Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Saigon - Five Points Opens Thursday:
William Lam is about to open his fourth Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant
in Santa Barbara. This Thursday is the grand opening of the newest
eatery in Five Points Shopping Center at 3987 State Street #A, next to
Fresco Café. The first Saigon restaurant opened at 318 N. Milpas Street
with locations recently added at 424 State Street and 1230 State Street.
Lam tells me that he had wanted to open at this exact location in
Five Points for many years and when the space became available he jumped
at it. “I would like to thank everyone for their support and we hope you
come visit our new location in Five Points,” he added. The restaurant
will be open every day from 11am-10pm. For more information call (805)
964-0909.
Valentines Day Menus: Here are menus
from local restaurants with special offerings on Valentines Day:
- Pascucci:
We are serving 5 specials on Sunday night, all are $21 and under,
each one comes with choice of 2 side dishes. 1. Almond crusted Kanaloa
free-swimming Scottish salmon with a lemon -herb cream sauce and
capers, 2. Scampi 3. Grilled Shalhoob 8 oz. sirloin steak with choice
of marsala -mushroom cream sauce or goggonzola crumbles, 4. Halibut
Piccata, 5. Half roasted chicken with sherry-sage sauce. In addition,
we are serving our regular menu ( $13.95 and under)
- The Brewhouse
is offering a great valentine prefix menu for couples. The menu is a
three course meal including a choice of two soups, the gorgonzola
salad with pears for two, a choice of five different entrees, plus a
bottle of special valentines Mumm Champagne. Friday, Saturday and
Sunday for $90.00 and that is not per person. We will be offering our
Regular menu also.
Video Blog: Video of
Sandra Bullock
on the red carpet of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Monday, February 8, 2010
Valentines Day Menus: Here are menus
from local restaurants with special offerings on Valentines Day:
- Silvergreens on
Chapala: On Valentines Day, any couple eating Downtown (lunch
or dinner) receives 2 complimentary glasses of champagne or wine of
choice, w/ 2 entree purchases.
- Brummis:
We'll offer our "Haxen" ( pork high shank ) with sauerkraut and a
pretzel for $24.95
Reservations for the haxen please call(805) 687-5916
- California Pasta
- Five Points: Appetizers: baby field green salad, brushetta,
soup or farmers market beet salad. Entrees: pan seared chicken breast
with gnocchi, seafood risotto or braised pork shank with homemade
fettuccine. Desserts: vanilla crème brulee, chocolate cake or
cheesecake. Coffee or tea. Will also include bottomless champagne!!
All for $25/person. Menu starting at 5pm. Please call (805) 683-1411
for reservations.
- Blush
Restaurant and Lounge will be offering decadent cuisine and
featuring known aphrodisiacs, seductive chocolate & specialty
cocktails all weekend long, inclusive of Brunch. A tableside libation
trolley stocked with premium drink-making accoutrements and helmed by
mixologist Josh Lewis provides a finer level of service in making your
ultraprecise cocktail. Chef Mossin Sugich has prepared a special three
course prix fixe menu for Sunday. The first course offers a choice of
an Oyster Trio, White Asparagus Salad, or a Strawberry and Arugula
Salad. Entree choices are as follows: Vanilla Poached Maine Lobster,
Filet Mignon Foie Gras Duo, and Peppercorn Crusted Seared Ahi. A
choice of a Chocolate Truffle Tasting or Banana Parfait offered for
dessert. $59 per person. Rose Champagne flight option. Come celebrate
with your Valentine or with a group!
- Pierre Lafond
Wine Bistro: Valentine's Weekend Specials Saturday and Sunday.
Entree: Seared Rack of Lamb, Sachet de Yams, Roasted Brussel Sprouts w
Caramelized Onions, Lamb Jus 28.00; Dessert: Chocolate Trio -
Chocolate Pots de Créme, White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Tart and
Chocolate Caramel Cake 14.00
- Chef Karim's
is offering a very special Valentine's Dinner with a five course meal
including a very special dessert. The meal includes soup, three
salads, sweet and tasty b'stilla and entrees like Honeyed Lamb, Lemon
Chicken with Olives and Shrimp Kebabs. What could be more romantic
than sitting together at a romantic dinner using your fingers to feed
each other erotic and savory dishes. Prices for dinner are 32.00 per
person and include sensuous belly dancing. Chef Karim is doing a
special dish of Lamb cooked to perfection and drenched in a red wine
sauce. Perfect for your special Valentine. Call 805-899-4780 for
reservations.
- Eladio's
Restaurant & Bar is offering a 3 course Valentine's Day Dinner for
only $16.99 from 4-7pm! First course choices include New England Clam
Chowder & Vegetable Minestrone. Seconds include an 8oz Prime Sirloin
Steak, Oven Roasted Chicken, Pesto Pasta with Artichoke & Sun-Dried
Tomatoes. Finish with McConnell's Ice Cream for dessert. We will be
extending our Happy Hour on Wine & Beer from 4pm-Close, including a
number of champagne bottles under $30! For reservations call (805)
963-4466!
- Root 246:
Amuse: Kumomoto oyster with passion fruit “ice” and schezwan
peppercorn vinaigrette. Second Course (choice of): Oregon steelhead
trout flatbread with American sturgeon caviar, crème fraiche and
chives OR
Bradley’s blue cheese soufflé with petite lambs tongue lettuce and
citrus segments OR Roasted butternut squash with curried condiments.
Intermezzo: Sorbet. Entrées (choice of): Hot & cold smoked Arctic Char
with Chile, lime & a honey glaze OR Prime New York strip with sweet
pepper puree & tri colored marble potatoes OR Char oak grilled
Pheasant with creamed shaved brussel sprouts, chestnuts and bacon
froth. Dessert: A Tasting Trio. Pre-fixe menu at $55 per person. Pre-fixe
menu paired with Chef’s wine tastings $75 per person. Champagne Toast
and Truffles included. Gratuity and Tax not included. Seatings
available 4p.m - 10p.m. Call (805) 688-9003.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival:
Here are pictures of Sandra Bullock and Forest Whitaker on the red
carpet at Arlington
Theater and of the after party at Marmalade Cafe.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Santa Barbara International Film Festival:
Here are pictures and movies from opening ceremonies at Arlington
Theater and the after party at Paseo Nuevo.
February 4, 2010 - Opening Night
Valentines Day Menus: If your restaurant is planning to have special Valentines Day menus,
please send me an
email
and I will post it here. Please include just the
highlights and condense it all into a single paragraph like below.
- Max’s Restaurant
will be having a special Valentine’s Day Brunch from 7 am to 3 pm.
Specials include Berry Crepes with Marscapone cheese, Oscar Benedict,
Crab Cakes with asparagus, Mimosas and more. Max’s is located at 3514
State Street. Call 805-898-9121 for reservations.
- Arnoldis Cafe
is offering special Valentines Day a la carte items which include the
following; Hearts of Romaine with Bacon and Fresh Bleu Cheese
Dressing, Fresh Halibut Filet sauteed with White Wine, Lemons and
Capers served with Spinach and Cafe Potatoes, Tenderloin with a
Mascarpone Sauce, Linguine in a Creamy Mushroom Sun-Dried Tomato
Sauce, Organic Tuscan Chicken Breast with Four Cheese Rigatoni ....And
our special dessert will be Flowing Chocolate Lave Cake...Soup for the
evening will be Tomato Basil Soup. Call (805) 962-5392 for
reservations.
- Bella Vista at
the Four Seasons Biltmore: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a
romantic five-course dinner including champagne and a long stemmed
rose. Menu highlights: Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, Sunchoke Watercress Soup
with Bay Scallops, Carnaroli Risotto with Chanterelles. Entree
choices: Pan-seared Wild Branzino, Grilled Prime NY Steak, Roasted
Veal Tenderloin. Concludes with a trio of our Pastry Chef's special
Valentine's creations, coffee and petit fours. February 14th, 5:00 to
9:00 pm, $105/ person, includes champagne. Call (805) 565-8237 for
reservations.
- Moby Dick
Restaurant: In addition to the regular menu, on Valentines Day
we offer: Choice of new England clam chowder or mix green salad, 2 8oz
prime top sirloin, 2 1/2 Maine lobster stuffed with a fresh grilled
salmon cake, Fresh sautéed vegetables and choice of potato, 2 red
velvet cup cakes, 1 bottle of champagne, only $59.95 per couple (tax
and tip not included). Call (805) 965-0549 for reservations.
- Sly's
is offering a romantic French themed fixed price Valentine's Day
dinner this coming Sunday and Monday, with optional French wines
paired with each course. Complimentary amuse guelles, a choice of
first course from Lobster Bisque, Escargot baked in Green Butter,
chilled Oysters on the half shell (4) or Mixed Greens with Hazelnuts &
Warm Goat Cheese. A choice of main course includes steamed Salmon with
Hollandaise, USDA Prime aged Baseball Sirloin with red wine &
shallots, Thin Egg Noodles with basil, cream and vegetables, or
broiled Lake Superior Whitefish with Chardonnay butter. Main courses
are served with sides of Creamed Spinach and our Mashed Potatoes.
Special Valentine's dessert choices include a plate of our crisp
cookies and chocolate-dipped Grand Marnier Strawberries or any of
Sly's home-made desserts. $45 per person/$65 per person with wines.
The wine selections include glasses of three French wines. Tax & tip
are extra. Please call (805) 684-6666 for reservations
Thursday, February 4, 2010
New Happy Hour:
Saigon Vietnamese
Restaurant at 424 State Street has a new Happy Hour from 3-6pm.
Enjoy 1/2 price appetizers. Vietnamese beers $2.50 (regularly $4).
Photo Blog: February 3, 2010 -
Goodwin & Thyne
6th anniversary party at
Moby Dick Restaurant
Valentines Day Menus: If your restaurant is planning to have special Valentines Day menus,
please send me an
email
and I will post it here. Please include just the
highlights and condense it all into a single paragraph like below.
- Corktree
Cellars is offering the following three course menu. For
starters we have Potato & Celery Root Soup or Baby Field Greens with
Honey Balsamic. For entrees we are offering Butternut Squash Gnocchi,
Dijon Glazed Salmon or Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak "Chimichurri".
For desserts we are offering Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cake or
Apple & Tart Cherry Bread Pudding. Price is $38 per person. Full wine
menu offered. Call 684-1400 for reservations.
- Spiritland
Bistro: Instead of a fixed menu, we are offering a combination
of aphrodisiac inspired specials as well as selected favorites from
our regular menu. Everything is available a la carte. Amus: Raw
Cauliflower Wrap, Savory Escarole Cannoli, Oysters on the Half Shell.
Appetizers: Carrot Ginger soup, Citrus Fennel Salad, Ahi Tuna Tartare,
Arabic Artichoke Purée, Caribbean Sweet Potato Balls, Hawaiian
Macadamia Nut Crusted Shrimp. Main courses: Grilled Artichoke ‘Hearts’
& Vegetable Kabobs, Cornmeal Crusted Scallops, New Zealand Lamb Loin,
Greek Moussaka, Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast, Japanese Crusted
Halibut. Desserts: Honey Almond Crème Brulee, Warm Berry Bisque,
Strawberries, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Flourless Chocolate Beet
Cake, Vegan Chocolate Cake. Call (805) 966-7759 for reservations.
- The
Enterprise Fish Company will be featuring a special Valentines
Day menu including a 2lb. Live Maine Lobster with a choice of two
sides for $29.95, as well as 1.5lbs of Alaskan King Crab Legs & Claws
with a choice of two sides for $37.95. Full menu available upon
request. Call (805) 962-3313 for reservations.
- Marmalade
Cafe is offering a 4 course Valentine's Day Menu for two for
$49.95. It includes Chef's appetizer, choice of salads (Mixed Greens
or Caesar), choice of entrees (Prime Rib, Lobster Ravioli, Chicken
Marsala, Grilled Salmon), and a Molten Lava Chocolate Cake for Two in
a shape of a heart. Total price for Two is $49.95 excluding drinks,
tax, and gratuity. Wine pairing optional. In addition we will be
serving our regular menu and Dinner specials including Rib Eye Steak,
Sea Bass, and Rack of Lamb. Reservations recommended 805-682-5246.
- Stella
Mare's has a four course menu with choices for each
course, $65/per person or $79 with unlimited Charles Lafitte
Sparkling, and items like... Ahi tuna Carpaccio with organic micro
greens, lemon aioli drizzle and lemon oil for appetizer, Wild mushroom
cream soup with truffle oil and thyme whipped cream for second course,
Grilled filet mignon, truffled wild mushroom salad, potato gaufrettes
foie gras butter and a shallot Bordelaise for main and Mini white
chocolate cheesecake and mini Stella's Chocolate & Raspberry cake...
chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, raspberries and chocolate glaze,
with vanilla bean and raspberry sauce for dessert. Complimentary hors
d'oeuvres to start. Call (805) 969-6705 for reservations.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Valentines Day Menus: If your restaurant is planning to have special Valentines Day menus,
please send me an
email
and I will post it here. Please include just the
highlights and condense it all into a single paragraph like below.
-
Glen Annie Golf Club
is offered a 5 course Valentine’s Day Dinner, with optional wine
pairing. Soup choices: Lobster Bisque, vegetable tempura fritter,
basil cream anglaise. Salad choices: Smoked Duck & Arugula Salad,
Micro Greens. Appetizer choices: BBQ Pork Pot sticker, Dungeness Crab
Cake.
Entrée choices: Salmon Florentine Wellington, Cognac-Wild Mushroom NY
Steak. Dessert: Red Velvet Cake & Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. $42/person, $55 with wine paring. Call (805) 968-6400 for reservations.
-
Coast at Canary Hotel
will offer a three-course menu prepared by Chef Brian Parks.
Highlights include Maine lobster and avocado salad, local halibut with
chanterelles, cipollini onions and preserved lemon, grilled New York
steak with creamed spinach and hand cut fries, and English pea risotto
with bacon and caramelized onion. Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake.
$45/person. Call (805) 879-9100 for reservations.
- Elements
Restaurant Bar & Catering is offering a 4-course prix fixe
Valentine’s menu. $58 ($89 with wine pairings) 1st Carpaccio of Beets
or Szechuan Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin Maki or Classic French
Onion Soup 2nd Pan Seared Scallops or Blue Cheese, Pecan & Caramelized
Onion Tart or Foie Gras {$10 supplement} 3rd Grilled Herb Crusted Beef
Tenderloin {add lobster for a supplemental $15} or Local Sea Bass
Catch or Grilled Local Lobster Tail or Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
Breast Or Marcona Almond and Goat Cheese Agnolotti 4th Fon-deux gran
marnier spiked dark chocolate fondue for 2 homemade marshmallows,
coconut macaroons, farmer’s market fruit. Call for Reservations (805)
884-9218.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
"The Marquee" Opens Downtown: A
martini lounge named The Marquee opens tonight at 1212 State
Street, immediately to the right of the front door of the historic
Granada Theater. Santa Barbara’s newest night spot is owned by partners
Matt Olufs and Mark Lawrence and is open every day starting at 4pm.
“With a location under the marquee at the Granada Theater, our goal with
the build out was to complement the Granada's Restoration Project, with
the theme of the ‘modern classic’, and to introduce a theater-worthy
experience from the lip of a martini glass,” says Olufs. The lounge
offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, a selection of small plate
appetizers and fresh fruit signature cocktails.
I went to the pre-opening party last Saturday night expecting to
stay no more than 30 minutes and ended up spending most of the evening
there. The ambience is elegant yet simple and the attention to detail is
extraordinary – from the lighting, booths, the curved bar and
custom-designed menus, right down to the stainless steel seafood fork in
my Lobster Cocktail. The Marquee is without a doubt one of the best
looking lounges in town and it should quickly become a very popular
night time destination.
Panera Bread: Reliable sources
told me last week that Panera Bread is actively seeking to open a
location somewhere in downtown Santa Barbara. Established in 1981, the
company owns and franchises 1,362 bakery-cafes in 40 states and in
Canada. Their motto reads "Panera Bread bakery-cafes bring the tradition
of freshly baked artisan bread to neighborhoods in cities throughout the
country.” For more information visit
panerabread.com.
Islands Restaurant: I also heard
from reliable sources that Islands Restaurant is interested in
establishing an eatery on State Street. Islands Restaurants was founded
in 1982 and has a menu featuring gourmet hamburgers, soft tacos, salads
and specialty drinks all in a tropical theme. There are more than 50
Islands Restaurants throughout Southern California and Arizona.
Locations were recently added in Summerlin, NV and Sacramento. For more
information visit
islandsrestaurants.com.
Melting Pot Update: Last Friday I
published a story about the demise of the
Melting Pot
Restaurant at 608 Anacapa Street. Last night I received a response from
Jason Leggitt of Anacota Plaza LLC, the landlord company of the
Melting Pot:
Unfortunately, the original Melting Pot business did not survive.
Ultimately, the business failed, the restaurant closed, the lease
was
terminated and the keys were returned. Hoping to maintain a Melting
Pot and consequently a seamless transfer, the Ownership offered to
reduce the rent. During normal lease negotiations, the New Jersey
Group left town. They had paid no deposit, had no liquor license,
no lease, no keys and never took possession.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Film Fest Discounts: The 25th annual
Santa Barbara International Film Festival starts this Thursday
and runs through February 14. The SBIFF has distributed a free pocket
discount guide around town that can be used for a 10% discount at
the dining destinations below. You can obtain these free pocket discount
guides at local hotels, the SB Downtown Organization 27-B E. De
la Guerra Street, and the SB CVB 1601 Anacapa Street.
- Aldo's Italian Restaurant 1031 State Street
963-6687
- Andersen's Danish Restaurant & Bakery 1106 State
Street 962-5085
- Bistro 1111 1111 East Cabrillo Blvd. 730-1111
- Blue Agave 20 East Cota Street 899-4694
- Blush Restaurant & Lounge 630 State Street
957-1300
- Café Buenos Aires 1316 State Street 963-0242
- Café Shell 1112 State Street 965-5742
- Chilango's 503 State Street 897-1160
- Chocolate Maya 15 West Gutierrez Street 965-5956
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 811 A State Street
966-2442
- Cold Stone Creamery 504 State Street 882-9128
- Greek House Café 5 West Haley Street 560-0809
- Live Culture 11 West de la Guerra Street 856-5436
- Milk & Honey 30 West Anapamu Street 275-4232
- Museum of Art Café 1130 State Street 884-6487
- Panda Express 605 Paseo Nuevo 568-3688
- Paradise Cafe 702 Anacapa Street 962-4416
- Pascucci 729 State Street 963-8123
- Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro 516 State Street
962-1455
- Rockin' Yogurt 620 State Street 962-6290
- Santa Barbara Zoo Restaurants 500 Niños Drive
962-5339
- Spice Avenue 1027 State Street 965-6004
- State & A Bar and Grill 1201 State Street
666-1010
- Wahoo's Fish Taco 511 State Street 966-1586
- Wetzel's Pretzels 723 1/2 State Street 730-1090
Cold Stone Cookies: Starting
February 3rd Cold Stone Creamery (504 State Street and 5718
Calle Real, Goleta) is introducing Signature Ice Cream Cookies.
A four-pack will be offered for $8.99. “I expect these new Cold
Stone Creamery’s Signature Ice Cream Cookies will be come a staple
treat found in every ice cream lovers home freezer,” said Cold Stone
Creamery’s store owner, Mike Briggs. The four Cold Stone signature
ice cream cookies are Kiss N’ Tell Chocolate (Chocolate ice
cream, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chips), Cookie Crumb Yum
(Sweet Cream ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, OREO cookie
crumbles), Cake Batter Sprinkle (Cake Batter ice cream,
chocolate chip cookies, rainbow sprinkles) and Perfect Duet
(Sweet Cream ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, crushed milk and
white chocolate curls).
Friday, January 29, 2010
Melting Pot Restaurant Closes:
The Melting Pot
Restaurant, which just changed ownership has suddenly, and unexpectedly, closed. 34 employees have been
laid off. The new owners, Charlie
Haney and Mike Astuto, were locked out of the
building yesterday which is located at 608 Anacapa Street.
Haney tells me that he had already worked out
the terms of their new lease with
Anacota Plaza LLC and was
enthusiastic about operating Melting Pot Santa Barbara.
Former owner Jeb Wilson tells me that he had just signed a lease
termination agreement and that this was supposed to be followed by a new
lease signing by new owner Haney. I am told that, much to Haney's surprise, Jason Leggitt of Anacota Plaza LLC,
changed the lease terms at the last moment. These unexpected changes caused the deal to fall apart Haney said. "The
landlord decided to pull an eleventh-and-a-half hour change in the lease
terms by upping the base rent by $2,000 a month," claimed Haney. "They
changed several terms and some additional expenses were now our
responsibility," he added.
The financial fall out of the Melting
Plot's closure is substantial. 34 Santa Barbara employees are all now
suddenly out of work with no notice.
Haney said he just signed a one-year lease on a new condominium, and he
covered the cost for moving expenses for a manager and his partner,
both of whom had just arrived from New Jersey. In addition to the cost
of purchasing the Melting Pot, Haney said he and his partner have spent
about $50,000 that will be impossible to recover.
They are now in the process of notifying hundreds of people who
have reservations including many for Valentine's Day.
Former Melting
Pot employees have set up a
Facebook page to see if they can get help finding new service
industry jobs. Employees plan to stand outside the restaurant tonight
at 5pm during what was supposed to have been the grand reopening VIP
night. I had been previously invited to VIP night and still plan to
attend (with suit and tie) even though the doors are locked...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Lunch Specials: The
Harbor Restaurant
on Stearns Wharf has new lunch specials available: Linguini and Clams:
Fresh manila clams steamed in a white wine butter sauce, fresh garlic,
tomato, basil and garlic toast $10; Pulled Pork Sandwich: grilled
onions, Kona BBQ sauce on a French roll served with French fries or cole
slaw $10; “Greek Salad” grilled salmon, kalamata olives, tomato
and cucumber, tossed with a red wine vinaigrette and feta cheese served
on grilled flatbread $10; Grilled Mahi Mahi: pineapple rice
pilaf, braised greens and ponzu sauce $10; Hot Meat Loaf Sandwich:
Prime Sirloin Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy and green
beans $10.
New Location: Simply Pies
recently had a grand opening in a new location: 5392 Hollister Ave (near
Patterson Ave and across from Goleta Cottage Hospital). In addition to
traditional pies they offer gluten free, sugar free and vegan options,
as well as quiche. They also have a "take and bake" option. They will
deliver your pie for an additional charge. For more information call
(805) 845-2200 or visit simplypiessb.com.
"Lobster" Taco: Baja Fresh (3851
State St, 7127 Hollister Ave) now offers a Langostino "Lobster" taco for
$3.59
Off Topic: Quote Of The Day:
I recently overheard a little boy summing up what he believes is the
primary difference between men and women. He said "Girls try to get
pretty and guys watch football and fart."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
New Chef & Menu: This just in from
El Paseo Restaurant
813 Anacapa Street:
El Paseo Restaurant Bids Bienvenidos to New Chef Alex Castillo
Renowned local culinary favorite lends his refined style to the
restaurant’s Mexican fare with an all-new menu
Santa Barbara, CA. January, 2010 – A historic local restaurant has
landed a culinary match made in food-heaven. The landmark El Paseo
Restaurant, Santa Barbara’s oldest restaurant, has welcomed locally-
renowned Chef Alex Castillo as their new Executive Chef with open arms,
and is launching an all new menu inspired by Castillo, and his years of
experience in the kitchens at some of Santa Barbara’s top restaurants,
including the Wine Cask, Lucky’s and Piatti’s.
Chef Alex Castillo’s interpretation of delicious, quality Mexican
cuisine has resulted in an updated menu featuring a mix of traditional
favorites with a refined “homemade” feel. With Castillo as the creative
director in the kitchen, the focus is on rich flavors and fresh local
ingredients, and “back-to-basics” Mexican dishes that will you want to
come back for more. Not to mention that everything on the menu is under
$20.
Some highlights from Castillo’s new menu include the Huachinango al Mojo
de Ajo, a crispy whole fish done like nowhere else in town, Enchiladas
de Filet Mignon served with a black bean risotto, and the Alambras de
Camaron featuring succulent adobo glazed shrimp with chorizo mashed
potatoes.
An all-time favorite menu item remains El Paseo’s famous Caesar salad,
made tableside, specifically to your own individual taste. The fresh
guacamole is prepared tableside too, and served with the restaurant’s
renowned tortillas, made in their “Tortilleria” fresh on the spot,
delivered steaming hot.
Happy Hour is back! To celebrate Chef Alex Castillo’s arrival, El Paseo
is also launching a new Happy Hour. They’re taking a walk down memory
lane and offering their classic margaritas for just $1.95, and half-off
prices on their entire appetizer menu, Monday – Friday, 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
El Paseo has one of Santa Barbara’s most impressive selections of
tequilas, so don’t miss their new Happy Hour and experience some of the
most authentic margaritas in town.
Melting Pot Changes Ownership: This just in from
Melting Pot
608 Anacapa Street:
The Melting Pot of Santa Barbara Welcomes New Partners
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Melting Pot of Santa Barbara located at 608
Anacapa St. would like to welcome their new partners, Charlie Haney,
owner of The Melting Pot and Mike Astuto, operating partner for The
Melting Pot. The Melting Pot is a dinner-only fondue restaurant that
opened in Jan. of 2009. Reservations are recommended and can be made by
calling 805-845-4444.
Haney brings more than two years of Melting Pot experience to the Santa
Barbara location. Currently, Haney owns The Melting Pot of Atlantic
City, N.J. that opened in November of 2007. Astuto joins The Melting Pot
with over eight years of Melting Pot experience. Astuto previously was
the general manager at The Melting Pot of Westwood, N.J. and has
recently relocated to Santa Barbara to operate and manage The Melting
Pot restaurant in Santa Barbara.
The Melting Pot of Santa Barbara encompasses more than 4700 square feet
with seating for more than 145 guests. In addition to its upscale-casual
dining environment, the restaurant also features a secluded lover’s lane
seating area that creates a truly intimate atmosphere. The Melting Pot
also has an open patio/bar area and a private banquet room that can
accommodate parties ranging from 14 to 32 guests.
The Melting Pot of Santa Barbara will host their invitation only VIP
night, this Friday, January 29. During the VIP night, area dignitaries
will be able to sample fondue and participate in a wine tasting. The
Melting Pot will officially be open to the public on Saturday, January
30. On their calendar of upcoming events, The Melting Pot will be
offering a five course set menu for Valentine’s Day that will be
available on both Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14. Astuto
will also lead The Melting Pot in hosting their first ladies night out
on Thursday, February 25.
“Dining with us can be as fun or formal as your occasion requires – and
fondue dining with family and friends is a great way to escape and spend
valuable time with those you love,” said Astuto. “We would like to take
a moment and thank those who have already sent their support, best
wishes, and breathtaking excitement for this unforgettable concept”,
said Astuto.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Chef
Karim Retiring: Karim Chhibbane, namesake
owner of Chef Karim's
Moroccan Restaurant at 1221 State Street (inside Victoria
Court), plans to retire at the end of March. His restaurant will be open
through March 29th and then close its doors for good.
“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.”
Chhibbane was born in Marrakesh, Morocco. Even as a small child,
his dream was to be a French Chef. He spent most of his formative years
learning Moroccan cuisine in his family’s kitchen gleaning all the
knowledge he could from his mother and his aunts. Then Karim took to the
road and went to France where he worked as a chef in hotels and
restaurants and then back to Morocco to further his craft. Eager to
visit the United States, he met a couple traveling from Santa Barbara.
They invited him to visit them and he quickly fell in love with Santa
Barbara and its people. Since 1990, Chef Karim has been feeding the
hearts and souls of his customers.
Chhibbane will continue to teach Moroccan cooking classes at Roblar
Winery and, after taking some time off, may continue to operate his
catering service. You can make a reservation at Chef Karim’s online at
Open Table or call (805) 899-4780.
Rumor Machine: As they travel
through the grapevine rumors can take on more shapes than a character in
a Transformers movies. For example it appears that a pilates studio
is coming to 1233 State Street. Someone who heard about the pilates
studio told someone else that a yoga studio was coming. The next
person thought they heard that a yogurt store was coming
who in turn told me a frozen yogurt shop was on its way. That
transformed and distorted information then wiggled its way into my blog
last week.
Restaurant Wrap Up:
Here is a list of local eateries that have opened in the last six
months:
- January 2010:
Chino's Rock & Tacos 6530 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista, 968-5118
- December 2009:
China Palace 1070 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, 565-9380; The Nugget
5685 Calle Real, Goleta, 964-5200; Wine Cask Bar Cafe 813 Anacapa St,
966-9463
- November 2009:
Bella Dolce Bakery 113 W. De la Guerra St, 962-2253; Ultimate Bagels
1226 State St, 845-2511; Wine Cask 813 Anacapa St, 966-9463
- October 2009:
Dogtown 888 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista, 685-7474; Los Tarascos
5915B Calle Real, Goleta, 683-1919; Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro 1324
State St, 892-2800; Sweet Alley 7034 Marketplace Dr, Goleta, 845-2672;
Three Pickles 420 S. Fairview Ave, Goleta, 964-4585; Whole Foods
Market 3761 State St 837-6959
- September 2009:
California Crisp 718 State St, 845-2254; Jitters Coffee 728 State St,
617-3313; South Pacific Coffee 7398 Calle Real, Goleta, 845-7348
- August 2009:
Pastavino 6920 Marketplace Dr, Goleta, 685-7300; Sushilicious 956
Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista 968-1600; Union Ale Brewing Co. 214
State St, 845-8243
Monday, January 25, 2010
$9.95 Lunch Specials:
Moby Dick Restaurant
on Stearns Wharf has new lunch specials available: Fish & Chips $9.95,
New England Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl with salad $9.95,
Linguini Pasta with Alfredo or Marinara $9.95, Two grilled Fish Soft
Tacos $9.95. For more information call (805) 965-0549
Tomorrow's Blog: The owner of
a popular Santa Barbara restaurant is planning to retire and close their
eatery. I was stunned by the news this morning because the restaurant is one of my favorites in town. I am gathering
information now and will post the story here tomorrow.
Friday, January 22, 2010
New In The Guide:
Chino's Rock & Tacos
- Isla Vista is the first official opening of a South Coast
restaurant this decade.
Mel's Update: Last Summer I
mentioned that Mel's Lounge would be reopening on Carrillo Street
in February 2010. I have learned that construction has not yet started
and that everything is on hold.
Rumor Machine: Of the many Christmas
gifts Santa brought me last December the one I needed most was new ink
cartridges (and some assorted spare parts) for the Rumor Machine. With
the rain curtailing my outdoor activities I finally found the time to
install them yesterday. After I powered it back up the Rumor Machine
automatically started printing a test pattern page to align the print
heads. To my surprise I noticed some words near the bottom
of the test page that read "A frozen yogurt shop is coming to 1233 State Street next to
Victoria Street Starbucks." As always, this rumor might be
completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.
Local Vendor Day: I just received
this
press-release from Whole Foods Market 3761 State Street:
Whole Foods Market Hosts “Local
Vendor Day” - Saturday, January 23rd 11:00am – 3:00pm
WHAT: 22 vendors from the Santa Barbara County area will
be participating in Whole Foods Market’s “Local Vendor Day”.
Customers are invited to sample, for free, an array of local delights
found throughout the natural and organic foods market.
WHO: Participating vendors include Debbies Delights
Bakery, Santa Barbara Roasting Co., McConnell’s Ice Cream, Bragg’s
Amino Acids, Teachino, Full of Life Flatbread Pizza, Babcock Winery
and Rancho La Vina Coastal Walnuts & Oils.
WHY:
Whole Foods Market focuses on local purchasing,
because it helps impact the way they do business – all while
continuing to focus on Quality Standards and their commitment to
bringing customers the highest quality food available.
Here are some of the things Whole Foods Market is
doing:
-
increasing local product throughout their stores and improving
signage to help customers find local products.
-
putting more energy into promoting local products, including
bringing local producers in for demonstrations, hosting “Local
Vendor Days,” and featuring local producers on their website.
-
bringing together local producers at vendor seminars, to explain how
Whole Foods Market works and give producers the chance to get their
products in front of buyers.
-
funding a
Local
Producer Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans
to local producers.
Off Topic: Reader Jim sent me some
new weather-related links to add to my new Santa Barbara Weather
Guide. If you have any suggestions please email them to me. One of
my favorite links in the guide is the
Cachuma Lake real-time reservoir level. The spill gates are at 750
ft and, as of this writing, we only have 14.5 feet until Cachuma Lake is
full.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Benefit For Haiti: Tonight Epiphany
Restaurant & Bar is partnering with Direct Relief International
and hosting a "Martini's can Make a Difference" cocktail party at
Epiphany from 7pm - 10pm. 20% of proceeds from beverage sales will be donated
to Direct Relief International to help provide much needed supplies and
support for those in Haiti.
Rape Crisis Center Fundraisers: The
Endless Summer Bar
Cafe and
Chuck's Waterfront Grill at the Santa Barbara Harbor will be
having fundraisers for the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center on January
26th. Just mention to your server during lunch or dinner that you are
here for the cause and 15% of the proceeds will go to the Santa Barbara
Rape Crisis Center.
IHOP Senior Special: Customers
of IHOP age 55 or older receive a free entree with purchase of
one entree & two drinks at the regular price. The promotion is available
on Wednesdays 3pm-10pm.
Off Topic: I have put together a
comprehensive Santa Barbara Weather
information page for you to use year-round.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
New Wine Tasting Room: Thanks to reader
Primetime for passing me this tip. Here is the press-release:
Municipal Winemakers to Open Tasting Room in Santa Barbara Funk Zone
Grand Opening celebration February 20th 2 – 6 pm, 28 Anacapa Street,
Santa Barbara
The Municipal Winemakers will open a tasting room in the Funk Zone of
Santa Barbara, making them the eleventh and newest winery to join the
Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail. Each new producer has added flavor to
the Urban Wine Trail, which is gaining popularity with locals and
tourists alike as a premium wine tasting destination.
The cozy new tasting room is set quietly off the street towards the back
of the same building that houses the Kunin/Westerly tasting room at 28
Anacapa Street, just a couple hundred yards from the beach. Visitors who
discover it are rewarded with a rich tasting experience – a full
immersion into the Muniverse where wine is demystified through
friendliness and education.
Industrial machinery, old office furniture and found objects have been
repurposed and recycled as functional design. Highlights include: tables
with community seating for sharing the wine experience, and an outdoor
patio to enjoy the sunny Santa Barbara weekends. The best part, however,
is the lineup of reasonably priced delicious wines that represent some
of the best values in Santa Barbara County.
Municipal Winemakers challenge the traditional idea that fine wine is of
privilege. They work hard to reconcile the reality that wine is a social
beverage by taking a light-hearted approach to its presentation. Wine
Spectator has remarked, “Municipal Winemakers takes all possible
pretense out of labeling wine.” All the while, Muni remains seriously
meticulous about the craft of winemaking.
Current releases include the crisp, fresh and minerally dry Riesling
called Bright White, while the Bright Red is a spicy, savory Cotes du
Rhone inspired blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Their latest
release is the fun and bubbly FIZZ sparkling Shiraz.
Municipal Winemakers is a small production winery that has been
producing honest wines since 2007. The philosophy is to craft small-lot,
highest quality wines by sourcing grapes from special vineyards in Santa
Barbara County and drawing on winemaking experiences in Australia,
France, and California. Muni Wines balance old-world personality and
elegance with the vibrancy and intensity of modern wine styles.
Muni is owned and operated by one person, David Potter, who is also a
member of the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and Epiphany
Cellars.
The Grand Opening celebration on February 20th will run from 2 to 6 pm.
The event will feature a selection of gourmet goods from Whole Foods
market.
Founder Of Taco Bell Dies:
Glen Bell, founder of Taco Bell, has passed away at age 86.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Chino’s
Opens In Isla Vista: Last Saturday Chino's Rock & Taco
(714 State Street) opened their second South Coast location at 6530
Pardall Road in Isla Vista. I am told that the menu is very affordable,
starting at $1.79 going up to $9.99. Chino’s, which won the
SantaBarbara.com 2010 restaurant survey for “Best Taco Night,” offers $1
tacos on Tuesdays along with $2 bottled beers. On Wednesdays they offer
bean-rice-cheese burritos for $2 and $1 drafts. Free chips & salsa are
brought to your table at the eatery which uses a style known as “fast
casual,” a blend between fast food-style dining and casual dining.
Chino’s flagship location is in San Luis Obispo and they are planning on
opening a fourth location in Paso Robles.
Fosters Reprieve: Last week I
reported that Fosters Freeze on the Mesa is planning to go out of
business. I spoke with the manager yesterday who gave me an update. He
told me that they are in the process of selling Fosters Freeze to new
owners who want to keep the dessert destination open. They will know
more about the status of the transaction in two weeks.
Ruby's Reprieve: Ruby's Cafe &
Spirits Lounge has 734 State Street closed their doors at the end of
December. I spoke with management and they told me that the business now
has new owners and they plan to reopen February 1st.
Saigon Update: Saigon Vietnamese
Restaurant, formerly known as Saigon In & Out, plans to open a new
location in Five Points Shopping Center in about two weeks.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Dean-o's Closes:
Dean-o's Pizzarama,
an icon on the Mesa for 50 years, closed their doors yesterday. I spoke
with the manager this morning and was told that they are in the process of
packing up all their equipment to put in storage incase they are able to
reopen in a different location.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Name Change: Saigon In & Out
has changed the name of its three locations to "Saigon Vietnamese
Restaurant". Saigon received a
letter last year from attorneys of
In & Out Burger complaining about the use of "In & Out" in Saigon's
name. Saigon attorney John J. Thyne III wrote a letter back
refuting In & Out's claims.
New Nightlife Guide: I have
re-launched the SantaBarbara.com Nightlife Guide
as an advertiser-only category that will allow it to be updated on a
regular basis (the old guide hadn't been changed in four years). The
guide is ranked #1 on Google when you search for
Santa Barbara bars,
Santa Barbara nightclubs
or
Santa Barbara nightlife. The new guide, which will grow more
comprehensive over time, starts its life highlighting Blush
Restaurant & Lounge, Coast Restaurant & Bar and EOS Lounge.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
New Location: Los Arroyos
Mexican Restaurant has opened a new location in Camarillo. It is located
in The Promenade at the Premium Outlets, 630 Ventura Blvd Ste 1217 in
Camarillo. This Grand Opening marks the third location for Los Arroyos,
founded by Tony and Maria Arroyo of Santa Barbara. Tony and Maria opened
their first Los Arroyos restaurant in Downtown Santa Barbara in 1999.
They opened their second restaurant, Los Arroyos Montecito, in 2004.
One Year Anniversary: This just in
from Dos Carlitos
restaurant in Santa Ynez:
Hello Friends of Dos Carlitos,
Please join us in celebrating our 1 YR Anniversary this upcoming
Thursday, Friday & Saturday the 21st, 22nd & 23rd of January!
We will be featuring live flamenco guitars all weekend long from 6PM to
9PM, offering fantastic drink specials and will be giving away exciting
gifts to commemorate our first year in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
Many thanks to all of you for your support and patronage.
Hope to see you at Dos Carlitos soon!
All the best,
Carlos Lopez-Hollis
Owner
Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar
3544 Sagunto Street
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Off Topic: Sad but true: A visitor
from Australia traveling with six friends emailed me yesterday saying that he called several hotels
in the State Street area but none of them would take his group's money even
though the hotels had vacancies. The reason? The hotels all had two-night
minimums and his group was just passing through for one night. So
they ended
up bypassing Santa Barbara entirely.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
American Riviera Wine Auction: On
February 20th there will be a benefit for Direct Relief International.
Here is a press release about it:
Santa Barbara Vintners’ Foundation Presents - Vintners’ Express: The
American Riviera Wine Auction, A benefit for Direct Relief International
Get on board the Vintners’ Express! Direct Relief International’s
warehouse will be transformed with vintage-style train decor and
elegant, family-style dining, featuring comfort food with a gourmet
twist. Feast on delicious hors d’ oeuvres created by six local chefs and
a fabulous dinner by nationally recognized Jeff Olsson of New West
Catering Enjoy winery hosted tables and a live auction with exclusive
wines, travel and entertainment items including wine trips to Bordeaux,
France and South Africa. Vintner honoree will be Tom Beckmen, founder of
Beckmen Vineyards in Los Olivos, and Beckmen wines will be served during
the silent auction. For the first time, this biennial event is raising
funds for Direct Relief’s USA programs supporting community clinics in
Santa Barbara and across the U.S. Get your tickets now as this event
always sells out!
Presale tickets are $225 until 2/1/10, $250 after.
Call (805) 879-4952 or email vintnersexpress@sbcountywines.com.
When: February 20, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Direct Relief International Headquarters, 27 S. La Patera Lane,
Goleta
New Belgium Brewing Company Beer Dinner:
Thursday January 21st, 2010 at Glen Annie Golf Club. Highlights: Four
course tasting menu presented by Chef Cesar Patino, Five New Belgium
Beer Offerings, Guest Speaker from New Belgium Brewing Company, $35 per
guest plus tax & gratuity. Seating 6:00pm. Reservations required. For
more information call 805-968-6400
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Good Earth Pizza coming to IV: David
Singh, owner of Mesa
Pizza Company at 315 Meigs Road, is opening a new pizza
parlor at 6576 Trigo Road in Isla Vista called “Good Earth Pizza.” He
hopes to open the restaurant in April. They are in final stages of
getting a building permit to give the building a more contemporary look.
Singh tells me it will have everything Mesa Pizza has on its menu, but
with an environmental and health-conscious twist. Brown dough will be
standard, white dough will be available upon request.
Australia Day Festival: Taste
authentic Australian food, wine and imported Aussie beers January 23,
7pm – midnight at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum 113 Harbor Way. The top
deck Sports Theatre will broadcast live cricket, rugby highlights and
the Australian Tennis Open. Explore the main deck featuring a number of
Aussie exhibits and performances. Tickets cost $50 and can be purchase
online at australiadayfestival.com.
New In The Guide: Today I added
China Palace
in Montecito to the restaurant guide. China Palace replaces
China Pavilion
at 1070 Coast Village Road which is now under new ownership.
Restaurant Of The Month:
Los Agaves is
the SantaBarbara.com "Restaurant of the Month." Their staff photo
appears on the restaurant guide home page throughout
January.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Martini Bar: A new martini bar is
scheduled to open in late January on State Street just to the right of the front door of
the Granada Theatre.
Cabana Update: Early last summer I
wrote about a Brazilian restaurant named Cabana coming to 509 State
Street. I stopped by over the weekend to see what progress has been made
and it appears that no construction was ever started.
Whole Foods Calendar: Here is a
calendar of events at
Whole Foods Market 3761 State Street:
- January 14 - Kids in the Kitchen: Mason Jar Bean Project,3:30-5PM
Free. Kids of all ages can join in this hands-on arts and educational
activity. Learn how to harvest seeds, the nutritional benefits of
beans, a brief history on types of beans, and a recipe on making bean
soup. Email rae.vanseenus@wholefoods.com to reserve a spot.
- January 21 - Twenty Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget. 12Noon, Free.
Join healthy lifestyle author and local holistic health counselor, Amira Elgan, in a discussion on how to choose, store, cook and eat the
healthiest possible foods while being financially conscious. Signup by
emailing rae.vanseenus@wholefoods.com.
- January 23 - Local Vendor Day, 11AM-3PM. Come out and taste local
foods in every department.
- January 31 - Healthy Bodies, Healthy Budgets: Value Tour, 11AM
Free. This tour will help you learn to shop Whole Foods for "quality,
health and value." Signup by emailing rae.vanseenus@wholefoods.com.
- February 25 - Cooking Class with Chef Mike, 6:30PM Free, space is
limited. Join Chef Mike, Team Leader in Whole Foods Seafood
Department, as he prepares a special menu fresh from the sea. Signup
by emailing rae.vanseenus@wholefoods.com.
Dean-o's Update: I just
received this press-release from Mesa Center Investec, the landlord of
Dean-o's Pizza
January 11, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
INVESTEC – THE TRUE FACTS ABOUT DEANO’S RENT
Lou Torres purchased the Deano’s Pizza business June 30, 2004.
Today, 5-1/2 years later, his rent, including the cost of
reimbursements, has increased a total of 20%, or an average yearly
increase of
3.8% per year.
The Mesa Center wants Mr. Torres and Deano’s to continue to be a
successful local business at the Mesa Center. We support Mr. Torres’
efforts to improve his operations in the very competitive pizza
business during these difficult economic times. However, we disagree
with Mr. Torres’ ploy of intentionally misstating the facts regarding
his past rent adjustments in an attempt to manipulate the media and
cast us in a poor light. Investec supports local business because it
is our business.
We are hopeful we can continue to have productive sessions with Mr.
Torres regarding his business at the Mesa Center.
Mesa Center Investec
Friday, January 8, 2010
Fosters Update: I called
Fosters Freeze
on the Mesa and spoke to the manager who confirmed that they are
closing. He said they won't know exactly when until they receive some
paperwork from their landlord.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Fosters Freeze Closing?: It appears
that
Dean-o's Pizzarama
isn't the only business planning to say goodbye to the Mesa Shopping
Center. After receiving a tip from a reader I called their next door neighbor
Fosters Freeze
and spoke to an employee who said that he was told that they are
closing but doesn't know when. The owner isn't available until tomorrow
when hopefully I can get more information about this.
The Goodbye Train: In the last two weeks
we have seen closure announcements from Left at Albuquerque, Grapevine
Fine Food Market, Ruby's, Dean-os and now possibly Fosters Freeze.
January Beer Dinner: This just in
from Hollister
Brewing Co. at 6980 Marketplace Drive in Goleta:
Hollister Brewing Company
January Beer Dinner
Wednesday, January 13 - 6:30 p.m.
Dear Friend of Hollister Brewing Company:
It is our pleasure to announce our first Beer Dinner of 2010 which
promises to be a very unique dining experience. This special evening
will be a five-course dinner featuring young lamb and other beautiful
bounty from Bill and Barbara Spencer’s Windrose Farm. Windrose is a
small family farm on the Central Coast of California offering a wide
variety of delicious organic fruits and vegetables and, of course, lamb.
Once again this is an opportunity to enjoy the creations of Chef Dylan
Fultineer paired with the hand crafted beers of Brewer Eric Rose. This
will also be a chance to hear from Dylan, Eric, Bill and Barbara and
enjoy an interactive evening of food and beer.
The menu is still a work in progress but it will feature lamb and other
offerings from the Paso Robles farm including winter squash, beans,
hearty greens, apples, cider and whatever Dylan, Bill and Barbara
gather.
Seating is very limited and reservations are a must. Tickets are $75/per
person (tax and gratuity included) and need to be purchased in advance.
Hollister Brewing Company
6980 Marketplace Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
805.968.2810
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Dean-o's Closing: I spoke with a
staff member of
Dean-o's Pizzarama
and was told they are closing soon, perhaps on Sunday, January 17th. The
final day will be decided this Friday. Here is an official announcement
to the public:
January 5, 2010
To Our Valued Customer:
It is with deep regret that we announce to you that after 50 years in
business, serving the community of Santa Barbara on the Mesa, Dean-o's
Pizzarama will be closing its doors for the last time.
The community will lose a place where family and friends gather for
food, fun and entertainment for over four generations. Dean-os has
always supported the community and encouraged family members of all ages
to enjoy our pizza and family atmosphere.
Unfortunately, in about six years, the rent has doubled. The recent
construction of the Mesa Shopping Center, which took place about a year
ago, has also resulted in a loss of revenue along with the current
status of our economy have all been contributing factors. Several
attempts have been made to request some type of reduction in rent. Dean-os
still attracts the community at all levels. We feel a reduction in rent
would have prevented closing our doors in order to keep our family
establishment open for business. We would much rather continue to serve
our community than close our doors.
In closing, we thank you for the many years of success serving you and
your families. You will be missed, Dean-os will be missed. It is another
part of Santa Barbara history lost in the shuffle of big business.
Sincerely,
Dean-os Management & Staff
Ruby's Closed: Word on the street is
that Ruby's Cafe &
Spirits Lounge has 734 State Street has closed their doors.
Though a note on the door says "closed for remodeling," reliable sources tell me that a new business is coming soon to replace
them.
And The Winner Is... Based on
SantaBarbara.com web site statistics, here is the most-viewed New
Years Eve photo and the runner-up. They were part of Friday's photo
album documenting a
New Years Eve celebration at Canary Hotel.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
"Best Of" 2010:
These are the
winners of the SantaBarbara.com Restaurant Guide online poll that
started Thanksgiving 2009 and ended on New Years Eve. Thousands
of locals participated in the Santa Barbara Survey and the results will
be displayed online at SantaBarbara.com throughout 2010. Survey
participants considered 104 different food & drink categories. Due
to a software error that I didn't discover until I started tabulating
the poll results, we have no data for "Best Brewery" or "Best Place for
Cheese." :(
Santa Barbara Restaurants - "Best Of" 2010
Winners of multiple awards (including both
first place and finalist) are: Brewhouse (6), Brophy Bros (4), Cava (4),
French Press (4), Fresco (4), Opal (4), Bouchon (3), Ca Dario (3), Cajun
Kitchen (3), Elements (3), Lazy Acres (3), Los Arroyos (3), Natural Café
(3), Pascucci (3), Sandbar (3), SOhO (3), Sojourner (3), Tonic (3),
Tupelo Junction (3), Whole Foods Market (3), Alcazar (2), Backyard Bowls
(2), Bella Vista at the Biltmore (2), Blush (2), Carlitos (2), Carr (2),
China Pavilion (2), Costco Food Court (2), Dargan's (2), Epiphany (2),
Freebirds (2), Hollister Brewing Co. (2), Jeanine's Bakery (2), Kalyra
(2), Lilly's (2), Los Agaves (2), Mad Dogs (2), Madam Lu (2), Madison's
(2), McConnell's (2), Mediterra (2), Melting Pot (2), Palace Grill (2),
Palazzio (2), Petit Valentien (2), Rusty's Pizza (2), Santa Barbara
Brewing Co. (2), Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. (2), South Coast Deli (2),
Sunstone (2), Three Pickles (2), Wildcat (2), Wine Cask (2), Zaytoon
(2).
Monday, January 4, 2010
Santa Barbara Survey:
Votes for the Santa Barbara Survey are in and I am working today
tabulating the results. The "Best of 2010" will be announced tomorrow!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Photo Blog:
December 31, 2009 -
New Years Eve celebration at Canary Hotel
