Our beloved Brendan sends word that Asia 101 at 903 Embarcadero Del Norte in Isla Vista has opened. Hours are 3-9 p.m. The address was the long time home of Pho Bistro which opened in May 2007 and closed this … Continue reading →

Reader Brendan let me know that Social Eats, which opened last month in the Kinkos birthplace building in Isla Vista, will be having a grand opening in mid-September.

Reader Brendan tells me that SB Sunshine Cafe at 3514 State Street will be opening a second location at 5711 Calle Real in Goleta, the former home of Chicken in a Barrel BBQ (2018-2020), Petrini’s (2011-2016), and Luigi’s Pizza & … Continue reading →

Here is a message to you from Barbareño at 205 W Canon Perdido Street: Hello John! My name is Nathaniel Tyson, I’m the current Maître D’ at Barbareño . I’m writing to tell you about an event we’ll be doing … Continue reading →

Here is a list of area eateries that have opened in the last 12 months: August 2023: Asia 101, 903 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista; The Eddy, 137 E. De la Guerra St. July 2023: Chick-fil-A (reopened), 3707 State St.; … Continue reading →

A local memorial is being held for Santa Barbara’s legendary Chef Karim Chhibbane who passed away Christmas Eve last year from heart failure. He was 64. Karim was one of the nicest people I ever met. Karim opened Chef Karim’s … Continue reading →

St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church’s annual Greek Grab-Go, that has replaced the Santa Barbara Greek Festival since Covid brought it to a halt, is in full swing. You can order up until August 12th, 11:59 p.m. and pick up your … Continue reading →

Here is a press release from Cuyama Buckhorn, 4923 Primero Street, New Cuyama, CA. Cuyama Buckhorn is located 1 hour east of Santa Maria. Capturing the long light of an August evening in the high desert, Birdie G’s Executive Chef … Continue reading →

Since late July, The Restaurant Guy, Gal, and Kid have been exploring Alaska by way of boat, train, and hiking shoes. It’s our first time to visit the 49th state and our first time to come face to face with … Continue reading →

Here is an inquiry from reader Pat G.: What is happening at the former restaurant Beachside at Goleta Beach. We miss it very much. We were there for their last two nights. Heard it was going to become Sea Legs … Continue reading →

People Magazine has a new story about Bettina in Montecito which apparently is a favorite pizza place for some well-known local residents. “On any given weeknight, a pizza takeout order from Bettina at the Montecito Country Mart in California could … Continue reading →

More news from a valued reader: “The Eddy is now open. A corner store with a hip international foodie twist. 137 East De la Guerra Street (formerly the Bead Shop) – Steve H. “ Photos by Steve H.

“Any intel on when the Azul Cocina on Anapamu might actually open? we tried to go in there 6 months ago and were told they just needed some final ADA approvals from the City. they have an interesting menu – … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Steve H.: Hey John, A cookie shop is coming to 918 State Street, formerly The Good Cup. Viva la. Steve H. The new eatery is called The Cookie Plug. Photo by reader Steve H.

Reader Andre let me know that Mr B Restaurant & Café in La Cumbre Plaza, which started offering Jordanian cuisine in December 2021, has closed: “Went by Mr Bs today and it was closed down permanently. Sign is down, windows … Continue reading →

The annual Goleta Dam Dinner, established in 2012, is a free community event featuring live music that will be held this year on August 19, 4-7 p.m. at the Lake Los Carneros dam. Bring your own food and beverage or … Continue reading →

Debra Eagle, general manager of Alma Rosa Winery, a leading Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA, has announced that the winery’s fourth annual “Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction” fundraising … Continue reading →

Little Dom’s Seafood, a locally sourced seafood destination in Carpinteria, will be offering an oyster-themed menu in honor of National Oyster Day on August 5th. The menu will be available next Saturday from 12pm to close and will include: • … Continue reading →

Several readers have let me know that the Jewish eatery Wexler’s Deli is coming to the downtown area. I have also heard but not confirmed that the location will be inside the Santa Barbara Public Market. “Wexler’s Deli stands for … Continue reading →

Rusty’s Pizza will be introducing some brand-new flavors on Wednesday, August 2nd. In a previous post I wrote that the new offerings, which include the Chicken ‘N Ranch Pizza and Mango Habanero Sauce for Rusty’s Hot Wings, were already available … Continue reading →

On Aug. 2, 2023 Rusty’s Pizza will introduce some brand-new flavors for Fiesta’s 99th year celebration. The new offerings include the Chicken ‘N Ranch Pizza and Mango Habanero Sauce for Rusty’s Hot Wings. The Chicken ‘N Ranch Pizza features hand-made … Continue reading →

Reader Brendan has been on an Isla Vista roll. Here is his latest: Another IV item: it looks like Social Eats has opened in the former South Coast Deli/Espresso Roma/etc. location. The doors were open and they had menus outside … Continue reading →

In August 2021 I reported that Vons market in Montecito was scheduled to be rebranded as Pavilions. Reader Eric says that process has finally begun: “The Pavilions renovation has officially started now, they’ve actually already finished the bakery and checkout … Continue reading →

Checo’s Mexican restaurant which opened in September 2022 at 6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista, in the former home Mojo (which moved to 6530 Seville Road), 805 Kabob, Lovin Oven Mediterranean Bakery & Cafe, Cafe Int’L, and dozens of other … Continue reading →

Reader Annie tells me that The Courthouse Tavern at 129 East Anapamu Street (formerly The Little Door, Piano Riviera Lounge, The French Table, and Elements Restaurant & Bar) has closed. The eatery opened in June 2021.

Reader Brendan sent me and update about 903 Embarcadero Del Norte in Isla Vista: “Pho Bistro appears to have closed, and a sign says that a new restaurant called ‘Asia 101’ is ‘coming soon summer 2023’.  The sign says ‘Asian … Continue reading →

Reader Brendan tells me that a taqueria called Maria’s Tacos has opened in the former home of Kaptain’s Firehouse BBQ and Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop at 6545 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, next to the now-defunct Study Hall. Call (805) … Continue reading →

The signature restaurant at the newly opened The Inn at Mattie’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, The Tavern, has officially been added to the Michelin Guide. “The Tavern features seasonal dishes that involve sophisticated ingredients with an approachable and satisfying menu,” … Continue reading →

Patxi’s Pizza on State Street has a sign on the window that says they are temporarily closed for repairs. I’m not sure how long the sign has been there. With luck they have reopened by the time you read this. … Continue reading →

Reader Phil told me that Chick-fil-A on upper State Street reopened yesterday so I drove by and indeed customers were giving orders in the drive-thru while others were dining on the patio. The hugely popular restaurant closed in May to … Continue reading →

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. I have posted a few updates since then and here is the latest … Continue reading →

Reader Mo let me know that travel editor Freda Moon recently posted an article at NYTimes.com about spending 36 hours in Santa Barbara.  Local food and drink destinations visited include LOKUM, La Paloma Cafe, Tondi Gelato, Lovejoy’s Pickle Room, Alessia … Continue reading →

Celebrate the spirit of Old Spanish Days Fiesta at DIGS at the Santa Barbara Zoo, on Thursday, August 3. DIGS is Fiesta’s annual party, featuring food from local restaurants, margaritas, live music, and dancing on the Zoo’s hilltop. You are … Continue reading →

Caya restaurant at The Leta Hotel, 5650 Calle Rea in Goleta, in launching a new brunch on August 3rd. The price of the brunch, including choice of cocktail below, is $25 and it will be available Saturday and Sundays from … Continue reading →

Here is a message for you from Foxtail Kitchen at 14 East Cota Street: Hi John, We decided that September 4th will be our last day for our concept Foxtail Kitchen after 6 and a half years. Thanks for everybody’s … Continue reading →

This just in from Crushcakes at 5392 Hollister Avenue in Goleta: Hi Restaurant Guy, We have some news here at Crushcakes we would love to share!  We are now serving Beer and Wine at Crushcakes in Goleta!  We have a … Continue reading →

Reader Cobalt let me know that the prestigious Michelin guide (via bonappetit.com) has announced their 2023 list of California restaurants that have gained, retained, or lost stars in the last year. Michelin stars, which range from one to three, are … Continue reading →

Angel Oak, at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, is now offering Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., with complimentary valet for anyone driving in to experience brunch at Angel Oak on Sundays and the 10% off for locals applies as … Continue reading →

In January 2022 I announced that a full service restaurant is coming to 1 North Calle Cesar Chavez Ste. 21, the home of Calvary Chapel. Reader HB tells me that the eatery, named The Kitchen, has opened. “The Kitchen enables … Continue reading →

Ty Warner has announced a new partnership with Chef Thomas Keller, whose eateries have accumulated seven Michelin stars, to oversee all food and beverage operations at the Coral Casino in Montecito. Best known for his flagship Yountville, California restaurant The … Continue reading →