Ride with the pros at SLO GranFondo

Professional cyclists from around the world will join hundreds of amateur riders of all abilities for the GranFondo ride along the rugged coast of San Luis Obispo County.

Riders from Team HTC-Columbia, including American riders Tejay Van Garderen and Craig Lewis, German road champion Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, and US time trial champion Evie Stevens will participate in the inaugural SLO GranFondo, presented by HED Ardennes on Oct. 23 in San Luis Obispo, California.

Special guests will also ride the course starting in San Luis Obispo’s historic Mission Plaza, including former national and world champion and Olympic medalist Mari Holden and Olympic medalist and former Sports Director Andrzej Bek of Poland.

Participants will have the opportunity to ride with the pros, and may choose one of three fully supported routes throughout San Luis Obispo County to suit everyone from the occasional rider to the seasoned competitor. Register now.

Visit www.slogranfondo.com for route and registration details.

To learn more about the HTC-Columbia riders, visit www.highroadsports.com.

San Luis Obispo ALPHA is a nonprofit pregnancy and parenting resource center serving Central Coast families for 30 years. Alpha’s free services support nearly 650 families annually.

For more information visit www.sloalpha.org.

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The Cupcake Challenge at Granada Bistro

Five Contestants from all walks of life will come together tonight to stuff their faces with San Luis Obispo’s favorite indulgent treat, Amy Bakes Cupcakes.

The Cupcake Challenge will be held at 7 p.m. at Granada Bistro, 1126 Morro St, San Luis Obispo. The event is held during Farmers Market ensuring plenty of space for spectators to watch these brave souls gorge themselves on Amy’s delicious and decadent baked goods.
Amy O’Kane, owner of Amy Bakes Cupcakes and provider of the contest’s delicious edible art will be the official timekeeper for the event!

As usual, this eating contest sounds sort of gluttonous; the challenge is to consume 12 cupcakes of all different flavors and fashions in less than six minutes.

The rules are strict and unforgiving; Must eat all cake, frosting, and any edible art toppings on cake. Winner must have no traces of frosting or cupcake on fingers or face.

Meet the Contestants:

Challenger #1- Victoria Kromhout. Age 35. We call her ‘The Hammer’ at Granada, because the woman rules with an iron fist. Loud, feisty, and one hell of a booty shaker.

Challenger #2- Larry Nash aka Chocolate Thunder Buns. Age 43. When he is not relieving Granada of our day-old cupcake’s he is training in Juizitzu, driving race cars and dancin’ the stanky leg in clubs across the county.

Challenger #3- Karlyn Age 8 With a face like that, she manages to sweet talk her way into a cupcake a day without opening her mouth. And being 1 of 3 kids, she can eat sweets at lightening speed.

Challenger #4- Luke Age 2. He is the OG cupcake king. If there is a cupcake in sight, he is reaching for it.

The winner gets bragging rights, a gift certificate to Granada Bistro, and a cupcake
trophy! Though the contestants may not be professional gluttons, they’re still taking it seriously.

Sign up for Granada’s Facebook page to hear the contestants sound off on their training, competitors, and thoughts on cupcakes!

Granada Bistro and Lounge is open daily from 11:30am – 11pm. Featuring an eclectic menu of imported wines, exceptional beers on draft, artisan cheeses, tapas and delicious panino made with local and organic ingredients.

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Harmony Cellars celebrates California Wine Month

September is near, which means California Wine Month is approaching fast. Visit Harmony Cellars during the 2010 California Wine Month of September!

Harmony Cellars is celebrating its ideal climate for wine, beautiful country, and talented winemakers. The winery’s team will be releasing a wonderful new wine each weekend throughout the month of September.

Sample a new wine paired with a special treat each weekend in September. \

The Wine Release Schedule is as follows:

September 3 – 5
2008 Late Harvest Zinfandel
Artisan Cheese

September 10 -12
2008 Malbec
Assorted Dark Chocolates

September 17 – 19
2007 Reserve Pinot Noir
Terrace Hill Olive Oil Sampling

September 24 – 26
Noel Vineyards’ Snowflake
Lemon Sugar Cookies

Club Members take 30% off 3+ bottles of any new release (s). Non Members take 15% off. Visit www.harmonycellars.com for more information.

See you there!

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Linn’s restaurant in Cambria gains national fame

The Tribune reported today that Linn’s Restaurant, Bakery & Gift Shop in Cambria will be featured on tonight’s episode of the Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.”

Mark Summers, a regular on the popular show and a host of other Food Network shows and specials, visited Linn’s in March to film the segment of an episode focusing on sliced foods, according to The Tribune. Summers will dig in to the olallieberry pie in tonight’s episode.

Read The Tribune article now.

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Central Coast Cancer Challenge set for next month

Has your life been touched by cancer? Most people have been touched by cancer in one way or another, and it’s time to stand up, put on your running shoes and bike helmets, and envision a world without cancer.

Next month, the Central Coast Cancer Challenge will combine cycling and running with a wellness expo and concert to raise funds for both national and local cancer support charities.

The Sept. 18 event is family focused and the sporting events will include beginner, advanced and children’s levels.
You can join in on the fun on Saturday, Sept. 18 at Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This fun-filled day will appeal to everyone – from the competitive athlete to the weekend warrior or casual sports enthusiast. Walkers are very welcome. The whole family will have a blast!

The Central Coast Cancer Challenge is a day to feel fully alive, active, athletic, courageous, hopeful, joyful and proud.

The event is an opportunity to give to the community, to cancer patients and survivors, their families and to yourself.

Walk, run, cycle, bring your kids because strollers are welcome. Register now for an event. Stroll through the Wellness Expo and enjoy a rockin’ concert with The Damon Castillo Band.

The Central Coast Cancer Challenge is an event you won’t want to miss. So save the date, September 18 and come to Laguna Lake Park to participate in this event to raise funds for The Wellness Community and the Livestrong Foundation.

Centralcoastcancerchallenge.com

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Oyster Night at Monterey Street Wine Bar

Monterey Street Wines has officially become a wine bar, the second of its kind to hit San Luis Obispo, California.

And patrons can bring their appetite, as its main event this week is its Oyster Night on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. They’ve ordered six dozen oysters to fill reservations for this special occasion!

The first oyster night was a hit, and after rave reviews and requests for more, this San Luis Obispo wine bar is offering patrons six fresh oysters, sauces, six two-ounce tastes of white and rose wines, cheese and bread for just $25. Reservations are required for oysters. Call (805) 541-1255.

Don’t like oysters? That’s OK. They have an a la carte menu as well; no reservations necessary for this one.

And remember to stop in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. for Happy Hour, where a glass of wine is $2 and a draft beer is $1 off.

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Rendezvous at the Ranch promises to be a fun-filled evening

San Luis Obispo is such a giving community! The support for Rendezvous at the Ranch, an upcoming benefit for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of San Luis Obispo County, has been overwhelming.

The event, billed as “an evening of starlight, gourmet dining, fine wines, art, music and more in the casual elegance of the historic Santa Margarita Ranch,” takes place on August 21 at the Santa Margarita Ranch.

“We weren’t sure what to expect this year, but the support has been amazing,” Resource Development Director Cathy Orton said recently. “Major sponsors committed early and hundreds of incredible auction items have been donated. Rendezvous at the Ranch is a fundraiser, but it’s also a way for us to provide a spectacular evening for the community that supports CASA. Having so much to offer makes it very exciting for our guests.”

Live auction lots include unusual packages such as one that combines a glider ride over Santa Ynez Valley, with wine tasting, a gourmet dinner and breakfast at Celebrity Chef Bradley Ogden’s Root 246, and a night at the Hotel Corque.

The silent auction will offer everything from adventure travel to professional teeth whitening. Local wineries and artists are also well represented.

The annual event is an important fundraiser for the CASA. Last year, 64 percent of the group’s revenue came from private individuals, highlighting why this event’s success is so important.

CASA of SLO County provides recruitment, training and supervision of volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates for SLO County children who are under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court due to child abuse and neglect. These children receive much needed representation and stable, ongoing assistance to help them grow up in safe, nurturing, permanent homes.

Of the children whose cases were resolved in 2009 and were assigned a CASA volunteer:

  • 98% gained permanent, legal placements, meaning they were returned to safe families, adopted received guardianship or supported emancipation.
  • 100% of the children whose permanent plan had been Long Term Foster Care were given permanent homes outside of the child welfare system. This not only creates stable lives for the children, but also saves our County over $250,000 annually.

ABOUT Rendezvous at the Ranch:

Evening includes dinner by Jose Dahan of Et Voila, live music by Billy Schaub, silent and art auction, live auction and a drawing to win an instant wine cellar of super premium Central Coast wines and wine refrigerator.

EMCEE: Katie Marzullo and Arturo Santiago, KCOY12 / FOX 11
AUCTIONEER: John Glines
WHEN: Saturday, August 21, 2010, 5 pm
WHERE: Santa Margarita Ranch, 9000 Yerba Buena Avenue, Santa Margarita
EVENT TICKETS: $100 per person. $1,000 for a VIP table of 10 (includes group photo). Call 541-6542 or visit www.slocasa.org to purchase tickets.
Drawing Information: Tickets for the drawing for a wine refrigerator stocked with 50 bottles of fine local wine are on sale now. Other prizes are also offered. Tickets are $50 each, or buy four and get one free.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the CASA office at 805-541-6542 or at the CASA office, 75 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. Must be over 21 to purchase raffle tickets. The winner will be announced at Rendezvous at the Ranch event on August 21. Winner need not be present to win. Major event sponsors include: Studios on the Park, The Tribune, Starbucks, Et Voila Restaurant, KCOY 12/Fox 11, Johnsen and Johnsen Legal Support Service and the Santa Margarita Ranch.

For more information please visit www.slocasa.org.

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Celebrities, visitors flock to CA to ‘Savor the Central Coast’

Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence

Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence visits San Luis Obispo County to 'Savor the Central Coast.'

Is anyone else super excited that Food Network Star and Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence is coming to the Central Coast for a special food and wine event in September?

Disclaimer: I started watching the Food Network just see Tyler Florence every day. He has the uncanny ability to make me giddy about food and cooking.

That aside, it’s still thrilling that he is choosing to spend a few days in San Luis Obispo County just to eat and drink.

Florence is coming to San Luis Obispo for Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast, set for the last weekend in September.

The four-day extravaganza will feature tons of events, food, wine and so much more with special celebrity guests, including Florence and pop singer Chris Isaac.

The event kicks off with a VIP Reception and Opening Night event for, get this, just $25!

Guests can head over to the world-famous Thursday night Farmers Market in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, then dance the night away to Louie Ortega and The Wild Jalapeños in front of the historic Fremont Theater on Thursday, Sept. 30.

Sunset Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Katie Tamony, the full Sunset editorial staff, sponsors, media guests and other dignitaries will be there to lead the way.

Currently, winemakers and wine-lovers are buzzing about The Sunset Western Wine Awards Dinner and Gala on Friday, Oct. 1 at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. San Luis Obispo County is known for its superb varietals and vineyards, and our hardworking winemakers and vintners will be honored among other industry leaders.

The Sunset Western Wine Awards is recognized as the biggest honor for Western winemakers and focuses solely on the best wine producers in the West. Sunset’s panel of professional judges includes Western wine writers, sommeliers, and wine makers.

You will get a sneak peek and taste of these award-winning wines in addition to meeting the actual award-winning winemakers themselves.

The Oscar-style ceremony (with host Gary Newman) and dinner will be held at the beautifully rustic Asistencia at the Santa Margarita Ranch (built in 1787), and will feature tantalizing, locally-grown fare alongside the West’s award-winning wines. Tickets for this event are $185 – well worth it, if you ask me.

But, for me, the coup de gras of the weekend will be Paso Glow – Culinary Experience, where Tyler Florence will be rubbing elbows with local chefs, winemakers, farmers and guests. Nothing beats a warm fall evening in one of the Central Coast’s culinary epicenters, Paso Robles.

For SAVOR the Central Coast, only 150 guests will witness as Paso’s charming City Park is transformed into the site of a magical, illuminated reverie. Tickets for this event cost $125. See you there!

For more event information and to buy tickets, visit www.savorcentralcoast.com.

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Day with Creative Women just days away in SLO

Saturday, August 14, 2010 10 AM to 5 PM, SLO Mission Plaza

This year marks the 36th year of Day with Creative Women, sponsored by the Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo County and joined this year, by the SLO County Commission on the Status of Women.

WCC welcomes the return of its regular vendors this year and looks forward to meeting new creative women who are joining us for the first time!

Music is always a large part of this event, and this year is no exception.

Opening the day’s festivities is the Carol Lowell Group, a singing and playing trio; also new to the line up for Day with Creative Women this year is Maheyla & the Ritual, performing a wide variety of roots and genre music.

Returning to the Mission Plaza amphitheater stage for a repeat performance will be the Central Coast Celebration Chorus, an a Capella women’s four-part harmony choral group that encourages community participation as they sing in the Barbershop tradition; the  “Fun Flutes”, led by Bonnie Richan, and a local women’s drumming group, led by Kathleen Deragon.

The music turns to jazz with pianist Dawn Lambeth, whose specialty is danceable music, and who has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Smithsonian, and clubs throughout California. The afternoon line up also includes Middle Eastern belly dance, world music performers and a steel drum duo.

Rounding out the afternoon is Swing and Rock music band Chick Tuesday. When they’re not singin’, they’re laughin’, and they’ll put a harmony on anything that moves! Band mate Sharon “Buffy” Doran on guitar and dulcimer is joined by song bird Karen Wilkins and the lovely miss Sarah Jane Weiss on flute, vocals, and guitar. This ensemble promises lots of toe tappin.’ melodies and a lingering happy vibe.

Day with Creative Women provides an opportunity for women artists and artisans to display their talents and sell their wares.

This event has graced the Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo on the second Saturday in August for the last 36 years. If you create art or hand-crafted items, you are invited to display and sell your works.  Nonprofit organizations are invited to provide the community with information about their services.

Business women interested in promoting their services may also secure a spot for this celebration of all types of creative women.   Booths are still available but are disappearing fast! If you want to be part of this event, call the Women’s Community Center now at 544-9313 or download the application from wccslo.org.

Day with Creative Women is a fundraising event to benefit the Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo County, dedicated to the empowerment of women, and the SLO County Commission on the Status of Women, serving as the voice for women to the County Board of Supervisors.

For more information, visit their websites: http://www.wccslo.org, and slowomen.org.

As with all major events open free to the public, volunteer work is needed behind the scenes to make the event a success.  WCC appreciates the efforts of all its volunteers both during the planning phase, and on the day of the event.  If you see someone in a yellow T-shirt, that’s a volunteer!

We’re all looking forward to Saturday, August 14, for a fun filled day under the elms in San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza.

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In the mood for a little lobster?

Chamisal Vineyards, the reportedly first vineyard in San Luis Obispo’s Edna Valley, is set to host Lobsterfest 2010 next week.

Join the winery for its second annual Lobsterfest on Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. (sharp) in celebrating San Luis Obispo’s perfect maritime climate.

Three wine bars, a delectable oyster bar and passed hors d’oeuvres compliment a few fun surprises. Guests will enjoy a traditional Lobster Feast with al fresco dessert and a reserve wine tasting during an enchanting Edna Valley sunset.

Tickets cost $110.00 per person, or $85.00 per Chamisal Wine Club Member, (plus 2 guests’ maximum at this price).

Unfortunately, complimentary tickets for the Rare Release/Pinotopia are sold out at this time.

Tickets are sure to sell out quickly, so reserve yours today by calling (805) 541-WINE (9463). If you have not already received your confirmation, please contact us to be certain we have your details on file.

Oh, and it may get a little chilly, so be sure to dress for a brisk evening in dressy-casual attire. Click here for more details.

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