Monthly Archives: May 2012

I am receiving reports that there is a “closed permanently” sign on the window at Baja Fresh 7127 Hollister Ave in Goleta. The Restaurant Guy lives right near Baja Fresh, and, being a huge taco fan, eats at this restaurant … Continue reading →

The Bennett family, owners of Brophy Bros. restaurant, have opened “On The Alley” at 117 Harbor Way, the former home of Minnow Café. I previously referred to this business as “Ty’s Café” which was the intended name at one time. … Continue reading →

Reader Laura tells me that C’est Cheese at 825 Santa Barbara St. will be expanding into a neighboring business, Thrasher Books, by October 1st.

This suggestion from reader Mike Hey John, You want a Big Mac for a dollar any day of the week? Just order a McDouble, no ketchup or mustard, add shredded lettuce and mac sauce. A Big Mac for a buck,  … Continue reading →

Petrini’s (14 W. Calle Laureles, 5711 Calle Real) now has on-line ordering and delivery. For more information visit petrinis.com. Thanks to reader Linda for the tip.

Reader Linda tells me that the Chumash have purchased the Hadsten House and Restaurant in Solvang.

George Merino, GM at The Chase Restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara, is opening a new restaurant named Uptown Lounge at 3126 State St., the former home of Don’s Cocktails. Thanks to readers Tony and Jeramy for the tip.

iGrill Korean BBQ will be coming soon to 3132 State St., the former home of Jade. I spoke with owner Amy Ding and was told that she hopes to open the restaurant in about 3 weeks. For more information visit … Continue reading →

While traveling through San Francisco airport today, on my way back to SB from a visit to Oregon, I noticed that, just past the extensive security screening all passengers are subjected to, there is a restaurant with knives on every … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Bill: 3132 State Street (former home of Jade) now has signs for Korean BBQ – Bill

I am in Eugene, Oregon (where I went to college) for the weekend attending a surprise birthday party. I noticed that drive-up coffee stands are everywhere. Perhaps there are far more here than in SB because you don’t have to … Continue reading →

Reader Tim tells me that Ty’s Cafe has opened at 9 Breakwater at the Harbor, the former home of Minnow Cafe. They are open.  We poked our heads in there the day before yesterday.  They had opened the evening before on … Continue reading →

If you have a suggestion please leave a message in the blog. Hi John, I was wondering if you have tried the new Sunday brunch at Miro and how that compares to the brunch at the Four Seasons [Biltmore]. Thanks, … Continue reading →

Last month I posted a story about Red Barn Steak House in Santa Ynez and how it was purchased by the Nichols brothers. This week I received messages from readers Kris and Sunday that indicate the eatery will become the … Continue reading →

As mentioned in an earlier post I drove to Kanarraville, Utah last Sunday to watch the solar eclipse from a mathematically-perfect view point. A reader just sent me a video link to KSL News in Salt Lake City that includes … Continue reading →

If you have a suggestion please leave a message in the blog. John: Appreciate the restaurant information you provide in your column in the Daily Sound. I know a restaurateur who is interested in relocating to SB. He needs about … Continue reading →

This just in from Santa Barbara Ice & Propane owner Erick Crocker: Hi John, My name is Erick.  I recently read one of the postings on your site and I wanted to respond.  I am responding to “Beer Bummer” and … Continue reading →

In your 2012 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 … Continue reading →

Last Sunday I drove to a field 1/4 mile south of the city of Kanarraville, Utah (near St. George) to have a mathematically perfect view of the annular eclipse (well, almost perfect – the center line was about 200 yards … Continue reading →

This just in from Denise Allec, representative of Peabody’s Bar & Grill at 1198 Coast Village Rd: (Montecito, CA)  Peabody’s Bar & Grill, 1198 Coast Village Road, is changing hands and will be closed temporarily for repairs and renovations. “We … Continue reading →

I called Emilio’s restaurant today and their voice mail, likely recorded at the end of April, says that the restaurant will be closed for 3 weeks for a “kitchen remodel and change of ownership.”

Reader Chris tells me that Mel’s Lounge now serves food: John, I just had a delicious bowl of pozole (red, chicken) today at Mel’s lounge at 209 W. Carrillo St. I was actually going to the Cuernavaca, but after parking … Continue reading →

The Santa Barbara Downtown Organization will host the 2012 Downtown Art & Wine Tour on Thursday, May 24th from 5:30-9:30pm. Participants will enjoy a self guided tour of downtown venues prepared with a logo wine glass in hand for tasting … Continue reading →

Santa Barbara’s chefs, restaurants, and wineries will gather for Share Our Strength’s culinary benefit “Taste of the Nation.”  Taste of the Nation Santa Barbara will raise funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in Santa … Continue reading →

Presto Pasta, which just opened a new location at 2830 De La Vina St, plans to close their restaurant at 827 E. Montecito St. next week. Details to follow.

Reader Glen (not reader Glenn) tells me that Fresh & Easy market, coming to 336 N. Milpas St., is slated to open 6/13/2012.

I am sad to report that Bitterman’s Deli at 5 W. Canon Perdido has closed. On the bright side, I am happy to report that Blue Owl (currently open late night at Zen Yai) will be taking over the space … Continue reading →

I am told that Kobachi in El Mercado Plaza (4141 State St.), which closed last January, might reopen June 7th.

San Marcos High School will be hosting a series of gourmet food truck festivals to run at dinner hours on the “Fourth Thursday” of the month.  Different styles of food will be available from each truck: French fusion, Spanish/Polynesian Tiki … Continue reading →

This just in from Eladio’s at 1 State St.: John, Eladio’s will be holding a Justin Wine dinner on Saturday June 23, 2012 at 7 pm. Reservations can be made by calling 805-564-8631. See attached food and wine pairings. It’s … Continue reading →

Food editor George Yatchisin tells me that the Santa Barbara Independent is holding its 3rd Annual Sizzling Summer BBQ/Cocktail Contest and is looking for entries. Submit recipes to food@independent.com by Tuesday, May 29, 5 p.m.

It appears that a “Fresh” battle might be brewing on Milpas St. Just as Fresh & Easy is about to open at 336 N. Milpas St (their signs are up), I have now received word that Scolari’s at 222 N. … Continue reading →

While enjoying Cinco de Mayo I did a video walk through of the new Sharkeez at 525 State St., the former home of Madison’s Grill & Tavern.  

Reader Primetime tells me that Fresh & Easy, coming soon to 336 N. Milpas St., now has their signs up.

On Thursday May 3rd Sharkeez at 416 State St completed a move to 525 State St., the former home of Madison’s Grill & Tavern.

This just in from reader Matthew: John: On my way to work I noticed that the former home of Jade on upper State [3132 State St] which had previously had a for sale sign posted by the radius group no … Continue reading →

2012 marks 30 years of  winemaking for Rick and Diana Longoria of Longoria Wines, and to celebrate they are hosting a special Winemaker Dinner at bouchon on Friday, May 11th for $125 per person (tax and gratuity included). Enjoy a … Continue reading →

Reader Primetime tells me that Scolari’s on Milpas St is giving 20 percent or more discounts off everything in the store. Scolari’s may change discount to 30 percent as soon as May 5th.

I recently discovered that See’s Candies in La Cumbre Plaza was missing from the guide so I added them today. I also added pictures for Chipotle in La Cumbre Plaza and Arlington Tavern downtown.

This just in from owner Richard Payatt: John, With heavy heart, I must report that we closed our doors at the 2912 De La Vina Taco Bell for the last time, at 7:00PM this evening, May 1st. But, we had … Continue reading →