News for Restaurants in Santa Barbara
December 2012 Archive

Search / Openings / Closings / News Bytes / Culinary Events / Wine Dinners / Sign up for our free, monthly newsletter / News Archive

RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

A new deli offering premium meats and homemade comfort food like pot roast, frittatas and meatballs has opened in the Paseo Nuevo mall. Pickle and Swiss, a family-run business, is located at 811 State St. in downtown Santa Barbara. Pickle and Swiss, Paseo Nuevo Mall, 811 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-730-9299.

Lure Fish House has opened in downtown Ventura. Offering fresh and sustainable seafood --- much of it caught locally and charbroiled over mesquite --- this location marks the expansion of the Camarillo original; a third location is poised to open in Westlake Village. Dinner nightly. Lure Fish House, 60 S. California St., Ventura, CA 93001, 805-567-4400.

News Bytes

A Decadent Pairing
A unique new tour of the Santa Barbara wine country combines wine and cupcakes. And not just any cupcakes. Favorites include chocolate blackberry Syrah and pomegranate mango Chardonnay. Three tasting rooms, six mini cupcakes and a deli-style lunch are included in the guided tour. The cost is $130 per person; discount rates are available for groups. For more information, visit www.sbadventureco.com. Santa Barbara Adventure Company, 720 Bond Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93102, 805-884-9283.

Winter in the Wine Country
Winter is a lovely time to experience the Santa Ynez Valley. Now, with the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Winter Pass, wine lovers can get a taste of the region for just $35. Pass holders will receive one tasting at participating tasting rooms through January 31, 2013. Details are available online at www.santaynezwinecountry.com. Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association, P.O. Box 1740, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, 800-563-3183.

Chef Shuffle

Chef Jorge Espinosa has been hired to run the kitchen at Austen's at the Pierpont Inn. Brighton Management recently purchased the historic property and aims to restore it to its former glory. Austen's at the Pierpont Inn, Pierpont Inn, 550 San Jon Rd., Ventura, CA 93001, 805-653-6144 ext. 725.

Chef Adele Sun has taken the helm at The Hungry Cat. No stranger to the restaurant, she arrives in Santa Barbara via the slick seafood eatery's Santa Monica Canyon location. The Hungry Cat, 1134 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-884-4701.

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.

After nearly a half-century of oversized umbrella drinks and Polynesian dance shows, Ventura's citadel of kitsch --- the legendary Hong Kong Inn, located on Thompson Street downtown --- has closed. Hong Kong Inn, 435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001, 805-648-3161.

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 December 2012 Archive

News for Restaurants in Santa Barbara
December 2012 Archive