News for Restaurants in Santa Barbara
March 2012 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

N'Awlinz Bistro has opened in Newbury Park, bringing a taste of the south to eastern Ventura County. Billing its culinary style as a Cajun and French-Creole, the eatery mainly offers traditional dishes like crispy fried catfish and seafood gumbo. N'Awlinz Bistro, 3321-C Kimber Dr., Newbury Park, CA 91320, 805-499-7400.

La Arcada Bistro recently opened in downtown Santa Barbara. The eatery, with a lovely outdoor patio, serves soups, salads and sandwiches --- and occasional Irish food. (Owners Trini and Willie Quinn are from County Kildare, outside of Dublin.) La Arcada Bistro, La Arcada Courtyard, 1112 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-965-5742.

Nardonne's La Famiglia Pizzeria, a new late-night eatery, has opened in downtown Santa Barbara. Offering Sicilian-style pies with a light, airy crust (similar to focaccia bread) the establishment is one of few downtown restaurants to remain open on weekends until 2 a.m. Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria, 17 W. Ortega St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-845-4900.

Panera Bread continues to expand. Its first Santa Barbara location, owned by NFL player Keyshawn Johnson, has opened in La Cumbre Plaza and offers sandwiches, soups and salads, in addition to freshly baked breads. Panera Bread, La Cumbre Plaza, 3851 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105, 805-687-7600.

News Bytes

The Mermaid Tavern has opened in Thousand Oaks

Posh Gastropub with an Aquatic Theme Debuts in Thousand Oaks
A posh gastropub called The Mermaid Tavern has replaced Roxy's Famous Deli on Thousand Oaks Boulevard,. Small plates include steak sliders and duck confit tacos; entrées lean toward a Mediterranean style. Craft beers and an adequate wine selection join with live music on weekends to keep the place lively. The Mermaid Tavern, 1345 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, 805-777-7418.

Chef Shuffle

Chef/owner Jeff Snyder has opened Pace in the former formerly Momma Donna's space. Pace, 413 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-845-8388.

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 a seven-year run in one of Santa Barbara's prettiest locations --- across from the Courthouse and its picturesque Sunken Gardens --- Elements Restaurant & Bar has been shuttered. Elements Restaurant & Bar, 129 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, no phone.

Spiritland Bistro, located at 230 E. Victoria St. in Santa Barbara, has closed. Spiritland Bistro, 230 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 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 March 2012 Archive

News for Restaurants in Santa Barbara
March 2012 Archive