Longtime Santa Barbara Chef Has Taken Over the Polo Club Restaurant

More food news: The new restaurant at the Leta hotel in Goleta; Handlebar Coffee Roasters, Hook & Press, and Tamar are taking a break; new coffee bar in Paseo Nuevo; owner of Burbank's Smoke House rumored to be working on something here; profile of Vega Vineyard & Farm; the National Heirloom Exposition is coming to Ventura. 4

The Mysteries of Istanbul

The beguiling city is at the nexus of east and west, ancient and modern—and yet it also feels very far away. 3

Newsletter: December 25

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (We have a winner!) 1

What’s the Large Building Under Construction Next to Highway 101?

"I've been wondering what the story is with the metal building going up next to Highway 101 at the southbound Patterson exit. Caltrans? Union Pacific?" —J. 7

Church Has Plans for a Big Roof Deck Downtown

Plus: Women's apparel store opening in the former Rite Aid on State Street; Olive Mill ramps not closing till at least January 8; new look for the apartment complex proposed for Carrillo and De La Vina; updates on the downtown electric-vehicle charging station and the redesign of the State Street undercrossing; Gaviota rest areas reopen; the story behind a Jeff Shelton house on the Riviera; the annual homeless count; drive-through car wash in the works for S. La Cumbre Road; "Golden Hour" at My Pet Ram. 5

The Plan for 685 New Apartments at La Cumbre Plaza

The developers are focusing on the greater Macy's area, in the belief that a smaller development comprising buildings of different styles will be more in character with Santa Barbara than something monolithic. 32

Newsletter: December 21

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E. Mountain Drive House Sells Off-Market for $17.5 Million

Last week's sales also include a historic property on 12 acres in Montecito; a lovely Riviera house for $6.3 million; Yankee Farm fixer/teardown; funky house near the Presidio; 1917 and 1923 houses in the Upper East; and many more.

First Impressions of the Dutch Garden

More food news: Construction on the Biltmore resort's restaurant; AMA Sushi has added a six-course prix-fixe; confirmation of Little Alex's new location; Healthy Warrior's event space; Corazón Comedor tamales by the dozen; the new Courtyard by Marriott's restaurant opens soon. 14