••• A cute idea for your next party: sisters Malia and Makena have started The Petite Fleet, “a small Collection of pint-sized, vintage, mobile bars, serving California’s central coast and beyond. We do wine, champagne, beer, booze, and non-alcoholic events too!”
••• Edible Santa Barbara spotted a help-wanted ad from the Santa Barbara Restaurant Collective (Mesa Burger, Lighthouse Coffee, Corner Tap, M Kitchen) saying the company “has seven more projects slated to open over the next two years.” That may or may not include The Kitchen, Augie’s, and a rumored Mesa ice cream shop.
••• Good news for early risers: the Handlebar café on E. Canon Perdido now open at 6:30 a.m. daily.
••• I was intrigued by 805 Living‘s item on a cocktail bar, The Alchemists’ Garden, that opened in Paso Robles last fall. It’s so important to take a break from wine every now and then.
••• Corazón’s outpost at the Project in the Funk Zone reopens this Wednesday evening with a “refreshed” menu.
••• “I’ve been hoping and waiting for La Paloma to open for lunch,” reports Dan. “That’s not happening yet but I went there last weekend for brunch. Open now on weekends 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The dishes are pretty much the same as dinner, some with a twist. Like the pozole, now it’s got a poached egg, avocado, and crispy cabbage. I ordered it as an appetizer for our four-top and it was awesome. Also got the Bloody Maria (with tequila), now it’s my second fave, after the Boathouse’s. The prices are on par with Joe’s breakfast. Check it out.” And you can reserve, which is always nice.
••• While Bar Le Côte, opening soon in Los Olivos, awaits the final approvals, it’s hitting the road for collaborations with Found Oyster in L.A. (July 12), Little Coyote in Long Beach (July 16-18), and Gigi’s in L.A. (July 27).
••• I thought the croissant at Alessia Patisserie & Cafe was just about perfect: flaky on the outside, almost doughy at the core, and buttery throughout.
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