Monthly Archives: July 2012

This just in from reader Bruce: John, I was walking on lower State yesterday and noticed big signs in the window next to the new Indigo Hotel (a space I think was formerly occupied by a Subway) announcing it was … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Kathy: I was visiting a friend that lives behind the old Taco Bell on DLV and heard some hammering or moving around inside and also saw the owners of the Daily Grind at the back … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Elizabeth: Driving to work today, I noticed that there were signs up in the space next to Goleta Cajun Kitchen for Sam’s to Go. I didn’t go look at the other location yet, but my … Continue reading →

The friendly folks at KEYT say someone is interested in turning the recently renovated Big Yellow House in Summerland into a restaurant.

Reader Arlene tells me that the new Uptown Lounge will open at this Wednesday at 3126 State St., the former home of Don’s Cocktails.

Readers tell me that Dogtown and 888 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista has closed and that there is a “coming soon” sign for The Habit.

This just in from reader Tony: Hi John Though not necessarily food related, it appears that a Vitamin Shoppe will be opening next to the new Montecito Bank and Trust in Goleta at Storke and Hollister. Just FYI:-) Tony from … Continue reading →

I heard a rumor that Daily Grind is expanding in to the old Taco Bell on De  La Vina and that Our Daily Bread is moving in to the old Mimosa. As always, this rumor might be completely false or … Continue reading →

Reader Mike tells me that Nikka Fish Grill is now open at 5722 Calle Real, Goleta, the former location of Jungle George Grill which closed last March.

Reader David sent me a link to a Los Angeles Times story about a new restaurant that is planned for the upcoming Montecito Country Mart being build next to Vons in 2013.

The “5 guys take same photo for 30 years” story continues to go viral around the world including all over Europe and Asia. I did a couple of live interviews on CNN last Friday. It was the #2 story (after … Continue reading →

I will be interviewed live on CNN News Room with Brooke Baldwin at 12:40pm Pacific Time today to talk about the 5 year photos. I will also be on CNN Headline News at 3:45pm PT today.

Readers tell me that Burger King on upper State St has closed their doors. The eatery will be replaced by Chick-Fil-A.

The Santa Barbara News-Press ran a nice story in the Life section yesterday about how my Santa Barbara High School friends and I get together every 5 years for the last 30 years to take the same photo. CNN made … Continue reading →

Reader Matt tells me that In-N-Out Burger might soon have a new neighbor: Hello, I have seen a Notice of Proposed Development sign on the corner of Turnpike and Calle Real. It mentions that a McDonalds is going in there. … Continue reading →

The Snack Shack at 801 State St (formerly Rocks) has opened. Here is a message about it from owner Jim: John, Thanks for the email, I appreciate your support and including us in your blog. The Snack Shack opened last … Continue reading →

Usually on weekends I wander around town, following up on tips received during the week, so I can have food news stories available on Tuesday to fans of “The Restaurant Guy” blog and Daily Sound newspaper column. Yesterday I did … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Bob: Hi John, Noticed a sign for “Rosales Mexican Restaurant” on the old Presto Pasta on Montecito Street today. Cheers, Bob

This just in from reader Steve: Jitters coffee shop [at 728 State St] in downtown SB has changed its name to Open Cup. The current owners bought it about a year ago. the only signage is currently the attached chalkboard … Continue reading →

This just in from owner Justin West: Hi John, This is Justin over at Julienne. I am writing to let you and your readers know that Julienne is expanding its services and will begin serving lunch on Tuesday July 17. … Continue reading →

Owner Richard Lambert tells me that he had decided to discontinue his new tamale delivery service. The web site will be going down shortly.

Owner Richard Lambert has launched “Santa Barbara Tamales To Go.” The tamales are made to order, so you place your order at least one day in advance. They deliver three days a week: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11:30 AM to … Continue reading →

Reader Tony tells me that a new restaurant named “The French Table” is coming to 129 E. Anapamu St., the former home of Elements.  

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: Angry Wings 6530 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista (formerly Chino’s Rock & Tacos) Brothers … Continue reading →