News nibs 

Masterful mixologist: Luna Red’s got a new bar manager, and he knows how to create both old-school drinks and new concoctions that inspire and dazzle the senses! Joel Schneider will be looking forward to playing with Japanese whiskey, house-made vermouth, and beet juice in his fresh spring drinks (just not all in the same drink, of course; lunaredslo.com) … Surf’s up, and so’s the food! The seventh annual Wine, Waves, and Beyond food and wine event is coming up this April 27 through May 1 in Pismo Beach, and it promises to be an explosion of flavor and Golden State delights. Check out info on the winemaker’s Dinner, 805 Classic Beach Party, Surf Movie Night, Barrel to Barrel tasting, car show, and surfing competition at winewavesandbeyond.com.

Pizza and beer!

A slice would be nice: Woodstock’s Pizza is at it again. The SLOtown pizzeria’s Meatball Madness is nothing short of epic with zesty red sauce, classic meatballs, roasted garlic, bell pepper medley, and extra mozzarella cheese with a pesto drizzle on top (oh, and wait for it ... their famous crust glazed with WildeBread seasonings). Pair it with beer during their Wednesday pint night (your first pint is as low as $3), and you’ve got yourself a classic dinner that reminds you of your old college days (Get yours at woodstocksca.com) … Blast 825 Taproom not only features more than 40 beers on tap ... you get to serve yourself! Whether you want a tiny taste of a bunch of beers or just one pint of local IPA, you owe it to yourself to bring a little freedom (and variety) into your next after work brew. Oh, and did I mention you also get to choose your own pizza right down to the hand-tossed crust? Talk about choose your own adventure (blast825pizza.com; 733 Higuera Street, SLO).

Local love

Rained out, but not done for: Thomas Hill Organics and Windrose Farm’s first Table to Farm dinner will not be taking place this March 20 due to rain. However, the date will be rescheduled, so be sure to go to thomashillorganics.com for more info as it rolls in (don’t worry, everyone is happy about the rain, especially the crops!) … Local fave: Central Coast Brewing may have a new location on the south end of town (opeing soon!), but their 1422 Monterey Street locale is more boisterous than ever. Have you been lately? Do what I did, and treat yourself to a flight that ranges from light and bright (Lemon Peel Pils) to dark and toasty (Deep Dark bourbon barrel-aged oatmeal stout) … Tap It Brewing Company will host the power folk duo Bear Market Riot this March 18, and keep up with their event calendar for a fun geeks who drink trivia night (tapitbrewing.com). 

Hayley Thomas does not remember her college days. She can be reached at [email protected].