Archive for February, 2010
New Santa Maria Farmers Market
The diverse flavors of the Santa Maria Valley, including Santa Maria Style Barbecue, are now showcased at a new farmers market that was launched this month in downtown Santa Maria.
The Town Center Farmers Market Experience occurs every Friday evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the recently renovated Town Center mall at the corner of Main and Broadway.
This indoor farmers’ market—the only indoor market on the Central Coast—celebrates the fresh and abundant flavors of the Santa Maria Valley
Vendors include local growers of strawberries, broccoli, greens, flowers and more. Other vendors include artisan food purveyors and specialists in Santa Maria Style BBQ. These include Jimenez Family Farms, Euphoria Flowers, BBQ Gypsies and Marcie’s Pies.
The Santa Maria Valley is one of California’s most productive agricultural areas. For example, strawberry acreage exceeds 10,000 acres, while wine grape acreage exceeds 7,000 acres. Meanwhile, the Santa Maria Town Center mall recently underwent extensive renovations, including new flooring, lighting, landscaping and décor, bringing a vibrant new energy to the venue.
So what we have here is a perfect match for celebrating the abundant flavors of the Santa Maria Valley.
2 comments February 25, 2010
Detour to The Dunes
In the little coastal town of Guadalupe along scenic Highway 1, you will find the Far Western Tavern, a local Santa Maria BBQ landmark that was recently named one of the West’s top ten barbecue restaurants by Sunset Magazine.
And just up the street from the Far Western Tavern, you will find the Dunes Center, a non-profit educational center dedicated to the nearby Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex.
The dunes are one of California’s best-kept natural secrets, but word is starting to get out. For example, the Los Angeles Times recently published a feature on the dunes experience, as well as the dunes’ starring role in Cecil B. DeMille’s silet epic The Ten Commandments.
Also, KSBY Television’s Jeanette Trompeter just featured the dunes in her “No Place Like Home” series, which focuses on the Central Coast’s signature experiences and destinations. Click here to view KSBY’s dunes segment and corresponding news story.
In the words of Trompeter, “The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes encompass one of the largest intact coastal dune eco-systems in the United States…The Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes are an oasis of outdoor serenity right in our own backyard…If you don’t know where to start your exploration, the Dunes Center in Guadalupe is a good option.”
So the next time you need to walk off a big Santa Maria Style Barbecue meal, you know where to go!
Add comment February 17, 2010
KSBY Showcases Santa Maria Style Barbecue
Santa Maria Style Barbecue shines in the spotlight once again as KSBY Television featured this sizzling local tradition in its new nightly news series called “No Place Like Home,” which focuses on the Central Coast’s most uniquely exciting flavors and experiences.
To watch the segment, click here and then click on the video player icon at the top of the story.
Shout outs to Chef Brian Stein of Susie Q’s Brand and Jeanette Trompeter of KSBY for doing such a great job of explaining and celebrating the history, ingredients and methods behind Santa Maria BBQ!
In her corresponding story, Jeanette writes: “The roots of the Santa Maria Style Barbecue trace back to about 1850 when Rancheros were branding their cattle and would invite their families, friends and vaqueros to a big celebration when the job was done. Central Coast cowboys continue that tradition today…You don’t have to be a cowboy, though, to enjoy the Santa Maria Style today. You’ll see it served up just about everywhere. And you know what’s cooking when you smell the distinctive aroma of the red oak wood providing the coals. It also provides a distinctive flavor for the meat.”
Bon appetit!
Add comment February 5, 2010
