Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
INdUSTRY SpOTLIGHT CALENDAR: PHOTO: KELLY HAYES It's farm-to-fork at Farmfest-on-the-Coast in Pismo Beach. April in Pismo Beach! T he Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce presents the 9th Annual Taste of Pismo from Friday and Saturday, April 26–27, on the cliffs of Dinosaur Caves Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. FarmFest-on-the-Coast Friday, April 26, from 4–7 p.m., Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach, CA Attendees at FarmFest-on-the-Coast, will learn exactly where their food comes from—and be able to shake the hand that harvested it— when SLO Wine Country joins forces with local farmers, ranchers and fisheries to showcase fresh, local produce. Featured farmers, chefs, restaurants, wineries and sustainable showcasing partners include Talley Farms, SLO Fresh Catch, SeaVenture, Ancient Peaks, Baileyana, Center of Effort, Chamisal Vineyards, Claiborne & Churchill, Edna Valley Vineyard, Tolosa Winery, Wolff Vineyard and many more. The Taste of Pismo's Premier Wine & Culinary Event Saturday, April 27, from 12–4 p.m., Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach, CA Guests will indulge in regional food and wine pairings in addition to tasting top-rated local and award-winning wines from over 20 local wineries and artisan micro-brews, delicious local cuisine and live entertainment. Participants include Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Steamers of Pismo, Zorros Café & Cantina, Cracked Crab, Lido, Ventana Grill, Marisol, Toucan Wines, Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, Adelaida Cellars, Pismo Beach Winery, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, Kynsi Winery, Stephen Ross Wine, Opolo and many more. Friday-Saturday Combination Discount tickets are available for $80/person. FarmFest-on-the-Coast tickets are $40/per person at 805-541-5868 or www.SLOwine.com. Taste of Pismo's Premier Wine & Culinary Event tickets are $50/person ($25 for designated drivers) at 805-773-4382 or www.classiccalifornia.com. For more information, visit www.tasteofpismo.com. Espresso in Your Tequila? A vión Espresso Liqueur combines Avión Silver Tequila, voted Best of Show Tequila at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, with fine Italian espresso, creating an ultra-premium, ultra-smooth espresso liqueur. Ken Austin, founder and Chairman of Tequila Avión, says, "People who know me understand I am a 'tequila purist.' With Avión Espresso, we decided to have some fun, break the traditional tequila rules and do something unexpected." Avión Espresso has a touch of sweetness and a clean dry finish. It is 70 proof and is available in 750 ml. bottles (SRP $24.99) and, coming shortly, 375 ml. bottles (SPR $13.99) The Essence of Vodka I n his new book, Vodka Distilled, Tony Abou-Ganim, "The Modern Mixologist" and Director of Judging for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, turns his attention to vodka, the most versatile of all mixable spirits. Vodka Distilled profiles 58 of the world's finest vodkas, featuring detailed tasting notes and descriptions. 10 / the tasting panel / april 2013 13BH_8.3