The popular Mexican restaurant Los Agaves has opened a second location at 2911 De La Vina Street (formerly Jake’s). The first customer was served at 11:50 a.m. on Monday, June 17th. The flagship location at 600 N. Milpas Street was voted Best Mexican Restaurant of 2013 in the SantaBarbara.com annual Best Of survey. The uptown Los Agaves has the exact same menu as the east side eatery except it will have different daily specials. The new restaurant seats 80 people inside and has 4 tables outside. “We are happy to be part of the neighborhood,” says owner Carlos Luna. Los Agaves is open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information call 682-2600.

This just in from the Santa Barbara Farmers Market:

Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association (SBCFMA) launches “Farm Friendly Dining” Certification Program highlighting local food establishments who support our farmers markets while simultaneously bringing increased exposure to the farmers markets located throughout Santa Barbara County.

“We want to recognize and commend restaurants that support our farmers while incentivizing an increase in farm-to-table dining throughout Santa Barbara,” said Sam Edelman, General Manager of SBCFMA. “When restaurants source their products locally, it benefits our community’s sustainability and wellbeing.”

In order to qualify for the program, certified restaurants must demonstrate that 25% or more of their establishments’ total monthly food expenditures come from SBCFMA and other approved local vendors including the Santa Barbara Fish Market and Harvest Santa Barbara. Qualifying, restaurants receive a window decal and framed certificate acknowledging their participation as well as marketing and publicity from SBCFMA.

Developed by LoaCom in conjunction with SBCFMA, the program stimulates the local economy by encouraging consumers to eat at restaurants who source their food from regional farmers.  The program also seeks to support our regional food system by creating stronger connections between the farmer, the restaurant and the consumer.

“Through our Farm Friendly Dining certification program, customers can support regional farms, the restaurants who support them, and strengthen our local economy every time they dine out.,” explains program coordinator Abby Wolff. “Whether you’re looking for late night eats at the Blue Owl, farm-to-bar drinks at Anchor or post-yoga juice at the Juice Ranch, there is something for everyone.”

Currently certified establishments include Alchemy Café, Arlington Tavern, Anchor Woodfire Kitchen, Blue Owl, Downey’s Restaurant, Duo Catering, Juice Ranch, Julienne, the Isla Vista Food Co-op Kitchen, the Organic Soup Kitchen, Seagrass, and SOhO Restaurant and Music Venue.

The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation that was founded in 1983 to provide California farmers with direct access at landmark locations to market their agricultural products directly to the local community. Our Association of 130 grower members, owned and operated by the members and its board of directors, is committed to helping promote local family farmers, and protecting the environment by sustaining and restoring surrounding greenbelt areas. The SBCFMA continues working diligently to bring the freshest and most nutritious produce our rich local agricultural land has to offer for you and your families.

LoaCom is a ‘better world’ consulting agency offering business and organizational development, marketing and public relations, and event management and production services to businesses, non-profits and individuals.

For more information regarding the SBCFMA Farm Friendly Dining Certification, contact program coordinator Abby Wolff at (314) 941-5863 or abby@loacom.com.

To learn more about the program, go here: http://loacom.com/services/santa-barbara-farmers-market-restaurant-certification-program/.

Dining establishments interested in joining the program can participate by contacting info@loacom.com.

Visit sbfarmersmarket.org or contact (805) 962-5354 for more information about the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association. Learn more about LoaCom at www.loacom.com.

Here is a press-release from Max’s Cucina, 3514 State Street:

Max’s Cucina Introduces Corkage-Free Wednesdays, New Menu Items, & July Events

Santa Barbara, CA. – June 18, 2013   It’s a little know fact that longtime breakfast/brunch favorite Max’s Restaurant transforms at nighttime into Max’s Cucina for fine dining Italian fare.   Different chef, different menu, different atmosphere!   Upper State Street is turning into a dining destination away from the hubbub of downtown, and to help lure diners Max’s is offering free corkage every Wednesday eve.  One free corkage for each entree ordered means patrons can enjoy multiple bottles at the table, which is enticing for groups of wine aficionados.

In concert with celebrating the fruit of the vine, for the last year Max’s has hosted many wine lovers at the popular BYOB series, where attendees bring a bottle per the evening’s theme, and enjoy the featured winemaker’s wines as well.  All this complemented with a specially designed menu for the night.  Four more events remain in the 2013 series, with the upcoming theme being Sauvignon Blanc on Wednesday July 10th with host winery Dragonette Cellars. Reservations are essential due to the popularity of the dinners.

Lest anyone think otherwise given the BYOB events and free corkage evenings, Max’s has an excellent wine list, comprised of many Italian wines that are reasonably priced. There is also a cellar selection list for discriminating palates.  To complement these wonderful food-friendly wines, Max’s has added new items to the menu including  a Wild Arugula and Roasted Beet Salad, Fresh Gnocchi with Oyster Mushrooms, Pancetta, and Braised Greens, and then Rack of Lamb Marinated in Rosemary and Garlic.  All dishes are lovingly prepared from the freshest ingredients.

In addition to featuring food and wine, Max’s has held a number of events over the last year, including hosting musical groups and comedy nights.  On Wednesday, July 17, MC Carol Metcalf will reprise her show at 7pm called “Funny Ladies of Santa Barbara”.  Carol will bring a group of comediennes. No cover charge (small donation requested), and since it’s a Wednesday there is no corkage fee for those who bring their own bottles. Reservations are suggested.

Max’s Cucina is located at 3514 State Street in Santa Barbara. Phone (805) 898-9121.  More information about the events may be found on the website at www.maxsrestaurantsb.com.

Santa Barbara’s Public Market is part of the Alma del Pueblo mixed-use building that will house both condos and merchants. The first businesses, which open in early fall at the intersection of Victoria and Chapala (formerly Vons), are:

• Belcampo Meat Co. sells meats from their own organic farm, processed in their own facility. They always have beef, pork, lamb, and a wide selection of poultry from the farm. Depending on the season, Belcamp also stock goat, rabbit and specialty poultry.
• Enjoy Cupcakes offers sweet treats, artfully presented and lovingly prepared. This family-owned business with its current location in Los Olivos boasts items such as Ginger Lime Chardonnay cake and Chocolate Salted Pecan pie.
• Foragers Pantry has some culinary items for everyone. From artisanal dinnerware to organic produce to eco-friendly cleansers to a gallon of milk, the Foragers Pantry will have you covered.
• Flagstone Pantry will offer soups, entrées, salads, sides, dips, dressings, baked goods and other treats that are seasonally inspired and prepared fresh daily in small batches.
• Green Star Coffee sells Certified Organic Fair Trade coffees and teas.
• il Fustino purveys fine and fresh olive oils, specialty oils, and vinegars. All oils are grown and milled in California.
• JuiceWell offers nutrient-dense juice abundant in fresh, raw, un-pasteurized fruits and vegetables.
• Pasta Shoppe will sell fresh-made pasta for take home or enjoyment on site.
• Rori’s Artisanal Creamery, which opened a location at 1024 Coast Village Rd, Montecito last December, offers ice cream made with Straus Family Creamery organic milk, cream and eggs.
• The Kitchen
• Wine + Beer

Here is a list of restaurants that have opened this year:

• May 2013: American Ale, 14 East Cota St.; Little Caesars, 1048 Casitas Pass Rd., Carpinteria; Panera Bread, 700 State St.
• April 2013: Brasil Arts Cafe, 1230C State St.; Finch and Fork, 31 W Carrillo St.; Open, 4141 State St.; SY Kitchen, 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez; Toma Restaurant and Bar, 324 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
• March 2013: El Encanto, 800 Alvarado Pl.; Georgia’s Smokehouse food truck, georgias-smokehouse.com; Hoffmann Brat Haus, 801 State St.; Sama Sama Kitchen, 1208 State St.; Seven Bar & Kitchen, 224 Helena St.; Yogurtland, 5880 Calle Real, Goleta
• February 2013: Chick-fil-A, 3707 State St.; Kamal’s International Cuisine food truck, chefkamalsb.com; Kaptain’s Firehouse BBQ, 6545 Pardall Rd., Isla Vista; Persona Neapolitan Pizzeria, 905 State St.
• January 2013: Anchor Woodfire Kitchen, 119 State St.; Cinco Estrellas, 316
  N. Milpas St. (in the back); Sam Choy’s Pineapple Express food truck, samchoyspx.com; Sage & Onion Café, 5599 Hollister Ave., Goleta; The Bourbon Room, 4444 Hollister Ave., Goleta

Hundreds of local residents dined on some of the best cuisine Santa Barbara has to offer at Share Our Strength’s 6th Annual Taste of the Nation event on May 19 at the Montecito Country Club. The event raised $55,000 to fight childhood hunger locally and nationally. More than 30 of the city’s chefs and restaurants as well as Emcee Catherine Remak of K-Lite (KSBL) and Honorary Event Chair, supermodel Tatjana Patitz, participated in the gastronomic event.

While attending Chapman University in the city of Orange, CA, my niece Kate Cole is currently staying in Santa Barbara for her summer vacation. Recently she started applying for work and dropped off a resume at Xanadu Bakery, 1028 Coast Village Rd. where manager Valerie hired her on the spot to work as a barista and as a server. If you happen to be near Vons in Montecito please stop by Xanadu, have a bite to eat and say hello to the cute blond from The Restaurant Guy.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. has opened in the Funk Zone at 137 Anacapa St. This is the second location for the brewery, whose flagship store is at 45 Industrial Way in Buellton. The brewery offers a tasting room where you can sample flights of specialty ales brewed onsite, a “mug club” and live music on Friday and Sundays. Currently food trucks and a hot dog cart feed hungry customers and Figueroa will soon be offering a menu from neighboring The Lark restaurant which opens in July. Hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. For more information call 694-2252 or visit figmtnbrew.com.

San Marcos High School plans to start an entirely new Culinary Program for students in Fall, 2013. A portion of the cafeteria kitchen and dining area is currently being refurbished into a multipurpose instructional and functional kitchen. The program will focus on nutrition, sanitation, basic cooking and food preparation. The program will teach students practical skills and provide food service to Café Royale, the faculty and administration dining facility.

The San Marcos High School Royal Pride Foundation is working with Nancy Weiss, the Santa Barbara School District Director of Nutritional Services, in order to equip the kitchen with the necessary appliances and bring the facility up to Health Department standards. San Marcos is seeking equipment donations from restaurants in the Santa Barbara community to help finish equipping the kitchen. Currently San Marcos is in need of a commercial gas range and griddle, a three compartment sink, and a food prep sink.

If you are interested in making a tax deductible equipment donation or supporting the launch of the SMHS Culinary Program, please contact the Royal Pride Foundation Director of Development, Matt Laband at mlaband@smroyals.org.

My first taste of the food industry was working as a waiter for 4 years at Casa Dorinda Retirement Community in Montecito which is next door to my childhood home. I am happy to report that Casa Dorinda has hired local chef Jamie West as their new Executive Chef. “We are excited to have Jamie join us,” said Ron Schaefer, chief executive officer at Casa Dorinda. “I have been a fan of his food since tasting it at San Ysidro Ranch, and I believe our residents are going to thoroughly enjoy the wonderful culinary creations that Chef West has in store for them.” Chef Jamie West brings more than 30 years of culinary experience. “Having served as the executive chef at the San Ysidro Ranch, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, and the L’Auberge Del Mar Resort, I am happy to bring my experience and enthusiasm to Casa Dorinda,” said West. “We will offer healthy choices developed in combination with our staff nutritionist along with some sinfully delectable dishes, because I believe food should be a fun and delicious experience.”

Georgia’s Smokehouse food truck now makes a regular stop at Island Brewing Co. in Carpinteria every Thursday. For the entire schedule of stops visit georgias-smokehouse.com.

My long time friend John “Wedge” Wardlaw, who owns the cabin here at Copco Lake, used to eat at Mom’s Italian Village (421 E. Cota Street) for years and feels that their spaghetti meat sauce was the best he had ever had. Needless to say he was devastated when the restaurant closed. Recently he and his wife ran into someone who used to work at Mom’s and John used the meeting as an opportunity to find out how they made their meat sauce. He was very surprised to find out that one of the key ingredients was Rosemary. He also found out that they didn’t use crushed tomatoes, they used tomato paste. When John went home he used these suggestions and was able to make a sauce very close to the Mom’s classic. Here is a list of ingredients in John’s approximation of Mom’s spaghetti sauce: ground beef, tomato paste, celery, onion, mushrooms, olive oil, little bit of garlic, a table spoon or two of crushed Rosemary and Italian seasoning without Oregano. Put all of it into a food processor and make it a puree. The puree step is important because there were no chunks in Mom’s spaghetti meat sauce.

Since last Friday I have been on vacation at Copco Lake in northern California near Mt. Shasta. My friends and I take a group photo here every 5 years.

Reader Michael says that McConnell’s Ice Cream will be opening a location at 728 State
Street, the former home of Open Cup, Jitters Coffee, Java
Jones, and Espresso Roma
Café.

A south-western restaurant named Verdé will be opening in mid-June at 532 State Street, the former home of Zia Café. Owner Dave Campos was affiliated with Zia Café before the year 2000. “We’re taking the south-western cuisine of Santa Barbara up a notch,” says Campos. “It is more of a unique dining experience, more so than your regular tacos and enchiladas that you’ve seen in typical Mexican restaurants. We will have that but we will have a lot of other special items that we think will fit Santa Barbara. We are going the extra mile by bringing in the right chef, Jim Gartman, that we feel is the right fit for Santa Barbara, with a south-western background.” Gartman is an award winning chef who has cooked from New York to New Mexico and is moving to Santa Barbara from a high-end country club in Arizona.

Campos says he has redecorated the building in its traditional Santa Barbara Spanish architectural design. He brought it back to what he thinks is the original condition of the building which was built in the early 1920’s. Local designer Raul Flores has done all the wrought iron work in the building and all the artwork was created by local artist Karen Fedderson.

The latest report arriving up here in the South Coast food news control tower reveals that a quick casual Japanese eatery is coming to 3891 State Street (in the Galleria), the former home of Jack’s Bistro & Bagels.

I spoke with All India Café at 431 State Street and was told that they will close in mid-June. After 2 weeks of remodeling the eatery will reopen under new ownership as “Himalaya House,” offering Indian, Nepali and Tibetan cuisine. Sources tell me that one of the featured dishes will be yak meat dumplings.

That was quite an earthquake this morning. No need for coffee!

The Restaurant Gal and I were dining at Mesa Café recently and noticed that the transformation of the building next door, previously occupied by the legendary Dean-O’s Pizzarama at 1950 Cliff Drive, is complete. The site of the former eatery is now home to Fantastic Sam’s and Subway, which moved a few feet over from their old locations. The Mesa shuffle was required to make room for Chase Bank, currently under construction, which is also taking the space once held by Foster’s Freeze.

This just in from the Bacara Resort:

In the wildly successful documentary, SOMM, viewers are taken on a humorous, emotional and illuminating look into a mysterious world – the Court of Master Sommeliers and the massively intimidating Master Sommelier exam. On Sunday, June 2, Bacara Resort & Spa is honored to host a private, advance screening of the film as only the world-class resort can – with fine wines and exceptional cuisine.

“Bacara’s appreciation for fine wine is evident in our 12,000-bottle Wine Cellar and new Wine Tasting Room,” said Kathleen Cochran, general manager of Bacara Resort & Spa. “We share the filmmaker’s fascination with this intriguing world and are honored to screen a film about one of our favorite passions.”

Shown prior to its nationwide theatrical release, Bacara’s screening of SOMM will begin at 3 p.m. with a two-hour wine reception presented by the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association. Guests will have an opportunity to sample more than 30 reserve varietals by top winemakers, including Foley Family Wines and Beringer Vineyards. The reception will also include tastings by Bacara’s award-winning culinary team.

SOMM will be shown in the resort’s own 211-seat Screening Room featuring digital cinema technology and a surround-sound audio system. After, guests will have an opportunity to hear from two of the film’s stars and Santa Barbara County residents – Sommeliers Brian McClintic and Eric Railsback – during a special Q&A. McClintic and Railsback are managing partners of Caveau Wine Bar & Merchant, the highly anticipated venture opening next month in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

“Showing SOMM at Bacara Resort & Spa with the Santa Barbara County Vintner’s Association pouring wine is the only way we could top the sold out shows that took place during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival,” said Filmmaker Jason Wise. “I am honored to have the film return to Santa Barbara and even more honored to have Brian and Eric on hand to answer questions about the film in the most luxurious of settings.”

Bacara’s private screening of SOMM takes place on Sunday, June 2, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 a person and include wine and chef tastings. Space is limited and advanced tickets must be purchased online at http://nightout.com/events/somm-screening. For those interested in a wine weekend at Bacara, guestroom rates start at $299 and can be made at (855) 817-9782 or www.bacararesort.com.

Written and directed by Jason Wise, SOMM tells the story of four sommeliers attempting to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier exam, a test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world. Those who have passed have put at risk their personal lives, their well-being, and often their sanity to pull it off. Shrouded in secrecy, access to the Court Of Master Sommeliers has always been strictly regulated; cameras have never been allowed anywhere near the exam prior to this film. SOMM opens in theaters and will be available on iTunes on June 21. For more information, please visit www.somm-film.com. To view the trailer, please visit http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/somm.

Last week Little Caesars Pizza opened in Casitas Plaza Shopping Center at 1048 Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria. The new restaurant split the tenant space previously occupied by Hallmark, next to CVS Pharmacy. This is the third South Coast outlet for the pizza chain that also has locations at 21 N. Milpas Street and inside Kmart, 6865 Hollister Avenue in Goleta. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information call 684-4411 or visit littlecaesars.com.

American Ale has opened at 14 East Cota Street, the former home of El Taco Tequila Taqueria and Square One. American Ale is the second location for the Union Ale Company which opened their first restaurant at 214 State Street in 2009.

“American Ale is a place that goes back to the basics,” says owner Matthew Jameson-Chrestenson. “It’s about true craft. No TVs, no point-of-sale, no happy hour. American Ale represents the real American dream. A place where people can come to relax, think and enjoy conversation without the distractions of modern today. A place where the food is prepared simple and delicious. Back to the basics for the true American.”

American Ale offers a selection of American craft beer on draft including American Ale Blonde, IPA, Double, Amber/Red Ale, Black Ale, Barleywine, Stout and Pale.

The menu lists a series of fresh ground burgers including the Make’N Bacon Burger (with maple bacon jam, bacon, Italian bacon, Canadian Bacon and American cheese), American Burger (double patty cooked with grilled onions and American cheese), Baron Von Burger (Munster cheese, garlic dill sauerkraut, caramelized onions, whole grain mustard), Firehouse Burger (crispy onions, habañero cheese, fresh diced chili, fried egg and cilantro jalapeño mustard sauce), Ole Southern BBQ Burger (frittos corn chips, havarti cheese, smoked bacon, and chipotle-peach BBQ sauce), Blue Horseradish Burger (Munster and blue cheese, fresh tomato slice, arugula and roasted poblano horseradish sauce) and PB&J Burger (crispy bacon, extra chunky peanut butter and grape jelly).

Hours are Sunday – Wednesday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday – Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., closed on Monday. For more information call 845-6226 or visit americanale.net.

• View photos of American Ale
• View the menu

Arlington Tavern at 21 W. Victoria Street celebrating Memorial Day weekend with a barbecue on Monday, May 27, to kick off summer in Santa Barbara. The crew at AT will open doors early at 2:00pm on Monday. Chef Ron True will be serving a special spice rub Grilled Tri-Tip with rice, beans, corn on the cob and house-made salsa for $15/plate.

A new sign for “Montecito Eats, Inc.” has appeared at 1014 Coast Village Road, the former home of Tsunami restaurant. The as-yet-unnamed restaurant will be brought to you by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, owners of acclaimed Lucques, A.O.C., Tavern and the Larder at Maple Drive restaurants in Los Angeles. In 2006 Goin won the James Beard award for Best Chef: California. The chef will be Javier Espinoza and the general manager will be Julie Grimm; both are veterans of Lucques and AOC. The restaurant, which includes a wood-burning oven, will focus on locally grown seasonal foods served in “a relaxed farmhouse atmosphere.”

This just in from the Santa Barbara Downtown Organization:

2013 DOWNTOWN ART & WINE TOUR

Thursday, May 23rd, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Tour: 5:30-8:00 pm at various downtown locations
Party: 7:30-9:30 pm at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Santa Barbara, CA – The Santa Barbara Downtown Organization to host the 2013 Downtown Art & Wine Tour on Thursday, May 23rd from 5:30-9:30pm. Tickets go on sale May 1st for this popular downtown event where participants enjoy a self guided tour of downtown venues prepared with a logo wine glass in hand for tasting wines and sampling delicious foods at every stop. Proceeds will once again benefit the
61st Annual Downtown Holiday Parade.

Tour these participating Venues: 33 Jewels at El Paseo, Bryant and Sons, Ltd., Casa Magazine, Couch Santa Barbara, Gallery 27 at Brooks Institute, Imagine, Industry Home, James Main Fine Art, Jane Deering Gallery, Plum Goods, Salt Caves, Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Sample delicious hors d’oeuvres from these participating Restaurants: Aldo’s Italian Ristorante, Blush, Caribbean Coffee, California Pizza Kitchen, Chuck’s Waterfront Grill, Cielito, Finch and Fork, The Greek House Cafe, Holdren’s Steaks and Seafood, Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant and Take Out, Opal Restaurant and Bar, Paradise Cafe, Persona Neapolitan Pizzeria, Pascucci, Savoy Cafe and Deli, Sugar Cat Cupcakes, Sojourner Cafe, Spoon, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos and Wine Cask.

Taste remarkable wines and beer from these participating Wineries and Breweries: Artiste Winery, The Brander Vineyard, Consilience and Tre Anelli Wines, Grassini Family Vineyards, Kalyra Winery, Oreana Winery, Pali Wine Company, Pierre Lafond Winery, Presidio Winery, Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, Santa Barbara Winery, Windrum Vintners and Figueroa Brewing Company.

The Final Party will be held at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum featuring more food, more wine, live music and dancing with Mon-E-Luv and Scott Topper Productions, SBPhotobooths and a silent auction and raffle showcasing wonderful gifts and packages all to benefit the 61st Annual Downtown Holiday Parade in December.

Tickets are $60 for the tour and final party. Tickets go on sale May 1st on www.eventbrite.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the Arlington Theatre Box Office (credit card or cash + $1 surcharge per ticket); at the Downtown Organization office – 27B East de la Guerra Street (M-F, 8am-5pm, cash, check or credit card); and at Paseo Nuevo Guest Services (cash or check). A limited number of tickets are sold and advance purchase is necessary. Check-in begins at 5:15pm at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum at 136 East De la Guerra Street. For more information, please call (805) 962-2098, ext. 22 or visit www.santabarbaradowntown.com or our Facebook page at: Downtown Santa Barbara.

The Art & Wine Tour is brought to you by the Santa Barbara Downtown Organization. This year’s event is sponsored by the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, the Santa Barbara Independent, Marborg Industries, Mon-E-Luv, Scott Topper Productions and SB Photobooths. The Downtown Organization is a membership-driven, non-profit organization whose goal is to maintain and enhance the business and cultural activity in the downtown area. Helping keep downtown Santa Barbara clean, attractive, safe and vibrant goes towards supporting this goal. Presently, there are over 1,400 members who benefit from the Downtown Organization’s commitment to excellence and its ongoing efforts on their behalf. Some of the programs, activities and events sponsored by the Downtown Organization include the Annual Downtown Holiday Parade, Downtown Art and Wine Tour, Downtown Host Program, decorative State Street Flag Program, 1st Thursday, Film Feast and the State Street Safe Trick-or-Treat.

This just in from reader Stacy:

Hi, I saw a sign in the window of Ichiban saying that the restaurant is undergoing a transfer of ownership. Do you know anything about this?
Thanks!
Stacy

Panera Bread has opened at 700 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. The eatery opened their first South Coast location at 3851 State Street in March, 2012.

While enjoying a variety of dishes from Taste of the Nation at the Montecito Country Club I spoke to the folks manning the booth for Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. They told me that they hope to open their new Funk Zone location at 137 Anacapa Street by Memorial Day.

Here are pictures from Taste of the Nation that was held at the Montecito Country Club last weekend.

Reader Steve tells me that Isabella’s Gourmet Foods has opened at 5 E. Figueroa Street (part of La Arcada Court) in what used to be a yarn shop. Here is a description from their web site:

Isabella Gourmet Foods is Santa Barbara’s whimsical answer to New York City’s venerable Dean & Deluca, serving its patrons the most unique gourmet foods the area has to offer. In her newest entrepreneurial venture, owner Amy Isabella Chalker marries the down home charm of an East Coast general store with the upscale setting of a big city boutique and injects it with fresh, local, organic food that Santa Barbara residents and visitors alike have come to expect from their specialty food shops.

Hi John,
I noticed that a new wine bar/ wine shop is apparently moving into the old Live Culture space at the entrance to Paseo Nuevo (11 W. De la Guerra St).
Thanks
Tony in Goleta

This Wednesday May 15th at 5pm, The Restaurant Gal and I will be waiting tables at Pascucci restaurant 729 State St for the Solstice Parade’s annual fundraiser. 100% of your dining bill, including tip, will go toward Solstice (thank you Pascucci owner Laura Knight!) I’ll be joining Mayor Helene Schneider, John Palminteri and more than a dozen other volunteer staff for the special night at Pascucci.

I thought Mother’s Day would be a good time to post an update on long-gone Santa Barbara icon Mom’s Italian Village, 421 E. Cota Street that began serving local diners in the 1930′s. Even though the building was demolished and replaced I recently noticed that the name “Mom’s” is permanently etched into the new building (see photo below). On a related topic, the other day I was talking to local real estate owner Frank Nam who tells me he purchased the main bar at Mom’s just before it was to be destroyed and recently installed it in Sama Sama Kitchen, 1208 State Street, the former home of East restaurant. If you want to touch a piece of Santa Barbara history stop by for a drink at Sama Sama.

On Monday, May 13th, I have a birthday that ends with a zero so I will be taking a little time off to celebrate. Hopefully I’ll restart later in the week. See you soon!

Edhat is reporting that there was a fire in the kitchen early this morning at Jill’s Place, 632 Santa Barbara Street. Though the fire was confined to the kitchen, apparently there is a lot of smoke and water damage throughout the restaurant.

Santa Barbara chefs, restaurants and mixologists will gather for the 6th annual Taste of the Nation culinary benefit on Sunday, May 19 at the Montecito Country Club from 3pm to 6pm, with a VIP reception beginning at 3pm. Taste of the Nation Santa Barbara will raise funds needed to end childhood hunger in Santa Barbara and across the nation.

Participating restaurants include Montecito Country Club, Arlington Tavern, Anchor Woodfire Kitchen, Ca’Dario Ristorante, Olio e Limone Ristorante & Olio Pizzeria, The Lark, Caveau Wine Bar & Merchant, Bella Vista at the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore, New West Catering and Jessica Foster Confections. Emcee Cathryn Remak of K-Lite (KSBL) and Honorary Event Chair, supermodel Tatiana Patitz, will also participate in the gastronomic event.

This year’s event will feature a “Community Chef Competition” that pairs three local Chefs with junior high students and community leaders.

Tickets for Taste of the Nation Santa Barbara are $75 for General Admission and $100 for VIP and can be purchased by calling 1-877-26-TASTE or visiting TasteOfTheNation.org.

CNN published a story today, written by Paul Vercammen, about the 5-year photo guys from Santa Barbara. The northern California cabin my friends and I have been going to for 30 years to take our photo was burglarized while we were away. The bad guys really cleaned the place out, including stealing our $8,500 boat. Fortunately the thieves missed two of our sentimental possessions: the jar and hat that we use in every photo. Below is our first photo from 1982 and a picture taken last year on the Today Show in New York City with Matt Lauer holding the jar.

Reader Bruce let me know that 714 State Street, an address that been home to restaurants for decades including Mimosa, Chino’s Rock & Tacos, Matador and Piranha, will soon be a women’s clothing store named LOLE.

After having their alcoholic beverage permit suspended in January, Red Wine Bar at 211 Helena Avenue reopens this Friday. Here is a message from owner Dana Walters:

I am so grateful for this opportunity to help re-open and run what with be an amazing bar and music venue! Please join me and help celebrate!!Get ready SB the funk zone is coming back for the unveiling of a whole new experience! New look, new food, new drinks, new faces, new music and much more!

FRIDAY MAY 10th
THE GRAND RE-OPENING
SHENNIE SMITH AND BENEDICTE from 6-8
APOLLO from 9-1:30
-Live music every weekend plus open mic nights on Thursdays!
-Great food from mac n cheese and tri tip sliders to fresh shrimp and scallops and gourmet cheese plates!
-$5 daily drink specials all week!
-Fresh Farm to Bar drinks all day everyday!
-Late night happy hours every night from 10:30-12:30
LETS GO SB!

A new local company named Nite Bite delivers a limited menu selection from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. There is a $20 minimum order and no delivery charge. The menu includes hamburger $9.50, grilled chicken sandwich $10, roasted veggie sandwich $8.50, burrito $8.50, breakfast burrito $9, margherita pizza $12, chicken udon noodle soup $8, mac & cheese $9, spaghetti marinara $9, spaghetti bolognese $11, caesar salad $8.50, cobb salad $10.50, Rori’s ice cream $7.50 pint, Rori’s ice cream sandwich $5.50. For more information call 699-5189 or visit them on Facebook.

Noozhawk is reporting that Lazy Acres Market at 302 Meigs Road has been named Outstanding Retailer of 2013 by the Specialty Food Association. The award will be presented July 1 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. Lazy Acres will be featured in the May/June issue of Specialty Food Magazine.

If you have any suggestions please leave a message in the blog.

Hi John,

Mother’s Day Brunch has always been avoided in the past but this year, we are going in….any ideas?

Thanks,
Charlotte

Palazzio restaurant celebrates their 20 year anniversary on May 13, 14, and 15 beginning at 4pm each night. They are rolling back prices on many of their most popular items. A full order usually feeds four adults. They will be taking reservations (564-1985) for seatings between 4pm and 5:30pm. After 5:30pm they will be on a first come first serve basis.

The discount pricing includes Ceasar Salad (half $4.95; full $7.95), Oven Roasted Roasted Rosemary Chicken (half $9.95; full $13.95), Capellini Pomodoro (half $7.95; full $11.95), Lasagne Bolognese $9.95, Penne Italian Sausage (half $9.95; full $13.95), Presidential Tiramisu (served to President Reagan) $4.95, Gelato $2.95, Beers 1.50, House Wine $2.95 glass.

Here is an official response received from McDonald’s with regards to last weekend’s blog:

We apologize for any confusion regarding the promotion. A sample is only a portion, and not a full sandwich. We would like to offer you Be Our Guest cards for free Egg White Delight sandwiches, good through the end of the year at any McDonald’s restaurant nationwide. Please advise the best address to mail these cards.

The promotion was supposed to last through breakfast hours and not end at 10 a.m. This has been addressed with our crew and we apologize it was not honored for anyone who arrived after 10 a.m. Please let me know if anyone brings this to your attention as we would also like to offer them Be Our Guest cards for free Egg White Delight McMuffin sandwiches.

If you encountered difficulties at a local McDonald’s related to this promotion please send an email to me and I will forward it to a representative.

Last week I published a press-release from McDonald’s saying “Central Coast residents will have the opportunity to sample the new Egg White Delight McMuffin for free May 2 – 4 (one sample per person, per visit, during breakfast hours only).” I decided to try the offer and my experience is detailed below.

On May 4 The Restaurant Gal and I went in toMcDonald’s at Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta and asked for our free Egg White Delight McMuffins. The lady had no idea what I was talking about and rang up $7 on the cash register. I reminded her that there was a promotion running today for a free Egg White Delight McMuffin and she didn’t appear to know about it. She spoke to the other employees working around her and none of them knew about the promotion either. She then went to the kitchen and returned with a single chunk of egg white in a box. I then asked to speak with a manager about the free Egg White Delight McMuffin promotion and showed him the chunk of egg white in a box that had just been given to me. He then went to the kitchen and prepared
an Egg White Delight McMuffin, cut off 1/4 of it for the Restaurant Gal, cut off another 1/4 for me and discarded the rest. Needless to say this was not what we were expecting.

Noozhawk is reporting that Yogurtland is celebrating the grand opening of its Goleta location, at 5880 Calle Real, on Saturday May 4 with free yogurt, family entertainment and prizes. Events begin at 11am and the free yogurt begins at 4pm.

Silvergreens is planning to open a new restaurant in Goleta, which will be the third location for the eatery that has operations at 900 Embarcadero Del Mar in Isla Vista and 791 Chapala Street. “We have not solidified details yet,” says Ron Gleiberman, Director of Operations at Silvergreens Restaurants & Catering. “It’s going to be a very different concept than our current two locations and excited to share more once we are sure the direction we are going.” Though the exact location is still up in the air, sources tell me that a chef has been hired.

After intense concentration and a wave of my hand over the all-knowing crystal ball, my eatery oracle has revealed a list of locations appearing in your future:

• American Ale 14 E. Cota St. (formerly Little Cantina) – May 16
• Avelina Winery, 131 Anacapa St.
• Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., 137 Anacapa St.
• Book Ends Café 602 Anacapa St. (upstairs at Antioch University)
• Brothers Restaurant, 3539 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez (formerly Red Barn Steak House)
• C’est Cheese Café & Marketplace, 831 Santa Barbara St. (formerly Our Daily Bread)
• Daily Grind, 2912 De La Vina St. (formerly Taco Bell) – June
• Deux Bakery 824 Reddick St.
• Fresh Market, 222 N. Milpas St. (formerly Scolari’s)
• Killer Shrimp, 416 State St. (formerly Sharkeez) – June
• Los Agaves, 2911 De La Vina St. (formerly Jake’s)
• McDonald’s, 4719 Calle Real, Goleta
• Panera Bread, 700 State St. (formerly Left at Albuquerque) – May 3
• Santa Barbara Public Market, 34 W. Victoria St. (formerly Vons)
• Silvergreens, Goleta
• The Lark, 131 Anacapa St. (formerly Bay Café)
• The Lucky Penny, 131 Anacapa St. (formerly the fish market)
• The Pickle Room, 128 E. Canon Perdido St. (formerly Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens)
• Unnamed eatery, 1198 Coast Village Rd. (formerly Peabody’s)
• Unnamed eatery by Suzanne Goin, 1020 Coast Village Rd.
• Unnamed eatery, 532 State St. (formerly Zia Café)

Mike and Kathie Gordon, the owners of Toscana restaurant and Bar Toscana in Brentwood, have opened a two-story SY Kitchen at 1110 Faraday Street in downtown Santa Ynez. Their first day in business was April 18th. Bar Toscana chef Luca Crestanelli oversees a menu of Californian-Italian cuisine and the wine list. Meal prices are $30 and under. The first floor features a patio, dining room, bar, and open kitchen. Hours are 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The eatery is closed on Sundays. For more information call 691-9794 or visit sykitchen.com.

Reader Jeremiah tells me that there is light at the end of the tunnel for Los Gallos restaurant, 2009 De La Vina Street:

Today, I spoke with a close friend of the owner and he said, “without a doubt,” Los Gallos will reopen this summer!  YAY!

The owner of Los Gallos is too busy with opening a second Daily Grind that he felt the quality of food was suffering.  But the owner has every intention to reopen in the summer when Daily Grind is close to being finished.

Thanks!
Jeremiah

Reader Mike tells me that Panera Bread is set to open at 700 State Street, the former home of Left At Albuquerque.

Hi John!

Downtown Panera Bread opening May 3rd. Talked to a couple of employees on their way out. The smell of baked bread down there is already a nice touch.

Mike

Santa Barbara’s newest downtown brewpub eatery American Ale is coming to 14 East Cota Street, the former home of Little Cantina, El Taco Tequila Taqueria and Square One. American Ale will be the second location for the Union Ale Company which opened their first restaurant at 214 State Street in 2009.

“A casual warm urban atmosphere with a touch of shabby chic, aged wood, distressed brick and plenty of mason jars throughout the restaurant,” is how owner Matthew Jameson-Chrestenson describes the décor of his new restaurant. “The menu is reminiscent of a real down-home farmhouse kitchen, putting an emphasis on rich soups, hearty burgers, rustic sandwiches, hand shaken whiskey cocktails and a very extensive selection of American craft beer on draft.”

American Ale is scheduled to open May 16th. For more information visit americanale.net or their Facebook page.

This just in from your friendly neighborhood McDonald’s:

CENTRAL COAST McDONALD’S EXPANDS WHOLESOME BREAKFAST CHOICES WITH NEW EGG WHITE DELIGHT McMUFFIN
Customers can also flip their breakfast favorites by choosing freshly grilled 100% egg whites & white cheddar on any egg and cheese breakfast sandwich

Santa Barbara, CA (April 23, 2013) – Today, customers in Central Coast can now enjoy the wholesome new Egg White Delight McMuffin at McDonald’s.  Egg White Delight McMuffin is prepared with freshly grilled 100% egg whites, extra lean Canadian bacon and white cheddar* served on a new muffin. Freshly grilled egg whites and white cheddar are also be available on any existing egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches and platters, providing customers a new way to enjoy their breakfast favorites.

The introduction of Egg White Delight McMuffin supports McDonald’s “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices,” announced in 2011. The new muffin delivers 8 grams of whole grain and the Canadian bacon delivers quality protein, helping customers incorporate foods from some of the USDA’s MyPlate recommended food groups. At 250 calories, the Egg White Delight McMuffin is McDonald’s newest wholesome breakfast choice under 300 calories in addition to Egg McMuffin, Fruit & Maple Oatmeal and Fruit N’ Yogurt Parfait.

“Since my dad invented the Egg McMuffin more than 40 years ago, customers have come to know and love McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches for their great taste,” said David Peterson, Owner Operator of six Santa Barbara McDonald’s restaurants. “It was important to us to deliver that same great taste with the new Egg White Delight McMuffin and egg white breakfast sandwiches. That’s why our egg whites are freshly grilled in our restaurants and paired with white cheddar for the perfect flavor combination.”

McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches available with egg whites includes, Egg McMuffin, Sausage McMuffin with Egg, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Sausage Biscuit with Egg, Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles, Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles and Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel.  Freshly grilled egg whites are also available for substitution on McDonald’s breakfast platters.

Central Coast residents will have the opportunity to sample the new Egg White Delight McMuffin for free May 2 – 4 (one sample per person, per visit, during breakfast hours only).

For nutrition and ingredient information and additional details about egg whites on breakfast sandwiches and platters, as well as McDonald’s full line of national menu choices, visit www.McDonalds.com.

If you have any suggestions please leave a message in the blog.

Hi, wondering if there are any restaurants in SB that have amazing bottle of wine deals on Wednesday nights?  Or any day of the week?  Thanks!

Tina

These just in from reader Hugh:

The number for Pasta House [at 6546 Pardall Road] in Isla Vista is disconnected and they are no longer in sbmenus either. I hope for something good as I am down the street from there. PH was okay usually. They could be skimpy with the sauce sometimes but the flavors and ingredients were good.

Hugh

Update: I stopped by and looked in the window. The walk-in freezer is open and empty as is the cold beverage cabinet. They do appear to have closed.

The Restaurant Gal and I went to an open house at the Bacara Resort on Sunday, celebrating new ownership by Pacific Hospitality Group, Eagle Four Partners and Bill Foley. The event included live music, hors d’oeuvres by Executive Chef David Reardon, wine tastings by Foley Family Wines and a special preview of cuisine at other resorts of the Meritage Collection.

Local private chefs Myco Rosso and Linda Kendall operated their kitchen out of Earl Warren Showgrounds for many years. Having outgrown the location the pair searched for a larger kitchen and came across a space in El Mercado Plaza at 4141 State Street, the former home of Kobachi Izakaya Dining (2008-2012) and Kampai (2005 – 2008). Because the kitchen came with a dining room and lots of free parking they decided to launch a small eatery named Restaurant Open to run along side their private dining business. Open seats 15 inside and 6 outside, and features the talents of Le Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Guilherme Cruz.

In the morning Open offers breakfast sliders (egg with your choice of croissant, bagel, sausage, ham, bacon, cheese), Egg McMyco (a sandwich-size English muffin with 2 eggs, cheddar cheese and your choice of meat), egg wrap (a breakfast burrito with potato, eggs, cheese and choice of meat) and a granola parfait.

For lunch the eatery serves tri-tip sandwiches, breaded black pepper chicken tenders, grilled lemon pepper chicken tenders, mixed green salad (with choice of grilled salmon, baked salmon, grilled vegetables, grilled chicken breast, grilled steak or grilled tofu), build-your-own burger (with 5 choices of cheese) and deli sandwiches (including roast turkey, ham, roast beef, chicken salad, tuna salad). A daily sandwich special is also available. Soups are available in the winter and gazpacho is served during the summer.

Hours are Monday – Sunday 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information call 845-7329 or search for Restaurant Open on Facebook.

Reader Primetime tells me that John Locke, General Manager of the Cold Spring Tavern since May 2000, passed away last Sunday. No other details are available.

Seven Bar & Kitchen has opened the kitchen section of their business, located in the Funk Zone at 224 Helena Street, the former home of The Pub. The eatery offers sliders, skewers, mac and cheese, salads , sandwiches and more. Hours are Monday – Friday 3:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m., Saturday noon – 1:00 a.m. For more information call 845-0377 or visit sevensb.com.

Chef Robert Perez, of Seagrass Restaurant at 30 E. Ortega Street, has been honored as one of the country’s top culinary talents in the inaugural edition of the peer-reviewed Best Chefs America coffee table book. Chefs were chosen after extensive interviews between their fellow chefs and Best Chefs America analysts. Chef Robert Perez has been showcased in the book that was released on March 1. “I am honored to be nominated by my peers and included in Best Chefs America,” states Chef Robert Perez. “This recognition is truly an honor and I wish to thank my fellow professionals for selecting me as one of the top chefs in the country.”