The pony ride location at Garden and Cabrillo was named Don & Shirley’s Pony Rides.
There used to be a Golf N’ Fun at the corner of Hope and Calle Real before the car dealership was there. It had mini golf, skateboarding bowls, an arcade and I think batting cages. I felt bitter as a child passing by the overly bright car dealerships that took away our weekend fun.;)
The shed used to contain gardening/maintenance equipment like ladders and wheelbarrows, but has recently been emptied. The flat greenish structure is simply a canopy covering a reservoir.
I really liked reading about the Shady Acres park from before I lived here. For decades I've thought this town needed a miniature golf course, everyone can have fun playing putt-putt golf. And I've always been looking for a suitable site. That gravel lot in the FZ caught my attention but my first choice is just a block away. The site is next to the closed carousel house. (currently used mostly by unhoused individuals) It's perfect, plenty of parking across Garden street & Cabrillo blvd., the carousel building could be repurposed and leased to a local "family style" food business. At the East end there already exists a playground and the large grass area that hosts the Summer Concert series, among other events. Finally, it would produce revenue directly to the city, the parking lots, the fees to play, to the food and drinks after! Everybody can play! Eight year olds to eighty year olds. And I would love to work there being the greens keeper.
“Our hands are tied”
Meanwhile street vendors operate illegally all over the city.
Sad that the tenants at the Victor the florist space were unable to open. Would appreciate if the city would be more of a partner with the small business community, and actually try to help these businesses open! Having said that, that space would be great for an Italian specialty wine shop & cafe with a ‘La Marzocco’ espresso machine and a few bistro tables, they could sell some flowers too.
The city should be put on blast for Lotus Cabinetry. They lost $140k in rent. This is the third time the city continues to prevent businesses from wanting to open in town.
I think Shady Acres also had pony rides on occasion, too.
Shady Acres was located at 321 W Mason St and there was miniature golf, arcade games, ping pong and other games..
So glad that the owner of Yetz's actually looked at what was missing in IV and made decisions about the menu based on those observations. More of that in Santa Barbara please!
Just to be clear, the former Via Vai space will be a new restaurant from Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen. So while it won't be officially related to S.Y. Kitchen, it will definitely share some DNA.
Interesting that Dudley thinks he can do it better than the restaurants that are offering it now. I’m going to wait a while and see if it’s something I would even consider. High end sushi at a bar.!?
At the very top of the tea gardens (3 arches) there was a shed in the back. Anyone open that or know what could be in there? Also when looking down from the top of the tea gardens I saw a greenish/gray flat building to the right of the tea gardens that seemed almost abandoned. Has anyone explored this or know what I am talking about?
Thank you Erik! I really look forward to your honest reviews! You're the best thing that is out there in terms of restaurant reviews. I guess this article makes me not so sad that I haven't been to any of these restaurants. BTW....I am a huge Honor Bar fan.
Can’t you just Google it?
Have you ever had to meet a budget?
The octopus was to spice and kids skimpy. Want really good Octopus (short of Iberia) try Leonardos in Santa Ynez.
I've been to all four restaurants. I would never go back to Bar Lou. I was hoping for a French Bistro ... evidently not ! What they did to the interior is horrible, IMO as a designer. Clarks doesn't have much on the menu that stands out to me if you are not an oyster fan ... ( their fries are fantastic ! ) I've tried several dishes that are just ok but it's a fun place to have a cup of chowder or a drink . I think RH's interior is stunning but the menu just ok if not a bit boring ( service excellent ). I expect RH to " kick the menu up a notch " as they settle in. Am disappointed that the offshoot of SYK has backed out of the Via Via space. I am really looking forward to the Chef driven ' Little Mountain " restaurant to open ! Chef Joel Viehland will bring some fantastic flavors to Montecito. BTW the best thing I have had between all four restaurants ( Clarks fries not withstanding ) is the Lamb burger at the Lions Tail.
Very well stated. Regardless of political party, I think all can agree that these federal layoffs have been handled in a sloppy and cruel manner. I have incredible respect and love for those who dedicate their lives to the service of our national parks. These are not lucrative positions - you do it because you want to be a steward of our country’s natural beauty.
However, I’m not surprised that your eloquent and thoughtful comment was met with “what-about-ism” and just random Elon cheering. Sigh.
Thank you for opening the door to discourse despite it all.
Location of Lion’s Tale, please.
Thank you so much. Omakase reservations will be released a month at a time, April bookings will be opening at the end of this week which can be done on our @rodeoroom insta or @ rodeoroom.com
Contact us on instagram for questions
Best oysters in town at Clark’s!
Neal Callahan Building, Hotel Santa Barbara, 533 State Street, next door to MARCEL HEMP!
I agree with your reviews, although your reviews of RH and Clark's are more kind than I would have written. RH's menu is boring. The food is bland. Yes, the service was outstanding. They make absolutely no effort with dessert. I guess they didn't want to spend the money on a dessert chef. Clark's service was also great but the food was disappointing. My crab cake was way overcooked, dry and the color of a brown shoe. Local has better food and nice atmosphere, but I too miss the Empty Bowl.
