Tag: Merci

December 10, 2023

Two New Restaurant Spaces Proposed in the Funk Zone

More food news: Uptown Lounge is reopening; another reprieve for Stella Mare’s; Finney’s Crafthouse is coming to Goleta; Santa Paula restaurant opening on State Street; rumored tenant next to the Public Market; Sunstone Winery pop-up; reader question about Jewish food for Hanukkah. 16

December 8, 2023

2023 Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 3

Shopping online is boring! Shopping in person is fun! Go find great things for the people you care about at our many terrific independent stores.

October 26, 2023

Starbucks Is Coming to the Funk Zone

More food news: Brophy Bros. plans to open a larger clam bar downstairs; new ownership for Louie's California Bistro at the Upham hotel; Merci's takeout roast chicken for two; Presqu’ile Winery bought land formerly used to grow cannabis; Pueblo Pollo is said to be reopening in Isla Vista; a change in direction at Linden Hall. 11

October 22, 2023

First Look at Linden Hall’s Rather Exciting Menu

More food news: The In-N-Out in Buellton took a step forward; Merci is said to be introducing table service; a new pizzeria in the former Patxi's space; Christmas kitschfest Miracle is returning to Pearl Social; profiles of Roger's Tacos and Roan Mills Grains. 10

June 30, 2023

Pop-Up Dinner Series at Brekkies by Pico’s Original Chef

More food news: Stella Mare's building would be difficult to tear down; porchetta sandwiches and cherry hand pies for July 4; the tom yum fries at Na Na Thai; High Seas Mead's taproom gets the go-ahead; Margerum's new tasting room in Los Olivos; Twenty-Four Blackbirds is growing its own cacao trees.

November 20, 2022

The 10 Best Things I’ve Eaten Lately

People often ask me for restaurant advice, and I can certainly give some, but I get more enthusiastic when I recommend specific dishes. 7

November 18, 2022

Happy Cat Café to Open on the Santa Barbara Waterfront

More food news: Corazón Comedor soft-opens this weekend; We Want the Funk should open for real next week (and is offering a preview this weekend); the appealing breakfast and lunch menus at Oat Bakery's new Old Town Goleta outpost; Merci ginger molasses cookie dough; Augie's is now serving weekend brunch; Jersey Mike's has opened in Noleta; local chef trying to make cannabis tastier. 6

June 3, 2022

Mony’s Is Thinking of Starting Dinner Service

More food news: Opening forecast for Augie's, which hopes to have the West Coast's largest selection of tequila and mezcal; new name chosen for the Goleta Beach Park restaurant; Local should start weekend brunch soon; Aperitivo is offering an excellent take-home lasagna; Hummus Republic opened in Isla Vista; gourmet market and bar coming to Old Town Orcutt; Merci's decadent breakfast sandwich.

May 25, 2022

The Bell’s Folks Are Opening a Bar in Los Olivos

More food news: Montecito vegan market to close; the Press Room gets a reprieve; Aspen restaurant now said to be taking the former Cava space; Merci's burger pop-up is coming back; profile of Bar Le Côte executive sous chef (and half of the Gomez y Gomez pop-ups) Luis Gomez; in praise of Pacific Pickle Works. 2

May 15, 2022

Fairview Gardens Has Closed for a “Major Redesign”

More food news: The Kitchen restaurant incubator appears to be off; downtown McDonald's to close in July; special Julia Child–inspired dishes on many menus this week; Provençal dinner by Two Baking Brits at the Daisy; Alma Fonda Fina appears to have hit a snag; Priedite Barbecue is smoking chicken; Hawaiian hot dogs at Hustle & Grind; Ventura's Model Citizen launches Sunday brunch today. 6