August 27, 2023
Food Stuff
Validation Ale Is Opening a Second Location
More food news: The Nook is branching out into pizza; the Veranda at San Ysidro Ranch; Outstanding in the Field dinner with Mattei's chef Rhoda Magbitang; Cajé is working on a café in Ventura; Gipsy Hill Bakery is baking on a regular basis again; Soul Bites profile; Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley is coming up. 25
August 23, 2023
Pierre Lafond’s Santa Barbara Winery Is for Sale
More food news: Oppi’z has closed; Nick the Greek opening on State Street; the Jewish Federation is proceeding with its plan to open a kosher deli; Lily’s Donuts & Pops is opening downtown; Pueblo Pollo has closed; stop-work order for Trattoria del Sole; a profile of Pokewaves in Noleta; a hat for oyster fans. 8
August 16, 2023
Belated First Impressions of Rory’s Place
More food news: Captain Fatty's is working on a temporary beer garden at Paseo Nuevo; Mollie Ahlstrand's market/deli in Carpinteria has opened; pop-up brunch at the Black Sheep; Sunshine Cafe is expanding to Goleta; gluten-free meal-delivery service now serving Santa Barbara; profiles of Taqueria La Unica and the food at Margerum's Funk Zone tasting room; cute new candy shop in Solvang. 1
August 7, 2023
July 26, 2023
Third Window Has Started Making Milkshakes
More food news: Courthouse Tavern has closed; Sear Steakhouse to change name and concept; Terra opening soon at the Steward hotel; the Epicurean Santa Barbara dining club; Welcome Coffee Cart profile; Strange Beast karaoke; Thomas Keller's likely template for the Coral Casino. 9
July 21, 2023
Chick-fil-A Has Reopened
More food news: Mister Softee is coming downtown; Sushi by Scratch Restaurants lost its Michelin star; Foxtail Kitchen to change name and concept; street kitchen on the State Street Promenade; update on Ocean Fathoms's legal trouble; Santa Barbara Vintners Festival is in October; the tipping conundrum at Sama Sama. 15
July 12, 2023
Thomas Keller to Run the Coral Casino Restaurant
More food news: A plea for help from Wylde Works; Sama Sama has added an 18 percent service charge; tamale class; the huevos rancheros at Corazón Comedor; the California Wine Festival and Downtown Summer Brew Fest are coming up; the menu at R&D Local Kitchen. 15
July 6, 2023
Second Impressions of Taqueria La Unica
More food news: More on the restaurant and bars planned for the hotel in the former Forever 21 building; what we can expect at Happy Cat Eats, opening soon at the beach; the parking at RH's forthcoming Montecito restaurant; Sevtap Winery has a new tasting room; the food selection at Santa Barbara Hives in Carpinteria. 10
June 30, 2023
June 25, 2023
Bibi Ji Is Moving Farther Up State Street
More food news: Stella Mare's lease has been extended; the menu at Beast Taqueria inside M. Special; Organic Soup Kitchen's new location; revamped checkout area at the Montecito Vons; Refugio Ranch Vineyards is working on a farmstand and marketplace in Los Olivos. 8
Recent Comments
Wasn't that restaurant always themed around Alfred Hitchcock? I ate at the Blackbird years ago after it opened and it that was the theme. It's… — Christine
I am so sad to see this space close. It was very special. But it was made so special by Drew and the community he… — Milan
I live in Europe and it stresses me out every time I come back to the US and have to deal with those ubiquitous electronic… — Allex
In two places where I am a regular, they zero out the tip option before I get the screen. I still tip, but there’s no… — Luigi
Thanks Erik (& RL)! Those are pretty much my conclusions as well. The insight on Realtor is good to know. I especially appreciate older listing… — HM
Was consistently a place I recommended to visitors; definitely a blow to state street. I appreciate the color Drew shared on reddit! — LP
This is a great rule of thumb! — AF