Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine - October 2013

LIFE&STYLE SANTA BARBARA

MAGAZINE

Behind the Lense

October 2013

PG 6

Celebrity Cooking PG 12

Vol 1. Issue 4

sblifeandstyle.com

Volume 1 Issue 4 / October 2013 Editor / Publisher Jeffrey Florentine Art Director Rah Riley Art Editor Hannah Boydstun Marketing Publicist Manager Ottocina Ryan

Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine is published by Santa Barbara Life & Style, Inc.

PO Box 5072 Santa Barbara, CA 93150 For distribution, advertising, or other inquires info@SantaBarbaraLifeandStyle.com Santa Barbara LIfe & Style - Issuu Edition

IN THIS ISSUE

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6 BEHIND THE LENS. Take a look behind the lens at Leah Valentine, SB’s newest upcoming photographer.

12 CELEBRITY COOKING. Go behind the scenes with Chef Chris Turano at BISTRO at the Bacara Resort and Spa. 19 BACARA BRINES. Time to brine with Chef Chris Turano. Turano teaches his best techniques for making the best brines for the upcoming fall season. 26 ALLORA BY LAURA. SB Life and Styler hosts the hottest party of the summer at Allora by Laura’s Grand Opening. 36 HENRY BEGUELIN

BY CRISTINA NICOLETTI. Check out Montecito’s newest fashions located in the upper village of Montecito. 41 HORSIN’ AROUND. Get up close and personal with this years polo player Martin Muñoz.

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

Letter

from the

Editor Dear Friends -

Welcome to Issue Four of Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, Santa Barbara’s black book on the behind scenes of everything stylish.

Most locals would agree that October is the best time to visit Santa Barbara. When you do, it’s recommended to make your to-do lists in pencil rather than pen as Santa Barbara boasts sunshine, crystal blue skies, ocean views, and luxurious settings. In this issue you will see the latest fall fashions, unique recipes and behind the scenes from another SB Life & Style luxe party. We also sat down with Bacara Resort & Spa’s Chef de Cuisine Chris Turano coming off of his appearance on Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell.

For those not familiar with Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, we are an online company featuring Santa Barbara’s rich and luxourious lifestyle. Santa Barbara, in and of itself, is a brand synonymous with luxury and fine living.

Through the pages of our online magazine, Santa Barbara Life & Style captures the rich lifestyle, influential people, homes & gardens, architecture, fashion, interior design, food & wine, events, and a glimpse behind the panache that is Santa Barbara.

Enjoy the issue. October is the best time to be in our little slice of paradise. The crowds leave and the locals get to enjoy the best weather of the year!

Jeffrey Florentine Editor-in-Chief Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

OCTOBER 2013

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Behind the L M

erging both modern

style is one that is sure to stick out

and vintage techniques,

of the crowd as her work is edgy,

Philadelphia born, California based

fun and fresh! We sat down with

photographer, Leah Valentine is

Leah to hear more about her passion

sure to be making waves this year.

for capturing and documenting the

Distinctive and trend setting, Leah’s

beauty that is life.

Lens

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How did you get into photography?

What are your editing tools?

Photography has been with me my whole life from my first camera as a child, PINK and adorned with Mini Mouse, to my Elan 7 film camera in my high school and college courses. But, the real journey began in the summer of 2008 when my husband, Zach, suggested we buy our first DSLR camera. From that moment, the world of photography had a hold of me and I knew it had to be my profession.

Instead of looking at me like I was crazy, Zach went online and bought me a website domain. And my family, who could have also easily dismissed this insane dream, simply replied “how can we help”. I’d consider myself one lucky girl!

If Lightroom 5 were a person I would give it a HUGE hug and kiss, it’s my favorite! I also use a lot of Photoshop as well as Perfect Photo Suite. They are great for taking my images and turning them into one of a kind works of art for my clients.

Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

Do you have any tips for photographers that are starting out in the glamour world?

Don’t let fear stand in your way. Take a deep breath and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

I always loved the saying ‘if it doesn’t scare you, you aren’t trying hard enough’.

What’s the most important thing to remember for an up and coming photographer to get a good image? Practice, practice, practice! Oh, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes

and look silly. In practicing long exposure sparkler portraits, I was doing laps around my friends who I convinced to be my models.

Waving lit sparklers in the air, falling all over the sand and looking all around ridiculous.

But I can unequivocally say I learned a lot that night!

Who’s work has influenced you the most?

There are so many photographers who influence me and my work. Though I have to say there is no way I would be where I am today with out my years apprenticing with Jim Carpenter, head photographer at Gitchell’s Studio in Charlottesville, VA. He is a staple in the Virginia photography world, and he took a chance on me when I had ZERO experience. His support and direction gave me the courage to move forward with my own business.

Connect with Leah Valentine www.leahvalentine.com @LValentinePhoto 805.364.0204

OCTOBER 2013

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Celebrity Cooking WITH

BACARA RESORT & SPA

Bacara Resort & Spa’s Chef de Cuisine Chris Turano, featured on Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, welcomed SB Life & Style to his kitchen at Bistro.

Chef talked about the show and a fantastic technique to preserve the bounty of Santa Barbara’s summer growing season.

When you’re away from kitchen, what can we find you eating and drinking?

My wife’s great Greek cooking. She does all the cooking unless we have company.

If you were not a chef, what would you be and why?

I was either going to be a cop or a go into politics, and now I police kitchens and play politician in the restaurant, but cooking was the first thing that really came naturally to me.

What was the most challenging part of being on Food Network’s Chef Wanted?

Everything. It was such a quick turnaround; I went from sending an email about the show, to winning the show, in eight days.

When opportunity knocks, you have to open the door!

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

While filming the show, what kind of food was served from craft service?

Was it up to par?

I was too focused on winning to eat!

How does your approach to cooking differ from most chefs?

I try to let the ingrediWents be the star on the plate.

Cooking should not be ego driven about what you as a chef can make something into, it should be about highlighting and respecting the food.

When you are working with great ingredients, you don’t have to do much to it, Mother Nature did all the heavy lifting.

What is your favorite brining recipe and how do you typically use it?

I love giardiniera, an Italian relish of pickled vegetables in vinegar or oil. It’s a perfect reflection of how you can pickle anything.

In my hometown of Chicago, giardiniera is placed on top of an Italian Beef sandwich (my absolute favorite).

Giardiniera also is great with cured meats and cheeses or as antipasti.

What is your secret staple ingredient that you always have on hand in your personal kitchen?

Great olive oils and vinegars. With staples like these, you are ready to make anything much better than the sum of its parts.

What is your latest menu creation at the Bacara?

We are marinating buratta cheese with olive oil and herbs, topping it with a grilled red onion and balsamic jam, then serving with hot-off-the-grill crostini and micro celery. You just scoop all on top of the grilled crusty bread, and go to town.

Where do you get your inspiration for the latest food trends?

Going out to other restaurants and reaching out to venders to see what new or underutilized are always a good way to get motivated.

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OCTOBER 2013

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The Bistro Bacara Resort & Spa

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

8301 Hollister Ave Goleta, CA 93117 Reservations can be made online or at 805.571.3018 bacararesort.com

OCTOBER 2013

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

Bacara Brines FEATURING CHEF CHRIS TURANO

The Bistro’s Chef de Cuisine Chris Turano, featured on Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, took us into his kitchen to show the secret homesteading techniques of brining using herbs, spices, salt, sugar and vinegar.

OCTOBER 2013

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T

he inside secret to

savoring the flavor

With so much good growth, it’s hard to keep up! Preservation

of Summer Harvest all year

is the only way to ensure food

long with Bacara Resort and

from the summer harvest doesn’t

Spa’s Chef de Cuisine and Food

spoil or go to waste. Brining is

Network Sensation, Chris Turano.

a wonderful technique used to flavor and preserve fruits and

Apricots, Watermelon, Plums,

vegetables by soaking them in

Summer Squash, Heirloom

vinegar, salt, water, sugar and

Tomatoes and Asparagus are

fresh herbs with a tight seal. Not

some of the most enjoyed fruits

only will your fruits and veggies

and vegetables of the season.

taste delicious but they look

So why not savor the flavor of the

beautiful too. This anaerobic

summer harvest all year long?

fermentation, gives food a

The warm temperate climate

seasoned, zesty and sweet flavor

kisses Southern California and

that you might just love!

provides an abundant growing season all year, especially in the summer.

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

OCTOBER 2013

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Pickled Fennel Pickled Tangerine Pint Jars 4 each Champagne Vin 12 oz Rice Wine Vin 12 oz Water 12 oz Sugar 7 oz Salt 1 oz Coriander 2 tsp Fennel Seeds 2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes 1tsp Fennel, 1/4 inch 20 oz Lemon Grass 1 each 1. Toast spices; mix with everything, but the fennel.

2. Arrange fennel in jars; pour vinegar mixture over fennel.

3. Seal.

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

Pint Jars 5 each Black Pepper 5 tsp Tangerine Segments 24 oz Red Wine 25 oz Red Wine Vin 6 oz Sugar 7 oz Salt 1tsp Cinnamon1pc 1. Toast spices; mix with everything but the tangerines.

2. Arrange tangerines in jars; pour vinegar mixture over the tangerines.

Pickled Shitake

Giardiniera

Dried Shitake 3 oz Water 16 oz Sugar 8 oz Soy 8 oz Sherry Vin 8 oz Ginger 1oz Chile 1tsp Lemon Grass 1stalk

(Chicago Style, of Course!)

1. Rehydrate mushrooms in water for15 min.

2.Strain and reserve water.

3.Slice the mushrooms thin.

4.Add everything in jars.

5. Seal.

Salt 2oz Carrots 8oz Cauliflower 8 oz Peppers 6 each Garlic 2 each Celery 4 oz Red Pepper 6 oz Fennel 4 oz Olive Oil 16 oz Oregano 1 Tbsp Ground Black Pepper 0.5 tsp

1. Dissolve salt in 2 cups water.

2. Add all veg.

3. Refrigerate overnight.

4. Drain and rinse with cold water.

5. Add everything.

6. Seal in a mason jar.

OCTOBER 2013

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

Allora by Laura

GRAND OPENING HOSTED BY SANTA BARBARA LIFE & ST YLE MAGA ZINE Written by Ottocina Ryan Photohraphed by Leah Valentine Photography

uro Glam was in full affect at the grand

E

Lead designer and founder of Santa Barbara

opening of Montecito’s newest women’s

Life & Style Magazine, Jeffrey Florentine,

boutique, Allora by Laura. Soft blue

transformed the expansive, yet minimalistic

lighting accentuated the décor including

store. The space was dripping in European

European garments and pink macaroons

lanterns, lush white roses, and an array of

for a special ending treat. The swanky event

aged mercury votives through out. Guests

was held in the boutique on Sept 12th just

arrived on the “black” carpeted, green

a few weeks after the boutique’s opening.

hedge, and mannequin flanked runway.

OCTOBER 2013

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S

howcasing some of Allora's fabulous featured items. Leah Valentine Photography

was on hand to document this posh crowd. After the paparazzi experience, guests were whisked into the store which had been transformed for the event. Gourmet light bites and desserts, including decadent truffle popcorn, chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne cupcakes, were placed at various points throughout the store.

Amongst those spotted amid the marvelous women’s furnishings and beautiful people, model Kathy Ireland and the event’s featured fashion designer Peter Cohen made their way through the crowd.

Barmen cloaked in black served French Champagne from a vintage European bathtub repurposed into a “bubble bath.” Live models captured the attention of passers-by, as they strutted across the bay window of the tony boutique.

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

Laura Dinning and her daughter TJ were

Barbara elite, went on into the warm

on hand to provide fashion consultations.

summer evening. At the end of the night,

Party-goers were invited to try on high

all guests were given a special printed copy

fashion pieces from designers Sally

of the latest issue from Santa Barbara Life

Lapointe, Tapeet, Barbonese, and of

& Style. Featured in the “Shop This Look”

course Peter Cohen. The event, which

section of it’s pages were items found at

was attended by about 300 of the Santa

Allora by Laura’s ritzy boutique.

OCTOBER 2013

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Allora by Laura 805-563-2425 1269 Coast Village Rd Montecito Mon-Thr: 10am to 6pm Fri & Sat: 10am to 7pm Sun: Noon to 5pm

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore

Santa Barbara

Henry Begeul Henry Begeulin by Christina Nicoletti has opened thier doors in upper village Montecito! You can expect to find

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

some posh one-of-a-kind finds here, such as wine died fabrics, sunglasses carved from water buffalo horn, and

lin

by Christina Nicoletti

much more! Cristina hand selects all her pieces, a design aesthetic she describes as "street luxury." Gentlemen, dress

to impress from jackets to shoes with designer brand 'Layer - 0.' All of their items are tailored for the male body.

OCTOBER 2013

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Henry Begeul

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

lin

by Christina Nicoletti

Clockwise from top left: Bag: TAGLIOVIVO VOYAGER L Sunglasses: RIGARDS ROUND AVIATOR Jewelry: CAROLYN ROUMEGUERE CUFF Sunglasses: RIGARDS ROUND CHANNEL

OCTOBER 2013

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HORSIN' AROUND martin muÑoz with

Photographed by Meadow Rose Photography Written by Jeffrey Florentine

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

OCTOBER 2013

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AUGUST 2013

9

Polo Season is winding down in Santa Barbara. What an exciting summer it has been! Thousands have flocked to the fields donning their country club gear and sipping their Mint Juleps. Divots have been stomped and ladies have sunned themselves in the cabanas while sipping chilled Champagne.

But does anyone really know any of the players of this fast paced sport? Santa Barbara Life and Style was able to catch up with Martin Mu単oz, a Santa Barbara Polo veteran, for some insight.

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

OCTOBER 2013

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How did you get into Polo? play pato which is very similar to polo.

What do you enjoy the most about playing Polo in Santa Barbara?

I tried polo when I moved to Buenos

The weather and the friendly

Aires and fell in love with it.

atmosphere between teams.

How long have you been playing professional Polo?

What inspires you to perform at such a high level each Sunday?

15 years. I rode my first horse when I

The love and connection I have with

was two years old and can't remember a

horses. When I was born my first gift

single day I haven't ridden.

from my parents was a horse. Since

Growing up in Argentina, I used to

then I have always been around horses.

What is your horse’s name?

And what’s her breed?

I cannot picture my life without horses.

Margot. She is a mare, daughter of a stallion I brought from Argentina

Any insight on next year's Polo Season in Santa Barbara?

in 2001. Her mother is an American

I think the Santa Barbara season will

thoroughbred.

continue to get better and better each year. With the addition of the new

What is the most challenging thing about being a Polo player?

fields and new people investing in the area, the sport will grow.

To keep family together. It's difficult being away from Argentina for 11 months out of the year. Because the polo circuit is so demanding we are traveling most of the year.

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

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OCTOBER 2013

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Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

AUGUST 2013

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conn

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SEPTEMBER 2013

HAVE YOU SUE? R L AST IS READ OU

UGH

FLIP THRO

R SEPTEMB! E NOW

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