Food Stuff

March 8, 2021

The Nook Is Changing Hands—and Eventually Concepts

The restaurant sharing space with Topa Topa and Lama Dog will soon be under new ownership. [Update: The deal fell through.] 2

March 7, 2021

Malibu Farms at the Miramar Has Closed for Good

More food news: First look at the menu at Secret Bao, which officially opens this week; Wylde Works's new State Street brewery will include food service; Santa Barbara County approved commercial home kitchens; Merci added a vegetarian sandwich; Ventura's cool Frontside Cafe.

March 2, 2021

Secret Bao Aims to Soft-Open This Week

More food news: Bettina is starting up table service; the Funk Zone Bier Garten has opened; an intriguing new restaurant in Lompoc; a new bagel flavor from Bagel Boiz.

February 25, 2021

Gelson’s Is Being Bought by a Japanese Conglomerate

More food news: Pizzeria Mozza and Restaurant at Meadowood pop-ups at the Ojai Valley Inn; an effort to farm purple sea urchins; big new parklet at Mony's; opening date for Sear Steakhouse in Solvang; the Tavern at Zaca Creek brought on a new chef.

February 22, 2021

El Encanto’s Restaurant Has a New Chef

More food news: Hibachi Steak House & Sushi Bar is likely closing soon; Revolver's impressive muffuletta; closing date for one of the Starbucks outposts on State Street; profile of Dean coffee shop by the airport; Sun & Swell Foods's pandemic pivot; another great dive-bar diorama. 1

February 12, 2021

More on the Beer Garden Opening in the Funk Zone

More food news: One of Starbucks's State Street locations is going to close; Finch & Fork now serving on the roof; Wingstop chain open at La Cumbre Plaza; Solvang's Coast Range restaurant will have vacation rentals upstairs; an intriguing new food hall in Camarillo.

February 8, 2021

An Intriguing New Addition to State Street

More food news: $10,000 grants for small independent restaurants; meadery opening downtown; a steakhouse is opening in Solvang; Coastal Coffee Collective takes on instant coffee.

February 4, 2021

Miniature Dioramas of Santa Barbara Dive Bars

More food news: South Coast Deli is opening in San Roque; the Blue Owl is under new ownership; rumors of a new Mesa ice cream shop; Mackenzie Market and Yanni's Greek & American Deli have reportedly closed; Rancho San Julian's Elizabeth Poett has a new TV show; Clevr's "instant superlattes"; lunch at La Paloma Cafe; the appealing Frontside Cafe in Ventura. 1

February 1, 2021

A Gelato Shop Is Opening in Ojai

More food news: Restaurants continue to reopen for outside dining; more space at the Lark and more service at Bettina; introducing "Santa Barbara County's only luxury brownie business"; Barbareño launched dinner kits; two healthier takes on a burrito; State Street Coffee is on a break.

January 27, 2021

10 New Restaurants on the Horizon

Despite the devastation that pandemic restrictions have wrought on the restaurant industry, we have a bunch of new establishments to look forward to in coming months. 2