Monthly Archives: October 2011

Chef Derrick Melton, who co-owns Mimosa restaurant with his wife (and Pastry Chef) Chris, reopens the 29 year-old eatery this week at 714 State St., the former home of Chino’s Rock & Tacos and Piranha. Melton closed his 2700 De … Continue reading →

A new bakery named “Recipes Bakery & Gift Baskets” is coming to 604 Santa Barbara St. They will offer organic all-natural baked goods & chocolates, Australian-style coffees, a variety of sweet rolls, and more. I am told they hope to … Continue reading →

Here is a press-release I received about “The New Black BBQ” that will be starting service in Santa Barbara this week: The New Black is holding its soft opening night Thursday, November 3rd at the corner of State & Haley … Continue reading →

This just in from French Festival founder Steve Hoegerman: Bonjour John, My friends at Pacific Crepes [705 Anacapa St] are changing their hours. Pacific Crepe’s new hours are: Fridays 8am to 11pm, Saturdays 8am to 11pm, and Sundays 8am to … Continue reading →

I received a tip that a food truck named “The New Black BBQ” will be starting service in Santa Barbara on November 3rd. Their web site is thenewblackbbq.com.

Reader APC tells me that it looks like there’s a coffee place/bakery opening across from the Saturday farmers market (near Cota St. and Santa Barbara St.). I haven’t had a chance to check this out yet.

Ben Dougherty, owner of Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria coming to 17 W. Ortega St., tells me that ADA compliance issues have delayed the start of construction of his new eatery. He hopes to receive a building permit soon.

The Gobble Song is a Thanksgiving tradition from Santa Barbara’s popular band Spencer the Gardener. As it turns out The Restaurant Guy also has a Thanksgiving tradition. Each November my email inbox is swamped with the same question: Which restaurants … Continue reading →

I spoke with Brothers Restaurant at 2350 Railway Ave in Los Olivos over the weekend and was told that Mattei’s Tavern is being turned into a resort and that the dining destination won’t be renewing their lease in March 2012. … Continue reading →

On November 10th the Montecito Wine Bistro will be coming to 516 San Ysidro Rd, the former home of Piatti. Here is a press-release I received about it today: Montecito Wine Bistro Opening Thursday, November 10 Chef Nathan Heil Manager/Sommelier … Continue reading →

Reader Andi sent me photos taken today at Norton’s of Guy Fieri taping his Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Word on the street is that he is in the middle of a whirlwind tour of Lito’s, Norton’s, Mac’s … Continue reading →

This Saturday is the last day of business for Mimosa restaurant at 2700 De La Vina St. Mimosa plans to open a new location in about a week at 714 State St., the former home of Chino’s Rock & Tacos … Continue reading →

I have received several tips that a new watering hole named “Frank’s Bar” is now open at 1208 State Street, sharing a space with East restaurant. I am told that they are open Thu -  Sun 5:00 till 9:00.

Photo by John Palminteri

Today I added a few restaurants to the SantaBarbara.com Restaurant Guide including Fat Mo’s Burgers & Car Wash (Isla Vista), South Coast Deli (Isla Vista) and India Club (Goleta).

Reader Primetime tells me that the Carpinteria Wine Company is moving next month from its present site, at 4193 Carpinteria Ave. on the western end of town, to a prime downtown location near the intersection of Carpinteria Ave. and Linden … Continue reading →

Food & Home Magazine is conducting their 2nd Annual Chowder Festival this Sunday, October 23,  1-5pm at the Montecito Country Club 920 Summit Rd. The event is a fundraiser for the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County. Last year … Continue reading →

The popular South Coast Deli opened their 4th location on Monday with lines out the door. In addition to having eateries on Chapala St., Carrillo St. and in Goleta, owners Dar & Jim St. John have opened a new eatery … Continue reading →

This just in from the new Nutbelly Pizzeria and Deli at 915 Linden Ave in Carpinteria: Hi John, This is Nutbelly Pizzeria and Deli. I just want to let you know our hours and give you a bit of info … Continue reading →

I am hearing through the grapevine that Food Network’s Guy Fieri will be filming his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives at Lito’s, Norton’s, Mac’s Fish & Chips, and Savoy Cafe this week. The Food Network called me a few months ago asking … Continue reading →

October 15, 2011 – Here are pictures from the Sensational Seafood fundraiser put on by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History at the Ty Warner Sea Center. View the live SantaBarbara.com Sea Center Cam (you can move the camera … Continue reading →

I received this message last week from reader Quinn about the Minnow Cafe at the Harbor: The Minnow Restaurant epitaph This week there is a hole in my heart.  After more than 20 years of operation, the Minnow Restaurant at … Continue reading →

The neighborhood where I live is overflowing with pigeons. Needless to say I was thrilled this morning when I saw this hawk in my backyard volunteering to help us eliminate them. I’ve asked the hawk to write about its dining … Continue reading →

Sunny Pujji, owner of Spice Avenue in downtown Santa Barbara and Naan Stop in Isla Vista, has opened India Club restaurant at 5701 Calle Real in Goleta, the former home of Pick Up Stix. Pujji tells me “We’re excited to be … Continue reading →

Piatti restaurant at 516 San Ysidro Rd in Montecito closed its doors at the end of September. Piatti will be replaced by Montecito Wine Bistro Pierre Lafond.

The Santa Barbara Sustainable Seafood Program invites you to join them for an evening of sensational and sustainable cuisine this Saturday, October 15th 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Ty Warner Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. Experience ocean-friendly seafood at … Continue reading →

Readers tell me that the JKL Food and Wine Corporation has posted a notice for a beer and wine license at 801 State St,. the former home of Rocks. The tentative name for the new place is “Snack Shack.”

The winner of the California Avocado Festival’s Guacamole contest was Cherise Kirkendall. A Carpinteria resident for less than a year. Her recipe was simple. Chunky guacamole, with tomatoes, red onion, garlic salt, and lime. Presentation helped too, with her beach … Continue reading →

I am hearing that a restaurant is coming to 801 State St., the former home of Rocks. I have no idea what type of eatery it will be. As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast … Continue reading →

The annual Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival is this Saturday, October 8th from 10am – 5pm. In additional to activities & entertainment, food options include Lobster, Crab, Prawns, Oysters, Sea Urchin Uni, Albacore BBQ, Brophy Bros. Restaurant Clam Chowder, … Continue reading →

The 25th annual California Avocado Festival started today on Linden Ave in Carpinteria and runs through Sunday. For details visit avofest.com View photos I took at the 2010 Avo Fest

I first heard of Steve Jobs in the summer of 1978. For years I had been intrigued at the whole concept of a computer but knew I would never actually use one because they cost millions of dollars. Then suddenly … Continue reading →

Today I launched a new gluten-free main category on the Restaurant Guide home page. The list currently includes only a fraction of the gluten-free options in town. If you can suggest eateries (with details) that should be added to the … Continue reading →

I go hiking or running nearly every day and no matter what path I take I always encounter a familiar sight: abandoned dog poop bags. These plastic-wrapped “presents” are everywhere (even though it is not yet Christmas time) and most have … Continue reading →