Here is a press-release from Lama Dog & Sama Sama Kitchen about their new location at 3435 State Street, the former home of La Rumba Bar & Restaurant which closed in January 2015.

Santa Barbara, CA – (October 2024) – Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its second location on Friday, October 11, in Santa Barbara’s popular Uptown neighborhood, at 3435 State Street. This new venture also marks an exciting new collaboration with Sama Sama Kitchen, bringing together two of Santa Barbara’s best-in-class culinary and libation destinations under one roof – already being coined by fans as Lama Sama.
“We’re incredibly excited to open our second location in such a wonderful neighborhood in our community and to collaborate with the crazy talented team at Sama Sama,” said Pete Burnham, founder and owner of Lama Dog. “We’ve designed the new space to be a perfect gathering spot for friends and families, and we look forward to becoming a new destination for beer, wine, sake and food lovers alike.”

Ryan Simorangkir and Tyler Peek, co-founders of Sama Sama Kitchen, echoed the excitement and shared, “We are thrilled to be teaming up with Lama Dog for our newest location! We’ll have lots of popular dishes from our other places, plus a few special ones just for this location. We’re all about creating a fun and vibrant place to eat that feels both new and comfortably familiar, and we can’t wait for the community to experience what we’ve cooked up together.”

The new 5,000 square-foot space does not skimp on the beverage selection. With 30 rotating taps featuring a meticulously curated selection of beer, Lama Dog once again sets the bar high, as the go-to destination for the finest brews in town. In addition to the taps, beer enthusiasts can explore over 400 rare and hard-to-find bottles and cans, alongside a rotating selection of local wines, including Lama Dog’s own label, and a nice selection of sake to pair with Sama Sama’s Southeast Asian inspired food.

Sama Sama Kitchen will bring its highly touted and Michelin rated cuisine to the new location. Guests will indulge in signature favorites, alongside special new items exclusive to this location, guaranteed to tantalize the taste buds.

The new location is more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s designed to be a gathering spot for the community. With big-screen TVs for sports fans, arcade games for entertainment, and of course a large dog-friendly patio, it promises to be a hub of activity and fun. The space is also designed in a way to welcome groups and parties, making it a perfect spot for friends and family to celebrate.

Lama Dog and Sama Sama will celebrate with a grand opening weekend beginning Friday, October 11, and invites the community to join in the festivities, and be among the first to enjoy a wide array of beverages, savor the bold flavors of Sama Sama’s cuisine, and be a part of this exciting new chapter for both spots.

The new Lama Dog and Sama Sama Is Located At 3435 State Street. Open Sunday – Thursday, 11:30am-10pm, and Friday + Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. For more information, please visit lamadog.com or follow on Instagram @laHmadogtaproom and @samasamakitchen

About Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop: Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop is known for its curated selection of beers on tap and an extensive bottle selection, offering something for every beer enthusiast. With a commitment to quality and variety, Lama Dog continues to be a favorite in the Santa Barbara community. https://www.lamadog.com/

About Sama Sama Kitchen: Sama Sama Kitchen, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional dishes with innovative twists. Known for their crave-worthy menu and dedication to fresh, local ingredients, Sama Sama has become a must-visit destination in Santa Barbara. https://samasamakitchen.com/

Here is a message from Clay Holdren, owner of Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood at 512 State Street:

Hey there, I hope you are doing well.  We are celebrating our 21 year anniversary with our $21 menu.  There are seven entrees for $21 each from 4-6 pm Monday through Thursday for the month of October. Choices include the pepperjack crusted pork chop, filet mignon medallions topped with sauteed mushrooms and bernaise sauce, mesquite grilled salmon topped with a tropical fruit medley, BBQ baby back ribs along with a few others.  Every entree comes with soup or salad and a choice of a side. It has been going really well and I have decided to extend the special menu until November 22nd.  I hope to see you soon and thanks for all that you do for our community.

Satellite is a “Farmer to Table / Farmer to Glass Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop” located at 1117 State Street that opened in September 2017 . Reader Annie says that an ABC sign for Satellite has appeared at 616 East Haley Street. Are they opening a second location?

Photo by Annie

The San Luis Obispo Donut Company, referred to as “SLODoCo,” opened today at 290-A Storke Road in Goleta, near Target. It is open 24/7 which is very rare for an eatery on the South Coast and that surely will be popular with the numerous UCSB students living in the area. There is a huge lounge that occupies most of the building, another rarity in town, especially for a donut shop. Comfortable leather couches are in the main room while wooden tables with chairs are scattered throughout the building. The back wall has shelves full of games including classics like Risk, Battleship, Chess, Checkers, and Jenga Blocks.

SLODoCo says you can pick from over 100 (that’s not a typo) different donuts every day, including vegan and gluten-free. Individual donut prices range from $1.90 to $3.80.  Coffee and juices are also available.

SLODoCo is owned by husband-and-wife duo, Jesse and Jacob Pickering. Jesse, who is Cambodian, grew up in a family with a long history of donut making. SLODoCo’s first location opened in SLO on Higuera Street in 2010, a second location opened in Atascadero on El Camino Real in March 2019, and a third location opened in SLO on Foothill Boulevard. Their Goleta location, sandwiched between Target and Camino Real Marketplace, will be their fourth outlet.

Reader LetsActive let me know that a sign for a restaurant named Namaste Indian Bistro has appeared on an awning at 1218 State Street, the former home of Bedda Mia, Mollie’s, Tupelo Junction Cafe, and Marcello Ristorante. I stopped by the restaurant and was told that the restaurant hopes to open next week but that will depend on the results of the standard health inspection that all new restaurants have to pass.

Entrees range in price from $14-$19. The Vege Entries menu includes Mixed Vegetables, Aloo Gobhi, Navratan Korma, Chana Masala, Paneer Bhurji, Saag Paneer, Baigan Ka Bharta, Aloo Matter, Shahi Paneer, Malai Kopta, Dal Makhani, Dal of the Day, Tofu Masala, Mango Paneer, and Paneer Bhuna. Tandoori Specials include Chicken Tikka, Lamb Sheesh Kebab, Fish Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Green Chicken Tikka, Lamb Boti Kebab, Tandoori Shrimp, and Paneer Tikka. The restaurant also offers a variety of Non-veg Curries, Biriyani, Indian Bread Rice, Salads, Desserts, Drinks and Lunch Specials. Call (805) 895-6306 or visit namasteindianbistro.us

View the menu

Courtesy

Update: Reader Fred says that IMissRexOfSB is wrong and that the restaurant has NOT opened. happycateats.com also says the eatery is open which appears to be incorrect.

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In May 2023 I wrote that Happy Cat Eats was coming to 23 East Cabrillo Boulevard and that it was going to be a sister restaurant to neighboring Oku. I then put out an update that they hoped to open in January 2024, but that never happened. Reader IMissRexOfSB now tells me that Happy Cat Eats has finally opened.

“As the proud founders of Oku Restaurant, we’re delighted to introduce our innovative concept of street foods,” says their website happycateats.com. “Our waterfront location provides a serene backdrop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you choose to dine in and savor the unique ocean views, or opt for a delicious meal to take back to your office, home, or the beach just across the street, we are committed to quality, great flavors, and fun times. The ethos of Happy Cat Eats centers around the joy of good food shared with good company. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from its friendly and relaxed atmosphere to its commitment to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.”

Courtesy

Last July I wrote that a “For Sale” sign has appeared in the window at Judge For Yourself Cafe, 1218 Santa Barbara Street. Reader Jennifer M. now says that a “Restaurant Space for Lease” is also displayed on the building. I called the business and was told that the restaurant has been for sale but there have been no buyers. I was also told that they will remain open until the end of the year and that they might close in 2025 but that is uncertain at this point.

Photo by Jennifer M

From reader Steve O.

Looking for a restaurant in Santa Barbara-Goleta area to host a business dinner for 6 people. It would need to be a relatively quit place; a small private room would be nice and if not then a large booth with high back; and really good food of course.

Last June I wrote that Munchiez had moved to 3007 De la Vina Street to share space with Patio Cafe. Then, in July, I then wrote that a sign for Big Boss Burgers had appeared at the address indicating that they are now sharing space with Patio Cafe, too. One of our readers actually dined there and enjoyed their Big Boss Burgers burger. Reader Brendan now adds to the story:

Another development in the saga of after-hours operations at The Patio Cafe. Now there is a big banner saying “Torito Prime Taqueria”. There is still a small sign for Munchiez pickup so maybe these are connected. Not sure why they keep changing things around there. .

Last July I broke the news that the Palace Grill at 8 East Cota Street planned to close in September after 39 years in business. Then I put out an update that the legendary restaurant was going to stay open through the holidays. Now I am told that owners Michael and Sandy DeRousse have sold the iconic eatery to a gentlemen who owns multiple restaurants in town and that the Palace Grill will live on!

This just in from owner William Ransone:

Good morning John, Our happy hour at Padaro Beach Grill is back. It’s available Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm. Our Happy Hour Specials include $8 grande quesadillas, $10 nachos, $5 fish taco, $5 shrimp taco, $7.95 for a dozen buffalo chicken nuggets with a side of ranch dressing, $7 margaritas, $6 mimosas, $5.50 16oz draft beer, and free chips and salsa with the purchase of any pitcher of beer.

This just in from Savoy Cafe & Deli at 24 W Figueroa Street:

Hi John! Savoy Cafe & Deli is reopening for dinners October 14th. Our new hours will be 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday- Saturday. We are excited to showcase some new items and of course, all of our classics.

This just in from reader LetsActive:

Hi John, I don’t recall hearing about this… the former Mollie’s location now has an awning saying Namaste Indian Bistro. I wonder how it compares to the other Indian bistro two blocks away?

I held on to this news for awhile because I wasn’t sure it was going to happen. I called the owner of Namaste Indian Bistro, who used to be co-owner of Flavor of India, and was told they hope to open October 6 or 7 (this Sunday or Monday) at 1218 State Street, the former home of Bedda Mia, Mollie’s, Tupelo Junction Cafe, and Marcello Ristorante. This location is next door to the Granada Theatre.

Photo by LetsActive

Reader Primetime let me know that construction is underway at 1919 Cliff Drive, the former home of Mesa Verde restaurant which closed last July after ten years in business. Reader Barbara P. passed along information that the next tenant is going to be Masala Spice, offering Indian cuisine. This will be a second location for Masala Spice which opened in January 2019 at 5796 Calle Real in Goleta. The restaurant tells me they have been under construction for three months and will open in 2-3 weeks. They are still working on the menu and it might not be exactly the same as the offerings at their Goleta location. Unlike the Goleta eatery, which offers lunch and dinner, the Mesa location will also be open for breakfast, starting at 6 a.m.

Teddy Rice has opened at 966 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista, the former home of Rosarito that had occupied the space for a generation. The restaurant offers Asian cuisine including Korean and Ramen. “Introducing Isla Vista’s one and only Bulgogi (Fire Beef) Rice,” says the restaurant. “This dish combines bulgogi, sesame leaf, and a fried egg to create a succulent bite with a kick.” Featured Items include Omurice $11.99, Snow Bowl $8.99, Bulgogi Rice $13.99, Spicy Tuna Rice $13.99, Dumpling/Gyoza $9.99, Breakfast Sandwich $7.99 and Crunchy Shrimp Rice $14.99. Call (805) 770-2625

The Restaurant Guy and Gal went to a special dinner at La Paloma restaurant, 702 Anacapa Street, that celebrated the 20th anniversary of the movie “Sideways” that was filmed in Santa Barbara’s Wine Country and featured numerous wines and restaurants.

The event was presented by legendary winemakers Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines that were highlighted in the movie. The pair, who were recently honored as Winemakers of the Year, shared their passion for winemaking that brought them together and behind-the-scene stories of the filming of Sideways, which was nominated for Best Picture and won an academy award for Best Screenplay. La Paloma blew past their cap of 60 attendees and seated nearly 80 diners. The smoked beef tenderloin was amazing and unusually tender and when I asked how they pulled that off I was told the meat was only smoked and not thrown on a barbecue grill.

After an ownership change and seven months of construction, the Harbor Restaurant has reopened on Stearns Wharf. “The menu offers International Coastal Cuisine with international recipes and local ingredients,” says co-owner John Thyne. “We have things from Japan, we have things from Spain, we have things from Chile, Peru, there is a little bit of everything around the world, but specifically coastal communities that have developed a special dish.”

The Restaurant Guy, Gal, and Kid dined at the new Harbor Restaurant recently and sampled a variety of dishes including those pictured in order below: Krispy Rice with Tuna, Organic Beet Salad, Yellowfin Tuna Tiradito, Certified Blank Angus Ribeye, Prime Rib, Apple Strudel, and the Tarta Vasqua Cheesecake.

Here are updates for 1919 Cliff Drive, the former home of Mesa Verde restaurant:

From reader Primetime:

“I saw some guys working on Mesa Verde a couple of weeks ago. Looks like a new owner is moving fast on it. It will be Indian food.”

and from reader Barbara P.:

“Has this been mentioned already? Sign by entrance announced ‘Coming Soon, Marsala Spice’. Trades people were on roof on Sunday night working. Is this a new restaurant on Mesa or a rename? – Barbara from Santa Barbara”

Here is a list of area eateries that have opened in the last 12 months:

• September 2024: Alma Fonda Fina, 1024 Coast Village Rd., Ste. A (former home of Little Alex’s); The Harbor Restaurant (reopened), 210 Stearns Wharf; La Cantina, 199 S. Turnpike Rd., Ste. 106; Santa Playa Mariscos, 1230 State St., Ste. C (former home of Brasil Arts Café)
• August 2024: Arnoldi’s Café (reopened), 600 Olive St.; Big Boss Burgers, 3007 De la Vina St. (sharing space with Patio Cafe); Etty’s Jewish Deli & Bakery, 524 Chapala St. (inside Jewish Federation building)
• July 2024: Pang Zi Noodle Shop, 4427 Hollister Ave. (former home of Munchiez); Poke House, 811 State St, Ste. D (in Paseo Nuevo); Seven Bar & Kitchen, 235 W. Montecito St. (reopened in new location); White Caps Beach Club, 120 E. Yanonali St.
• June 2024: Antojitos La Paloma, 6543 Pardall Rd., Isla Vista; Bibi Ji (reopened at new location). 1213 State St.; Little Bird Kitchen, Santa Barbara Public Market; Munchiez, 3007 De la Vina St. (sharing space with Patio Café); Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery and Events, 1114 State St. (former home of Pizza Mizza); Jonesy’s Fried Chicken, 282 Orange Ave., Goleta (former home of The Red Pepper); Wexler’s Deli, Santa Barbara Public Market; White Caps Beach Club, 120 Hollister St., Summerland (closed for remodel)
• May 2024: Little Alex’s, 3987 State St. (former home of Fresco Café in Five Points Shopping Center)
• April 2024: Dart Coffee, 113 Harbor Way; Ethnic Breads, 137 Aero Camino, Goleta; Nick the Greek, 508 State St. (former home of Natural Café); Oat Bakery, 1014 Coast Village Rd., Montecito; Petra Café, 14 E. Cota St. (former home of Foxtail Kitchen); Shalhoob’s, 5112 Hollister Ave, Goleta (former home of Woody’s BBQ)
• March 2024: Indian Tandoori Kingdom, 1026 State St. (former home of Palazzio); Lighthouse Coffee, 5696 Calle Real, Goleta (former home of Outback); Starbucks, 120 State St.
• February 2024: Best BBQ, 716 State St. (former home of Mokutan); Cookie Plug, 918 State St. (former home of Good Cup); Lilac Patisserie, 1209 Coast Village Rd., Montecito; Silvers Omakase, 224 Helena Ave. (former home of Seven Bar & Kitchen which moved to Montecito St.); Yummy Thai, 5918 Hollister Ave, Goleta (former home of Pattaya Bar & Grill)
• January 2024: Bruxie, 12 W De la Guerra St. (former home of Pizza Rev); Oakberry, 6580 Pardall Rd., Isla Vista (former home of El Taco Amigo);
• December 2023: Cafe La Fonda, 129 E. Anapamu St. (former home of Elements Restaurant & Bar); Mister Softee, 935 State St. (former home of Creamistry); Santa Barbara Sunshine Café, 5711 Calle Real, Goleta (former home of Chicken in a Barrel BBQ)
• November 2023: Azul Cocina, 7 E. Anapamu St. (former home of Arts and Letters Café); Dang Burger, 5080 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria; Juniper on Fourth, 478 4th Place, Solvang (now closed); Pueblo Pollo, 6578 Trigo Road, Isla Vista (now closed)
• October 2023: Santa Barbara Fish Market, 7127 Hollister Ave. Ste. 18, Goleta (former home of Cafe Zoma); Santa Barbara Pizza House, 515 State St. (former home of Patxi’s Pizza)
• September 2023: Crumbl Cookies, 5660 Calle Real, Goleta; Pizza Mizza, 1114 State St. (now Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery and Events)

Reader Steve H. says “Clark’s Oyster Bar Is progressing at 1212 CVR.
Banner up and working on the building.” The restaurant is coming to 1212 Coast Village Road in Montecito, the former home of Cava. The eatery 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.” Visit clarksoysterbar.com

Photo by Steve H.

Reader LetsActive tells me that Santa Playa Mariscos at 1230 State Street, Suite C, brought to you by owner of Yona Redz which will be opening nextdoor, has opened. The restaurant offers Mexican seafood and more. The location used to be the home of Brasil Arts Cafe. View their Instagram

Last Friday reader Primetime told me that White Caps in Summerland is closed for a remodel and it is going to be back. No word on the timeline. Visit whitecapsbeachclub.com

This just in from Yellow Belly:

Hi John,

Hope all is well.  I wanted to let you know that we are just about to have our 10 year Anniversary at Yellow belly on 2611 De La Vina Street. We are celebrating on October 4th and 5th. We are going to have drink & food specials, free gifts , bands and a whole lot of cheer!

Thank you!
Alex Keithley & Tracy Clark ( co-owners)

I stopped by Wingstop, coming to Fairview Shopping Center, just to the right of Miner’s Ace Hardware. The entire building appears to be getting an overhaul and it appears to be in the early stages of construction. My guess is they will open next spring or summer.

On September 5 I wrote that La Cantina is opening soon at 199 South Turnpike Road, Ste. 106. “Where New Mexican cuisine meets artistry, and every meal is a celebration of rich, vibrant flavors,” says the restaurant. “At La Cantina, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional dining experiences that delight the palate and captivate the senses.”

Reader Ted: “It’s open now. There’s a sign out front advertising a happy hour from 3 to 5:30 pm.”

Reader Kelly J.: “I have gone twice now and had wonderful service from both Anna and Sam. They really want to make your experience a great one! Food was well priced and the drinks were top notch! Especially at happy hour! The Mexican corn appetizer is outstanding along with the Pollo Mole!”

Hours are Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Call (805) 869-2831.

– View the food menu
– View the cantina menu

Owner Crista Fleming tells me that Scarlett Begonia at 21 West Victoria Street is now available for evening events. There is a 25-person minimum and a 60-person maximum. Premises rental is $1,500 for exclusive private use of Scarlett Begonia. Cost is $130 per person (plus sales tax, 20% gratuity and 3% processing fee). This price includes a hosted cocktail hour offering a full bar (top shelf liquors available on an a la carte basis), 3-course meal (with counts in advance), and beer/wine/sparkling wine poured during dinner service. Duration of events is 3 hours with the option to extend on an à la carte basis. Event hours begin as early as 5 p.m. and you can end by 10 p.m. which can be extended to midnight at extra cost. Call (805) 770-2143

Here is a press-release from Pony at 3558 Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez:

Alberto Battaglini, co-owner and operator of five-year-old Santa Ynez café, Pony Espresso, has officially announced new chef and head of concepts, Jonny McDermott, as the pair transforms the locally-loved establishment from Pony Espresso to PONY Cocktails + Kitchen. As of September 17, 2024, PONY temporarily closed for a slight décor refresh and to prepare for the launch of new dinner service and cocktails, reopening with the new name in the following months. The revised restaurant concept will boast new breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu items, a full bar featuring a cocktail program designed and executed by Battaglini, and the afore-mentioned launch of dinner service.

Chef Jonny McDermott, raised in the Santa Ynez Valley and a Santa Ynez Valley Union High School alum, began his cooking career at the Mirabelle Inn in Solvang under former chef/owner Norbert Schulz. Hooked by his first restaurant kitchen experience, McDermott decided to formally further his culinary education, enrolling in The French Culinary Institute’s San Francisco Bay Area school. Earning Dean’s List honors and top marks in his class, McDermott graduated in 2014 and proceeded to work at MICHELIN-Starred Madera restaurant at the Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, California. McDermott remained at Madera for the next three years, an experience which he described as his “masterclass” in proper cooking.

Returning to California’s Central Coast region, Chef McDermott worked locally as a sous chef at Alisal Ranch, and the former Sear Steakhouse in Solvang, as well as opening executive chef of LOCAL Montecito, and as opening executive sous chef at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, in Los Olivos.

Chef McDermott lists Chefs Fergus Henderson, Fred Morin, David McMillan, and Ian Driscoll as his culinary inspirations. He considers his style of cooking “French in technique, Italian in spirit, and Californian at heart.”

New or updated daytime menu items at PONY carry a weighted emphasis on simplistic, clean, comforting foods with fun, yet familiar elements, and flavorful additions. PONY will continue to offer the café’s popular items like “Hungover Hash,” a roasted potato and local vegetable dish that also includes avocado, house salsa, soft boiled egg, and herbs, and the “Sunrise Burrito” loaded with eggs, potatoes, ‘nduja, a blend of cheeses, house salsa, and avo.

PONY will feature weekly specials with rotating ingredients to keep things seasonal, as well as items like “The PONY Double,” which takes shape in a double smash burger with American cheese, “magic” sauce, caramelized onion and pickles, on toasted brioche. “Berto’s BLT” delivers a dressed-up diner version of the sandwich classic, with herb aioli and a balsamic redux, while the chicken parm panini heats things up with spicy marinara, Calabrian chili aioli, and balancing mozzarella.

A native of Verona, Italy, Battaglini originally trained as a chef, but his global travels inspired a slight change of hospitality direction to the world of bartending and craft cocktails, with an emphasis on customer experience. He landed in the Santa Ynez Valley in 2013, and opened Pony Espresso in “downtown” Santa Ynez in 2019. As a Santa Ynez Valley resident, Battaglini’s concepts are geared toward locals with a goal of fostering community.

“I would say that my first mark on this region was redefining the Valley’s cocktail scene, shortly after I arrived here in 2013. My program for PONY will further that effort, as it allows me to create and manage a cocktail list without confines. I’ll be able to express my preferred talent in liquid form,” said Alberto Battaglini, co-owner and operator of PONY Cocktails + Kitchen.

PONY’s cocktail program will include a wide range of creations from brunch-friendly tipples to classic dinner drinks. In “Pelo de Perro,” which translates to “hair of the dog,” Battaglini’s South American twist on an infamous brunch or hangover cocktail, he combines mezcal with green chili, pineapple, agave and herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro, to craft a refreshing yet surprisingly complex concoction.

Other brunch-forward drinks planned for PONY include a nitro espresso martini and Battaglini’s “Kicking Mule” (vodka, ginger extract, cucumber juice, mint, lime, honey), which will serve as nods to PONY’s “Espresso” beginnings, as well as some of the more “entertaining” four-legged residents of the Santa Ynez Valley. Battaglini also plans to post a section of zero proof cocktails.

The dinner cocktail selection will continue the notion of simple-yet-complex offerings, incorporating Battaglini’s nuances, Italian influences, plus Latin flavors. Cocktails made for lively conversation at the bar will include the likes of a nitro Negroni (gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, saline solution, olive, lemon), “Damn Bird” (house rum blend, pineapple, Campari, lime juice, Demerara syrup, milk-washed), “Common Grape,” an ode to local winemakers (tequila, grapes, sage, super lime juice, agave, pinot noir salt), and, “Mr. Rooster,” with beeswax-washed whiskey, vanilla Chartreuse, ginger extract, lemon, honey, and Peat Monster spray.

“I’m also planning a particular ice program. I like to keep things streamlined, but also playful. I enjoy changing the game sometimes, breaking out of what can become local ruts,” added Battaglini. “Jonny and I see hospitality in a very similar, and bizarre, way. We love what we do, but want to have fun with it. And we want our customers to have fun, too.”

PONY’s dinner-leaning cocktail list is meant to accompany new evening dishes like Chef’s porcini donuts, or stracciatella with roasted figs, toasted hazelnuts, honey, balsamico, and mint. The casual menus will encourage patrons to order from any section, mixing and mingling more-traditionally appetizer items with full plates like roasted cod (buttermilk, smoked trout roe, braised leek, chive), or a whole sea bream “a la plancha” with ladolemono sauce, tomato, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.

PONY’s revolving desserts will be prepared in-house, and will also reflect Battaglini’s cultural mashups in items such as Nutella Hot Cocoa, consisting of fresh churros, whipped crème fraîche, and burnt cinnamon, or a salted bourbon crème brûlée with Luxardo cherries.

PONY is located at 3558 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. PONY is currently open daily for coffee service, breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with indoor or outdoor patio dining, 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM (temporarily pausing current service and hours as of September 17). Upon reopening, PONY Cocktails + Kitchen will offer daily daytime menus, 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with dinner service Wednesday through Saturday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. To reach PONY directly, please call 805.691.9187.

Last December Olesya & John Thyne partnered with Gene Sanchez and his wife Carolina Jimenez to take over ownership of The Harbor Restaurant which then closed in mid-February to start major renovations. New Executive Chef Gonzalo Del Pino will be bringing the quality of the food to a whole new level. The eatery, which opened in 1941, will reopen next Wednesday, September 25, under the seasoned and steady hand of General Manager Rich Hollowell, who has been involved with restaurants at the Bacara, San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara Inn, and other local eateries.

As soon as you walk in the front door of the Harbor Restaurant you will notice a big change – you can see the harbor! For decades the view from the entryway had been blocked by seating and décor. The eatery now includes a proper bar inside and to the left of the entrance that is separate from the dining area. You can come enjoy beer, wine, or a drink from their long list of brand-new signature cocktails without having to stop for dinner.

“The menu offers International Coastal Cuisine with international recipes and local ingredients,” says co-owner John Thyne. “We have things from Japan, we have things from Spain, we have things from Chile, Peru, there is a little bit of everything around the world, but specifically coastal communities that have developed a special dish.” Acknowledging long-time fans of the Harbor Restaurant, the eatery is bringing back the surf & turf, prime rib, and the seafood towers. “We are going to pay homage to the history of this place,” Thyne adds.

“Our International Coastal Cuisine is carrying through with the beer and the spirits and the wines, featuring a lot of the favorite local offerings,” says General Manager Rich Hollowell. “There is an international flair from the wine, the gins, the vodkas. We have been able to source really fun items from all over the world. We have almost every continent represented through out all the menus. It’s really amazing.”

I asked Thyne if there was any particular dish he would recommend and he replied “If you don’t try the Squid Ink Pasta you might regret it!” Hollowell says his personal favorites are the Ceviche, the Beef Tartar, the Squid Ink Pasta, and the Yellowfin Tuna Tiradito. “They’re phenomenal,” he says.

Appetizers include Harbor Crispy Rice with Fresh Fish ($19-$24, three pieces of crispy rice with chipotle aioli and lopped with salmon, tuna, or uni), Ceviche ($19), Yellowfin Tuna Tiradito ($22), Oysters On The Half Shell ($24), and Beef Tartare ($28).

Entrees include Arroz Socarrat with Octopus ($42, rice in a chipachole broth with clams), Milanese with Poached Egg ($32/$38, breaded chicken or steak milanese with chicken or steak), Squid Ink Pasta ($38, tagliarini with prawns in a seafood beurre blanc sauce, parsley and lemon), Braised Tri-Tip ($42, smoked sweet potato puree, sauteed mixed mushrooms, roasted cipollini onions, watercress, Cajun prailine), Prime Rib ($42, classic slow cooked prime rib with homemade fries), and Scottish Salmon ($46, roasted with lentil curry, broccolini and homemade pickles).

The Special Dishes menu includes Certified Black Angus Ribeye ($72, a 12 oz grade a grilled steak), Filet Mignon ($65/$85, petit filet 8 oz or large filet 16 oz), Surf & Turf ($95, choose from filet mignon, certified angus ribeye or prime rib, and enjoy with an 8 oz lobster tail and two jumbo shrimp), and the Seafood Tower ($150,three levels of chilled seafood including 2 lobster tails, 6 jumbo shrimp, colossal lump crab, assorted shellfish, and half dozen oysters, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, ponzu sauce, limes, lavash crackers).

The Harbor Restaurant also offers a variety of vegetables, soups, salads, and desserts. Call (805) 963-3311.

• View the full menu
• View the signature cocktails menu

LONG TIME NO SEA: After seven months of renovation, the Harbor Restaurant reopens next week under new ownership and a level of quality that will bring locals back in droves. Photo by The Restaurant Guy.

This just in from reader Primetime:

“This Thursday there will be a block party on the 500 block. Holdren‘s, The Cruisery, and The Red Piano are behind it. With a local ID you will get local specials and there will be street games and a pie eating contest.”

One of the most visible and enduring restaurant advertising campaigns in the history of the South Coast has finally come to an end – 20 years after the eatery closed. A sign at the western gateway to the South Coast, on the southbound 101 freeway just west of Storke Road, featured Cafe Orleans which closed in Paseo Nuevo in 2004. Bruxie now occupies the former Cafe Orleans space in Paseo Nuevo. After the eatery’s demise, our “ghost restaurant ambassador” to the west continued to receive 6,000 views per hour (at peak driving times) for the next two decades. The adopt-a-highway sign recently switched to a new advertiser.

Interestingly, our restaurant ambassador at Santa Barbara’s eastern gateway is also a ghost eatery. A prominent sign is still standing for The Big Yellow House in Summerland and that legendary dining destination served its last customer in 2006. If their marquee can remain in place for just two more years, The Big Yellow House will break Cafe Orleans’ record for longest post-mortem restaurant advertising campaign on the South Coast.

Update: La Cantina will not be opening next week as originally reported.

In July 2021 I broke the news that six restaurants were coming to the Turnpike Center next to Vons. One of them, La Cantina, a New Mexican dining destination and cantina brought to you by Chris Chiarappa, the visionary and inspiration for Mesa Burger, Lighthouse Coffee, and other local eateries, has been under construction for more than a year at 199 South Turnpike Road, Ste. 106. Chiarappa tells me that the restaurant will be opening soon.

“Where New Mexican cuisine meets artistry, and every meal is a celebration of rich, vibrant flavors,” says the restaurant. “At La Cantina, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional dining experiences that delight the palate and captivate the senses. Our chefs, true maestros of New Mexican cuisine, thoughtfully curate each dish, blending traditional techniques with innovative touches to create a menu that honors the essence of fine dining. We are deeply committed to sustainability, reflected in our every choice. By partnering with local farmers, minimizing waste, and responsibly sourcing our ingredients, we ensure that our practices honor both the environment and the community.”

Hours will be Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Happy Hour is available daily 3-5:30 p.m.

The Ellwood is coming to 5905 Sandspit Road Goleta, formerly Beachside Bar-Café. In late 2022 construction had just started when winter storms battered the facility, leaving it full of sea water which was obviously a big setback. I stopped by last March as well as this week and noticed that a tremendous amount of work has been completed. I spoke to a representative on site who said that they hope to open The Ellwood this November but added “It will be done when it’s done.”

I often get asked for an update about the restaurant property at the Santa Barbara Airport formerly known as The Elephant Bar, High Sierra, and, most recently, Flightline. In September 2023 I stopped by to see if there was any activity at the property that has the unusual status of having the City of Santa Barbara as the landlord. The only thing I saw hard at work was entropy, with tall weeds and general deterioration throughout the property. I stopped by again this month and everything appears the same except (drum roll please) a broom has moved.

In March 2022 I posted a message here that the wildly-popular Chick-Fil-A is coming to 4765 Calle Real in Noleta which was then the home of IHOP (now located at 7127 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, near Costco). I took a sneak peek at the property in October 2023 and no construction has started though a perimeter fence has been added. The interior is in suspended animation, mostly unchanged since IHOP departed in August 2022. The furniture, that hosted many a joyous Grand Slam Breakfast over decades, is all still there, but some of the interior equipment had been removed. I stopped by this month and there has been zero construction activity in the last year. Given Chick-Fil-A’s excellent financial status I assume it will open within about 6-12 months after construction begins, which starts who-knows-when.

Here is a press-release from the Santa Barbara Zoo:

The Santa Barbara Zoo is proud to announce its “migration” to serving bird-friendly coffee, just another way it is increasing its efforts to support a more biodiverse, sustainable world.

Historically, coffee grows best under a canopy of trees (shade), which provide a natural habitat for a wide variety of species – one of the most important being birds. But in the 1970s, as demand for coffee grew, the practice of sun grown coffee rapidly developed. This was appealing to producers as it resulted in higher yields, but unfortunately this process brought about heavy deforestation, effectively damaging the birds’ ecosystem. The bird population in the United States and Canada has declined by almost 30% — a total loss of 3 billion birds — across biomes since 1970 with habitat loss as a driving force.

Bird-Friendly coffees are shade grown, which means the coffee is planted under a canopy of trees rather than land that has been cleared of all other vegetation. They also have the strictest conservation requirements for tree canopy cover required of any coffee certifications. The Bird-Friendly stamp is a double certification because the coffee also meets organic requirements, meaning the beans are grown without the use of chemical pesticides that are harmful to the environment. Simply put, Bird-Friendly coffee comes from farms that provide good, forest-like habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is now proudly serving Ampersand Coffee, which is certified Bird-Friendly, so when you have a cup of coffee at the Zoo you’ll know you are helping the environment with each delicious sip. You can also take home a bag ($16.95/ea) of Ampersand Coffee from the Zoo’s Gift Store and help save wildlife from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Sources tell me that the building at 532 State Street, where Yona Redz has been, is being sold and that Yona Redz plans to move up the street next to their Santa Playa Mariscos that is coming soon to 1230 State Street. I was sent a photo of a sign posted outside Yona Redz that reads “Re-locating! Sorry we are temporarily closed!” Reader Christine_Z28 forwarded me this IG message from the restaurant:

Yona Redz is moving to a bigger location! Stop by and help sell us out this week. Our last day of operation is Labor Day 9/2. We are leaving the 500 block for the 1200 block of State St. We will close until further notice for new remodel and menu upgrade!

Yona Redz will be located next to our New Mexican seafood restaurant @santa_playa_mariscos opening very soon follow Instagram for updates, menu, new content etc.

Thank you all for your continued support we will continue to serve our community by bringing and serving new good Mexican food to Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas!

“So looking forward to Santa Playa Mariscos opening and delighted that Yona Redz will be next door,” says reader Meridith. “They are just what is needed.”

This fall, the Academy Award-winning film, SIDEWAYS, will stream on Hulu in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Hitching Post Wines has partnered with Searchlight Pictures to showcase Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, the wine featured in the movie. In celebration of this partnership, Hitching Post 2 and Hitching Wines announced a special Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinner at La Paloma Café, 702 Anacapa Street, on September 24 at 6 p.m. Executive Chef Jeremy Tummel hosts Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley for the anniversary event which costs $110 per ticket. The menu includes Deviled Eggs, Carne Apache, Rod and Reel Local Halibut Ceviche, Family Style BBQ Dinner, and Goat Cheese Flan. Hitching Post wine pairings include 2023 “Parte” Rose, 2020 “Forerunner” Chenin Blanc, 2013 “Bien Nacido” Pinot Noir, and 2021 “Four Top” Merlot Blend. A meet and greet in advance of the dinner will be held at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective on September 8, 2-4 p.m. For reservations for the September 24 dinner visit tinyurl.com/sideways-lapaloma

20TH ANNIVERSARY: In 2004, Paul Giamatti (left) and Thomas Haden Church starred in the movie “Sideways” that was filmed in Santa Barbara County and became an international sensation. A special winemaker dinner will be held at La Paloma Café this month honoring the film’s 20th anniversary.

Reader CitoRat told me that Alma restaurant, formerly Little Alex’s and next to Pavilions in Montecito, is going to open this week so I stopped by yesterday to take a look and the interior is complete, based on a peek through the windows.

Here is a comment from reader Janet:

“I had dinner at Alma Fonda Fina last Monday during their soft opening. The food was delicious! Chef Ramos Velazquez has another hit on his hands. Alma opens this Thursday.”

Last year I wrote that the old firehouse in Montecito’s upper village is going to become a Restoration Hardware (RH) Gallery that will include a restaurant. While checking out Alma yesterday I stopped by the old firehouse and it was a beehive of construction. The interior is stripped to the studs with no coverings on the walls or ceiling. I estimate that the opening date will be early next year. When my family moved to Montecito in 1969 (our home cost $42,000 which was a significant premium over Santa Barbara prices at the time), this was our fire station and I took a few tours of it with my class at Montecito Union School. The fire station moved to San Ysidro Road in 1996.

While in Montecito yesterday I also stopped by the future home of East Valley Kitchen, formerly Montecito Wine Bistro, and was surprised to see actual construction going on. During all my visits during regular business hours, I never saw any activity at this address, which for decades was the home of Cafe del Sol. The popular eatery later moved near the Bird Refuge where it had another great, long run. The interior work at East Valley Kitchen continues to appear to be stalled, with the walls stripped to the studs for months, and no obvious activity. However, during this most recent visit there were workers outside, jack hammering cement on the right side of the building where the patio is, next to a creek.