2015 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival: Turning 21!

The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF) is coming of age. This year they turn 21, and from March 10 - 15, they'll celebrate throughout the county with film, wine and fun.  

Whether you live in SLO County or somewhere beyond, here are my top 21 reasons why you don't want to miss this year's festival. 

1. Movies matter. The SLOIFF screens documentaries, dramas, classics, narrative features, short films, animation and more, providing moments of laughter, sadness, fear, wonder and enlightenment on the big screen.

2. The festival is down to earth. Sure, their special events are full of glitz and glam and special celebrity guests, but SLO County's laid-back vibe always shines through.  

3. Ticket prices are affordable. Forget the high-priced tinsel-town film festivals, the SLOIFF offers a variety of tickets and passes ranging from $12 - $285. 

4. The focus is sharply on the filmmakers. Dozens of movies are screened throughout the festival. Filmmakers provide real-life insight by attending many of the screenings and engaging in Q&A's with the audience. 

5. SLO County spans over 80 miles of coastline. Whether you're in need of a vacation or staycation, the California Central Coast is a real-life Shangri-la, brimming with unspoiled beaches. Catch a movie and an ocean sunset! 

6. You can't beat the local Mediterranean climate. If you're currently stuck in a blizzard: there's hope. SLO County's temperate weather offers a reprieve from harsh weather conditions.

7. Movies and events take place countywide. From Paso Robles to Atascadero, to Avila and Pismo Beach, to downtown San Luis Obispo, several movie theaters and venues host festival screenings and events, providing plenty of opportunities to explore the region.

8. There's an abundance of wine. SLO County boasts over 280 wineries—maybe even more; I've lost track. Get out for a taste!

9. You won't go away hungry. The farm-to-table movement is alive and well in San Luis Obispo. Restaurants all over the county incorporate fresh, local fare into their menus. 

10. The festival kicks off with a coming-of-age Opening Night.  On Tuesday, March 10, local hot spot Luna Red will host SLOIFF's spirited Opening Night reception in downtown SLO. Following is a screening of the coming-of-age film "The Road Within," starring Dev Patel, Robert Sheehan, and Zoe Kravitz at the majestic Fremont Theatre. Special guests from the movie will be in attendance.

11. Their high-energy Surf Nite in SLO is in its 10th year. "Hollywood Don't Surf" and "Big Wednesday" screen at the Fremont Theatre on Thursday, March 12, with some big names in surfing bringing down the house for a Q&A and after-party. The SLOIFF's 4th Annual Spotlight Award will be presented to writer/director John Milius. 

Me with actor James Cromwell.

12. Did I mention the wine? The documentary "Red Obsession," which explores the Bordeaux wine phenomenon, will screen at Tooth & Nail Winery in Paso Robles on Thursday, March 12. The pre-screening reception includes appetizers made by the winery's in-house chef, and wine tasting sponsored by the SLO Wine Country Association. 

13. The SLOIFF and Friends of Hearst Castle are making history this year. On Friday, March 13, Orson Welles' controversial film, "Citizen Kane," will screen for the first time ever in Hearst Castle's decadent Hilltop Theater. Special guests will be in attendance—and yes, this event is already sold out. 

14. You don't want to miss the Special Presentation Films. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the 80s hit coming-of-age movie, "The Breakfast Club." As one of this year's Special Presentation Films, the SLOIFF pays tribute to the late director John Hughes with a screening of his iconic film at the Fremont Theatre on Friday, March 13. A Q&A with film critic Kirk Honeycutt and other special guests will follow. 

15. No other film festival presents a King Vidor Award. On the evening of Saturday, March 14, which celebrity will take home the coveted King Vidor Award? Stay tuned for the festival's big announcement. 

16. You have the golden opportunity to learn from industry experts in Behind the Scenes Workshops/Panels. Over the festival weekend, a professional actor will offer acting classes for kids and adults, a visual effects experts will share secrets for creating the perfect scene, visiting filmmakers will educate guests with their real-life stories of making films, and a Warner Bros. restoration expert will share his story of bringing a lost film to pristine condition. 

17. The Movie Mogul pass let's you do it all. If you purchase a Movie Mogul pass ($285), not only do you have access to all of the festival's screenings, receptions, workshops/panels, and all VIP receptions (excluding the Hearst Castle events), you'll receive the SLOIFF 2015 Tasting Pass, valid at participating SLO County wineries. 

18. The festival staff and volunteers put on a world-class event. With only two paid staff members, a hard-working board, and a team of dedicated volunteers, what an amazing feat they pull off every year.  

19. SLO County's generosity is contagious. This festival couldn't happen without the generous support of its sponsors. Whether you live here or visit, you can't help but notice the community spirit.  

20. The SLOIFF has truly come of age. I've attended this film festival for many years and watched it evolve over time. I've said this before and I'll say it again: The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival just keeps getting better and better with each passing year. 

21. The festival is truly a feast for the senses. Film, wine and fun in SLO County. Need I say more?

Click here to check out the festival schedule and purchase tickets. See you at the movies!

One of San Luis Obispo County's spectacular Cambria sunsets in February.

The Edna Valley region's wine country shining bright in January.

SLO Cooked Beef Burgundy Recipe

Shell Beach sunset, a few days before the rain. 

For those of you who know me well, you probably understand that I never follow a recipe to the tee. Where's the fun in that? My current philosophy about cooking is simple: embrace the basics of any recipe and make it your own. 

When I feel like throwing together a particular dish, I peruse dozens of other recipes and let my creative juices flow. I rely heavily on local ingredients from San Luis Obispo County and then let loose in the kitchen. 

This week's culinary experiment is heavily influenced by beef bourguignon, the classic French dish commonly known as beef Burgundy. The warm, rich flavors of bacon, beef, onions, carrots, mushrooms, thyme and red wine gently simmer together in the slow cooker, making this beef stew the perfect accompaniment for a rainy or snowy day.

SLO County received a fair share of much needed rain over the weekend and this recipe hit the spot. I hope you'll be inspired to brew up this dish in your own style...in your own part of the world. 

Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Recipe
Serves 2 - 4

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds stewing beef, cubed
1/2 pounds thick cut bacon, cut into bite-size pieces
2 medium onions, sliced
3 large carrots, chunked 
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
4 garlic cloves, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups red wine, pluse 1/2 cup reserved
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
Salt & pepper to taste
Handful of fresh Italian parsley, chopped

A word to the wise when creating this meal: You don't have to use a Burgundy varietal. Incorporate a red wine that you like to drink. 
I opened up a jammy SLO County syrah, bottled by Castoro Cellars. 

Instructions:

Cook bacon until slightly crispy and fat is rendered. Place bacon and fat in two separate bowls.

While bacon is cooking, prep your vegetables. 

Once your veggies are chopped, add 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat to a large saute pan and sweat the onion, carrots, mushrooms and garlic with the thyme, salt and pepper for about 10 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, stir, and turn the slow cooker on low. 

Add the veggie mixture to the slow cooker.

Heat up the pan you cooked the bacon in, add a drizzle of the bacon fat, and salt & pepper the stew meat. Lightly brown the beef in batches. 

Cook each side of the meat for 1 - 2 minutes then transfer to the slow cooker. When you're finished cooking the beef, add 1/2 cup red wine to the pan, stir to deglaze, then pour into the slow cooker. 

Add the remaining wine, beef broth and bay leaves to the slow cooker. 

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Then uncover, stir, taste, and adjust for seasonings. Cover and cook for up to two more hours if desired, until beef is fork tender. 

I served this savory meal atop egg noodles. Mashed potatoes, rice, or thick toasted slabs of French bread would be equally delicious enhancements. 
 Douse with fresh Italian parsley.

Pour a glass of SLO County wine and dig in. 

2015 San Luis Obispo County Events

It's never been easier to plan your annual SLO County fun and frolic.

Visit San Luis Obispo County's 2015 Community Event Directory is up and running, providing a monthly breakdown of regional festivals and special events. 

Want to find out more? Click here to take a look at their all-encompassing guide. 

One thing's for sure: in SLO County we celebrate just about everything. 

The last day of January 2015 went off with a splash in Montaña de Oro. 

San Luis Obispo County: Warm January Weather

I know what I previously said: I'm supposed to be taking a break from blogging. 

But today's weather...and colors...were extraordinary in San Luis Obispo County. I can't help but share. 

Following is my day's picture memoir that reflects the colors of this warm winter's day. 

Enjoy. 

Early morning pink undertones reflecting in Morro Bay. 

Late morning colors beaming in Cambria. 

Cambria waves clattering and wisping.

 San Simeon Piedras Blancas Lighthouse shining bright. 

SLO Hiatus

I'm taking a break—from my blog. 

As I pursue new interests in San Luis Obispo County, I intend to return to the screen in a few months with a renewed outlook. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to let me know what types of stories you'd like to see here. 

Until we meet again, I hope your trails are happy and your views are bright. 

A stunning winter sunset over Bishop's Peak in San Luis Obispo. 

2015: BRING IT ON!

2014 is going, going, gone. Although the last twelve months feel like a blur, a few moments from this past year stand out in the grand scheme of life's ups and downs. 

I will never forget meeting the "Dude" himself, actor Jeff Bridges, after both of us received awards at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. 

I will forever miss my beloved grandmother and younger cousin who passed away last year. Both taught me lessons I will carry forever and signs from the Universe continue to remind me that their energy is still with us. 

I will always remember how my heart skipped a beat when I found out my sister gave birth to a girl—a sweet, precious addition to our family. 

And I will never forget how throughout the year, our family, along with the rest of the country, followed the epic triumphs and tribulations of my aunt and uncle's racehorse, California Chrome.

I am ready for 2015 and look forward to more of life's great adventures and lessons. I have no resolutions other than these simple words of advice: I will do something every single day that will make every single tomorrow better. 

Bring on the new year!

Last June I traveled to New York along with several other family members to watch 
California Chrome vie for the Triple Crown of horse racing. 

A remarkable adventure—during an epic year—that I will never forget. 

Pismo Beach: Old West Cinnamon Rolls

Several months ago one of my blog readers posed a question I couldn't answer: where to find the best cinnamon rolls in San Luis Obispo County. Since I gave up sweets years ago, I had no idea. 

So I asked around. I passed the question along to friends on a social networking site and the vote was unanimous: Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach. 

Since then I've stopped by Old West a few times to taste test. I now understand why this beach town bakery is such a hit with locals and visitors. Their thick, not-too-sweet sticky rolls are worth a trip to the California Central Coast. 

This morning I rose early to stand on Pismo Pier and catch the fiery sunrise. Then I traipsed over a few blocks to Dolliver Street to gobble up a cinnamon roll mounded with pecans. 

Sunrise and a cinnamon roll. 

Not a bad way to start the day amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 

Old West Cinnamon Rolls is located at 861 Dolliver Street in Pismo Beach.

 Their bakery is open all year long, except for Christmas Day. 

If you can't make it to Pismo Beach, Old West ships their rolls and baking mix. 

Can't get out for a visit to the California Central Coast?
Stop by my blog for a weekly dose of SLO County. 

Merry Christmas!

San Luis Obispo County: After the Storm

Last week's storm system, christened the "Pineapple Express," soaked drought-stricken California and left its mark throughout San Luis Obispo County. 

Although Thursday night's raging winds and deluge of rainfall wreaked havoc—causing capsized trees, flooding, and leaving many homes and businesses without power—we got what we needed: a magnificent downpour. 

The drought is far from over, but more rain is coming our way this week, bringing additional relief to one of the most severe water shortages in California's history. The SLO County hills will continue to glisten from the saturation and an emerald Christmas is within sight. 
  

Here are a few awesome sights I captured around San Luis Obispo County after the storm.

 Friday evening, storm clouds rolled out of San Luis Obispo.

Cambria beamed bright and beautiful Saturday morning. 

On Saturday, the mesmerizing surf pounded the shores of Cayucos. 

The storm's afterglow left its mark at Morro Rock on Sunday.

Until the next rain!

San Luis Obispo County: 2014 Holiday Events

Pismo Beach Pier 

San Luis Obispo County is bustling with end-of-year festivities and here are a few links to help you navigate your way through the holiday hoopla—and to help you find some cheery SLO County wine! 

• The Tribune's 2014 SLO County Holiday Events Guide
• Visit San Luis Obispo County: Holiday Guide
• San Luis Obispo Visitors Guide: Best Local Wines for the Holidays
• SLO Wine Country: Holiday Season 2014 Tasting Room Hours
• Paso Robles Wine Country: Holiday Hours

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Shake things up this Thanksgiving by putting some wobble into your gobble. 

I received the following recipe for for cranberry salsa from my mom, which I adapted slightly and eagerly taste tested. My conclusion? Thanksgiving goodness. 

This festive appetizer puts an unconventional spin on classic cranberry sauce by mingling the tart crimson superfruit with a touch of sweet honey, a bit of fresh lime, and a whole lot of zingy jalapenos, green onions and Italian parsley. 

Set this nouveau dish on your holiday table alongside some crackers or bruschetta and watch your guests gobble it down. When they ask you for the recipe?  Just send them to my blog. 

CRANBERRY SALSA RECIPE

Step 1: Bring water to a boil in a large pot. 

Add 12 ounces of rinsed, fresh cranberries to the boiling water for two minutes, 

allowing their skins to pop and fruit to soften. 

Step 2: Drain the cranberries, add to a glass bowl, then mash lightly. 

Step 3: Add 1/3 cup good quality honey and stir into the mashed cranberries. 

Step 4: Add the juice of two limes and a bit of salt & pepper. 

Step 5: Add two chopped green onions.

Step 6: Add two seeded, chopped jalapeños.

Step 7: Add 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley. Stir all ingredients, taste and adjust for seasonings. 

Step 8: Chill the cranberry salsa for 2 - 4 hours in the fridge before serving. 

This holiday recipe yields between 2 - 3 cups.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Morro Bay Surfboard Art Festival: November 2014

"Peace Pipe Dream" by artist Josephine Crawford rests
 in the serene gardens of Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay. 

In the California coastal community of Morro Bay, surfboards aren't just for ripping waves. Local artists, schools, and community groups are carving a new path by transforming boards into one-of-a-kind canvas art for the inaugural Morro Bay Surfboard Art Festival. 

Until November 28, more than 25 of these slick surfboards will be proudly displayed in sponsoring businesses throughout Morro Bay. 

Some of these bitchin' works of art have already been spoken for via the festival's online auction, and several other boards will be up for grabs in their auction gala on November 29. Partial proceeds benefit school arts programs, Project Surf Camp, and Morro Bay in Bloom.   

To check out this Morro Bay surfari, click here to download a map showing all sponsoring locations where these inventive boards hang; or, stop by the Morro Bay Visitors Center. Tickets for the November 29 live auction gala can be purchased here. 

Below you'll find my photo journey, where I uncovered some of this awesome surfboard art while traipsing through Morro Bay. 

I couldn't resist taking a peek.

San Luis Obispo County Sparkling Wine Guide

Although you don't need a special occasion to drink Champagne or sparkling wine, tis' the season for bubbly. 

The holidays are imminent, and Cali Coast Wine Country comes to the rescue with the first-ever San Luis Obispo Sparkling Wine Guide. Finding festive wines made in San Luis Obispo County for end-of-year celebrations is now effortless.

Their wine guide includes all of SLO County's fizzy spots, where wineries like Vina Robles, Claiborne & Churchill, and Laetitia produce California-made bubbly in diverse geographic regions of the county. 

Download and print their sparkling wine guide any time of the year...and enjoy the glitter of the holiday season!

San Luis Obispo wine country sparkles year round!

Shari's Berries: Wine and Fall Flavors Pairing Guide

When I lived in Sacramento, I distinctly remember Shari's Berries fancy dipped strawberries—

plump, juicy berries, elegantly swizzled in crunchy, sweet chocolate. 

Recently, when someone from their community outreach contacted me to share their Wine and Fall Flavors Pairing Guide, I gladly agreed.

 Following is their easy-to-use guide for marrying the flavors of autumn desserts and wine. 

Just in time for the holidays. 

San Luis Obispo County: Slipping into Fall

A dazzling autumn Avila Beach sunset

During the year, San Luis Obispo County expresses itself through plenty of regional traits: sun, fog, wind, (occasional) rain, surf, sand, sunsets, seasonal crops, wine and festivals—to name just a few. 

These Central Coast idiosyncrasies help us define the SLO Life, and this time of year the signs of autumn are everywhere. Wine grapes are crushed, fall harvests are plenty, scarecrows line the streets of Cambria, and chilly mornings are the norm. Although warm days still linger, clouds are once again journeying to the sky, providing the perfect backdrop for glittering ocean sunsets. 

Following are a few videos with recent footage from around San Luis Obispo County; showcasing two splendid days this fall. The first, a very windy day at the end of September, and the second, a hot afternoon in October when the giant surf gave us something to ogle. 

Enjoy this season while it lasts. 

2014 Cambria Scarecrow Festival

Although the California drought rages on, whimsy runs rampant along the Central Coast. 

Once again, the unconventional town of Cambria is hosting its annual month-long scarecrow festival in San Luis Obispo County—bringing out the kid in everyone.

In its sixth year, hundreds of offbeat characters line Cambria's east and west village streets, front the hotels on Moonstone Beach Drive, and stretch along the businesses in the pastoral region of San Simeon.  

Cambria, hard hit by the water shortage, brings a timely message to the scores of ogling slocals and visitors via their mischievous scarecrows: Save water! 

The sage advice—drink more wine and beer instead of water, wash your hair with Chablis, bathe or shower with a friend—makes perfect sense. 

Water shortage or not, October calls for a celebration doused in great community spirit. 

For a glimpse of Cambria's rogue characters, please view the photo adventure below. 

To visit these free spirits in this idyllic spot on the globe, click here for more details. 

Cayucos: Ruddell's Smokhouse

Inspiration comes in many forms. Over the weekend, my idea for a new apple recipe stemmed from a visit to Ruddell's Smokehouse. 

This tiny smoke shack, tucked neatly away on the northern end of San Luis Obispo County in the unassuming, historic beach town of Cayucos, is located just steps from the Pacific Ocean. With colossal tidal views, Ruddell's smokin' seafood and meat keeps slocals and tourists coming back time and time again.  

Their menu includes salads, sandwiches, and my personal favorite: soft tacos. Thick, warm flour tortillas, packed with savory smoked choices such as shrimp, albacore, salmon, chicken, pork loin (or just plain veggie), are layered with a creamy sauce and sweet chunks of apple, shredded carrots, and crunchy celery. The perfect big bite for a day on the beach. 

During my visit I purchased a whole smoked chicken and was lucky enough to take home a half pound of smoked shrimp—shellfish is something they don't normally shrink-wrap and sell with other specialties due to lack of quantity. 

I transported these spiced edibles home, mulling over my refrigerator full of apples recently acquired from my adventure along the Avila Valley Apple Trail. I devised the following recipe, heavily influenced by Ruddell's tacos, and selfishly thrown together to cater to my own taste buds. 

I hope the following savory-sweet dish stimulates your own palate as much as it did mine. 

APPLE SALAD RECIPE WITH SMOKED MEAT OR SHRIMP

Serves 2 - 4

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups smoked shrimp or chicken
Substitute cooked shrimp or chicken if you can't get your hands on some smokin' meats.
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers 
Red, orange or yellow are fun colors of the rainbow
2 cups chopped apples 
Sweet or tart variety—you choose
1 head of green leaf or bib lettuce, washed, cored and leaves left whole

Dressing:
1 cup Greek yogurt
Juice and zest of one lime
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt & pepper to taste

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Prep your ingredients and plop the Greek yogurt, chopped shallot, and lime zest into a glass mixing bowl. 

 Drizzle with the olive oil, apple cider vinegar and honey, then sprinkle with parsley, salt & pepper.   

Give your creamy medley a big stir. Taste and adjust for seasonings.

Throw in the bell pepper and celery and stir yet again. 

Lastly, add your crisp, crunchy apples. I used Red Yorkings that I picked up at Glen Gopher Apple Farm.

Fold all ingredients together, cover, and marinate in the fridge for 2 - 4 hours. 

When you're ready to eat, spoon the apple salad on individual lettuce leaves and top with the shrimp or chicken. 
Top with a little parsley to make your presentation extra special.

I paired this dish with Claiborne & Churchill's newly-released 2013 Pinot Blanc. A beautiful choice from a local vintner. 

A big splash of Cayucos inspiration!