August 18, 2025
Tag: Riviera Theatre
The Biltmore’s Reopening Has Been Pushed Back Again
Plus: Dylan Star will morph into an online-only business; Leone Salon has moved to the Funk Zone; Coast Village parklet for lease; "In the Mood for Love" on the big screen; more programming at the Music Academy of the West; checking out the model homes at the Santa Barbara Polo Residences. 10
July 29, 2025
Another Departure on Coast Village Road
Plus: The rumored tenant of a prime space on Los Patos Way; the Montecito Club would like to demolish at least part of the 1918 house next door; outdoor furniture for the Central Library plaza; Ghirardelli is proposing giant sundae mosaics visible on State Street; the Ritz-Carlton Bacara ended (and restarted) its spa deal for locals; return of the Cat Video Fest. 11
December 7, 2024
A Slew of Speed-Limit Reductions Around the County
Plus: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art's gift shop is getting downsized and moved; Fern + Flair boutique has opened on upper De La Vina; two more Santa Barbara Bowl shows announced; new look for the 39-unit mixed-use development proposed for De La Vina and Mission; Lighthouse Skate Shop and Vuori are now in their new locations; moviegoing etiquette. 5
October 28, 2024
24 Hour Fitness Will Close Next Year
Plus: Snazzy new architecture proposed off upper State Street; World Market has put its space on the market; revised design for the five-story building in the works on W. De La Guerra; Ojai's Hotel El Roblar will have a freestanding spa; convenience store rebranding; a chat with Josh Brolin; paintings by Roland Petersen in Solvang. 10
August 26, 2024
The Bottle Shop Property Did Indeed Change Hands
Plus: Inside the new Emily Joubert shop in the Montecito Country Mart; first look at a 33-unit complex on lower Chapala Street; work to start soon on upper San Ysidro Trail; Merchant Ivory documentary; W. Mountain Drive has reopened; the Jewish Federation‘s renovation is complete; answer to last week's "Where in Santa Barbara...?" 2
May 15, 2024
The Four Potential Designs for Franceschi Park
Plus: After 40 years, Wendy Foster is leaving downtown Santa Barbara; the Biltmore resort pushed its opening way back; proposed changes to a trio of Summerland buildings; a bunch of upcoming performances, including Ali Wong and Toad the Wet Sprocket; Goleta's Clay Studio has changed its name; the lineup for the French Wave Film Festival. 24
March 11, 2024
May 4, 2023
MichaelKate Interiors Is Closing in a Few Months
Plus: Cowboy Junkies to play the Lobero Theatre; I Madonnari street painting festival is on for Memorial Day Weekend; French Wave Film Festival lineup; rail bike tours out of Santa Paula; anyone know what the Montecito Club plans to do with all those palm trees? 1
July 10, 2022
Is a Hip Little Hotel in Montecito’s Future?
Plus: An East Beach motel changed hands; petition to save 63 trees along Modoc Road; bronze statue honoring divers to be installed at the harbor; "Official Competition" extended at the Riviera; a chance to see MOXI without kids; last week's "Where in Santa Barbara...?" answer. 13
September 22, 2021
















Recent Comments
I tried Little Mountain. Beautiful space and decor. But the menu, portions, and prices are ridiculous even for Montecito. $8 for cold bread (3 small… — Foodie
What I want to know is, why is it that Santa Barbara abounds in Italian places, yet no place really exists for classic French cuisine,… — Drew Hart
Montecito restaurateurs need to learn that not all diners are billionaires and, and that inflated pricing does not work. The successful spots all have a… — Rob
Like the old Paradise Cafe! — Jimmy
Completely Agree. A lawyer opening up a flashy restaurant and expecting the city to compensate him for not knowing what he is doing ? This… — Zeeann
We need better and different options in Montecito!! why only steak frites on every menu !?!?!? And personally I do not understand why ca dario,… — April
Check out the lot lines. That is a constrained street locked parcel. Every other parcel on that street has oceanfront property and most have direct… — Location
Something funky smelling! Like the sulfurous volcano that it is on top of… — Willie
I too am surprised at this recent move by the owners of The Harbor Restaurant and agree about the owner. I have no doubt that… — Monica
Little mountain is quite good — leagues above bar Lou. Perhaps less…comfortable? Less of a weeknight spot? But also a beautiful space and I can… — Dee