This just in from Santa Barbara Ice & Propane owner Erick Crocker:

Hi John,

My name is Erick.  I recently read one of the postings on your site and I wanted to respond.  I am responding to “Beer Bummer” and Santa Barbara Ice no longer selling kegs.

In March I took over the recently vacated Santa Barbara Ice location and started Santa Barbara Ice & Propane.  Too my disappointment, I was not able to transfer the existing beer and wine license, however, that did not stop me from doing my best to provide Santa Barbara locals with ice cold kegs.

I purchased a beer and wine license and am in the process of taking my license from escrow to active.  Of course a portion of the process still lies ahead, but I am hoping to be selling kegs 30-45 days from now.  I am also refunding keg deposits of $30 dollars to anyone who wants to support SB Ice & Propane once we get our beer sales under way.

I encourage anyone to come see me and give me their thoughts on keg selections so I can stock their favorite kegs right away.  If it’s not too much trouble please advise SB locals that SB Ice & Propane is in the process of finalizing and activating it’s beer and wine license and will be selling ice cold kegs soon!!  We also have great prices on ICE, JOCKEY BOX RENTALS, CO2 TANK REFILLS, PROPANE, BALLOONS, AND MORE.

And please clarify that we currently are accepting $30 refunds for keg deposits and there must have been a misunderstanding.  Anyone looking for shell deposit refunds should come see me (Erick) at SB Ice & Propane or email me at erick@sbice.com, or call me at 805-335-2500 (office).  Thank you, and I very much enjoy your site.

Erick

In your 2012 Verizon yellow pages you may have noticed that some restaurants try harder than others to get your attention. Some restaurants list just a name and phone number. Others have 1/8 page, 1/4 page, 1/2 page and 3/4 page ads. A select few restaurants, however, have gone the extra mile to let their services be known by taking out a full-page advertisement. They are:

• Boathouse
• Brophy Bros.
• Casa Blanca
• Chuck’s of Hawaii
• Holdren’s
• Madam Lu
• Opal
• Pascucci
• Palace Grill
• Rose Cafe
• Woody’s BBQ

Last Sunday I drove to a field 1/4 mile south of the city of Kanarrahville, Utah (near St. George) to have a mathematically perfect view of the annular eclipse (well, almost perfect – the center line was about 200 yards away on private property). Here are some crude pictures taken by holding an iPhone up to the eyepiece of my 5″ reflector telescope.

This just in from Denise Allec, representative of Peabody’s Bar & Grill at 1198 Coast Village Rd:

(Montecito, CA)  Peabody’s Bar & Grill, 1198 Coast Village Road, is changing hands and will be closed temporarily for repairs and renovations.

“We wish to thank and acknowledge the long-running community support, our loyal customers, and the dedication and contributions of our employees, some having worked at Peabody’s for many years,” said Tammy DeMatteo, long-time owner.

The restaurant will re-open under the new owner later in 2012.

I called Emilio’s restaurant today and their voice mail, likely recorded at the end of April, says that the restaurant will be closed for 3 weeks for a “kitchen remodel and change of ownership.”

Reader Chris tells me that Mel’s Lounge now serves food:

John,

I just had a delicious bowl of pozole (red, chicken) today at Mel’s lounge at 209 W. Carrillo St. I was actually going to the Cuernavaca, but after parking found that Cuernavaca is closed on Tuesdays. But i noticed tables and a lunch sign outside Mel’s (!) next door, and decided to give it a whirl — I was hungry and didn’t have time to go elsewhere anyway.

It was very nice, the pozole was delicious. The menu is limited but there is plenty to choose from, incl. appetizers, burger, BLT, the usual Mexican dishes for lunch, a few salads, and the pozole and mole, too. They also have a variety of breakfast options incl. huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, chilaquiles and more. The server told me that the chef used to work at Los Agaves, Los Arroyos, and Carlitos.

They serve from 11 am to 5:00 pm.  805-450-8519

Chris

The Santa Barbara Downtown Organization will host the 2012 Downtown Art & Wine Tour on Thursday, May 24th from 5:30-9:30pm. Participants will 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 60th Annual Downtown Holiday Parade.

Tour these participating venues: Artamo Gallery, Bella Rosa Galleries, Casa Dolores, Churchill Jewelers, East Beach Wine Company, Fast Frame, Gallery 113, Indigo Interiors, Santa Barbara Arts, Santa Barbara Club, Santa Barbara Frame Shop & Gallery, Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery and Victoria Hall Theater.

Sample hors d’oeuvres from these participating restaurants: Aldo’s Italian Restaurant, Arts & Letters Café, California Pizza Kitchen, Carlitos Café y Cantina, Chase Restaurant & Lounge, Coffee Cat, Enterprise Fish Co., The Greek House Café, Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant, Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria, Opal Restaurant & Bar, Paradise Café, Pascucci, Restaurant Mimosa, Spoon Santa Barbara Gelato, TonyRay’s Restaurant and Cantina and Wahoo’s Fish Taco.

Taste wines from these participating wineries: Babcock Winery, The Brander Vineyard,
Bridlewood Estate Winery, Buttonwood Farm Winery and Vineyard, East Beach Wine Company, Fiddlehead Cellars, Grassini Family Vineyards, Kalyra Winery, Lafond Winery and Vineyards, Oreana Winery, Santa Barbara Winery, Whitcraft Winery and Windrun Vintners.

Tickets are $60 for the tour and final party at the Arlington Theatre Box Office (credit card or cash + $1 surcharge per ticket) or at the Downtown Organization office – 27B East de la Guerra Street (M-F, 8am-5pm, cash, check or credit card). For more information call (805) 962-2098, ext. 22 or visit santabarbaradowntown.com

Santa Barbara’s chefs, restaurants, and wineries will gather for Share Our Strength’s culinary benefit “Taste of the Nation.”  Taste of the Nation Santa Barbara will raise funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in Santa Barbara and across the nation.  Proceeds benefit the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. This year’s event will be held this Sunday, May 20th at the picturesque Montecito Country Club, 920 Summit Road from 3pm to 6pm.

2012 participating chefs include Alessandro Cartumini- Four Seasons Biltmore, Mossin Sugich- Blush, Dario Furlati- Ca’Dario Ristorante, Jessica Foster- Jessica Foster Confections, Michael Blackwell- Montecito Country Club, Jeff Olsson- New West Catering, and Robert Perez- Seagrass Restaurant.

General admission is $65, while VIP admission is $95. Tickets can be purchased online at strength.org/santabarbara or call (800) 969-4767.

Presto Pasta, which just opened a new location at 2830 De La Vina St, plans to close their restaurant at 827 E. Montecito St. next week. Details to follow.

Reader Glen (not reader Glenn) tells me that Fresh & Easy market, coming to 336 N. Milpas St., is slated to open 6/13/2012.

I am sad to report that Bitterman’s Deli at 5 W. Canon Perdido has closed. On the bright side, I am happy to report that Blue Owl (currently open late night at Zen Yai) will be taking over the space to serve breakfast and brunch. For details read Santa Barbara Independent food editor George Yatchisin’s story about Blue Owl’s new home.

I am told that Kobachi in El Mercado Plaza (4141 State St.), which closed last January, might reopen June 7th.

San Marcos High School will be hosting a series of gourmet food truck festivals to run at dinner hours on the “Fourth Thursday” of the month.  Different styles of food will be available from each truck: French fusion, Spanish/Polynesian Tiki & Taco, Gourmet BBQ, Pastry – Cupcakes – Bread pudding, Coffee/Espresso drinks and more.  Hours for the dinner time event are 5 – 8 pm on the Fourth Thursday of the month: May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23.  The event will be held next to the San Marcos High School gym on the outdoor basketball court area.  Enter the school parking lot from Turnpike Road.  A portion of sales from the food truck events will be donated back to San Marcos High School and used for campus improvement projects.  For questions email: dgarske@sbsdk12.org.

Food Truck Bios:

• O STREET TRUCK: Born in April 2011, O Street Truck serves french-fusion cuisine on the streets of Santa Barbara. Dishes include: Banh Mi sandwiches (french-vietnamese), french-mex tacos and burritos, french pastry pizzas and pommes frites with wild California dipping sauces. Artisan, all natural, locally sourced ingredients and the coolest combination of flavors make O Street Truck the place to find in SB!  For the SMHS Food Truck Festival,   O Street Truck will be serving the Santa Barbara Steak Burrito, The Chicken and BBQ Pork Banh Mi (voted best BBQ in Santa Barbara by the SB Independent and Whole Foods!), Chicken, Steak and BBQ Pork French-Mex Tacos and our famous Pommes Frites with wild dipping sauces.  www.ostreettruck.com
• TIKI TACO: Based in Santa Barbara serving fusion cuisine with a strong approach in Polynesian and Spanish cooking methods, utilizing spices and cooking techniques true to both cultures with a unique sweet yet spicy combination. New inspirations are constantly evolving in our menu. Menu items include but not limited to:  Tacos, Tiki bowls, Tiki meat sticks, lettuce wraps (choices of beef or chicken), Voodoo corn and Veggie sticks.  www.tikitaco.net
• THE NEW BLACK:  Modern barbeque that draws from the traditions and memories associated with the letters “BBQ” and combines them with evolved techniques and eclectic style.  It’s a new take on barbeque, but you would never call it anything else.  The food, like our patrons, is contemporary and local.   Menu items:  Kobe Brisket Sandwich w/molasses, mustard seed, bay leaf;  Kurobuta Pork Sandwich w/all-spice, blis, thyme; Jidori Chicken Sandwich w/paradise grains, honey, lavender.  Sandwiches are served w/chow-chow & bbq sauce.  Side dishes: Beans w/maple & black pepper; Cole Slaw made w/green apples & apple cider; Potato Salad made w/celery seed & buttermilk.  www.thenewblackbbq.com
• SWEET ARLEENS:   Sweet Arleen’s bakes fresh on-site daily a selection of boutique-style cupcakes and bread puddings, bringing comfort food to a whole new level. Our award-winning cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, weddings, or even an inspiring treat for your next business meeting. Our wedding cakes and cupcake towers make a dramatic display for your sweet occasion. We also offer bread puddings, paired with individual sauces to create a warm and gooey decadent dessert. These beautiful take-out treats add just the right finishing touch to any special occasion — or anytime!   www.sweetarleens.com
• STREETLEVEL CAFE SB:  Serving Lattes, Coffee, Tea, and sandwiches. Find them on Facebook.

This just in from Eladio’s at 1 State St.:

John,

Eladio’s will be holding a Justin Wine dinner on Saturday June 23, 2012 at 7 pm. Reservations can be made by calling 805-564-8631. See attached food and wine pairings. It’s a screaming deal at $75. ( tax and gratuity included )

Steven P. Spira
Director of Food & Beverage

Food editor George Yatchisin tells me that the Santa Barbara Independent is holding its 3rd Annual Sizzling Summer BBQ/Cocktail Contest and is looking for entries. Submit recipes to food@independent.com by Tuesday, May 29, 5 p.m.

It appears that a “Fresh” battle might be brewing on Milpas St. Just as Fresh & Easy is about to open at 336 N. Milpas St (their signs are up), I have now received word that Scolari’s at 222 N. Milpas St. maight be replaced by “Fresh Market.” Here is a message I received from my long-time friend reader Pete:

Hi John,

I was at Scolari’s today and the store is quickly selling off the last of the inventory…..now at 30% off. The employees are saying that the store will become a “Fresh Market” which they describe as a cross between Lazy Acres and Trader Joe’s. Fresh Market is from the east coast and is apparently just starting to enter the California market. Apparently Fresh Market has no affiliation with the Fresh and Easy market opening up the street.

I don’t know if any of this information is true, but the store employees seemed pretty confident of it.

Here’s some info about Fresh Market (the first one is a blog about Fresh and Easy AND it’s competitors):

http://freshneasybuzz.blogspot.com/2012/01/fast-growing-fresh-market-chain-on.html

http://www.thefreshmarket.com/

Pete

While enjoying Cinco de Mayo I did a video walk through of the new Sharkeez at 525 State St., the former home of Madison’s Grill & Tavern.

Reader Primetime tells me that Fresh & Easy, coming soon to 336 N. Milpas St., now has their signs up.

On Thursday May 3rd Sharkeez at 416 State St completed a move to 525 State St., the former home of Madison’s Grill & Tavern.

This just in from reader Matthew:

John:
On my way to work I noticed that the former home of Jade on upper State [3132 State St] which had previously had a for sale sign posted by the radius group no longer has the sign up and the windows are covered over in a way that would suggest a renovation of some type. I thought you might know who to ask to see if someone is opening something there.  Have a nice day.

2012 marks 30 years of  winemaking for Rick and Diana Longoria of Longoria Wines, and to celebrate they are hosting a special Winemaker Dinner at bouchon on Friday, May 11th for $125 per person (tax and gratuity included). Enjoy a selection of Longoria wines and a tasting menu prepared by Executive Chef Greg Murphy at the 30th anniversary celebration.

Guests will enjoy Dungeness Crab & Melon Salad with mache greens, prosciutto and a lemon vinaigrette, Diver Sea Scallop with braised salsify & savoy cabbage, rock shrimp, Confit Leg of Duck with ricotta gnocchi, spring peas and wild morels, Duo of Beef with braised shortrib, a yukon gold & heirloom carrot hash, melted leeks, and pan jus. To end the meal, Murphy will serve a chocolate ‘Molten Lava’ Cake with berries.

For reservations call bouchon at (805) 730-1160.

Reader Primetime tells me that Scolari’s on Milpas St is giving 20 percent or more discounts off everything in the store. Scolari’s may change discount to 30 percent as soon as May 5th.

I recently discovered that See’s Candies in La Cumbre Plaza was missing from the guide so I added them today. I also added pictures for Chipotle in La Cumbre Plaza and Arlington Tavern downtown.

This just in from owner Richard Payatt:

John,

With heavy heart, I must report that we closed our doors at the 2912 De La Vina Taco Bell for the last time, at 7:00PM this evening, May 1st.

But, we had a nice party for a lot of our old employees, old managers, and some of our fellow Santa Barbara business owners (many of whom have kept us up and running over the decades.)

It was a sad day, but a party made a fine ending to it all.

Our thanks to the tens of thousands of customers who entered our doors over the years… and especially to the wonderful employees who will remain with us at Taco Bell on State Street, and Taco Bell on the Mesa.

Richard Payatt
Taco Bell
Santa Barbara

Arlington Tavern has opened at 21 W. Victoria St (formerly Epiphany). Here is a message about it from owner Ron True:

Hi John,

The opening of Arlington Tavern is a dream come true and couldn’t be in a better place. The building is where I started my career back in 88 when it was Soho restaurant working for Nancy Weiss. I left Santa Barbara in 91 to pursue a career in culinary after traveling and cooking in different cities SF/ NYC/ Philly/ and France. When I came to santa Barbara in 06 I returned to the building which was then Epiphany restaurant this is where I met friend and business partner Diego Barbieri. After several years of trying we were finally able to open a restaurant together with the help of my long time friends Skye McGinnes- Skyeline construction, Trevor Zellet- Bellavista Designs and Cody French.

Arlington Tavern is open 5pm to 10pm in the restaurant and 5pm to midnight in the bar. We offer a bar menu for snacks for those remaining 2 hours. We have our last seating in the restaurant at 9:30 and last call at 11:30, we have a beer & wine license only but have the intention of getting a full liquor in the future.

The food is best described as New American/ farm fresh. We buy most of our produce from the farmers market and fish from Santa Barbara fish market. I try and as much as I can locally

Best,
Ron True
Arlington Tavern
805-770-2626
arlingtontavern.com

Emilio’s restaurant at 324 W. Cabrillo Blvd is renovating their kitchen and will be closed for 2 weeks.

I was doing my spring cleaning this morning and noticed that the Rumor Machine had become quite dirty. When I pulled it away from the wall so I could better access it for damp-cloth dusting I noticed that it was unplugged and probably had been for sometime. As soon as I put the old, frayed power cord back into the wall the Rumor Machine sprang to life and popped out a piece of paper that read: “Habit Burger is coming to IV. Across the street from Freebirds.” As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.

If you have a suggestion please leave a message in the blog.

Hi John!

Can you please tell my husband and me why restaurants in Santa Barbara do not offer a sensibly priced wine by the glass?

The last place where we ate had great food, but the least expensive glass of wine was $9.00 at lunch time. That would be $18.00 for the two of us and we’ve frequently found that the amount poured is on the stingy side. So, we did without wine for our lunch, although begrudgingly.

Can you enlighten us on this seemingly short-sighted approach by restaurants to the dining out experience?  Thanks.

Sharron

This just in from Silvergreens (791 Chapala St & 900 Embarcadero Del Mar)

Hi John,

I hope all is well with you! I have a few updates that we wanted to share with you and your readers.

Silvergreens Catering has just released our updated Catering Menu with several new items and packages including Breakfast Sandwiches, Burger Bar, “Yogurt, Granola and Berries Bar” and more.  Other popular items include our Boxed Lunches, Party Pack, Gourmet Sandwich Platters, Catering Size Salads, Appetizer Trays, Breakfast Burritos and of course our delicious homemade cookies. For more information on our menu and pricing, visit: silvergreens.com/catering

Silvergreens Isla Vista is proud to announce that Espresso Beverages are now available all day and night. They offer a delicious assortment of drinks including Espresso, Caffè Latte, Caffè Mocha, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato and Frappe Beverages blended with frozen yogurt.  Silvergreens also has tempting flavors like Vanilla Bean, Sugar-Free Vanilla, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Caramel, or White Chocolate. Organic Soy Milk and Chai are also available. *Espresso will also be coming soon to Silvergreens Downtown as well.

Silvergreens Cookies  Silvergreens Restaurants recently introduced two new flavors to our cookie lineup.  In addition to our signature Chocolate Chip cookie, both locations and our catering department offer Oatmeal Cranberry – a sweet and healthier cookie (with 1/3 less calories) and our new “Brookie” – a perfect blend of a brownie meets cookie.

Thanks!

Lenka Keston
Silvergreens Restaurants & Catering

This just in from Carl’s Jr.:

Hi John,

I wanted to touch base to let you know about “Stars for Heroes,” a special partnership between your local area Carl’s Jr. and military charities, including The Mission Continues and USA Cares.

From now through May 15, your readers can donate $1 at Carl’s Jr. to help assist military families and communities – and receive more than $10 worth of restaurant coupons in return for their generosity. In addition, those who donate will receive a patriotic “Stars for Heroes” cut out to personalize and place on display in the restaurant.

This is the second year for the fundraising campaign, and we’re aiming to hit the $1 million mark yet again in 2012. It’s a great deal for a great cause, so please encourage your readers to get involved. More information on the Stars for Heroes program and the charities that will benefit, including logos and video, is available here.  Also check out the Facebook page.

Thanks,
Samantha
for Carl’s Jr.

I received this message today from Richard Payatt, owner of several local Taco Bell restaurants:

John,

This is to let our wonderful and faithful customers know that after forty years at the same location, Taco Bell at 2912 De La Vina will be… closing. Our lease on the property is up, but all of our employees will be moving to either our Taco Bell at 3771 State Street (a mere mile away) or to Taco Bell on the Mesa, at 1840 Cliff Drive. So don’t worry, we will all still be there for you with the same smiles, and the same uncanny memory for those special orders for our regulars.

Our last day on De La Vina will be May 1st. As of May 2nd… come and see us at State Street or the Mesa. Thanks for all of the delightful years of memories on De La Vina.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our other locations soon!

Richard Payatt

This just in from reader Scott:

John,

Disappointing news for local beer drinkers. Santa Barbara Ice on Milpas Street is no longer selling kegs of beer and will not refund customers left with empty keg shells that were purchased with a $30 deposit. Apparently the business has been sold.

Many of us in the local community have Kegerators and are looking for alternatives to replenish them. Please advise.

Scott Craig

Today I added the menu for Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria to the restaurant guide. I also added photos of La Arcada Bistro.

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:

• Arlington Tavern 21 W. Victoria St (formerly Epiphany)
• Ca Dario Pizzeria Victoria St
• Chick-Fil-A 3707 State St (currently Burger King)
• Crushcakes & Café 6533 Trigo Rd, Isla Vista
• Eureka Burger 601 Paseo Nuevo (formerly Ruby’s Diner)
• Fresh & Easy 336 N. Milpas St
• Fresh & Easy 5955 Calle Real, Goleta
• Le Relais de Paris 734 State St (formerly Ruby’s Cafe & Spirits Lounge) – July 1^st
• Maggies 1201 State St (formerly State & A) – early summer
• Mullaney’s 22 W. Montecito St
• Panera Bread 700 State St (formerly Left at Albuquerque)
• Pickle and Swiss 811 State St (formerly Rudy’s) – May
• Pizza My Heart 6533 Trigo Rd, Isla Vista
• Ranch & Reata Road House 3569 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez
• Santa Barbara Cantina 416 State St (currently Sharkeez)
• Sharkeez 525 State St (formerly Madison’s) – May 3^rd 5pm
• Snack Shack 801 State St (formerly Rocks)
• Ty’s Café 9 Breakwater (formerly Minnow Café) – spring

Five years ago today, on April 24th 2007, “The Restaurant Guy” made its debut in the Santa Barbara Daily Sound newspaper. The South Coast has many experienced and talented restaurant writers/critics so it’s a miracle that this column ever came to be. The odds of survival were so low because of a little-known fact about The Restaurant Guy: he knows nothing about restaurants. And he knows nothing about food, either.

The reason for my total lack of culinary experience is that I am a software developer by trade and it was just by chance that I created the first local online restaurant guide when I launched SantaBarbara.com in 1996. After 10 years of running my restaurant guide, I developed a sizable network of volunteers (thanks for all your help!!!) feeding me news tips about restaurant openings, closings and “coming soon” rumors. Thinking that others might like this inside view of the local dining scene, on December 19th, 2006 I launched “The Restaurant Guy” food news blog.

One of my first blog readers was Jeramy Gordon, founder of the Daily Sound, who contacted me and asked me to be his restaurant columnist. Although I thought it was kind of ridiculous (as probably did Jeramy) for a computer geek with no dining background, and no writing experience, to become a restaurant columnist for a popular local newspaper, we decided to give it a shot.

The headline of my first column in print five years ago today was “One In, One Out” and it talked about how Cuzcatlan Salvadorian Cuisine at 2911 De La Vina St closed its doors and would soon be replaced by Jake’s Cottage Cuisine Café. I also published a rumor that The Melting Pot was considering coming to Santa Barbara. 253 columns later openings, closings and rumors still seems to be my thing.

On Thursday May 3rd at 5 p.m. Sharkeez at 416 State St will complete a move to 525 State St., the former home of Madison’s Grill & Tavern. Here is a message I received about it:

Dear John,

My name is Jeff Ganz and I am the Director of Marketing for Baja Sharkeez restaurant group. I wanted to include a little info about where we are heading with this amazing new location: After a great 13 year run in our original location at 416 State Street,  an opportunity came up to buy Madison’s located one block north on the opposite side of the street and what we consider to be the heart of State Street.

We loved the original spot, but with Madison’s premier location (across the street from our sister store Sandbar) and amazing layout we couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

That said, we have a ton of surprises in store for new the spot! Over the years Baja Sharkeez has grown from a couple Beach Bar locations to 8 of the most fun, unique and social spots along the coast of southern California and we have learned a lot along the way! So, we promise that this new location will have the best features from all of our locations. Including the best in sound and lighting, over 60 HD TV’s, mixed with a unique and fun Spanish décor, social atmosphere and great food!

We hope the All New Baja Sharkeez Santa Barbara will be your favorite spot in town for delicious food, unprecedented sports viewing and an incredible nightlife. Our official public grand opening will be on Thursday May 3rd 5PM!

Jeffrey Tyler Ganz
Director of Marketing / Partner.

I received a tip that a new local coffee shop named Lucky Llama Coffee has opened at 5100 Carpinteria Ave in Carpinteria.

Ready Jody tells me that Our Daily Bread at 831 Santa Barbara St. now serves vegan cookies and cake.

Reliable sources tell me that Panera Bread just signed a lease at 700 State St., the former home of Left At Albuquerque and Ma Dolce Vita. The popular eatery opened their first Santa Barbara location at 3851 State St (next to La Cumbre Plaza) last month.

 Here is a list of local food & drink destinations that have closed in the last year:

• April 2012: Ultimate Bagels 1226 State St
• March 2012: Brothers Restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern 2350 Railway Ave, Los Olivos; Cafe Shell 1112 State St; Jungle George Grill 5722 Calle Real, Goleta
• February 2012:  Elements Restaurant & Bar 129 E. Anapamu St; Madison’s Grill & Tavern 525 State St
• January 2012: Kobachi Izakaya Dining 4141 State St; Rudy’s 811 State; Saigon 318 N. Milpas St; Spiritland Bistro 230 E. Victoria St; TonyRay’s 731 De la Guerra Plaza
• December 2011: Baja Fresh 3851 State St; Cafe Zoma 7127 Hollister Ave, Goleta; Momma Donna’s 413 State St; Whodidily 1150 Coast Village Rd, Montecito
• November 2011: Deli Planet 5599 Hollister Ave, Goleta; Jade 3132 State St; Sweet Alley 7034 Marketplace Dr, Goleta; Thai on a Truck (Mobile)
• October 2011: Mimosa 2700 De La Vina St (moved to 714 State St); Minnow Cafe 9 Breakwater; Piatti 516 San Ysidro Rd, Montecito; Woody’s Roundup at Earl Warren 3400 Calle Real
• September 2011: Cafe Luck 18 E. Cota St
• August 2011: Chilitos at the UCSB UCen; Chilitos Food Cart at the UCSB Library Plaza; Flaming Grill 6558 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista; Gaucho Café at the UCSB UCen; Jeannine’s Bakery inside Gelson’s Market; Overlook Café at SB Airport; Wendy’s at the UCSB UCen
• July 2011: Mika 7020 Camino Real Marketplace, Goleta (changed name to Sushi Ai which is now open, same owners as Mika)
• June 2011: Arturo’s Taqueria226 S. Milpas St; HobNob Tavern 21 W. Victoria St; Little Asia 6527 Madrid Rd, Isla Vista; Pizza by the Slice 4 W. De La Guerra St; Ruth’s Chris Steak House 3815 State St; Sweet Tooth 6549 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista
• May 2011: El Buen Gusto at 4835 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria; European Deli 149 N. Fairview Ave, Goleta; Tepeyac Taquitos 201 W Carrillo St; Seattle’s Best inside Borders 7000 Camino Real Marketplace, Goleta; Timbers 10 Winchester Canyon Rd, Goleta

Sides Hardware and Shoes opened today at 2375 Alamo Pintado in Los Olivos (formerly Patrick’s Side Street Cafe). The eatery is run by brothers Matt and Jeff Nichols who served their last dinner at Brothers Restaurant inside Mattei’s Tavern on March 24th. Hours are: breakfast 7am-11am, lunch 11am-2:30pm and dinner 5pm-9pm. For more information call (805) 688-4820 or visit facebook.com/sideshs.

News all over town last weekend is that Scolari’s at 222 N. Milpas St. plans to close. I received a tip that employees were given a 60 day notice but have not confirmed that.

Ultimate Bagels at 1226 State St (next to the Granada) closed their doors on April 13th. The eatery opened in November 2009. Here is a message from owner Alex Weinstein:

Dear Loyal Patrons,

As of Friday, April 13th, Ultimate Bagels is closed for business. It has been an unforgettable three years since first signing the sub-lease from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and beginning the journey of Ultimate Bagels. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to do business in Santa Barbara and I will take away many friendships experiences and lessons.

Since breaking the news first to my staff last week, and then to our customers, many have inquired about the closure and what is in store for me. Due to a myriad of factors, the business model I formulated, going back to my days at UCSB, didn’t come to fruition the way I had hoped. Though disappointed by this particular outcome, I was still able to attain my goal of becoming a welcomed member of this great community. When I started this business it was my intention to not only run a viable business, but to give back and help the community around me as well. I am proud knowing that we have donated thousands of bagels to various food banks, homeless shelters, schools and
organizations since opening.

My journey continues on to San Francisco where I will begin working in May. AlthoughI have loved my time living in Santa Barbara, and especially being a proud business owner, there comes a time for change and new adventures. I may no longer be living in Santa Barbara but its beauty, people, and community will always be in my heart.

Thanks again for the great memories!

All the Best,
Alex Weinstein
Ultimate Bagels, LLC

It appears the Post Office space in Victoria Court is now available for lease.

Hi John,

Just noticed a for lease sign posted by SIMA above the Victoria Post Office. I had thought they were going to stay open on a limited or part time basis.  I guess not?

This just in from Fresco Cafe 3987 State St:

Hello John,

I wanted to provide you and your readers information on events coming up at Fresco Cafe.

• 4/14 — This Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm we are hosting a fundraiser for COLD NOSES WARM HEARTS which is a non profit run by the folks at the Little Dog House who rescue dogs everyday from being euthanized at various shelters on the Central Coast.  All three of my doggies came from this group and they are amazing! 10 % of all proceeds goes to this wonderful organization.
• 4/15— This Sunday,  1 pm to 4 pm, there will be a fundraiser at the home of Gail Rappaport for Storytellers, a daycare center for at-risk children in Santa Barbara. RSVP 805.687.8077.  Fresco has been a long supporter of Storytellers and we will be providing food for the event.Even if you can’t make the event, call Storytellers and ask them how you can help.  If you could see those children and the joy they exude, you cannot help but open up your pockets Donation–18.00, all of it going directly to Storytellers.
• 4/21 — Saturday, 5 pm to 9 pm,  we will be holding a fundraiser at Fresco Cafe for one of our employees Claire Chisolm, whose little dog Jolie, just had major surgery that cost a fortune, in order to save her life. Many customers of Fresco know Claire to be one of our long term employees, who is a sweetheart who takes care of our client’s every needs, and always with a smile on her face!  if you can, come out and support Claire! 15 % of all proceeds goes directly to Jolie!
• THE BIG ONE! Sunday May 20th! Fresco 25th Year Anniversary Party—- A Celebration for all our customers from the past seventeen years since we have owned Fresco, and the eight years prior as well! There will be Music, Food & Giveaways! It is our “Thank You” to Santa Barbara!

Best,
Jill Brouillard

When I passed through the Santa Barbara airport last month at 5 a.m. (on my way to skiing in Colorado) I used the opportunity to finally take some pictures of the Coffee Bean downstairs, Coffee Bean upstairs and restaurant Costa Terraza. I added those pictures to the guide today. I also added other pictures to the guide including Jersey Mike’s, Mimosa and Montecito Wine Bistro.

Here is a list of food & drink destinations that have opened in the last year:

• April 2012: Chipotle 3851 State St
• March 2012: Jersey Mike’s 7034 Marketplace Dr, Goleta; La Arcada Bistro 1112 State St; Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria 17 W. Ortega St; Panera Bread 3851 State St; Presto Pasta 2830 De La Vina St
• February 2012: Boca De Rio 318 N. Milpas St; Cuernavaca Taqueria 201 W Carrillo St; Pace 413 State St; Starbucks 210 W. Carrillo St; The Pan 18 E. Cota St; Wahoo’s Fish Taco (UCSB)
• January 2012: Cafe Equilibrium 6549 Pardall Rd, Cielito 1114 State St; Petros 1316 State St; Recipes Bakery 604 Santa Barbara St; Wurst 20 E. Cota St
• December 2011: none
• November 2011: Backyard Bowls 3849 State St; Coffee Bean (airport downstairs) 500 Fowler Rd; eBar 801 State St; Handlebar Coffee 128 E. Canon Perdido St; Mimosa 714 State St; Montecito Wine Bistro 516 San Ysidro Rd, Montecito; The New Black BBQ (mobile, twitter.com/thenewblackbbq)
• October 2011: Fat Mo’s Burgers & Car Wash 6558 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista; India Club 5701 Calle Real, Goleta; South Coast Deli 6521 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista
• September 2011: Nutbelly Pizzeria & Deli 915 Linden Ave, Carpinteria; Rudy’s 5764 Calle Real, Goleta; Scarlett Begonia 11 W. Victoria St
• August 2011: Casa Blanca 330 State St; Chocolate Opulence 819 State St (Paseo Nuevo); Coffee Bean (airport upstairs) 500 Fowler Rd; Costa Terraza (airport upstairs) 500 Fowler Rd; Taqueria El Tapatio 4835 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria
• July 2011: Norton’s Pastrami and Deli 226 S. Milpas St; Sushi Ai 7020 Camino Real Marketplace, Goleta
• June 2011: El Taco Tequila Taqueria 14 W. Cota St; Italia Pizza & Pasta 149 N. Fairview Ave, Goleta; Meat n’ Potatoes 4444 Hollister Ave, Goleta; Padaro Beach Grill 3765 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria; Sugar & Salt Creamery (mobile, sugarandsaltcreamery.com)
• May 2011: Adama 428 Chapala St; Cafe Stella 3302 McCaw Ave; Chocolats du CaliBressan 1114 State St; Don Roge 751 Linden Ave, Carpinteria; Lickety Splits (mobile, visit twitter.com/licketytruck); Road Dogs (mobile, visit twitter.com/roaddogs3); THAI on a Truck (mobile, twitter.com/thaionatruck)

A new restaurant named Cafe Equilibrium that specializes in crepes, coffee and ice cream, has opened at 6549 Pardall Rd in Isla Vista, the former home of Sweet Tooth (2011), Saigon Express (2008) and Menehunes Bar & Grill (2006). Thanks to reader Glenn for the tip!

Mexican restaurant Chipotle has opened next to La Cumbre Plaza at 3851 State St, the former home of Baja Fresh. Additional South Coast locations are at 723 State St. and 270 S. Storke Rd in Goleta. The restaurant, known for its large burritos, assembly line production, and use of natural ingredients, was founded by CEO Steve Ells in 1993 in Colorado. The company currently has more than 1200 locations in 41 states and has a staff of over 30,000 employees. The
new Chipotle at La Cumbre Plaza is open Mon-Sun 11am-10pm. For more information call (805) 979-3808

Something might be happening at 230 E. Victoria St, the former home of Spiritland Bistro.  Word on the street is that “former owners at that address are going to go back in and open up.” I don’t know if that refers to Spiritland Bistro or a business that predates them.

I received this message and photo from reader Erik about Ty’s Cafe which will be replacing Minnow Cafe at the Harbor.

This posted in the harbor (in front of the old Minnow Cafe) for awhile now.  Love your column in the Daily Sound, and the website RE restaurants in the area!
Erik

Reader Primetime sent me a note about Outback Steakhouse 5690 Calle Real in Goleta:

Being that I am a NASCAR fan…..  I see a local connection you should be aware of.

Every time Ryan Newman finishes in the top ten this season, the Monday after the race, customers at OUTBACK Steakhouse, which is Newman’s primary sponsor, can get a free
Bloomin’ Onion with any purchase.

For example, last week, he came in first place!
It was onion-mania at the Outback last Monday.

http://www.outbacksteakhouseracing.com/

Sources tell me that Chipotle restaurant has opened at the former home of Baja Fresh in La Cumbre Plaza.

This just in from Scarlett Begonia at 11 W. Victoria St.:

Hey John,

Scarlett Begonia will be having a special Easter Brunch. We have designed  wonderful and whimsical children’s buffet and for the adults chef Ramos has prepared a special two or three course menu, including champagne, mimosas, coffee or tea.   I have attached a menu  for you as well… I have some special surprise for the kiddies, in addition to the Easter Bunny and egg hunts all around the courtyards.  With real eggs…no plastic!  Easter is my very favorite holiday, I’m looking forward to having my first one at Scarlett Begonia. I will be taking reservations for this day, and I highly recommend to call early.  Space is limited.

Best,
Crista Fooks

For my fellow geeks out there I took photos recently of what SantaBarbara.com looks like behind the scenes. This is the air conditioned, generator backed-up room in Goleta where SantaBarbara.com has been running 24/7 for more than a decade. I occupied space at a different location for 5 years before I moved here.

The photo on the left is the control room where the Internet fiber optic cables and power are managed. The photo on the right is the server farm where I manage the SantaBarbara.com computers. It’s my home away from home though I must say there is not much of a view.

This just in from Miró at the Bacara Resort 8301 Hollister Ave in Goleta:

Join us on April 8th for Easter Brunch at Miró.  Experience Easter Bacara Style with sweeping views of the Pacific while dining on exceptional cuisine.  Easter Egg Hunts for children of all ages at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm & 2:30pm.  Adults $85, Children $42.50.  Starting April 15th join us every Sunday for our Santa Barbara Brunch featuring all things local.  Each week we will focus on all that Santa Barbara has to offer fresh from the farm, local vineyards and breweries to our tables with spectacular views of the Gaviota Coast. Adults $70, Children $30.

This just in from Leslie Thomas, wine consumption specialist:

BYOB Wine & Dine Series Resurfaces at Max’s Cucina

Santa Barbara, CA. – For all those bemoaning the end of the four-year run of wildly popular winemaker dinners with the unique BYOB format at SpiritLand Bistro, there’s good news:  a brand new series emerges at Max’s Cucina next month.  Yes, that Max’s, the longtime Upper State Street place known for fabulous breakfasts and weekend brunches now transforms into fine dining Italian at nighttime Tuesday-Saturday.  Who knew?  It has been under the radar since expanding to dinner last year, but if BYOB organizer and creative marketer Leslie Thomas is able to wield the same PR influence she exercised at SpiritLand, then Max’s will be on the map as a dining destination in little time.

The format of the new series will be virtually identical to the previous one, though the events will now take place one Sunday per month at 6pm.  Each month a varietal or regional theme is selected with a local winemaker speaker, and  each pair of guests brings a bottle (or two) of wine per the theme.  Number of total wines each eve previously averaged 40+, and with the increased seating capacity (and breathing room) at Max’s that number is poised to be superseded.  Where else can you get to taste, for example, that many Petite Sirahs? You can do just that at the BYOB on May 20th when Jaffurs Wine Cellars presents its highly lauded wine and chats about this tasting room favorite.  A four-course meal will be expertly paired to each theme, and although the chef is Italian the special menus will be very international and eclectic.

The new series kicks off on Sunday, April 29th, at 6pm with the most popular theme of all 47 past dinners — Zinfandel: Paso Robles vs. Sonoma.  BYOBers will be asked to bring wine from one of those two regions.  To help educate attendees on the nature and nuances of Zinfandel, Consilience winemaker Brett Escalera will speak and share his own Zinfandel as well as Zinfandel Port.  All events will start with a stand-up walkabout tasting wherein attendees present their (first) bottle to be opened, pour for themselves as they move along the wine bottle-laden tables, and snack on paired cheeses from local favorite C’est Cheese.  After 45 minutes of mini-pours and mingling, all attendees will be seated family-style for the remaining three courses of dinner.   Many attendees will bring a second bottle for their table, and the real fun begins when diners pop up to (politely) raid other tables.  This is a highly social event, with a definite community feel and spirit.  It is unlike any other winemaker series in Santa Barbara, in a good way.

The Zin menu on April 29th will feature duck (with a vegetarian option available).  The full menu details will be published in April on Max’s website maxsrestaurantsb.com.  Seats are $50 plus tax/tip, with advance reservations required and held via credit card.  As in the past, sellouts are expected.  Please call Max’s at (805) 898-9121 to reserve well in advance.  The restaurant is located at 3514 State Street, with ample parking on either side of the building.   All local wine shops will carry the colorful postcards with event details, and will be happy to help you to select wine (and avoid duplicates from other purchasers).   Variety is indeed the spice of life.  Cheers!

This just in from the Canary Hotel at 31 West Carrillo St.:

Kimpton’s Canary Hotel Invites Guests to Easter Brunch on The Rooftop Perch

Santa Barbara, Calif. March 2012 – Kimpton’s Canary Hotel will host a buffet brunch this Easter on the rooftop terrace – The Perch. Brunch will include a selection of seafood, salads, customized omelets & waffles, spiral cut ham & roasted turkey from the carving station, and a variety of entrees, like Oregano Dusted Leg of Lamb and Lemon Baked Local Halibut. An assortment of desserts like mini cupcakes, chocolate cake and petit fours will also be served.

Live music by Santa Barbara’s popular jazz group, Ulysses S. Jasz, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Brunch will be served from 10:00am to 4:00pm and the cost is $65 per person. For more information and to make reservations, please call (805) 884-0300 or visit www.canarysantabarbara.com.

Canary Hotel is located at 31 West Carrillo Street in Santa Barbara. To make a reservation, call toll-free 1-877-468-3515 or (805) 884-0300. Visit www.canarysantabarbara.com.

If you have any suggestions for All for Animals, Inc. founder and writer Karen Lee Stevens, please leave a message in the blog.

Hi John,

Hope this note finds you well! I’m writing a feature article for Seasons magazine on dog friendly dining, accommodations, wineries, etc. in Santa Barbara. Right now, I need a list of dog-friendly wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. Do you have such a list or would you be willing to put a note up on your website?

Thanks in advance for your help!

–Karen

I received word today that a new local dining web site has been launched:

John,

My wife and I are fans of your blog.

This month we launched a local website called CentralCoastDining.com. The site features a lot of the restaurants locals love and looks for restaurants that source local ingredients. We allow each of our featured restaurants to offer one amazing promotion per year. Our promotions are similar to what you would see on travelzoo or groupon except all of ours are complete dining packages for 2 and they showcase why we picked the restaurant.

10 percent of the proceeds from each of the promotions is donated to a local charitable organization of the restaurants choice.

This month we featured the Palace Grill with a lunch for 2 for 25 regularly 50. With Santa Barbara Muscular Dystrophy benefiting.

We also have a dinner for 2 at Miro at Bacara Resort for 100 regularly 200. This promotion benefits a new program launched by Casa Esperanza called the Culinary Arts Training Program. This is a 12 week program that gives homeless the skills needed to work in the hospitality industry. Bacara teaches portions of this training and plans on hiring graduates.

We think it is a pretty cool story and would love for you to write about it on your blog.

The promotions are for sale until the 31st.

Let me know what you think and thank you for your contribution to Santa Barbara.

Rich