Author: Erik Torkells

January 15, 2022

Frequency Wine Company Has Upgraded to a Great New Space

More food news: Has Embermill closed?; Lilac Patisserie is expanding in a big way; soul food is coming to Lower State; Your Choice's off-menu pop-up is today; Costa Kitchen & Bar has closed for a month; the city is making two dozen State Street restaurants shrink their parklets to allow emergency vehicles to pass; the rebranded Jimboz Lounge reopened; Taqueria Santa Barbara is now serving breakfast. 3

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. 4

January 14, 2022

The Cool Midcentury-Style House Overlooking Hendry’s Beach

Noteworthy new listings also include the childhood home of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid; a Campanil "diamond in the rough"; a Hidden Valley Lane compound; a Hedgerow house for someone who can hold it; 1970s insouciance in Alta Mesa; an 1887 Upper East house in need of everything; the last vacant lot in Birnam Wood; and more.

January 13, 2022

Should This Block of State Street Be Closed to Cars?

Other recent news: Carpinterians will get to vote about the proposed Surfliner Inn; new candidates for the state assembly; UCSB will let professors decide whether to teach in person, while SBCC is going remote; vigilante trail closure; trapeze school likely to remain in Vera Cruz Park; Santa Barbara County moves forward on buying a Goleta motel for the homeless; UFOs appear to be drawn to the Channel Islands.

A New Tenant for the Sears Building at La Cumbre Plaza

Plus: A peek inside the roller rink opening on State Street; the Magic Castle Cabaret space is said to be getting a new chapter; Hueneme Supply Co. is moving into the old Tent Merchant compound; updates on Highway 101's Sheffield ramps; recycling centers have reopened; major price cut on Ortega Ridge; good housepeeking at a historic $95,000-per-month rental. 1

January 12, 2022

A “Retro-Swanky” Steakhouse Is Opening in the Funk Zone

Inspired by Vegas steakhouses of yore, the San Diego–based Rare Society restaurants feature tufted-leather booths, seafood towers, and steaks grilled over an open flame.

Newsletter: January 12

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January 11, 2022

Montecito’s 1918 Hacienda de Piedras Sells for $17.5 Million

Last week's sales also include a Toro Canyon aerie offloaded by a former Disney executive; 1935 Monterey Colonial; French-country three-bedroom in Birnam Wood; 1970s Hope Ranch; 39-acre farm near Glen Annie Golf Club; sweet-as-pie Hedgerow house; Harbor Hills two-bedroom for well over ask; Brinkerhoff Avenue house from 1885; and more.

Local Developers Aim High at La Cumbre Plaza

The father-and-son team of Jim and Matt Taylor is leading the charge to rethink La Cumbre Plaza: their goal is a major city-center-style complex, possibly with a park and even a pedestrian bridge. 12

January 10, 2022

A High-Concept Brewery Is Opening in the Funk Zone

More food news: Broad Street Oyster Company's debut got pushed back a few days; a barbecue restaurant is opening in Old Town Goleta; the interesting dinner menu for the Dutchess in Ojai; a new beer-and-wine bar in Los Alamos; praise for the soups at Erewhon and the frozen lasagna at Vons. 1