••• Last week, I asked whether anyone had eaten at Costa Kitchen & Bar, the newish restaurant at the Mar Monte Hotel on East Beach. Let’s Zagat the results: Reviewers are divided whether the room has a “retro-modern atmosphere” or “the vibe of a hotel coffee shop,” but the consensus is that the service is “friendlier than it is experienced.” The bar gets high marks (“Joshua is a great bartender”), while the food has its highs and lows. (“Avoid the flatbread.”) Most are willing to forgive the shortcomings and give it another try: “I’ve paid a lot more for less quality in Santa Barbara.” P.S. One reader was offered a locals’ discount, but when I went—and the waiter proactively asked if we were from out of town—there was no mention of such a thing.
••• “California is moving to extend the sale of cocktails to-go and keep alcohol service for outdoor dining at parklets as it aims to help restaurants recover from the coronavirus pandemic.” —KEYT
••• I got an update from Jimboz Lounge on De La Vina about its renovation: ““We should be open before Halloween. Not sure on the exact date. We got most of the things in place now, but it was a lot more work than we thought, of course.”
••• Across the street at Bree’osh, meanwhile, is a notice for a beer/wine application. Might the café have plans to stay open beyond early afternoon?
••• The Independent profiles Los Tarascos Bakery & Deli on E. Haley, “where Enoch Rojas serves more than 40 types of torta and even more variations of pan dulce.”
••• “Will the Abalone Fishery Return to San Miguel Island? […] Commercial Fishermen Eager to Harvest Once-Decimated Shellfish Await October 14 Decision.” —Independent
••• Alessia Patisserie & Cafe has a nice new parklet—it’s much more appealing than my photo would indicate.
················
Sign up for the Siteline email newsletter for the freshest food news in town.
Comment: