Rumors have been hitting my inbox the last few days indicating that Cafe Luck at 18 E. Cota St. plans to reopen tonight, February 3rd. I have heard that it is a one-time special event related to the SB Film Festival yet I have also have heard that it is an unpublished soft-reopening of the restaurant. I am also hearing rumors that the new motif will include the wait staff wearing short-shorts. Though the rumors are all over the map, odds are something is going on.

As predicted by the Rumor Machine last November 14th, a new Starbucks Coffee has opened at 210 W. Carrillo St., the former home of Carrows.

A “Sandwich Showdown” takes place today, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. at Whole Foods Market. The contenders are  Three Pickles, Savoy Cafe & Deli and an amateur home cook from New Orleans . They will be competing with a Whole Foods’ pantry and a bag of mystery items and whatever they can buy after a walk through the market. It’s all a lead-up to the main event: Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio, who’s coming out for a special talk on Wed., Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall, with a Food Truck Feast before the lecture.

Last November 11th The Restaurant Guy broke the news that wine, spirits and beer superstore BevMo! is coming to Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta next to Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. On January 30th this sign was posted at that location, confirming the news.

This just in from Yogurtland at 621 State St.:

Hi John~

Monday, February 6th is national Frozen Yogurt Day. Yogurtland Santa Barbara will be celebrating that day by offering free frozen yogurt & toppings in our commemorative 5 oz. cup 4pm-7pm. Hope folks can join us!

Best Regards,
Amanda & Eui

This just in from UCSB:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Compost Pilot Project (CPP) at UCSB is a TGIF (The Green Initiative Fund) grant funded initiative to add composting receptacles to six existing recycling clusters on campus that are adjacent to campus eateries. This student run pilot will be implemented on January 23rd and is intended to capture post-consumer food scrap waste generated on campus. If it is successful, University Center Dining Services operated eateries will begin to procure compostable containers, cups and cutlery. In Fall 2011, the UCSB Compost Pilot Project Coalition was created to orchestrate the pilot and consists of members from numerous environmental groups on campus along with dedicated student volunteers.

Over 34 million tons of food waste fills up U.S. landfills each year, making food waste the single largest component of MSW reaching the landfills and incinerators1. Over time, food waste degrades slowly releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. However food waste can be diverted from landfills and composted which drastically reduces its emissions and creates a beneficial agricultural soil amendment.

UCSB first began composting pre-consumer waste in the residential dining commons in 2009. Currently, 90% of the waste generated by the UCSB Dining Commons is composted2. CPP coalition coordinator Philip Jankoski elucidated, “With such a great success in the dining commons, the most logical progression was to expand composting to receptacles on campus for post-consumer collection.”

The success of this project will not only engender a positive environmental impact, but can offer significant reductions in costs. Compost tipping fees are nearly half that of landfill tipping fees3 meaning the CPP has the potential to save money in a time of unprecedented budget cuts. The advent of the CPP pulls UCSB is further evidence of the university’s commitment towards fostering a sustainable campus.

Reader Lael let me know that Spiritland Bistro at 230 E. Victoria St. has closed their doors. A notice on their web site reads:

Dear Patrons, We are sorry to inform you that we are now CLOSED. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. If you need to contact management, please email: info@spiritlandbistro.com

Ever since Ruth’s Chris in La Cumbre Plaza closed last June the rumors about a potential replacement have been flying at me from all directions, kind of like Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.

I am able to successfully dodge most of them including a common species named Factoria Cheesecakus. Though waving my arms in the air seems to help keep them away, occasional one makes an impact, like last December when I published a rumor that Yard House was a strong candidate.

This morning I was going for a run out on the beaches near Ellwood in Goleta when a rumor suddenly swooped down, landed on my shoulder and grabbed my ear, telling me that Yard House is no longer in the running and that BJ’s Brewhouse is now the leading candidate to take over half of the space formerly occupied by Ruth’s Chris. BJ’s has 115 locations throughout the country including California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana and Washington. BJ’s offers beer, burgers, steaks, pizza, pasta and more.

You heard it here first.

This just in from Montecito Journal columnist Richard Mineards:

I heard Cafe Shell in La Arcada on State Street, a tiara’s toss from Petit Valentien and El Cielito, is now under new ownership, a rather charming Irishman. It is being renamed the La Arcada Bistro…
- Richard

Last week I received a tip about Kobachi at 4141 State St. that resulted in me calling during the lunch hour to see if they are still in business. I have not been able to reach them yet.

A rumor is going around that somebody is leasing three spaces on the Mesa that currently encompass Fantastic Sams, Subway and the old Fosters Freeze. The rumor implies that to make room for the new tenant Subway would be moved closer to Super Cucas and Fantastic Sams would be shuffled into Dean-o’s Pizzarama‘s old spot. There was no information about who the mystery tenant is that would take over all three spots. Again, this is just a rumor. There might be no changes at all planned for the Mesa shopping center.

Reader JP says that there is a sign posted at Burger King at 3707 State St. that indicates they are closing in August. Last September I reported that an application has been submitted for the Architectural Board of Review that proposes replacing Burger King with Chick-fil-A restaurant. Chick-fil-A is the nation’s second largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain with more than $3.58 billion in sales in 2010. The eatery has 1,540 locations in 39 states.

Reader Diana tells me that Sizzler at 5555 Hollister Ave in Goleta continues to be open for business as usual and that the current plan is to close in October of 2012. Last September I reported that Radius Group had published a listing that says 5555 Hollister Ave is coming available for lease.

This just in from Frederika Smith, owner of Jungle George Grill at 5722 Calle Real in Goleta:

Jungle George Grill is celebrating Super Bowl with our new menu and Happy Hour Specials, like mini shepard’s pie, pulled pork and meatball sliders on fresh backed rolls.  Chicken pot pie, Cuban shredded beef on Cuban rice, and as always our made to order burgers using only fresh meat.

You soon may be able to get a different kind of brew at your neighborhood Starbucks. The coffee company announced that they will begin selling beer and wine at stores in Atlanta, Chicago, Southern California and the Pacific Northwest by the end of 2012. I spoke with a local Starbucks representative and was told that there is no plan as of yet to offer alcoholic beverages locally.

Speaking of Starbucks I heard a rumor that the new 210 W. Carrillo St. Starbucks may open February 2nd.

I am hearing that Burger King at 3707 State St, which is being replaced by Chick-Fil-A, is looking for another home in Santa Barbara.

Today I added Recipes Bakery at 604 Santa Barbara St. to the restaurant guide. Their hours are Tue-Sat 7am-2pm. For more about Recipes Bakery we turn to Paula Lopez in the KEYT newsroom…

From their name alone I should have predicted this would happen some day. Montecito Confections at 121 E. Yanonali St in Santa Barbara have closed their doors and plan to reopen in early February at 1150 Coast Village Rd in Montecito, the former home of Whodidily Cupcakes. Whodidily closed their doors last December.

Reader Eric let me know that Saigon restaurant at 318 N. Milpas St (formerly Saigon In & Out) closed their doors Tuesday. Saigon continues to operate locations at 1230 State St. and 3987 State St. (Five Points Shopping Center). Reader Bob says there’s a sign in the window advertising that Mariscos Boca de Rio, which was displaced in the Fresh & Easy demo, is coming to this space.

Grant MacNaughton puts his arm around wife Kate while watching the premier of their Mac’s Fish & Chip Shop (503 State St) on the Food Network.

• Photo Album: Viewing party at Mac’s Fish & Chip Shop
• Video: Mac, Kate & friends watch Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

Mac’s Fish & Chip Shop at 503 State St. will be on the Food Network tonight (Monday, January 23, 2012) at 7pm on the Cox HD feed or 10pm on the regular feed. Last October Guy Fieri came to Santa Barbara to tape his Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and made a whirlwind tour of Lito’s, Norton’s, Mac’s Fish & Chips, and Savoy Cafe.

• Watch a video of Guy’s visit to Lito’s (thanks to reader Valerie for the link)

Last December 19th I wrote that the recently closed Sweet Alley in Camino Real Marketplace will likely become a Jersey Mike’s sub sandwich shop. I stopped by the other day and saw a large banner for Jersey Mike’s in the window confirming the news.

The restaurant chain started life as “Mike’s Subs” in 1956 in the sea-side town of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. In 1972, Peter Cancro purchased the restaurant from Mike and remains the CEO today, overseeing more than 500 locations.

To view their menu visit jerseymikes.com/menu

I am hearing that the food truck known as Culture Shock, which left Santa Barbara last August, plans to return to the South Coast.

I received a tip that the new Starbucks at 210 W. Carrillo St. (formerly Carrow’s) might open February 7th.

Unfortunately I forgot to close my window during the recent rain and the Rumor Machine, which was plugged in just below, got all wet and was starting to spark. As I was calling the experts at Make It Work to have them come by and try to fix the rusty beast I noticed some soggy paper in the tray that read “Jamba Juice and a sushi restaurant will be opening next to the new Starbucks at 210 W. Carrillo St.” As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.

Today I added pictures for

• Backyard Bowls – La Cumbre
• Chocolats du CaliBressan – SB
• Cielito
• Norton’s Pastrami and Deli – Milpas
• Petros – Santa Barbara
• Xanadu French Bakery

Many local restaurants are adding a 3-course prix-fixe “tasting menu” available during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (January 26 – February 5). The 3-course tasting menus feature special/signature/seasonal items that highlight what the restaurant has to offer. The Film Feast menus are “tasting menus” to suggest that filmgoers will have enough time to enjoy a full dining experience in between films. Some of the menus are offered at a discounted rate.

Participating restaurants include: Adama, Miro at Bacara Resort, Bella Vista at Four Seasons Resort, Bistro 1111 at Hyatt, Blue Agave, Blush, Ca’Dario Ristorante, Casa Blanca, Coast, Crocodile Restaurant, Downey’s, Enterprise Fish Co., Longboard’s Grill, Mac’s Fish & Chip Shop, Museum Café, Olio e Limone Ristorante, Opal, Paradise Café, Pascucci, Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro, Rodney’s Steakhouse, Seagrass Restaurant, The Harbor Restaurant and Wine Cask.

For details visit www.sbfilmfeast.com.

Over the weekend while I was enjoying an Island Bowl at Backyard Bowls at La Cumbre Plaza I decided to do a visual inspection of the progress of nearby Panera Bread. The windows were too dusty to take a photo of the interior but fortunately I found one spot where there was a gap between panes of glass. I stuck my arm through the gap and shot this 2-picture panorama using the Pano app on my iPhone 4S.

This just in from Jill Brouillard at Fresco Cafe 3987 State St:

Hello John,

Happy New Year, and thanks to all your readers for the nods to Fresco Cafe this year in your annual “Best Of”!

I wanted to let you know that Fresco is in it’s twenty-fifth year of continuous operation, with Mark and I being the lucky owners for the past seventeen years. This May 20th, we will be hosting a big celebration and we are asking our customers to join us on that day and help us with a project that we are working on.

Years ago, at Fresco we had a “Fresco Photo Wall” which was filled with pictures of our customers. This year, we wish to create a “Family Photo and Story Tree” We will be going through our files and finding photos and stories that have been a part of Fresco’s success over the years. We would love for our customers to bring in any photos or stories that we may add to the “Family Tree” that will be displayed. Anyone wishing to contribute may do so by dropping off material to Fresco Cafe, e-mailing to jillfatb@yahoo.com, or faxing it to 805.696.9305.

We are so grateful to everyone in Santa Barbara for all their support over the years and we look forward to serving this wonderful community for many years to come.

Best,
Jill Brouillard

This La Cumbre Plaza update just in from reader sbdude:

Progress on Panera Bread is continuing:  they have a “now hiring” sign in the window facing State Street.  Also, construction has been on Chipotle at the old Baja Fresh.  Framing has begun inside the store, workers were pulling panels off the building facade, a big coming soon sign was hanging inside.

This just in from George Yatchisin of the Santa Barbara Independent:

In anticipation of the February 22 Campbell Hall appearance of Top Chef head judge Tom Colicchio (who happens to own a chain of ’wichcraft sandwich shops), UCSB Arts & Lectures, Whole Foods Market, and The Santa Barbara Independent are throwing a showdown to see who serves up the best sandwich in Santa Barbara. Two contestants will be professional sandwich slingers, but the third will be an amateur/home cook. Do you think you have what it takes to be that person?

The amateur battle of the S.B. Sandwich Showdown will be held live at Whole Food Market on Friday, February 3, 4-5 p.m., so if you serve up the best thing since sliced bread on sliced bread, enter by sending the following to georgeeats@independent.com by Friday, January 20, 5 p.m.:

(1) a recipe for your favorite sandwich;
(2) a testimonial from one person (not yourself) as to the tastiness and inventiveness of your creation; and
(3) a short bio (remember, you cannot be in the food industry and take part).

A panel of judges will then choose one non-pro to take on the pros on February 3 in the live sandwich-off.

The winner of the final contest — whether pro or amateur —will receive a Whole Foods Market shopping spree (value $250), a pair of tickets to see Colicchio at UCSB, the chance to meet him backstage after his talk (please, no “pack your ____ and go” jokes), and a copy of ’wichcraft (Colicchio’s acclaimed book on the art of sandwich-making). Plus a lot of bragging rights.

Reader Laura tells me that a new sign has appeared at 210 W. Carrillo St., the former home of Carrows, confirming what Restaurant Guy readers have known since November 14th: Starbucks is coming.

Xanadu Bakery at 1028 Coast Village Rd (next to Vons) in Montecito, plans to reopen tomorrow. The business closed in July 2010 after a fire damaged the building. Owner Sepi Mashhoon tells me “I just wanted to thank everybody for supporting me, staying in touch with me, and helping me make the decision to come back.” Hours are 5;30am-7pm every day. For more information call 805-969-3550.

I met with owner Meichelle Arntz who tells me she hopes to open Recipes Bakery and Gifts at 604 Santa Barbara St. this Thursday or Friday, if the business passes all necessary inspections. Recipes offers cinnamon rolls, orange rolls, chocolate rolls, cookies, pie, bread, brownies, muffin, coffee and a breakfast menu. Recipes also sells deluxe hand-made gift baskets filled with fresh baked goods, cheese from C’est Cheese and more. For more information call 805-965-3335 or visit myhomerecipes.com.

P.J.’s Hallmark Shop in Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta plans to go out of business the day after Valentine’s Day. They are down the street from where I live and I am sad to see them go. Nearly every birthday card, Valentine’s Day card, Christmas card or whatever-card I have given people over the last 10 years came from P.J.’s. Everything in the store is now 10-75% off.

One year ago today I launched this entirely new blog format that finally allowed YOU to comment. Many people have used the new comment feature. Exactly 2,730 public comments have been posted in the last 12 months as of noon today.

From December 19, 2006 until January 6, 2011 this blog was just a simple text page where I would write stuff and that was the end of it.

There was no RSS feed, no email list, no searching, no calendar, no archives, no auto-twitter, not many photos, no ability so share a link to an individual post and I couldn’t update this blog on the road from my iPhone.

But worst of all there was no you. I’m glad you’re here.

Cielito has opened at 1114 State St, in the former home of Stateside and Acapulco. Restaurant hours: Tue-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm, closed Mon. Taqueria hours: Mon 11am-8pm, Tue-Sat 11am-6pm, closed Sun.

Here is a press-release I received about it:

Cielito Restaurant Writes a New Story For Mexican Cuisine in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA. January 2102  – Ready for a “little bit of heaven”? Cielito Restaurant has opened its doors to Santa Barbara unveiling a breathtaking renovation.  Cielito’s location within the historic La Arcada complex has been a longtime favorite gathering place for dining and relaxation around the famous turtle fountain.  With Chef Ramon Velazquez, Cielito introduces Santa Barbara to authentic regional Mexican cuisine and South American flavors at their finest. Emphasizing fresh seafood and seasonal offerings, Cielito is the latest culinary venture by Gordon Hardey, from the renowned local family-owned restaurants Jeannine’s, and business partner Karen Phillips, a long-time friend of the Hardey family.  They were inspired to open a restaurant that celebrates the richness and diversity of Mexican cuisine. Together with Velazquez, they bring their passion for extraordinary food to life, writing a new story for Mexican food in Santa Barbara.

Centrally located in La Arcada, Cielito is ideally situated for those looking for an inviting new setting to take in the sights and sounds of downtown, and experience the rich, varied flavors of Mexico and South America. Cielito offers two distinct venues to enjoy – Cielito Taqueria for fresh, hand made, on-the-go items, or the casual sophistication of Cielito Restaurant, where guests can taste their way through a culinary tour of Mexico and beyond.

The History
The location of Cielito in La Arcada has a long local history. Originally the site of both a hospital and a church, when La Arcada was rebuilt after the 1925 earthquake the space became a restaurant, first as Café de La Arcada, and then in 1949 became El Cielito, a popular restaurant owned by Harry Davis, who also owned Harry’s and Joe’s Café. Davis sold El Cielito in 1973 to Josephine Wandell, who called the restaurant Josie’s El Cielito. The restaurant remained a popular gathering spot for locals, and a favorite lunch location for judges and attorneys from the Courthouse. In 1980 Josie’s El Cielito closed and Acapulco took over the space until 2006. The opening of Cielito is the rebirth of a Santa Barbara tradition, and a return to the classic pleasures of a bygone era. The new Cielito brings back nostalgic memories while at the same time introduces a new take on the Mexican dining experience.

The Food
Over the centuries, indigenous Mexican cuisine has been influenced by its history, region by region. African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean flavors make up part of Mexico’s rich culinary evolution. Cielito’s food reflects this range of culinary influence with recipes from Mexico City to Oaxaca and from Veracruz  to Guadalajara. At Cielito, Chef Velazquez reveals the true flavors of traditional dishes prepared with simplicity and elegance. Each dish celebrates the essence of the ingredients and is presented to delight the eye and the palate. Cielito’s menu has a strong focus on fresh seafood, and benefits from Velazquez’s extensive experience in this area. The Raw Bar will feature several daily ceviches, sashimi grade fish, oysters and sustainable shellfish. At Cielito, all ingredients are carefully sourced, providing grass fed premium meats and the freshest seasonal, and local produce whenever possible. Cielito is the realization of Chef Velazquez’s dream to share with others the food that fed his body and soul growing up.

The Chef
Cielito’s Executive Chef Ramon Velazquez grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico. As the eldest of seven siblings, he spent his youth cooking alongside his mother and grandmother at home and in the family’s “fonda”, a small neighborhood food stand outside their home. Some of Velazquez’s favorite foods growing up were “Antojitos” which translates to “small cravings”. Antojitos are traditionally served in small bites and reflect the fresh local produce from the region and change with the seasons. These form the basis for Cielito’s small plates, ideal for sharing among friends. Velazquez moved to Santa Barbara in 1990 and after finishing his education, he pursued his passion for the culinary world and worked in many notable local restaurants, honing his skills and defining his style. Most recently, Velazquez spent the past 12 years at Arigato, ultimately serving as head sushi chef. The beautiful presentation and extraordinary skill and care with fresh fish dishes are hallmarks of the style that is distinctively his.

Cielito’s Main Restaurant
The inviting dining room at Cielito has been grandly restored, respecting the elegance of the historic La Arcada, drawing guests in to an inviting and exhilarating experience. Befitting its name, Cielito’s high ceilings are illuminated by twinkling lights that give the space a celestial “little bit of heaven” feel. Several private dining and meeting spaces, complete with fireplaces and views overlooking the main dining room and courtyard below, make the mezzanine level the most requested seats in the house. Open late for dinner, drinks, and desserts.

Cielito Taqueria
The Taqueria’s walk-up taco bar offers a separate quick-bite menu for lunch and dinner. Featuring mouth-watering made-to-order tacos, tamales, soups, salads and more, the Taqueria offers a fresh and convenient way to eat on the go or to enjoy sitting around the fountain. The same premium ingredients make all the offerings truly stand out.

The Tequila Bar
The majestic antique bar, brought to Santa Barbara from Chicago by Hugh Peterson, provides a grand backdrop for the Cielito Tequila bar. Presenting a premium selection of world-class Tequilas and spirits from Mexico and South America, the bar offers an inventive line-up of hand crafted cocktails to please all palates, including house-made Tequila infusions and fresh pressed juices from seasonal Farmer’s Market fruit. The bar is a perfect spot to explore the tastes of Tequila while enjoying surprise treats, or “botanas”, prepared by the Cielito kitchen. Cielito’s Botana Hour is the perfect place to meet after work to relax while sampling some of Cielito’s savory offerings.

About Cielito Restaurant & Taqueria
Cielito Restaurant celebrates the true flavors of Mexico. Indulge your senses at every turn.  Sample the famous antojitos, or “small cravings”, perfect for sharing among friends. Experience the Raw Bar’s piquant ceviches and fresh shellfish. Take a break at the Taqueria for savory treats in handmade tortillas. Treat yourself with desserts made just for Cielito.  Cielito is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, in the historic La Arcada. Visit for a truly unique experience. 1114 State Street, Santa Barbara CA, 93101. For reservations call (805) 225-4488.  www.cielitorestaurant.com

Chef Ramon Velazquez (left) with his team.

Here is a message from Rudy’s Mexican restaurant about the recent closure of Rudy’s in Paseo Nuevo:

To the city of Santa Barbara:

The Rudy’s family would like to thank each and every one of the community members, students, working commuters, as well as our dedicated travelers and tourists from the city of Santa Barbara. To properly thank you for your loyalty, we wanted to inform you of some alterations we will be making with our Rudy’s locations. Thanks to everyone’s patronage, support, and dedication, from our beginnings on Montecito Street, where we first began our business of making our famous tacos and large burritos, and of course, the Rudy’s burger, to our newest venture in the city of Camarillo, we have been in business since 1976.

We are pleased to have catered to all of you throughout these years, and we look forward to continuing the tradition. However, with a lot of consideration, our family has decided to close our Paseo Nuevo location in lieu of our new venture.

Our locations are as far north as Buellton, and extend down the coast of California to Carpinteria, and now down to beautiful Camarillo. Since opening our doors there this past September, the city of Camarillo has been wonderfully welcoming thanks to the great reputation the city of Santa Barbara has given us.

Again, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our loyal customers for supporting us throughout the years, and we welcome you to visit us at one of our six other locations, as we would be more than happy to serve our outstandingly faithful patrons. We look forward to continuing the tradition throughout the generations to come.

Thank You,
The Rudy’s Family

Here are the winners of the SantaBarbara.com Restaurant Guide online poll that was conducted during December 2011. The results will be displayed online throughout 2012 and beyond.

Click here for The Best of 2012

Survey participants considered 110 different food & drink categories. New categories this year include: Best Sushi, Best Fish & Chips, Best Food Truck, Best Drive-In, Best Buellton Restaurant, Best Solvang Restaurant and Best Place To Bring Your Pet.

Winners of multiple awards (including first place or finalist) are: bouchon (6), Brewhouse (5), Brophy Bros (5), Fresco Cafe (4), Opal Restaurant and Bar (4), Renaud’s (4), Whole Foods Market (4), Alcazar Tapas Bar (3), Bella Vista (3), Cajun Kitchen (3), Mac’s Fish & Chip Shop (3), Natural Cafe (3), Pascucci (3), Sojourner Cafe (3), Wine Cask (3), Arch Rock Fish (2), Arigato Sushi (2), Beachside Bar Cafe (2), Burger Bus (2), Ca Dario (2), Corktree (2), Costco Food Court (2), Enterprise Fish (2), Freebirds World Burrito (2), Harry’s Plaza Cafe (2), Holdren’s (2), Hollister Brewing Co. (2), Jane (2), Jeannine’s Bakery (2), Lazy Acres (2), Lilly’s Taqueria (2), Los Agaves (2), Los Arroyos (2), Milk & Honey (2), Oreana (2), Palace Grill (2), Paradise Cafe (2), Sly’s (2), South Coast Deli (2), Stonehouse Restaurant (2), Summerland Beach Cafe (2), Three Pickles (2), Tri County Produce (2), Tupelo Junction Cafe (2), Zaytoon (2)

New restaurants that received awards include: Cadiz, Cafe Stella, Cecco Ristorante, Killer B BBQ and Bar, O Street Truck and Scarlett Begonia.

 Best Overall Restaurant: bouchon

bouchon at 9 W. Victoria St. was voted Best Overall Restaurant on the South Coast and received the most awards (6). Top Row, left to right: Nicholas Markovitch (Kitchen Staff), Abe Shelton (Server), John Loewen (Restaurant Manager/Sommelier), Ryan Smith (Server), Byron Wood (Server), Mitchell Sjerven (Owner). Seated, left to right: Eric Hanson (Server), Madeline Sachs (Hostess), Chef Greg Murphy, Simon Lewis (Kitchen Staff), Noe Tecu (Kitchen Staff)

The eagerly anticipated Petros Greek restaurant at 1316 State St (formerly Cafe Buenos Aires) has opened. I spoke with Petros Los Olivos and was told that their new Santa Barbara location will be open just for dinner for a couple of weeks then add lunch to their schedule. For more information call (805) 899-9100.

• Reader Sarah says: “Hi John. We just drove by the old Tapayec Taquitos location and it has a sign for Taqueria Cuernavaca coming soon.”
• Reader Adam says: “New restaurant alert: Former home of Tepeyac has a sign/logo on the front that says “Taqueria Cuernavaca.” I searched online and a taqueria with the same name and logo operates in Ventura. Hopefully they do better than Tepeyac!”
• Reader Restaurant Guy says: “Considering that Tepeyac survived just 4 months it is almost certain that this new restaurant will do better. This is my last post for the year! C-ya in 2012.”

Tipsters let me know that the phone number for Cafe Zoma in Goleta is disconnected. I called Cafe Zoma downtown and was told that their Goleta location is no longer in business. Cafe Zoma Goleta opened in November 2010.

This changes the year-end stats yet again:

• Openings in 2011: 39
• Closings in 2011: 41

I called Rudy’s Mexican restaurant in Paseo Nuevo and was told that December 31st is their last day in business.

In mid-November I wrote that Eureka Burger will be coming to Paseo Nuevo in the old Ruby’s Diner location next to California Pizza Kitchen. I am told that Eureka has now put signs up in Paseo Nuevo indicating their pending arrival.

I called Petros in Los Olivos today and was told the opening for their new location at 1316 State St. has been changed to next Tuesday, January 3rd.

Because the opening of the Santa Barbara location for Petros restaurant has been moved to the new year, the official year-end stats have changed:

• Openings in 2011: 39
• Closings in 2011: 40

My foodie duties for the year wouldn’t be complete without summarizing activity at food & drink destinations on the South Coast.

In 2011 there were 40 openings and 40 closings of food-related businesses (with walk-in storefronts) across the South Coast region from Carpinteria to Goleta, including UCSB, Isla Vista and the airport.

When compared to the activity in 2010 the number of openings is exactly the same and there was a 7.5% increase in the number of closings. The most openings were in January, August, September and November (5 each month). The most closingswere in June and August (6 each month).

• Openings in 2011: American (8), Dessert (5), Mexican (5), Coffee (4), Deli (4), Italian (4), Spanish (2), Vegetarian (2), BBQ (1), Burger (1), French (1), Greek (1), Indian (1), Smoothie (1)
• Closings in 2011: American (13), Mexican (7), Dessert (4), Coffee (3), Bakery (2), Deli (2), Italian (2), Argentinean (1), BBQ (1), Burger (1), Chinese (1), Greek (1), Indian (1) and Steakhouse (1).
• Most-Reviewed Restaurants: Of the 697 eateries listed in the SantaBarbara.com Restaurant Guide, these locations received the most public reviews during 2011:
  - Cafe Stella 3302 Mc Caw Ave (58 reviews)
  - Nicky D’s Wood-Fired Pizza 2840 De La Vina St (50 reviews)
  - Killer B BBQ and Bar 718 State St (36 reviews)
  - Petrini’s 5711 Calle Real, Goleta (27 reviews)
  - Padaro Beach Grill 3765 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria (24 reviews)
• Flash In The Pan: Eateries that both opened and closed in 2011: Tepeyac Taquitos 201 W Carrillo St (4 months) and Momma Donna’s 413 State St. (10 months).

I am told that a new natural food restaurant named “Route 217” and a Subway deli opened inside the UCen at UCSB earlier this year. These eateries replaced Gaucho Cafe and Wendy’s. Chilitos, which closed earlier this year, will be replaced by Wahoo’s Fish Taco.

A tipster tells me that “ANQI Bistro & Noodle Bar” has been taking a look at 18 E. Cota St., the former home of Cafe Luck.

I called Petros in Los Olivos and was told that their new Santa Barbara location at 1316 State St. (formerly Cafe Buenos Aires) will have a soft opening at the end of this week.

A new sandwich shop named Tony’s Market & Deli is planning to open in the near future at 27 Parker Way, which is just around the corner from Santa Barbara Roasting Co. as well as across the street from Yoga Soup.

I spoke with owner Jeff Snyder who tells me that he plans to open an American cuisine restaurant named “Pace” at 413 State St., the former home of Momma Donna’s. Snyder, who has been a chef for 30+ years at hotels & resorts, recently moved here from San Diego. “We are going to do locally sourced stuff, change our menu almost weekly. It’s a family run place,” says Snyder.

• View the menu at Pace

Xanadu Bakery at 1028 Coast Village Rd in Montecito, originally scheduled to reopen by Christmas, now plans to open in January. The business closed in July 2010 after a fire damaged the building.

Downtown eatery Momma Donna’s at 413 State St. has closed their doors. The restaurant opened in February of this year, replacing Billies, which itself replaced Lettuce B. Frank.

I hear Lito’s Mexican Restaurant of Santa Barbara will be featured on the Food Networks ‘Diners Drive-Ins and Dives’, hosted by Guy Fieri, tonight December 26th at 10pm, December 27th at 1am and January 6th at 9pm.

Today I updated the restaurant guide and added The New Black BBQ (food truck), eBar (coffee shop extension of Nordstrom),  Costa Terraza (airport upstairs), Coffee Bean (airport upstairs) and Coffee Bean (airport downstairs).

I received a tip from reader Primetime and blogger/Montecito Messenger columnist Craig Smith that it is unlikely that Maggies will open this December as planned at 1201 State St, the former home of State & A. I’m told the interior appears to be still in the middle of construction.

Sources tell me that a new bakery will arrive in February at 1150 Coast Village Rd in Montecito, the former home of Whodidily.

Reliable sources tell me that new restaurant Petros at 1316 State St. (formerly Cafe Buenos Aires) will be opening this Thursday or Friday.

KEYT paid a visit to the Accidental Santa center and here is their news story about it.

For the first time this year we kept track of where calls originated.  I put a red dot on a map on each state where a child called from. Below is an hour sample of children’s phone calls we were able to answer. Even with 5 phone lines running 8 hours a day we can only answer a fraction of the calls coming in.

Most popular toys this year (using a one-day statistical sample): Leap Pad, Lalaloopsy, Play Kitchen Set, iPod, iPad, Barbi, Tinkerbell, Kindle Fire, DSI/Wii/Xbox/Xbox games, scooter, puppy, pony