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Santa Barbara Life & Style Volume 1 Issue 9
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LIFE STYLESANTA BARBARA
MAGAZINESEPTEMBER 2013
&Exclusive
Million DollarInterview
Bravo’s Josh Flagg
PG 18
SecretBeach
TownPG 32
sblifeandstyle.com SB LIFE AND STYLEVol 1. Issue 3
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Volume 1Issue 3 / September 2013
Editor / PublisherJeffrey Florentine
Art Director
Rah Riley
Marketing & Public RelationsOttocina Ryan & Laura Reynolds
Photographer
Meadow Rose
Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine is published bySanta Barbara Life & Style, Inc.
Jeffrey FlorentineFounder & Editor
PO BOX 5072SANTA BARBARA, CA 93150
For distribution, advertising, or other [email protected]
Santa Barbara LIfe & Style - Issuu Edition
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8 NO PASSPORT REQUIRED. Experience the posh life of Los Olivios and eat like boss at SY Kitchen. 18 MILLION DOLLAR INTERVIEW. SB Life & Style sits down with BRAVO celebrity, Josh Flagg, to discuss his favorite place to staycation. 30 TRIKKE AROUND TOWN. Trikkes are the coolest way to get around town or site see on any staycation that will make everyone’s head turn! 32 AVILA BEACH. Escape to one of California’s secret beach towns where SB Life & Style takes you on a high class staycation. 44 CAMPING IS A TRIP...GLAMPING IS A VACATION. For those looking to experience the beauty and peace that comes with camping while relaxing in luxury, Read about your new best friend!
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Letter from theEditor
Dear Friends -
Jeffrey FlorentineFounder & EditorSanta Barbara Life & Style
Welcome to Issue Three of Santa Barbara Life & Style, Santa Barbara’s black book on the behind scenes of everything stylish. As Santa Barbara boasts culture, beautiful surroundings and unmistakeable charm, we all know is has great reputation for being one of the best destinations to vacation in America. We geared this issue towards you, the SB local, to show you a true vacation may only be just footsteps from your home. SB Life & Style was honored to chat with Bravo celebrity, Josh Flagg for a fun interview on why he too chooses Santa Barbara for his staycations.
For those not familiar with Santa Barbara Life & Style, we are an online company featuring Santa Barbara’s rich and luxourious lifestyle. Santa Barbara, in and of itself, is a brand synonymouswith luxury and fine living. Through the pages of our online magazine, Santa Barbara Life & Style captures the rich lifestyle, influential people, homes & gardens, architecture, fashion, interior design, food & wine, events, and a glimpse behind the panache that is Santa Barbara. Enjoy the issue. September is the best time to be in our little slice of paradise. The crowds leave and the locals get to enjoy the best weather of the year!
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Four Seasons The Biltmore
Santa Barbara
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As beautiful and relaxing as Santa Barbara is, sometimes you need to get away for a couple days. A scenic forty minute drive from Santa Barbara is the Santa Ynez Valley. There is no better time to visit than harvest season! Get ready for a few days of relaxing and wine tasting in this tranquil setting surrounded by vineyards.
WRITTEN BY OTTOCINA RYAN
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The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and Spa is the premier destination for food, wine and spa en-thusiasts. The twenty room inn welcomes guests with the ultimate experience in luxury travel. The inn is eco-friendly, and all guests may enjoy com-plementary wine tasting at any of the four Parker family wineries. Breakfast at the upscale Petros Los Olivos restaurant is a must do. Nestle in to the one bedroom 890 square-foot Parker Suite. The largest suite in the recently remodeled hotel boasts a bar, a fireplace, and a gorgeous bathroom.
This beautifully decorated hotel has amenities galore! Take a dip in their new infinity pool which is surrounded by modern fire pits and a succulent wall. Unwind by playing a board game in the library. Relax and rejuvinate at their elegant Champagne Spa. The spa menu includes facials, massages, and reflexology. If you’re feeling adventurous, talk to the con-cierge about taking a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards. While you could thoroughly enjoy your stay without leaving the hotel, the Santa Ynez Valley has so much to offer.
SLEEP
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Wendy Foster recently opened a store at 2928 San Marcos Avenue in Los Olivos. Shop for classic casual pieces like linen shirts, and bohemian dresses. Perfect to wear to dinner! What about a pair of AG jeans and an Equipment blouse to wear wine tasting? Jenna,
the buyer, noted that the clothes at this store are the most wearable of any Wendy Foster Stores. I recommend stopping by on Saturday, September 28th, when there will be an art opening, featuring artist Amber O’Neil, and wine tasting.
SPOIL
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How would you like to spend the morning flying over Santa Barbara and the afternoon visiting wineries that are not even open to the public? Get ready for the most luxurious and exciting tour of wine country with Costal Concierge!. Begin your tour by flying over downtown Santa Barbara, the beach, Montecito, and the
vineyards of Santa Ynez. For the brave at heart, the pilot will even relinquish the controls and let you take flight over the Central Coast shores. Upon landing at the Santa Ynez airport you will be whisked off in a Cadillac Escalade to three wineries. Some of the most popular destinations include Dierberg/Star Lane, Foley and Rusack.
EXPERIENCE
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Once at each winery, you will tour the vineyard, journey through the wine production process, and of course taste wine. The winemakers and vineyard owners will be on hand to answer questions and help you pick thst perfect wine to enjoy when you return home. Whether you are a novice or a wine connoisseur, the professionals at Coastal Concierge tailor the
your tour according to your preferences. Discover a new favorite varietal or lose yourself in an old favorite. Your guide provides a gourmet picnic lunch consisting of poached salmon, cashew chicken skewers, fruit and fancy cheese platters.Enjoy the meal overlooking a vineyard sipping on one of your latest treasures. Talk about a perfect day!
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Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Cafe is the place where wine knowledge and amazing food meet. The restaurant boasts a level three sommelier, Cameron, and two level one somme-liers, Raul and Matt. It is rare for a restaurant to have three sommeliers on the staff. They plan on sharing their knowledge in a new educational series where you can go learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about grape growing and the wine making process. Although the expansive wall of wine seems like the focal point, Los Olivos Cafe has
delicious and fresh food that can’t be missed. Their Mediterranean inspired California cui-sine will not disappont. I highly recommend the raspberry pecan salad as a light lunch! The menu changes seasonally, depending on what is growing on Chef Chris Joslyn’s two acre farm. Nearby the farm is one of the few organic vine-yards on the Central Coast and the winery where Sam Marmorstein, the restaurant owner, makes Bernat wine. Fun fact: owl boxes in the vineyards encourage owls to roost there and eat pests that would otherwise eat the grapes!
WINE & DINE
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SY Kitchen is a must for dinner. The restaurant opened in April in an old farmhouse and has maintained that style and feel--including a hitch-ing post out front. Sip a cocktail by the fire pit before settling into a table on the covered porch to dine on Northern Italian cuisine. Order the warm octopus salad followed by the home made spaghetti mare (they have gluten-free pasta also)!
Maybe share a Napolitano-style pizza from their new wood-burning pizza oven. Everything is so fresh and light--what you’d eat in Milan but a whole lot closer to home! Chef Luca Crestanelli, who co-owns SY Kitchen with Kathie and Mike Gordon, can be found hanging out with the farm-ers and picking his own herbs and produce. If it’s not fresh they won’t serve it!
EAT
Photo Credit: Rocco Ceselin
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Saarloos and Sons is without doubt the coolest winery. The Saarloos family is hilarious and beyond passionate about wine. They know the grapes intimately so it’s only fitting that each varietal is named for a family member. Each wine, like the story behind it, has a sentimental meaning to this winemaking clan. During the wine tasting, Keith Saarloos told the story behind the name of their 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Courage. The poignant story about his great-uncle John will both tug at your heart strings and make
you want to buy a case of Courage. Each of their wines, such as Extended Family, a 2010 Pinot Noir, is delicious. Saarloos and Sons is now selling wines from 2010 and 2011 so they are ready to be enjoyed today. You may try any of their wines prior to purchase so you don’t have to only judge the book by its very unique cover. As if you need another reason to go to the Saarloos and Sons wine tasting room, Enjoy Cupcakes resides in the same cottage!
SIP
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Enjoy Cupcakes are fine pastries in the form of a cupcake. Enjoy has over 510 cupcake flavors. Yes you read that right, 510--more than any other cupcakery in the world! Kevin, who owns Enjoy Cupcakes with his wife Amber, explained that their cupcakes have distinct and identifiable flavors instead of being sugar bombs. They were also the first to sell wine infused cupcakes such as Chocolate Blackberry Syrah. New and creative flavors are released every
week; Pineapple Jalepeno, Abbazaba, and Caramel Chocolate Macadamia Nut to name a few. Enjoy cupcakes are paired with Saarloos wine--stop by and get a flight of mini cupcakes to take into the wine tasting room with you! You can’t leave without trying the salted caramel bread pudding that’s made with cupcakes instead of bread. It is the best thing you’ll ever taste...and that’s even before all the wine.
LEAVE WITH DESSERT
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MILLION DOLLAR INTERVIEW
Santa Barbara Life & Style sits down with Bravo’s Josh Flagg
Written by Jeffrey FlorentinePhotographed by Leah Valentine Photography
Josh Flagg, star on Bravo’s hit TV show Million Dollar Listing, sat down with Santa Barbara Life & Style for in interview on his favorite destination to staycation. If you haven’t guessed it, it’s Santa Barbara of course! Josh was practically raised in Santa Barbara with his family staycationing here since he was a baby.
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What about Santa Barbara makes it one of your favorite places to ‘staycation’? Santa Barbara is like a second home to me. I have probably spent more time in Santa Barbara then any other city, besides Los Angeles, through out my entire life. I have been going to Santa Barbara for vacation weekends between three and four times a year for the last twenty eight years. Some of my happiest memories are in Santa Barbara, specifically Montecito. What are some of your fondest memories of Santa Barbara?
I have so many memories of Montecito... from diving into the pool at the Coral Casino on Labor Day weekends, to day camp at the Four Seasons. I used to take long walks with my grandmother from the hotel to State Street, and I would
have dinner with my parents and grandparents at the old El Encanto or San Ysidro Ranch. I remember putting and playing shuffle board on the lawn of the Biltmore and horse back riding with my dad at Circle Bar B Ranch. I remember driving one night and getting lost with my grandmother. We ended up at a place called Lake Cachuma, which at the time, I never even knew existed. I dont know how we got there from San Ysidro Road, but we did.There are so many memories! How has Santa Barbara changed over the years?
Santa Barbara is almost exactly the same as it always was, and that's probably why I enjoy going there so much. Nothing has changed. Little things of course, but its practically untouched, and I hope it always stays that way.
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What’s one thing you relish while in Santa Barbara away from LA?
I love going to the Biltmore and driving up the driveway, and from the man who opens my car door, to the girls at the desk... they all know me, my partner and even our dog Godzilla. The Four Seasons Biltmore is our second home!
Can you give us some insight on Santa Barbra’s Real Estate market?
Santa Barbara will always be some of the most sought after real estate. I have sold tons of properties in Montecito and what I love about taking listings up there is that every time I need to show the property, it gives me an excuse to drive up the coast and stay the night in town. One time I drove up three times in one week for a particular house!
Could we see you buying any luxury real estate in Santa Barbara in the future? Absolutley not. As beautiful as it is, I will never stop going to the Biltmore. It would not feel the same to me. If i did, it would have to be right adjacent to the property, or close enough that i could walk a few steps to the driveway. If anything I would want to live at the hotel.
As your dog, Godzilla, travels with you on most of your travels, what tips can you share when traveling with her?
Godzilla is really the guest at the Biltmore; we just are there to look after her -- the Cocker Spaniel makes all the decisions! Sometimes she locks us out of our cottage if she is angry and makes us sleep on the back lawn or in the lobby! (joking, of course!) Recently, though, she has been nicer.
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What brand luggage would we expect to see you traveling with? Personally, I could care less what type of luggage I use. I would be happy with Costco luggage, but for some reason my partner loves Louis Vuitton bags, o we have a set of that. You’re very fashion forward! What clothing/shoe brands can we find you wearing while visiting Santa Barbara?
Stubbs and Wootton of course. I dont own any other shoes. You can wear them with a tux or with pajamas. That’s why I love them. Off topic! Being as fashion forward as you are, have you
ever thought about designing your own men’s clothing line?
My grandmother was a fashion designer and had her line Edith Flagg for close to 50 years. The line was sold all over the country, and it was one of the top lines in America from the 60s to the 90s. I grew up in that world, so I have no desire to ever go back there.
Back on topic’ - with countless reviews published on Hotel Chatter, has the hotel industry always been a secret passion for you? I love hotels. They are my passion. I will probably live in a hotel one day.
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When researching hotels for your next jaunt, what key features do you look for in a hotel? You know that old saying --Location, Location, Location! If you are not in a prime area, the hotel is completly unimportant. Because what are you doing there if you can’t leave the property and get around town?
What’s your biggest pet peeve when traveling?
I hate when you go in a room, and there isn’t fruit, cheese or some kind of an amenity. It’s a little thing that every hotel should always do to make you feel like you are welcome. Because for me, the first feeling of that welcome is my true measure of hospitality at each hotel. Small thing, yes, but it goes a long way for me when making my decisions to rebook future stays!
Please be sure to check out our local listings for Million Dollar Listing - Los Angeles on BRAVO
For more information
and pictures from behind the scenes, visit us at SBlifeandstyle.com
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3 WHEELS OF FUNWRITTEN BY JEFFREY FLORENTINE
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You must be asking yourself, what are Trikkes?! Trikkes are the newest way to explore your next destination! These eco-friendly transporters are equipped with a 700 watt motor (top speed is about 20 mph) and the average range is about 15 miles on a single charge. When riding a Trikke, you feel as though you are skiing on air. Gliding along the path, you will feel the sun on your face and the breeze flowing through your hair. Trikkes are built with a 3-point cambering (leaning) feature that allows the frame to lean into turns while keeping all three wheels on the ground. This provides for geat maneuverability and down hill excitement.
Trikke’s durable, lightweight, folding frame allows you to fold and store in car or back at home. A MUST BUY for any staycationer!
Get your own Trikke:[email protected]
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32Avila Beach
33Avila Beach
After a short drive through the beautiful
California wine country and coastline I arrived in
Avila Beach, a quaint, cute and sophisticated little
town. With lush mountains behind me and the vast
ocean in front, I experienced the best of both worlds,
the perfect mix of rustic elegance in a serene and
relaxing beach front environment. To let you in
on the highlights, I relaxed at a luxury mineral spa,
wandered the beach, explored tide pools by a guided
boat tour, danced at the Avila Farmer’s Market,
indulged in some amazing champagne tasting,
visited many wineries, boutiques and antique stores
and dined in some of the most exquisite restaurants!
WRITTEN BY BREANNA O’TOOLE
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The Avila Lighthouse Suites provides an ideal beachfront oasis. The beachfront hotel, with tt’s classic shutters and nautical style, provide the most optimal views of the coastline. I experienced personalized service and comofortable and luxurious accommodations. This quaint hotel is staffed with caring individuals that learn your name and fulfill your special requests with ease. I splurged and stayed in a luxurious 2 bedroom Villa boasting a living room and a fireplace. The Adirondack chairs perched on the suite’s balcony
were perfect for enjoying the breath taking views. It was quite the spot to relax and unwind with a glass of local wine in hand. Located on Avila’s promenade, the hotel is centrally located and within walking distance to my weekend’s activities. For my inner child, I enjoyed a game of the hotel’s life size checker board and miniature golf course! Emily, the concierge was extremely helpful in guiding me to all of Avila’s secret activities and some of the most exciting things to do!
Sleep
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I spent a day to renew and rejuvenate at the exclu-sive Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort Spa. A short venture into the mountains, this mineral springs spa gave me utter relaxation with unique experi-ences. The incredible meditation garden was unlike anything I have ever seen. I sat and mediated in the peaceful surroundings. After letting my cares float away, I relaxed in the Mineral Hot Tub oasis for an hour (which you can rent), I felt like I entered my
own personal sanctuary. The enchanting waterfall flows into a lagoon filled with fresh warm water to ease muscles and took me into instant relaxation. I also enjoyed their renowned ‘Wine Therapy Mas-sage.’ This treatment, exclusive to their Spa, incor-porates emotional, physical and spiritual elements using a hand-blended oil of local grape seed ex-tracts rich in antioxidants. At the end, I was given a glass of blissful Chardonnay to complete the expe-rience.
SPOIL
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I started my evenings at Cuvee Bistro and Champagne Bar. Tucked behind the hotel, it was the perfect place to start the evening. I tasted the ‘Bubbly Flight,” a sampling of 2 of their most popular offerings. At the suggestion of the owner, I paired my sampling with the Cuvee Cheese Board.
The Laetitia Brut Cuvee, St Hilaire Brut ‘09 and Stellina di Notte Prosecco all nicely complimented the array of cheeses from Spain, Italy and France. The board is huge and comes with cured meats, fresh picked veggies, olives, nuts and crostinis.
TASTE
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I enjoyed dinner at the Olde Port Inn, situated on the Hartfard Pier, just down the beach from the promenade. I indulged in fresh local seafood and loved the surrounding ocean views. For starters, I indulged in their incredible Bacon Wrapped and Stuffed Prawns followed by their famous “No Work
Cioppino”. The broth was nice and light and added nice flavors to the fish, calamari, prawns and scal-lops. The highlight of the evening was my glass top bottomless table. ,Through the glass, I was able to view actual sea life below the pier. What a new and unique dining experience!
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Experience Avila Beach Farmer’s Market was the place to be Friday evenings between 4 and 8pm. Truly a gem that sits right on the promenade with a live band and people dancing in the street right next to the pier! I had the best time enjoying the ocean breeze
and gorgeous summer evening. Several secrets were the delicious home made local clam chowder booth and an unforgettable fruit booth with fresh mangos cut into roses and served on sticks.
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Feeling adventerous after a day of relaxation, I decided to head out to sea. I decided on the Seaweed Express, where I chartered a rescue style boat. Large enough to be comfortable, though small enough to navigate the small caves and scenic shoreline. Looking back at the shore from one memorable cove, I saw the unmistakable sigh
of Avila’s historic lighthouse. Dolphins chased us through the waters as seals sunbathed on shore. Once back on land, I took a page from the seal’s book, grabbed my beach bag, a floppy hat and plopped down on Avila’s white sand beach. I napped the day away, dreaming of all my adventures.
Explore
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CAMPING IS A TRIP Glamping is a Vacation
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CAMPING IS A TRIP Glamping is a VacationPhotographed by Meadow Rose Photography
Written by Jeffrey Florentine
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RockyLaine assembles
your room prior
to your arrival, allowing for
instant enjoyment. Instead
of fighting against the sunset
for light to assemble a tent,
you can unpack your suitcase
and start relaxing. At night,
you can hear the sounds of
nature from your comfortable
bed as you sleep beneath the
stars. Glamping is favored to
many as it reduces much of
the hassles of regular camping
and allows one to enjoy the
most enjoyable experiences.
Get back from an epic
hike and BBQ some bacon
wrapped filet mignon or
open a bottle of your favorite
bubbly in your homey camp
compund. After dinner relax
in a rocking chair by your fire
pit and gaze up at the stars.
Roast gourmet marshmallows
with truffle chocolate and
shortbread ginger cookies to
end the evening. Fall asleep
to the sounds of nature, and
wake, well rested, ready for
the next day of adventure!
RockyLaine is getting stylish
women outdoors!
To schedule your glamping
adventure, Call (805) 452-
1484 or email at info@
rockylaine.com
To see more behind the scene
pictures of this shoot visit:
SBlifeandstyle.com
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Camping is a trip...
Glampingis a Vacation! Written by: Jeffrey Florentine
You want adventure, breathtaking views, and escape from the world. You also just want to put your feet up and check out on all responsibili-ties. Another possibility is that you love camping, but your travel com-panion equates it with bugs, sleepless nights, and bad food. For those looking to experience the beauty and peace that comes with camping while relaxing in luxury, RockyLaine can provide you with all the neces-sities for your next adventure. Though compromise may be the key to a successful relationship, there is no compromise on the luxury amenities included in this unique experience.
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connect LIFE STYLESANTA BARBARA
MAGAZINE&
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LIFE STYLESANTA BARBARA
MAGAZINEDECEMBER 2013
&HAVE YOU
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