Doug Margerum Named Honorary Lead Vintner for 36th Annual Taste of the Town Santa Barbara Benefitting the Arthritis FoundationThe Arthritis Foundation Central Coast has named legendary wine pioneer Doug Margerum, owner and director of winemaking at Margerum Wine Company as Honorary Lead Vintner for its 36th Annual Taste of the Town Santa Barbara—the area’s signature culinary event happening Sunday, September 10, 2017 from Noon-3:00 p.m. at Riviera Park, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra. The popular Taste of the Town Santa Barbara features samplings from 80 of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and spirits providers, with a silent auction of lifestyle items; photo booth, VIP Lounge and live jazz entertainment by the David Tovar Trio. All proceeds from Taste of the Town Santa Barbara support the local programs and services of the Arthritis Foundation. Margerum will be feted by organizers and presented with an award honoring his support and service over the past four decades.
A native of Southern California, Doug Margerum began his food & wine journey in childhood while traveling with his parents in France and Italy. He worked as a restaurant cook and server throughout high school and college while continuing to hone his culinary skills. In 1981, the same year he graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Business Economics, Margerum’s family purchased the Wine Cask, a small retail store in downtown Santa Barbara; it grew into a bistro and fine-dining establishment when it expanded in 1991, winning high praise from critics including the late Julia Child, a long-time friend and supporter. Doug launched the Wine Cask Futures Program in 1984 which elevated the exposure of Santa Barbara wines nationally. In 1994, the Wine Cask became one of only 74 restaurants in the world to earn the Wine Spectator Grand Award. In 2001, Margerum Wine Company began in a cozy 240-square foot cold room behind Brander Vineyards in Santa Ynez. Margerum’s philosophy is handcrafted and personal—then as now, Margerum Wine Company produces limited quantities of wines made from grapes grown at the top vineyards around Santa Barbara County; created since 2012 at a state-of-the-art winery located in Buellton. Margerum primarily produces M5 (a Rhône varietal red blend), a co-fermented Syrah called ÜBER; SYBARITE Sauvignon Blanc and RIVIERA Rosé. In 2014, Margerum released BARDEN wines – an exploration of cold climate grapes grown in and around the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. He and his Margerum Wine Company team are continually innovating and expressing the finest vintages.
The 2017 Taste of the Town Santa Barbara also features the 8th annual Connoisseurs’ Circle Gala Dinner on Friday, September 8, 2017, from 6:00-11:00 p.m. at Bacara Resort & Spa. The evening features a 4-course gourmet dinner by 2017 Honorary Lead Chef Mark Strausman from Freds at Barneys New York who will be pairing wines from 2017 Honorary Vintner Doug Margerum & Margerum Wine Company as well as a reception featuring ten Taste of the Town wine, beer & spirits partners on the outdoor terrace. The evening will also feature live & silent auctions followed by dancing to tunes from DJ Darla Bea. Connoisseurs’ Circle evening seating is limited so advance reservations are required.
Returning to co-chair this 36th annual Santa Barbara food & wine tradition are opal Restaurant & Bar co-owners, Tina Takaya and Richard Yates. All proceeds from Taste of the Town Santa Barbara events support the programs and services of the Arthritis Foundation. The Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of 53 million people (including nearly 300,000 children) with arthritis through health education, advocacy, research, and local juvenile arthritis support. Tickets for the Connoisseurs’ Circle Gala Dinner on Friday evening are $500 per person with tables of 10 for $5,000 which includes access to the VIP lounge at Sunday’s event. Individual tickets for the Sunday afternoon Taste of the Town are $125 per person in advance and $140 at the door (if available.)
WWW.ARTHRITIS.ORG/TASTEOFTHETOWNSB
WWW.MARGERUMWINES.COM
CHEF FRANCO DE DOMINICIS - FRANCO'S ON MELROSE ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Franco on Melrose is unique, in that its Owner and Executive Chef Franco De Dominicis designed the restaurant in such a way so that guests walk through the kitchen to get to their table. This presents each guest with the opportunity to meet the Chef personally and to bask in the amazing aromas being cooked up by the sous chefs behind the counter.
After guests pass through the kitchen, they enter into a beautiful courtyard, designed with every detail in mind. A private room, creating a more personal space for guests with large parties, is located directly to the right of the main dining terrace. Each guest is greeted by their personal host and escorted to their table.
The experience continues, because at Franco on Melrose, every dish is prepared with you in mind. From special requests to special selections, Franco on Melrose is prepared and willing to create and inspire your culinary palate every evening.
Manga Bene, Vive Bene. Eat Well, Live Well.
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