••• I’m not a huge fan of the Michelin Guide—it’s choices have often seemed arbitrary*—but that doesn’t mean I’m not pleased to see more Central Coast restaurants debut in the guide. This year’s additions: Bibi Ji, Loquita, and Caruso’s (above) in Santa Barbara; Six Test Kitchen and the Restaurant at Justin in Paso Robles; and further north, Ox + Anchor, Alderwood, and Mentone. (*Would you really include Los Agaves among Santa Barbara’s best restaurants? Blackbird? Bella Vista at the Biltmore? El Encanto? Mesa Verde?)
••• The Good Plow, in the former Fosters Freeze in Carp, has opened (including the walk-up soft-serve window).
••• Riviera Bar‘s food menu looks pretty appealing, although I wonder how the beef tallow will go over here….
••• Margerum is launching “curated and elevated wine experiences” at its Funk Zone tasting room. The one that caught my attention, because it extends beyond Margerum’s own wines, is “a detailed tasting focusing on the concept of terroir, a French term used to describe the location and environmental influences affecting grape and wine quality. Using Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, we will taste through various lots highlighting examples of wines grown in different vineyards and appellations in Santa Barbara County. We will discuss why and what the influences are affecting each wine’s aroma, taste, complexity and quality with conversations wide-ranging and educational. This experience will be complimented by a curated selection of California cheeses and charcuterie with all the accoutrements.” Tickets are $125 and available through Tock.
••• I was surprised to see a notice for a new liquor-license application at the Municipal/Potek/Nowadays space in the Mill, but the word from Municipal is that “they’re a client who is launching a new wine brand, and we’re helping them make wine in our space. We’re not moving.” The application is for a brand called Trippers & Askers; the founders are Hayden Felice and Andrew Fitzgerald.
••• “The Cal Poly students behind Harvestly—a delivery startup aimed at connecting the San Luis Obispo County community with fresh food from local vendors—have announced their company’s expansion into Santa Barbara County. Beginning Aug. 27, Santa Barbara County residents will be able to order produce, prepared meals, wine and other fresh products from participating local vendors through Harvestly and have it delivered to their door.” —Santa Maria Times (via Edible Santa Barbara)
••• “Ocean Fathoms, an offshore ocean wine cellar company, has withdrawn its application with the California Coastal Commission that proposed the installation and operation of a new seafloor wine facility nearly a mile offshore of Fernald Point in Montecito.” The Coastal Commission’s staff had recommended against allowing the proposal. —Noozhawk
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