••• “When Michael Long enters a local dive, he envisions his next masterpiece. The Santa Barbara–based artist uses grungy bars as inspiration for his lifelike, miniature dioramas.” Great stuff! Above: A detail from Long’s diorama of Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens; below, Elsie’s Tavern. —VinePair (h/t Edible Santa Barbara)
••• South Coast Deli‘s fifth location will be in the former Noemi space in San Roque. —Restaurant Guy
••• From Rancho San Julian’s Elizabeth Poett: “Over the last few months, I’ve been working on a cooking show, Ranch to Table, and I’m thrilled to announce that the creative duo Joanna Gaines and Chip Gaines have asked us to join their new Magnolia Network! […] The first episode will start streaming on February 19 on Discovery+.”
••• Restaurant Guy hears that Mesa Burger’s Chris Chiarrapa might be opening an ice cream shop next to the Cliff Room bar on the Mesa.
••• The Blue Owl is apparently under new ownership.
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••• A reader tells Restaurant Guy that “Mackenzie Market has closed, including the Greek deli inside.” The San Roque market was home to Yanni’s Greek & American Deli.
••• La Paloma has reopened for outdoor dining, and now you can have lunch there—but lunch is fast-casual (i.e., you eat takeout from the restaurant’s at its tables). Still, it’s one of the lovelier lunch settings downtown.
••• 805 Living has an item on Santa Barbara–based Clevr, which makes “instant superlattes—chai, matcha, golden turmeric, and coffee flavors combined with adaptogens, probiotics, and plant-based milk.”
••• Also in 805 Living: a profile of Frontside Cafe in Ventura. I’ve long thought the Australian style of café would make sense for greater Santa Barbara. Below: The smashed avocado toast.
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I love those dioramas! Elsie’s is just the way I remember it.