News for Restaurants in Santa Barbara
August 2011 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Though it may not boast the Arcadian scenery of nearby wine regions like the Ojai and Santa Ynez Valleys, Four Brix Winery has opened the first winery/tasting room within the Ventura city limits. Located at 2290 Eastman Ave., the establishment bills itself as an "urban winery," focusing on California blends made with grapes sourced from six appellations. Four Brix Winery, 2290 Eastman Ave. #109, Ventura, CA 93003, 805-256-6006.

Casa Blanca, a newly opened Mexican restaurant in Santa Barbara, offers artistic flair, if not a novel culinary style. Local artisans transformed the cavernous space at 330 State St. in the heart of downtown, creating a gallery of sorts, with hand-blown glass, a hand-hewn acacia wood bar, limestone art, tile art, extensive metalwork and colors galore. Lunch & Dinner daily. Casa Blanca, 330 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-845-8966.

Barrel 33 has taken over where Wine Lovers Bar left off, reopening the beloved space on Thompson Boulevard in midtown Ventura and serving light, wine-friendly food---think crisp Italian-style pizzas, cheese plates and fresh salads---to match a wine list heavy on California reds. Barrel 33, 1067 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001, 805-652-1810.

The Beach Grill at Padaro has reopened on Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria. Beloved for its park-like setting and oceanfront location, the restaurant has experienced several adaptations in recent years. This version seems like a good fit. There's plenty for the kids (in addition to the setting), along with Prime beef burgers, fresh fish, and crisp salads for adults. Lunch & Dinner daily. The Beach Grill at Padaro, 3765 Santa Claus Ln., Carpinteria, CA 93013, 805-566-3900.

News Bytes

Walking Culinary Tour
A fresh new tasting tour has begun in Ventura County, and it has nothing to do with wine. Join local foodie Allison Costa as she leads walking tours of some of her favorite culinary haunts, from fish taco stands to corner bakeries to fine-dining restaurants. Tickets are $59 per person, or $49 for two or more guests. The price includes tastings at seven eateries. More details online at www.venturafoodtours.com or by calling 805-295-TOUR(8687).

Sly's Boothby Affair
Sly's restaurant in Carpinteria has introduced a monthly cocktail clinic. The event takes place at 9 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Participants receive one craft cocktail from Bill Boothby's legendary cocktail book and one of the restaurant's specialty cocktails. Homemade ingredients will be explained along with the recipes for the cocktails. Tickets are $30 per person. This event takes place after the restaurant is closed; onion rings and other drink friendly snacks will be provided. For more details, call 805-684-6666. Sly's, 686 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, CA 93013, 805-684-6666.

Epicure.sb Returns in October
Locavores, foodies and cultural enthusiasts can savor Santa Barbara throughout October during epicure.sb: a community-wide culinary extravaganza featuring food and drink festivals, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, seasonal menus, epicurean-inspired art exhibits and more. The region's restaurants, wineries, gourmet purveyors and galleries have concocted a large variety of cuisine, libations and cultural happenings providing opportunities to celebrate the art of good eating and drinking. Check out the full schedule of events at www.santabarbaraca.com/epicuresb. Santa Barbara epicure.sb, 1601 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-966-9222.

Chef Shuffle

Chef Nic Manocchio has left the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel's C-Street Restaurant to take the helm at the Tower Club, a members-only establishment located atop the Morgan Stanley building in nearby Oxnard. C-Street, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001, 805-648-2100.

Chef Rick Manson has taken his southern-style cooking west to the Far Western Tavern in Guadalupe. Formerly known for his namesake Creole-meets-California restaurant in Santa Maria, "Chef Rick" will tone down the spice to continue the Tavern's 53-year tradition of straightforward California steakhouse fare. Far Western Tavern, 899 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe, CA 93434, 805-343-2211.

Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Santa Barbara to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. Aja, R.I.P.

The oxymoronic "chic tavern" that was HobNob has closed. Formerly located at 21 W. Victoria, the eatery's popularity dwindled steadily since its inception. The shuttering continues a tradition of failed restaurants at this prime Santa Barbara location, just west of State Street in downtown. HobNob, 21 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, no phone.

Colorful and offbeat with well-executed Louisiana-infused food, Chef Rick's was for many years among the most popular restaurants in Santa Maria. Chef-owner Rick Manson shuttered the establishment but didn't stray far; he's now in charge of the kitchen at Guadalupe's Far Western Tavern. Chef Rick's, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., Santa Maria, CA 93455, no phone.

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.

View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Santa Barbara

BEYONCE INSPIRED LIBATIONS

Try these whiskey cocktails inspired by Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.

Check the recipes.

BOURBON IN YOUR AIOLI

This cashew aioli recipe gets a kick with bourbon.

Get the recipe.

GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDS

Over the years, we have been electing restaurants to be on GAYOT's Yearly Restaurant Awards.

Check the list.

News for Restaurants in Santa Barbara August 2011 Archive

News for Restaurants in Santa Barbara
August 2011 Archive