Small Bites

SUMMER MUST-HAVES

WORDS BY Hanna-Lee Sedgwick

With spring in our rearview mirror, it’s time to officially embrace those summertime vibes. Whether hitting the beach with friends, stocking up on local produce at the farmers market or packing a picnic for a day at the park, here are some Santa Barbara must-haves for making the most of the season.

The Santa Barbara Company Market Basket Riviera Towel Essential Blanket

This extra-large blanket is a chic choice for beach outings and backyard movie nights. Made of a lightweight, 100% Turkish cotton fabric, it packs small for easy travel—keep one in your purse for impromptu picnics—while the supersoft texture makes it cozy enough to use as a throw. www.RivieraTowel.com

Love Your Body Oil

Made from a blend of organic oils and botanical extracts, this refreshing body oil by esthetician Nina Lafuente is the perfect solution for nourishing dry, summertime skin. Layer it on after a day at the beach to hydrate and soothe your skin, then let the aromas of lemongrass, lavender and tea tree transport you to the tropics. www.NinaLafuente.com

Carry your fresh fruit and flowers home from the farmers market in this classic market basket, handwoven by Moroccan artisans using natural palm leaf. With its neutral color and large capacity, it’s as versatile as it is stylish. www.SantaBarbaraCompany.com

Pascale’s Kitchen Tomato Lavender Jam

This delightful jam—made by Edible Santa Barbara contributor Pascale Beale—highlights in-season tomatoes, sugar and a hint of lavender. Fragrant and complex, it’s our secret ingredient for sweet and savory galettes, but it’s equally delicious smeared on a biscuit with cream cheese. www.PascalesKitchen.com

Good Kitchen Products Apron

Look the part for your next cookout or dinner party with this sustainably made apron designed by Kazuyo Takeda. The two front pockets conveniently keep your phone and cooking utensils handy, while the hot pink color captures the joyful spirit of summer. www.GKPOfficial.com Known for her naturally leavened, wood-fired bread, Melissa Sorongon also produces noteworthy homemade pizza dough. Top it with a bit of sauce, cheese, herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, then cook it on the grill for an idyllic al fresco pizza night. www.Piedrasassi.com

Lush Life Cookbook

Channel your inner host with Valerie Rice’s garden-to-table cookbook—a beautiful collection of recipes celebrating the region’s seasonal bounty. From the summer-worthy Strawberry Mezcal Margaritas to the fresh and vibrant Tomato & Stone Fruit Salad, Lush Life’s recipes and photos are sure to inspire your next gathering. www.EatDrinkGarden.com

Santa Barbara Pistachio Company’s Salt & Pepper Pistachios

Organic pistachios from Santa Barbara Pistachio Co. are roasted with sea salt and black pepper, resulting in a salty, zesty snack that’s rather addictive. Pack a bag for a posthike snack, or serve them alongside hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour with friends. www.SantaBarbaraPistachios.com

Il Fustino 25 Barrel-Aged Balsamic

This slightly acidic, slightly sweet vinegar is a cook’s summer companion. Use it to finish caprese salads and to add excitement to grilled veggies, or simply drizzle it over ice cream for a unique treat. The possibilities of this richly layered aged balsamic are nearly endless. www.ilFustino.com