New Times Last-Minute Gift Guide 2021 by New Times Media Group, San Luis Obispo

DECEMBER 9 - DECEMBER 16, 2021 • VOL. 36, NO. 21 • W W W.NEW TIMESSLO.COM • SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNT Y’S NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

VISIT US ONLINE @ newtimesslo.com.

Get the scoop on quick gifts from local makers, olive oil purveyors, sweet shops, and vinyl vendors [12] By New Times Staff

Makers and shakers

Local makers markets are popping up all over SLO County—here’s a handful of places for crafty holiday gifts

By Peter Johnson

ooking for ways to avoid the dreaded supply chain this holiday season? Here’s one suggestion: Cut it out completely and shop directly from a source. Thankfully, local makers markets are all the rage right now—popping up everywhere in SLO County—so there are plenty of chances to find artisan gifts in the waning weeks of the holidays. New Times scoured the internet and social media this week to find out where SLOcals can go to shop straight from our local crafters and bypass that fickle supply chain.

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

SLOcally Made Market

’TIS THE SEASON Studios on the Park in Paso Robles (pictured) is hosting Handcrafted for the Holidays through Jan 3. It features the work of “premier craftspeople from SLO County and beyond.” COURTESY PHOTO BY ANNIE HOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Crafting sisters Sadie Rodgers and Kerry Long put on this annual pop-up market in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo where, in their words, they “hustle like hell to create a space for our SLO community where shopping locally takes on a truer, deeper meaning.” At a temporary brick-and-mortar storefront, SLOcally Made compiles the works of dozens of local makers and retail shops, selling handmade items from jewelry to prints and paintings, to clothes, soaps, leather goods, baskets, and more. Open for two weeks before Christmas, this popular market provides a nice runway of time for locals to stop by at their leisure and find some classy—and crafty—gifts made right here in SLO County. 881 Higuera St., SLO; Dec. 11 to 24, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; slocally-made.com.

Handcrafted for the Holidays at Studios on the Park

Though best known for its art galleries and exhibits, Studios on the Park in Paso Robles also hosts its very own holiday shop in December, featuring the work of “premier craftspeople from SLO County and beyond.” Wall art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking, textiles, and more are all available for purchase at the downtown studio through Jan. 3. A portion of every sale supports the nonprofit’s “efforts to make the creative process available to the public”—a win-win-win! 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles; Nov. 30 to Jan. 3, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; studiosonthepark.org.

Holiday Makers Market at the SLO Public Market

In case you missed the news, the longawaited SLO Public Market at the corner of South Higuera Street and Tank Farm Road is officially open with a smattering of new businesses. And on Dec. 11 and 12, the market will hold its first major public event. Can you guess what it is? Yep, a holiday makers market! Working with Makeshift Muse, a local organizer for makers, the new shopping center will host a variety of crafters and pop-up stands in its “scenic and spacious outdoor courtyard” over the two-day event. In addition to shopping, market attendees can also find workshops, food, drinks, and more at the event. PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO PUBLIC MARKET’S FACEBOOK PAGE 3845 S Higuera St., SLO; Dec. 11 and 12, noon to 5 p.m.; slopublicmarket.com.

Last Minute Gifts Pop-up at Birchwood Garden HANDMADE Locally crafted jewelry and more will be for sale at the popular SLOcally Made Market, located in downtown San Luis Obispo and open through Christmas Eve.

GRAND OPENING SLO Public Market (pictured) is holding its first major public event on Dec. 11 and 12—a holiday makers market, co-sponsored by Makeshift Muse.

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Those of you in a crunch to find a last-minute gift should pay a visit to the beautiful Birchwood Garden in Nipomo for its Last Minute Gifts Pop-Up market on Dec. 18. This unique venue on Tefft Street—which is a nursery/ beer garden/event center—will

have more than 10 local vendors and artisans on-site selling their goods. Stop by to peruse the market, smell the flowers, get lunch, and/or enjoy a beer or two. 323 West Tefft St., Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; birchwoodnipomo.com.

SLO Made Holiday Fair at SLO Maker Space

This winter solstice holiday market is hosted by SLO Maker Space, a community workshop on Higuera Street where local creatives all share a woodshop, metal shop, sewing stations, ceramic studios, and more. On Dec. 21, these folks will proudly get together to showcase the fruits of their labor, hoping that their works might end up under your tree. Drop by for some shopping and/or crafting classes. 81 Higuera St., suite 160 and 180; Dec. 21, 3 to 8 p.m.; slomakerspace.com.

Winter Market at Art Center Morro Bay

Shop for local art and make your own alcohol ink ornament at Art Center Morro Bay’s Winter Market on Dec. 18 and 19. This beloved Main Street gallery is hosting the market on its patio, promising treats and holiday music in addition to its inventory of beautiful art pieces made by local artists. “We have the perfect gift for that special someone,” the center says in its promotional materials. “Come support art and artists this Christmas!” 835 Main St., Morro Bay; Dec 18, 1 to 7 p.m.; Dec. 19, 1 to 4 p.m.; artcentermorrobay.org.

Holiday Market at Bethel Rd. Distillery & Winery

Shop and sip wine at the same time at this Dec. 9 market hosted by Bethel Rd. Distillery & Winery in Templeton. This free event will feature local vendors and their goods, which include pottery, woodworking, woven decor, local olive oil, chocolates, and more. Visitors can also enjoy “groovy tunes” courtesy of Dan Curcio of Moonshiner Collective, grub from the Hungry Mother food truck, and “plenty of mulled wine and spirits to go around,” according to the market host. 1266 N. Bethel Road, Templeton; Dec. 9, 4 to 7 p.m.; bethelrddistillery.com. ✦ Assistant Editor Peter Johnson wants more makers markets. Reach him at pjohnson@newtimesslo.com.

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Slick fix

Olive oil is the gourmet eleventh-hour gift that’ll get taste buds rejoicing

live oil may seem like an unusual holiday gift, but in California’s Mediterranean climate, it’s right at home. New Times curated a sample of liquid gold gifting options from around San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Our list is in no way exhaustive but can point you in the right direction for the slickest last-minute present.

We Olive San Luis Obispo

Run by owner Ray Russell on Higuera Street, the 14-year-old We Olive SLO is a downtown staple offering a buttery variety of flavored and classic olive oils. Fan favorites include the organic Meyer lemon olive oil from the San Joaquin Valley, the fresh garlic olive oil from Sutter, and a fruity Arbequina oil from Capay Valley. Their balsamic vinegar straight from Italy seals the deal. Customers can purchase an olive oil and balsamic vinegar combination gift set as well as tapenades, jams, spices, and kitchenware. But the store’s refillable bottle policy for a lower price is a crowd pleaser, saving olive oil aficionados roughly $4 to $6 depending on the size of the container. We Olive SLO is a true local stop,

PHOTOS BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

By Bulbul Rajagopal

according to Russell, because the only way to get your hands on their bottles is by picking up the phone or by strolling right into the shop. 958 Higuera St., SLO; (805) 595-1376; rrussell@weolive.com.

Pasolivo

Located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, Pasolivo has “something for everybody,” said General Manager Marisa Bloch. Their extra virgin olive oil tasting experience will bring interested customers to 140 acres of rolling hills once owned by Hollywood director King Vidor. But Pasolivo’s slew of gift sets ranging from $25 to $200 and nationwide shipping (even to Canada) ensures that no one feels left out. Bloch said that their most popular gift set is called the Entertainer, which is brimming with olive oils, vinegars, mustards, and tapenades. “It’s a good variety for the ultimate foodie,” she said. The gift sets are also customizable, and Pasolivo is currently offering a holiday promotion until Dec. 14 where customers can get free products after spending a certain amount. 8530 Vineyard Drive and 1229 Park St., Paso Robles; (805) 227-0186; pasolivo.com.

FESTIVE FANCY We Olive SLO’s olive oil collection can only be browsed in-store, making it a truly local staple. PHOTO COURTESY OF PASOLIVO

Santa Maria Olive Co.

Family run on a 6 1/2 acre olive ranch in Santa Barbara County, the Santa Maria Olive Co. is a cornucopia of Arbequina, Picudo, Koroneiki, Arbosana, Mission, and Manzanillo olives, which get blended to create premium extra virgin olive oils. The company promotes buying its oil online in order to ensure peak quality. Santa Maria Olive Co. has a meticulous production process. Water from the Clayton Ranch’s sulfur spring well nourishes OLIVE OIL continued page 16

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Cozy & Warm for the Holidays!

PHOTO COURTESY OF PASOLIVO

OLIVE OIL from page 14

the olives. Each bottle is maintained and stored at 64 degrees Fahrenheit and kept away from direct sunlight. These exacting standards elevate their liquid gold to a gourmet-level gift. 400 E. Orange St., Santa Maria; (805) 896-1575; santamariaoliveco.com.

Rancho Olivos

Owned and run by rancher couple Shannon Casey and John Copeland, Rancho Olivos has been producing fresh estate artisan extra virgin olive oil out of the Santa Ynez Valley for more than a decade. “Rancho Olivos is the only olive oil producer in the valley that offers tastings on the farm next to our orchards of beautiful olive trees,” according to its website. They have a variety of holiday gift sets, too. The Dipping Gift Box lets olive oil lovers mix and match any two bottles of Rancho Olivos oils and vinegars. If you still can’t make up your mind, the Ultimate Sampler Box—a collection of all 12 oils and vinegars in 60 ml bottles—can save the day. Their other gift sets also include accessories like cloth gift bags. While the Santa Ynez location is the company’s primary home, Rancho Olivos opened a second location in Morro Bay in 2019. 2390 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; 699 Embarcadero, No. 4, Morro Bay; (805) 686-9653; ranchoolivos.com.

Olea Farm

Olea Farm claims to bring European quality to California’s olive oil industry.

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Tucked just outside Templeton, the farm specializes in Arbequina olive oil. “The flavor of the Arbequina is like putting ‘spring into a bottle,’ which is why so many restaurant chefs from the area insist on using it to highlight their Central Coast cuisine,” according Olea Farm’s website. Their gift boxes for all occasions include a five-set olive oil collection, a premium two-bottle selection, and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar quintet. Olea Farm also offers flat-rate shipping of $12, no matter how many gift boxes ordered. 2985 Templeton Road, Templeton; (805) 610-2258; oleafarm.com. ✦ Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal can be reached at brajagopal@ newtimesslo.com.

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Sweet treats

PHOTO BY MALEA MARTIN

Don’t know what to get your loved one for the holidays? You can’t go wrong with dessert

By Malea Martin

rom fruit tarts to funfetti cupcakes, conchas to cookie dough, banana cream pies to buttery croissants, SLO County has a little bit of everything when it comes to sweet treats—you just have to know where to shop. That’s why we wrote this gift guide to the best

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAMBLE PIE COMPANY’S FACEBOOK PAGE

EASY AS PIE Bramble Pie Company’s chocolate cream pie is offered year round and will be sure to please the chocolate lovers in your life.

dessert spots across the county. Get your orders in early, because chances are you aren’t the only one with a sweets-lover on your list.

SLO Delicious Bake Shop

It may have just opened in June this year, but SLO Delicious has already become a local favorite. It offers a wide selection of savory lunch options that are delicious in their own right, but the sweet magic lies in the Garden Street eatery’s dessert case. If you know someone with a sweet tooth, a box of baked goods and pastries from SLO Delicious would make the perfect gift for the holidays. They have the classics locked down: soft, gooey chocolate chip cookies; apple mini pies (the perfect size for not sharing); fluffy blueberry muffins. But SLO Delicious also knows how to venture into the unconventional, with pastry flavor combinations that you’ve probably never tried but definitely need to, like strawberry vanilla cream cheese cookies, carrot pineapple muffins, and bacon chocolate truffles. If you want to give a gift that’s delicious and visually appealing, grab the most beautiful little fruit tart you’ve ever seen for that special someone in your life … but don’t expect

daily. Under the distinctive crunchy and sugary exterior, you’ll find a soft and sweet bread-like pastry that will leave you wanting more than one—so best buy a few if you’re giving these as a gift this holiday season. The concha looks like a shell (hence the name: concha means shell in Spanish), making these a particularly fun gift for kids, general beach enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys delicious, sugary baked goods—which just about covers everyone on your list. Delicias de Mi Tierra doesn’t limit itself to conchas: other creations include German chocolate cake, tres leches cake, and churro cheesecake. Uhh … yum! 235 W Tefft St., Nipomo; (805) 619-7069; facebook.com/ deliciasdemitierrabakery.

Bramble Pie Company

PASTRY PERFECTION SLO Delicious’ confections are just as tasty as they are beautiful. The fruit tart and mini cheesecake are both personal favorites.

them to share it with you! 1129 Garden St., San Luis Obispo; (805) 752-1041; slo-delicious.com.

Delicias de Mi Tierra Bakery

Delicias de Mi Tierra Bakery in Nipomo is one of the few spots on the Central Coast where you can find Mexican-style sweet bread, or conchas, fresh baked

Crispy, buttery, flaky crust. Sweet, tart fruit filling. Local, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Is there much more you can ask for in a pie? Bramble Pie Company in Atascadero offers all this and more in its quality pies. For those on your list who prefer to stick with the classics, opt for one of Bramble’s year-round offerings: chocolate cream, banana cream, Key lime, chocolate peanut butter, and more. Or get your loved one a gift card so they can try a new pie each season. That’s right, Bramble Pie Company offers different pies each season that align with what’s ripe in the fields, so you know you’re getting the freshest, most in-season pie possible. In the winter, the citrus pie is ready for the picking. In the spring, try a strawberry or apricot pie. Come summer, it’s peaches, plums, SWEET TREATS continued page 20

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and raspberry season, and Bramble Pie Company has a pie for them all. And in the fall, get your hands on an apple or persimmon pie. Check out the full menu on Bramble Pie Company’s website, and get your orders in early for the holidays! 5945 Entrada Ave., Atascadero; (805) 460-6294; bramblepiecompany.com.

dark chocolate cookies, vegan maple pecan oatmeal cookies, and more. If you get your order in ahead of time, you can snag some of Sweet Pea’s specialty items, including s’more cupcakes, Mexican wedding cookies, and gluten-free funfetti cupcakes. 1200 E. Grand Ave., suite No. 102, Arroyo Grande; (805) 440-3456; sweetpeabakeryag.com.

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For the cookie dough fiend in your Flaky croissants and morning pastries, life, The Dough Connection is the place buttercream cupcakes, every flavor of to go. The only cookie-dough-devoted cookie you can think of, gluten- and dairydessert shop in SLO County, the Morro free options … there’s truly something Bay-based business serves up ready-tofor everyone with a sweet tooth on your eat, scooped-like-ice-cream cookie dough holiday list at Sweet Pea Bakery. And at the Downtown SLO farmers’ market even those who don’t like dessert (gasp!) every Thursday and at its storefront on can still find something here: the bacon the Embarcadero. Chocolate chip, cookies cheddar, prosciutto and cream, and peanut butter PHOTO COURTESY OF Gruyere, and jalapeño THE DOUGH CONNECTION’S M&M are just a few of The Dough FACEBOOK PAGE croissants are all Connection’s signature dough something to write confections. The shop always Santa about. But the carries at least six cookie dough sweet stuff is also a flavors, plus dough-topped brownies, must-try: the sweet and dough-stuffed cereal bars, and its salty chocolate salted signature brownie-stuffed chocolate caramel cupcake, the chip cookie. Just in time for the confetti cookie, and holidays, The Dough Connection fairy bun are some will also offer hot chocolate bombs fan favorites. If you’re and homemade marshmallows, the shopping for a glutenperfect stocking stuffers. free friend, make sure 913 Embarcadero, Morro Bay; to go on Tuesday: The (805) 225-1760; facebook.com/ bakery’s gluten-free thedoughconnection805. ✦ DELICIOUS DOUGH The Dough Tuesdays include paleo Connection in Morro raspberry almond Staff Writer Bay is the only spot muffins (which also Malea Martin in SLO County where happen to be dairy can be reached you can get ready-toat mmartin@ free), mixed berry eat, scooped-like-icenewtimesslo.com. scones, almond butter cream cookie dough.

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20 • New Times • December 9 - December 16, 2021 • www.newtimesslo.com

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Vinyl tap

PHOTOS BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Local record stores dish out used music, movies, memorabilia, and other giftable merchandise

By Caleb Wiseblood

ometimes the best thing about walking into a record shop isn’t browsing through the store’s music selection, it’s stumbling upon the wacky pop culture artifacts you’re likely to find. Some of this stuff goes even beyond that designation, into the realm of vintage Happy Meal toys and other niche commodities outside the collective zeitgeist. What makes the purveyors of such items so great for holiday shopping is you come in to find a gift for the music aficionado in your family, and end up multitasking in the process—picking out an extra present or two for your Hamburglar-loving uncle. You can find a plethora of these kinds of shops all along the Central Coast, but here’s a small handful of local gems to consider if you can’t decide where to start. Happy hunting!

HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH Paradise Records and Trading Post recently opened a third location (pictured) in the Santa Maria Town Center. Its two sister shops are located in Orcutt and Santa Barbara.

SEASONAL SOUNDS Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive LP or CD, Paradise Records has seasonal sections dedicated to holiday-themed albums (at both the Orcutt and Santa Maria stores). DISC DEPOT Cheap Thrills’ eclectic “vinyl dep’t” includes thousands of LPs for just $1.98 per record (according to the quirky arrow signs that lead patrons upstairs to the department on the second floor).

Paradise Records and Trading Post

When I found out that Paradise Records (Orcutt) recently opened a sister store in the Santa Maria Town Center, I assumed it was their second location, not their third. Little did I know they’ve got one in Santa Barbara, too, which kind of blew my mind. I just can’t imagine the amount of inventory stockpiling it takes to maintain three separate versions of Paradise Records—a seemingly endless warehouse of used records, magazines, comic books, collectibles, and more. When it comes to inexpensive, lastminute holiday gifting, I recommend heading to the specially marked sections for $1 LPs, $1 CDs, and $1 DVDs. If you’re willing to spend a bit more though, there’s a wild variety of memorabilia to peruse. 1157 E. Clark Ave., suite D, Orcutt, and 371 Town Center E, Santa Maria; (805) 7273141; paradiserecordsandtradingpost.com.

Mike’s Record Rack

Located just a few blocks away from the coastline, Mike’s Record Rack (Grover

SHOP LOCAL Looking for a locally produced album to give out as a holiday gift? Cheap Thrills’ local artist rack has got you covered, This section of the store is dedicated to albums (mostly CDs) from musicians and bands based on the Central Coast.

Beach) is a solid spot to find records, cassette tapes, and CDs just in time for the gift-giving season. According to the store’s website, owner Mike Leming is always on the prowl for large music collections on the market, which keeps the store’s selection consistently stocked and diverse (with genres ranging from 1950s jazz to hardcore metal). But music is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to potential holiday gifts you can find at the Record Rack, which also boasts a variety of T-shirts, posters, and other items to browse through. 201 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach; (805) 202-8027; mikesrecordrackgb.com.

Cheap Thrills

Not to be confused with the Sia song, Cheap Thrills (San Luis Obispo) appropriately offers exactly what its nononsense name implies. The shop does have its fair share of pricey exceptions (rare collectibles, etc.), but there’s always some cheap offers to find in every section of the store—whether it’s the “bargain movies” ranging from $1.98 to $4.98, or the “vinyl dep’t,” which includes thousands of LPs for just $1.98 per record (according to the quirky arrow signs that lead patrons upstairs to the department on the second floor). Other sections to check out at Cheap Thrills include the local artists rack, dedicated to albums (mostly CDs) from musicians and bands based on the Central Coast. 563 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo; (805) 544-0686; cheapthrills.biz.

Traffic Records

If you’re looking to shop for gifts locally, but without having to leave your house, Traffic Records (Atascadero) offers free shipping on LP deliveries (with purchases of more than $50). Although Cyber Monday is behind us, patrons can browse for special deals (a list of Black Friday-priced offerings remains up) and look up the store’s eclectic inventory online, which was revamped to include an even broader music selection than ever before (the store’s operators spent a lot of time during the pandemic closure adding hundreds of new and used records, audio equipment, and other items, according to the shop’s website). 5850 Traffic Way, Atascadero; (805) 464-2994; trafficrecordstore.com. ✦ Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood can be reached at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.

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