••• Revolver chef-owner Nick Bodden has launched a pop-up at the restaurant called Trixy the first two Mondays of each month. (The next two are July 7 and 14.) “It’s very much in the spirit of what Linden Hall would’ve been,” he says, referring to his Carpinteria restaurant that didn’t come to fruition. “A very neat à la carte menu along with a handful of wines by the glass.” Above: Berkshire pork chop, gremolata, fried plantains, and Jimmy Nardello peppers, from last month.
••• Hot on the heels of the news that that Seoulmate Kitchen is coming to the Santa Barbara Public Market, two more restaurants are joining the lineup. First is Fresco at the Market, in the former Wexler’s Deli space.
Coming July 2025, a new concept with a familiar heart will open its doors at the Santa Barbara Public Market. Fresco at the Market is a fresh take on a name that has meant a lot to the community—serving up many of the most-loved dishes from the original Fresco Cafe in a pared-down, fast-casual format. Fresco at the Market is a new, independently owned business distinct from the original Fresco Cafe. We are thrilled to announce that Jill Petrarca, co-founder of Fresco Cafe, who stepped away from the business in 2016 is returning to bring her passion for the brand back to the community. While Mark Brouillard, Jill’s former business partner, is not involved in this new venture, he fully supports the fresh direction and is confident the community will warmly welcome what’s to come. Guests can expect the return of Fresco classics like the gorgonzola walnut salad, Jill’s Big Salad, the turkey burger, rotating soups, and lunchtime specials.
••• And the second newcomer to the Public Market is a barbecue joint called Que, from Whiskey ‘N Rye in Solvang, in the former Fala Bar space. —Restaurant Guy
••• Noozhawk and the Independent reported on The Win-Dow‘s recent opening. And A. pointed out that the building has been given more charm than when I last mentioned it.
••• Starting June 16, Cafe La Fonda (on Anapamu Street, across from the Santa Barbara Courthouse) will shift to a new menu that includes smashburgers and pancakes.
••• Marisella, the forthcoming Italian restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, says it expects to open by the end of the month.
••• The Starbucks at State and Victoria announced a closing date of June 30.
••• Local is now open for lunch daily.
••• This is a couple of months old, but news to me (and to C., who sent it to me): Santa Barbara Winery was bought by David Choi of Magna Carta Cellars in Napa Valley.
••• Sign maker AC Vintage Designs posted a tantalizing look at Manifattura, the forthcoming restaurant from Aperitivo‘s Brian Dodero and Andrea Girardello.
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I hear El Encanto has been sold!
I heard the same and big changes are in place. Any more info?
They should put the old neon sign back and make it cool and funky again. It’s so bland.
And the food is meh, for too long. Fingers crossed.
Any updates on Lily’s donuts and pops? Weren’t they suppose to have a place on both state and the market?