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 Santa Barbara > Restaurants > The Restaurant Guy
Silvergreens - Making our food as healthy as possible without compromising taste. Eat Smart...Live Well.
Eladio's - Offering California Casual Comfort food for lunch and dinner with a panoramic view of the waterfront.
Michael's Catering - Featuring superb ingredients simply prepared and offering great value for your catering budget.
Arts & Letters Cafe - Offers classic California cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood in a beautiful courtyard.
Coast Restaurant & Bar - Savory, accessible comfort food reflecting Santa Barbara's seaside access.
Pure Joy Catering  - Offers the entire package in full service special event and wedding catering.
Pizza Guru - Traditional and eccentric gourmet pizzas, salads, panini & pastas. Local sources, organic goodness.
Blush - Seasonal Californian cuisine and profound signature cocktails in a modern setting. Available for private parties.
Whole Foods Market - The premier location for organic produce and meats, local wines, specialty cheeses and more.
The Palace Grill - Features authentic Louisiana specialties such as Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffée and more.
 Email your restaurant news tips or comments  ·  Photo Blog  ·  Anonymous Tip Line  ·  Read my column every Tuesday in the Daily Sound
 

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Vacation: I am taking a vacation and won't be reporting again until next week sometime. Today's column is dedicated to Fess Parker who died today at age 85.
 


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The End Of An Era: Chef Karim's Moroccan Restaurant at 1221 State Street will be serving its last dinner this Sunday, March 21st. Namesake owner Karim Chhibbane is retiring. "Thank you to all of Santa Barbara, to SIMA, to you John, also to people from other places that traveled and came here many many times," said Chhibbane. "But especially those from Santa Barbara. It’s been a great experience to be with the people of Santa Barbara and feel that I’m home. I’ve never felt for one day that I’m not home."

New In The Guide: HobNob Tavern has opened at 21 W. Victoria Street and I added them to the restaurant guide today. The eatery, run by Alberto & Michelle Mastrangelo, replaces Epiphany Restaurant & Bar.

Food Network: Celebrity Iron Chef Cat Cora was at D'Angelo Bread recently taping a segment for The Food Network Channel called "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." It airs this Friday, March 19th at 10pm.

WineDineTV.com: While at a recent meeting of the Santa Barbara Young Professionals Club (sbypc.org) I learned about a local company named WineDineTV.com run by energetic mother-and-daughter team Judit and Corina Schweller. I spoke with Corina who tells me that they have traveled extensively throughout the most prominent wine regions of Europe and California, educating themselves and others at every opportunity on the flavors and traditions of the regions they toured. Together they have hosted many dinners, seminars and given Cooking Classes that have revolved around creative food and wine pairings. They share their experiences on the web at WineDineTV.com and also on Coastal TV Network. Corina tells me "If you love food, wine and travel then this is your place to explore an ever expanding collection of tasting videos, fresh wine country inspired recipes, and a personable community."

St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow and there are many places in town to celebrate including:

  • Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant - "Open 10am-2am, Shepherd's Pie performing traditional Irish music from 1:30-3:30, Dannsair performing traditional Irish music from 6:30-8:30, & pipers performing several times between 6-8. No cover the whole day/night!"
  • SOhO Restaurant & Music Club - "St. Patrick’s Day features Spencer & The Worried Lads and their Irish-Mexican-Pirate sounds sailing into happy hour at Soho. Hosted by Martha (A real Irish Coleen) O’keefe from 5-9 this boat is heavy on harmonies, hearty sing-along’s, and the accordion of Brett Larsen...A rousing, rollicking tradition rolls on.... Don’t miss out…we’ll have festive food and drink specials! And don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!"

Westways: Reader Wendy sent me a PDF version of an article from the current issue of the Auto Club's Westways magazine that features the owners of Gino's Sicilian Express plus stories about Los Agaves, and Goleta Sushi House.
 


Friday, March 12, 2010

Hot Cookie: Reader Primetime alerted me to the fact that local bakery HotCookie.com was featured on The Rachel Ray show.

Online Ordering: South Coast Deli (1436 Chapala St & 185 S. Patterson Ave) now offers online ordering at their web site: southcoastdeli.com

Westways: On March 1st I mentioned that the owners of Gino's Sicilian Express were featured in the current issue of Auto Club's Westways magazine. Apparently another local business was also featured:

Hi John,

I wanted to let you know that another local Santa Barbara business was also in Westways (page 18) - Happy Tiffin. It's not entirely off topic as tiffins are the original food "to-go" box from India. All stainless steel food containers offering a great green alternative for carry out in restaurants, school/work lunches, picnics for those seeking a non-plastic alternative. We received an amazing spike in business as well as wholesale inquiries from every corner of California by caterers, wineries, restaurant and eco-friendly green stores.

Thanks!
Andrea
happytiffin.com


Thursday, March 11, 2010

St. Patrick's Day: March 17th is coming up quickly. Here are some emails I received about it:

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Hollister Brewing Company
Join us Wednesday, March 17th
Enjoy Our Irish Fare A La Carte…, Irish Dry Stout, Irish Red, Leek, Potato & Bacon Soup, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Stout Chocolate Cake with Stout Ice Cream. …or as a Prix Fixe Meal… A Beer, Cup of Soup, Entrée and Dessert for just $25.00 + tax.
Hollister Brewing Company
6980 Marketplace Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
805.968.2810
www.hollisterbrewco.com

Get Lucky on St. Patrick's Day at COAST Restaurant & Bar, at Canary Hotel
Get lucky this St. Patrick's Day, Wednesday, March 17th, at COAST Restaurant & Bar at Canary Hotel! COAST will offer an authentic "Irish Whiskey Bomb" cocktail (on St. Patrick’s Day only) for $209, which, and as luck would have it, comes with your own guest room at Canary Hotel... which you'll need if you're drinking an Irish Whiskey Bomb. Whether you're looking for a pot of gold, or a lucky Happy Hour experience, COAST Restaurant & Bar is the place to be this St. Patrick's Day.
Get lucky on St. Patrick's Day at COAST Restaurant & Bar. For details call (805) 879-9100 or visit www.canarysantabarbara.com.

Hi John, I wanted to pass on the word if possible about Jean-Michels "Saint Patricks Day Shamrock" He has combined our local "Island View Brewery" with their "Starry Night Stout " and his amazing dark chocolate . It is so smooth and delicious even those who don't care for beer ,love this ! We did a beer and chocolate tasting with 3 of their different beers and our chocolates..It was a hit !
Jill-Marie Carre
Chocolats du CaliBressan
4193 Carpinteria ave. suite 4
Carpinteria, Ca. 93013
(805)-684-6900


Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Restaurant History: A new local restaurant history web site (tinyurl.com/sbdininghistory) has been created by Antonio Gardella (winemaker and fine wine specialist) and James Sly (chef and owner of Sly's restaurant in Carpinteria) that offers a comprehensive list of Santa Barbara restaurants dating back to 1875.

Acai Bowls: Blenders in the Grass, a popular smoothie shop with seven locations on the South Coast, now offers Acai Bowls for $6. Here is the official description: "Organic Sambazon Acai blended up super thick with strawberries, banana and a splash of apple juice. Topped with granola, sliced bananas and a touch of honey."

Benefit: Thursday March 11th 4-7pm Cafe Buenos Aires will donate $3 to Direct Relief International (aid for Haiti & Chile) for each signature drink purchased ($8). Local musicians including guitarist Chris Fossek are donating their time for the event.

Off Topic: My friend Preston Marx is extremely knowledgeable about automobiles. To test his skills I periodically take a photo of a beat up car and ask him to identify it. I was recently hiking at Corral Canyon in the mountains above Malibu and spotted this wreck (with a tree growing out of it). Preston tells me it is a 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville (pictured below) or a 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. I think he might be right.
 

 


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

On The Side opens in IV: A sports bar and restaurant named “On The Side” opened yesterday at 6521 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the birthplace of The Habit Burger Grill and Kinko's Copies Corp. Unlike most eateries in Isla Vista that require you to order at the cash register, On The Side will be a full service restaurant with a wait staff.
 
   I spoke with general manager John Shields who told me that On The Side’s cuisine is sports bar-oriented, mostly burgers, sandwiches, salads, hot dogs and fried food appetizers including buffalo wings made in-house from scratch. The restaurant has many TV sets inside (seats 30-40) and on the patio (seats 50-60).
 
   On The Side offers an eight-tap draft beer system that is chilled all the way to the tap and serves beer at 34-37 degrees every time you pull it. The selection includes Bud Light, Firestone, Stella, Firestone IPA, Firestone Honey Blonde, Blue Moon, Hefferveisen, Sunshine, and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
 
   On The Side will be open 11am – midnight seven days a week. For more information call 685-2600 or visit otsrestaurant.com.
 


Monday, March 8, 2010

For Sale: If you are interested in purchasing a restaurant, a pub, a dessertery (is that a real word?), or perhaps a pizza joint, here is a list of local food-related businesses that have been listed for sale this year on bizben.com:

Restaurant Of The Month: Rudy's - Carpinteria is the SantaBarbara.com "Restaurant of the Month." Their staff photo appears on the restaurant guide home page throughout March.
 


Friday, March 5, 2010

Hob Nob Opening Delayed: The new Hob Nob tavern scheduled to open today at 21 W. Victoria Street, the former home of Epiphany, will instead launch next week. Here is a message from owner Michelle Mastrangelo:

As much as I dislike turning guests away, we have decided that a few more days delay of opening is the best for the restaurant. We will spend the weekend cooking the menu and training our staff to ensure that when we open next week we are feeling comfortable in our new shoes!. It is very important to us that food and service are excellent and it isn't worth rushing to open too soon and risk any possible disappointment to our guests. We will look forward to opening our doors next week no later than Friday March 12th...

Sushi Catering & Delivery: Periodically I receive emails from people asking if I know of any businesses that offer a sushi catering service. There is a local business name Sushi On Site (sushionsite.com, 805-708-7127) run by Master Chef Arief Norman who offers the service for any occasion including corporate events, weddings and graduations. Norman has a companion sushi delivery service named Sushi2You (sushi2you.com, 805-708-7127). Next day delivery is available in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.

Esau's Remodel: Esau's Cafe at 507 Linden Ave in Carpinteria is closed for remodeling until the weekend of March 13.

Off Topic: Hockey Hall of Fame member Luc Robitaille and Kathy Mintzer, president of the Greater Santa Barbara Ice Skating Association, are joined by ice skating fans for the launch today of the final stretch of a fundraising campaign for the Ice in Paradise ice skating rink in Goleta. The organization has raised $2.2 million so far and needs $4 million more by the end of this year. Construction would then begin and the new rink would open at the end of 2011.


Thursday, March 4, 2010

I'm Taking The Day Off: Why? The SantaBarbara.com Restaurant Guide celebrates its 14th birthday today. The restaurant guide was launched so long ago that Bill Clinton was president, OJ Simpson was on trial and the song “Macarena” was #1 on the radio.
 

 


Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Cities Barbecue Closes: Cities Barbecue, known in part for having a polychromatic dairy cow on its rooftop near Santa Barbara High School, is showing typical signs of an eatery that has acquired a permanent home in the Restaurant Cemetery, including being closed during business hours, the interior looking strangely vacant and having a disconnected phone number. Cities Barbecue first opened in July, 2005.

Winter Wine Down: Winter Wine Down is the Muscular Dystrophy Association's premiere wine and food tasting event on the Central Coast. Eat, drink, and be merry while listening to live music and bidding on silent auction items. Accompanying the wine tasting is a culinary competition, for which they have once again asked The Restaurant Guy to be a judge. The event takes place March 20, 2010 at the beautiful Roblar Winery, 3010 Roblar Ave in Santa Ynez. Hours are 1pm-4pm (VIP starts at noon). General Admission Ticket are $60 ($45 tax deductible), VIP $100 ($75 tax deductible).
 
   Participants in the food aspect of the event include: Ballard Inn & Restaurant, California Pizza Kitchen, Country Catering Company, El Rancho Market, Epicurean Cowboy Catering, Island View Catering, Joe’s Cafe, Los Olivos Cafe, Louise’s Kitchen Table, New West Special Occasions, Osteria Monte Grappa, Root 246, RSVP – The Catering Company and Santa Barbara County Firefighters.
 
   Here are pictures from last year's event. For more information or to purchase tickets call (805) 560-7651 or visit winterwinedown.com.
 


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Coming Soon: Bay Roadhouse Bar & Grill: Bay Cafe at 131 Anacapa Street will soon have a new home and a new name.
 
   I spoke with proprietor Bob Montgomery, who also owns the successful Nugget restaurants in Summerland and Goleta, and he told me the changes will be occurring in April.

The Bay Café will be moving to 202 State Street, the former home of Paoli’s and Bougainvillea, and be renamed “Bay Roadhouse Bar & Grill.” The restaurant will be next-door neighbors with
Union Ale Brewing Co. which opened last August.
 
   Bay Roadhouse Bar & Grill will be lowering prices a couple of dollars and will add menu items borrowed from the Nugget in addition to the seafood & pasta they serve now.
 
   Another idea borrowed from the Nugget: funky displays around the room including a marlin & tuna, glass balls & net, vintage automobile wooden wheels, pier pilings and old pictures of Santa Barbara.

Photo Blog: March 1, 2010 - Pictures of "Soup de l'YMCA" fundraiser for YMCA Campaign for Youth. The event was held at State & A Bar and Grill.
 


Monday, March 1, 2010

Westways: The owners of Gino's Sicilian Express are featured in the current issue of the Auto Club's Westways Magazine. Owner Connie Milano told me a story about their business and the article:

Hi John,

We opened Gino's Sicilian Express Pizzeria on Figueroa St nearly 15 years ago. We moved on to open two other local restaurants, Cucina Isabella in Camarillo and Sicily by Gino in Ventura. I have lived in Santa Barbara for over 30 years, kids born there, schooled there etc. I am originally from Scotland and Gino was born in Sicily.

This Westways article has had people lining up at our doors and every table booked...it really is a great human interest story and during these rough times an inspirational piece to share.

My husband works so hard at what he does and deserves all the acclaim. A few months ago a lady came into Sicily by Gino had lunch and normal lunch time conversation with Gino. She told him she was going to write about him. He came home that night and told me. We had no idea it was this magazine until they sent in their photographer a few weeks later.

3.5 million copies were printed and mailed in southern California for this mailing. Let me tell you it felt like 3.5 million hungry people came thru our restaurants these past few days. I had them lined up at both lunch at dinner as we opened the doors.

Below is just one of the many lovely customer quotes we got.

"I saw the article yesterday and was thrilled to see Gino and Connie. you guys have such great food and wonderful ambiance. See you soon. The article is well deserved and I’m glad to see you’re doing so well despite this economy. - Rosemarie"

- Connie Milano

India House Update: India House, the new Indian restaurant and bazaar at 418 State Street, is still waiting for the Health Dept to issue a permit that allows them to open the restaurant part of their business. The bazaar, which sells more than 400 different items from India, opened last Friday. I'll post a note here when the stoves are hot!

Fundraiser: I will be a soup judge today at 6pm at State & A Bar and Grill for a YMCA fundraiser.

Grand Opening: Here are a few pics from Chino's Rock & Tacos grand opening party in Isla Vista last Saturday.
 

 


Friday, February 26, 2010

It's Time To Hob Nob: A "modern tavern" named Hob Nob will be opening next Friday, March 5th at 21 W. Victoria Street. Hob Nob will replace Epiphany Restaurant & Bar which, after 8 years in business, closed its doors last week. "Hob Nob is our vision of a place where you can come as you are, whether it is a quick bite to eat before the theatre or a group cocktail gathering, perhaps a romantic dinner for two," said owner Michelle Mastrangelo. "We have merged the bar with the restaurant to become one."
 
   The new restaurant plans to offer affordable "California Tavern Cuisine" in a fun, comfortable atmosphere, without being too trendy or upscale. Take a sneak peek at an early draft of Hob Nob's menu brought to you exclusively by The Restaurant Guy. Everything will be under $20 except for the filet mignon which will be $24 or $25.
 
   Here is the official press-release about Hob Nob:

Hob Nob, a comfortable yet chic modern day tavern and lounge. Here, people gather with friends and family to dine in one of the most inviting ambiances in Santa Barbara, amongst a backdrop that combines cozy comfort with an urban accent. Hob Nob features affordable interpretations of Classic California Tavern Cuisine alongside a selection of fresh cocktails, craftsman beers and thoughtful wines. Hob Nob is open for dinner and drinks daily and is designed to be used as a casual gathering place for festive group dinners, pre-theatre eats and drinks, a romantic table for two or a late night stop for cocktails and savory snacks on our patio. Hob Nob is designed to meet all your dining needs. Come on over and stay awhile. HOBNOB a modern tavern 21 W. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, CA T. 805.564.7100 www.hobnobsb.com

Epiphany Closes: Epiphany Restaurant & Bar at 21 W. Victoria Street closed their doors for good last week. They will be replaced by a "modern tavern" named Hob Nob starting Friday, March 5th.

Photo Blog: February 25, 2010 - Recently I wrote stories about Fresh & Easy and BevMo! coming soon to Santa Barbara. Before those names appeared in my blog I had never seen or heard of either company. Last night I was in Manhattan Beach and noticed a mall that had both companies in the same building, each on a different side. I decided to take a peek to see what they look like inside and snapped a few fuzzy photos with my iPhone.

Off Topic: Friday, March 5th at noon there will be a press conference to announce the donation of land for a new ice skating rink in Goleta. The press conference will be held under a tent canopy on the site of the new ice skating rink -- on Santa Felicia behind the Home Depo next to the parking lot at Girsh Park. The cross street is Storke and Santa Felicia. The land is being donated by Wynmark Company President Mark Linehan, owner of the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta to Ice in Paradise and the Greater Santa Barbara Ice Skating Association.
 


Thursday, February 25, 2010

Chipotle Coming To Goleta: About a year ago I mentioned in this blog that Chipotle was considering opening in Goleta some day. It appears that "some day" will be this summer. Chipotle has decided that their second South Coast location will be 270 Storke Road, next to Rusty's Pizza in the former home of Soccer Action USA.

Special Guest: "Jackass" TV star Chris Pontius confirmed he will attend the grand opening of Chino's Rock & Tacos - Isla Vista this Saturday. There will be taco eating contests 12:30, 6:30 and 9:30, free food, $1 beers 11-4, Chino's Girls, beer tasting and giveaways.
 


Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Pop Culture: Last Saturday while at a fundraiser for Direct Relief International I had a chance to try some fruit sodas made by a young couple from Buellton. Their company "Pop Culture Beverage Company" will launch this summer. I was amazed how good their drinks tasted. Normally I avoid these type of sodas because they are always too sweet, too strong or too fake. Some how Pop Culture figured out how to do fruit sodas right and I am now officially a fan. They use organic fruit, organic evaporated cane juice and water. That's all. They are currently in talks to have Whole Foods Market become a distributor. To contact them visit popculturebeverage.com. Here is their press-release:

Pop Culture Beverage Company is America’s only producer of hand-crafted Artisan Sodas. Pop Culture's premium carbonated beverages begin as US grown, single-origin organic fruit. Through Pop Culture’s unique proprietary production process, the juice is extracted with extreme care; harnessing the unique and subtle nuances of each flavor. The four flavors: Blueberry, Strawberry, Ginger Pear, and Blackberry Hibiscus are pure refreshment; cleansing the mind, body, and palate with their crisp, clean finish. Pop Culture’s organic Artisan Sodas set a new standard in the beverage industry by moving beyond the use of concentrates, extracts, gums, juice fillers, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and colors. Pop Culture Beverage Company is the Natural Evolution of Soda.

First Anniversary: Live Culture at 11 W. De la Guerra Street is celebrating their one year anniversary on Tuesday March 2nd by kicking of the week with a fundraiser supporting the Santa Barbara Youth Music Academy. Members and mentors of the music youth academy will be playing throughout the week.

  • Tuesday March 2nd - 100% of Frozen Yogurt Sales for The Day Will Be Donated to the SB Youth Music Academy
  • Wednesday March 3rd - Buy One Get One Free Panino
  • Thursday March 4th - Buy One Get One Free Espresso Drink or Frozen Yogurt
  • Friday & Saturday March 5th & 6th - Complimentary Brownie Mudslide or Real Beer Float with Purchase of 2 Entrees
  • Sunday March 7th - Happy Hour Pricing Extended All Day & Night

Yellow Pages: In your 2010 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 color ad. They are:

  • All India Cafe 431 State St
  • Edomasa 2710 De La Vina St
  • Eladio's 1 State St
  • Jungle George Grill 5722 Calle Real
  • Mandarin Palace 3955 State St
  • Szechuan Restaurant 1994 Cliff Dr
  • Silvergreens 791 Chapala St & 900 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista
  • Yen Ching Restaurant 2840 De La Vina St

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Downtown And Out: The Downtown Brewing Co. at 3744 State Street officially closed their doors for good today. All of the kitchen equipment and furniture was piled up in the parking lot today. I called headquarters in San Luis Obispo to confirm the closure. The brewery first opened on upper State Street in May, 2007. Thanks to reader Patrick for the tip.

India House Opens Friday: A new restaurant and bazaar named "India House" serving North Indian Muglei and Tandoori Cuisine hopes to open this week at 418 State Street, the former home of Scavenge. If the health inspection is completed today, according to owner Krishan Gupta, they will have a soft opening this Friday. The 6,000 ft business will be a combination 160-seat Indian restaurant and bazaar selling more than 400 different items from India. Gupta, whose family has been making and selling Indian goods since 1910, also owns an open air market at 518 State Street next to Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro.
 
   This summer they will expand the restaurant to include a 100-seat outdoor garden called "Maharaja Village" that offers lounges for sitting and relaxing. Gupta, who runs India House with his wife Yana, tells me that the official grand opening party will be in about a month. Restaurant hours will be 10am-9pm seven days a week. For more information visit indiahouseusa.com.

Fresco Coming To Solvang: Fresco Cafe, which has locations at 3987 State Street in Five Points Shopping Center and at 5940 Calle Real in Goleta, plans to open "Fresco Valley Cafe" at 442 Atterdag Road in the heart of Solvang. A lease was signed by owners Aric Christopher and Matthew Raab last week. The opening is scheduled for mid-summer.

Rumor Machine: After a recent tune-up from Make It Work and a fresh set of ink cartridges, all that was left for the Rumor Machine to be fully functional again was a stack of 100% recycled paper. To get extra mileage out of my paper supply I always print on both sides. So, yesterday, I took the stack of restaurant rumor print-outs from 2009, turned them upside down and put them in the paper tray.
 
   Apparently the Rumor Machine had a message already waiting in the queue because it quickly output a page of text that read: "The former owners of Sevilla restaurant at 428 Chapala Street, which closed September 2008, want to reopen the eatery. It may have a new name and a new concept." As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.

Photo Blog: February 20, 2010 - Wine auction benefit for Direct Relief International
 


Monday, February 22, 2010

Fresh & Easy Update: Last week I published news that Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market is planning to open a location at 336 N. Milpas Street. I called some existing businesses at that address and it appears that Fresh & Easy will be taking over the entire building. An employee of one of the business told me that Whitefoot Meat Market, a Mexican restaurant, a nail salon and any other businesses at 336 N. Milpas will all have to close or relocate.
   John Dixon, owner of nearby Tri-County Produce (335 S. Milpas Street), contacted me recently and said: "I am sure their will be quite a few disappointed people to learn of this. I for one am a regular at El Pollo Nor Teno, great food! And White Foot has been one of the last of the old school butcher shops. So sad, not because Fresh & Easy might be considered a little competition, but rather that another case of the disappearing family mom & pop type businesses in good old Santa Barbara. We bring in one new corporate and eliminate 7 to 10 small mom and pops!"

Fresco 15th Anniversary: Fresco Cafe Five Points will celebrate fifteen years of operation on Sunday May 23rd with a huge block party (food, drink and fun will be the order of the day). Leslie Lembo will be part of the entertainment lineup.

Grand Opening: Chino's Rock & Tacos which opened at 6530 Pardall Rd in Isla Vista last month is planning to have a grand opening party this Saturday, February 27th. For more information call (805) 968-5118.

National Pancake Day: IHOP, represented locally at 1701 State St, 4765 Calle Real in Goleta and 1114 Casitas Pass Rd in Carpinteria) plans to celebrate National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 23. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., IHOP will give you one free short stack (three) of their buttermilk pancakes. IHOP asks that you consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network or other local charities.
 


Friday, February 19, 2010

Lettuce B. Something: Reliable sources tell me that the owner of Whiskey Richards (435 State Street) has leased out the space formerly occupied by Lettuce B. Frank (413 State Street) and intends to open an eatery of some kind that will include sliders and a variety of late-night eats. It sounds like activity on the 400 block of State Street is starting to pick up. Earlier this week I announced that Q's (409 State Street) has been leased and is being renovated. I am now hearing that it might become a sports bar.

Epiphany Renovation: Epiphany Restaurant & Bar at 21 W. Victoria Street is closed for remodeling until March 3rd. I am told that they have been wanting to paint, re-do bathrooms and floors for some time.

Building Purchased: Tommy Byrne, owner of The James Joyce, just purchased the building at 511 + 513 State Street that currently houses the James Joyce and Wahoo's Fish Taco. The purchase price was $2,810,000 and escrow closed last Wednesday. Byrne was represented by John J. Thyne III and Forrest Buchannan from Goodwin & Thyne Commercial.

BevMo: When I broke the story about BevMo in the Daily Sound (and in this blog) on Tuesday I had no idea the news would spread so far and wide. At last there's proof that my mom & dad aren't the only ones reading this column.
 
   On Thursday the alcoholic beverage superstore was the front page story in the Santa Barbara News-Press, the subject of Barney Brantingham's column in the Independent, the lead story on Noozhawk, it became the most talked about news item on Edhat and was a segment on KEYT.
 
   There appears to be concern by some that BevMo might not be an appropriate business for that part of town, that Bevmo is an unwanted competitor while many others were thrilled at the news and eagerly await their arrival. I am sure there will be much more discussion about it in the days ahead.
 
   For many months BevMo seriously considered opening on the 400 block of State Street. I learned in January that they had finally decided on the 3052 State Street address.

  • Reader Branden says: "I say boo BevMo! We should support the guys at San Roque Liquor and De La Vina Liquor. They have the best beer and liquor selection in Santa Barbara and I know that when I send customers from my restaurant to them, they will have what they need or they will order it. Keep it local!"
  • Reader Chris says: "I live on Upper State where the rumored BevMo will be located and welcome it with open arms. Obviously a furniture store cannot survive there and hopefully their beverage prices will be more reasonable than San Roque Liquor store. People complain about traffic problems in the area, but we witness that with Trader Joe's and its not that big of a deal. When we have so many businesses closing in Santa Barbara (especially on Upper State), we should not deter more from wanting to come in."

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Tuttini Closing This Sunday: Tuttini bakery & coffee shop at 10 E. Carrillo Street is closing their doors this Sunday, February 21st. I spoke with owner Susan Sullivan who told me that they have experienced declining sales during the last 24 months and had a difficult rent structure. Sullivan tells me she hopes to reopen elsewhere in Santa Barbara and is actively looking for a new location that will have much more seating than was available at the Carrillo Street address.

Photo Blog: February 17, 2010 - Wine, cheese & chocolate pairings at Elements Restaurant & Bar. Handmade gourmet truffles were provided by Jessica Foster Confections. We also enjoyed a variety of appetizers. Tastings will be available on the 3rd Wednesday each month from 4:30-6:30pm. $18
 


Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Elements Update: I received a message this morning about upcoming events at Elements Restaurant & Bar 129 E. Anapamu Street:

Hi John~

We wanted to let you know about some new events and specials happening at Elements!

“Twittertini Tuesdays” will feature a different farmer’s market inspired cocktail each week and the first one will only set you back $5.

Wednesday, February 17th starts our much anticipated “Wine, Cheese and Chocolate” pairings. Elements will be bringing together these three divine creations and explore the sensual contrasts and delights that each “element” brings to the experience. Chocolate by Jessica Foster Confections. Tastings will be available on the 3rd Wednesday each month from 4:30-6:30pm. $18

Beginning Sunday, February 21st Elements introduces “Sunday Suppers.” This concept will bring you back to your childhood roots with dishes such as Mac-n-cheese, meatloaf, paella, cioppino, specialty burgers, fried chicken and more updated versions of those delicious classics. This 2-course special will be served in addition to our regular menu from 5:30-9:00pm every Sunday. Wait, it gets better… we will also feature wine and cocktail specials all evening. $19.95

Thanks for everything!

Tina Kreider
Elements Restaurant Bar & Catering


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Say Hello To BevMo! The leading alcoholic beverage-lifestyle superstore retailer in the western United States has signed a lease at 3052 State Street (where State meets De la Vina), the former home of Thomasville Furniture. Beverages & More! (BevMo!) provides alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and “goes with” products such as specialty foods and snacks, cigars, glassware and related bar and wine accessories.
 
   I spoke with building owners Tim & Claudia Garrett who told me that the lease is dependent on BevMo! receiving construction approval from the city of Santa Barbara. The retailer plans to increase parking space by partially removing the back side of the building as well as eliminate a storage room on the property. BevMo! hopes to have a grand opening in July.
 
   BevMo! operates 100 superstores: 47 in Northern California, 43 in Southern California and 10 in Arizona. For more information visit bevmo.com.

News From Q's: Word on the street is that the space formerly occupied by Q’s at 409 State Street has a new tenant who owns several night clubs in town. I am told that a major renovation of the interior is now underway



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