Montecito’s Restaurant Scene Is on the Verge of a Sea Change

••• Sweet Reef Boba on State Street (Ortega/Cota) has its grand opening today. —Independent

••• On the same block: Beast Taqueria has opened inside M. Special on State Street. Restaurant Guy has a photo of the menu, which despite the name, is all burritos…?

••• Organic Soup Kitchen announced a second location—”a hub for clients and community collaboration, pick up, delivery and educational events”—but not where it will be. UPDATE: The good folks at Renegade Wines say that an OSK sign has been posted next door to their store (126 E. Haley).

••• As expected, “Montecito’s Coral Casino Gets OK to Open Restaurant to Public,” reports Noozhawk. Between this, the RH restaurant, Lilac Patisserie, Taco Roma at the Country Mart, the establishments coming to The Post, whatever is happening at the Biltmorethe restaurant in the former Montecito Wine Bistro space, and perhaps Clark’s in the old Cava (but the lack of activity there is starting to raise doubts), Montecito’s dining scene is on the verge of a sea change.

••• The Lagerville beer festival is this Saturday, April 15, at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. in Buellton. And there’s even shuttle service from Santa Barbara and Goleta.

••• After abruptly departing the Industrial Eats complex, Motley Crew Ranch has found a new location for its market and butcher shop: in the same Buellton strip mall as Na Na Thai.

••• Roblar Winery is now serving dinner three nights a week (Tuesday through Thursday) at the tasting room (between Santa Ynez and Los Olivos), and the menu changes weekly.

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Comment:

7 Comments

AnneC

Is Taco Roma going into old Little Alex spot? I wonder who will run new restaurant in Coral Casino? I assume everyone who worked there before has moved onto new jobs.

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Alex

You mean Alma by Ramon
To better supply the rich Montecito gringos with “Mexican” food…

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AnneC

Wasn’t little Alex’s feeding Montecito gringo’s also?

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Felix

Here’s a disturbing trend: landlords kicking out a long-term tenant to replace with a competitor.
– South Coast Deli with Three Pickles
– TJ Paws with Dirty Dog Wash
– Stella Mare, most likely with another restaurant.
This is a dog eat dog world.

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Brooke Waterman

Does anyone else see the irony in nomenclature: ‘Sweet REEF’, while showcasing its PLASTIC packaging! Sea change, indeed! Here’s hoping for paper straws!

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Clare

Looking for a retired architect, or retired builder who would be able to oversee construction of new home being built in Santa Barbara area..

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MB

Toma, SB’s great Italian restaurant was sold to Sam Grant and his sommelier partner Julian. Tom the former owner established a great following. Still a wonderful staff, but still learning the hospitality ropes at the front. They changed to credit card to hold tables and lots of text reminders. The menu looks the same, but upon ordering dishes we had before, we found them over sauced and in one case not tasting fresh. The chef is same. Service is still good. We will give them a little more time.

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