Taste of the Town Connoisseurs’ Circle Gala Dinner was held at Bacara Resort & Spa. The evening featured a VIP tasting event with a select group of ten Taste of the Town wine, beer & spirits partners along with appetizers; a 3-course gourmet dinner on the outdoor terrace prepared by 2017 Honorary Guest Chef Mark Strausman from Freds at Barneys New York, was perfectly paired with wines from 2017 Honorary Vintner Doug Margerum & Margerum Wine Company; all accompanied by a Live & Silent Auction followed by dancing to tunes from DJ Darla Bea.

Honorary Guest Chef Mark Strausman, FREDS Barneys New York

Taste of the Town sponsors included official Automotive Partner, BMW Santa Barbara, along with American Riviera Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, HUB International Insurance Services, Inc., Central Coast Home Health, Inc., Terry Ryken COMPASS, Caliber Home Loans, DASH, SB Independent, AA Expressive, Jill & Co. Events, You’re the Star Video, BlueStar Parking and The Berry Man, Inc.

Jerry Jordano, Owner Central Coast Home Health with Marni & Doug Margerum, Margerum Wines

On Sunday, September 10, 2017 from Noon-3:00 p.m. at Riviera Park, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra, the popular Taste of the Town Santa Barbara featured tastings from 80 of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and spirits providers, with a silent auction of lifestyle items; photo booth, Relaxation Lounge and live, jazz entertainment by the David Tovar Trio. Returning as honorary Co-Chairs to this Santa Barbara philanthropic culinary tradition are Opal Restaurant & Bar co-owners Tina Takaya and Richard Yates.


Co-Chairs Tina Takaya & Ricard Yates, Owner Opal Restaurant & Bar

All proceeds from Taste of the Town support the programs and services of the Arthritis Foundation. The Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of 53 million people (including nearly 300,000 children) with arthritis through health education, advocacy, research, and local juvenile arthritis support.

 

ABOUT THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride toward a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4 million readers. The Arthritis Foundation Central Coast Office serves the California counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern.

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By  Bonnie Carroll