Reader Brendan and The Duck Scout report that Rusty’s Pizza has opened in Isla Vista at 6583 Pardall Road, the former home Rockfire Grill, Rincon Brewery, and Giovanni’s Pizza. In 1969, Roger and Carol Duncan launched the first Rusty’s Pizza just one block away, where Dublin’s Sports Grill is now.

Photo by The Duck Scout

On March 23rd, National Tamale Day will be celebrated in restaurants, tamale shops, and homes all across the country. It’s a day that was founded in 2015 by Richard Lambert,
a Santa Barbara tamale chef, who received his culinary training in Mexico City.
Lambert says, “I was surprised when I found out there was no National Tamale Day and we set about to change that. The tradition of tamales goes back more than ninety centuries, and in many Latin American cultures tamales are the original comfort food.”
According to Lambert, over the years breakfast has become known as “tamale time” in Mexico. “When I lived in Mexico City, thousands of tamale vendors would set up shop every morning on street corners throughout the city. Folks on their way to work stop to eat one in the same way we might grab a donut or bagel.”

In recognition of its morning popularity in Mexico, Lambert is introducing a breakfast tamale to coincide with National Tamale Day this year. “A lot of Santa Barbarans already enjoy tamales now and then for breakfast, so this new flavor will also be a nod to them.”
Wanting to create a tamale with popular “breakfast” flavors, some kitchen taste-testing led to a recipe featuring bacon, breakfast sausage, caramelized onion, diced potato, red
and green bell pepper, salsa verde, and sharp cheddar cheese. Here is the recipe tinyurl.com/breakfasttamale

Lambert says his breakfast tamale goes especially well with fried eggs. “At least that’s the way I like to serve it, maybe with some pico de gallo. It’s not disappointing, however, to simply eat the tamales as they are.”  When asked about next year, Lambert says he’s been thinking about a sweet tamale. “Maybe I’ll create an apple pie tamale for next year’s celebration. Whatever is decided, we know it’s part of a long tradition that stretches back more than seven thousand years.”

Reader Brendan tells me that the Red Pepper Express at 966 Embarcadero del Mar in Isla Vista appears to be gone, as the space now has a sign with a new name: “Chop Chinese Food”, although it doesn’t look like the new place is open yet. This appears to spell the end of the Red Pepper’s long history on the South Coast. Red Pepper opened in Isla Vista in November 2021 after closing their Orange Avenue location in Goleta that had been serving customers for decades.

Brendan also says that at 6556 Pardall Road in Isla Vista Pardall, next to Hana Kitchen, there is a place called “Ai Cha” which is apparently a boba tea shop. An article in the Daily Nexus alleges there are two robots that are supposed to make boba and noodles, but the online ordering doesn’t show any noodle dishes, just drinks.

Bob’s Well Bread bakery in Los Alamos as well as the Ballard location in the Santa Ynez Valley, has announced its annual pre-order for the Easter holiday on Sunday, April 20, 2025, featuring Bob’s Easter Panettone, Hot Cross Buns and the festive Easter Sprinkle Sourdough. All bread pastries are overseen by head baker, Jessica Rodriguez Kercher. Pre-orders are available now through the end of the day of Monday, April 14, 2025, and may be picked up on Friday, April 18, Saturday, April 19, and on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, during operating hours. The holiday specials will be offered on a first come, first served basis as supply lasts. Pricing for the Easter Panettone is $35, Hot Cross Buns are offered at $24 per dozen or $3 each, and Easter Sprinkle Sourdough is $15. All pre-orders can be emailed to cesar@bobswellbread.com

They are in full remodel mode at the old Pierre LaFond Wine Bistro in the upper village of Montecito. Any idea who’s behind it and what they have planned?

In April 2022 I broke the news about a new restaurant is coming to that Montecito spot and the eatery name and players have evolved since then. A restaurant named Little Mountain (which is pronounced “Montecito” in Spanish) is coming to 516 San Ysidro Road which is the former home of Montecito Wine Bistro. In 2023 I forwarded news that the owner is Graham Duncan and that Ellen DeGeneres was seen taking a tour.

Here is a list of the weekly top-five most popular stories in The Restaurant Guy email list this year, based on the percentage that people clicked to view the stories. Each email includes links to stories from the previous week so, in one case, Yet’z Bagels coming to the Target center made the top-five two weeks in a row. The percentages don’t add up to 100% each week because there were usually more than five stories that are not included here. Click here to subscribe to the email list.

Sent on Mon, Mar 17, 2025
38.88% – DUTCH GARDEN SOLD
24.34% – HAPPY MONTH AT PASCUCCI DURING APRIL
14.65% – L.A.’S “THE WIN~DOW” COMING TO CHAPALA
11.28% – RUMOR MILL (GHIRARDELLI)
5.27% – CAJÉ COMING TO GOLETA

Sent on Tue, Mar 11, 2025
34.54% – BEST HAMBURGER?
18.55% – RESTAURANT RESEARCH
17.27% – TRI-COUNTY PRODUCE TO CLOSE AT END OF APRIL
15.05% – SANTA BARBARA CULINARY EXPERIENCE RETURNS MAY 12-18
4.20% – BENEFIT BRUNCH AT BLACK SHEEP

Sent on Tue, Mar 4, 2025
21.46% – CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP AT SAVOY CAFE
16.32% – CHEF ROTH IRONSIDE JOINS HARBOR RESTAURANT
14.16% – CRACK DOWN ON STREET FOOD VENDORS
13.93% – LA PALOMA CAFE ANNOUNCES JOHN PARKER AS EXECUTIVE CHEF
13.24% – BEFORE THERE WAS THE INTERNET…

Sent on Thu, Feb 27, 2025
34.41% – PASCUCCI RESTAURANT SET TO MOVE TO NEW DOWNTOWN LOCATION
18.77% – GOODLAND BBQ FOR SALE
8.60% – QUESTION OF THE DAY: SLOPPY JOES
7.04% – BAR LOU INTRODUCES WEEKEND BRUNCH
5.96% – LITO’S DANNY JIMENEZ DIES AT 92

Sent on Tue, Feb 18, 2025
64.37% – RUMOR MILL (YONA REDZ LOCATION CHANGE)
10.93% – ZEN YAI THAI CUISINE CLOSES
7.84% – YETZ’S BAGELS TO OPEN NEAR TARGET
4.28% – TAKASHI RAMEN UPDATE (NEW MENU ON WINDOW)
3.09% – RUSTY’S PIZZA RETURNING TO ISLA VISTA?

Sent on Wed, Feb 12, 2025
22.17% – WHITE CAPS BEACH CLUB OPENS IN GOLETA
17.42% – YETZ’S BAGELS TO OPEN NEAR TARGET
11.76% – RUSTY’S PIZZA RETURNING TO ISLA VISTA?
11.09% – MISSION CITY SANDWICH SHOP OPENS THURSDAY ON THE MESA
10.52% – TAKASHI RAMEN UPDATE

Sent on Thu, Feb 6, 2025
36.25% – THE ELLWOOD UPDATE
14.11% – ANGEL OAK CLOSES
12.98% – THE LARK PRESENTS “SOUTHERN GOODS” DINNER
10.09% – PADARO BEACH GRILL UPDATE
9.89% – PASCUCCI TO CLOSE AFTER THREE DECADES

Sent on Tue, Jan 28, 2025
18.11% – FAN FEEDBACK: FINCH & FORK
14.20% – BARBAREÑO TASTING MENU
11.95% – FALA BAR CLOSING IN SB PUBLIC MARKET
10.65% – QUESTION OF THE DAY: PLACE FOR FINE QUIET DINNER
9.23% – BIG T’S DELI OPENS IN SB PUBLIC MARKET

Sent on Tue, Jan 21, 2025
31.12% – THE ELLWOOD UPDATE
24.68% – JUDGE FOR YOURSELF CAFÉ CLOSES
13.27% – MASALA SPICE OPENS ON THE MESA
11.32% – BREAKWATER RESTAURANT TO CLOSE FOR RENOVATIONS
9.85% – PACIFIC PICKLE WORKS DEBUTS TWO NEW PRODUCTS

Sent on Tue, Jan 14, 2025
23.92% – VIDEO OF THE ELLWOOD
21.76% – MOTHER DOUGH BAGELS OPENS DOWNTOWN
17.06% – SUSHI BY THE POUND
11.37% – HERB PETERSON DAY
11.18% – ELUBIA’S KITCHEN COMING TO ISLA VISTA

Sent on Tue, Jan 7, 2025
37.25% – KYLE’S KITCHEN ON CHAPALA CLOSES
17.07% – DAWN PATROL CLOSES
13.15% – STELLA MARE’S CLOSES
11.42% – UPTOWN JEANNINE’S CLOSED UNTIL SPRING
6.69% – RUMOR MILL (NOBU COMING TO BILTMORE)

Here is a message to you from Pascucci restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara:

Hello beloved Santa Barbara community!

We want to thank you so much for your amazing support of Pascucci for over 31 years! Two months ago we sadly broke the news that we will be losing our lease here at 509 State Street… but last month. we were excited to announce that we found a new home and will be moving to 1230-A State Street! (former location of Saigon Vietnamese).  Our last day at our current location will be April 27 and we will be moving to our new location May 1 and reopening shortly there after.

We would also like to thank you ahead of time for your continued support, as there is quite a bit of remodeling to do at the new location, and moving a restaurant is not an easy feat… But we are very excited about our new location in the Arts district, where we’ll be nestled between the Arlington and Granada theaters.

As a special thank you to our amazing customers, we are declaring April as HAPPY MONTH! We have a great happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6, but during HAPPY MONTH we will be offering our happy hour drink special prices 7 days a week, opening to closing!

– House wine $5 glass
– Well cocktails $5
– House margarita (100% agave tequila) $6
– Bottle beer $4

We hope to see you for HAPPY MONTH!
Thank you from the entire Pascucci staff

The German restaurant Dutch Garden at 4203 State Street, which closed in June 2020 after decades in business, then reopened in November 2022 after extensive renovations and under new ownership, has been sold to Kelly Brown, owner of the popular Natural Café chain which has locations locally and in Westlake Village, Moorpark, and Santa Maria. I am hearing that Matt English, one of three owners from the 2022 relaunch, is staying with the business. Dutch Garden, which has been open for lunch only, recently added dinner two nights a week and I am told that the new evening service has been popular. Lunch hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., while dinner is served Thursday-Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Follow at @dutchgardensb

Photo by The Restaurant Guy

Word on the street is that Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is interested in taking over the space at 509 State Street, the current home of Pascucci, which is moving in early May to the Arts District at 1230-A State Street, the former home of Saigon. Ghirardelli is an American confectioner, wholly owned by Swiss confectioner Lindt & Sprüngli. The company was founded by and is named after Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was incorporated in 1852, and is the third-oldest chocolate company in the US, after Baker’s Chocolate and Whitman’s. As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.

Reader Eric let me know that Cajé Coffee Roasters is coming to the Patterson Center at 5340 Hollister Avenue, which is also the home to South Coast Deli, Dominoes Pizza, and Choi’s Oriental Market. Cajé, which has locations downtown and in Isla Vista, will be moving into a space facing Hollister Avenue next to Herbay Pharmacy. The signature drinks at Cajé’s location at The Mill are delightfully complex. I once tried the Burnout, a hot breve latte with bourbon pecan syrup, candied ginger, and a ginger salt rim. Visit caje.coffee

Los Angeles-based “The Win~Dow,” open 7 days a week in The Grove, Hollywood, Long Beach, Silver Lake, and Venice, is a destination for a classic smash-burgers, fried chicken sandwiches and grain bowls. Their next outpost: Santa Barbara, at 701 Chapala Street, the former home of Romanti-Ezer Mexican restaurant which closed in June, 2020. A smash burger is a thin beef patty cooked on a super-hot griddle. The burger is smashed down, usually with a spatula, to increase browning and craggy bits on the surface for extra flavor. The smashing technique has been around for a while but was further popularized by the Smashburger chain founded in Denver in 2007.

The Win~Dow rose to fame for its affordable smashburger, which goes for $4-ish for a single and $7-ish for a double. The burgers come griddled on the flat top with onions, American cheese, pickles, and house sauce. An Impossible patty, called the Beauty Burger, is available for vegetarians or veggie fans. Though the restaurant is best known for its burgers, the rest of the menu features shaved kale salad, Grain Bowl with brown rice and a soft egg, and a fried chicken sandwich. Hand-spun shakes and dipped cones are both on the dessert menu. Thanks to reader Harley H. who read a post about The Win~Dow in Edible SB. Visit thewin-dow.la

Photo by The Restaurant Guy

The building at 335 South Milpas Street, where Tri-County Produce is located, was built in the 1950s for Harry Bowman who distributed wholesale produce to the tri-counties, delivering to restaurants, schools and stores. In the 1970s Bowman sold the business to Virgil and Marie Eliot, who decided to open Tri-County Produce to the public. They then sold it to Jim Dixon and his son, John, in 1985, who owned and operated the business for four decades, an incredible run that ends next month.

“After 40 years of dedication, passion, and community service, I am announcing my decision to retire,” says owner John Dixon. “Our beloved local grocery store, a fixture in Santa Barbara since 1966, will close its doors at the end of April 2025. Tri-County Produce has been my life’s work, and I have enjoyed every moment of it –from stocking shelves to serving customers. Throughout my tenure, I have worked with exceptional vendors and I have built lasting relationships with my loyal employees. I also took great pride in providing employment opportunities to the youth of Santa Barbara, helping many grow into successful adults.” Call (805) 965-4558 or visit tcpsb.com.

Photos by The Restaurant Guy

The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (the SBCE) presents its annual showcase of all things food and drink in Santa Barbara County, May 12-18, 2025. This week-long celebration, presented in collaboration with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, brings together Santa Barbara County’s vibrant food and beverage scene, spotlighting the region’s chefs, winemakers, farmers, artisans, and hospitality community. Tickets go on sale March 15. Sign up for the newsletter at sbce.events and be the first to receive exclusive updates and event news.

The 2025 SBCE features a diverse and expanded lineup of experiences, including curated dining events, wine tastings, farm tours, cooking classes, hands-on workshops, and more—held at restaurants, wineries, farms, and unique venues across the county.

Highlights include the signature Grand Wine Tasting on May 17 at El Presidio de Santa Barbara. As one of Santa Barbara’s premier food and wine events, the SBCE showcases the region’s culinary heritage and innovation, all while supporting local businesses and sustainability initiatives.

Through its collaboration with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, the SBCE also gives back—allocating a portion of proceeds to local organizations dedicated to strengthening Santa Barbara County’s food system.
Tickets for individual events varies, for a full lineup of events and to purchase tickets, visit sbce.events

Reader Rob P. has requested I post some restaurants stats. I think I have posted the answer to both these questions in the past so I will take a look. If you have any suggestions please post them here.

Hi John,

First let me thank you (and your staff) I would hope you have some help with your weekly column – for all you do for our community keeping us updated with all the food-drink comings and goings all these years. It’s the first thing I read when I open the pages of the SB Independent. But I have a job for you and it may require some in depth research:

1) All these years you have been a wealth of information on food and drink establishments in our communities. I think it would be great to know what known location(s) in the South Coast communities have had the largest or highest “turnovers” of restaurants in a single location?

2) And what is to the best source of info doing your research of being our Restaurant Guy, the longest known single location a business been open as a food and/or drink business?

Just some to think about. Once again, John …. Thank you for your years of service to our communities here in the South Coast in Santa Barbara County.

Rob P.

On March 16, 2025, Black Sheep at 18 East Cota Street will host a special brunch & silent auction in support of Peace in a Pod Elementary, a local, independent Montessori school nestled in the heart of the Presidio neighborhood. Dedicated to small class sizes, hands-on learning, and a screen-free education. Enjoy a 3-course family-style prix fixe menu paired with bottomless mimosas – all while giving back to a great cause. 100% of proceeds go directly to the school. This is a donation-based event with a suggested donation of $76 per person. Your contribution may be tax-deductible—support local education while enjoying a great meal. To view the menu or make reservations visit blacksheepsb.com.

Reader Mimi tells me about the results of her quest to find the best burger in town.

“In my search for the best hamburger (not smashburger) I found it: Lieu Dit tasting room at 23 E. Canon Perdido on Thursday beginning at 4 p.m. Truly the best I’ve ever had! Best Smashburger is of course Third Window. – Mimi”

What is your choice?

Last July I broke the news that Takashi Ramen is coming to 7060 Hollister Avenue Suite 102 in Goleta, next to Smart & Final, in the former home of Pickles & Swiss. I am happy to report they have opened. “We are excited to bring Takashi Ramen to the vibrant community of Goleta,” said Chef Natacha Chaiseree, founder and owner of Takashi Ramen who also runs Cagami Ramen in Camarillo. “Our passion for authentic Japanese cuisine and commitment to quality will provide our guests with an exceptional dining experience. We can’t wait to share our love of ramen with everyone in Goleta and Santa Barbara. My crew works really hard, seven days a week. We are a family business. I have two sisters and one brother who help in the kitchen. Even though I am the owner I work in the back kitchen very hard to make sure all the food comes out great, looks good, and is delicious.” The new Goleta location features a diverse menu showcasing the restaurant’s signature ramen bowls, vegetarian options, as well as a variety of appetizers, rice dishes, and unique desserts. You order using a kiosk and food is served to you at your table. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Visit takashiramengoleta.com or follow at @Takashi8Ramen.

La Paloma Cafe at 702 Anacapa Street has welcomed John Parker as its new executive chef. With 18 years of experience, Parker has honed his craft at numerous establishments, including Bettina, where he was celebrated for his seasonal menus, and as Executive Chef at Quintessential Foods, where he led the kitchen for over four years. “We’re thrilled to have John join our Acme family,” says Skyler Gamble, Director of Operations at Acme Hospitality. “He shares our passion for our Santa Barbara farmers’ markets as well as our commitment to sustainability. I’m confident that our community will embrace the great things he is bringing to La Paloma Cafe.”

Since joining La Paloma Cafe, Parker has infused the lunch, brunch, and dinner menus with new dishes that reflect his culinary vision. New weekend brunch items include the Farmers Market Parfait with honey lime yogurt & granola; Smashed Breakfast Potatoes with fried egg hollandaise sauce, scallions & house hot sauce; Smoked Salmon Toast with beet horseradish cream cheese, capers, dill & lemon; and Avocado Toast with parmesan crust, bacon & sunny side up egg. Also featured are the Traditional Egg Breakfast with choice of sausage or bacon, two eggs, crispy potatoes & Santa Maria salsa; Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes with blueberry maple syrup & cultured butter; Breakfast Sando with brioche bun, bacon, fried egg, cheddar cheese, aioli, arugula & crispy potatoes; Morning Burger with brioche bun, jalapeno aioli, roasted poblano, fried egg & crispy potatoes; and Skillet Cornbread with honey butter and Aleppo salt.

Dinner offers Chef Parker’s Orecchiette with Four Cheese Sauce, herbed bread crumbs & grated Parmesan; Oak Grilled Grassy Bar Oysters with house hot sauce & garlic butter; Roasted Purple Cabbage with chipotle cream, pickled onion, pepitas, beer-battered crunchies, cilantro & lime; and Roasted Free Range Chicken with garlic-rosemary mashed potatoes, charred Millikan Farms broccolini, & white BBQ sauce.

Pricing is á la carte and ranges from $10-29. La Paloma serves dinner Wednesday – Sunday; lunch Wednesday through Friday and brunch Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Reader Brendan sent me a message that a “change of ownership” alcohol license sign has appeared in the window of Savoy Cafe at 24 West Figueroa Street. I called the business who confirmed that there was a change of ownership and that the restaurant will remain very similar to the eatery that locals know and love.

Health and safety photos will be used to make decisions to stop illegal food vendors in Santa Barbara County, says reader Primetime. Restaurant owners in the area of these street kitchens have openly complained about the loss of business to operators who are not licensed or in compliance with many aspects of food preparation and food transportation. Vendors that have been contacted are largely coming from the Los Angeles area. Read the full story on keyt.com

I found this KMGQ business card in my garage the other day. For those of you who don’t know about life before Google, Yelp, or Instagram, phone lines were a common way to get updated restaurant information. I assume it was a recording but it must have been pretty long to provide information about lunch, dinner, and brunch for all of Santa Barbara in one phone call. I tried calling the Santa Barbara restaurant hotline and you now get a fax machine, another bygone technology. Google AI says KMGQ was once the highest ranked smooth jazz radio station in the United States and was owned by James Olerich, J. Patt Wardlaw, Burke Kaplan, and Alex Sheftel, who also owned KIST/Santa Barbara.

Chef Roth Ironside, formerly of Stella Mares restaurant which closed at the end of 2024, is now the Director of Operations for The Harbor Restaurant and Longboard’s Grill on Stearns Wharf. “After we made incredible strides in the beautiful multi-million dollar remodel of the property over the past year, we are now turning our attention to elevating the guests experiences in both incredible venues,” says co-owner John J. Thyne III. “Roth is working in conjunction with executive chef Gonzalo del Pino to elevate our menus and offer even more delicious seafood and international dishes. Even in a short few weeks Roth has been an incredible leader and wise counsel sharing his wealth of knowledge attained over a significantly successful career for 15 years at Stella Mare as a partner and executive chef. We are excited for this collaborative new team to wow our local community and visitors to Santa Barbara’s most iconic over the water restaurants.” Thanks to reader Loulou for the tip!

Last week I wrote that Yona Redz, which planned to move next to their Santa Playa Mariscos restaurant, in a space at 1230-A State Street (the former home of Saigon), had decided to give up the lease to another restaurant. Yona Redz will now be sharing space with Santa Playa Mariscos at 1230-C State Street and it turns out that the mystery restaurant taking over 1230-A State Street is Pascucci.

“We are excited to share that we found a really great new spot in Santa Barbara’s “Arts District” at 1230-A State Street and will be moving soon,” shared Laura Knight, owner of Pascucci Restaurant. “Our current landlord has kindly agreed to allow us to remain at 509 State Street while we prepare for our move to the Granada Theatre neighborhood, where we expect to be up and running by late April.” Pascucci Restaurant hopes that all its loyal customers will continue enjoying delicious Italian-inspired food at their current location while renovations and remodeling are underway further up the street. Adds Knight, “We are excited to be renting from local landlord, Ray Mahboob and be close to The Arlington, Granada, and New Vic theatres, while surrounded by all the other wonderful small restaurants and unique, local shops in the downtown Arts District.  Thank you, community of Santa Barbara, for your love and support for 31 years! The team at Pascucci is looking forward to settling into our third downtown location – we think it will be the best one yet!”

Pascucci on State Street offers Italian cuisine made from fresh local ingredients for lunch and dinner. This restaurant stands out as one of the most popular dining spots in Santa Barbara, offering a reasonably priced menu with plenty of options to choose from. The ambiance combines Southern Californian casual vibes with a touch of romantic Italy. To see a menu visit pascuccirestaurant-sb.com

Rusty’s Pizza at 3731 State Street will be closed for maintenance starting Monday, March 2nd for approximately 3 months. Delivery is still available through rustyspizza.com or by calling 805-564-1111. Customers are welcome to pick up their orders or dine in at 228 West Carrillo Street or 4880 Hollister Avenue.

Hi John,

Reaching out to share that just in time for peak outdoor dining season, Bar Lou, the recently opened French-inspired restaurant in Montecito helmed by regionally beloved restaurateurs Brandon Boudet and Warner Ebbink, the duo behind Little Dom’s Seafood in Carpinteria as well as the iconic Little Dom’s in Los Angeles is now officially open for weekend brunch service.  Bar Lou will now offer a lively Mediterranean-inspired weekend brunch menu from 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Looking forward, guests can also expect a special Friday lunch special coming soon. Brunch Highlights Include: Spanish French Toast with saffron whipped creme fraiche; Merguez Lamb Burger with comte cheese and piperade; Steak & Eggs aux poivre with frites; French omelet with chive Boursin (optional caviar add on); and Smoked Black Cod Smörrebröd with dill pollen crème fraiche, potato, and pickled fennel.

Bar Lou
1198 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara

Hi John

Is there any restaurant in the Santa Barbara and Goleta area that has Sloppy Joes on the menu?

William & Judy Slager

Petra Cafe at 14 East Cota Street, offering  Jordainian cusine, is doing a lunch special from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for $10 after tax . Offerings include Shawarma wrap, Kofta wrap, and Falafel wrap. Also available are the $5 for homemade hummus with warm Lebanese pita, $5 off for hookah, and $3 Arabic coffee in the sand. Visit foxtailsb.com

Reader Steve H. let me know that Mercado El Rey at 305 West Montecito Street is opening a new location at 101 North Milpas Street. The grocery market offers meat, seafood, produce, ice cream, and more.

Photo by Steve H.

Last month I broke the news that Elubia’s Kitchen at 325 Rutherford Street in Goleta, is opening a second location at 6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Pueblo Pollo, Checo’s Mexican restaurant, Mojo, 805 Kabob, Lovin Oven Mediterranean Bakery & Cafe, Cafe Int’L, and others. Elubia’s Kitchen is a restaurant/catering business owned by Elubia and Ruben Orozco that provides Latin American food. I am happy to report they are now open. “This is our first brick and mortar store so we’ve been telling people on social media that we’re in Isla Vista, says Ruben Orozco. “We offer great plates with Latin American cuisines from different parts of Central America and Latin America. Our most popular plates are Pupusas, Nachos, Garnachas, and Dobladitas, and our entire menu is gluten-free.” Visit elubiaskitchen.com

Reader Cris S. passed me a message from Goodland BBQ which opened at 5725 Hollister Avenue in Goleta in March 2022, in the former long-time home of Alphie’s:

Dear BBQ Lovers
We’re excited to announce that our beloved Goodland BBQ business is up for sale, along with the opportunity to take over the lease! We welcome any reasonable offers, as we are eager to find the right buyer. With low rent and a turn-key operation, this is a fantastic chance to dive into the BBQ world. We’re committed to being here until we strike a deal, so let’s make A deal and make it happen! I will make It easy for you..
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Leave me a message.
ask for Tom
805-869-1950

Last July I broke the news that Takashi Ramen is coming to 7060 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, next to Smart & Final, in the former home of Pickles & Swiss. Today I received a press-release from the restaurant that says they arrive this month:

Takashi Ramen Unveils New Location in Goleta, California: Grand Opening on February 28th

Takashi Ramen, the premier destination for authentic Japanese ramen, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Goleta, California. The much-anticipated event will take place on February 28th, 2025, welcoming ramen enthusiasts and food lovers to experience a taste of Japan right in their neighborhood.

Takashi Ramen has built a reputation for its rich, savory broths, hand-crafted noodles, and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The new Goleta location will feature a diverse menu showcasing the restaurant’s signature ramen bowls, as well as a variety of appetizers, rice dishes, and unique desserts.

“We are excited to bring Takashi Ramen to the vibrant community of Goleta,” said Chef Natacha founder and owner of Takashi Ramen. “Our passion for authentic Japanese cuisine and commitment to quality will provide our guests with an exceptional dining experience. We can’t wait to share our love of ramen with everyone in Goleta.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Takashi Ramen will offer special promotions, including 10% off with any purchase on opening day and giveaways and prizes throughout the day

The new Takashi Ramen location is conveniently situated at 7060 Hollister Ave Suite 102, Goleta, CA 93117, near the Smart and Final supermarket. Doors will open at 11:00 AM, and the festivities will continue until 9:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the special promotions and to secure their spot in the ramen-loving crowd.

For more information about Takashi Ramen and the grand opening event, please visit our website at www.takashiramengoleta.com or follow us on Instagram at @Takashi8Ramen.

About Takashi Ramen: Takashi Ramen is a new concept founded by Chef Natacha in 2024 with a mission to bring authentic Japanese ramen to food enthusiasts on the Central Coast, along with Cagami Ramen our restaurant in Camarillo we are committed to quality and passion for culinary excellence. Takashi Ramen will become a beloved destination for ramen lovers everywhere.

This just in from reader Primetime:

“Danny Jimenez of Lito’s fame in Santa Barbara has passed away at 92. Lito’s is a long standing, locally owned Mexican restaurant with traditional recipes and a bustling in person or on line, grab and go lunch service. The Pozole was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network.”

Lito’s at 514 East Haley Street is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara offering traditional food with family recipes dating back more than 40 years.

Zen Yai Thai Cuisine, inside the Filipino Community Building at 425 State Street, closed last weekend after decades in business. Renovations have begun to create the future home of a new restaurant that will also serve Thai cuisine.

Last September I wrote that Yona Redz closed at 532 State Street and planned to move next to their Santa Playa Mariscos restaurant at 1230 State Street near the Granada Theatre. A “coming soon” sign at the future home of Yona Redz has been posted on the front of the business for months. Sources tell me that Yona Redz might have canceled plans and may transfer the lease to another restaurant to open in the space. As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.

In 1969, Roger and Carol Duncan scraped enough money together to open “Rusty’s Roast Beef” in Isla Vista at the corner of Embarcadero Del Norte and Pardall Road, where Dublin’s Sports Grill is now. Before their restaurant journey began, Roger was a produce manager in a local grocery store & Carol was busy teaching at Foothill Elementary & caring for their two young girls. Exploring their new home town of Santa Barbara, they found that there was no pizza place to take their kids and Rusty’s Pizza was born. They set their sights on creating a restaurant that served the highest quality pizza with great service and tons of family fun for the community, replacing their roast beef concept. Eventually the new pizza business expanded across the South Coast (plus Bakersfield) and the original Isla Vista location closed.

While riding my bike along Pardall Road recently, I found a clue that suggests a return to their roots might be in the works. A parking sign was recently updated at 6583 Pardall Road, just a block away from Rusty’s founding location, and the former home Rockfire Grill, Rincon Brewery, and Giovanni’s Pizza. The sign now says parking is reserved for Rusty’s Pizza.

Hi Restaurant Guy,

We will be making heart-shaped pizzas all week long Tuesday, February 11 thru Sunday, February 16.

Erin K.
Santa Barbara Pizza House
515 State Street

Reader IMissRexOfSB says that Takashi Ramen, coming soon to 7060 Hollister Avenue, the former home of Pickles & Swiss Deli, has posted their menu on the window and sent me a photo of it.

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce is presenting a special week-long event: a seven-day celebration of dining and beverage artistry in conjunction with the restaurant owners of the Lompoc Valley. Lompoc Restaurant Week is scheduled for February 17- 23 and will present a lineup of discounted dining options at participating restaurants and tasting rooms – a prix-fixe meal, a two-for-one dining option, a special event or wine/beer flight with pairings – all for $20.25 plus tax and tip. Visit lompoc.com.

Last summer I stopped by Yetz’s Bagels at 901 Embarcadero Del Mar Ste. 103 in Isla Vista and spoke with owner Daniel “Yetz” Dunietz who told me about the history and future of his business. He had recently closed his Dank Bowl Kitchen at that address and transitioned to bagels which he now ships to restaurants around town. He said at the time that he was looking for a second location in Goleta and now I am told he found one. Dunietz hopes to open his new eatery by the end of 2025 at 250 Storke Road, in a space that became available when Lucky Coin Laundry downsized.

Moby Dick Restaurant CEO Karl Hutterer let me know that his eatery has started a special dinner series called the Captain’s Table that are fun culinary events that also feature opportunities to learn about our local environments, the sustenance we get from them, and how to turn these great gifts from nature into good tasting food. The inaugural event, “Spiny Lobster Night,” will take place on February 18, at 6 p.m. and features the prized catch of the Santa Barbara Channel. Your evening includes: Tales from the Sea with Victoria Voss, veteran commercial fisher; Fascinating Lobster Lore from marine expert Dr. Kim Selkoe; Live Cooking Demonstration by Chef Scott Howard; Curated Wine Pairings by Sandhi Wines, Sta. Rita Hills; and a Three-Course prix fixe Feast celebrating our local spiny lobster. The cost is $80 per person, all-inclusive. Reservations and pre-payment required. Visit mobydicksb.com/about-us. Under “select an occasion” choose “Special Occasion.” Space is limited for this intimate dining experience.