Monthly Archives: September 2011

This just in from Pete Johnson of the Brewhouse at 229 W. Montecito St.: It’s back! The Brewhouse is once again hosting Santa Barbara’s only authentic Oktoberfest celebration. Friday October 7th and Saturday October 8th , the Brewhouse parking lot … Continue reading →

Reader Glenn tells me that “Fat Mo’s Burgers and Car Wash” has opened at 6558 Pardall Rd in Isla Vista, replacing Flaming Grill.

I received this email yesterday. It appears that the Hollywood Reporter is taking an interest in the Santa Barbara restaurant scene. Good morning, My name is Richard Manirath, from the Hollywood Reporter’s Photography Department. I saw some images of Cadiz … Continue reading →

Three Mexican eateries opened in Carpinteria during the last year and all managed to fly under my radar until last weekend. They are: City Market Tacos to Go 5292 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, (805) 684-5737, Mon-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri-Sun 8am-8pm Don Roge … Continue reading →

I launched the SantaBarbara.com Restaurant Guide way back in 1996. That same year Beach Liquor Tacos to Go opened at 794 Linden Ave in Carpinteria. I finally added them to the guide today.

A public notice of application to sell alcoholic beverages has been posted at 901 N. Milpas St., more commonly known as the building with a cow. The notice says the business name is “Sublime” and that it will be an … Continue reading →

I stopped by the future home of Handlebar Coffee today at 128 E. Canon Perdido St. The owners tell me that their business should open in a few weeks.

Sources tell me that Nordstrom in Paseo Nuevo mall will be launching an “eBar” in November, offering a variety of quick-fix snacks and a hot bar drink list. It will be located next to the Canon Perdido St. entrance to … Continue reading →

Before IHOP moved into 1701 State St. a restaurant named J.K. Frimples occupied that address. Before J.K. Frimples came along, a restaurant named Blue Onion called 1701 State St. home, back in the 1950′s & 60′s. Reader Don has scanned … Continue reading →

A few months ago a friend told me that serving anything other than name-brand ketchup to guests is a social faux pas. For example, if I have a BBQ for a group of friends and serve Heinz ketchup or Del … Continue reading →

I am receiving word that there is new construction activity at the future homes of Panera Bread and Backyard Bowls in La Cumbre Plaza.

Vegan Mario is no longer serving food at the commissary/commercial kitchen Events Unlimited (205 Santa Barbara St) and will open it’s own, dedicate location in Ojai. I sent an email to owner Amanda inquiring about a message on her web … Continue reading →

An outlet for Renaud’s Bakery has opened for business inside Gelson’s Market on Upper State St., taking over duties previously performed by Jeannine’s Bakery.

Here is a message from Cafe Luck about this week’s closure of the restaurant: Dear John, We have had ample time to observe the downtown market and more specifically, Cota Street. Mr. Montesano has decided to discontinue the “Cafe Luck” … Continue reading →

I am told that the Wednesday Farmers Market at Harding School (1625 Robbins St. on the West Side) is seriously low in attendance. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to help save the Wednesday Farmers Market and … Continue reading →

Cafe Luck, which opened at 18 E. Cota St in September, 2008, served their final meal last night. I am told that owner Gene Montesano may open a different restaurant at that address in the future. An official statement from … Continue reading →

I received pictures of a cake and cupcake masterpiece made by Santa Barbara’s Robyn Loves Cake (robynlovescake.com) for a “Mad Scientist” birthday party recently.

Owner Todd Pazier tells me that The 805 Deli has turned 5 years old. To thank their dedicated followers for this great run The 805 Deli has been offering $5 specials throughout the month of September.  Here are some special … Continue reading →

Jon McDaniel, Wine Director of the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café located at 2879 Grand Avenue in downtown Los Olivos in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, has announced the first-ever Santa Barbara vs. Napa Valley “Blind” Wine … Continue reading →

Victoria Court has a new café at 11 W. Victoria St, suite 10, the former home of Cafe Bianco, which is next door to the popular Paris Street Boutique. Scarlett Begonia opened last week and serves Modern American cuisine (with … Continue reading →

A new restaurant named Nutbelly Pizzeria & Deli has opened at 915 Linden Ave in Carpinteria, the former home for Chamomile Cafe. The eatery, owned by Joaquin and Janna Gonzalez, serves sandwiches and pizzas on homemade bread and dough. Hours … Continue reading →

Here are photos from the Solstice Parade fundraiser at Pascucci Restaurant where “The Three Johns” were recruited to be bartenders.

The Radius Group has just published a listing that says 5555 Hollister Ave in Goleta, the current home of Sizzler, is available for lease in 30 – 60 days.

Wahoo’s Fish Taco co-founder Wing Lam has signed a deal to open a location at UC Santa Barbara. The restaurant, that will be replacing Chilitos inside the UCen, hopes to open by next school quarter. Thanks to reader Jonathon for … Continue reading →

Today I added Rudy’s on Calle Real in Goleta to the restaurant guide. Last month Rudy’s on Calle Real in Goleta closed because they had out grown their space. Last week Rudy’s reopened at a much larger location just down … Continue reading →

September 11, 2011 – Here are pictures from the 30th annual Taste of the Town fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation.

“The Three Johns” will be bartending at Pascucci restaurant 729 State St. this Wednesday evening September 14th. 100% of proceeds from the bar area of the restaurant will go to the Solstice Parade. John Palminteri, John Dixon (Tri County Produce) … Continue reading →

Gourmet curry truck Culture Shock has permanently departed Santa Barbara and now serves its popular Sri Lankan cuisine to hungry diners in San Francisco.

Wine Cask Intermezzo at 813 Anacapa St. is hosting “Sunday Funday Flatbread” on Sunday, September 25th, 5 – 7pm, a tribute to this culinary creation, where guests can come make their own flatbread masterpieces and sip local wines. Chef Brandon … Continue reading →

A new lunch delivery service named Daily Greenz has been launched. Here is a message about it from owners Elsa Cisneros and Chef Cristina Gonzalez: Hi John, I wanted to let your readers know about our new lunch delivery service … Continue reading →

I was at an outlet for a well-known national supermarket chain recently and saw a big sign in the entrance that said “Plastic Bag Ban.” They no longer allow you to put groceries in plastic bags though you can pay … Continue reading →

Two years ago Google tried to buy Yelp for $500 million but the deal fell apart. Now apparently still hungry for food review site advertising dollars, Google has purchased Zagat. Founders Tim and Nina Zagat said in a statement on … Continue reading →

This just in from South Coast Deli owner Jim St John: John- Yes, it’s true. We have inked a deal for the space at 6521 Pardall Road in Isla Vista. We are thrilled and are working quickly to get open … Continue reading →

I have watched and listened to the Santa Barbara High School band False Puppet at several local events. I first saw them during Fiesta. Charismatic lead singer/bass player Channing Peake, guitarist/vocalist Tyler Benko and drummer Brennan Benko are all around … Continue reading →

Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant opened on Monday at 5764 Calle Real in Goleta, the former home of Presto Pasta. This is just down the street from Rudy’s old location. Thanks to readers Bonnie and Kaylee for the tips!

This just in from Crushcakes & Cafe owner Shannon Noormand: Hi John We are currently in negotiation for a space in IV but the building is still in construction.  Nothing has been signed yet so it will be a little … Continue reading →

It appears that South Coast Deli will new adding a new location. This just in from reader Peter: Some information that may be of interest: Today I noticed a yellow sign indicating that South Coast Deli will be opening a … Continue reading →

Piatti restaurant at 516 San Ysidro Rd in Montecito plans to close at the end of the month. Starting on October 4th neighbor Pierre Lafond will expand into the space. The new location will be called “Montecito Wine Bistro Pierre … Continue reading →

An application has been submitted for today’s Architectural Board of Review meeting in downtown Santa Barbara that proposes replacing Burger King at 3707 State St. with Chick-fil-A restaurant. Chick-fil-A is the nation’s second largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain with more … Continue reading →

I called Crushcakes & Cafe in Carpinteria and was told that they are considering opening a location in Isla Vista. Currently Crushcakes operates two eateries, 1315 Anacapa St and 4945 Carpinteria Ave in Carpinteria.

After intense concentration and a wave of my hand over the all-knowing Crystal Ball, my eatery oracle has revealed a list of locations appearing in your future: Backyard Bowls La Cumbre Plaza – October Chick-Fil-A 3707 State St (currently Burger … Continue reading →

The 30th Annual Taste of the Town, a benefit for the Arthritis Foundation, takes place this Sunday, September 11, from noon to 3 p.m. at Riviera Park & Gardens, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra. Taste of the Town has announced that … Continue reading →