Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/57654
A New Food Venture for Pierre Lafond S anta Barbara–area restaurant and wine entrepreneur Pierre Lafond has another credit to his name: Montecito Bistro. "This is a neighborhood restaurant," Lafond told THE TASTING PANEL, of the hidden-away upper village retreat in tony Montecito, the luxury-meets-the-sea area just south of Santa Barbara, CA. "It's a work in progress." Chef Nathan Heil relies on local ingredients when he creates his menus, and while the restaurant has only been open since October 2011, he has been successful with signature dishes including chorizo and garlic tomato steamed mussels and customized fl at breads, including arugula pesto–tomato and goat cheese. Nathan Heil, Chef for the new Montecito Bistro, holds a bunch of Thumbelina carrots, grown in nearby Oxnard, CA. 15519 Gran Gala Tasting PNL 1-2 Pg Ad.MECH_Layout 1 10/19/11 11:09 AM Page 1 Orange Appeal™ Natural Italian Essence with Gran Gala is still the same 94-rated triple orange liqueur, now restyled with an upscale package. Made with hand-picked Tarocca, Bionda and Rossa oranges from Sicily, and infused with barrel aged VSOP Brandy, it makes superior margaritas and inspired signature cocktails. See for yourself why Gran Gala is the growth leader in orange liqueurs. www.grangala.com Please drink responsibly march 2012 / the tasting panel / 19 PHOTO: MERIDITH MAY Gran Gala, ©2011 Stock Spirits Group U.S.A., Inc. Imported by Sazerac Company, Inc., New Orleans, LA. Sole Agents in U.S.A. 40% Alc/Vol. Phone 866-729-3722 or email info@grangala.com