In the Northern Hemisphere, today is the Fall Equinox, or Autumn Equinox if you prefer (it does sound nicer). In most parts of California, the four seasons are not dramatically distinct, but there are some more subtle changes to note…
A collage of photos of beets, apples, kiwi, persimmon, pumpkins and Brussels sprouts, all seasonal California grown produce for fall
And a Spotlight on Four Fantastic Paso Robles Wineries As the world’s fourth-largest wine producer, California has no shortage of destinations promising a world-class wine-tasting experience. The state boasts 142 AVAs, federally recognized American Viticultural Areas. Claiming no fewer than…
rows of large wooden wine barrels in the cellars of Eberle Winery in Paso Robles, California
By Jon Bogart Wasn’t it just yesterday that we brought in the New Year, 2020, with resolutions to make positive changes for our bodies and mind? Little did we know that we were in store for changes beyond our wildest…
closeup of an olive branch with leaves and olives, an out-of-focus countryside scene is the background
Introducing an award-winning ginger-extract cocktail mix that’s delicious in cocktails, mocktails, many tasty dishes and desserts By Jon Bogart The changing landscape of the dining and drinking experience that characterizes life in 2020 has people searching for something different to…
rows of green ginger plants stretch to the horizon at the Elixir G ginger plantation in Hawaii
The Elixir G ginger plantation in Hawaii (Photo courtesy of Bill Tocantins)
Dungeness crab season in California is officially underway. The season usually begins in December, but 2020 saw a delay to protect migrating whales and some drawn-out negotiations over wholesale prices. An industry agreement earlier this month brought the official start…
The sign at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco featuring a ship's wheel design and Dungeness crab motif
Green goddess dressing might seem like a contemporary creation, given trending desires for photogenic fresh foods packed with a full herb garden’s worth of greenery. It’s actually almost 100 years since the sauce was invented and given its evocative name…
a plate with fresh herbs, mayonnaise, tarragon vinegar and anchovies, ingredients fora green goddess dressing recipe
The mid-20th century was a boomtime for burgers, with Southern California emerging as an epicenter of fast-food innovation. In concert with the region’s car culture, hamburger joints featuring drive-thrus, speedy walk-up windows, and drive-in service from roller-skated carhops sprang up…
Two double double cheeseburgers wrapped in paper from In N Out, one of Southern California's best burger chains
How an Italian chocolatier created the sweetest San Francisco icon By J.C. Thomas Ghirardelli, the third-oldest chocolatier in the United States, is today a beloved international brand. Contemporary consumers can’t get enough of the company’s filled chocolate squares, brownie mix…
Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, California
South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa in Temecula, California offers luxury accommodations, farm-to-table cuisine, a full-service spa, and an award-winning winery all in one scenic spot By J.C. Thomas As the first and only full-service winery resort in the Temecula…
South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa in Temecula, main building housing the restaurant, tasting room and wine shop
Courtesy of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Fantastic wine, food and outdoor fun await in Temecula, Southern California’s wine country  Temecula, known as Southern California’s wine country, occupies a scenic, sun-drenched valley amid rolling hills in Riverside County. The historic city and its rustic surrounds are approximately…
South Coast Winery Resort and Spa vineyards and scenery, visit Temecula Valley, Southern California's wine country
By J.C. Thomas San Luis Obispo is well established as a fantastic destination for foodies. Its Central Coast setting means the city is surrounded by agricultural riches including local wines and a world of fresh, seasonal produce, along with the…
Rotisserie porchetta, roasted vegetables and romesco at SLO Provisions
By Jon Bogart Good news is always welcome! Here is some… We have discovered that some of the finest boutique wineries from glorious California wine-making regions are shipping directly to consumers – right to their doorstep.  Given the times that…
(Image by Gordana Stanisic from Pixabay )