The Restaurant Guy

ISABELLA’S OPENS

John Dickson — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:32 +0000

Reader Steve tells me that Isabella’s Gourmet Foods has opened at 5 E. Figueroa Street (part of La Arcada Court) in what used to be a yarn shop. Here is a description from their web site: Isabella Gourmet Foods is … Continue reading →

NEW WINE BAR

John Dickson — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:29:24 +0000

This just in from reader Tony: Hi John, I noticed that a new wine bar/ wine shop is apparently moving into the old Live Culture space at the entrance to Paseo Nuevo (11 W. De la Guerra St). Thanks Tony … Continue reading →

DINING FOR SOLSTICE

John Dickson — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:58:08 +0000

This Wednesday May 15th at 5pm, The Restaurant Gal and I will be waiting tables at Pascucci restaurant 729 State St for the Solstice Parade’s annual fundraiser. 100% of your dining bill, including tip, will go toward Solstice (thank you Pascucci … Continue reading →

MOM’S UPDATE

John Dickson — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:57:46 +0000

I thought Mother’s Day would be a good time to post an update on long-gone Santa Barbara icon Mom’s Italian Village, 421 E. Cota Street that began serving local diners in the 1930′s. Even though the building was demolished and … Continue reading →

OFF TOPIC

John Dickson — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:36:49 +0000

On Monday, May 13th, I have a birthday that ends with a zero so I will be taking a little time off to celebrate. Hopefully I’ll restart later in the week. See you soon!

FIRE AT JILL’S PLACE

John Dickson — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:28:37 +0000

Edhat is reporting that there was a fire in the kitchen early this morning at Jill’s Place, 632 Santa Barbara Street. Though the fire was confined to the kitchen, apparently there is a lot of smoke and water damage throughout … Continue reading →

TASTE OF THE NATION

John Dickson — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:31:11 +0000

Santa Barbara chefs, restaurants and mixologists will gather for the 6th annual Taste of the Nation culinary benefit on Sunday, May 19 at the Montecito Country Club from 3pm to 6pm, with a VIP reception beginning at 3pm. Taste of … Continue reading →

OFF TOPIC

John Dickson — Thu, 09 May 2013 05:12:14 +0000

CNN published a story today, written by Paul Vercammen, about the 5-year photo guys from Santa Barbara. The northern California cabin my friends and I have been going to for 30 years to take our photo was burglarized while we … Continue reading →

A RESTAURANT NO MORE

John Dickson — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:24:33 +0000

Reader Bruce let me know that 714 State Street, an address that been home to restaurants for decades including Mimosa, Chino’s Rock & Tacos, Matador and Piranha, will soon be a women’s clothing store named LOLE.

REDS REOPENS

John Dickson — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:39:56 +0000

After having their alcoholic beverage permit suspended in January, Red Wine Bar at 211 Helena Avenue reopens this Friday. Here is a message from owner Dana Walters: I am so grateful for this opportunity to help re-open and run what … Continue reading →