Tag: Merci

October 30, 2024

The Seven Best Things I’ve Eaten Lately

You know how some dishes really stick with you? These are the ones that I keep thinking about…. 10

August 21, 2024

Alma Fonda Fina Is Finally Close to Opening

More food news: Merci has introduced table service; Saint Bibiana won't be coming to the Funk Zone; the Nugget's forthcoming Carpinteria outpost has expanded; profiles of Gipsy Hill Bakery and the Tyler x Lieu Dit tasting room; Santa Barbara County Farm Day; Paseo Nuevo crêperie; the new aperitif from Municipal Winemakers. 4

July 20, 2024

The Palace Grill Is Closing After 39 Years

More food news: Old Town Coffee and Buena Onda have left Mosaic Locale; Poke House has opened; changes could be coming to the Breakwater Restaurant at the harbor; new food options at the Tyler x Lieu Dit tasting room; more on the upgrading of Moby Dick; Intermezzo launched Sunday brunch; the city keeps jerking around The Daisy. 13

April 3, 2024

The Next Tenant of the Metropulos Building

More food news: Third Window is now serving burgers all week long; Petra Cafe has soft-opened in the former Foxtail space; praise for Merci's new falafel sandwich; the problematic plastic packaging of produce; Moby Dick is getting an oyster bar; a stylish revamp of Pali Wine Co.'s Funk Zone tasting room. 20

December 10, 2023

Two New Restaurant Spaces Proposed in the Funk Zone

More food news: Uptown Lounge is reopening; another reprieve for Stella Mare’s; Finney’s Crafthouse is coming to Goleta; Santa Paula restaurant opening on State Street; rumored tenant next to the Public Market; Sunstone Winery pop-up; reader question about Jewish food for Hanukkah. 16

December 8, 2023

2023 Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 3

Shopping online is boring! Shopping in person is fun! Go find great things for the people you care about at our many terrific independent stores.

October 26, 2023

Starbucks Is Coming to the Funk Zone

More food news: Brophy Bros. plans to open a larger clam bar downstairs; new ownership for Louie's California Bistro at the Upham hotel; Merci's takeout roast chicken for two; Presqu’ile Winery bought land formerly used to grow cannabis; Pueblo Pollo is said to be reopening in Isla Vista; a change in direction at Linden Hall. 11

October 22, 2023

First Look at Linden Hall’s Rather Exciting Menu

More food news: The In-N-Out in Buellton took a step forward; Merci is said to be introducing table service; a new pizzeria in the former Patxi's space; Christmas kitschfest Miracle is returning to Pearl Social; profiles of Roger's Tacos and Roan Mills Grains. 10

June 30, 2023

Pop-Up Dinner Series at Brekkies by Pico’s Original Chef

More food news: Stella Mare's building would be difficult to tear down; porchetta sandwiches and cherry hand pies for July 4; the tom yum fries at Na Na Thai; High Seas Mead's taproom gets the go-ahead; Margerum's new tasting room in Los Olivos; Twenty-Four Blackbirds is growing its own cacao trees.

November 20, 2022

The 10 Best Things I’ve Eaten Lately

People often ask me for restaurant advice, and I can certainly give some, but I get more enthusiastic when I recommend specific dishes. 7