Grills Gone Wild

By Lisa Duncan

It was an evening of smoke, spice, and celebration as friends and family gathered for a festive birthday bash honoring Rick Oshay. With a lively Barbecue Cook-Off theme, the event brought together a close-knit community for a night filled with flavor, music, and heartfelt moments.

Guests were treated to an impressive spread of homemade barbecue, with standout contributions from Diego Rivera, Rick Wallace, and Jim Melillo, each presenting their own take on ribs and tri-tip accompanied by closely guarded secret sauces. Wallace, a proud graduate of Alisal Ranch “Barbecue Bootcamp,” reportedly spent days perfecting his recipe, while Melillo’s specialty beef ribs drew particular praise from the crowd.

The evening’s soundtrack was expertly curated by DJ Joseph Souza, keeping the energy high as guests danced and mingled. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were performances by the La Boheme Dancers, a beloved local group whose dynamic routines delighted attendees.

The celebration, graciously hosted by Rick’s wife, Teresa Kuskey-Oshay, also marked a jammy joint birthday for family member Mikey Nowak, turning 21, making the night even more meaningful. In one of the evening’s most touching highlights, guests honored Mikey with a special upbeat dishy dance, as the La Boheme Dancers encircled him in a warm and memorable tribute to his joyful spirit. “Mikey stole the spotlight – heartwarming and unforgettable!” remarked one guest.

Among the spiffy friends in attendance were Kathryn and Peter Martin, Rochelle Mirabello, Gretchen Lieff, Mike Lewellen, Adam McKaig, Scott and Karen Davis, Luci Rogers, Jane Perrin, Pamela Sillix-Grotstein, Heidi Stilwell, Nancy and Jeep Holden, Beth Amine, Robert Adams and Nancy Caponi, Fred Brander, Roxanna Bina, Allen Green, along with lovely La Boheme dance troupe, who came to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Rick himself addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude, sharing, “I’m blown away by so many good friends and loving faces. To each and every one of you – thank you! This is an opportunity to celebrate our beautiful, friendly, loving community.”

With laughter, music, and the unmistakable aroma of barbecue in the air, the glorious evening was a perfect reflection of family, friendships, and the joy of coming together under the stars in Montecito’s magical weather.