Staff Report

Visit the Santa Ynez Valley’s “The Place To Be” advertising campaign has been recognized by the U.S. Travel Association as the nation’s top digital tourism campaign, receiving a Destinations Council Destiny Award in the Digital Campaign category at the annual ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) Conference on Tuesday, Aug. 17, in Los Angeles.

Visit the Santa Ynez Valley was selected as one of three finalists from among all entries in the category and prevailed over Visit Savannah and San Francisco Travel to take home top honors as the nation’s best digital campaign focused on tourism. 

“The Santa Ynez Valley wouldn’t be ‘the place to be’ without the people who live and work here, and who support the tourism industry and visitor experience in every way imaginable,” said Shelby Sim, president & CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “They provide daily inspiration from which award-winning campaigns like this can emerge, which makes this award as much for our community as a whole as it is for Visit the Santa Ynez Valley specifically.”

The campaign was conceived and executed between Visit the Santa Ynez Valley and DVA Advertising & Public Relations, a full-service destination marketing agency based in Bend, Oregon, that has served as the agency of record for the organization since 2013. Creative assets that were developed in support of the campaign included paid and organic digital and social advertising, video content and campaign-specific website landing pages. The “Place To Be” campaign ran from Nov. 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021.

Entries were judged based on creative and innovative use of multiple digital marketing channels, including (but not limited to) website, digital ads, email marketing, social media, etc., as well as the results each campaign achieved through web analytics, paid impressions, click-through rates, social media growth and more.

“I think what set ‘The Place To Be’ apart from the competition was not only the creativity and the subjective nature of the campaign itself, but also the critical results it achieved,” said Danielle Laudon Ruse, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley’s vice president of marketing. “To see clicks to our lodging partners up as much as 200 percent or more year-over-year, particularly at a time when travel was still very much in recovery mode, is a true testament to the power of the message and its ability to resonate with our target audience.”

To view a copy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley’s entry and creative samples, please visit the finalist gallery page https://ustravel.secure-platform.com/a/gallery/rounds/18/details/5111. For more information on the Santa Ynez Valley, please visit www.visitsyv.com.

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Noozhawk North County Editor

Renewal of the Santa Ynez Valley’s tool to attract tourists received support from the Solvang City Council on Jan. 12.

Council members voted unanimously to support extending for six years the Santa Ynez Valley Tourism Improvement District.

The district assesses a small fee per hotel room rented and uses the revenue to fund Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, or Visit SYV.

The organization markets the valley’s six diverse communities — Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard and Los Alamos — plus holds educational classes on tourism and customer service for local industry workers.

About 93% of hoteliers supported extending the tourism improvement district. To be approved, the district needs more than 50% support from hoteliers. 

“We need this program to compete in the marketplace and not be ignored or overlooked,” said Shelby Sim, Visit SYV chief executive officer and president.

Santa Barbara County, the city of Buellton and local hoteliers urged the renewal.

“Visit Santa Ynez Valley is extremely relevant, extremely important, and has shown extraordinary dedication, flexibility, sensitivity and resiliency during this pandemic,” said Linda Johansen, a partner in two valley hotels and a charter member of Visit SYV. “We have risen to the occasion. We are responsible, and we are completely transparent in our efforts. Visit Santa Ynez Valley is vital to help sustain our share of the tourism market along the Central Coast. This new six-year contract will ensure that all six communities in the Santa Ynez Valley are represented and marketed effectively and efficiently at no cost at all to us.”

The annual assessment of $3 per room per night may increase to $3.50 in 2024, under the plan. 

For the first year under the renewal, it’s expected that the district could raise $900,000.

Dave Pollock, owner of ForFriends Inn, said Visit SYV provides a vital voice for smaller hotels.

“Visit SYV provides information to hoteliers,” he said. “The information and the support that they provide is more relevant and more timely than that which is offered by state and national entities.”

He also noted that the organization gives back to the community and hosts events.

“This is a good investment into an important organization that’s run by good and professional folks,” Pollock said, urging the council to support the renewal. 

Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Lompoc have tourism improvement districts along with San Luis Obispo County.

Originally formed in 2010, the tourism improvement district was renewed the first time in 2015 for six years. 

The newest renewal takes effect July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027.

In other matters, the City Council:

• Appointed Solvang planning commissioners, with each council member picking someone to serve. Selected unanimously were Aaron Petersen, Jack Williams, Joan Jamieson, Scott Gold and Justin Rodriguez.
• Discussed renaming the Branding and Design Committee — the former Board of Architectural Review — as the Design Review Committee. With limited candidates, the council agreed to extend the filing period for applications and make appointments at the Jan. 25 meeting. The council also debated defining the Santa Ynez Valley for possible future members who may not live in the city.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

Local eateries and tasting rooms are excited that the Stay-At-Home Order issued seven weeks ago was finally lifted and they will once again be able to offer outdoor service.

“We are excited to welcome you back! Plenty of outdoor seating, so layer up, pack a picnic or grab local lunch and stay awhile,” said Koehler Winery on their social media.

Pattibakes in Buellton shared a picture of their patio and said they are glad to welcome back people to dine outside.

This comes right in the middle of SYV Restaurant Weeks, hosted by Visit the Santa Ynez Valley (Visit SYV). While the special menu’s have been altered to a ‘to-go’ version, they are hopeful this will boost the hospitality industry.

“We are very happy that the (Stay at Home) order has been lifted for our hospitality industry.  Restaurants and wineries specifically for our second week of Restaurant Weeks. We will be updating www.dinesyv.com as we hear from participating businesses that will be offering outside dining/tasting this week. As well as sharing on our social platforms. We urge everyone to continue with safety protocols and reiterate the need to wear a mask and social distance,” said Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit SYV.

Restaurants and tasting rooms were closed in early December as Governor Gavin Newson issued another statewide in an effort to curb the state’s surge in COVID-19 cases. California was split into several regions (Santa Barbara County being under the Southern California region) and went under the stay-at-home order when a region had its percentage of hospital ICU capacity drop below 15%.

Restaurants have carried the load of the lockdowns, as they were told to close their indoor and outdoor dining operations and only provide ‘to-go’ options.

Santa Barbara County along with San Luis and Ventura counties were urging Newsom to create a Central Coast Region consisting of the tri-counties, separate from the regional map, however no response was ever given.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a local health officer order Monday evening outlining the county-specific restrictions and the allowances for businesses. The order went into effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Over the next few days, more local business owners are preparing to reopen outdoor dining and tastings this week. Contact your favorite place to visit to get updated information.

Restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, museums, and zoos and aquariums, and personal care services can reopen outdoor with modifications in the purple tier.

The post Local restaurants, tasting rooms excited to bring back outdoor service appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

for Visit SYV

Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks is back for an 11th consecutive year Jan. 18-31, with a pandemic-inspired “Takeout Edition” featuring specially prepared curbside-friendly creations in three formats: Meals for One, Meals for Two, and Family Packs. 

Like years past, Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks will be two weeks of delectable, specially crafted menus that highlight the valley’s farm fresh bounty and many award-winning chefs’ culinary creativity. 

This year, participating restaurants will create menus that will work for locals to enjoy at home, and come in a variety of price points. Unlike years past, when participating restaurants followed a prix fixe format (e.g. three courses for $20.20 plus tax & tip in 2020) prices will vary by participating establishment in 2021.

“It’s no secret that the restaurant industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, yet they continue to forge ahead driven in large part by the love of their staff and passion for what they do,” said Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “Dining and the enjoyment of great local food is an experience unto itself, and in a year that has deprived us of so many other experiences, we felt it was paramount that Restaurant Weeks return in 2021 albeit with a takeout twist.”

Where wine country meets dine country, Santa Ynez Valley and neighboring wineries and tasting rooms will also participate with many offering takeout tasting flights and special wine deals. 

“Our wine is world class, so we want to be sure locals have the opportunity to enjoy it with their takeout meals or standalone this year,” said Sim.  

More than 22 restaurants and 20 wineries throughout the valley will participate in Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks for 2021, including:

Restaurants

Ballard

The Ballard Inn & Gathering Table, 2436 Baseline Ave., 800-638-2466

Buellton

Pattibakes, 240 E Hwy 246 #109, 805-686-9582 

Campfire Café at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, 180 Avenue of Flags, 805-688-3716

Firestone Walker Brewing Co., 620 McMurray Rd., 805-697-4777

Hitching Post II, 406 E Hwy 246, 805-688-0676

Industrial Eats, 181 Industrial Way, 805-688-8807

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, 805-688-1000

Sideways Lounge, 114 E Highway 246, 805-688-8448

The Tavern at Zaca Creek, 1297 Jonata Park Rd., 805-688-2412

Los Alamos

Bell’s, 406 Bell St.

Norman at Skyview Los Alamos, 9150 US Highway 101, 805-344-0080

Plenty on Bell, 508 Bell St., 805-344-3020

Pico at The Los Alamos General Store, 458 Bell St., 805-344-1122

Los Olivos

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, 2879 Grand Ave., 805-688-7265

Santa Ynez

Trattoria Grappolo, 3687 Sagunto St., 805-688-6899

Solvang

First & Oak, 409 1st St., 805-688-1703

Louise’s Kitchen Table, 1210 Mission Dr., Suite 110, 805-403-9649

Mad & Vin at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., 805-688-3121

Peasants FEAST, 487 Atterdag Rd., 805-686-4555 

Ramen Kotori, 1618 Copenhagen Dr., 805-691-9672

Toscana, 485 Alisal Road #163, 805-697-7445

V Lounge, 1455 Mission Dr, 805-688-2018

Wineries

Artiste, 2948 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-686-2626

Babcock Winery, 5175 CA-246, Lompoc, CA 93436, 805-736-1455

Brave & Maiden, 649 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, 805-693-2989

Buttonwood Winery, 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, 805-688-3032

Coquelicot Organic Estate, 2884 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93455, 805-688-1500

Foxen Vineyards & Winery,7600 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454, 805- 937-4251 

Kalyra Winery, 343 N Refugio Rd #9302, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, 805-693-8864

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, 1645 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, 805-686-9336

Martellotto Winery, (619) 567-9244

Melville Winery,5185 CA-246, Lompoc, CA 93436, 805-735-7030

Peake Ranch, 7290 Santa Rosa Rd, Buellton, CA 93427, 805-688-7093

Presqu’ile, 5391 Presqu’ile Drive Santa Maria, CA 93455, 805-937-8110

Refugio Ranch Vineyards, 2990 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-5400

Roblar, 3010 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, 805-686-2603

Royal Oaks, 1687 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, 805-693-1740

Sanford Winery & Vineyards, 5010 Santa Rosa Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436, 800-426-9463

Sanger Family Wines, 1584 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, 805-691-1020

Toccata, 1650 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA 93463, 805-686-5506

The Hideaway, 2990 Grand Ave #A, Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-697-7892

Zinke Wine Co., 2366 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-691-9718

For the latest updates on Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks, including participating restaurants and menus, visit www.DineSYV.com or follow Visit the Santa Ynez Valley on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

After the results of the election were made official by the City of Solvang, newly elected Mayor Charlie Uhrig took his seat along with new council members Claudia Orona and Mark Infanti. Orona was made Mayor Pro-Tem during the assignment portion of the meeting Monday evening.

During the City Manager report Uhrig, along with Infanti and Orona said they were glad to be on the council and wanted to make a statement they did not agree with the past council’s stance of going against the state and not enforcing the stay-at home orders.

“I am not in favor of going against public health officials and applaud the business owners and restaurants for adhering to the rules. A few dollars lost are not worth someone’s life,” Uhrig stated.

Infanti said the national news coverage to the decision also brought negative attention to Solvang. Several national news outlets from Fox News, Business Insider and the San Francisco Gate all wrote about Solvang’s non-compliance with Governor Newsom’s Stay at Home Order.

City Attorney Chip Wullbrandt urged the council to look at the message put out by former Mayor Ryan Toussaint, stating that only the city wouldn’t enforce but that had no action to supersede the County and State public health nor California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Restaurants who did not comply and move to “to-go” only services were threatened by public health with fines of $5,000 and business licenses suspended, according to the staff report.

“To clarify that decision our intent wasn’t for the businesses to go out and break the law, but after talking with counsel, was to create an opportunity within the law to continue their business,” said Councilman Jim Thomas.

The previous council discussed ‘renting’ the tables and chairs outdoors to create a public space for people to sit and eat their meals without violating any orders, Thomas explained.

In their first order of business the new council held a public hearing for the renewal of the Santa Ynez Valley Tourism Business Improvement District (SYVTBID), which was created in 2010, and is managed Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association dba Visit the Santa Ynez Valley (Visit SYV). Revenue of roughly $900,000 is generated from hotel rooms within the SYVTBID help fund marketing and sales promotion efforts for Santa Ynez Valley lodging businesses that otherwise couldn’t do it on their own, according to the staff report.

The annual assessment rate is $3 per paid occupied room per night. The annual assessment rate may increase to $3.50 per paid occupied room per night in year four (2024), but Visit SYV CEO Shelby Sim said that increase isn’t close to being implemented.

Sim said that their petition to renew needs 51 percent of support and 93 percent signed an agreement to renew. The City of Buellton and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to continue the renewal.

“Do you know why the remainder chose not to renew and what can be done better or encourage them to join,” Orona asked Sim.

Sim said none of the hotels gave a reason, a few were going through ownership changes and the others declined to state reasons.

Infanti ‘picked on’ Sim and asked what he does for the businesses who are charged membership fees of $250 to be apart of Visit SYV.

“Our goal is heads in beds and mainly we have to benefit the hoteliers,” Sim clarified.

Infanti said he never signed a contract with someone who implied they ‘may or may not do something’.

“What are your goals and how you measure yourself against those goals,” Infanti said.

Sim shot back their goal is to increase TOT and both Buellton and the County agreed and their agreement with the hoteliers are clearly defined. Infanti responded he never saw that report and would like to see it.

Visit SYV Board Chair Linda Johansen implored the council to continue the SYVTBID because it has greatly enhanced tourism in the valley and benefitted everyone.

Infanti clarified he wasn’t trying to put anyone down, just the draft wasn’t specific.

The SYVTBID will come back before the council on Jan. 11.

After listening to the City Managers report on the upcoming months of council meeting agenda topics and the need for members on the Planning Commission and the Branding and Design Committee (formerly the Board of Architectural Review).

The council also voted to let the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County to use the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall for their after school program due to being misplaced from Solvang Elementary School for COVID-19 reasons. The agreement will go until at least the end of the school year.

Council members gave a list of things they would like to see on future agendas.

Infanti proposed none of the council be allowed to use their cell phones while on the dias, and that councilmember comments be moved to the beginning of the meeting so the public will have the most opportunity to listen.

“The General Plan update is needed but it looks like there’s three project managers and the schedule looks like a kid drew his finger across it. In a time when we don’t have a lot of budget I would like to revisit the schedule,” he added.

Infanti also proposed none of the council receive their $600 a month stipend for the next year and the funds be put towards helping small businesses.

Mayor Uhrig also called a special closed meeting for 5 p.m. Dec. 21, to discuss the city attorney contract.

To watch the meeting in its entirety visit their YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_oJ0hG7epU.

The post Charlie Uhrig takes new role as Solvang Mayor, new council members seated appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Visit the Santa Ynez Valley (VisitSYV) aims to bring a little more light and joy to the holiday season this year by lighting up the iconic windmill on Alisal Road in Solvang. 

Photo contributed
The windmill is a beloved icon in the Solvang that was commissioned by Ray Paaske and completed in 1963.

Located at 436 Alisal Road, the windmill is a beloved icon in the Danish village of Solvang. Commissioned by Ray Paaske and completed in 1963, the design was inspired by a mill on Zealand, near Copenhagen in Denmark*. Owned today by local resident and business owner, Max Handberg, VisitSYV approached Hanberg with the idea of decorating the windmill, which has been a longtime visitor-favorite for photo-ops. 

“With traditional events not taking place this year, we wanted to find a safe way to add a little extra holiday magic to the Santa Ynez Valley,” VisitSYV President & CEO Shelby Sim said. “Viewing the holiday lights is an activity that people can still enjoy while observing local mandates.” 

VisitSYV hopes that the decorated landmark will enhance the outdoor-focused festivities of Solvang Julefest (solvangjulefest.org), a longstanding, monthlong tradition which has helped put Solvang on many national “Best Christmas Towns” lists. 

*historical information provided by Elverhøj Museum of History and Art

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The City of Solvang just posted there will be an informational meeting from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26 at City Hall with Ed St. George, the proposed developer, with a limited number of people. 

Comments may be submitted to council@cityofsolvang.com. 

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com 

With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, Santa Barbara County officials said their phased reopening is still going to be phased in and done cautiously. Expect restaurants that are open to have a longer wait as those businesses have to operate at 50 percent capacity.

“We are stronger together if we are apart,” said Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart. 

The “Protect. Respect. Wear Your Mask.” campaign launched in North County this week with several Santa Ynez Valley dignitaries such as Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church Rev. Randall Day, and Visit the Santa Ynez Valley CEO Shelby Sim, as more closed businesses are expected to reopen after Gov. Gavin Newsom said the county could move through Stage 2. To see the campaign, visit the website at protectrespect.org

This includes a new health order mandate requiring everyone in Santa Barbara County to wear a face covering when in public places effective May 26 through June 30.

People will be required to wear face coverings when inside of, in line to enter, or when conducting business through a car window or walk-up counter, according to the mandate. This includes restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and government agencies, as well as hospitals, dentist offices and COVID-19 testing facilities.

Those who are 13 years and under are not required to, as well as those who cannot for medical reasons or cannot remove a face covering without assistance.

To read the full order visit HERE.

“We need the community to be engaged to come up with viable solutions,” Do-Reynoso said when asked why Santa Maria area still has a higher level of cases reported. 

Dr. Van Do-Reynoso reported 11 new community cases and 1 at the Lompoc Federal Penitentiary for a total of 1,551. 1 previous case was removed. Do-Reynoso also reported another COVID-19 related death of a man in his 70’s from Santa Maria that had underlying health conditions. 

Of the community cases there are only 98 active with 465 that have fully recovered; 27 are in the hospital with 10 of those in the ICU. There are still 10 cases in the Santa Ynez Valley. 

The post SB County mandating face covering in public places effective Tuesday, May 26 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

For a complete of events in Restaurant Weeks, go to www.DineSYV.com.

Ballard

The Ballard Inn & Gathering Table, 2436 Baseline Ave, 800-638-2466 www.ballardinn.com

Buellton

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., 45 Industrial Way, 805-694-2252 www.figmtnbrew.com

Firestone Walker Brewing Co., 620 McMurray Road, 805-697-4777, www.firestonebeer.com/visit/buellton-taproom-restaurant.php

Photo contributed
Frank Ostini of the Hitching Post II in Buellton

Hitching Post II, 406 E Hwy 246, 805-688-0676, www.hitchingpost2.com

Industrial Eats, 181 Industrial Way, 805-688-8807, www.industrialeats.com/

SYV Marriott, 555 McMurray Rd., 805-688-1000, www.syvmarriott.com/ 

Los Alamos

Plenty on Bell, 508 Bell St, Los Alamos, 805–344-3020, www.plentyonbell.com

PICO, 458 Bell St., 805-344-1122, www.losalamosgeneralstore.com. 

Valle Fresh, 380 Bell St., 805-865-2282, www.vallefresh.com/

Full of Life Flatbread, 225 Bell St., 805-344-3300, www.fulloflifefoods.com. 

Norman, 9150 Highway 101, 805-344-0080, www.skyviewlosalamos.com. 

Los Olivos

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, 2879 Grand Ave., 805-688-7265, www.winemerchantcafe.com

Santa Ynez

The Lucky Hen Larder, 1095 Meadowvale Road, 805-691-9448, www.theluckyhenlarder.com

Photo Contributed Restaurant Week in the Santa Ynez Valley is one of the most delectable events of the year as restaurants, wineries and hotels offer special deals.

S.Y. Kitchen, 1110 Faraday St., 805-691-9794, www.sykitchen.com

Trattoria Grappolo, 3687 Sagunto St., 805-688-6899, www.trattoriagrappolo.com

The Willows at Chumash Casino Resort,3400 E. Hwy 246., 805-691-1883, www.chumashcasino.com/dining/willows

Solvang

Cecco Ristorante, 475 1st St., 805-688-8880, www.ceccoristorante.com/

First & Oak, 409 1st St., 805-688-1703, www.firstandoak.com/

Fresco Valley Café, 442 Atterdag Road, 805-688-8857, www.frescovalleycafe.com

Leonardo’s Ristorante, 632 Alamo Pintado Road, 805-686-0846, www.leonardoscucine.com

Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant, 1992 Old Mission Dr., 805-693-2994, www.losarroyossolvang.com. 

Mad & Vin at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Drive, 805-688-3121, www.thelandsby.com/dine/mad-vin-at-the-landsby.htm

Petros Kafe, 487 Atterdag Road, 805-686-5455

River Grill at the Alisal, 150 Alisal Rd., 805-688-7784, www.rivergrill.com. 

Root 246, 420 Alisal Road, 805-686-8681, www.root-246.com

Solvang Brewing Co., 1547 Mission Drive, 805-688-2337, www.solvangbrewing.com

Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie, 1555 Mission Drive, 805-691-9444, www.succulentcafe.com

Toscana Pizzeria, 485 Alisal Rd. #163, 805-697-7445, www.ToscanaByMancuso.com. 

WINERIES

Sideways Lounge Photo by Raiza Giorgi

Alma Rosa Winery, 181-C Industrial Way, Buellton, 805-691-9395, www.almarosawinery.com

Loring Wine Company, 420 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-691-1300,  www.loringwinecompany.com

Pence Ranch & Winery, 1909 Highway 246, Buellton, 805-735-7000

Roblar Winery & Vineyards, 3010 Roblar Ave., 805-686-2603, www.roblarwinery.com

Sideways Lounge, 114 E Highway 246, 805-688-8448, www.highwaywestvacations.com/hwv/sideways-lounge. 

LODGING

ForFriends Inn, 1121 Edison St., Santa Ynez, 805-693-0303, www.forfriendsinn.com 

Flying Flags RV Resort, 180 Ave of Flags Buellton, 805-688-3716, www.highwaywestvacations.com/properties/flyingflags. 

King Frederik Inn, 1617 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, 805-688-5515, www.kingfrederikinn.com

Santa Ynez Inn

Hampton Inn & Suites, 600 McMurray Rd. Buellton, 805-686-1555. 

New Haven Inn, 271 Alisal Rd., Solvang, 805-618-8541, www.newhavensolvang.com. 

Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, 51 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 800-732-7687, www.peasoupandersens.com

The Landsby, 1576 Mission Drive, 805-688-3121, www.thelandsby.com

Santa Ynez Inn, 3627 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-688-5588, www.santaynezinn.com. 

Sideways Inn, 14 E Highway 246, 805-688-8448, www.highwaywestvacations.com/properties/sidewaysinn

Skyview Los Alamos, 9150 Highway 101, 805-344-0080, www.skyviewlosalamos.com.

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Restaurant: Morrell’s Farm Fresh Dining

Hometown: Solvang 

What made you realize you wanted to work in the food industry?  

The love for cooking. How much fun it is to combine different ingredients and making a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy! I love being creative in the kitchen! 

Who is the person you most admire in the food industry? 

Julia Child. I was very happy and honored to have worked with such a great chef! Learned a lot from her while working beside her! 

What is your favorite part about being a chef?

Just being able to make people smile with my food! And love seeing people’s reaction after taking the first bite! 

How do you unwind after service? 

After a long day I enjoy spending time with the family. I try to spend as much time with them as possible, and I also go play tennis about 3 to 4 days out of the week. Great way to unwind!! 

What cookbook should every home have?

Lidia’s Italian-America kitchen, by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

What is the one recipe/ingredient you struggled to master and how did you overcome it?

Venison osso buco (He struggled to find the right way to cook the meat since the meat is so tough. Now he loves to cook it.) 

The post Restaurant Weeks: Chef to Know appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Hometown: Orcutt

Restaurant: Sideways Lounge

What made you want to be in the service industry? 

Always loved cocktails and specialty drinks, creating new drinks and being artistic. 

What is your favorite part about being a mixologist?

Craft cocktails started springing up about the time I came of age and I really loved making different and unique drinks. It’s also all about the people and hearing their stories. 

Have you created your own signature drink, and what is it?:

Created most the drinks on the Sideways Lounge menu but one of my favorites is the Roseberry, which has rosemary-infused vodka, lemon, blackberries, sugar and kombucha. 

What is one cocktail you struggled to master and how did you do it?

Vesper Martini, a delicate balance of ingredients (and) it can get thrown off quickly. Overcame using the jigger, measuring cup, which is crucial for that drink.

Have you ever served a celebrity, and who was most memorable?

Haven’t served any I know of, but I have served directors but no one really big. I used to work in the film industry as an art director for commercials and television.

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