The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau is welcoming in the New Year with a larger version of the popular Santa Maria Style BBQ booklet.

Santa Maria Style Barbecue is considered to be the authentic taste of Santa Maria, with its delectable feast of sirloin, salsa, pinquito beans, and green salad has been called by Sunset Magazine, the “best barbecue in the world”.

The California Visitor’s Guide raves that this is the, “number one food experience not to be missed while visiting California. “

Today, Santa Maria Style Barbecue is enjoyed throughout the region at restaurants, events and celebrations, offering a superb complement to the wines, strawberries and other delightful flavors of the Santa Maria Valley.

It is the premiere cuisine at festive occasions, both public and private, and so thoroughly ingrained in local culture that it has simply become a way of life.

The Santa Maria BBQ Booklet is also obtainable at businesses and visitor centers within the Santa Maria Valley area, as well as the California Welcome Centers in Oxnard and Pismo Beach.

In addition to showcasing the colorful background history of Santa Maria Style BBQ, the 14-page booklet features a revised list of restaurants, caterers and purveyors who specialize in this regional culinary tradition.

The free BBQ booklet also contain a great many Santa Maria style recipes for Pinquito Beans and Santa Maria Style Barbecue Salsa, as well as offering complimentary suggestions from a dozen local wineries.

The booklet is available, free, upon request by going to the Chamber of Commerce at 614 South Broadway in Santa Maria or phoning them on (800) 331-3779.