Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files: Goodbye to Antonio Gardella
A critical figure in the development of Santa Barbara’s wine scene died on June 3; plus, stories you may have missed
Summer Soiree to Benefit Vintners & Farmworkers
Paul Ramirez of Loma Escondida Farming explains how the Vintners Foundation is improving community health.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files: My 'Indy' Origin Story
As we celebrate our newspaper’s 40th anniversary, here’s how I started at the 'Santa Barbara Independent' back in 1999; plus, stories you may have missed.
Food
Pasta Santina’s Nutritional Noodle Empire
Chef Sergio Chierego is mixing up flours and shapes in Carpinteria’s artisanal pasta factory.
Arnie’s Rooftop Bar Overlooks Carpinteria’s Linden Square
Bainbridge Island hospitality veteran Arnie Sturham pairs drinks with good vibes and great views.
Visual Arts
Santa Barbara’s Kevin Gleason Paints the Pacific Crest Trail
The recently retired Dos Pueblos High art teacher is creating a new piece every day as he walks 2,652 miles.
Books
Graphic Novel Energy Meets Fascinating Fish Facts in ‘Gonzo Ichthyology’
UCSB scientist Milton Love teamed up with South African artist Jessica Eggers to create this beautifully bizarre book.
Drink
Vega Vineyard Wines Vermentino Gold
The Santa Ynez Valley winery impressed international judges in Sardinia, the homeland of this white wine grape.
Community
Award and Memorial Created in Honor of Santa Barbara Teenager Tayden Tomblin
The Tayden Ripple Effect Award and San Marcos High memorial are announced in advance of a celebration of life for the 17-year-old, who died in a Thanksgiving skateboarding accident.
Full Belly Files
Sympathy for Santa Rosa Island
It’s sad to see such a magical place on fire, though maybe it will be good for the ecosystem. Here are a few reasons why we love Rosa so much. Plus, stories you may have missed.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files: Santa Barbara’s Chocolate Farm Is Working
Twenty-Four Blackbirds founder Michael Orlando is successfully growing cacao, but looking for help to ramp up the project; plus, stories you may have missed.
Mindset Symposium Debuts in Santa Barbara County
The first-ever regenerative viticulture conference runs June 8 to 10 in the Santa Maria Valley.
Food
Monte’s Brings Rincon Hill Farm Freshness to Montecito
The ambitious Endwell Hospitality group debuts its first West Coast restaurant on Coast Village Road.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files: Where I Will Be Santa Barbara Culinary Experience-ing
The annual countywide food & drink celebration runs May 11 to 17, and here are my assignments.
Toasting Julia Child’s Love for Life
Renowned sommelier Bobby Stuckey is just one star coming to the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience from May 11 to 17.
Drink
Enjoy the Ava While Exploring Paso Robles
There are bigger city vibes at this new downtown hotel, which would be the perfect headquarters for your next long wine country weekend.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Margerum Wine Does Lunch Every Day
Could culinary consistency in a Buellton warehouse be a key to Doug Margerum’s success? Plus: wholesale help for wineries; tequila time in Montecito; and recent bites & bevvies.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Everything’s Coming Up Regenerative
More reports on this forward-thinking farming movement from Paso Robles and elsewhere; plus regen events, exhibit celebrating 40 years of 'S.B. Indy' covers, and stories you may have missed.
Drink
Jumping into Regenerative Wine
Santa Barbara County vintners join the global One Block Challenge effort to fix farming.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Both Sides of Baja, Part Two
My truck breaks down on the way to Valle de Guadalupe, but Mexico’s wine country proves welcoming; plus, time to buy tickets for SBCE and more; and stories you may have missed.
Cannabis
PR Pro Mo McFadden’s 'High Times' Daze
Santa Barbara’s smallest yet biggest voice contributes to new marijuana magazine documentary, which comes out on 4/20.
Choose Your Own Culinary Adventure This May
Here’s a sampling of what the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience is serving up next month.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Both Sides of Baja California, Part One
I visited both Cabo San Lucas and Valle de Guadalupe in March, and here’s what I found; plus, stories you may have missed.
Drink
New Faces at Natural Coast Wine Festival
Boucher, Lost Ranch, Elkins, and Ghostnote are pouring with 50-plus other producers in Santa Barbara on April 25.
Community
New Details Emerge in Ruskeys’ Deaths
Coroner’s report reveals medics came to Cambria home hours before the Goleta couple was killed by carbon monoxide.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Agave Enthusiasts Unite & Tamale Day’s Recipe Winner
A report on the California Agave Symposium; Tamale Day’s recipe winner; and stories you may have missed.
Bodega Flower Girl Curates Contemporary Corner Store Vibes
Santa Barbara’s culinary scene veteran Emma West Roldan is now selling prepared foods, picnic supplies, paper towels, and much more on West Gutierrez Street.
Food
Chocolate Maya’s New Mama
After 15 years on the job, Willow Sprout takes over Santa Barbara’s beloved chocolatier.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Plants & Pours at the Botanic Garden Beer Garden
Highlights from this year’s annual Santa Barbara Botanic Garden fundraiser; plus, mushrooms at Gainey, Scribe wine at Clark’s, and Coffee Week is here.
Business
California Agave Symposium’s Santa Barbara Debut
About 250 agave growers, distillers, and enthusiasts from across the world covered this week.
Food
The Dutch Garden Does Dinner, Too
Santa Barbara’s beloved German restaurant isn’t just about lunch on the patio.
Drink
What’s the Future of Frinj Coffee?
Coming off of a record harvest, the pioneering company is quickly adapting in the wake of Jay and Kristen Ruskey’s sudden deaths.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Matt’s Full Belly Tamale? And More Things to Do
Tamale dreaming, coffee raves, kale discos, horseback in vines — here are a bunch of events and experiences that you should do in the next few months.
California Agave Symposium Comes to Santa Barbara
A few speakers tell us what to expect when growers, distillers, artisans, and enthusiasts converge at the Hilton S.B. Beachfront Resort on March 23.
Community
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Caused Frinj Founders’ Deaths
Well-known Goleta farmers and California coffee-growing pioneers Jay and Kristen died from accidental leak of toxic gas.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Convivo & Sanguis Team Up for Nose to Tail Dinner
Lamb takes center-table for this annual full-animal affair; plus, support Women Winemakers this weekend and stories you may have missed.
Business
The 1880 Union Hotel in Los Alamos Is Back in Action
Closed for a decade, the historic stagecoach stop and saloon opens to the public for four weekends this spring, with plans for more fun in the future.
Full Belly Files
Full Belly Files | Winning Firestone-Walker Anniversary Ale Battle
How my team emerged victorious at the 30th Anniversary Ale blending session in Paso Robles.
Drink
Sip to Support Santa Barbara’s Women Winemakers & Culinarians
Learn more about the eighth annual grand tasting that’s coming to the Santa Ynez Valley on March 7.
Business
Goldwater Institute Attacks Santa Barbara County’s One Percent Wine Fee
A letter to the Board of Supervisors claims the new assessment is unconstitutional; the Vintners Association says the law is abundantly clear.