
Modern Times Is Closing Its Santa Barbara Beer Hall
More food news: Embermill's owner says he's working on a new location; Good Land Wine Shop opening on upper State Street; a profile of the new Peasants Deli in Solvang; a trip to Provence with the Bell's folks; what's happening at the former 805 Hazy & Deli space? 2

A Slew of Shows Announced for the Santa Barbara Bowl
Including Steve Martin Short, Bonnie Raitt, Fleet Foxes, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and My Morning Jacket. Plus: Kevin Hart, Ray LaMontagne, and Lila Downs at the Arlington Theatre; Oak Park Dance Floor is closed for restoration; new exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Marcia Burtt Gallery; ID now required to use the the county's Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center. 4

Seven-Foot-Tall Sunflower Sculptures Proposed for State Street
Plus: Over-the-top Valentine's Day decorations on Foothill Road; plans to tear down a 20-year-old estate on Picacho Lane; the 747 Designs shop is having a big sale before it closes; this year's Santa Barbara International Film Festival slate; a revised take on a big Eucalyptus Hill house. 1

The County’s Indoor Mask Mandate Ends February 16
Other recent news: Horrifying story of dog grooming gone wrong; Ty Warner has appealed the Biltmore's tax assessment; downtown housing for the homeless moves forward; the fight over a cannabis greenhouse near Carpinteria High School; a mirror-and-glass cube on Airbnb; Nancy Travis to star in a one-person show. 5
Recent Comments
So glad that the owner of Yetz's actually looked at what was missing in IV and made decisions about the menu based on those observations.… — Erik
Just to be clear, the former Via Vai space will be a new restaurant from Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen. So while it won't be… — Erik Torkells
Interesting that Dudley thinks he can do it better than the restaurants that are offering it now. I’m going to wait a while and see… — SB Foodie
At the very top of the tea gardens (3 arches) there was a shed in the back. Anyone open that or know what could be… — Leah
Thank you Erik! I really look forward to your honest reviews! You're the best thing that is out there in terms of restaurant reviews. I… — Anita S
Can’t you just Google it? — Slm
Have you ever had to meet a budget? — Christine!
The octopus was to spice and kids skimpy. Want really good Octopus (short of Iberia) try Leonardos in Santa Ynez. — Lame Duck
I've been to all four restaurants. I would never go back to Bar Lou. I was hoping for a French Bistro ... evidently not !… — Janet
Very well stated. Regardless of political party, I think all can agree that these federal layoffs have been handled in a sloppy and cruel manner.… — Courtney