That kind of sloppiness I can handle, the sloppiness I can't handle are things like our state spending $20B on homelessness, with zero accountability, no audits, and for the homeless population and overall situation to get worse.
My point is, even if you're a supporter of the current administration's changes in principle, you should be worried about the sloppiness.
Regardless of your stance on the federal employee layoffs, it's shameful and a mark of mediocrity that the CI National Park workers (and countless others) were laid off with a letter that stated "the Department has determined you have failed to demonstrate fitness or qualifications for continued employment."
If this is about cutting costs, there's no need to abuse those we're laying off. Just say that their positions are being eliminated.
There is also the issue of arrogance, credibility, and a culture of clear thinking. Everyone with a functioning brain cell knows it was a mass layoff and individual workers weren't vetted. Credibility is a currency and it was an unforced error to squander so much when different language could just as easily have been used. It may not be a problem today, but eventually the chickens come home to roost. You have to feel that this level of unnecessary, reckless arrogance will eventually become a problem. And with this wanton disregard for clear thinking and decision-making, those at the very top are setting a poor example for the entire federal government.
Though they may disdain bureaucracy, those at the top are now part of it. And undermining all structural respect for the institutions and replacing that with loyalty to individuals is an extremely fragile and unstable proposition likely to ultimately collapse, hurting their own cause as well as others'.
Your reviews are spot on, as usual. I love the atmosphere, service and comped bread at Clark's but have a hard time finding anything on the menu since I don't eat shellfish. The chicken and burger are OK but the fish is overpriced for what you get since and you need to order additional sides like a steak house. Hoping they add some fish tacos/sandwich and more entree salads. RH stands out for their salads (Mulholland and Chinese Chicken) but the burger was tiny. Wish Bar Lou had the same menu as their sister restaurant, Little Dom's which we love, though the chicken shawarma on the appetizer menu was a full meal and a good value. My favorite of them all is Lion's Tale since all their dishes shine despite the limited menu: the fish, steak, burger all good and the cozy atmosphere and service can't be beat. They will swap out the fries that come with the burger and steak with a salad which we prefer. Local is our new local favorite since their new chef of 2 months has totally revamped the menu and everything we've had is a good value and very tasty (fish or short rib tacos, miso salmon, chicken milanese, smash burger). I want just about everything on the menu so they are on the right track after a bumpy start. All in all, nice to have some fresh new restaurants that might make some of the old Montecito stalwarts sit up and modernize their 90s look and menus.
and all On the same date 😂😂😂 good for them to have that enthusiastic clients…
The obvious and obnoxious fake comments/review by Bar Lou on here is reason enough to never step foot in there. Their reaction is more cringy than their Costco furniture.
Bar Lou is the real thing!
amazing ambiance , incredible food ( oh la la , the beet salad), the service is lovely and personable. you MUST try their brunch as well- the best in Montecito!
I love that RH is now in the upper village. I’ve found their food and service to be great. They could expand their menu a bit. A big improvement from Lucca Antiques where it was “by appointment” and “to the trade only.” Remember that?
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Had your burger with my friends during burger week and we were so disappointed! Burger was so tasteless and burnt! We definitely won’t come back!
Four restaurants reviewed, but a whole slew of wildly enthusiastic reviews that only mention one of them -- BarLou. Coincidence?
I love Bar Lou! The Sea Urchin Spaghetti is amazing as is the rest of the elevated menu. Chef Brandon Boudet is a gem and brings the culinary chops from Little Doms Seafood in Carp and Little Doms in LA. The decor is warm and cozy with great drinks and bar area. Our servers have always been great. It's a welcome addition to a space that has always been great, but was recently underutilized. Good one!
Excited to share that my experience at Bar Lou was absolutely fantastic! The atmosphere was amazing, and the entrees and cocktails were out of this world. Cheers to Chef Brandon Boudet for the incredible culinary experience! Bar Lou is a definite must try!
Thanks RR for the kind review. As for the “Costco furniture “ the teak Adirondack chairs are a temporary fix as we are adding more vintage outdoor furniture around the fireplace
Have been to bar Lou several times and love everything ordered. I like how the menu is set up—very conducive to sharing and trying many different flavors. Great menu to bring vegan/ vegetarian friends. Bruch cocktails are amazing. And the atmosphere has a warmth and unique personality that is sorely lacking in these cut & paste corporate restaurants.
So excited for all the new spots in Montecito! I love all these restaurants and am excited to see them grow. Try the Sea Urchin Spaghettini at Bar Lou. Unforgettable!
I’ve been to Bar Lou on three occasions now and have yet to find a flaw. The service from greeting at the host stand, to table service from our server, and busser service of refills and table maintenance hasn’t missed. They’re friendly, they’re available, and they make you feel welcome and appreciated. Just like the service, the food has been wonderful at each visit. Their offerings of dishes that can’t be found elsewhere have been delicious. Fresh ingredients, great flavors, and an array of options leaves me wanting more every time I depart. I would recommend Bar Lou to anyone looking for an all around great experience!
Putting my vote in for Bar Lou... one of the best meals I've had in years! Bar Lou offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. The steak is delicious (!!!)—tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The service is exceptional, with well-informed staff who are attentive and helpful. Plus, the menu has plenty of thoughtful vegan options, ensuring something for everyone. Highly recommend!
Bar Lou has become a favorite stop for me in Montecito. The overall vibe is elevated, yet welcoming and comforting. I don’t mind spending money on well thought out and crafted dishes. I’m let down at new spots that have high prices, with bad food quality, at Bar Lou, the quality of their food is great. You can’t find these types of dishes anywhere. The share style is actually a piece that keeps me coming back. I love being able to sample bits of everything with my group versus committing to one dish for my entree. I’ve went for their new brunch too and I was blown away. From service, atmosphere and food, it all gets five stars in my book. The Costco style furniture is actually quite comfortable to enjoy a drink while gathered around their beautiful fire pit.
WOW! Bar Lou was great! From the speciality cocktails to the small bites and the cute dog paintings. I couldn’t recommend a better new spot in montecito!
Enforce the law regardless of skin color, spoken language or nationality. Enforce the laws and make scofflaws pay for their choices and their crimes. If you dont like the law and rules, work to change them but stop gifting special treatment to people because your hormones and emotions drive your decisions.
People are tired of the double standards in how laws are enforced and applied in our community. It's become grossly imbalanced when the only people held responsible are those who are responsible people to begin with.
great reviews, thank you for this. i've only eaten at Clark's and it was solid, but i've never been so made feel like they wanted us out and their table back... outside... on a cold wednesday in january at 2/3 capacity. yuck.
We love RH, nothing beats their belgian waffles on a sunday afternoon… or the lobster rolls…
Bar lou is great for drinks, but the waiters and the food are just not “clicking” for us…
I noticed the no RH parking signs too… I think that “mall” or whatever you call it could use some extra traffic anyway…
We had similar experiences. Faves include the giant crab cake, the garlic broccolini, and the octopus at Clark's. At RH, we have enjoyed the grilled shrimp appetizer, the lobster roll as a salad and the Asian chicken salad, along with their nicely curated wines by the glass.
We have really enjoyed four visit to professionally-run Clark's but found Bar Lou to be poorly run. The waiter who continually called us "guys" simply refused to "allow" us to order five appetizers in lieu of an entree' (and there are only three entrees' on the entire menu.) Then after we decided to figure out what to order based on his rules, he neglected us for 25 minutes, then returned to ask hautily, "What have weeeeee decided?" The food came in a very slapdash fashion with lots of waiting in between sloppy "courses." Too much stress in a village where there are fabulous options - and seven more to come. We will not be back to Bar Lou.
