Provisions & Libations

A trip to wine country in January means one thing, no lines, and a chance for excellent service due to dry January followers. In this case, I am not a follower. Dry January means no alcohol, to dry out from partaking too much during the holidays. I don't agree with the concept as it is detrimental to the wine industry in which I love and have been part of for years.  It's a stress and burden...

Feast of Seven Fishes is an American Italian tradition served on Christmas Eve.  Each course is specially prepared by family members crossing over multiple generations.  Each course has a fish presence and at least seven different fishes are served during this festive meal. To learn more, visit: https://eatdrinkandbemerry.online/provisions-libation-podcast/ Listen to more episodes on Mis...

Live from España. A conversation between two friends as one travels the Mediterranean Coast and the other at home. Victoria takes us down the lane of Alicante Spain through his visits to a museum full of Picasso paintings, old world architecture, seafood, olives, old vines and wines and Sangria from Rioja.  To learn more, visit: https://eatdrinkandbemerry.online/provisions-libation-podcast/ L...

An afternoon baking cookies is a pure joy. With the addition of children, it becomes an immense joy.   I spent an afternoon with Michelle as she baked cookies with her friends' children as their pretend grandma and pretend grandchildren. As they, the children, measured ingredients and counted out chocolate chips, Michelle lovingly taught the children math and English in her baking routine. By...

BBQ competitions are so much more than hanging out by the pit.  Skills involve: Choosing the right products. Lighting the pit adequately to maintain a proper temperature. Finding the correct seasoning for the meat, and so much more. Listen as I take you through the journey of our all-girl team, The Barbie Q'rs, and our practice schedule through game day and the awards we won.   To learn...

A day on the farm is a day well spent. Attending Santa Barbara County's Farm Day in the Santa Maria Valley is full of fun interactive activities for the community to engage their senses.   Join a tour by a tractor ride with a trailer full of hay, hop on a tractor and pretend to drive the rows of a crop, or take a bite of a crisp raw vegetable hand-picked that morning to taste its freshness. &...

Natalie, a writer, podcaster, and wine critic tells us about her new book; Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much, a tell-all memoir about her life post divorce. She bravely recounts her life and what she went through as a single mother and the challenges she faced when her work world collided as well. Natalie rose above all and stood her ground. Wh...

Meet two exceptional winemakers from Santa Barbara County, Chuck and Ricki.  Between the two of them they make everything from Chardonnay to Petite Sirah. This year's harvest will prove to be fruitful but not without consequence due to the amount of rain we experienced this year. The benefits from all the rain will be more prominent with next year's harvest.  From watching the wave sets...

Happy Birthday to my dad, Bill Bogue.  Today is your day. Qu ' ils mangent de la brioche, French saying, "Let them eat cake!" Coined by Jean Jacques Rousseau in 1765. Birthday cakes date back to the 15th century and evolved in the 17th century to what we know them for today. Single layers are now doubled and more butter and sugar is used in the recipe to make the layers lighter, fluffier and...

Nestled among the vines and industrial zones of Paso Robles to Arroyo Grande are thirteen distilleries creating vodka, brandy, gin, whisky and infused spirits as well.  A trip down the trail allows you the opportunity to learn the art and science behind artisan craft spirits from fruit, grain and botanicals.  Did you know junipers add the perfume to the gin?  Stop by the next distil...

Watermelon Watermelon Watermelon The best of all the melons has been around for 4000 years and has more than 1000 species of the scrambling, trailing vine.  Watermelon can be served as dinner, dessert or cocktail.  Watermelon can be served with or without the rind and treated as a garnish.  With its versatility, it adds refreshment and flavor with every bite.  To learn more, vi...

Hand picked produce, locally sourced products, sustainable, organic, fresh fish, cheese, olive oil are all products found at a Certified Farmers Market.  Perusing a market and purchasing items allows you to prepare meals with the notion farm to table, meaning the produce literally came straight to you from the farm and to your table.  Among the items found at a farmers market there are r...

This episode is a fun conversation between two sisters growing up in the wine industry and showcasing Tracy's talents with Club Bubbly.  Club Bubbly began as a subscription purchase but now is a bubbly wine bar in the Creamery in downtown San Luis Obispo.  Listen along as you learn about the ins and outs of how Club Bubbly came to be and what future plans Tracy has in store.   Tracy...

Hot August Night and backyard grilling. Grilling vegetables and meat but what spices do you choose? And then, what do you drink with your grilling masterpiece? I have presented a comprehensive list of my favorites to share with you for your next outdoor grilling experience. To learn more, visit: https://eatdrinkandbemerry.online/provisions-libation-podcast/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matte...

California's Mid State Fair opened July 19, 2023 with Tim McGraw as the main headliner.  Robin, Esther and Victoria purchased tickets to attend and of course, added a fair food sampling before the concert.  This tasting consisted of sweet and sugary food choices.   Esther Gomes and Victoria Weatherly are personal friends and fair going companions to sample fair food before attending...

By chance I was in the right place at the right time and had the incredible opportunity to taste specialty cocktails otherwise known as craft cocktails as they were made right in front of us for an upcoming party.  The cocktails were created to compliment street tacos for the menu and to bring light and life to the outdoor backyard venue with live music.  Each drink is described in full...

The land of plenty with artisanal producers and agriculture. Comprised of 150,000 square miles with 840 miles along the coastline the state of California grew an abundance of commodities that feed our nation. Twelve diverse regions separate the great state.   To learn more, visit: https://eatdrinkandbemerry.online/provisions-libation-podcast/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https:...

Taken from a special promotion in 805 Living magazine is a collection of specialty drink recipes guide with recipes and destinations to taste each signature drink.  Raise a glass and enjoy drink specials, limited edition concoctions and tastings.  #salute  To learn more, visit: https://eatdrinkandbemerry.online/provisions-libation-podcast/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:...

Wedding planning is much more than food and drink, or cake and ice cream for the guests.  Planning a wedding begins with a budget, destination, color themes, guest coordination and so on.   Listen to Episode #23 to learn a few trade secrets, great tips and hints to knock off the best wedding that suits both the bride and groom.  Courtney shares with us a couple experiences where she...

In collaboration with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Allan Hancock College began a new event for local wine tasters and purveyors of fine food. The West Coast College & University Wine Festival did not disappoint as it opened this last weekend featuring 7 colleges and a dozen eateries from the Santa Maria Valley. I attended and can tell you first hand it was a great event and m...

Using items purchased at the Commissary Michelle makes Southern food recipes passed down through multi generations.  Mexican Casserole, Cornbread and Spiced Peaches.   Michelle Snyder Curtin of Snyder Properties. Michelle is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Certified Public Accountancy.  Property Management and P...

Tea is best when served in Bone China just like fine wine in crystal stemware.  High Tea is an elevated experience that involves Champagne in the afternoon.  Victoria honors her English roots with sandwiches made with love and with out the crusts.  Victoria Weatherly is a Professional Seamstress, Wine Concierge, Mother & Grammy To learn more, visit: https://eatdrinkandbemerry.on...

As a young child in Santa Barbara, CA Michelle had the opportunity to learn cooking basics from the Queen of the Kitchen, Julia Childs.  Michelle learned to cook to field people and that is how you show your love among other things.   Michelle Snyder Curtin, Snyder Properties. Michelle is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration...

Wine tasting in Santa Barbara County is diverse and fun. We hit the trifecta of small communities, women owned businesses along the coast line stopping in Los Alamos, Guadalupe, and Orcutt.  We tasted through Grenache's from different growing regions in California and ended with a glass of wine from the Rhone Valley in France and the Itata Valley in Chile.  A day of tasting not planned b...

The title accurately describes an evening of oysters and some more oysters among friends and family.  For the love of food in general and spending time with friends and family Dr. Ray Arensdorf and his wife Courtney created this fun event as a fundraiser for local charities in the Santa Maria Valley.  And I, being a foodie myself, was invited to attend.   Our evening was spent aroun...