Taste of the Town Provides a Delicious Weekend

Honorary Chefs Patrick Clark, Steven Giles, David Cecchini, Matt Johnson, David Rosner

By Bonnie Carroll

The 37th Taste of the Town Connoisseur’s Circle Gala Dinner & Auction on September 7th at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort featured the culinary talents of five star chefs including Chef Matt Johnson, San Ysidro Ranch, Chef David Rosner, Monarch at the Montecito Inn, Chef Steven Giles, formerly of Sage & Onion and Le Garoche London, Chef David Cecchini, Cecco Ristorante and guest chef Patrick Clark, Executive Sous Chef, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The five-course dinner was amazing from beginning to end, and perfectly paired with Jim Clendenen’s great Au Bon Climat wines.

John O’Neill, Banc of California, event Co-Chair presented awards to the chefs, Jim Clendenen Au Bon Climat, Lead Honorary Vintner, 2018 youth honoree is Shannon Morehouse and Dr. Todd Fearer, Medical Honoree. Mark Drilling the Live auctioneerbrought some excellent bidding to the table for exciting items donated for this year’s event, including luscious dinner parties, wine events, trips and the beautiful Santa Barbara painting by Artist Chris Potter. Guests danced the night away to DJ Darla Bea.

On Sunday, September 9th, the lovely Riviera Park was once again transformed into Taste of the Town, the renowned annual event featuring sips and tastes from Santa Barbara’s finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and spirits providers. It was like a sea of people moving through the patio to visit the sponsor tables surrounding the pool. People were everywhere holding their event wine glasses and plates in ready to experience an endless variety of tasting delights. I loved the unique recipe creations from Michael’s Catering, Finch & Fork, and my old/new favorite The Little Kitchen.

As a ‘wish I was Italian’ at heart I was enjoying the va bene tastes from Ca’Dario, Olio Limone, Mizza Artisan Pizza, Pascucci’s, Country Meat Market, and Via Maestra 42. The Nook, Tiger Tyger, The Palace Grill, SBCC Culinary, Enterprise Fish Co., High on the Hog, The Nugget, Chefs on a Mission, and Casa de Comer Salsa all provided a bevy of unique and delicious tastes, and the coconut shrimp from Honorary Co-Chairs Tina Takaya & Richard Yates were once again the five star favorite.

The silent and live auction created real excitement and raised funds from a bevy of generous supporters of the Arthritis Foundation. The photo booth proved to be so much fun for couples and family groups, and the live jazz by the David Tovar Trio kept everyone moving to the beat. Alan Rose of KEYT3 did such a fine job as Emcee for the afternoon gathering, and everyone was happy to see Alys Martinez of KEYT3 interviewing the owner of The Andersen Bakery, who was passing signature Danish pastries in the VIP Lounge.

The full list of food and wine tastes included Ca’Dario, Chefs on a Mission, Country Catering, Finch & Fork, Finney’s Crafthouse, Flightline, Green Table, High on the Hog Catering, Lilac Patisserie, Michael’s Catering, Mizza Artisan Pizza, opal Restaurant & Bar, Pascucci’s, Santa Barbara Yacht Club, SBCC Culinary, The Little Door, The Little Kitchen, The Nook, The Nugget Goleta, The Palace Grill, The Secret Ingredient and Via Maestra 42, Alexander & Wayne, Alma Rosa, Arthur Earl, Artiste, Au Bon Climat, Brander, Brewer-Clifton, Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Demetria Estates, DV8 Cellars, Gainey, Giessinger, Grassini, Islands Brewing Co., Jaffurs, Ken Brown Wines, Kessler-Haak, Margerum Wine Company, Melville, Presqu’ile, Qupe, Refugio Ranch, Roblar, Temperance Cellars and Witchcraft Winery.

Arthritis Foundation Central Coast Local leadership Board members for 2018 Pam Tanase, Amy Leong MBA, Karen Anderson, R.N., Miriam Parsa, MD, Laura Kath, Deborah Deneaulf, L. Mae Chandler, Thomas Ferro, MD, William Gallivan, Jr. MD, Susan Lemon, DO, Kristi Jena, C.J.Ward, Lynn Yekiazarian, Douglas Tucker were all in attendance,helping with details and enjoying every minute.

Special kudos to sponsors Automotive Partner BMW Santa Barbara, along with HUB International (wine glass sponsor), Terry Ryken COMPASS, American Riviera Bank, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, Senior Planning Services, Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, Diana MacFarlane/Caliber Home Loans, Amye Leong and Bob Price, Jeffery Baldwin and Michal Wiesbrock, the Santa Barbara Independent, KEYT News Channel 3, Opal Restaurant and Bar, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, The Berry Man Inc., Bluestar Parking, You’re The Star, AA Expressive, Jill & Co. Events and Ana’s Balloon Creations, and more.

All proceeds from these special events support the Arthritis Foundation services and programs. For detailed information and tickets please visit: www.arthritis.org/tasteofthetownsb.