If anyone wonders why Democrats have floundered and the Republicans have been shown for the hypocrites they are, it is because of the embrace of this kind of high-end living for the 0.0001%-ers -- thinking nothing of paying outrageous prices while at the same time, the poor and middle-class are starving as Trump and the Republicans withhold SNAP support. What a refreshing change it would have been to see a wonderful, creative restaurant open in the rarified atmosphere of Montecito but with prices that would be affordable for a "special night out"... As the "haves" and "have nots" veer further and further apart, so our country is diminished. Ask Marie Antoinette how it all turned out.
So agreed.....as a long time resident of Montecito. We were not hoping for a Chef's show piece of amazing food here in Montecito. Ironically, they named it Little Mountain, which would have been even better if it was similar to the Montecito Cafe ( the original Little Mountain) which thrived here for 25+ years......This is just so " big city" and all the new restaurants reflect that mentality. But they will come and they will go......not what our community wanted or needed!
So disappointed!!
Such a great location and images of food and decor look great. Let’s support this local endeavor!
Today, November 9th is my 50th anniversary of arriving in Montecito. I previously owned a restaurant on Coast Village Rd and over the years seen a lot of restaurant successes and failures. Little Mountain looks beautiful and I look forward to dining there, my rule is a minimum of 30 days after opening giving the local pool of staff time to be trained correctly. I’m always cautious when I read a curation of a new restaurant sounding more like a Sothebys art action because my first question is always…can they turn a profit?
Is there any plan to add trees or shrubs up at the shoreline park? It’s so lovely when there’s a little shade.
Went to Little Mountain opening night.
It is so nice to see the space completely and thoughtfully transformed.
And the food!!
Wow.
Each dish had an unexpected and taste bud dazzling twist.
The citrus with the spiny lobster (with tempura chrysanthemums!!!) the hiramasa crudo and the sublime pork with crispy apples (thank you Erik for highlighting that in your review) were all standouts.
And the service flowed without mishap. Not an easy feat on an opening night.
Looks very interesting, but we don't need another high-end overpriced restaurant in the area. We need more mid-priced casual restaurants where 2 people can eat for under $100, with a drink.
Since I am undoubtedly older than Erik (!), I can confirm - those TV dinner items mentioned above were definitely around in the 60s. I bet my least favorite television personality - Tucker Carlson - can confirm too, since he is an heir to the Swanson fortune (blecch) --
Ortega Street next to the old VanWyk lot in the alley!
Thank you Erik for delivering such great news about the old Mackenzie Market location opening up as a brass bird coffee. I have lots of questions, so I will call them directly.
Truly an amazing spot....12 out of 10......do not wait to visit...this place will only get busier by the day.....carpe diem
Live and learn. Yep, the solar panels are more ugly, ugly as can be. The obvious reason they are so much more brutal is that they are elevated above the ground and therefore more prominent.
A fitting, accurate and beautifully crafted description of this wonderful addition to the local dining scene.
Damn transplants ruining SB
My husband and I did a Backroads bike tour in mid September, which was centered on Lake Garda and the villages surrounding the lake. It turned out to be as much a wine tasting tour as biking, it was absolutely wonderful and the scenery was stunning. I fully intend to return to the area , really loved your tale.
Regarding Los Patos exit, why don't they just remove the exit by some paint and installing some flexible surface mount traffic delineators($43ea on Uline)? They can pay homage to the old overpass...by keeping the old overpass. It seems like the exit and not overpass is the issue. I don't see why this warrants such a massive project.
I agree and if people would quit buying at these prices they would even come down lower but everybody thinks oh wow what a deal no don't buy at these high prices and after a while watch how low the prices become. Where I live person across from me tried to sell for 1.5 million nobody bought it a year and a half later it's sold for $789,000 what a deal but not at 1.5. he had done updates but it wasn't spectacular. Just don't buy it'll be there a year later trust me!!!
Born and raised here in SB.
Having seen real estate change dramatically over the years, I still can't wrap my head around current West Mesa pricing.
a bit "south" of Los Patos Way is, soon to be was the Cabrillo underpass, my favorite entry to SB since 1967? I do understand but will miss both. there was a visual charm to them.
but I recall as a very young one the last gasp of the Southern Pacific roundhouse and new car dealerships along PCH near State Street.
How things were.
Erik your review is spot on. The decor is polished and sophisticated yet warm and cozy. The food is perfectly proportioned, beautifully presented and delicious (the ribeye, koshihikari rice and the hiramasa are not to be missed!). The servers are experienced, knowledgeable and welcoming. The location can't be beat. Little Mountain is destined to be THE center of community for years to come....Bravo Duncan, Eva and Bryan!!!
Great travelogue Erik! We did this hike in reverse and your piece really brought back all the memories. I 100% recommend the Ryder-Walker Northern Greece mountain hike next for you!
Thanks. There was a budget for laundry, although prices varied dramatically from hotel to hotel, so we had to be careful about it.
Very interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. I was curious about how much luggage you took. Then you told us carryon. Well done!
Your former restaurateur - me - normally waits a while to visit new projects -- but in this case, after seeing the menu and the provenance of the chef, I made a Thanksgiving reservation. Well, not Thanksgiving itself - they won't be open then... but a reservation for the evening after. Thanksgiving is coming late this year!
Nice feature --
I could not be more excited about this. It’s stunning to look at, warm and inviting, and the menu sounds fantastic. It’s also refreshing to see so many tempting and enticing vegetables on the menu. Ironically so rare for these parts and much needed.
