Via Vai closing will be the last nail in the coffin of old Montecito. Its a shame for Via Vai, and a bigger shame for the community and what it is becoming.
Thank you, Erik!! Being of British decent, I greatly appreciate you pointing out that High Tea is not the formal service most people think it is. The formal tea is Afternoon Tea served in mid-afternoon with tea sandwiches, scones and clotted cream and petit fours, whereas High Tea is the evening meal with more common dinner foods. Now, if we can only get people to understand the difference between Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie! Cheers!
I'd sign a petition to keep Via Vai open and to boycott any business that takes its place.
Good on Brian Kelly!!! Dart garden lives?
Thank you for including the survey for Franceschi House. I hope that the private sector could work with the Pearl Chase Foundation to save and restore the house and gardens for public enjoyment. Our City really misses the boat on protecting the special historical elements of this special community that set us apart.
For 30 years Via Vai has been our favorite restaurant. Family owned with delicious food and no pretense, and filled with an inviting neighborhood vib. While Coast Village Rd has turned into a tourist destination, the Upper Village has always felt it belongs to us locals. What’s happened with Via Vai loosing its lease is a huge mistake and not the direction we want for Montecito. Let’s hope Pane e Vino stays.
Always appreciate this newsletter, thank you so much Erik Torkells. Love reading about the restaurants and dream of something someday opening on the Westside! Hoped something would pop up at the old Ray's Liquor...
We’ve been to Azul three times already and love it. Service is wonderful. The owner and wife came out to greet us and are good people. The short ribs are amazing. I didn’t care for the carnitas, mostly because I don’t like making my own tacos, but they tasted fine. I disagree with Eric, I loved the pork shank. De gustibus non est disputandom!
This is the best thing since sliced bread. I watched all of the meetings about this project, the Planning commission was absolutely ghoulish in their delight when they approved it on a 7-0 vote. Then chairperson Debra Schwartz stated, "In all my years on the Planning commission this was the best presentation I've ever seen." At that point I was reaching down to pick up a shoe to chuck at the tv. Earlier in the meeting the person from the Cearnal Collective showed a series of renderings, the most notable was "the view from the 101." (this is when I took off my shoes) I thought, who's looking around while driving that section of the 101? And now I think we all know. . . that monster of a project on Gutierrez & State. Also a four story apartment building that is CLEARLY visible from the 101! Have we not learned that bigger is NOT better? And last week SIMA spokesman Jarret Gorin was at the city council with plans to build a multi-story hotel just a few blocks up State. . . Really??? So long to the Press Room. . . By coincidence current councilmember Mike Jordan was on the Planning commission back when they fell over themselves in approval of SOMO. . . when it went before the ABR there were 164 written letters submitted, all but two were against the project and those two in favor were from the Housing Authority. I don't know anyone that was in favor of the SOMO project. (other than Mike Jordan) It was so big, way too big for the site. This news that the property has a new owner is welcome to me, like a sliced loaf of bread from Helena Bakery. Finally, maybe the owners of the Press Room can find a spot in the F. Zone for the building. Pick it up, put it on a huge flatbed trailer and bring to the FZ.
the sports complex was moved to the Far East end of Montecito CC. You can no longer see or hear it..
South of Montecito Street.
Yes, I’m wondering how it got the name SoMoFunk?
I don’t recall a street around this area starting w/ “MO” that this street is “SO” of? (As in NoHo/SoHo, SF)
Then please enlighten us on why it was a terrible decision.
Well Jefferson, this KEYBOARD WARRIOR does know the owner of the property. And I know based on a first hand, yes, a conversation I was a part of, that my comment is spot on.
So Jeff, before you tangle with this KEYBOARD WARRIOR, you need to be first hand informed before you respond to comments. Now you have a good day!!
These buildings are part of what makes the Funk Zone the Funk Zone. While they are certainly not the highest and best use of the land, they do create a place where people want to hang out and relax at. A high end hotel with insane prices for a room and high end restaurants are not going to be what attracts locals and visitors to come to the area. Hell if I want to go to some high end douchebag filled bar I can stay in my own town of San Luis Obispo for that.
The Zone abides, hopefully the new owner abides as well.
I'm always impressed with the keyboard warriors who somehow know all the unpublished details and future plans of a private individual they do not know, so much so they can confidently cast judgement that it's a "terrible business decision".
Did someone say “Obscenely underdeveloped”
Nicely spoken.
Oh and while you remove the rubble of what was once pleasant, please remove the “C” from Charm. You guys are doing a great job.
I won’t hold my breath but this sounds like great news! Fingers crossed. Even the name SomoFunk was cringe. Hope this is the last we hear of it.
The property owner where Via Vai is located has made a terrible business decision. Greed or just plain stupidity, take your pick. Now there will be at least four vacancies in the center.
Not closed yet but the Mozilo house just above the Montecito club went under contract in a hurry. I hope they like the sound of pickleball...
Hey Mike,
No one is forcing you to go to these places that charge you $19-$20 for a sandwich. Stop complaining about prices and just go to subway sandwich.
GQ
According to what I’ve read that is not who will be housed there. It’s single individuals. Not families. I may be wrong but that’s the reporting I’ve seen.
Can someone kindly put me in touch with the broker that represents the space of Via Vai?
Wealthy developers are Siteline’s jam.
It's 19/26 dollars for a hamburger at most non chain restaurants . If it is good, it is worth it.
