••• The owners of The Grand on State, bringing “an elevated culinary experience paired with the soulful sounds of jazz” at 1218 State Street (Anapamu/Victoria), sent over an update: “We are still waiting for some licenses and hoping to open by the end of January. Until then we open our doors for first Thursdays, to connect with the community. And we are currently offering the space for rent for private events.”
••• The Isla Vista Food Coop Downtown Market at 1533 State Street will close on December 26 and “transition back to Cantwell’s Market & Deli.”
••• R. sent in a report on the Ghirardelli store at 509 State Street (Haley/Cota): “It looks beautiful, and totally ready to open the doors. I spoke with a woman who I assume was the manager and she said they now have a firm opening date of December 20. Besides the retail aspect of the store, they have a menu of 20 sundaes and shakes.”
••• Travis Collins, franchisee of the Chick-fil-A location on upper State, says he doesn’t know anything about the status of the outpost proposed for 4765 Calle Real (at Turnpike) in Noleta—the corporation apparently handles all real estate deals, permitting and processes. Chick-fil-A’s PR company blew off my query with a fatuous response, but the county’s Planning & Development division, meanwhile, confirmed that the application has been deemed complete, but a hearing date has yet to be set.
••• The Copper Coffee Pot has opened in the former L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele space (State between Figueroa and Carrillo). Here’s the menu.
••• Himalayan Kitchen (on State between Gutierrez and Haley) has had a “closed for maintenance” sign up for a few weeks now, according to a Restaurant Guy reader.
••• An event organizer called Place & Time is throwing a “jet set après ski dining experience” somewhere in downtown Santa Barbara—my money is on the old Backstage building on lower State Street—on January 23 and 24. “While there won’t be any snow, there will be all the party pomp of the legendary ski slope après parties of the 1970s and 80s. Ski lodge culture, fashion & furs, lavish food and beverage spreads were all the rage.” There are 40 spots and tickets start at $325.
••• “Harbor Restaurant Owners Sue City of Santa Barbara, Claiming ‘Unconscionable’ Lease Terms [….] John Thyne and his business partners argue the original lease was negotiated during vastly different market conditions.” —Noozhawk
••• A profile of Pacific Pickle Works and its sister brand, The People’s Provisions, which is “not officially organic (hence cheaper).” —Independent
••• Merci‘s chocolate caramels are back—they’re a $2 point-of-purchase treat you won’t regret.
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Does the Après Ski party include a lift ticket?