••• The attractive new mixed-use building at 4745 Carpinteria Avenue will have 24 apartments (The Rincon) in back, a vacation rental–style six-room hotel (The Rincon Rooms) in front, and a restaurant on the street. No word yet on what to expect from the latter.
••• Nearby, Clementine’s Steak House traded its lavender-ish exterior for sky blue—a surprising move for an establishment that otherwise resists change.
••• 805 Living got some info about Endwell Hospitality‘s two forthcoming projects. At Monte’s, opening this month in the former Bar Lou space, we can expect “Korean influences and bold flavors throughout in dishes like wild rice chicken katsu served with Korean mustard, cabbage slaw, nutritional yeast, and wasabina paste. The vegan coal-roasted cone cabbage is topped with smoked shiitake XO (an umami-rich condiment), tofu puree, hazelnuts, and garden herbs. Monte’s smash burger features a thin, crispy-edged, dry-aged beef chuck patty cloaked in American cheese on a house-made potato milk bun slicked with Monte’s spread (made with pickled scallion relish and a secret Korean ingredient).” Also, the restaurant plans on having a farmers market on its patio with produce from Endwell’s Rincon Hill Farm. And in Carp, Rincon Hill Market (721 Linden Avenue) is shooting to open this summer; at The Palms building next door, which will take longer, there will be three establishments: “a fun, casual take on Korean barbecue, with a grill-your own option” on the ground floor; fine dining on the second floor; and a rooftop bar.
••• Tickets for the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (May 11-17) go on sale March 16.
••• “A restaurant, possibly vegetarian, is coming to 113 W. De la Guerra Street, two doors to the left of Elsie’s Tavern.” —Restaurant Guy
••• Sunstone Winery‘s tasting room at 1294 Coast Village Road opens March 19: “Guests can enjoy traditional tasting flights, wines by the glass, inventive wine cocktails, and Solis by Sunstone functional cocktails—Sunstone’s non-alcoholic beverage line launched in 2025—alongside curated cheese and charcuterie selections.”
••• La Cantina at Turnpike Center in Noleta has closed; a new concept is expected soon.
••• Home Plate Grill on Calle Real in Goleta will close March 31; the Roundin’ 3rd sports bar is staying open. —Restaurant Guy
••• The Independent profiled sushi chef Kevin Slemmons’s Monday-night omakase dinners at Rodeo Room.
••• Chase Restaurant & Lounge has reopened.
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The Chase is the Place!
I’m glad to hear Monte’s will have Korean influences since we need more of that here. If they had Bibimbab on the menu I would be in heaven.
Was hoping Peabodys would come back.