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Alisal Ranch Marks 80 Years with a Summer of Celebration

07.16.26

Alisal Ranch, the 10,500-acre working ranch and resort in the Santa Ynez Valley, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this summer. The property first welcomed guests on July 16, 1946, and has spent eight decades building a reputation for Western hospitality and family tradition. I've never stayed there myself, but I have friends who have, and they can't stop raving about it. It's firmly on my bucket list.

To mark the milestone, the ranch is rolling out a summer's worth of experiences and keepsakes. The centerpiece is the 1946 Legacy Package, a two-night stay for six adults priced at a symbolic $19,460. It includes a private stay at the Jackson House, a candlelight dinner in the historic library, a falconry and whiskey tasting experience called "Wild at Dusk: Birds & Bourbon," a sunrise hot air balloon ride and a private horseback ride through the ranch's hills.

On Nov. 8, the ranch will host its Chapter & Hearth Dinner, complete with a haywagon ride, storytelling from a local historian, a Western cookout, live music and dancing under the stars.

The anniversary also brought a few new collaborations worth knowing about. Alisal partnered with Goleta's M.Special Brewing Co. on a limited-edition 4.7% ABV lager called 1946 Alisal Beer. There's also a new 1946 Collection of retail goods, including caps, tees and a crewneck sweater, plus handmade ceramic mugs from a local ceramicist featuring artwork of the ranch's oak-studded hills.

A commemorative coffee-table history book traces the property's roots back to 1843 through eight decades of Jackson family stewardship, with archival photos and guest stories throughout.

The retail collection, beer and history book are available now at the ranch and at shopalisalranch.com. The ceramic mugs arrive later this summer. For details on the 1946 Legacy Package or the full slate of anniversary events, call (805) 688-6411 or visit alisalranch.com/1946-2.

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VEA Newport Beach Debuts Chef Angelo Sosa Summer Menu

07.14.26

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, has partnered with chef, restaurateur and "Top Chef" alum Angelo Sosa for a limited-time summer collaboration running July 14 through Sept. 30.

The partnership brings two concepts, Beso Burger and Taqueria Amada, to dining venues across VEA Newport Beach, the coastal resort known for its sweeping Pacific Ocean views.

Beso Burger

Available at Edge Bar (Monday through Thursday, noon to sunset; Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to sunset):

Beso Burger, $28: a single smashed prime beef patty with Beso sauce, American cheese, pickles and crinkle-cut fries on a toasted brioche bun

Beso Shake, $12: a signature French fry vanilla shake
Beso Combo, $36: the Beso Burger, crinkle-cut fries and a signature shake
Imayo Tsukasa Artesian Junmai, Niigata, $14 by the glass or $28 by the bottle

Taqueria Amada

Available at VIEW Restaurant & Lounge (lunch 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., dinner 5 to 10 p.m.):

Tacos and tostadas

Fish taco, $24: grilled rockfish, chipotle mayo, crisp cabbage, pickled red onion, salsa macha, salsa verde and micro cilantro

Elote tostada, $18: corn puree, charred esquites, elote spice mayo, feta, salsa macha and micro cilantro

Tuna tostada, $24: yellowfin tuna, guacamole, Persian cucumbers, red onion, jalapeño, citrus ponzu and salsa macha

(Salsa macha contains peanuts.)

Sweets

Vanilla bean flan, $16, with Manchego cheese

Drinks

Jamaica and piña mezcalita, $18: Manojo mezcal, hibiscus, pineapple, citrus and clove
Jamaica and piña agua fresca, $12: hibiscus, pineapple, citrus and clove

Summer events at VEA Newport Beach

The resort will also host a lineup of summer events, including:

A summer concert series, with Daniel Bonte & The Bonafide on July 16 at 5:30 p.m. and Teddy Robb on Aug. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

The Second City Goes Coastal, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Pacific Wine & Food Classic: Wine Down, Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets and details are available on VEA Newport Beach's Eventbrite page.

Image courtesy VEA Newport Beach

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