Artist as Autodidact
Santa Barbara native Harrison Gilman had more than a few career options.
Harrison Gilman with his work Let Me At ‘Em!, 2020, acrylic, oil pastel, charcoal, 54 x 72 in.
Considering his educational background, Santa Barbara native Harrison Gilman had more than a few career options: filmmaker (he earned a BFA in film from New York University), art historian (his minor at NYU), or entertainment executive (another NYU minor). Instead, he chose to become an artist.
It was a gutsy but smart choice, given his talent. Using a multitude of media (oil and acrylic paint, graphite, found objects, and other materials), Gilman has explored a variety of styles, resulting in haunting works with big impact. Recently he’s ventured beyond abstraction, deliberately including characters and symbols in his pieces.
“Being a self-taught artist has forced me to learn entirely by experience,” says the now-L.A.-based 24-year-old, who studied at Santa Barbara’s Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD) Academy. “It forces me to embrace the unknown. Every moment feels like an act of discovery.”
The art world’s response has been positive. Gilman’s first solo show, Breaking Ground, debuted at Galerie Tangerine in Nashville, Tennessee, and his work has been shown locally at the now-shuttered Breakfast Culture Club. His work is available on his website. harrisongilman.com. -L.D.P.
Good Trouble
Artist Baret Boisson is a rebel with a cause
Baret Boisson in her Carpinteria studio.
When Baret Boisson first picked up a paintbrush some 20 years ago, she had no idea what to paint. She wanted to depict something inspiring, she says, and she decided on Muhammad Ali, including some of his sayings with her portrait of the boxer. Then she painted Martin Luther King Jr. A couple of canvases of Abraham Lincoln followed. That was the beginning of her Inspiring Greatness series, which now encompasses dozens of important figures in politics, sports, and the arts—Barack Obama, Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, Billie Holiday, Malala Yousafzai, and Greta Thunberg, among many others. Some of the works are on cigar boxes, a medium that, along with the hand-lettered biographies she includes, accentuates the tactile, colorful folk-art vibe of her painting.
As Boisson’s portraits began to be noticed, she received commissions. The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis asked her to do a special exhibition, for which she created The Nine, multiple large and small panels that pay homage to those killed in a Charleston, South Carolina, church in 2015.
At the time she had just moved to Santa Barbara, a relocation prompted by a visit to a friend and the supportive community she found. “I was wanting to leave Los Angeles,” Boisson remembers, and trying to decide where to go. Europe was one possibility; she’d been born in Florence and spent her teenage years in New York. But in Santa Barbara “I saw an incredible community of women and thought ‘I want that.’ They were intelligent, sophisticated, and well-traveled.”
She now has a live-work studio in Carpinteria, where she paints not only her signature heroes, but also individual portrait commissions (often for weddings) and abstract pieces as well.
About a year ago a woman who had bought an Aretha Franklin cigar-box portrait asked if Boisson would paint one of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The artist depicted the Supreme Court justice in a black robe with a lace collar surrounded by her inspiring life story. “I didn’t think about prints at the time,” she says, but after RBG died, Boisson posted a photograph on Instagram and was surprised by requests for reproductions, which her client graciously allowed.
The high-quality prints (11 x 14 in., $100, and 16 x 20 in., $125) are now available on her website, with a portion of the proceeds going to Planned Parenthood. “It seems like everyone wants to hold on to what RBG represented,” says Boisson. baretboissonart.com. Joan Tapper
Heading North
Paso Robles, California’s Central Coast wine destination, beckons
A two-hour drive north of Santa Barbara, the California Central Coast wine region of Paso Robles is a counterpart to Santa Barbara wine country. In contrast to Santa Barbara County’s vineyard sprawl, Paso boasts a central downtown—a highly hospitable home base from which to explore rural wine-tasting routes, thanks to the skill and passion of the makers, designers, and artists behind its restaurants, bistros, bakeries, bars, breweries, boutiques, wineries, and lodgings. A getaway here presents a multitude of edible and potable delights within walking distance.
Eat With the late-2019 opening of their restaurant, Les Petites Canailles, the husband-wife team of Julien and Courtney Asseo brought French fare to town. With most of his formative years spent in his native France, brief periods in Paso, and a 10-year stretch in Las Vegas, chef Julien moved his family to the Central Coast after working in Michelin-rated kitchens such as those of chefs Joël Robuchon and Guy Savoy. 1215 Spring St., Paso Robles, 805-296-3754, lpcrestaurant.com.
Blending comfort food and craft cocktails—including whimsical whiskey creations by the award-winning bartender Robin Wolf—The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar serves sumptuous wood-fire cuisine. 835 13th St., Paso Robles, 805-221-5727, hatchpasorobles.com.
Scooping cow’s milk ice cream alongside their signature sheep’s milk variations, Negranti Creamery in Paso’s Tin City makers complex lures with such flavors as cinnamon honey and black coffee and chip. 2989 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, 805-369-2663, negranticreamery.com.
Drink Opened in September, The Alchemists’ Garden is a new bar and restaurant fronting Paso’s Downtown City Park. The brainchild of five local hospitality industry pros—Tony Bennett, Andrew Brune, Quin Cody, Alexandra Pellot, and Norin Grancel—the open-late locale features botanically based cocktails crafted with house-made and specifically sourced ingredients, paired with Paso-native chef Danelle Jarzynski’s global menu of thoughtful culinary adventures. One-of-a-kind design elements complement the imaginative food and drink offerings, served in a leafy indoor-outdoor setting. A recently launched, monthly Sunday “Botanical Brunch” might include gluten-free duck poutine, house-cured ocean-trout gravlax toasts, and libations such as “Egyptian’s Breakfast,” the bar’s rendition of a Bloody Mary, or the “Flower Bath,” its take on the sparking classic French 75. 1144 Pine St., Paso Robles, 805-369-2444, alchemistsgarden.com.
Dreaming of exotic escapes? The team behind Eleven Twenty-Two Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy has helped with the August launch of their Tik-Easy outdoor tiki experience. Wednesday through Sunday, island-inspired bites accompany cocktails that include the requisite frozen versions of the time-tested piña colada and daiquiri, in definitive 1122 style. 1122 Pine St., Paso Robles, 805-238-4141, eleven-twentytwo.com.
Stay, Shop, Play Paso Market Walk is a new downtown public marketplace boasting a dozen food and drink purveyors set among water-wise gardens and grassy commons. It also houses The Lofts: six luxe suites with Paso-style finery and the comforts of home. 1803 Sprint St., Paso Robles, 805-720-1255, pasomarketwalk.com.
The Inn Paradiso provides a refuge for those seeking rustic yet modern, out-of-town overnights. Midcentury furnishings, art, original photography, and antiques mingle eclectically in structures built from old-growth wood and hand-forged metal, on the 2½-acre property complete with six luxury guest accommodations. 975 Mojave Ln., Paso Robles, 805-235-2706, innparadiso.com.
Tetto, the rooftop bar at new downtown hotel, The Piccolo, affords Paso locals and visitors both wine country and city-center vistas. The 24-room boutique hotel shines a custom-crafted chandelier on Paso’s rich history, yet comes equipped with contemporary comforts including design details by local artisans and makers. 600 12th St., Paso Robles, 805-226-5920, thepiccolo.com.
Downtown Paso’s equestrian-inspired portrait of luxury, Hotel Cheval, has a new sibling property just a few blocks away: the Stables Inn, a “Western chic” motel conversion featuring a pod- or family-friendly Bunkhouse. 730 Spring
St., Paso Robles, 805-296-3636, stablesinnpaso.com.
Anna Ferguson-Sparks
Match Point
Sasha Paskal’s cheeky athletic brand
WHO Sasha Paskal, age 28
WHAT As a lifelong tennis player who spent her formative years running around Knowlwood in Montecito, lifestyle-brand creator Paskal—who also served (literally) on the Santa Barbara High School team for four years—staved off any seasonal depression from a short stint in New York by bouncing back onto the courts and reconnecting with her love of the sport. It also sparked her latest game changer—Racquet Club LA—an athletic brand that mixes the best parts of traditional country club style with a bit of cheeky humor.
WEAR The red crewneck sweater ($80) is a nod to her childhood tennis club and the shirts the instructors would wear. “Pure nostalgia and an ode to the club that created so many cherished memories for me,” says Paskal. The white crewneck sweater ($90) and long sleeve ($70) are collaborative pieces she created with a French artist she found on Instagram, Erwan Coutellier, “inspired by the fun and colorful artwork of the ’80s and airbrush artwork popularized at the time
MATCH POINT Paskal recently moved back to her hometown of Santa Barbara to fully commit to the brand ethos, “Live Life Leisurely.” “I’m looking forward to getting to know this community in a whole new light and would love to create a social club for young and old players to meet up and enjoy some good old-fashioned tennis!” RACQUETCLUBLA.COM. – Gina Tolleson
Sasha’s SB Black Book
Tecolote Book Shop, 805-969-4977, tecolotebookshop.com—too many hours spent browsing their coffee-table books. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for holiday gifts.
I’ve been going to The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, 800-425-4725, alisal.com, with my family for Hanukkah every winter since I was in diapers. Feels like you’re stuck in a time warp, and it’s so refreshing to turn your phone off for a weekend and unwind.
Hacienda by Bonita Lifestyle, 805-565-4848, bonitalifestyle.com, in Summerland—what a cute shop! Their curation is amazing, and I want to outfit my entire apartment with their home decor.
Beachside Bliss
Santa Barbara Beach Yoga is giving “sun salutations” new meaning with its roster of inspired alfresco classes.
A visit to SUMMERLAND SALON & SPA for the perfect sun-kissed balayage is a treat rather than a chore. With a focus on overall wellness, the serene space (with sweeping ocean views) offers full-service treatments ranging from body detoxes to blowouts as well as an array of curated organic beauty products and tools. Recently, co-owners Kara Richard and Jonathan Dawson have pivoted from hosting community-building concerts and yoga events to offering online self-care nights and educational experiences, at-home color kits, and a selection of holistic holiday gifts. 2410 Lillie Ave., Summerland, 805-969-2322. summerlandsalonandspa.com. -Charlotte Bryant
Local Namaste
Santa Barbara Beach Yoga is giving “sun salutations” new meaning with its roster of inspired alfresco classes.
Santa Barbara Beach Yoga is giving “sun salutations” new meaning with its roster of inspired alfresco classes, ranging from mellow, beginner-friendly restorative yoga to advanced, fast-paced power yoga and aerobics-inspired silent disco “dance party” sessions. Participants are equipped with comfortable wireless headphones (disposable protective coverings are available upon request) to fully immerse themselves in music, live voice instruction, and guided meditation. Bring a packed lunch for a post-workout picnic on the sand, or better yet, a bathing suit for a quick dip after savasana.
$15/class. santabarbarabeachyoga.com. -Anush J. Benliyan
Style
Designer Kendall Conrad has created an embossed pendant to benefit Project Zero
Winter Classics
“Covet is a reflection of my personal style and aesthetic, influenced by the uniquely beautiful town of Santa Barbara, where I grew up and live,” says luxe knitter Kate McMahon. “My designs are both feminine and boyish, earthy and refined, unexpected yet familiar.” covetbykate.com.
Turn the Tide
Designer Kendall Conrad has created an embossed pendant to benefit PROJECT ZERO, a global network of scientists, marine activists, and cultural movers and shakers who are working to protect and restore our life-support system—the ocean. Each pendant comes with your own unique maritime coordinates, signifying your adoption of one square kilometer of the seas that Project Zero is working to protect as it steadily makes progress against the climate crisis. KENDALLCONRADDESIGN.COM. WEAREPROJECTZERO.ORG.
A Natural Touch
As technology continues its seemingly relentless pace, our personal comfort resides in the makers movement, a wonderful source for handmade items that add individuality to our everyday lives. The work of textile artist G Roslie is an appealing example. Using natural linen hand dyed with botanical plant and earth pigments, she creates clothing and art designed to inspire quiet reflection.
Originally from California, G and her husband, Ry Roslie, are a self-described nomadic couple who recently relocated here from Colorado. “Santa Barbara is a warm-welcome embrace for the weary soul,” G says. “I’m so grateful to be part of this beautiful community.” They hope to recreate their now-shuttered Denver gallery/boutique, Slo Curio—a popular destination that sold G’s works as well as Ry’s biomorphic light fixtures—somewhere in town. Until they do, G’s items can be found on their websites. groslie.com; slocurio .com. L.D. PORTER
Special Delivery
Santa Barbara Beach Yoga is giving “sun salutations” new meaning with its roster of inspired alfresco classes.
Wouldn’t it be great if you had a chef to prepare food tailored to your nutritional goals? “People trying to put on muscle should eat differently than people trying to lose weight,” says Kevin Lunn, who hatched the idea for QUOKKA, a meal-delivery service in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, with his friend Hunter Rusack. Just fill out a questionnaire or meet with a nutritionist, and your meals are delivered to your door or available for pickup at various locations. To ensure that the food tastes good, the avid athletes enlisted Barbareño’s chef Julian Martinez—who also owns CrossFit Santa Barbara—as a partner. From $100/week. quokkakitchen.com. -Erik Torkells
Seaside Debut
To kick off Santa Barbara Magazine’s summer issue and newly redesigned look, guests gathered at the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s private residence for croquet and canapés. With decor and design from Bon Fortune Events and a cheerful rose and rosé cart courtesy of Rose Story Farm and Margerum Wine, friends of the magazine sipped and mingled under the palms at Miramar’s luxe slice of paradise. J.B.K.
Miramar Reborn
At last, the long, long, long, long wait is over. The Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito hotel has opened…
At last, the long, long, long, long wait is over. The Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito hotel has opened with a flourish in its iconic oceanside setting, the culmination of developer Rick Caruso’s 12 years of patience and financial investment. Yes, the Pacific panorama is mesmerizing, but don’t be daunted by the shiny newness of the surroundings. Just give in to the seductive feeling you’ve been invited to a grand mansion or an elegant country club. The welcome mat is out for celebratory occasions as well as casual get-togethers and parties on the vast lawn. Locals have already discovered that the Manor Bar—with its old-school Rat Pack atmosphere—is the place to hang out in what is arguably the ultimate roadside attraction. Rates: From $800/night. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, 805-900-8388. Joan Tapper
Color Vibe
Artist Jane Gottlieb’s Santa Barbara home, like her art, is saturated with color.
Jane Gottlieb; the multihued living room includes Saporiti furniture and a portion of Gottlieb’s Murano glass collection;Brancusi Head, Paris, France, 1989, archival hand-painted Cibachrome print, 30 x 40 in. an outdoor view of Gottlieb’s colorful residence
Artist Jane Gottlieb’s Santa Barbara home, like her art, is saturated with color. “My house reflects my art,” she says. “It makes you happy because color is classically uplifting.” Indeed, color is everywhere—from the walls (adorned with her artwork) to the furniture (colorful pieces designed by Italian manufacturer Saporiti)—and includes her significant collection of multihued glass (primarily Murano). Gottlieb acquired the residence 21 years ago when she relocated from her native Los Angeles, where she had transformed several homes according to her signature color palette.
Her love of vibrant hues was inspired by a visit to the Yucatán when she was 30 years old. “The Mexican color really spoke to me,” says the artist, “and it really changed my art and my perspective on everything.” Originally a painter, Gottlieb began hand painting her own photographs (Cibachromes) in the early 1980s. Her exhibition of color-enhanced car photographs at L.A.’s Petersen Automotive Museum was up for three years, a true coup, and helped launch her career, which has included international exhibitions and many one-person shows.
The advent of digital photography and Photoshop transformed Gottlieb’s work; now she prints her full-toned digitally enhanced photographs—some taken decades earlier—on aluminum. She currently has 100 pieces of her work on loan in six buildings at UCLA and her work was exhibited last year at UC Santa Barbara’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum. –L.D. Porter
Saddle Up
Supermodel and designer Erin Wasson leads the luxury cowboy reboot with Lucchese
Nili Lotan leopard-print maxi dress, $695
Supermodel and designer Erin Wasson leads the luxury cowboy reboot with Lucchese
By Gina Tolleson | Photography by: Adam Secore, Wynn Myers for Lucchese | Styled by Natalie Joos
WHO Erin Wasson, 39, supermodel, designer
WHAT Known for her provocative rock and roll meets surfer meets Lone Star style, Wasson never thought she’d have the opportunity to work with the grande dame of the cowboy boots—Lucchese, which is based in her home state of Texas and an ever present brand/sponsor at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. It’s a true soles-up design partnership between Wasson and Lucchese, not just a trendy collaboration. “When you understand the Western world, it’s a luxury beyond,” says Wasson. “This is their first ‘fashion’ project and the most important thing is the quality, materials, process, and knowledge of how this is being made.”
“I wanted to create a collection that incorporates Western silhouettes with fashion-forward subtleties. I had this sort of ‘Ranch Tropez’ concept when I started designing—a little grit and a little glam. Perhaps a way to live life!”
WEAR “I wanted to create a collection that incorporates Western silhouettes with fashion-forward subtleties—the gold zipper, patent leather detail. I had this sort of ‘Ranch Tropez’ concept when I started designing—a little grit and a little glam. Perhaps a way to live life!”
TEX-CALI “Being from Texas but living in California for 15 years has certainly become a part of everything I do design wise. Mostly I wanted to make boots that felt timeless wherever you are.”
MUST-HAVES The patent leather bootie, a 17-inch-high midnight blue ostrich boot, a black-and-white crocodile boot, and a 1960s mod boot with a rounded toe.
Erin’s S.B. BLACK BOOK
Allora by Laura, 805-563-2425, allorabylaura.com, for great pieces and my Wasson Fine jewelry collection.A drive and hike to Knapp’s Castle and a swim at Arroyo Burro County Beach.I love to browse Chaucer’s bookstore, 805-682-6787, chaucersbooks.com.Great tapas and cocktails at Loquita, 805-880-3380, loquitasb.com, and The Nugget, 805-969-6135, nuggetbarandgrill.com, reminds me of Texas—cowboys and stiff drinks.Vintage finds at The Blue Door, 805-364-5144, thebluedoorsb .com, housewares at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond, 805-565-1503, upstairsatpierrelafond.com, and cool furniture at Garde, 805-845-8384, gardeshop.com.See the story in our digital edition
Outside the BOX
Green building can be beautiful, sustainable, and affordable.
“Green building can be beautiful, sustainable, and affordable.”
It may look like a normal contemporary home from the street, but one of the city’s hottest new builds is one that’s given a second life to shipping containers. Those big metal boxes that transport everything around the world usually end up in a landfill, however, five of them went into shaping this Santa Barbara foothills house. Homeowners Dani and Bret Stone, a fashion stylist and environmental attorney respectively, wanted to set an example of something that could be stunning and sustainable at the same time, not to mention cost effective. They worked with AB Design Studio, builder Don Barber, and McFadden Design Group to create a 2,400-square-foot custom concrete-and-steel structure of stacked containers. Every part down to the original doors are used but painted in welcoming hues. “We used 15 shades of gray,” says designer Sarah McFadden. “There was no way I was going to do white, and there was no way I was going to do color.” The subtle shades and shapes McFadden wove into each room make all the difference. Small rectangular cutouts and windows give the eyes resting points throughout, while the natural corrugation of the container (now painted gray) gives a completely unique backsplash in the kitchen. “It’s the details of the container that add contrast,” she adds. Proving this new type of building doesn’t have to be cold and industrial, the interiors are filled with warm textiles, bright artwork, and creative lighting. Adds Dani: “Green building can be beautiful, sustainable, and affordable.” –Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer –Photographs by Jason Rick
Island Itinerary
Blue skies and ocean breezes on the American Riviera
Santa Cruz Island
Welcome aboard the Santa Barbara Sailing Center’s newest addition, Montecito, a 27-foot Catalina Yacht.
Captain Martin Santos
No need for planes, trains, or automobiles for a summer adventure—sail to the Channel Islands with these exceptional tours. The Santa Barbara Sailing Center, 805-962-2826, sbsail.com, has a slip-worthy inventory of yachts and experienced crew. For larger parties (up to 149 people) and luxury service, Channel Cat Charters, 805-898-1015, channelcatcharters.com, is a floating fantasy for special occasions and weddings. For a bespoke island-hopping trip, Captain Martin Santos of Adventure Boat Charters 805, 805-450-3483, abc805.com, curates half- and full-day packages—sight-seeing, surfing, fishing, and hiking to sleeping under the stars and luxe camping. Gina Tolleson
Did You Know
Island Packers is celebrating 50 years of providing transportation, education, and research support for California’s Channel Islands. The family-owned business transports about 100,000 passengers annually and provides opportunities for individuals to learn more about the islands and local marine environment. 805-642-1393. Isabel Bassi islandpackers.com
We Want… Glow in the flow with an ISLE Glider wood paddle board ($945, islesurfandsup.com). For rentals, tours, camps, and private lessons, check out The Paddle Sport Center, 805-617-3425, paddlesportsca.com
Polo 411
Welcome to the insider’s guide to polo in beautiful Santa Barbara. It is fast, riveting, elegant, and utterly entertaining, but it can also be confusing to be field-side and not understand the game.
Welcome to the insider’s guide to polo in beautiful Santa Barbara. It is fast, riveting, elegant, and utterly entertaining, but it can also be confusing to be field-side and not understand the game. Here’s the breakdown.
Basics
The object of the game is to move the polo ball downfield, hitting the ball through the goal posts for a score. There are two teams of four players each and two referees, all on horseback. The teams switch directions after each goal is scored so that neither team has a wind, sun, or field advantage. After each goal is scored, the teams come back to the center of the field for a “bowl in,” similar to a face-off in hockey. The polo field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide (approximately the size of nine football fields), making it the largest field in organized sports.
Chukkers
A polo match lasts about two hours and is divided into six periods, called chukkers. Each chukker runs seven and a half minutes long. A bell or horn is sounded at the seven-minute mark to let the players know 30 seconds remain. If the ball goes out of bounds or is scored during that time, the chukker ends. The team with the most goals at the end of the six chukkers is the winner.
Divot Stomp
During half time, spectators are invited to go onto the field and participate in the traditional divot stomp to replace clods of turf kicked up by the horses during play, helping to smooth the field for the next half. The divot stomp is often done with a glass of bubbly in hand.
Player Positions
Each of the four players is given an area of responsibility designated by a jersey number. The forward is #1; the most defensive player is #4, or the back. (There is no goalie.) The middle players are #2 and #3. The #3 is usually the highest-rated player on the team and the de facto captain. This is the player who leads the offense and coordinates the defense.
Teams & Players
Each team is a mix of professional and amateur players. At the high-goal level of play—such as the teams competing in the Pacific Coast Open—there is typically one amateur player and three professionals. In medium and low-goal polo, the teams are a mix of amateur and professional players. These team are unique in a sense because the teammates can change depending on the makeup of the team and the handicap of the tournament
being played.
Handicaps
Polo handicaps result from players ranked yearly by their peers. The United States Polo Association has a scale of -1 to 10 goals (10 being the best) that are then assigned as the player’s handicap. Team play is handicapped on the basis of ability and can change from tournament to tournament. If a tournament is a 16-goal tournament, the four players’ handicaps cannot exceed 20. Low-goal polo is considered 0 to 8 goals. Medium-goal polo is considered 8 to 16 goals. High-goal polo, or professional polo—that most exciting and rare of the sport—is 16 to 26 goals in the United States.
Attire
In Santa Barbara, laid-back luxury reigns supreme. Match attire can vary among tournaments, with the high-goal season hosting dressier matches. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a classic sundress or khakis and a button-down shirt.
See the story in our digital edition
One for the Books
On a warm summer evening last season, more than 300 guests gathered at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for a celebration of the club’s Polo magazine in partnership with Santa Barbara Magazine.
Photographs by Blue Gabor and Steven Simon
On a warm summer evening last season, more than 300 guests gathered at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for a celebration of the club’s Polo magazine in partnership with Santa Barbara Magazine. Featured guest Nacho Figueras spoke and signed copies of his new novel, High Season (Hachette), while a well-dressed crowd sipped Veuve Clicquot champagne, Summerland Winery vintages, Jardesca summer cocktails, and dined on passed appetizers from Los Agaves. Near the champagne tower, Revelry Event Designers created outdoor living rooms right on the field, complete with leather sofas, lanterns, and throws. As the sunset gave way to stars, DJ Fab moved people off the grass and onto the dance floor.
See the story in our digital edition
Leading Lady
Five things to know about power attorney and polo player Leigh Brecheen
Five Things to Know About Power Attorney and Polo Player Leigh Brecheen
Leigh Brecheen on Zorro at the Engel & Völkers Polo Stadium in See by Chloé chiffon blouse, $460, Allora by Laura.
“There simply isn’t another place like the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. The weather, the people, the level of competition, the physical beauty—it is without peer.”
How long have you played polo? I have been riding all my life but started playing polo in 1984 at a lively clinic lead by Corky Linfoot and SBPRC’s now-deceased 10-goaler Bob Skene. I still have friends from that original clinic.
What’s your connection to the SBPRC? My great uncle William Riley McKeen had a home in Montecito in the 1920s and ’30s, so Santa Barbara has felt like home to me since the first time I ever drove up. My sister—sculptor Laurie Brecheen Ballard who now resides on Padaro Lane—was the first female nonspouse-playing member of the SBPRC in the late ’70s.
Your polo style—on and off the field. My style on the field is dominated by navy blue wraps and horse blankets with red or yellow trim. I believe in science and safety, so I do wear an eventing vest, glasses, and a face mask. Off the field, I strive to be casually elegant. Slightly underdressed but well put together in the classical manner.
Must-haves every woman should have at a polo match? Hats, a friendly attitude, a willingness to learn about the game, and an appreciation of the players and the horses.
Trends you love or hope come back? Good manners! I love pants tucked into boots and fun bright tops with long sleeves to protect me from the sun. Also a certain degree of understatement (which seems to have deserted us in the current era). I guess I am a preppie at heart.
Sunday Essentials
See the story in our digital edition
Flavors of Argentina
Agustin Mallmann adds a South American touch to a Santa Barbara party
Agustin Mallmann adds a South American touch to a Santa Barbara party
Chef Agustin Mallmann.
Written by Joan Tapper
Photographs: Belen Sanguinetti
Mallmann in his element.
As the polo club welcomes its international players, Santa Barbara also heralds the arrival of up-and-coming chef Agustin Mallmann, who spends half the year in Argentina and half the year in Santa Barbara, where he was born. Trained under his uncle, famed South American TV culinary star Francis Mallmann, the 24-year-old went out on his own a couple of years ago.
“It was amazing to work in Francis’s kitchens for six years,” says Agustin, who has adapted his uncle’s wood-fired cooking to his own cuisine: He uses the plancha (a cast-iron griddle) heated over embers, and a wood-fired oven to create Argentine-flavored dinners that are uniquely suited to the Santa Barbara lifestyle. “The technique ties to polo-style events,” he says, often outdoors, a little rustic but with superb meat and fish served on fine plates with the best silver and glassware. “I try to buy everything at the farmers markets and get the fish at the Santa Barbara harbor,” while the meat sometimes comes from the clients’ own ranches.
Asado with chimichurri.
His ideal summer dinner, he says, starts with appetizers seared on the plancha—shrimp with portobello mushrooms and scallops with lemon zest, olive oil, and cilantro. He follows those with salmon cooked whole on the grill accompanied by basil aioli, and prime rib-eye prepared over embers and served with Argentine chimichurri sauce. The side dish features a criolla of chopped green peppers and red onion mixed with arugula and dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar. What to drink? Begin with sangria or a caipiroska—a version of caipirinha made with vodka—and move on to a nice white and definitely a Malbec, which pairs well with the meat.
The plancha.
For dessert, there’s panqueque dulce de leche, a creamy caramel-filled crepe rolled on the plancha and served with vanilla ice cream and fresh mint. “The contrast of the warm crepe and cold ice cream is wonderful,” says Agustin.
Agustin created one such beachside party here last summer for polo player Paco de Narvaez and his wife, Rocio. “This summer,” he says, “I’m hoping to show more people what I have to offer. The food will be awesome—that’s a given. But people will enjoy the whole experience.” agustinmallmann.com
See the story in our digital edition
Cottage Industry
A longtime fan of Santa Barbara, interior designer Madeline Stuart made her dream of having a weekend home here a reality
A longtime fan of Santa Barbara, interior designer Madeline Stuart made her dream of having a weekend home here a reality when she found a 1930s bungalow for sale in the hidden enclave of El Caserio, a storybook neighborhood near the Presidio. After buying the historic property, she transformed the one-bedroom cottage with lots of white paint and casual furnishings into a sophisticated yet simple Spanish-style retreat that serves as a welcome counterpoint to her weekday Hollywood Hills lifestyle. Says Stuart: “Within minutes of arrival, my anxieties have eased, my blood is no longer boiling, and I settle in for an all-too-short weekend of farmers market shopping, cooking, reading the New York Times, and engaging in slothlike behavior that wouldn’t be possible if I’d stayed in L.A.”
MADELINESTUART.COM – Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Madeline’s S.B. Must Do’s
Walking the beach with my husband, Steve Oney, and our Parson Russell terriers, Beatrice and Mr. Peabody.
Takeout from Lucky Penny, 805-284-0358, luckypennysb.com.
C’est Cheese, 805-965-0318, cestcheese.com, for Garrotxa cheese and marinated olives.
Helena Avenue Bakery, 805-880-3383, helenaavenuebakery.com, for sourdough and olive bread.
Brophy Bros., 805-966-4418, brophybros.com, for peel-and-eat shrimp.
Taqueria El Bajio, 805-884-1828, on Milpas for adobada tacos.
Driving Alameda Padre Serra just for the fun of it.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Goaler
New York fashion branding exec turned Buellton transplant Sara Rotman turns heads and takes the reins for Darkhorse polo.
New York fashion branding exec turned Buellton transplant Sara Rotman turns heads and takes the reins for Darkhorse polo
Sara Rotman preps for a match with her Darkhorse polo team.
Written by Gina Tolleson
Photographs by David Lominska, Darryl Estrine, Walter Chin
THE PLAYER I live for competition, so normally I play the 12 and eight-goal tournaments at the club, but this year is going to be a little different for me. Having just purchased a ranch, I have been spending most of my available time with my husband converting it from a largely ignored parsley field to a viable horse facility. It’s been quite a labor of love and has come a long way—we currently have irrigated turnout available, an arena, and a track—but needs another six months or more to be a fully functioning polo facility. With all the time spent putting in fencing, a track, arena, polo field, and barns, my polo at the club will be limited to club chukkers and cheering on my friends.
THE LOOK My style is pretty much all-American classic with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. My daily uniform is a T-shirt and pair of cropped jeans made special with statement jewelry (one item only), stiletto pumps, and great jacket. I’ve favored Saint Laurent
this season as Hedi Slimane’s current tastes remind me of my East Village music scene days. I also love classic items like a French striped T-shirt and short shorts for Sunday polo, but I always pair the simple stuff with a great shoe. And only polo players should wear white jeans to a polo match. Just sayin’.
Must-Haves
Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 50. Put it on in the morning and reapply often. Nothing says rookie like a sunburned face and arms.
Darkhorse polo jeans ($145, darkhorse polo.com). If you can get your hands on a pair, buy ’em. You’ll thank me.
An ample supply of the 2011 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir Vigneron Select ($67, clospepe.com). Drink it often and with friends.
A new Ford F350 Dually to pull my polo trailer. Who knew big trucks could get me so excited?
SARA’S S.B. BLACK BOOK
…in her Manhattan MODCo office.
It’s hard to get a New Yorker to admit there’s good Italian food anywhere outside of NY, but I genuinely love S.Y. Kitchen, 805-691-9794, sykitchen.com, in Santa Ynez. It offers a casual, elegant atmosphere, amazingly fresh local produce/farm-to-table food, and wonderful local wines. • Les Marchands, 805-284-0380, lesmarchandswine.com, in the Funk Zone has become my second home. I’d like to say it’s because of its proximity to my branding company MODCo’s newest office location, but I think it has more to do with the great local and European wines by the glass. • The Channel Islands. Get there any way you can. Find a friend with a boat, grab a charter, or go whale watching in a big group, but get yourself to one of the most magical places on earth. My husband and I go fishing off the coast of Santa Rosa whenever we can and it always leaves me with a smile on my face for days. • Jenni Kayne, 805-309-0550, jennikayne.com. It’s a sophisticated store—classic, modern, and impeccable.