KOZY Craft Coffee has opened at 6560 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Campus Point Coffee, Coffee Collaborative, and Java Jones. Kozy had a grand opening May 19 and I noticed that their menu includes traditional coffee,  teas, and pastries. Visit kozycraftcoffee.com.

Photo by The Restaurant Guy

This just in from reader Kim D.

Hello Restaurant Guy,
Here’s another tasty development happening in Carpinteria. Owners of SB hotspot, Revolver, are opening a sister restaurant at the site of the old Senor Frog’s on Linden Ave. “Linden Hall” is slated to open in late July or early August.

This just in from Yellow Belly at 2611 De la Vina Street:

Hi John!

We (Yellow Belly) just wanted to let you know that we started brunch on Sunday’s! We serve all kinds of yummy breakfast and lunch items, as well as specialty breakfast drinks! We also added a kids area outside and do special kids meal deal specials every Sunday!

We would love to get the word out!

Thank you!
Alex Keithley and Tracy Clark
Owners of Yellow Belly restaurant on De la Vina Street

Santa Barbara Fish Market is coming to University Plaza next to the DMV in Goleta. The new location will be 7127 Hollister Avenue Ste. 18, the former home of La Bella Rosa Bakery (2016-2019), Cafe Zoma (2010-2011), and Mojo Coffee (2006-2010). When I checked last December the old structures had been cleared out but nothing new was visible. As of June 2, 2023 it is clear that construction is well underway and there is a new sign indicating that they will open this fall.

Photo by The Restaurant Guy

In April 2022 I broke the news that Shalhoob’s had signed a lease to take over 5112 Hollister Avenue in Noleta, the former home of Woody’s BBQ. Last March reader Steve H. sent me photos that suggests that construction is well underway. I stopped by this week and the interior looks very similar to the way it did in March, so I don’t expect them to open any time soon.

Top photo: The Restaurant Guy, Bottom photo: Steve H.

Reader Renee R. spotted architecture board of review plans for 1212 Coast Village Road in Montecito, the former home of Cava, that suggest Clark’s Oyster Bar will be the next tenant. Googling their name reveals the eatery currently has locations in Austin, Texas and Aspen, Colorado. They are described as “a neighborhood spot with a great raw bar, house-baked sourdough, fresh fish, lobster rolls, pan-roasted hamburgers, and tasty libations.”

Little Dom’s Seafood, a popular locally-sourced seafood destination in Carpinteria, launched its first-ever Santa Maria Grill Summer Series over Memorial Day weekend. Little Dom’s Seafood co-owner, executive chef and grill expert, Brandon Boudet, pays homage to California’s signature barbecue style with a menu of seafood, meat and veggie dishes made on the restaurant’s own Santa Maria Grill. Located in Little Dom’s Seafood’s breezy outdoor parking lot, which will be converted into a summer picnic setting complete with picnic tables, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s special Santa Maria Grill menu alongside a selection of beer, wine and cocktails for a quintessential California BBQ experience.

A neighborhood dining landmark known for offering some of the freshest, locally sourced, seasonal seafood dishes in the region, Little Dom’s Seafood’s Summer Grill Series menu will feature: BBQ Oysters ($6 each), 1/2 Grilled Artichoke ($7), Roasted Corn w/ Basil and Parmesan ($9), Calabrese Chicken Wings ($18), Tri Tip Sandwich w/ Saba BBQ Sauce ($18), and Warm Maine Lobster Roll w/ Butter on Brioche ($28).

In addition to the Summer BBQ Series menu, patrons seated inside and along the sidewalk can order from the restaurant’s full menu. Little Dom’s Seafood’s Santa Maria Grill Summer Series will take place the fourth Saturday of each month through Labor Day weekend. Future dates include: June 24, July 22, August 26 and September 2.

Over 10,000 beers from 2,376 breweries spanning 51 nations were judged by 272 judges at the World Beer Cup in Nashville, Tenn. I am told that the event is known as the most prestigious beer judging competition in the world. Island Brewing Company’s Starry Night Stout went on to claim Silver in the Export Stout category. Export Stouts are a type of dark beer characterized by dark, robust flavors and a higher alcohol content than a typical stout. Starry Night Stout is the brewery’s most award-winning beer, and had previously won an award at the event, having won a Gold in 2012.

Readers asked why Lure Fish House in La Cumbre Plaza has been closed recently. I called their Ventura location and was told that the Santa Barbara outlet had a pipe leak that caused flooding and that they closed temporarily to resolve the problem.

Update: reader Rick says SB Lure has reopened

I received stunning news from reader Marty C. early this afternoon: Fresco Cafe has closed permanently. The restaurant moved from their long time home in Five Points last year to the downtown area. Here is a message from management that I have been asked to share with you:

In the twenty-eight years we have been in business we have made many friends and served thousands of customers. We remain very grateful for the opportunity to serve Santa Barbara for these many years. We have been fortunate to work with the best group of people anyone could hope for. We ask that you continue to support small businesses here in Santa Barbara, as they are the center of the community that connects all of us. Best wishes from the Brouillard Family and the Fresco Staff.

I have been enjoying Fresco Cafe since the 1990s and my wife and I continued to visit often. So many great memories and wonderful meals at Fresco. She has been tasked with recreating their Hot Mushroom Combo, my favorite sandwich in town, which apparently is now just a memory. She tells me it can be done which is keeping me from falling into despair.

Like many people on the South Coast, my family enjoyed spending the day at the I Madonnari festival at Old Mission Santa Barbara. The main draw for us is always the Rosemary Chicken and of course the artwork is pretty good too.

Photos by reader Annie (top) and The Restaurant Guy (bottom)

Reader Peter T. says that while when walking by Azul Cocina, coming to 7 East Anapamu Street, he noticed that there was plastic over the windows. Peter says that their website offers reservations (powered by Yelp) but when you try to make one it displays the message: “Azul Cocina and Cantina is temporarily closed. Scheduled to reopen on June 1, 2023.” As I understand it, the restaurant, located in the former home of Arts & Letters Café, La Cocina, Smithy, and Somerset, never actually opened aside from a single friends & family night last year.

“Azul Cocina and Cantina delivers Mexican cuisine and mixology with the finest locally sourced ingredients from Santa Barbara County,” says their website azulcocinasb.com. “Our mission is to deliver an exceptional authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern contemporary twist on flavors and traditions, led by Executive Chef Manny Diaz. Taste the revitalization of Upper-State Street Santa Barbara with lively offerings, fresh local ingredients and incredible seasonal dishes. Pair your cuisine with a unique one-of-kind crafted selection of Tequila and Mezcal flavored cocktails or choose form our array of seasonally selected wines.”

KEYT reports that Crush Bar at 1129-A State Street has closed. We broke the news in May 2021 that this sister business to Crush Cakes was taking over former home of Armada Wine Merchant. The Crush Bar space, popular with the queer community, is now for sale and regulars are hoping it stays all inclusive. “I Just don’t have the time and energy this bar, in this very lovely space needs,” says owner Shannon Heaton who is a newlywed, and very busy with Crush Cakes and her children.

Reader Josh tells me that Chick-fil-A restaurant at 3707 State Street is closed for the next couple of months to redesign the entrance to the eatery to hopefully end the chronic problem of cars lining up on the street for the drive-thru window.

Chick-fil-A Closes to Reconfigure Drive-Thru Lanes

Los Altos Mexican restaurant at 318 North Milpas Street has opened a second location at 5892 Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta, the former home of Mariscos Santa Barbara, Wingman Rodeo, Gimeal Cafe, and The Natural Cafe.

Owner Alberto Gonzalez’s home of Jalisco, Mexico is the inspiration behind the taste and feel of Los Altos, which opened on the east side in July 2015. With daily specials and handmade tortillas, the commitment to traditional cooking by a family owned and operated restaurant helps them captures what they feel is the true spirit of Mexico. The menu includes menudo, barbacoa, tacos, burritos, tortas, sopes, fresh seafood, and traditional favorites.

Weekly specials are available on Monday: burgers $6.00, fish & chips $9.49; Tuesday: tacos $2.75; Wednesday: burritos $7; Thursday: tortas $7; Friday: 3 sopes $9.49; and Weekends: Oysters $1.40 regular, $1.80 premium (topped with cucumber, shrimp, and octopus).

Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends. Visit losaltosrestaurant.com

I have again been away from Santa Barbara the last few weeks but have returned for the next 10 days after which I’ll be gone for another week. I am meeting my friends in northern California, near Yreka, to say goodbye to Copco Lake where we have been taking a group photo every 5 years for 40 years. Next January the lake will be drained and the power dam removed to allow salmon to migrate that part of the Klamath River. The lake is nice but visiting with friends has always been the reason we go. We’ll continue taking our photos at my buddy’s cabin every five years until we are all on the other side of the grass, after which the plan is for my son to take a portrait of an empty bench to complete the series, which began in 1982.

California Tacos and Taproom (not to be confused with Cal Taco which is open for business as usual) has closed their restaurant at 956 Embarcadero del Norte in Isla Vista. They opened in January 2019. This address is also the former home of Grilled Cheese Truck, Santa Ynez Burrito, Kogilicious, Korean BBQ House, Berrilicious, and Bernardo’s Ice Cream. California Tacos currently has locations in Solvang and Buellton, and will soon be opening an outlet in San Luis Obispo.

Photo by The Restaurant Guy

In January 2018, the 805 Deli at 135 East Carrillo Street closed and posted a sign that read “For all our customers, 805 Deli will be closed for the month of January for remodeling. We will be open February first.” The deadline came and went and there was no activity until December 2019 when the name of the business posted on the front of the building was changed to “The 805 Hazy and Deli” prompting much speculation on what the addition of “hazy” to the name means. By April 2022 a new floor had been added and the row of refrigerators remained in place, suggesting that an eatery of some sort was still on its way. I drove by yesterday and noticed that the restaurant days are over and that the building is now the home of Open Air Bicycles.

Photo by The Restaurant Guy

SocialEats, an Instagram-ready food concept from Los Angeles-based hospitality group K2 Restaurants, is coming to 6521 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of South Coast Deli, Dirty’s, On The Side, Tasters, The Spot, Espresso Roma, McBurley’s as well as the birthplace of The Habit Burger Grill and Kinko’s (now Fedex Office).

The renovation had been going so slowly that the slight movement of a chair and broom was big news last December. I stopped by yesterday and noticed that renovation has since gone from zero to basically complete in the last few months. I don’t yet have an opening date.

Photos by The Restaurant Guy

I.V. Pizza and Pub has opened at 6533 Trigo Road Ste. 108 in Isla Vista, the former home of Pizza My Heart which closed last August. This new eatery is a sister restaurant to nearby I.V. Bagel Cafe, founded by Doron Friedman who kept the same bakers and recipes from Pizza My Heart.

“I founded IV Bagel Café when I was 21 and since then IV has had a special place in my heart,” says Friedman. “I lived in I.V. for many years before moving to Santa Barbara and then Chicago, and I got to meet tens of thousands of incredible people while working there. When I noticed that another New York influenced restaurant was leaving IV after 10 years (Pizza My Heart ) I felt compelled to buy the business and keep another taste of New York in IV. Both Bagel Café and Pizza My Heart have another similarity in that both businesses choose to value quality and fresh ingredients over cost, which is extremely difficult during these inflationary times.”

I.V. Pizza and Pub is open Monday thru Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Call (805) 869-2264 or visit ivpizzapub.com.

Photo by The Restaurant Guy

KOZY Craft Coffee is coming to 6560 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Campus Point Coffee, Coffee Collaborative, and Java Jones. Kozy will have a grand opening on May 19 and their menu will include traditional coffee,  teas, and pastries.

“KOZY. will be our first shop opening in the heart of Isla Vista to deliver a premium coffee experience to the community,” says their website kozycraftcoffee.com. “We believe that the coffee experience deserves elevation. Comparable to most college students, our passion for coffee began by cramming for finals and looking for a pick-me-up to get through the long hours of studying. Over the years, we have traveled to countless cafes, absorbing cultures of coffee that we look to introduce to the area. As a graduate of both UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara city college, we have had the privilege of experiencing Santa Barbara’s unforgettable sunsets, incredible surf, and deep sense of community. We want to reflect this energy into the atmosphere at KOZY, delivering an aesthetic that promotes this vibe.”

Photo by The Restaurant Guy

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara has welcomed Dierberg Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard for their monthly wine pairing dinner series, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Dierberg Family Estate. Hosting on Thursday, May 25th at 6 p.m., the evening will be in the private Angel Oak Wine Cellar below Angel Oak. Guests can enjoy a reception on the outdoor terrace, taking in ocean views before heading to the intimate cellar for dinner.

The curated four-course pairing menu will include special Dierberg Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard wines selected by the family from the family’s cellars. The pairing menu will be created in collaboration with Chef de Cuisine of Angel Oak, Josh Kellim and will include the first vintage of Tyler Thomas, who celebrates his tenth anniversary as winemaker at the estate.

Seats are $225 per person, excluding tax and gratuity charges. Reservations can be made online.

The Santa Barbara Zoo has announced the return of Zoo Brew, the annual fundraiser that caters to beer and animal lovers alike. Zoo Brew will take place on Saturday, June 3 from 4-7 p.m., with a VIP hour from 3-4 p.m. This year’s event features 30+ skilled beverage makers from California, including beer, cider, hard seltzer, wine, and more. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. Breweries, wineries, and beverage purveyors interested in participating can get more on the zoo website below.

General admission tickets are $75 per person and include unlimited beer tastings and one Zoo Brew 2023 commemorative tasting cup, and VIP tickets are $110. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. For ages 21+ only. For more information about Zoo Brew and to see participating partners visit sbzoo.org/zoobrew or call (805) 962-5339.

Reader Wendy D.R. says that Goodland Waffles and Melts has opened inside Mosaic Locale at 1131 State Street. “Our waffles are unlike any waffle you’ve had before,” says their website goodlandwaffles.com. “Light, airy, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. From classic Belgian waffles to sweet and savory creations that’ll have you drooling, we’ve got a waffle for every craving. And don’t even get us started on our melts. Imagine gooey, melted cheese sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread – it’s a match made in heaven.”

Prices for waffles and melts range from $10 to $14. The business also announces pop-ups on their Instagram, that are held at Old Town Coffee and Draughtsmen Aleworks, both in Goleta. Hours at the new downtown store are Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

For those of you who use Axxess for their restaurant discounts, you should know that the service has been sold and is now known as Twism. Here is an update from the founder:

Dear Friends,

I started Axxess in 1999, fresh out of UCSB, with no clue what I was doing. Twenty years later, Axxess had grown to over 1,500 participating Merchants, 75,000 Members, a company of 26 awesome humans and two offices. Yet I still can’t say I knew what I was doing!

For many years I was focused on growth. I tried (and mostly failed at) franchising. I bought another company and tried to merge it with Axxess. You never heard about that attempt because it too failed.

While doing all of this I started a family and soon realized I was spread thin. I redefined what “success” looked like for me and instead focused on my family and our community. I’m proud to say I wiped plenty of baby butts and was present as a Dad, then and now.

I’m equally proud of what Axxess has accomplished: we raised millions of needed dollars for local schools and nonprofits, while helping the merchants grow and our members save; plus we found more ways to support new businesses and mostly we had fun.

Late in our 20th anniversary year – COVID threw the world a major curveball. Thankfully, because of my amazing Team and all of your support, we persevered. COVID challenged us all, and as we re-emerged, it was clear things had changed. I decided now was the time to take Axxess to a new level.

I’m extremely excited to do just that and introduce you to Twism! That’s right…After 24 amazing years, I’m excited to announce Axxess has been acquired by Twism!

Twism is a Santa Barbara-based technology company dedicated to helping local businesses deliver great customer experiences while people shop the way they prefer to shop.

When you download the Twism mobile app, you’ll find all of your Axxess offers in your account. Please note: you don’t have to input your Axxess membership number — your offers were moved over at no cost to you.

Something new with Twism are loyalty rewards. Once you securely link your credit card in Twism, you’ll automatically be enrolled in your favorite merchants’ loyalty programs. So, in addition to exclusive local offers, you’ll also start earning great rewards!

But wait, there’s more! When your current Membership expires–it automatically renews–for FREE.

We’re working closely with the local merchants to ensure a smooth transition and will keep you updated as we progress. Watch your inbox for more exciting news from Twism.

Thank you for so many years of support. Cheers!
-Karim

Karim Kaderali, Founder
The Axxess Card

Reader Claudia W. tells me that Corner Tap on the Mesa appears to be temporarily closed. Their Instagram says: “Sorry we are closed starting April 24 for a little renovation. A new decor and new menu! We are so excited to share with you soon! Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Reader Claudia W. noticed there is a sign in the window on Calle Real, Goleta, for a new cookie store named Crumbl. This is located right next door to the UPS Store. Crumbl Cookies is a franchise chain of bakeries that specializes in baking a variety of cookies and serving ice cream. Based in Utah, it was started in 2017 and now has over 600 stores across the United States. Visit crumblcookies.com

Creamistry, a high-end dessert destination at 935 State Street has closed after being in our neck of the woods since July, 2018. Fortunately, there are still 9 other locations in California plus a few in Georgia, Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas.

Readers Stephanie S. and Sara tell me that Pokéwaves restaurant, offering sushi and poké, is going fill the vacant unit at Turnpike next to Starbucks at 4791 Calle Real #102 in Noleta. The eatery is owned by Shu Foods Inc. of Santa Barbara.

Photo by Stephanie S.

A Mother’s Day Brunch will be available at Bacara’s Angel Oak and The Bluff restaurants. It will be available from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m and costs $125 per adult, and $55 per child.

Reader Nobiak says that there is a sign for “Happy Cat Eats,” a new restaurant coming to 23 East Cabrillo Boulevard, next to Oku. This space was originally going to be a restaurant named “Leadbetter” and is the former home of Wheel Fun and L.T. Cinnamon.

Lama Dog Tap Room has announced the return of its Charity Tap program, which donates 10% of proceeds from the charity tap to a local nonprofit. During the months of May and June, Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara will be the recipient of this philanthropic donation. The Charity Tap is lucky #17 and features a rotating selection of lagers and pilsners.  “Tap #17 is one our most popular and we are stoked to be partnering with Therapy Dogs for this spring promotion,” says Owner, Peter Burnham.

Lama Dog, located at 116 Santa Barbara Street in the Funk Zone, features local wine and beer and welcomes dogs and kids along with their adult chaperones. Visitors can enjoy  food from The Nook which operates on premise and has a selection of tacos, burgers, salads and more. Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara was founded by Santa Barbara native Karen Lee Stevens in 1997 to teach children how to safely and respectfully interact with animals. Over the last two decades, the organization has grown to focus on education and mental health programs with the assistance of trained therapy dogs.

El Encanto’s signature restaurant, The Dining Room, will be offering special menus for brunch and dinner on Mother’s Day. Moms can enjoy a brunch buffet that includes a raw bar with caviar, made-to-order eggs, a carving station, and a selection of sweet treats, as well as complimentary Champagne. The dinner menu will be prix-fixe with a standard and plant-based option, offering dishes made with seasonal ingredients like prime rib with Asian spices and whipped wasabi cream and farro risotto with root vegetables, hen of the woods and El Encanto herbs. Call (805) 845-5800.

Here is an observation for you from reader Lynn:

I’m not sure if this is still true, but I went by The Habit a couple weeks ago and they no longer have ahi tuna sandwiches nor do they have tuna melts, and I’ve heard this from a few of my friends that they aren’t going back for that reason. I understand it’s sold so the menu was getting changed. I’d like to go back but they don’t have my favorites, and I ate there once a week.

Reader Christie says that she recently ordered a tuna sandwich at the La Cumbre location.

Reader Lynn then included a clarification: “They changed to ahi tuna and no longer offer albacore. The ahi is not as tasty. Not sure why they would change something that wasn’t broken. The albacore was the best! Plus tuna melts are no longer offered.”

I just returned from a vacation and will start posting all the news I have collected during the last week or so. I missed you!

This just in from reader Vincent:

Hi John,
Having lunch at Sushi Bar 29 today & find out they will be offering a great deal menu for upcoming Cinco de Mayo during May!! Along with appetizers, wine & house cold sake . This offer will be served both lunch & dinner.
$5 Sapporo tap beer
$5 Large hot sake
$5 Tempura sweet potato….and more

I have heard from a reliable source that Ty Warner’s Biltmore deal with Four Seasons is officially over as of today though apparently the resort is still listed at fourseasons.com. Four Seasons has been managing the Channel Drive property (where my parents spent their wedding night) since 1987. I am told that this doesn’t mean that the resort will open anytime soon, or that the Biltmore has signed with another management company, but it does mark the end of an era.

Speaking of local resorts, back in the day my family was a member of Miramar Hotel Beach & Tennis Club (just down the street), a time when the membership cost was about $150/mo. During that era several of my friends were members of the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club next to the Biltmore Hotel. As I recall, membership to this facility was significantly more expensive than the Miramar, and included a heft entry fee if you were even invited, but that was a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of joining today’s vastly improved club. Via friends’ memberships, as a kid I visited the Coral Casino often and remember that a restaurant was in a nook on the north side of the property, about as far away from the ocean as you could get.

Fast forward to 2008 and as part of an extensive remodel of the Coral Casino by owner Ty Warner, an all-new restaurant debuted named “Tydes.” Unlike it’s predecessor, Tydes was spectacular, right on the edge of the ocean with an expansive view from the second floor. I was given a private tour of the then-new restaurant just before the grand opening and was blown away to say the least (see photos below). Unfortunately the story I wrote about Tydes 15 years ago had a sad ending. The last sentence in The Restaurant Guy that week included the dreaded words: “Tydes is open to resort guests, members and guests of members only, and is not open to the general public.”

Fortunately that is about to change. I was at the South Coast Chamber meeting last week at the Hilton and was told that a big story had flown under my radar: Tydes restaurant will be opening to the general public, in addition to private club members and their guests. Apparently visitors staying at the Biltmore will no longer have access to the Coral Casino except for the restaurant. The Coral Casino and Biltmore hotel have been closed since March 2020 and it is unknown when they will reopen.

Photos by The Restaurant Guy in 2008

In January I wrote that the Santa Barbara City Council is allowing restaurants to continue using parklets on the street but they will no longer be free. Prices were originally to range from $3 per square foot per month to $9 depending on configuration of the parklet. Today I was at the pre-opening party for the Santa Barbara Fair and Expo that begins Wednesday at Earl Warren Showgrounds and ran into Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez who told me that today the council voted on a final price of $2 per square foot per month for parklets regardless of configuration. There will still be standards for various parklet configurations but the cost will be the same no matter which style a business uses and it is lower than anyone expected.

Draughtsmen Aleworks has opened in Solvang as of April 24 and will celebrate the grand opening of its third taproom on Tuesday, May 2 from 4-7 pm. Draughtsmen is a local maker of beer, wine, cider and hopped teas based in Goleta. They are celebrating the opening with an official ribbon cutting with the Solvang Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 2nd at 1631 Mission Street in Solvang starting at 4:30 PM. All are invited to attend.

The Solvang tasting room will eventually feature the full variety of Draughtsmen made beverages with a diverse selection of beers (ranging from porters to pilsners, IPAs to stouts). These will soon be joined by Star Pine Cellar Wines (made with local varietals), Mad Hat Cider and Steepworks Hopped Teas. The new law which Draughtsmen co-sponsored with State Assemblyman Steven Bennett allowing wine and beer producers to sell their products in their own satellite tasting rooms was only recently signed into law in August of 2022. It will allow Draughtsmen to sell the wine, beer and cider that they produce in their Solvang taproom.

“We could not be happier about opening in Solvang.” said Scott Stefan, Draughtsmen’s cofounder. “We have been selling our beer, wine and cider in the valley for a number of years and we have been listening when that community visited Goleta and asked us repeatedly when are we opening in the valley.”

Santa Ynez Valley’s Alisal Ranch has announced the second iteration of its BBQ Bootcamp experience for 2023 to be held May 7-10. The tri-annual event brings chefs and grill masters to the ranch, where they will prepare barbecue feasts, demonstrate their approach to grilling, and share their barbecue secrets, tips, and tricks.

• Craig Riker (Alisal Ranch’s Executive Chef) – Riker will kick off the festivities with a cooking demo teaching guests who to properly cut and prepare steak for the grill, followed by a hands-on opportunity for guests to grill alongside the chefs and an al fresco barbecue dinner featuring local wineries and distilleries.
• Valerie Gordon (Valerie Confections) – The celebrated Los Angeles chocolatier and James Beard finalist cookbook author for 2013’s Sweet, founded Valerie Confections in 2004. In addition to MCing the bootcamp, Valerie will also be conducting her own cooking demonstration, sharing recipes and tips to grilling breakfast.
• Paula Disbrowe (Thank You for Smoking) – The award-winning chef and cookbook author will lead a cooking demonstration, sharing with guests tips for smoke-infused grilling recipes, followed by lunch.
• Burt Bakman (Slab BBQ, Trudy’s Underground Barbecue) – The chef behind “LA’s best-kept barbecue secret” and brisket, Burt Bakman returns to the ranch for a cooking demonstration.
• Jordan Kepler (Sasquatch Survival Gear) – Recognized as one of the Season 8 champions of the History’s Channel’s “Forged in Fire,” Founder Jordan Kepler will lead a knife making workshop, guiding guests through the entirety of the process from forging, heat treating, and tempering, to shaping and handle making, for guests to make their own creation to take home.
• Rachel Greenspan & Brendan Smith (Bettina Pizzeria) – The local Montecito neighborhood restaurant, offering farmers market ingredients and sustainable cooking, will put on a woodfire pizza demo and lunch.
• Joy Culley & Taylor Facha (Solvang Spice Merchant) – Co-owned by this female duo, the local spice shop will guide an interactive spice blending seminar, where guests will learn about the flavor profiles of various spices and create their own signature spice blends and rubs to take home.

For details and prices visit alisalranch.com.