2 minute read
SWEETER THAN SUMMERTIME
THAN
Written by Taylon Faltas Photographed by Silas Fallstich
Tucked away in the hills of Montecito, a cool mountain breeze whistles through San Ysidro Ranch as the evening stars light up the cobblestone pathway to Plow & Angel. Cozy and timeless, Plow & Angel’s rustic charm is captured in every detail of the restaurant—including a traditional barn door entrance, stone chimney above the glowing fireplace, stained glass windows, and a quaint bar in the back equipped with bottles of unique liqueurs and whiskeys as far as the eye can see.
From left to right: Rose Garden, Guava Sangria, SYR Fig, Blue Lady
It is local establishments like San Ysidro Ranch that shape our town and refuel our spirits. The rebirth of Plow & Angel and the rest of the property following the tragic 2018 mudslides aided in uplifting the Montecito community. Taking advantage of the local summer harvest in Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch shows that there is a bright side in regrowth and restoration.
The botanical garden near San Ysidro Ranch is flourishing with natural beauty and serves as the inspiration for their seasonally crafted cocktails. Once we take our seats, the bartender Manuel describes the artistry behind the beverages, each of which is designed to quench your thirst on warm summer nights.
The first drink we try, the Guava Sangria, is elegantly composed of Sancerre wine, Veev acai liqueur, and Calwise orange liqueur, mixed with an assortment of newly harvested peaches, apples, raspberries, muddled mint, and strawberries. Garnished with crisp apple slices and mint, this drink puts a summer twist on classic sangria.
Next, the Blue Lady draws us in with her garden-fresh violas as they float with allure across the bright aqua lake inside my coupe glass. Complete with a mixture of organic vodka, lime juice, crème de violette, and blue curacao, this lady of the deep is sure to beckon you for more, whether lounging by the San Ysidro Ranch pool or enjoying a blissful sunset over the hills of Montecito.
Perhaps the most tantalizing beverage on this summertime menu is the unique fig concoction, the SYR Fig, made of organic vodka, lime juice, fig syrup, Banane du Brèsil, Cassis Noir de Bourgogne, and egg whites. The fig slices and lavender sprigs adorning this bewitching purple drink leave me reluctant to disturb the delicate presentation. If you’re looking for an exquisite nightcap worthy of its own Instagram highlight, look no further than this dreamy marriage of fig and banana.
The final cocktail we try is the Rose Garden, prepared with Rosato vermouth, Aperol, rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, and strawberry purée, and appropriately embellished with rose petals and rosemary sprigs. The Rose Garden captures the essence of summertime euphoria as the sweet whisper of strawberry swirls throughout my wine glass.
The Thursday night chatter buzzing throughout the restaurant is calming as our night comes to a close. Savoring the last drops of my drink, I leave Plow & Angel with a new appreciation for botanicals and an unforgettable cocktail experience. *
