch arts and crafts and the chance to compete in an olive cooking contest.  Many gourmet food vendors will also share their olive recipes for you to recreate at home.

For those of you who can’t find your way to the Annual Olive Festival, but wish to sample olive and olive oil products grown in our region, plan a special visit to We Olive in downtown Paso Robles.  We Olive carries a wide selection of extra virgin olive oils made in California.  In fact, about three quarters of what they carry is made by producers that are located within a 50 mile radius of Paso Robles.  There's no tasting fee, so be sure to get in there during your next visit to taste the fine Paso Robles olive oils.

The 7th Annual Olive Festival is a fun gathering of California olive and olive oil producers, farmers and enthusiasts that is sure to enhance your love for the salty, yummy, round olive.  Please visit pasoroblesolivefestival.com for information on the festival and related activities.

Photos courtesy of the Paso Robles Olive Festival

Just Around the Bend: 2010 California Mid-State Fair

By Nancy Hoover

We alluded to it before in a previous post, but I have to say it again, the 2010 California Mid-State Fair is coming! In a span of 12 days, the California Mid-State Fair invites guests to be entertained by live music, public contests, yummy fair food and unique vendors selling anything from hot tubs to Justin boots.  The California Mid-State Fair is the largest event held annually in Paso Robles and as a result, nearly 370,000 people travel to Paso Robles from across the state (and some even across state lines) to be a part of the Fair’s festivities.  So, get your bags packed and come on down to what is known by many as “the biggest little fair anywhere!”

The California Mid-State Fair has something for all ages and interests to enjoy.  For the summer fair traditionalist, enjoy the many agricultural exhibits and displays from quilting to pie baking and home landscaping.  For the young and young at heart, the fair offers a fantastic carnival full of rides for people of all ages, the ususal fair games and the best cotton candy you can find!  In addition, children can enter and win prizes in the public contests like sand castle building and shark roping held at Paso Pete’s Ponderosa Stage.  For the foodie and wine lover, visit the Mission Square to taste daily featured Paso Robles wines and to watch our talented local Chefs conduct cooking demonstrations!  And for the music and performance lover, attend one of our numerous concerts offered nightly on a number of different stages.  The Headliner Stage features FREE local music and dance talent including Ashley Garland, Class Act Dance and the famed KJUG Barn Dance.  Also FREE, the Fort Frontier Stage steps up the talent a bit with music from seasoned pros such as Coco Montoya, Blue Oyster Cult and Cross Canadian Ragweed.  And for high profile concerts, purchase tickets to see our Main Grandstand headliners, like Justin Bieber, Aerosmith, Keith Urban, Weezer and many more!

     

The 2010 California Mid State Fair is open from July 21st thru August 1st, 2010.  Fair admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Gates open at 12:00 noon and close at 12:00 midnight.  We’ll see you there!!

All photos courtesy of the California Mid-State Fair.  Clockwise from top: Justin Bieber, Weezer, Aerosmith.

Paso Robles Lavender in Full Bloom!

By Nancy Hoover

The aromas found in Paso Robles at this time of year are boundless.  From fresh cut hay sitting in the fields waiting to be baled to lavender fields in full bloom, now is the time to visit Paso Robles to get your fill of summer harvest aromas!  One event filled with aromas that you don’t want to miss is the 2nd Annual Central Coast Lavender Festival held this Saturday in Paso Robles. 

Locals and tourists alike will gather in the charming Paso Robles downtown city park to enjoy all the wonderful lavender wares Central Coast vendors have to offer.   Visitors will learn about the many conventional applications that the lavender plant has to offer including its health and beauty benefits, culinary applications and home garden potential.  One interesting application of the lavender plant that visitors are sure to enjoy is lavender-infused foods.  In the Lavender Tasting Garden, event-goers will have the opportunity to sample lavender-infused sorbet, iced tea, desserts, lemonade and more! 

The 2nd Annual Lavender Festival will be held from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, July 10 in the Paso Robles City Park.  We hope to see you there!

Cheers!

Photo courtesy of Dreamstime.com