We have family and friends visit us in town quite a bit; and after a weekend of fun, we are usually looking for a Sunday brunch spot in Paso Robles. Well, here are some of my recommendations, first posted to Paso Robles Daily News – Best brunches in Paso Robles. Brunch Appropriately named, Paso Robles…
Tribute to James ‘Jim’ Loy Chapel
My Uncle Jim Chapel passed away last month. I wanted to take a few minutes to write a tribute and obituary for him. I know he touched the lives of many from his years coaching at Cerritos High School, participation at his church, and being a great dad, grandpa, uncle, and more. My memories of…
Celebration of Life for Betty Scott
The family of Betty Scott asked me to emcee her Celebration of Life this week. It was held Nov. 29 at the Paso Robles Golf Club. The memorial service began at 2 p.m. with 170 friends and family joining in the celebration. As a long-time friend of the family, it was an honor to help…
Local holiday wine recommendations
For the fifth year in a row, I thought it would be a great idea to recommend local wines for upcoming holiday parties, dinners, and gift giving. Once again, I received an amazing amount of participation from our local wineries. Over the last few weeks, I received more than 100 entries. After tasting and tasting,…
Best white wine tasting in Paso Robles
Another in my series of favorite wines and wineries: Everyone knows that reds like syrah, zinfandel, and cabernet dominate the Paso Robles wine scene. Sometimes white wines are an afterthought, with perhaps one or two on a typical tasting room lineup. But a few wineries are making a name for themselves with their white wine…
Christine’s hummus recipe for history class
Christine’s history teacher asked her to bring an international dish to share at a classroom potluck, so she chose to make hummus and serve it with carrots and pita bread. We used a blender to mix and it turned out really good. Easy Hummus Recipe 1 (15-ounce) can cooked garbanzo beans 1/4 cup fresh lemon…
Best boutique wineries in Paso Robles
One of our readers recently sent me a note asking for recommendations of boutique wineries in Paso Robles. “Dear Mr. Brennan, “My wife and I will be in Paso Robles in early February for three days to visit wineries, with a special interest in boutique ones. We are overwhelmed by the choice and would like…
Mayor outlines housing development as priority
Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin this week highlighted housing development as a top priority. As a local homeowner, Paso Robles Planning Commissioner, and a member of the Paso Robles Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee member, I applaud him and wholeheartedly agree. He joins our state governor, Jerry Brown, in trying to tackle the issue of…
My first Firestone Walker Beer Fest
I had heard the Firestone Walker Beer Fest is off the hook, but I hadn’t had a chance to go over the last five years. The stars aligned at the last minute and I got a couple of media passes to check it out… …so, I took mom on “All Access” tour of the fest….
Recipe: Smoked Salmon
My buddy Justin invited me last year on a salmon fishing trip on the Trinity River outside of Redding, Calif. We both caught a few good-sized salmon and brought them home. That’s when I fell in love with smoked salmon. I found this recipe on on What’s Cooking America. It worked so well I’m saving…