••• Lilac Montecito, Lilac Patisserie’s spinoff on Coast Village Road, expects to open in mid-January, and it’s hosting a job fair this Monday, December 18. According to the release, the restaurant will “offer full dinner service in a fine-dining setting. Our menu will include items inspired by European and Californian cuisine. Menu items include an incredible seafood risotto, steak frites, house made pasta, and a selection of salads, soup, appetizers, entrées and sides. And, of course, dessert! All of our menu items will be gluten-free and we will also offer a number of vegetarian and vegan items.”
••• Buellton’s city council approved the proposed In-N-Out Burger outlet in October, but after a local appealed, the council changed its mind and voted against it. Understandably, the main concern was how traffic would impact to McMurray Road, Highway 246, and the 101; the appellant’s argument also claimed the restaurant would affect “Buellton’s unique character” (!). —Noozhawk
••• Odessa Lounge, in the former Craft Crush Bar & Tap space (1129A State Street), opens this Saturday, December 16: “It’s not just an opening; it’s the beginning of a journey filled with unforgettable nights, exquisite drinks, and great company. Come and immerse yourself in an ambiance that’s been crafted with passion and flair. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a cozy spot to unwind, we’ve got you covered.”
••• The space at Inn at Mattei’s Tavern that was briefly Gin’s Tap Bar is now home to a Strange Family Vineyards “tasting room.”
••• Carpinteria’s Dang Burger now opens at noon daily (except Tuesdays).
••• Wild Tea Leaf has opened at Paseo Nuevo, in the space that was previously Hustle & Grind Coffee Company and Paradice Hawaiian Shave Ice. (The Independent has more on it.) Thanks to P. for that tip, and this one: Mana Bakery (“Coffee & more”) has also opened inside the mall, but the Zio & Sweet dessert shop has closed.
••• Sushi Go Go at the harbor is closed for construction; a stop-work order is posted on the door. —Restaurant Guy
••• The Bell’s diaspora continues: Companion Hospitality alums Gracie Gates and Ryan Dobosh are opening Little King Coffee somewhere on Highway 246 in Buellton. They’re shooting for February.
••• Regarding my recent request for sources of Jewish food, D. suggested “the Jewish Federation as a source of baked goods. They can be ordered online and are available every Friday. They are made at a bakery in L.A. on Fairfax by a man who also lives in Santa Barbara.” UPDATE: Apparently not; see Perry’s comment.
••• Satellite’s event space at 616 E. Haley has a name: The Factory, a nod not to Andy Warhol but to the site’s history as a La Tolteca tortilla factory. It’s “a curated urban garden space for weddings, corporate events, workshops, and more.”
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FYI: The following message is on the Baked Goods page of jewishsantabarbara.org/store:
“Online ordering for baked goods is no longer available.
Etty’s Jewish Deli & Bakery
We look forward to welcoming you to our new deli in spring 2024.”
In & Out at the suggested location was idiotic! Grateful logic was used in deciding to keep McMurray useable. The obvious place for the fast food giant is north on McMurray at 3 way stop- putting it on the NW lot allows a traffic dream situation w/access coming from 2 off ramps at bridge over 101 exits , as well as traffic from McMurray. Go walk it Erik- I drive that exact route 4 times a week, lots of walkers!
Strange Family Wines- Chef Maili Halme did a wonderful job resurrecting Mattei’s Tavern for the Strange Family- and they pulled the rug out from under her. They are pure LA.
I think you meant Crush Bar at 1129A State St
Indeed I did. Thanks.