This observation provided to you by reader Ashleigh:

I know this isn’t really breaking news, but I just noticed Wine Cask now posts their dessert menu instead of only their other menus. I think that’s neat, because they have some great desserts.

This just in from owner Jill Brouillard:

Hello John,

Fresco has news!

We now have our own coffee blend with Caribbean Coffee, who we have been proud to be associated with for over seventeen years.  All Fresco Cafes will now serve this French Roast blended for us.

Fresco Cafe at Five Points has a holiday promotion. With every 50.00 gift card purchased in December, the buyer will receive an additional gift certificate for 10.00. It is like buying a gift for yourself!

Also our Saturday  Fund-Raisers have been very popular, so if anyone in the community has a non-profit they would like to promote and raise money for with Fresco, they can call Natalie at 967.6037 to inquire about Fresco Cafe hosting your fundraiser.

And….. We are pleased to announce a new Fresco Cafe opens in Reno on Wednesday, December 12 th. Mark and I have been up here working on it and we are very excited to open a Fresco Cafe in Nevada.

A Fresco Cafe in S L O looks to be a good possibility in winter 2013. We will keep you posted on that!

Most of all, we want to thank all of Santa Barbara for their support of Fresco and all the local businesses, and wish everyone a very wonderful holiday and a happy new year!

Jill Brouillard

The Santa Barbara News-Press has a nice story today in the Life section on “Mrs. Claus.” My wife Sharon (a.k.a. “The Restaurant Gal”) has played an Elf for the last 5 years at my Accidental Santa call center. After I married her last July she decided to take the role of Mrs. Claus for the first time. The call center is open December 20 – 24, noon – 8 p.m. pacific time. Have your children call 1-800-726-8222 to speak with Santa, Mrs. Claus or an Elf. For more information or to signup as a volunteer visit AccidentalSanta.com.

This just in from reader Bob:

Hey John,

I Was riding home from work today and noticed a sign on the side of  Milpas Liquor [314 N. Milpas Street] directing folks to Restaurante Hondurena 5 Estralla (hey, if it’s 5 Star it must be good, right). Can’t see it from Milpas, it must in the back of the building behind House of Laundry?

~Bob

Reader Huyen tells me that Little Cantina has opened at 14 E. Cota Street. It is brought to you by the owners of El Taco Tequila Taqueria that closed at that address last month. For more information call 845-6226 or visit littlecantina.com.

• View the menu

This just in from co-owner Ruben Perez at Seagrass restaurant 30 E. Ortega Street:

Hello,

Seagrass is proud to present our new and improved revamped menu. Our intention for this menu was inspired by our love in small plates and being able to taste lots of different flavors. Along with small plates we will be also offering a variety of larger entrée meals as well. Visit our web site at www.seagrassrestaurant.com and check out the full menu. We look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Cheers,
Ruben

This just in from reader Bruce:

John,

I walked down State Street a couple of times this week and noticed that the Open Cup Coffee Shop (next to SuperCuts) had a sign saying “Sorry Closed Today”.  The closing looks more permanent than temporary.

Bruce

Executive Chef Mazeo L. Frazer at iGrill tells me that the launch of his Korean BBQ restaurant at 3132 State Street (formerly Jade) is delayed due to unexpected city red tape. No opening date was given.

Reader Jeff tells me that 730 N. Milpas Street, formerly Taqueria el Refugio, La Chiripita Taqueria, Chili Town, DogHouse, Mexican Grill and Fosters Freeze (in the 1960’s) will open this week as “The Shop.” The new east-side eatery will serve breakfast and lunch. I do not know what type of cuisine they offer.

Reader Primetime tells me that Chase Bank is moving into the former home of Subway, Fantastic Sams and Fosters Freeze at the Mesa shopping center. I am told that Chase is covering the cost of moving Subway and Fantastic Sams to the old Dean-o’s Pizzerama location next door.

Last February I reported about that Hostess Brands, maker of Twinkies, Ho Ho’s, Suzy Q’s, Ding Dong’s and Wonder Bread, had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Now the company has shut down completely and has begun the process of selling off their assets to the highest bidder.

Reader Mike tells me that construction has started at the new Panera Bread at 700 State Street, the former home of Left At Albuquerque. I broke the news on April 17th about their pending arrival downtown. Panera Bread opened their first South Coast location at 3851 State Street in La Cumbre Plaza last March.

Reader Mike tells be that the “for lease” sign at 416 State Street, the former home of Sharkeez, was recently taken down. The sign went up in early November when the owner of Santa Barbara Bar and Grill, who was about to open at that address, ran into serious legal trouble.

Reader Mike tells me that 532 State Street, the former home of Zia Cafe which closed in 2010, is showing signs of work being done on the interior.

The Winehound has completed a move to their new La Cumbre Plaza location at 3849 State Street, across from Macy’s, right between See’s Candy and Chipotle.

The Nugget at 5685 Calle Real in Goleta now offers weekend breakfast specials starting at 11am including Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Burrito and Breakfast Sandwich served until 2pm.

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:

• Anchor, 119 State St. (formerly Subway)
• Brothers Restaurant, 3539 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez (formerly Red Barn Steak House)
• Ca Dario Pizzeria, 29 E. Victoria St., in October
• C’est Cheese Café & Marketplace, 831 Santa Barbara St. (Our Daily Bread)
• Chick-Fil-A, 3707 State St. (formerly Burger King)
• Chocolate Lounge, 15 W. Gutierrez St. (formerly Le Crepe Shoppe)
• Daily Grind, 2912 De La Vina St. (formerly Taco Bell), in January 2013
• Deux Bakery 824 Reddick St.
• Fresh & Easy, 5955 Calle Real, Goleta (formerly SB Motor Sports)
• Fresh Market, 222 N. Milpas St. (formerly Scolari’s)
• Hibachi, 1208 State St. (formerly East)
• iGrill Korean BBQ, 3132 State St. (formerly Jade)
• Little Cantina, 14 E. Cota St. (formerly El Taco Tequila Taqueria)
• Los Agaves, 2911 De La Vina St. (formerly Jake’s)
• McDonald’s, 4719 Calle Real, Goleta
• Mullaney’s, 21 W. Montecito St.
• Our Daily Bread, 2700 De La Vina St. (formerly Mimosa)
• Panera Bread, 700 State St. (formerly Left at Albuquerque)
• Persona Neapolitan Pizzeria, 905 State St. (formerly The Taj Café)
• The Pickle Room, 128 E. Canon Perdido St. (formerly Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens)
• Unnamed eatery, 198 Coast Village Rd. (formerly Peabody’s)
• Unnamed eatery by Suzanne Goin, 1020 Coast Village Rd. (formerly Vons Pharmacy), in May 2013
• Yogurtland, 5880 Calle Real, Goleta (formerly Blockbuster), in March 2013

• Adama, 560-1348
• Arlington Tavern, 770-2626
• Ballard Inn Restaurant, 688-7770
• Bella Vista at Four Seasons Biltmore, 969-2261
• Bistro 1111 at Hyatt, 730-1111
• Blush Restaurant and Lounge, 957-1300
• Bouchon, 730-1160
• Ca Dario, 884-9419
• Cadiz, 770-2760
• Coast Restaurant & Bar at Canary Hotel, 879-9100
• Cold Spring Tavern, 967-0066
• Creekside Buffet at Chumash Casino, 686-0855
• Crocodile Restaurant at Lemon Tree Inn, 687-6444
• Doubletree Resort, 884-8533
• Eladio’s, 963-4466
• The French Table, 882-0050
• Fresco Cafe (take-out only), 967-6037
• Frog Bar & Grill at Glenn Annie Golf Course, 968-0664
• Harbor Restaurant, 963-3311
• Harry’s Plaza Café, 687-2800
• Holdren’s – Downtown, 965-3363
• Holdren’s Grill – Goleta, 685-8900
• Jack’s Bistro & Bagels (take-out only), 566-1558
• Joe’s Café, 966-4638
• Julienne, 845-6488
• Louie’s at the Upham Hotel, 963-7003
• Marmalade Café, 682-5246
• Miro at Bacara Resort, 571-3018
• Moby Dick Restaurant, 965-0549
• Montecito Wine Bistro, 969-7520
• Mulligans Cafe, 682-3228
• Petros in Los Olivos, 686-5455
• Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro, 962-1455
• Plow & Angel at San Ysidro Ranch, 565-1724
• Root 246 in Solvang, 686-8681
• Roy, 966-5636
• Seagrass, 963-1012
• Shoals Restaurant at Cliff House Inn, 652-1381
• Sly’s (take-out only), 684-6666
• Stella Mare’s, 969-6705
• Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, 565-1724
• Tee-Off Restaurant, 687-1616
• Treehouse Restaurant, 687-2426
• Tupelo Junction Café, 899-3100
• Willows at Chumash Casino, 686-0855
• Wine Cask, 966-9463

Since last Thursday The Restaurant Gal and I have been in Texas visiting my childhood friend (and Best Man) named Flip. We went to Cowboys Stadium yesterday for a football game. I should back by Thanksgiving.

The widely-read Zagat Survey of restaurants, now a division of Google, just released their results for 2013 and I had an opportunity to glance at the booklet covering the Santa Barbara region. Zagat only surveyed about 60 local restaurants so if your favorite place didn’t make the list, it doesn’t necessarily mean it received a low ranking.

TOP FOOD:
1) Downey’s, Julienne
2) Ballard Inn, Bouchon
3) Arigato, In-N-Out, La Super-Rica, Opal

TOP SERVICE:
1) Bouchon, Downey’s
2) Ballard Inn, Opal
3) Julienne, Seagrass, Stella Mare’s

TOP DÉCOR:
1) Bouchon, Coast, Plow & Angel, Stella Mare’s, Wine Cask
2) Cava, Cold Spring Tavern, Zaytoon
3) Arts & Letters Café, Bella Vista, Blue Agave, Downey’s, Lucky’s, Seagrass

MOST POPULAR CHAINS:
1) In-N-Out
2) California Pizza Kitchen
3) Outback

BEST BUY:
1) In-N-Out
2) Cajun Kitchen
3) Fresco Cafe

Here are “local’s specials” now available at Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood, 512 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. All specials include choice of soup or salad and choice of side.

• Monday: All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Baby Back Ribs for $19.95
• Tuesday: 8-ounce Prime Sirloin & BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp for $19.95
• Wednesday: 12-ounce Slow Roasted Prime Rib for $19.95
• Thursday: 8-ounce Prime Sirloin & Alaskan King Crab Legs for $24.95
• Sunday: 8-ounce Prime Sirloin & Shrimp Scampi for $19.95

This just in from the CBS network:

Hi John,

I’m casting a new Baking Competition Series for CBS (based on “The Great British Bake Off”) and I am looking for the best amateur bakers in Southern California! I wanted to pass this opportunity on to your readers – people who love to bake/cook but are not necessarily professionals. We are seeking people in all professions who bake for the love of baking as a hobby or as a side business, but not as what they do for a living.

When: Saturday, December 1st, 2012, 11am-4pm
Where: Chef’s Inc., 10955 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Application: cbsbakingshow.com

Are you a passionate amateur baker? Can you whip up an impressive cake, tart or loaf of bread? You may be the perfect candidate for an exciting new competition baking series on CBS!!

Amateur skilled bakers will compete against one another in baking challenges that will test every aspect of their baking skills. At the end of the competition, one baker will ultimately be crowned the winner. The series follows the trials and tribulations of the competitors – young, old, from every background and every corner of the United States – as they attempt to prove their baking prowess.

We are seeking all types of non-professional bakers from across the country, whether you’re an athlete, teacher, truck river or retiree, as long as you have the zest for baking, we want to hear from you!

Thank you,

Cherish Hamutoff
Casting Producer
Casting Duo

Casa Blanca restaurant at 330 State Street has a “local’s night” every Monday where you receive a 1/2 price dinner entree with local ID (not valid with other offers). Tuesday is all-you-can-eat tacos (with drink purchase) for $7.95 including chicken, carnitas or carne asada. Every Sunday Casa Blanca serves brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for $10.95. You can buy a $2 mimosa with each brunch order. For more information call 845-8966 or visit casablancasb.com.

Reader Chris tells me that Cafe Blu at 506 State Street (next to Natural Cafe) has closed their doors. Reader Brendan says there is now a for-lease sign above the door. Cafe Blu opened just last June.

On Sunday, November 18 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Girls Inc. at 5315 Foothill Road in Carpinteria will have its first-ever Chili Challenge as part of their annual Taste of Carpinteria fundraiser event. Chili Cook-off contestants will go head to head to create the tastiest chili as decided by judges and the crowd. Judges are James Sly, Finola Hughes, Gail Persoon, Roxanne Nomura and Wade Nomura. Cost: $50 in advance, $60 at the door. For more information call 684-6364.

Fresco Cafe in Five Pts. Plaza is holding a fundraiser this Saturday, November 10th to benefit the Red Cross for Hurricane Relief. Between 4 pm to 9pm, 15 % of total revenue will be donated to The American Red Cross for the benefit of those still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. There will also be a donation Can collecting straight donations from customers.

Owners Eui and Amanda Oh tell me that the popular dessert destination Yogurtland just signed a lease at 5880 Calle Real in Goleta, the former home of Blockbuster. They plan to open their second location on the South Coast in the spring of 2013.

October 2012 was one for the record books. For the first time since I began tracking restaurant & coffee shop statistics back in 2005 the number of South Coast businesses opening (or reopening in a new, larger location) in a single month reached double digits. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come.

The ten new dining locations are:  Angry Wings, 6530 Pardall Rd., Isla Vista; French Press, 528 Anacapa St.; Good Cup, 918 State St.; Hana Kitchen, 6558 Pardall Rd., Isla Vista; Itsuki Restaurant, 7127 Hollister Ave., Goleta; Pickle and Swiss, 811 State St.; Pizza My Heart, 6533 Trigo Rd., Isla Vista; Relais de Paris, 734 State St.; The French Table, 129 E. Anapamu St.; The Habit, 888 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista.

The bakery at Scarlett Begonia will soon move to a separate location on the east side and will be named Deux Bakery. They will specialize in artisan breads, pastries, cakes and pies. The address will be 824 Reddick Street. For more information call 661-645-8803.

Bistro at the Bacara Resort closed for renovations in September and is currently scheduled to reopen in April of 2013.

Owner Michael Stinchfield was close to opening Santa Barbara Bar and Grill at 416 State Street, the former home of Sharkeez. That all changed on November 3rd when he was arrested and charged with sexual assault, a hate crime and other offenses. Stinchfield is behind bars in the Santa Barbara County Jail without bail. In September he was arrested after an hour-long police chase through rush-hour traffic on a Los Angeles freeway. The chase extended more than 50 miles and reached 100 mph at times. The same day as his most-recent arrest 416 State Street was listed as available for lease on Craig’s List. Thanks to reader Jeff for the tip.

Today I added photos for 17 restaurants including Angry Wings, Cafe Blu, Crushcakes Isla Vista, Eureka Burger, Fresh & Easy Market, Good Cup, Hana Kitchen, Hidden Dolphin, Itsuki Restaurant, Maggie’s, On The Alley, Open Cup, Pizza My Heart, Rosales, Snack Shack, Super Cucas, The Habit Isla Vista. Yes, I added photos for a closed restaurant (Snack Shack). I took them the day before they suddenly shut their doors.

A new restaurant named Hana Kitchen has opened at 6558 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Fat Mo’s Burgers & Car Wash, Flaming Grill, Fresh Start, and Isla Vista Bakery Cafe. I am told that the menu is “eclectic Asian, half vegan” (mostly Chinese and Japanese) and that the full menu won’t be available until the grand opening around January 1st. Starting the first of the year their main offering will be a chicken bowl. Currently Hana offers a limited menu of vegan tacos for $2.75 each, including teriyaki mango, spicy sweet & sour, and jalapeno wasabi. The Restaurant Gal and I tried the first two and they were excellent. The texture resembled chicken. Hours are Monday -Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. For more information call 845-4054.

McDonald’s restaurant at 1213 State Street will host a grand reopening of their renovated eatery on November 19th. Improvements include new interior design and lighting, a flat-screen television and free WiFi. There will be an 8:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting event with the Chamber of Commerce and local VIPs. Prizes and free samples will be given out during festivities.

Executive Chef Mazeo L. Frazer tells me that IGrill Korean BBQ at 3132 State Street is planning to have an official opening November 30th with a soft opening possibly happening mid-month. Frazer says:

“We have completed the kitchen remodel and are still awaiting some final okay from the city for the plans for the dining and parking areas which have been revised numerous times. Fingers crossed, the city will sign off on the project this week and final construction will be completed within a week. Reservations will definitely be recommended for any day of the week as we have been receiving a lot of anticipation from the community and expect to be very busy as soon as we fire up the table grills and open the doors for business.”

iGrill will be open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 5 p.m. -11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information call 845-2889.

This just in from the owner of Palazzio 1026 State Street:

Hi John,

Interesting human interest story.  I had a customer send to me these photos:  During WW2, the Palazzio location was a tiki bar restaurant called: “Seven Seas.”  It was a watering hole for many service men stationed in Goleta during the war.  Well, I get a telephone call from a Mr. John Hoke, whose father used to frequent the Seven Seas, along with his other comrades.  John’s father Charles Hoke, is not 88 years old from Omaha, Nebraska.  His family is from LA and they are flying him out to California and this Sunday they are taking him to Palazzio, this Sunday for dinner, (the place he hasn’t seen for 69 years).  The son said to me this is his father’s “last hurrah,” since his health is not very good.

John, this is just one of those great human interest stories with a Veteran returning to Santa Barbara after 69 years coming to Santa Barbara only to visit and remember his days at the 7 Seas tiki Lounge.

Charles Hoke is in both photos.  The one with two guys in it, he’s the one on the left next to the wall.  The photo of the guys at the bar, Charles is the one looking up in the sky, (second from the right).

Thanks,
Ken

Many newspapers have published lists of the people and propositions they think you should vote for in this year’s election on November 6th. I personally have never liked that idea but I recognize that this year is especially important so I thought I would share my political leanings with you.

I am voting yes on Proposition M (all restaurants must stay open until midnight) and no on Proposition C (corkage fees allowed at restaurants). Proposition D (all dining establishments must offer delivery) will surely be popular as will Proposition W (free Wi-Fi required at all restaurants, coffee shops & bakeries) and they both get my vote. Proposition L (live music required at all eateries) will be expensive but I feel it is worth the investment in our future. Unfortunately, the one item on this year’s ballot that I sponsored, Proposition R (all restaurants are required to reserve a table at all times for the Restaurant Guy), seems to be failing by a large margin.

Ultimately the decision that matters most is your own. Good luck at the polls!

They have given many interviews during their quest to win the election but until now no reporters have had the courage to hammer candidates with the one hardball question you want answered most: “What are your favorite restaurants in the Santa Barbara area?” I sent nearly a dozen emails to those seeking to be elected U.S. Representative, State Senator, State Assembly and County Supervisor, and here are the responses I received:

• Peter Adam, Santa Barbara County Supervisor, District 4: “Brophys is always a standard. When the kids were small, we could always salvage a rainy Saturday or Sunday by going to the zoo and then either to the end of the pier or Brophys for an excellent meal. More recently, I went to the sushi restaurant in Montecito, Sakana, which was fabulous. I expect I will be eating more in south county after the election. In four years, I should have a deeper list of favorites.”
• Joni Gray, Santa Barbara County Supervisor, District 4: “I would have to say my favorite restaurant to eat at is the Far Western Tavern in Guadalupe. My favorite places to grab a drink and enjoy great conversation would have to be Rooney’s Irish Pub in Orcutt and the Whistle Stop in Lompoc. These fine establishments are local favorites, and provide that hometown feel!”
• Gerald Manata, State Assembly, District 35: “I have not lived in Santa Barbara for over 7 years, but when I was there, I would have to pick the Sojourner as my favorite place. It served an assortment of organic food at reasonable prices in walking distance from my home. It served original and tasty meals.”
• Rob Walter, State Assembly, District 37: “Thanks for the question. The answer:  In-N-Out. Great service, great burgers, great fries.”
• Das Williams, State Assembly, District 37: “Favorite breakfast spots for my wife and I are Backyard Bowls to be healthy or Tupelo Junction if we feel like being bad. We get a drink at Oreana (because Christian Garvin is the most witty person you will meet in your whole life) and Carr wineries (because the Grenache is the best wine we have ever tasted) or Vino Divino for a bottle. Food that captures us include the gazpacho and the atmosphere at Cadiz, scallops at the Canary Hotel, Gnocchi at Emilios, pho at Saigon, or Rice Thai in Ventura (because it’s great and right near an electric charging station). Proximity to an electric charging station also dictates the sushi spots we frequent, Takenoya and Sushi House in Goleta. Also Domingo’s Cafe. Jonnie’s and Corralles taquerias in Ventura cause they are the best after surfing!”

Tracy Hill will be signing her new book Delightfully Free on Saturday November 3rd at Savoy Cafe & Deli 24 W. Figueroa Street 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Delightfully Free is a gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free cookbook of 141 recipes. It includes resources for autism, Celiac disease, diabetes, lactose intolerance, obesity and healthy living. It contains 114 color photographs, 114 vegetarian or vegetarian compatible recipes, and 103 vegan or vegan compatible recipes.

El Taco Tequila Taqueria, which opened at 14 E. Cota Street in June 2011 (replacing Square One restaurant), has closed their doors. The owners will instead try a new concept named Little Cantina with an all-new menu. Thank you to reader Tina for the tip.

Angry Wings restaurant has opened at 6530 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Chino’s Rock & Tacos, Eclectic I.V., China Garden and Kung Pao Kitchen. The eatery offers Buffalo Wings, boneless wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps, root beer floats and beer floats. Hours are Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am. For more information call (855) EAT-WINGS or visit angrywingsiv.com.

Outback Steakhouse reigned supreme on October 28th at the 3rd Annual Santa Barbara Chowder Fest held at the Montecito Country Club. Chuck’s Waterfront Grill won the People’s Choice award. Proceeds from this event benefit Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County. Here is a complete list of winners:

• Winners of Clam Chowder Category: 1st – Outback Steakhouse;  2nd – Chuck’s Waterfront Grill; 3rd – FortunFoods
• Winners of the Creative Category: 1st – Scarlett Begonia; 2nd – Boathouse; 3rd – Museum Café
• Winner of the People’s Choice award: Chuck’s Waterfront Grill

View more photos from the event

Here is a press release from Chuck’s Waterfront Grill at 113 Harbor Way:

CHUCKS WATERFRONT, ENDLESS SUMMER GARNER CHOWDER FEST AWARDS

Local restaurants win People’s Choice Award at weekend event

Santa Barbara, Calif. – October 29, 2012 – Chuck’s Waterfront Grill and The Endless Summer bar-café received the People’s Choice Award for best clam chowder by event attendees at Chowder Fest this Sunday, October 28, 2012. The two restaurants, owned by Steve Hyslop and Nan and Larry Stone, also garnered second place in the Best Clam Chowder competition.

The Third Annual Chowder Fest took place this past Sunday at Montecito Country Club. The event featured clam chowder of all different styles from local restaurants, and was judged by a panel featuring Iron Chef Cat Cora.

“We were happy to receive Second Place for the Best Clam Chowder at Chowder Fest, but the biggest win for us was being recognized as People’s Choice Winner by the attendees,” Chuck’s Waterfront Grill Owner Steve Hyslop commented. “Chowder Fest featured many of the great restaurants in town, so to be able to stand out against the best was an achievement.”

To celebrate the win, both Chuck’s Waterfront Grill and The Endless Summer bar-café will be offering free cups of clam chowder to their Facebook fans all week. The event will run from Monday, October 29 – Friday, November 2.

Chuck’s Waterfront Grill and The Endless Summer bar-café have been locally owned and operated since 1999. Chuck’s Waterfront Grill was also recognized in 2011 by Santa Barbara Beautiful for the new Waterfront Deck, with radiant heating in the flooring, glass partitions to buffer the breeze, and sails overhead to keep dining guests comfortable while overlooking the boats.

Silvergreens (791 Chapala Street, and 900 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista) has just introduced 3 new homemade cookies to their menu: PB & J (peanut butter & strawberry jam, 200 calorie, gluten free & vegan), Snickerdoodle (100 calorie) and Blueberry & White Chocolate (100 calorie). These are in addition to their other 3 homemade cookies: Chocolate Chip (200 calorie), Oatmeal Cranberry (100 calorie, dairy free) and Brookie (200 calorie). Cookies cost 79¢ each or come free with any sandwich or half & half combo.

Enterprise Fish Company at  225 State Street has been serving customers for 35 years. To celebrate they plan to roll prices back to where they were in 1977. Here is a press-release about it:

ENTERPRISE FISH COMPANY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS IN SANTA BARBARA

Enterprise Fish Company, a local Santa Barbara tradition since 1977 celebrates its 35th Anniversary with a two day “Roll Back” celebration and benefit for the Santa Barbara Environmental Defense Center.

Santa Barbara, CA:  Not many restaurants can make the claim that they have been in business for 35 years. But The Enterprise Fish Company, Santa Barbara’s favorite seafood restaurant & happy hour destinations is officially celebrating its 35th Anniversary on November 13th & 14th of 2012, having first opened in 1977.

To celebrate its landmark success, founding owners Michael Bank & Randy LaFerr will be hosting a two day long Roll Back celebration where menu prices will be rolled back to what they were in 1977.The celebration is timely as The Enterprise Fish Company was recently voted Best Happy Hour in Santa Barbara and was the finalist for Best Seafood & Best Clam Chowder in the Independent’s Readers Poll for the third year in a row!

“When the first Enterprise Fish Company opened in Santa Barbara in 1977, Randy and I were two childhood friends fresh out of college with big aspirations,” Bank says. “Over the years our menu has expanded a bit; we’ve updated a few things, but our ideas about fish and restaurants haven’t changed.” The Santa Barbara community has embraced the Enterprise Fish Company and that has been a key component in their longevity. In order to give back to the community that has supported them The Enterprise Fish Company is partnering with the Environmental Defense Center, who are also celebrating their 35th Anniversary. All proceeds from the sales of their limited edition 35th Anniversary T-shirts, Commemorative wine glasses, and the Chef’s special sustainable seafood skewer will be donated to the Environmental Defense Center. The goal is for the celebration to raise $5,000 for the local non profit, while promoting sustainable practices in the community and seafood industry.

This just in from State & Fig, 1114 State Street:

Good morning John,

It looks as if we have good weather on our side!  After a couple of successful test runs, State and Fig will begin our full service Brunch this weekend!  We may have missed the Summer patio season during our renovation, but the forecast for the weekend favors a comfortable patio dining experience in picturesque La Arcada’s courtyard.  We look forward to contributing a new weekend brunch tradition for our local community. We will be serving brunch from 9am-3:30 every Saturday/Sunday, beginning tomorrow.  We will have our standard brunch menu available on our Facebook page soon.  In addition, we will have 10+ ever-changing specials available for each brunch service. We are still a couple weeks away from starting our dinner service, and we will be sure to keep you posted once we feel confident on the launch date.

Thank you to all for your continued support!

Sincerely,
Patrick & Marisa

Intermezzo at 813 Anacapa Street has expanded the bar-café by opening a wall to the adjoining Riviera Private Dining Room. The eatery also has a newly appointed Chef Nik Ramirez.

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 serve a Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day? Last week I made a hundred phone calls to find the answer for you. Make reservations early because many places will be sold out weeks in advance.

For the 6th year in a row I present to you my Thanksgiving restaurant list which also can be viewed in a new Thanksgiving category.

• Adama, 560-1348
• Arlington Tavern, 770-2626
• Ballard Inn Restaurant, 688-7770
• Bella Vista at Four Seasons Biltmore, 969-2261
• Bistro 1111 at Hyatt, 730-1111
• Blush Restaurant and Lounge, 957-1300
• Bouchon, 730-1160
• Ca Dario, 884-9419
• Cadiz, 770-2760
• Coast Restaurant & Bar at Canary Hotel, 879-9100
• Cold Spring Tavern, 967-0066
• Creekside Buffet at Chumash Casino, 686-0855
• Crocodile Restaurant at Lemon Tree Inn, 687-6444
• Doubletree Resort, 884-8533
• Eladio’s, 963-4466
• The French Table, 882-0050
• Fresco Cafe (take-out only), 967-6037
• Frog Bar & Grill at Glenn Annie Golf Course, 968-0664
• Harbor Restaurant, 963-3311
• Harry’s Plaza Café, 687-2800
• Holdren’s – Downtown, 965-3363
• Holdren’s Grill – Goleta, 685-8900
• Jack’s Bistro & Bagels (take-out only), 566-1558
• Joe’s Café, 966-4638
• Julienne, 845-6488
• Louie’s at the Upham Hotel, 963-7003
• Marmalade Café, 682-5246
• Miro at Bacara Resort, 571-3018
• Moby Dick Restaurant, 965-0549
• Montecito Wine Bistro, 969-7520
• Mulligans Cafe, 682-3228
• Petros in Los Olivos, 686-5455
• Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro, 962-1455
• Plow & Angel at San Ysidro Ranch, 565-1724
• Root 246 in Solvang, 686-8681
• Roy, 966-5636
• Seagrass, 963-1012
• Shoals Restaurant at Cliff House Inn, 652-1381
• Sly’s (take-out only), 684-6666
• Stella Mare’s, 969-6705
• Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, 565-1724
• Tee-Off Restaurant, 687-1616
• Treehouse Restaurant, 687-2426
• Tupelo Junction Café, 899-3100
• Willows at Chumash Casino, 686-0855
• Wine Cask, 966-9463

The popular Los Agaves restaurant at 600 N. Milpas Street, which just won the 2012 Santa Barbara Independent award for Best Mexican Restaurant, is in discussions with property owners to open a second location at 2911 De La Vina Street, the former home of Jake’s Cafe and Cuzcatlan Salvadorian Cuisine.

The second location of the French Press coffee house opened at 528 Anacapa Street on October 10th. The original opened at 1101 State Street in July 2009 and quickly won awards around town including in last week’s Santa Barbara Independent Best Of 2012 poll. Hours are Monday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 7 p.m and Sunday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information call 962-7733. Thanks to reader Gary for the tip.

Reader Dawn let me know that Epic Bowl in Paseo Nuevo has closed their doors. I stopped by and saw that their sign is gone from the outside of the building and all of the interior fixtures have been removed. The acai bowl and smoothie shop opened in October 2010.

Reader Cris let me know that the newest Habit Burger Grill has opened at 888 Embarcadero del Norte in Isla Vista, the former home of Dogtown. Isla Vista has experienced a restaurant resurgence of late. In the last year eatery openings include Habit Burger Grill, Pizza My Heart, Crushcakes & Cafe, Cafe Equilibrium, Fat Mo’s Burgers and South Coast Deli.

Here are pictures from the Sensational Seafood event last night at Ty Warner Sea Center, brought to you by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Over twenty restaurants both local and from out of town will compete for Santa Barbara Chowder Champ on October 28, noon -4 p.m. at the Montecito Country Club  in Food & Home Magazine’s 3rd Annual Santa Barbara Chowder Fest. Judges for the event will be Food Network’s Iron Chef winner Cat Cora and Santa Barbara’s The Restaurant Guy.

Chowder participants include: Aldo’s Restaurant, Aloha Charlie Fish Company, Arch Rock Fish, Bay Roadhouse, Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, Chuck’s Waterfront Grill, FortunFoods, Four Seasons Hotel, Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood, Marmalade Café, Max’s Restaurant, Montecito Country Club, Museum Café, New West Catering, Olio e Limone Ristorante, Outback Steakhouse, Palace Grill, Scarlett Begonia, UCSB Faculty Club, Useless Bay Seafoods and World Cuisine Express.

Wineries: Brander Winery, Giessinger Winery, Kalyra Winery, Lieff Wines, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, Seawind Wines, Silver Winery, Stolpman Wines and Whitcraft Winery.

Breweries: The Brewhouse, Eureka!, Figueroa Mountain Brewery, Firestone Walker Brewing, Island Brewing Co., Jordano’s/Pacific Beverage

Other Purveyors: Cabot Creamery, Vermont, Chocolats du CaliBressan, Luna Olivo, Matilija Pure Water, Via Maestra, Westminster Cracker Co.

Tickets are $65 and can be bought at sbchowderfest.com or by calling 805.963.6754 x109 – all proceeds benefit Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County – a 501 (c)3 nonprofit.

I just completed an overhaul of the SantaBarbara.com Calendar for the first time in many years. The text is easier to read, items are bulleted, each day is divided into sections, and the upload image size is now 2MB instead of 0.2MB. I also updated all links to other calendars around town and added several new ones.

Listings in the SantaBarbara.com Calendar are free and it uses a self-serve submission form. The number of unique visitors to the calendar ranges from 5,000 – 10,000 per day. It’s a great way to give a lot of exposure to your events for free.

A new organic cold-pressed juice shop named Juice Ranch is coming to 33 Parker Way, next to Lilly’s Taqueria. Here is a message posted on their web site juiceranch.com:

Hey everyone!

We are very excited to share our process with all of you. We are opening up an organic juice cold-pressed juice shop right here in the beautiful Santa Barbara. We want to share the process of opening up a small business here in Santa Barbara. So far it has been a great experience and we are very excited to open our doors to the public some time this fall.

We have picked our location at 33 Parker Way, Santa Barbara. We are going to be right around the corner from SB Roasting Company, Backyard Bowls, and right across the street from Yoga Soup. For those of you taco fans Lily’s Taco’s is right around the corner as well. This is a great local Santa Barbara zone and we can’t wait to be a part of it.

We just recently broke ground at our shop and will start sharing our construction process with you shortly. In the next few weeks our website will be ready.

Owner Lilia Ladjelate from Marseilles, France opened her new restaurant Le Relais de Paris on October 3rd at 734 State Street, the long-time home of Ruby’s Cafe & Spirits Lounge. The eatery is the newest location in a string of Le Relais de Paris franchises around the world. General Manager Skye McGinnes tells me that they offer a simple menu of steak and fries (with some fish and salad selections). The bistro uses a secret recipe of 18 spices on their beef to give a distinctive flavor not available elsewhere. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 5 p.m. to close. For more information call 963-6077.

October 24 is Food Day which is a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable and sustainable food. Gerri French, registered dietitian at Sansum Clinic, will share information on dining out healthfully in Santa Barbara to reduce risk of disease and enhance longevity. Gerri will promote Culinary Medicine found in fresh local food packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Included in this free event is food tasting, review of menus and opportunities to win gift certificates to Santa Barbara restaurants and cafes.  Date: October 24, 2012; Time: 5:30-7 p.m.; Address: 215 Pesetas Lane, Santa Barbara; Contact: 681-8976; Admission: free

This just in from reader Matt:

John:

On my way downtown I noticed the windows of the space formerly occupied by Ultimate Bagels [at 1226 State Street] were all papered over and a peek inside revealed it has been totally gutted.  I thought someone might know who’s moving in.

Matt