805 Living April 2021 by 805 Living

H A R D W O OD F LO OR I NG

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A RC H I T E CT U R A L M I L LW OR K

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D O ORS & W I N D O W S

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Morgan Stanley is proud to congratulate

Seth Haye

Named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors Ranked #10 – State of California, Los Angeles Area Being named to Forbes’ 2021 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list is a testament to your experience, professionalism and dedication to your clients. Thank you for the work you do each day and for carrying forward the culture of excellence at our firm. The Oaks Group at Morgan Stanley Seth Haye Managing Director Senior Portfolio Management Director Financial Advisor 100 N. Westlake Blvd., Suite 200 Westlake Village, CA 91362 805- 494-0215 seth.haye@morganstanley.com http://www.morganstanleyfa.com/ theoaksgroup

Source: Forbes.com (February, 2021). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pay a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com. © 2021 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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Contents APRIL 2021 • THE HOME ISSUE

Features 70

A CHARISMATIC COLLECTION Eclecticism and serenity come together in a total redecoration.

By Joan Tapper Photographs by Public 311 Design

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

Looking to the future with cherished treasures and pops of modernity.

PUBLIC 311 DESIGN

By Joan Tapper Photographs by Meghan Beierle-O’Brien

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

With leafy, wooden, and ceramic accents, Laura Giuliani of House of G Designs creates a bathing sanctuary as part of a new peaceful, natural look for a Westlake Village restaurateur’s home. For details, turn to page 70.

STRUCTURALLY SUPERIOR

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Contents APRIL 2021 • THE HOME ISSUE

Departments of the 805

By Leslie Dinaberg and Nancy Ransohoff

Finds 41 Eye on the Ball

Perky pom-poms add pizzazz to home accessories. By Jennie Nunn

44 STYLE: Pop in Pink Stick to shades of bubblegum this spring. By Frances Ryan

46 TRAVEL

By Erin Rottman

Insider 50 Events In & Around the 805

By Heidi Dvorak

Arts & Culture 54 Weaving an Identity

Porfirio Gutiérrez goes beyond tradition to craft his artistic vision. By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

Upgrades 61 Home Style Hits

Personalize spaces by looking for classic design elements with refreshing details.

By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

94 Where to Eat Now P.S. Sketchpad 104 Pandemic-Inspired Home Furnishings By Greg Clarke

In Every Issue

18 Editor’s Note 24 Masthead 30 Behind the Scenes

Visit Us Online!

Taste 86 FOOD:

805living.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Spotify, Apple, Google, and YouTube keyword: 805Living

Devilishly Delicious Chef Rachel Haggstrom of The Restaurant at Justin Winery whips up inventive variations on a classic egg-centric appetizer. By Jaime Lewis

Whites Go Green Central Coast wineries get eco-conscious. By Alex Ward

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

A Marriage of Heritages Presenting a blend of culinary cultures that represent the roots of its founding chefs, Santa Barbara’s new Secret Bao restaurant serves the food they crave.

By Frances Ryan

90 WINE: Reds and

92 DINING OUT:

Check out our website for the free digital version of 805 Living (smartphone- and tablet-compatible, it’s also on issuu.com). Tune in to our free Spotify playlists (keyword: 805 Living) and 805 Living Eats podcasts available on Apple, Google, and Spotify (keyword: 805 Living Eats). Become an 805 Living Insider! Sign up to receive “The Insider,” our free mid-month newsletter that provides additional suggestions for local events and activities, lastminute getaway ideas, and little extras—like food and wine tips—to help you get through the month. Insiders will also receive special offers, contest news, event invitations, and more. Subscribe at 805living.com.

On the Cover To refresh the home of a Thousand Oaks couple, Malibu-based interior designer Breeze Giannasio brightens once-dark ceilings and previously papered walls with a clean coat of white paint and blends contemporary style with treasured antiques (see “Let There Be Light!” on page 78). Photograph by Meghan Beierle-O’Brien

46: JONNY VALIANT; 35: © CHRIS ORWIG PHOTOGRAPHY

Pulse 35 Tracking the Beat

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Editor’s Note

The Year that Was ON APRIL 1, 2020, JUST WEEKS AFTER the public learned about a new threat to everyone’s health and livelihoods called COVID-19, the 805 Living team produced and sent out the first edition of “The Post,” an e-newsletter that contained information on, among other items, how some of our advertisers were working behind the scenes to keep their lights on and keep serving their customers. Later in the year we produced an 805 Strong digital supplement as a way to increase exposure of the businesses that were hanging on as the pandemic got worse. Finally, in September we created The Big Boost, a restaurant adoption program in which our advertising sales representatives worked with local businesses to “adopt” local restaurants as a way to bolster the suffering dining venues. Despite the amount of work that went into each promotion, we didn’t charge a dime to any of our advertisers to participate; we felt it was more important to keep building new bridges from our readers to our local businesses. It’s now a year later. I think it’s safe to say that the situation is looking up (fingers crossed), although there could continue to be some tough months ahead. We are beyond grateful for all of our loyal advertisers who have stuck with us for so many years and renewed their commitments in the thick of economic uncertainty. We’re also thrilled to have many new advertisers come on board who recognize our unique relationship with the Central Coast. It should go without saying—but I’m going to say it anyway—that our readers are simply the best. They’ve responded to our promotions with great enthusiasm, and they’ve stayed in touch during these challenging times. And with each new issue we put out, I feel like we’re making more friends for the future. As for this month, our Home Issue provides some great ideas and resources for forging ahead with your plans to reimagine, redecorate, and revitalize your living spaces. We’re all more than ready to move forward. My hope is that within the following pages you will find the kind of inspiration you need to carry on. And to all our new readers and advertisers, let me just say, “Hello. Welcome to 805 Living.”

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher

GARY MOSS

edit@805living.com

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Lynne Andujar

edit@805living.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bernard Scharf EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathy Tomlinson DESIGNER

Sophie Patenaude PHOTO EDITOR

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Heidi Dvorak, Jennie Nunn (Shopping), Erin Rottman (Travel), Frances Ryan (Fashion, Interior Design) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Leslie Dinaberg, Victoria Woodard Harvey, Jaime Lewis, Nancy Ransohoff, Joan Tapper, Alex Ward CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

Greg Clarke RESEARCH EDITOR

Tajinder Rehal CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gary Moss, Meghan Beierle-O’Brien, Public 311 Design CONSULTING EDITOR

Anthony Head

805 Living is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 805 Living content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. 805 Living is not responsible for loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. 3Digit Media, LLC, and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors, and publisher accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. 3Digit Media’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. 3Digit Media does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

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805 LIVING, APRIL 2021

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Behind the Scenes We asked our featured contributors if spending more time in their homes over the past year made them want to change anything about it. Here’s what they said. Joan Tapper “While I haven’t taken on any great decorating plans, I have finally gotten around to those things I’ve been meaning to do: framing and hanging pictures, replacing faucets, and replanting bare spots where the gophers have been busy,” says contributing writer Joan Tapper (Arts & Culture, page 54, “A Charismatic Collection,” page 70, and “Let There Be Light!” page 78).

Tajinder Rehal

“I’d love to add a spice kitchen,” says research editor Tajinder Rehal. “I cook Indian curries for my family a few times a week, and while the aromas are delicious, they travel all over the openplan first floor. A small, enclosed kitchen with a good ventilation system would make everyone in my house very happy.”

Sophie Patenaude My mezzanine is a great open space for my office and lounge room, but it’s the last room in my house to be designed,” says designer Sophie Patenaude. “I’ve been playing with paint colors, wallpapers, and patterns to spruce it up and make it more cozy and inspiring.

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Rosemary can give you advice on improvements that will highlight your home’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers. Although the structure itself is often the deciding factor, many steps must be taken to enhance your home’s features and increase the likelihood of it selling faster.

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Behind the Scenes The necessity to spend more time at home over the past year motivated our featured experts to make—or consider making—the following changes. “My home is even more intentional. Each piece tells a story; each piece is functional.” —Laura Giuliani

(“A Charismatic Collection,” page 70) founder, principal designer House of G Designs Westlake Village houseofgdesigns.com

“I want to find a creative yet practical way to display my ever-growing cookbook collection.” —Rachel Haggstrom

(Taste/Food, page 86) executive chef The Restaurant at Justin Vineyards & Winery Paso Robles justinwine.com

“My time has been mostly spent in the art studio, and I rearrange my space often, so everything is on wheels.” —Colette Cosentino

“Our home is not just a shelter, it is a sanctuary, a place where sacred meals are shared. With this in mind, it is important for me to live with objects that are made in harmony with nature.”

—Porfirio Gutiérrez

(Arts & Culture, page 54) textile artist and natural dyer Porfirio Gutiérrez studio and gallery Ventura porfiriogutierrez.com

GIULIANI: PUBLIC 311 DESIGN; GUTIERREZ: JAVIER LAZO

(Pulse, page 35) decorative artist Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery Santa Barbara colettecosentino.com

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T R AC K I N G T H E B E AT O F T H E 8 0 5

Santa Barbara artist Colette Cosentino shares some of her dreamy works in her new collection of wallpaper.

WALL-TO-WALL WHIMSY

Known for her large-scale paintings and custom murals, Santa Barbara-based artist and entrepreneur Colette Cosentino (colettecosentino.com) has designed a new wallpaper collection for textile and wall-coverings manufacturer F. Schumacher & Co. (fschumacher.com). The wall coverings come in four designs that add textural interest and color to any decor. > APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Pulse

BIKING BLISS

The Brindille Gold Accented Panel offers fantastical forest dreamscapes, the Bisou pattern depicts a gauzy weeping willow on a pearlized ground, Sirene includes a twilit sea and sky, and Chatoyant is an ethereal water garden of lily pads and lotuses. “I like to translate to my canvas that feeling of walking into an imaginary forest or seascape, or living in a dreamscape,” says Cosentino. “I try to evoke a sense of well-being and peace.” To order, visit the F. Schumacher & Co. website. —Nancy Ransohoff

Specializing in electric bicycles, Montecito’s new Mad Dogs & Englishmen (maddogsenglishmen. com) bike store offers a wide selection of high-end e-bike brands for sale and rental. Like the other locations in Mill Valley, Carmel-By-the-Sea, and Monterey, the recently opened outpost on Coast Village Road also carries helmets, some of which are disguised as pretty straw hats, and sporty sidecars—a fun way to turn an e-bike into a cargo bike, or carry kids and dogs (up to 100 pounds) as passengers. Owner and CEO Jennifer Blevins has a passion for the e-bike. “It’s like a magic carpet that lets you discover more, go to more places,” she says. “You can see more and enjoy more on a bike. Perhaps ditch the car and take the kids to school by bike. Or cycle down to the beach with your pup. The e-bike levels the playing field and eliminates all obstacles—and makes biking fun again for many riders.” —Leslie Dinaberg

Elizabeth Poett, proprietor of Rancho San Julian’s grass-fed beef operation in Lompoc, has a lifestyle cooking show on the new Magnolia Network. Ranch to Table (theranchtable.com), which launched in February, has been in the works for about a year. Upcoming episodes, Poett says, will provide “a glimpse into what life is like on a cattle ranch and tons of delicious meals that focus on all that the Central Coast has to offer.” Originally part of a Mexican land grant, the 14,000-acre ranch was established in 1837 and is featured prominently on the show along with its resident cows and chickens, gardens and orchards, Poett and her husband, Austin Campbell, and their two young sons. Poett laughs when asked if Campbell, who also comes from a long line of local ranchers and farmers, was game to be on TV from the get-go. “I think Austin and I both knew that when we married each other we were going to need to be game for a lot,” says the seventh-generation rancher. “We were excited for the opportunity to share the importance of—as well as the beauty of—agriculture.” —L.D.

Among Cosentino’s selection of wall coverings are Bisou in gold (top) and the Brindille Gold Accented panel in peacock (above).

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Elizabeth Poett of the Magnolia Network’s new Ranch to Table television series sets the scene for a barbecue event at Rancho San Julian in Lompoc.

WALL COVERINGS: COURTESY OF F. SCHUMACHER & CO.; POETT: ANNIE MEISEL PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT’S COOKING AT THE RANCH

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HOW THE BRITS SIT

Few decorative updates are as easy to pull off as simply adding some stylish throw pillows to a space. Lending a pop of color and rich texture, they draw interest to sofas, beds, windowseats, and chairs while providing extra comfort. Montecito-based Indian Pink Pillows (indianpinkpillows.com/ pillows) introduce an exotic vibe. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind pillows and bolsters come in assorted sizes and incorporate vintage textiles from around the world. “I am passionate about vintage textiles,” says Tamara Cajuste, who co-owns the business with her husband JP. “The texture, the story, the wear, the quality—it all just sings to me.” Pillows “can make or break a room,” Cajuste says. “I like to anchor the sofa with larger neutral pillows, then add a smaller pillow with pattern or color. I also like to use color or pattern on a side chair to make it complete. But I don’t overdo it. There needs to be a nice balance.” —L.D.

One of three models in the Noble Souls collection available at the company’s new Malibu store, the Nest sectional sofa is made of goose feather–stuffed linen.

MARKS OF MODERN MAKERS

Searching for something to delight the eye and add joy to everyday living? Try looking into Ventura-based H. SMITH (shophsmith.com) modern home and lifestyle shop. Owner Hayley Smith offers a constantly evolving selection of goods created by small makers and designers, such as botanical art prints, embossed note cards, glassware, candles, aprons, table linens, ceramics, small-batch teas, handmade cold-pressed soaps, and handcrafted botanical infusions. “I am constantly inspired by small designers and makers from all over the world who believe in beautiful, thoughtful, and quality design,” says Smith. The shop is online only, and provides free delivery to the Ventura, Ojai, and Santa Barbara areas. Items are also available for pick up in Ventura. —N.R.

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

At H. SMITH, her Ventura home accessories shop, Hayley Smith (left) showcases the creative works of small-scale designers, such as ceramics by Hannah Garvin (above, left) and handwoven textiles by Kesslyr Dean (above).

FROM TOP: COURTESY OF INDIAN PINK PILLOWS; GRAZO PRODUCTION/COURTESY OF NOBLE SOULS; HANNAH GARVIN; KESSLYR DEAN; ALBANY KATZ

PILLOW POWER

British furniture and interiors company Noble Souls (noblesouls. com) brings its distinctive style across the pond to the Pacific Coast, with a newly opened store in the Malibu Country Mart. This marks the company’s first dedicated store in the United States, adding to its showrooms in New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The Malibu store features three models from the brand’s sofa collection—Nest, Oasis, and Haven—made from 100 percent–natural vegetable dyes, feathers, and natural linens and offered in a versatile modular design that suits a variety of spaces. “As we expand our brand, we’re excited to open the first brick-and-mortar Noble Souls galleries where people can come and immerse themselves in the whole experience,” says furniture designer and founder Timothy Oulton. “I think the appeal of things that are natural, simple, trustworthy, extremely comfortable, and beautiful are the kinds of things people want to fill their homes with at the moment.” —N.R.

cabinetsense.com

CABIN CHIC

Building on the success of Yarfa, the Joshua Tree rental-cabin company’s owners started Campover (campover.com), an online home goods business inspired by the cabins. Now they have opened a brick-andmortar store in Los Alamos to showcase their wares. “We’re drawn to simple, welldesigned, and functional products,” says co-owner Lindsey Woitunski. “We also carry a selection of home goods inspired by the local vibe of Los Alamos.” Among the offerings are an assortment of linens, Hasami ceramics, locally made pottery and cutting boards, and vintage finds. —L.D.

Design • Construct • Manage

ROOM FOR CHANGE

FROM TOP: LINDSEY WOITUNSKI/COURTESY OF CAMPOVER; SANDRA VEGA

If home has become a bit too familiar of late, this might be the year to take spring cleaning to a more transformative level—perhaps with the help of feng shui. “Feng shui is not just about creating lovely, inviting spaces,” says Lauren Bragg (below, left), who cofounded the Santa Barbara-based Feng Shui Collective (fengshuicollective.com) with her mother,

Pamela Abbott-Mouchou (above, right), in October 2019. “Just as importantly, it’s about change and being the architect of change in your life.” The mother-daughter team offers services ranging from one-time visits to intensive consultations to a sixweek fundamentals course. —L.D.

Visit Our Showroom 2221 Madera Road, Simi Valley • 805.520.0168

Finds S H O P P I N G / S T Y L E / T R AV EL

Eye on the Ball PERKY POM-POMS ADD PIZZAZZ TO HOME ACCESSORIES. By Jennie Nunn

Connected Goods “Ernie” belly basket ($40); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Canoga Park; anthropologie.com.

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds

1. Kazi “Sunset Penelope” box ($50); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com.

2. Rainbow felt ball garland ($29); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Topanga in Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 3. Luz Collection pom-pom tassel in cream ($18); Hacienda by Bonita Lifestyle, Carpinteria, bonitalifestyle.com. 4. Mar Y Sol “Sofia” pouch in multi ($29); shopmarysol.com. 5. Cozy sherpa throws ($49 each); Pottery Barn: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; potterybarn.com.

6. Heartfelt by Anthropologie felted wool coasters ($40 for set of four); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. 7. Stroheim sandstone trim ($96 per yard); Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com. 8. Faux spring allium bunches ($28 for set of four); Cost Plus World Market: Westlake Village, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; worldmarket.com.

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

For more, visit our Pinterest page, keyword: 805living.

9. DIY bookmarks made with “Vanna’s Choice” Lion Brand Yarn (from left, rose shocking, kelly green, medium goldenrod, and bright coral pink, $5 per skein; download free pattern at lionbrand. com); Michaels: Westlake Village, Moorpark, Camarillo, Ventura, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; michaels.com. 

Finds Style By Frances Ryan

2 1

Pop in Pink

1. Pear-shaped morganite earrings set in 18-karat white and rose gold with diamonds (price upon request); Silverhorn, Santa Barbara, silverhorn.com. 2. Stretch chino short in neon azalea ($50); J.Crew, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; jcrew.com. 3. Printed cotton mask ($30); cynthiarowley.com. 4. “La Medusa” leather phone pouch ($850); Versace at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, versace.com. 5. Puff-sleeve cotton poplin top in neon fuchsia ($80); J.Crew, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; jcrew.com 6. Multicolor cotton lace-up espadrille ($850); fendi.com. 7. “Sun Let Me See Style C” in pink by Izipizi ($50); General Store Paso Robles, generalstorepr.com. 8. Veja “Campo” leather sneaker in guimauve marsala ($145); Madison at Malibu Country Mart, madisonlosangeles.com. 9. Rolex “Oyster Perpetual 36mm Oystersteel” watch ($5,600); Polacheck’s Jewelers, Calabasas, polachecks.com. 10. Bottega Veneta nappa leather “Pouch” in lollipop ($1,600); Elyse Walker at The Commons at Calabasas, elysewalker.com. 11. Etro printed, ruffled shirt in bianco ($1,080); mytheresa.com. 

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

For more, visit our Pinterest page, keyword: 805living.

8: STUDIO VEJA

STICK TO SHADES OF BUBBLEGUM THIS SPRING.

Wine Country Living Santa Ynez Style

Patty Murphy country estates

Prime Los Olivos Tasting Room Price Upon Request

Rarely available commercial opportunity with two buildings on nearly 1/2 acre. Beautifully remodeled venue with 2 tasting rooms, kitchenette, storage, 2 baths and office. The second building is home to Tin City Cider and is a versatile revenueproducing opportunity.

Patty Murphy Country Estates

Over $100,000,000 in Closed Sales in 2020

www.pattymurphy.com patty@pattymurphy.com (805) 680-8571 pattymurphyestates

State-of-the-Art Wine-Production Facility $1,750,000 In the heart of Lompoc, this 3,500 sq.ft. wine-production facility offers a sophisticated loft tasting area, large office complex, barrel storage and production area. It comes with a complete inventory of equipment in turnkey condition.

© 2021 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Patty Murphy DRE: 766586

Finds Travel By Erin Rottman

Walk to the beach or to downtown San Diego from The Pearl Hotel, where organic finishes modernize classic mid‑century architecture and meals are served poolside at the Charles + Dinorah restaurant.

A PEARL IN SAN DIEGO

Tap into HearHere to discover colorful lore and cultural highlights of locales within the western U.S. while passing through.

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

ROAD TRIP CHRONICLES Discover how the Chumash built their houses on the Central Coast or how the Smothers Brothers evolved from Redondo Beach high schoolers into celebrity folk musicians and comedians on the new HearHere entertainment app (hearhere.com, $36 per year), available on iPhone. Cofounded by Kevin Costner, HearHere plays fun stories for road trippers based on location. Currently offering material on history, natural wonders, colorful characters, and culture in the western United States, the app features more than 800 narratives throughout California. Items can be downloaded for play in no-cell zones, and rollout for Android is scheduled this summer.

FROM TOP: KIM & NASH FINLEY; JOSH CHO PHOTOGRAPHY; JOSH CHO PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF HEARHERE, INC.

uilt on San Diego’s Point Loma Peninsula in 1959 with classic architectural features of the time, the Sportsman’s Lodge motel recently re-emerged as The Pearl Hotel (thepearlsd.com, from $119). Retaining features like a mid-century stone wall in the entry lounge and a centrally located oystershaped pool, the property now incorporates contemporary, beachy design in its 23 rooms. Neutral tones with wood-platform beds, linen window coverings, and flat-weave rugs distinguish bright, airy rooms that feel like something organic. “We wanted to tap into the Point Loma vibe, which is really cool, coastal, and relaxed,” says Carolyn Schneider, president and partner of Casetta Group, the hotel’s management firm. That vibe also plays out at the hotel’s Charles + Dinorah restaurant, named for the couple who ran the original motel for 40 years, where dishes like oysters, grilled octopus and burrata toast, and flatiron steak with garlic frites are served poolside.

MIKE WALLEN FARMERS INSURANCE LIC. #0711471

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Finds Travel

The lobby at the new White Water lodge is a preview of the clean, casual elegance of the guest rooms, some of which share its panoramas of Cambria’s Moonstone Beach.

NEW ON CAMBRIA’S COASTLINE

ambria’s Moonstone Beach offers expansive views of the Pacific and a mile-long wooden boardwalk with tunnels of cypress trees, but much of the beauty also lies in the tiny things. Hidden up and down the beach, especially after a storm, are jade, agate, and jasper stones, smoothed by the sea. And the tidepools are alive with sea anemones, crabs, and spiny purple sea urchins. It’s all just across the street from the new White Water (whitewater cambria.com, from $329), where two small former inns have been combined into one 25-room hotel.

The Moonstone Beach location invites guests right into nature, says Kevan Beall, Central Coast regional director for PRG Hospitality Group, which owns White Water. “It really gives you this immersion into undisturbed California coastline that you feel immediately when you walk into the property,” he says. White Water feels like a laid-back beach house on a lazy day, thanks to Los Angeles–based designer Nina Freudenberger. “I have always loved the vibes of seaside Scandinavian design,” says Freudenberger of the inspiration for the interiors she designed at White Water. “I pulled through elements with soft lines, curved surfaces, and muted tones punctuated with blacks, and Nordicinfluenced wood tones.” All of the guest rooms feature window seats with cushions made from vintage fabrics that have been

hand-quilted together for a unique layered look. “We designed these very intentionally to face in the direction of the best view to the beach,” Freudenberger says. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy the breakfast basket with local coffee and fresh pastries that’s delivered every morning. Only the Ocean View King rooms, though, have a private patio with an outdoor soaking tub. Fashioned from farm troughs custom-painted moss green to tie into the landscape, the tubs are luxuriously deep and oversized. When relaxation time turns to exploration time, guests can order picnic-friendly takeaway items like a jambon beurre sandwich and Niman Ranch organic-beef hot dogs and grab a beach basket with towels and blankets. Bikes with baskets are also available, and Fiscalini Ranch Preserve with more than eight miles of trails is just 2.2 miles away.

Within the Orion constellation’s sword is the Orion Nebula, the brightest nebula—or massive cloud of mostly hydrogen gas— in the northern hemisphere. It’s actually a “veritable stellar nursery,” says Scott Adams, president of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association, because the nebula gives birth to new stars. See the nebula and other deep-sky objects in the Milky Way galaxy at Adero Scottsdale (aderoscottsdale.com, from $340),

a dark-sky-zone resort located in the Sonoran Desert, away from the city’s brightest lights. The new resort features tennis courts and pools with mountain views, off-site guided excursions, and a stargazing lawn. For many Adero guests, the resort’s star parties are their first experience with a telescope, says Adams, a member of the resort’s Star Dudes team, which helps guests explore the Solar System. “They invariably express awe and curiosity.” 

Explore the Milky Way through powerful telescopes at a star party on the grounds of Arizona’s Adero Scottsdale resort, located in the International Dark-Sky Association–certified dark-sky community of Fountain Hills.

FROM TOP: JONNY VALIANT; COURTESY OF ADERO SCOTTSDALE

STARGAZING IN SCOTTSDALE

ECITO .

A N TA

JUST LISTED

M RYKE

B A R A. M O

CAMPANIL HILL OCEAN VIEW ESTATE

Unsurpassed never-ending panoramic Ocean, Island & Coastal views with magnificent sunset colors compliment this secluded gated hillside compound on 3.7 acres. This imposing residence with separate guest house, tennis/professional gym pavilion, and complete guest apartment, offers 9 bedrooms, 8.5 baths and seven fireplaces. Stunning resort-like grounds with putting green, newly resurfaced tennis court, pickleball/badminton court, pool/spa, ultimate entertaining areas and view patios. Impeccably maintained estate with new roof & new wrought iron railings. | OceanViewParadise.com

Terry Ryken 805.896.6977 BROKER ASSOCIATE | DRE 01107300

TerryJRyken@gmail.com TerryRyken.com

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak Ongoing

April 8–11

ANIMATRONIC DINOSAURS OF PREHISTORIC FOREST

A TOUR OF IRAN

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. They’re back. The tyrannosaurus rex, stegosaurus, triceratops, euoplocephalus, and parasaurolophus have returned to their former digs across from Mission Creek, so make a reservation to enjoy the reopening of this popular outdoor exhibit; sbnature.org.

4/8–11

Through April 14 WINTER WHALE WATCHING

Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. There’s not much time left to see the Pacific gray whales migrating from their feeding grounds in Alaska through the Santa Barbara Channel on their way to their breeding grounds in Baja. Hop aboard a boat with Island Packers to see them head toward warmer waters; islandpackers.com. Through May 6 IMPOSSIBLE OBJECTS: SCREEN PRINTS BY ED LISTER

4/15–9/30

Here’s an Idea: Good news for those 60 and older: There’s no charge to visit the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden on SENIOR FREE DAYS: April 21, June 16, August 18, October 20, and December 15. Those unable to visit in person can still enjoy the garden through virtual experiences broadcast on the website; sbbg.com.

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara. Created 50 years ago, the hand-pulled silk-screen prints made by this scenic artist are bold, bright, and appear to almost undulate. The series is on view Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; afsb.org. Through October 31 HOLLI HARMON: THE NATURE OF CLOUDS

Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, Solvang. Joni Mitchell may have looked at clouds from both sides, but this installation can only be observed from the outside— through windows, that is. See how a new take can impact artistic interpretation: wildlingmuseum.org.

Virtual. Join the New West Symphony in a curated program that explores ancient Iranian poetic and musical cultural influences on the Western world. Featured are performances by mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke and Iranian instrumentalists Pejman Hadadi and Masoud Rezaei; newwestsymphony.org. April 9 GO RED FOR WOMEN SOUTHLAND DIGITAL EXPERIENCE

Virtual. Ya gotta have heart, so keep this vital organ in tip-top shape by learning about new research at this American Heart Association fundraiser. Speakers, health experts, and survivors share their knowledge; events. bizzabo.com/GoRedSouthland.

installation boasts a new feature dedicated to its wine-country environs: Light Towers, with 69 solar-powered towers composed of 17,388 wine bottles with colors morphing to a musical score; sensoriopaso.com. April 16–18 ARCHITECTURE OF LIGHT WORKSHOP

Virtual. Learn about the aesthetics of painting in watercolor at a three-day series taught by artist Thomas W. Schaller, courtesy of the Morro Bay Art Association. The sessions emphasize intent, inspiration, observation, and individual style along with instruction in depicting sky, water, and fog; artcentermorrobay.org. April 16–30 EARTH DAY 5K/10K

April 10–11

April 12–May 9

Virtual. In honor of the annual salute to the planet, why not celebrate by walking, running, or jogging a self-designed course in a spectacular outdoor setting? Participants receive commemorative medals (even if the run is completed at a mall or on a treadmill) and can share progress on social media through Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District; pvrpd.org.

VERSA-STYLE DANCE COMPANY AND SPRING INTO DANCE

April 18

WINE 4 PAWS WEEKEND

Central Coast locations. Make a reservation at any of 74-plus wine-tasting rooms up and down the coast to sample premium vino and support the Woods Humane Society to help homeless pets. Or contribute from home by ordering bottles online; wine4paws.com.

Virtual. Keep it real by watching this L.A. hip-hop troupe bust a move, then ask the members about their lives and street style at a live Q and A session after the performance, courtesy of the ArtsReach program; arts. pepperdine.edu. April 15–September 30 BRUCE MUNRO: LIGHT AT SENSORIO

4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles. Now reopened, the highly acclaimed immersive light

FOR THE LOVE OF WINE & CHOCOLATE

Virtual. Show support for the Santa Barbara School of Squash (the sport) at this fundraiser that includes a guided wine and chocolate tasting, a silent auction, and entertainment. Depending on ticket package, items for the tasting are delivered locally in Santa Barbara or available for pick up the day before the event; sbsos.org. wineandchocolate. 

FROM TOP: EUGENE YANKEVICH; CHRIS HARDY

Tour of Iran: Sasha Cooke

INTERIOR DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT HONEYCOMB HOME DESIGN

At Honeycomb Home Design we provide the consciously functional and tastefully curated interior design solutions to ensure your everyday feels like home. From kitchens and baths, to remodels and new construction, to furnishings and decor, our passionate team of design and construction professionals has the tools and expertise to bring your dream home to life! Specializing in kitchen, baths, large remodels, and custom homes. What’s in: Bold patterns and colors, natural and luxurious textures, geometric shapes What’s out: Open floor plans, all-white kitchens and walls, grey color palettes ARIANA LOVATO 1465 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach honeycombhomedesign.com; 805-252-1126

KATHRYNE DESIGNS INC.

A full-service Interior Design Studio dedicated to creating unique and innovative spaces for living. Clients value owner and designer Kathryne Dahlman’s reputation for style, elegance, and exceptional service. Kathryne’s expertise in architectural consultations, space planning, design development, consultation on remodeling and new construction will help you achieve your dream-home goals. The Montecito Boutique & Art Gallery offers a curated selection of home decor, gifts, and local art.

What’s in: Natural woven furniture. Wicker and rattan mix well in any setting. What’s out: Clutter KATHRYNE DAHLMAN, ASID 12413 Ventura Court, Suite 100, Studio City; 818-762-3705 1225 Coast Village Road, Suite A, Montecito; 805-565-4700 kathrynedesigns.com

SUSAN OWENS DESIGN

Our homes are our sanctuaries. Now more than ever, comfort, beauty, and functionality are so important to our well-being. Susan has always focused on this, creating timeless designs that are both classic and contemporary. She also focuses on the process, making the experience of building, remodeling, and decorating a home enjoyable for her clients. She gets involved in every detail, is super organized, and provides wonderful renderings to help visualize the ultimate stunning results. What’s in: Comfort and durability, natural elements, color in cabinetry What’s out: Everything white and grey, synthetic materials, accent walls SUSAN OWENS 4215 Tierra Rejada Road, Suite 175, Moorpark susanowensdesign.com; 805-523-9444

INTERIOR DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT 22 DESIGN HOUSE

22 Design House is an interior design studio providing a full range of interior design services for residential properties. Interior Designer Megan Paulson creates timeless, balanced, functional, custom-made spaces for everyday living that allow her clients to nest, rejuvenate, gather with family and friends, carry on traditions, and make lifelong memories. What’s in: Peel-and-stick wallpaper, performance fabrics, earthy colors, artisan-made pieces. What’s out: Shiplap (oh no!), modern farmhouse, single-purpose spaces and furnishings. MEGAN PAULSON 8215 Onyx St., Ventura 22designhouse.com; 805-223-0464

JUBILEE INTERIORS

We are a full-service residential interior design studio for projects ranging from whole-home remodel to redecorating a single room. Our design ethos revolves around organic modern living with the aim to achieve the perfect balance of aesthetics and function. We believe good design is timeless and understand a living space is the physical expression of a person’s identity. Follow us on Instagram @jubilee.interiors. What’s in: Natural materials, textures, and colors to multiply the comfort and warmth in our spaces. What’s out: Matching furniture sets! They can look boring, flat, and lack character. JUDI LEE-CARR jubilee-interiors.com; 805-377-9274

FINCH & FERN INTERIOR DESIGN

At Finch & Fern we offer a wide range of design services, from space planning to complete home design and more. Combining the old and the new with natural elements while adding splashes of color and texture to create an ambiance of comfort and light is our specialty. Creating the environment in which you live is most important not only for the mind but also for the soul. What’s in: Blending elements of classic design laced with natural elements, like a natural fiber rug. What’s out: Grey. We are trending towards warmer-toned palettes touched with rich color accents in earth tones. DAWN De BARTOLO 1060 Farraday St., Santa Ynez finchandfern.net; 949-903-3215

INTERIOR DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT CABANA HOME

Cabana Home is an interior design studio and home furnishings store offering hard-to-find one-of-a-kind furniture, textiles, lighting, and accessories from designers and manufacturers around the globe, all with an eye towards value. Design Partners Caroline Thompson and Steve Thompson help you define a sophisticated look that is inviting and alive, yet practical, while enhancing your enjoyment and the efficiency of the design process. What’s in: This year more than ever, sanctuary of the bedroom is paramount. It is our inner sanctum of calm and resolve. A place to re-energize and re-center ourselves. What’s out: Matching sets such as matched bedding ensembles, nightstands, and lamps—they look too ordered and don’t relax us. CAROLINE THOMPSON AND STEVE THOMPSON 111 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara cabanahome.com; 805-926-0200

PACIFIC INTERIOR DESIGN GROUP BY DENISE ANGELINI

As an educated designer/color expert and excellent listener, Denise bridges the gap between clients and contractors. She believes a home should be cohesive from the interior to the exterior. Denise specializes in kitchen, bath, and whole house interior/exterior design in Ventura County. Best of Houzz Service winner 2017–2021.

DENISE ANGELINI P.O. Box 7072, Ventura pacintdesign.com; 805-641-0808

PHOTO: JACLYN SZABO

What’s in: Bold-colored kitchen cabinets and countertops with movement are gaining popularity. What’s out: Grey and stark-white kitchens, they can look cold and sterile.

DESIGNS OF THE INTERIOR

Your home should be your sanctuary, and it begins with exceptional interior designers, fluent in all design styles. Whether your dream home is in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Westlake Village, Malibu, or beyond, we spend the time up front to get to know you, understand your lifestyle and get a sense of your personal taste. We listen and interpret with experience, expertise, and remarkable resources. What’s in: Team member Carla Padour is excited to work high performance fabrics, natural textured wallpapers, and the hot new shades of teal—from spruce to Aegean—that are featured in the latest fabric books. What’s out: The recent affinity for mid-century modern is fading, accent walls are out, and barn doors are being replaced by pocket or French doors with clean lines. CARLA PADOUR, CID AND TEAM MEMBER 960 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 6, Westlake Village interiordesignwestlake.com; 805-418-1890

Arts & Culture By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

Porfirio Gutiérrez stands behind his massive wooden loom. Skeins of dyed wool hang on the wall, ready for his next creation.

Weaving an Identity PORFIRIO GUTIÉRREZ GOES BEYOND TRADITION TO CRAFT HIS ARTISTIC VISION. 54

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

weave because it is my passion,” says awardwinning textile artist Porfirio Gutiérrez, “not just my work. It both feeds my family and preserves a worldview.” That was not always the case for this weaver, who was born in a Zapotec community in Oaxaca, Mexico, and was taught the traditional craft by his father. As a boy he learned how to use the loom and performed necessary chores like winding bobbins, helping with tools, and cleaning finished rugs. He also came to know the plants and insects that produced natural dyes for the woolen yarn. But when he was 18, Gutiérrez left all that behind. He moved to Ventura in search of wider economic opportunities and spent the next decade working in restaurants and construction, marrying, having children, and building a life in Southern California. When he finally returned to Oaxaca after about 10 years, it was with the perspective of an outsider. “I had culture shock,” he says. What he saw reawakened a recognition of the richness of his cultural inheritance and alerted him to how precarious it was. “Using natural dyes was on the verge of extinction,” he remembers. Though he once had felt constrained by the village’s weaving culture, he now actively embraced the art form. “This calling is a gift that the Greater Being has given. Resuming it was my choice, and that makes a world of difference.” He eventually established a social enterprise in Oaxaca that encompassed those who grew and collected plants for dyes, dyers, weavers, and a weavers’ studio that welcomed visitors before the pandemic. He also intensively researched dyeing materials and methods, including during a stint at the Smithsonian Institution, where he received the Artist Research Fellowship in 2015. And while some of his work showcases the complex, colorful layered bands of traditional Zapotec weavings, Gutiérrez has also taken the spiritual underpinnings of his culture along with some visual elements from it and reinterpreted and reimagined them in strikingly contemporary ways. Linked triangles evoke age-old butterfly designs that relate to the journey of the soul from one world to the next. Abstract chevrons are reminiscent of venerable Ojos de Dios (God’s eyes) designs. Dot patterns suggest >

Color scheme (from top): Finished rugs showcase a variety of hues and designs; marigold leaves will provide a natural dye; turning cochineal insects into red coloring starts with crushing them on a metate. APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Arts & Culture

Bowls of materials (left) include plants that make an array of colors and whitish chunks of potassium alum for a fixative. Pieces of indigo are ground for natural blue dye (right).

seeds of life. The results are abstract, bold, sophisticated, and stunning. A number of his pieces are on display in the studio he’s maintained off and on for 10 years in the Bell Arts Factory in Ventura. There, a large wooden loom dominates the space; nearby is a small spinning wheel for winding yarn onto bobbins. Long skeins of dyed wool hang on the back wall, displaying an eye-popping range of hues: vibrant reds, subtle taupe, deep green, and rich blues. Gutiérrez can produce some 200 shades, though he limits his dye lots at any given time to what he’ll need for his next series of rugs. For visitors curious about what goes into the dyes—and for demonstrations he conducts online— Gutiérrez has laid out bowls of plants and other natural materials. There’s pericón, a medicinal plant that produces yellow; tree pods for browns; chunks of indigo; and cochineal, tiny insects that subsist on prickly pear cactus that are ground on a metate for shades of red. There are also quartzlike pieces of potassium alum, which is used to fix the dyes so they don’t run. Although Gutiérrez initially sketches his designs with pencil and paper, he digitizes them on the computer before he begins weaving. 56

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

“My work creates a conversation about specific subjects,” he says. His current series focuses on architectural elements, particularly stepped lines that are reminiscent both of modern houses, like those he worked on in the construction industry, and Oaxaca’s archaeological site of Mitla. In January Gutiérrez received the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey (CGB) Foundation Art Prize for artists working in California; it includes a $10,000 gift and an exhibition project at the Ojai Institute in Ojai, where the foundation is located. “The award was a surprise and a blessing,” says Gutiérrez. “It allows me to talk about my life here and to honor the Oaxaqueños who call this land home.” He’ll also continue to work with the CGB Foundation as part of The Getty Foundation’s Pacific Standard Time initiative in 2024. “The project will involve Oaxacan youth in Ventura County,” he says. He’s hoping to inspire young people to think about the arts and their identity. It’s one way of responding to questions that have come into focus for him in the last year. “What COVID has done,” Gutiérrez says, “is allowed us to think about our priorities. Where should our energy go? Who am I building my legacy for?” 

Explore this Property at www.2830Calzada.com | 15 Acres | $5,000,000

LAURA DRAMMER

Top 25 Berkshire Hathaway Agents Worldwide Over $100 Million in Sales in 2020 8 05.448.7500

La u r a @ La u r a Dr a mm er. co m

D RE : 0 1 2 0 9 5 8 0

w w w . Lau raD ram m e r .c o m

© 2021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise systemof BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company,a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

Small But Mighty!

Abigail’s Kids Closet is a family-owned and -operated children’s clothing boutique that’s big on style. We curate our collection from unique European- and American-made brands—including organic, artisan-designed, and handmade apparel—and also carry toys, books, accessories, and gifts. We strive to find comfortable clothing that keeps your children stylish while still looking like a child. Stop by for in-store shopping or call us for concierge shopping via FaceTime. We look forward to meeting you!

WHIZIN MARKET SQUARE 28867 Agoura Road

| Agoura Hills | 818-699-1399 | abigailskidscloset.com |

@abigailskidscloset

Tri County Office Furniture has been helping local businesses on the Central and South Coasts thrive for more than 30 years. With three locations to serve you, our friendly staff are ready to assist with all your design and workspace needs. Our quality line of products help you feel and work your best, whether in the office or from the comfort of your home. Come see us today! TRI COUNTY OFFICE FURNITURE 1013 State St., Santa Barbara; 805-564-4060 3955 East Main St., Ventura; 805-658-6608 3271 South Higuera St., San Luis Obispo; 805-542-9722 tcof.com

Tileco Distributors has been dedicated to importing and distributing the finest ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone materials since 1977. They work with state-of-the-art tile and stone factories throughout the world to deliver the most cutting-edge and technologicallyadvanced products. Their passion for the industry shows through their showrooms, reputation, and years in business. TILECO DISTRIBUTORS 4222 Market St., Ventura; 805-658-0677 7 N. Nopal St., Santa Barbara; 805-564-1868 275 Betteravia St., Santa Maria; 805-925-8638 2140 Santa Barbara St., San Luis Obispo; 805-439-4601 tilecodist.com

Since 1989, owners Tim and Kay Hine have been selecting unique, high-end furnishings, antique doors, artifacts, and decor from Mexico. The furniture is made from a variety of indigenous hardwoods, including mesquite and mango. Handcrafted tables feature lustrous finishes and handsome proportions, including two- to three-inch tops. Casa Mexicana Imports specializes in creating one-of-a-kind furniture pieces fabricated from a vast collection of antique Mexican doors. CASA MEXICANA IMPORTS 810 Lawrence Drive, Suite 108, Newbury Park casamexicanaimports.com; 805-480-4864

At Habitat Home & Garden, we pride ourselves on our commitment to sourcing unique, high-quality home décor and furniture from around the world. Let one of our experienced stylists, at any of our three locations, guide you through our vast collection of one-of-a-kind pieces. Think global, shop local. HABITAT HOME & GARDEN 400 State St., Santa Barbara; 805-968-8872 777 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo; 805-541-4275 Arroyo Grande Warehouse, by appointment only @habitathomeandgarden

Artistic and functional one-of-a-kind handwoven wool rugs and table runners by Regina Design feature tight weaving and a brilliant use of color that bring her designs to life. Equally beautiful on the floor, table or hung on the wall. Shop online or contact Regina for a bespoke piece for your home. Artist in residence, studio C4, Studio Channel Islands, Camarillo. REGINA DESIGN 2222 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo reginadesign.com; 805-766-1343

It all began 40 years ago with the introduction of the now iconic Santa Barbara Umbrella®, whose timeless design echoes the refined Santa Barbara lifestyle for which it was named. Today we offer more than 12 unique collections and every umbrella is made-to-order in the 805. Visit our spacious showroom in Oxnard or view our collections online at santabarbaradesigns.com. SANTA BARBARA DESIGNS 201 N. Rice Ave., Suite K, Oxnard santabarbaradesigns.com; 800-919-9464

Pacific Stoneworks is passionate about stone! We continue to lead the market in stone fabrication technology. Modern tooling combined with 27 years of fine craftsmanship offer customers and builders professional expertise, consistency, and follow-through. Visit our website and showroom or call 805-648-4098 for a consultation. Pacific Stoneworks is licensed and a member of the National Stone Institute. PACIFIC STONEWORKS, INC. 31 Peking St., Ventura pacificstoneworks.net; 805-648-4098

PTS FURNITURE HOM E A N D OF F IC E SHOW RO OM 250 Conejo Ridge Ave. Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 805-496-4804 Mon–Sat: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun 12–4 p.m. | ptsfurniture.com

PTS FURNITURE HOM E A N D OF F IC E SHOW RO OM

250 Conejo Ridge Ave., Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 805-496-4804 Mon–Sat., 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. | ptsfurniture.com

Upgrades

Home Style Hits

PERSONALIZE SPACES BY LOOKING FOR CLASSIC DESIGN ELEMENTS WITH REFRESHING DETAILS. By Frances Ryan

Alfonso Marina “Libourne” aluminium chair with double-caned seat and back ($4,825); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Upgrades 3

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1. Made Goods “Cole” weather-resistant, ceramic dodecahedron stool in turquoise ($625); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 2. Century Furniture “Lucia” oak candlestand ($897); Alderman Bushé Interiors, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbushe.com. 3. Tabarka Studio “Noblesse 6” 4¾-inch square, hand-painted, terracotta tile in off-white ($85 per square foot); Tileco, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo; tilecodist.com. 4. Palecek “Amaya” indigo-dyed salwag palm–seed pendant ($1,336); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 5. “Braddock” stool with natural-fiber rope–wrapped iron legs ($349); Habitat Home & Garden, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, habitathomeandgarden.com. 6. Article “Sol” rattan daybed with dolphin-gray cushion ($799); article.com. 7. Rocky Mountain Hardware Element Collection door passage set with “Ore” doorknob in high-polished bronze (from $895); Agoura Sash & Door, Westlake Village, agourasash.com. 8. Martyn Lawrence Bullard “Asaram” linen fabric ($118 per yard); Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com. 9. Emtek 7-inch “Modern” house numbers ($30 each); Conejo Hardwoods, Westlake Village,conejohardwoods.com. 10. Noir “Drop” mahogany coffee table with hand-rubbed black finish ($2,574); Beautiful Mess Home & Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com. 11. Arteriors Home “Wick” sconce with convex glass framed in steel ($640); Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com. 

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

For more, visit our Pinterest page, keyword: 805living.

• Montecito • Santa Barbara • Hope Ranch • Beach •

Daniel Encell •# 6 Berkshire Hathaway Agent in the Nation • Wall Street Journal “Top 100” Agents Nationwide (out of over 1.3 million) • Graduate of UCLA School of Law and former attorney • An expert in the luxury home market • Alumnus of Cate and UCSB

“ The Real Estate Guy ” Phone: (805) 565 - 489 6 Email: danencell@aol.com Visit: w w w.DanEncell.com DRE # 0 0976141

Remember — it costs no more to work with the best (but it can cost you plenty if you don’t!)

MURPHY WALLBEDS

Limited space in a bedroom? Want to turn the office into a guestroom at a moment’s notice? Problem solved with our selection of quality Murphy Wallbeds.

LARGEST SELECTION OF MURPHY WALLBEDS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 805 VENTURA BLVD., OXNARD, CA I 805.988.9333 I COMFORTZONESLEEPGALLERY.COM OPEN 10 AM–6 PM I CLOSED WEDNESDAY & SUNDAY

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REALTORS of DISTINCTION

KAY FIELDS Compass kayfieldsrealtor.com | kay.fields@compass.com 818-419-1172 | 2945 Townsgate Road, Suite 300, Westlake Village

DEBORAH KERNAHAN Compass deborahkernahan.com | deborah@deborahkernahan.com 818-519-8357 | 2945 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village

Kay Fields is a luxury property and accredited home-staging specialist at Compass. With over 20 years of experience, Kay provides her clients the peace of mind of having a practiced professional as their real estate advocate. Known for her strong work ethic, honesty and confidentiality to her clientele, she takes pride in offering the highest level of personalized service, always going the extra mile to ensure she exceeds the expectations of her clients.

Deborah is an accomplished and dedicated real estate professional with a highly regarded track record of success. Knowledge of the marketplace and trends is a priority for the clients she serves. She has earned the notable CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST® designation and MILLION DOLLAR GUILD® recognizing Deborah as part of a cadre of agents who work in the top 1.2% of our marketplace. Strategic marketing, resilient negotiating, combined with a personal hands-on approach, assures her clientele she is always looking out for their best interest.

ROBIN HAGEY & LISA SCOTT Beverly & Co. Luxury Properties robinandlisa.com | homeinfo@robinandlisa.com 805-341-7644 | 101 N. Westlake Blvd., Suite 200, Westlake Village

ROBB & NIKKI FRIEDMAN Keller Williams Luxury robbnikki.com | team@robbnikki.com 818-430-3663 | 23976 Park Sorrento, Suite 110, Calabasas

Experience, personal attention, market knowledge, tough (but kind) negotiators. This is why our clients love to work with us. Our goal is to sell your house (or help you buy a new one) for a great price in a time frame that exceeds your expectations. We pay meticulous attention to detail and we’re in constant communication with you as we go through the process. For a complimentary review of your circumstances, please call us.

Who says nice people finish last? That is their slogan and they pride themselves in being very easy going with a ton of patience for both buyers and sellers. So much so that they represent both sellers and buyers more than 70% of their listings, which saves money in commission to the sellers and often gets buyers a better deal. Both LA natives know this area like the back of their hands and both have decades in negotiating.

Robin DRE# 01740573 | Lisa DRE# 01896861

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REALTORS of DISTINCTION

JANET CAMINITE Associate Manager/Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collection santabarbaraluxuryrealty.com | janetcaminite@bhhscal.com 805-896-7767 | 1170 Coast Village Road, Montecito

SIGI ULBRICH & PAM MORAN Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Realty sigiandpam.com | sigiandpam@sigiandpam.com 818-879-2999 | 1155 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village

Recognized as a Top Producer in the Chairman’s Gold Circle, Janet Caminite, the Associate Manager in the Montecito branch, focuses on her client’s real estate goals and visions for their dream homes, consistently providing a concierge level of service. Janet’s win/win approach paves the way for success. Extremely detail oriented, a skilled negotiator with a legal background, she specializes in residences and estates in Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Ventura, ranch/vacant land and oceanfront residences.

This powerful, highly dedicated, #1 North Ranch real estate sales team is perennially honored for their presence in the industry’s top 1% nationwide in earnings. Sigi & Pam dedicate as much time, energy, experience, and investment in marketing to provide the best possible client service in this ever-challenging and changing market. There is no substitute for the experience of Sigi Ulbrich & Pam Moran.

DEBORAH FAGAN Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Realty deborahfagan.com | dfagan@bhhscalhomes.com 818-424-5990 | 1155 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village

RYAN SHIMP Private Office Advisor, Engel & Völkers Westlake Village ryanshimp.evrealestate.com | ryan.shimp@evrealestate.com 818-314-8606 | 960 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 10, Westlake Village

With more than 25 years as a licensed real estate professional in the Conejo and San Fernando Valleys, Deborah consistently ranks in the top two percent nationwide and frequently ranks in the top five company wide. Deborah knows firsthand how to read and navigate a volatile market having succeeded through the highs and lows over the years. She works closely with clients to develop a sound business strategy for their sale or purchase.

Ryan is a perfectionist. His communication, work ethic, knowledge, and world-class concierge-level service are just a few of his sought-after qualities. Personal attention, guidance, extensive experience in both mortgage and real estate, 24/7 availability, and always looking out for the best interest of his past, present, and future clients set him apart. If you are interested in a break from the norm, a shift from traditional; Ryan Shimp is Exceptional Properties, Extraordinary Service!

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REALTORS of DISTINCTION

CATHIE MESSINA Sotheby’s International Realty cathiemessina.com | messina4re@aol.com 818-335-8047 | 3075 Townsgate Road, Suite 100, Westlake Village

JOY BEAN Sotheby's International Realty joypbean.com | joy.bean@sothebyshomes.com 805-895-1422 | 1165 Coast Village Road, Suite A, Montecito

Cathie is a dedicated Realtor with insightful local knowledge and expertise in Greater Ventura County luxury real estate. Since 1985 she has been delivering ethical and professional service, her repeat clientele is testament to this. She places a high value on listening to the needs of her clients. Honored by Real Trends as one of “America’s Best” for exceptional performance in 2020.

Joy is a full-time professional who possesses invaluable business acumen, marketing savvy, and a 25+ year portfolio of experience in both residential and investment real estate. A leading specialist in luxury Montecito/Santa Barbara real estate, she works tirelessly for her clients with diligence, passion and first-class professionalism—all while delivering concierge service and optimal results. Time and again, Joy’s clients have expressed gratitude for the time and money saved, and for her trusted counsel.

DRE #00893569

AMI CARION Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Realty amicarion.bhhscalhomes.com | ami.carion@gmail.com 805-490-6081 | 2860 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks

KATHY BERNAL Compass thebernalgroup.com | kathy.bernal@compass.com 818-519-3510 | 2945 Townsgate Road, Suite 300, Westlake Village

Ami knows that in real estate, information is paramount. Her knowledge, combined with deep experience in our Ventura County market, will deliver results tailored to exceed your real estate goals. She is highly regarded for her client-first philosophy and fierce dedication. Ami excels at simplifying complex transactions, and employs a process designed to achieve the greatest value. A Ventura County resident for more than 25 years, Ami is your trusted real estate agent resource.

Kathy is a consummate professional. Her team—guided by her strong work ethic, honesty, and values—supports, represents, and achieves her clients’ best interests in buying or selling their homes. It’s never just simply about closing the deal! Kathy, a top-producing agent in the Conejo Valley for more than 25 years, holds both foreclosure and short-sale certifications. When you work with Kathy you find a professional whose clients always come first.

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REALTORS of DISTINCTION

TAMARA CAMPBELL Coldwell Banker Realty calltamara4homes.com | tamara@calltamara4homes.com 805-750-6577 | 883 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village

CHRISTY BASSIRI Pinnacle Estate Properties Westlake Village christybassiri.com | christy4realestate@gmail.com 818-620-4901 | 971 Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village

Global Luxury specialist Tamara Campbell is a consistent top producer for Coldwell Banker and has been awarded membership in the coveted International President's Circle. It is her knowledge, experience, and reputation that sets her apart. Masterful negotiating skills, aggressive marketing, and a hands-on approach to every transaction along with her integrity and commitment to excellence have earned her a stellar reputation and consistent referrals. Results speak volumes. Call today for a confidential consultation to discuss your real estate goals.

Christy Bassiri is a third generation residential real estate professional working and residing in the Conejo Valley for nearly two decades. Her motto "Excellence through Experience" is nothing short of describing her knowledge and expertise. She prides herself on her strong, practiced negotiation skills, integrity and discretion for her exceptional clientele. Christy values her relationships, and represents each individual with the utmost attention and consideration.

GAYLE SPIEGLE Coldwell Banker Realty Santa Barbara gaylespiegle.cbintouch.com | gayle.spiegle@camoves.com 805-680-3534 | 3820 State St., Suite G, Santa Barbara

NICKI & KAREN TEAM Compass nickiandkaren.com | teamnickiandkaren@compass.com 805-625-0304 | 2945 Townsgate Road, Suite 300, Westlake Village

“Home is not just a place—it’s a feeling, a place of love and comfort. Let me get you there. Your vision is my passion!” Buy and sell with confidence and peace of mind. Gayle Spiegle is a local Coldwell Banker real estate agent serving Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas.

Nicki & Karen, a leading realtor team with Compass Real Estate, serve clients in the Los Angeles and Ventura areas of Southern California. Nicki & Karen work locally in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Lake Sherwood Country Club, North Ranch Country Club Estates, Hidden Valley, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, North Ranch, Agoura, and Malibu—offering local expertise in a global market.

CalRE #02039072

Nicki LaPorta DRE #01233940 | Karen Crystal DRE #01346860

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REALTORS of DISTINCTION

ROBERT HAAS & KRISTIN MASSEY Haas Rock Star Team at Rodeo Realty rockstarrealty.org | rockstar.realty@protonmail.com 310-600-9011 | 100 N. Westlake Blvd., Unit 100A, Westlake Village

MICHELLE OUELLETTE Sotheby's International Realty aboutmichelleouellette.com | michelle.ouellette@sothebyshomes.com 805-427-1333 | 3075 Townsgate Road, Suite 100, Westlake Village

Rock star agents Robert Haas and Kristin Massey are certified luxury property marketing specialists who were true MTV rock stars. They’ve also written two New York Times #1-bestselling books and appeared on more than 100 network and cable TV shows. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, talk to Robert and Kristin first for all of your luxury real estate needs—from Beverly Hills to Malibu to the Conejo Valley. Let them show you their rock star treatment!

The Estates Director for the Michelle Ouellette Estates Group at Sotheby's International Realty is highly respected in the community, and she has built a stellar reputation over 32 years as a real estate professional providing extraordinary service with expert guidance for both sellers and buyers with many different real estate needs. A multiple award winner for her consistent success as a Top Producer year after year. There is no substitute for experience.

KAREN SANDVIG Coldwell Banker Realty karensandvigproperties.cbintouch.com | karen.sandvig@camoves.com 818-941-7437 | 883 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village

JANELLE JOHNSON Coldwell Banker Realty janelleproperties.com | janelle.johnson@cbrealty.com 386-864-5439 | 11661 San Vicente Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles

One of Coldwell Banker’s top Realtors locally and nationwide, Karen has been providing real estate services in the LA and Ventura County areas since 2005. Her marketing experience and strategies bring clientele top dollar and many recordbreaking sales. She brings an unparalleled level of service, professionalism, and discretion to each sale. An International President’s Elite award recipient, she will surpass all of your expectations. Call for a confidential appointment today.

Janelle’s loyal and honest approach to relationships creates positive experiences for her sellers, buyers, and investors. She is a natural connector and takes a down-to-earth approach in working with clients. Janelle’s clients appreciate her expertise in marketing and business, which enables her to provide a highly effective approach to real estate transactions that truly sets her apart. Janelle is looking forward to working with you! Call Janelle with any of your real estate needs!

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REALTORS of DISTINCTION

ROSEMARY ALLISON Coldwell Banker Residential callrosemary.com | rosemaryallison@aol.com 805-479-7653 | 883 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village

ISABELLE MULLER-GUPTA BHHS California Realty isabellehomes.com | isabelle@isabellehomes.com 818-276-6294 | 1155 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village

One of the country’s most successful Realtors, Rosemary set the standard for excellence throughout her career. REAL Trends ranked Rosemary No. 181 of Top 250 real estate agents in the U.S. based on closed sales volume. Her vision and reputation in the science of marketing the finest estates established her as the most innovative leader in real estate. Rosemary was recognized as “Woman of the Year 2020” and Ventura Counties’ Best Real Estate agent by the Daily News.

Swiss Miss from Geneva, I have international ties and local expertise that my clients love. I understand their needs and create solutions that work best for them. As a Luxury Collection Specialist, I am dedicated to serving my clients at the highest level and keeping them as customers for life. If you’re thinking of moving, or know someone who is, please contact me.

DEBORAH J. BROOKS Douglas Elliman Real Estate brookscoastalproperties.com | deborah.brooks@elliman.com 805-235-0406 | 570 Higuera St., Suite 230, San Luis Obispo

SHERRI SWEENEY Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Realty sherrisweeney.com | sherrisweeney@yahoo.com 805-402-6135 | From the Oaks to the Coast

Deborah Brooks is a top Luxury Realtor on the Central Coast. Her passion and commitment to her clients combined with her knowledge of the area and 15 years in the business create an extraordinary home buying and selling experience. Douglas Elliman’s global presence connects her with a team of the world’s top real estate professionals to achieve the best possible results for her clients. She specializes in selling golf-course, vineyard, and ocean-view properties.

Sherri, a Luxury, Relocation, and Investment Specialist, has been counted among the top 3% of real-estate professionals nationwide since 1998. “I truly enjoy helping people. My goal is to educate my clients to make wise investments. I listen to their needs, tailor my services accordingly, and guide them to a house they will be proud to call home.” Sherri attributes her success to her knowledge, passion, genuine concern for her clients, and dedication to excellence.

A Charismatic Collection ECLECTICISM AND SERENITY COME TOGETHER IN A TOTAL REDECORATION. BY JOAN TAPPER

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PUBLIC 311 DESIGN

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A warm welcome: Wildly patterned Kelly Wearstler wallpaper sets an exuberant tone in the entry of a redecorated home in Westlake Village. “It’s a hug,” says the designer. Clay and terra-cotta objects complement the earthy hues of the restrained palette. Soft, light, and natural (opposite, clockwise from top left): A wooden coffee table centers a comfortable custom couch; a vintage metal flower accents a ceramic vessel; art by Jordan Nicole hangs above a cherished table from Bali; a corner chair underscores the enveloping feminine vibe.

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Shelf life (opposite): A shelving unit by Ojai Oaks Fallen Wood studio dominates a living room wall and provides a showcase for pottery, plants, other personal touches. A custom wood squiggle (below) by Northern California artist Katie Gong holds pride of place on the far wall.

“I came home one day and looked around and saw what I had collected,” says Joi Stearns, proprietor of Westlake Village’s popular Joi Café, about the impetus to redecorate her mid-century modern home. She’d lived in the place for a decade, and the crazily colorful furnishings reflected long-past stages of her life, she realized, prompting her, she says, to “get rid of pretty much everything.” For help, she reached out to a customer and friend, Laura Giuliani of House of G Designs (houseofgdesigns.com), a clothing, accessories, and home goods company. “We did a complete transformation,” Stearns says. Stearns knew her priorities. “I wanted to bring nature in,” she says. “I wanted it to be feminine, and I wanted it not to be cluttered. But I didn’t know what my tastes were. Laura helped me home in on what I wanted to create. She had a vision, and I trusted her.” Giuliani aimed to preserve Stearns’s eclecticism and penchant for vibrant, earthy colors. But she added a calming vibe that she knew would be welcoming after a busy day at the café. “Joi is not an allwhite-and-wood woman,” says Giuliani, who adds that she offset any hint of sterility “by layering textures and materials. “I was super intentional,” > 72

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Giuliani says. “I used clay and terra-cotta, some custom pieces, and loads of vintage [items], and I wanted to use work by female artists and [women-owned] businesses. Everything is vegan, like the café, sustainably 74

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harvested as much as possible, and low-impact.” The new decor is unmistakable from the moment you set foot in the entry, which is now covered on the walls and ceiling with a wildly patterned Kelly Wearstler

paper. “When you open the front door,” says Stearns, “you’re walking into warmth.” The centerpiece in the living room is what Stearns calls a “super comfortable” custom couch, but other pieces

Joi Stearns wields a big bowl full of greens in her newly brightened kitchen (below), where the island has been repainted to match the Big Chill refrigerator. The space extends to a dining area (below, left) with a Leanne Ford cabinet that opens to become a coffee bar. Treasured artworks were reframed for consistency.

include a Balinese console that she already owned, an antique birthing stool, a painting by Orange County– based artist Jordan Nicole, a handmade squiggle sculpture by woodworker Katie Gong,

and some vintage accessories sourced by Brooke Rauch of G3Q Designs. For the custom wood shelving in the living room, Giuliani turned to Ojai Oaks Fallen Wood studio, whose owner, artisan Joshua Mariani,

“had a tree and was waiting to use it,” she says. The shelf and a few other pieces “came from a 150-yearold oak,” notes Stearns. “Think of that—all the life it had, all the creatures who lived in it. The > APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

tree is repurposed in my home!” In the kitchen, a Big Chill refrigerator in a custom color replaced a green one that Stearns sold. Giuliani used the same coral paint on the island. She placed a Leanne Ford cabinet in the adjacent dining area and cut out the back so it could serve as a coffee station. The primary bedroom features a custom bed by Joybird and lively wallpaper by Juju Papers. “I love, love, love the

bedroom,” says Stearns. Throughout the home, Giuliani’s attention to small details, like reframing cherished artworks for a gallery wall and adding new knobs in the baths, made a huge difference. “She did little touches that tied everything together,” says Stearns. “To have an opportunity to fix up a space just for me,” she adds, “that experience was life changing.”·

Champagne and pale blue set the tone for the primary bedroom. Juju Papers cover the wall behind the custom Joybird bed dressed in Brooklinen bedding.

“TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIX UP A SPACE JUST FOR ME, THAT EXPERIENCE WAS LIFE CHANGING.” 76

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The second bedroom retains the owner’s Balinese headboard and echoes its paint colors in a vivid floor covering, while accessories like a geode and feathery fronds evoke the natural world.

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Let There Be

Light! Looking to the future with cherished treasures and pops of modernity. BY JOAN TAPPER PHOTOGRAPHS BY MEGHAN BEIERLE-O’BRIEN

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Crisp, white walls provide a unifying backdrop for the traditional layout of a Thousand Oaks-area home and allow the mix of high and low furnishings and accessories to stand out dramatically.

APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

W W HEN MONDANA AND ARMAN ARAMI FIRST CONNECTED

with interior designer Breeze Giannasio, they had modest goals in mind. They had been living in their 5,000-squarefoot home in the Thousand Oaks area for a few years, and the kitchen layout no longer was conducive to the family’s needs. There were other concerns, too. “The house was outdated,” says Mondana. “It had an ’80s look.” And since it was surrounded by oak and redwood trees, the interior was dark. “We were looking for someone with a sense of what was up and coming, someone who could work with the traditional layout but make it lighter and more modern,” Mondana explains. To start, Giannasio suggested a modest kitchen renovation, taking down a wall that separated it from a dining nook, changing a dated desk area, extending the kitchen island, and working on circulation, sight lines, and light. As she added suggestions for giving the house an overall update, those were welcomed, too. “Her vision was fresh to us,” says Arman, “and it appealed.” It meant getting rid of lots of wallpaper and ornamentation but keeping lovely woodwork and millwork. Painting the rooms a crisp white “infused a touch of modernity,” notes Giannasio, though they retained the brick fireplaces in the living and family rooms and “strategically left mirrored panels in the dining room. “Where we could start fresh with a modern sensibility, we did,” says Giannasio. “The [Aramis] had an appreciation for a contemporary aesthetic with a penchant for antiques from the Paris flea market and other well-curated treasures.” That made for a mix of heirloom pieces complemented by newly sourced custom furnishings. For example, the entry showcases an 18th-century antique bench that Mondana had collected years ago, and in the living room Giannasio refinished and reupholstered a pair of beautiful bergère chairs with F. Schumacher & Co. fabric. “I loved having things with history and soul to add to the space,” she says. The substantial dining room table was a custom piece. It was an important area, a place for breaking bread with friends, and in fact, it turned out to be a favorite spot for Arman, who relishes the heaviness of the table and the contrast with the modern gold chandelier. Throughout the house the light fixtures are like the “jewelry of the spaces,” says Giannasio. “They add a

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sculptural presence. Everything else is quiet and clean; it’s a nice pop to have something modern.” Similarly, the rugs add variety to the rooms. “Some are earthy, some are tribal, some are backdrops,” says the designer. For Mondana, the zebra rug in the living room has helped to make it her go-to space, a place that’s comforting. “Overall, the house feels like a refuge,” says Giannasio, “with interest and texture, art and nature. The renovation was an important transition in their lives. Their daughter was going to college, and they were looking to the future. “At the end of the process I was surprised to find out that Arman is an artist,” Giannasio adds. “We were so focused on the furniture and the renovation. He painted the dancing Sufis for the living room. “The renovation was an organic process,” she says. “The owners felt celebrated and listened to. And there’s nothing more gratifying than giving a couple the home they dream of.” ·

Mirrored panels and a modern metallic chandelier amplify the light in the dining room, where the custom table is a monumental centerpiece.

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In the breakfast nook, the designer turned a bookcase on its side to better show off the family’s artifacts and art, including Arman Arami’s painting of a woman on a live-edge piece of wood. An 18th-century settee that Mondana Arami collected years ago stands in the foyer (opposite). An adjacent pouf contributes a contemporary contrast.

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The renovation started with updating the kitchen (below), where the island was extended and painted a subtle gray with blue undertones. Open shelves (right) highlight wood and white wares as well as architectural prints acquired at a Paris flea market.

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The brick fireplace in the living room was left unpainted, but the owners’ bergère chairs were reupholstered and recovered in a brown F. Schumacher & Co. fabric that enhances the wow factor of the zebra rug.

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Taste FOOD / WINE / DINING OUT

Devilishly Delicious CHEF RACHEL HAGGSTROM OF THE RESTAURANT AT JUSTIN WINERY WHIPS UP INVENTIVE VARIATIONS ON A CLASSIC EGG-CENTRIC APPETIZER. By Jaime Lewis

he humble egg is a marvelous thing. For centuries, it has symbolized hope, rebirth, and a fresh start. It serves as a culinary building block, capable of puffing up a cake, browning a crust, binding ingredients together, or thickening a sauce. On their own, eggs can be equally useful, whether scrambled, fried, poached, or soft- or hard-boiled. But the dish that really gilds the lily, so to speak, is the deviled egg. It’s a simple way to elevate the ordinary, really: a peeled hard-boiled egg, split lengthwise, its yolk removed whipped with spices, and returned to the

GRAVLAX DEVILED EGGS “This version of deviled eggs is a family favorite, as cured salmon or gravlax is commonly eaten in Sweden,” says Haggstrom, whose husband is Swedish. She adds that gravlax is a great brunch or breakfast item for an Easter or holiday buffet, and suggests garnishing these eggs with capers, caviar, trout roe, or cornichons, if you have them on hand. Chef’s tip: “Use any leftover filling as ‘glue’ to put on a platter under each deviled egg,” says chef Haggstrom. “This will help keep the eggs from sliding around. Alternatively, you can place the eggs on a bed of arugula.” Makes 12 deviled eggs 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and rinsed 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ¾ cup crème fraîche ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked white pepper

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egg’s cavity. Deviled eggs date as far back as the 14th century, and they’ve since come to be associated with holidays, cocktail parties, and tailgating. Why? Because they’re cute, hearty, and require no utensils to eat. Also, they’re delicious. Addictively so. At The Restaurant at Justin Vineyards & Winery (justinwine.com) in Paso Robles, executive chef Rachel Haggstrom gives deviled eggs a wine country reboot featuring flavors more closely associated with other dishes. Use the following recipes for her nontraditional deviled eggs to create an egg bar on Easter Sunday or to repurpose your hard-boiled Easter eggs as an egg-ceptional snack for Monday.

¼ cup gravlax, chopped fine (purchased or homemade; find Haggstrom’s recipe at 805living.com) 1 teaspoon capers, rinsed and chopped fine 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped fine 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons chives, chopped fine Dill fronds, sliced gravlax, trout roe, or caviar for garnish Using a sharp knife, cut eggs in half lengthwise. For clean cuts, wipe knife off with a damp towel after each cut. Using a spoon, remove cooked yolks from whites and place yolks in a small bowl. Add mustard and crème fraîche and mix with a fork; the mixture should be creamy and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped gravlax, capers, dill, chives, and lemon juice and mix gently until just

combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. Place mixture in a piping bag fitted with a piping tip, if desired, to create a particular aesthetic or style. (Alternatively, use a plastic resealable bag: push the filling to one corner of the bag, cut the tip off that corner, and squeeze until the filling emerges.) Pipe egg-yolk filling into each egg-white half. Garnish with a thin slice of gravlax and a dill frond. For a more extravagant presentation, top with a dollop of trout roe or caviar. Serve.

BLT DEVILED EGGS This deviled egg recipe is a riff on the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, but Haggstrom says it’s possible to make it vegetarian by leaving out the bacon. “If you want to keep the same flavor profile,” she says, “increase the paprika, and use a smoked variety to mimic the flavor of the bacon.” >

Get spring parties started with a deviled egg bar. Make a favorite recipe and/or a few creative new flavors and set out toppings—like prosciutto, gravlax, radishes, olives, capers, feta, sriracha, chives, and dill fronds—for guests to customize their own bites.

Taste Food

Makes 12 deviled eggs 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and rinsed ¾ cup crème fraîche ¼ teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper ½ teaspoon sherry vinegar (such as Pedro Ximénez) 5 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and finely chopped 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped 3 tablespoons Tomato Jam (purchased or homemade; recipe follows) 12 small arugula leaves Using a sharp knife, cut eggs in half lengthwise. After each cut, wipe the knife off with a damp towel to clean. Using a spoon, remove cooked yolks from whites and place yolks in a small bowl. Add crème fraîche and mix it into the yolks with a fork; the mixture should be creamy and smooth. Add paprika, salt, pepper, and vinegar; adjust to taste. Add bacon and chives and mix gently until just combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. Place mixture in a piping bag fitted with a piping tip, if desired, to create a particular aesthetic or style. (Alternatively, use a plastic resealable bag: push the filling to one corner of the bag, cut the tip off that corner, and squeeze until the filling

The Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg for Deviled Eggs A culinary riddle: A good deviled egg comes from a good hard-boiled egg, but how hard can hard-boiling an egg be? The process of hard-boiling eggs might seem self-explanatory, but it takes precision to avoid turning the yolk chalky or leaving it runny. Chef Rachel Haggstrom has it down to a science, and once you’ve practiced her method a few times, you will too. Gently place up to 6 whole eggs in a small pot. Cover eggs with water, place on the stove and bring to a low boil over medium heat. Once the water comes to a low boil, set a timer for 7 minutes. Immediately remove the eggs from hot water, and place in a bowl just big enough to hold them. Cover the eggs with ice and fill the bowl with cold water. (Cooling the eggs in an ice bath prevents residual heat from cooking them further.) Allow eggs to sit in ice water until they are completely cooled. This step can be done up to two days in advance if the cooked eggs are kept in the refrigerator.

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emerges.) Pipe egg-yolk filling into each egg-white half. Top each deviled egg with a small amount of tomato jam. Garnish with an arugula leaf. Serve.

JUSTIN’S TOMATO JAM “At The Restaurant at Justin, we use tomato jam on our cheese boards to pair with local cheese,” says Haggstrom. “Because of its sweet and savory flavors, it’s very versatile.” She says it’s also delicious when spread on a grilled cheese sandwich. Makes about 1 quart 4 pounds fresh tomatoes 2½ pounds sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (such as Pedro Ximénez) Using a paring knife, cut the core from tomatoes and cut an X on the bottom of each tomato. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, place ice and cool water in a large bowl and place it near the stove. Place tomatoes in boiling water until their skins slightly pull away from the flesh, approximately 20 seconds. ( The time will var y depending on the ripeness of the tomato.) Transfer tomatoes to ice bath. Once tomatoes are completely cool, remove them from the cold water and peel them. Cut each peeled tomato in half and remove and discard the seeds, reserving as much of the juices as possible. Dice tomatoes or pulse them in a food processor. Place tomatoes and tomato juices in a large pot with sugar and salt. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until they thicken to the consistency of jam, approximately 2 hours. While tomatoes are cooking, place a small ceramic plate in the refrigerator. To test consistency, remove plate from refrigerator and smear a dollop of jam on plate. Jam should be thick and hold its texture when you push it with a finger, but it should still be spreadable. If it’s not thick enough, allow it to cook further, testing in 15-minute increments. Once jam reaches the right consistency, stir in sherry vinegar and adjust salt to taste. Tomato jam will keep in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, for a week in the refrigerator.

SHOYU DEVILED EGGS Japanese shoyu eggs are boiled in a sweet-savory marinade. Haggstrom says they make a great snack and

are a hearty addition to soups like ramen. In this recipe, she gives them an American twist by deviling them. Makes 12 deviled eggs SHOYU MARINADE 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed 2-inch piece fresh ginger 1 árbol chile ½ cup mirin 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar ½ cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed 1 cup water EGGS 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and rinsed ¾ cup crème fraîche ½ teaspoon chili garlic paste ¼ teaspoon togarashi (a red chile pepper, Szechaun peppercorn, and ginger–based spice blend) ½ teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds Garnish with togarashi or furikake (a seasoning mix of dried seaweed, sesame seeds and dried fish), smoked salmon, smoked eel (unagi), or trout roe or caviar To make shoyu marinade: Combine all ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil. Strain, reserving the liquid, and cool to room temperature (refrigerate if necessary). Submerge eggs in shoyu marinade and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. For an even stronger flavor, marinate them for 12 hours longer for 36 hours total. Remove eggs from marinade and set them aside, reserving some marinade. To prepare eggs: Using a sharp knife, cut marinated eggs in half lengthwise. For clean cuts, wipe knife off with a damp towel after each cut. Using a spoon, remove cooked yolks from whites and place yolks in a small bowl. Add crème fraîche and mix with a fork until creamy and smooth. Gently mix in chili garlic paste, adjusting to taste. Add a little of reserved shoyu marinade if desired. Place mixture in a piping bag fitted with a piping tip, if desired, to create a particular aesthetic or style. (Alternatively, use a plastic resealable bag: push the filling to one corner of the bag, cut the tip off that corner, and squeeze until the filling emerges.) Pipe egg-yolk filling into each egg-white half. Garnish shoyu eggs with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and togarashi or furikake. For an extravagant touch, top with a dollop of trout roe or caviar. Serve. ·

Taste Wine By Alex Ward

Reds and Whites Go Green

Located in Santa Ynez Valley’s Happy Canyon AVA, Grimm’s Bluff Vineyard has been biodynamically farmed since the vines were planted according to the holistic agricultural guidelines in 2012.

ine production is a fundamentally agricultural endeavor. And like any farming operation, viticulture has intrinsic ecological implications, from the health of the soil in which grapevines are grown to the quantity and quality of water used for vineyard irrigation. Throughout the Central Coast, eco-conscious wineries are producing fruit by way of sustainable practices, foregoing chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and crafting wine with a low carbon footprint. Now

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more than ever, savvy consumers can enjoy organic, biodynamic, and natural wines that provide all the flavor of their conventionally produced counterparts with far less environmental impact. Perched above the Santa Ynez River in the Happy Canyon AVA, Grimm’s Bluff Vineyard employs a biodynamic farming strategy, eschewing herbicides and synthetic fertilizers and adhering to a planting schedule dictated by lunar rhythms. Under the guidance of consultant Philippe Coderey, Grimm’s Bluff has rigidly implemented biodynamic methods since its inception, growing Bordeaux varietal grapes in virgin

LANDSCAPE AND OPPOSITE: COURTESY OF GRIMM’S BLUFF VINEYARD

CENTRAL COAST WINERIES GET ECO-CONSCIOUS.

soil and earning the winery Demeter certification. “Not only are you organic by default in biodynamics,” says sales and marketing manager Jeff Chaney, “but you are actually building the soil and microbe structures throughout the property and treating it as one holistic organism.” Visitors to the new and nicely appointed Grimm’s Bluff tasting room in Los Olivos can sample a selection of biodynamic estate wines including the 2016 Cliff Hanger, Happy Canyon ($65, grimmsbluff. com), a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon with prominent red fruit notes and baking spice aromas that would pair admirably with a seared rib-eye steak. After witnessing the effect of climate change on the wine industry (and vice versa), winemaker Alex Katz founded Protector Cellars, which he describes as “the world’s first climate-positive winery.” All of the winery’s fruit is sourced from certified sustainable vineyards throughout the Central Coast, ensuring that the grapes are harvested with limited fossilfuel consumption. And with roughly half of a wine bottle’s greenhouse gas emissions stemming from the production and transport of the glass bottle itself, Katz has opted to distribute his wine in distinctive 250-milliliter aluminum cans, including the 2019 White Wine, California ($7, protectorcellars.com). Featuring aromas of honeysuckle and a nuanced effervescence, this sauvignon blanc is a refreshing choice for environmentally minded oenophiles. For each can sold, Protector Cellars plants a tree via a partnership with nonprofit organization Trees for the Future, guaranteeing that the winery eliminates more carbon than it produces. For years, acclaimed winery Pali Wine Co. has offered a rotating roster of wine on tap at each of its urban tasting rooms, bypassing the bottling process and encouraging customers to take home wine in environmentally friendly reusable growlers. All of Pali’s wines (including the ones they do bottle) are produced by way of healthy and sustainable farming techniques. And now, the stalwart winery has launched its Natural Wine Club, a subscription service highlighting varietals fermented exclusively with native yeast. Each quarterly shipment ($120) includes five curated bottles drawn from Pali’s varied line of natural wines, such as the 2019 Chardonnay Pali Vineyard Natural, Sta. Rita Hills ($35, paliwineco.com), a deliciously dry white with zippy, citric acidity and a pleasing minerality. Folded Hills winery in Gaviota was founded on the principle of minimal intervention. Its cool climate Rhône varietals are grown organically and handharvested using sustainable practices. Throughout the estate vineyard, grazing sheep consume cover crop and provide fertilizer while seasonally migrating

In addition to wine grapes, Grimm’s Bluff is also home to cattle raised on s biodynamic pastures.

ladybugs fend off predatory insects and artesian well water serves as an irrigation source. Fermentation is strictly natural with ambient yeast imbuing each bottle with a true taste of regional terroir. Like the rest of the winery’s portfolio, the 2018 Grant Grenache, Santa Ynez Valley ($41, foldedhills.com) contains no commercial additives, exceedingly low sulfites, and zero residual sugar. It’s also particularly well suited for spring with a refreshing acidity running alongside notable tannins. Aromas of pomegranate and cherry are accompanied by subtle accents of tobacco and savory herbs, providing a medley of flavors sure to complement a serving of grilled seasonal vegetables or creamy risotto. In 2020, Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles fulfilled a number of stringent requirements to become the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified winery. Throughout its estate vineyard, Tablas Creek incorporates a myriad of regenerative techniques including no-till farming, cover cropping, and on-site composting, resulting in nutrient-rich soil that captures carbon content. Organic flocks of sheep and alpaca help to graze and fertilize the land while enjoying exceptionally high standards of health, herding, and handling. The vineyard’s progressive viticulture practices culminate in a collection of intriguing wines, including the 2018 En Gobelet, Adelaida District ($55, tablascreek.com), a blend of 36 percent grenache, 28 percent mourvèdre, 27 percent syrah, 6 percent counoise, and 3 percent tannat. This lush and spicy red shows fragrances of forest fruit with tastes of black cherry and cracked peppercorn leading to a creamy mineral finish.  APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste Dining Out By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

A Marriage of Heritages PRESENTING A BLEND OF CULINARY CULTURES THAT REPRESENT THE ROOTS OF ITS FOUNDING CHEFS, SANTA BARBARA’S NEW SECRET BAO RESTAURANT SERVES THE FOOD THEY CRAVE.

year ago, Peter Lee and Felicia Medina were on a very different track. The chef-owners of the new Secret Bao (secretbaosb.com) in Santa Barbara were about to embark on a short cruise to finally tie the knot, but passengers aboard another cruise ship in San Francisco Bay were struck with a then little-known virus, putting their wedding plans on hold. Meanwhile, they were also making moves to secure a State Street location for their first restaurant, a long-held vision of theirs since graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. After more than a decade of working at restaurants including

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El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma, La Condesa in St. Helena, and Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas and occasionally making time for low-budget tasting adventures from Spain to Tokyo, they were poised and ready. “We were in escrow in March [2020] but by April decided to pull out. It just wasn’t the right time for a finedining restaurant,” says Lee, who was then wrapping up his fourth year as the opening executive chef at Acme Hospitality Group’s Loquita restaurant, where Medina also worked as executive sous chef. Without the cushion of a restaurant corporation and with nothing to lose but time and their hard-earned savings, they decided that the best plan going forward was “to try a pop-up out of

my apartment and just see what happens,” says Lee. Their clandestine apartment operation (from which came the secret in the name) started off selling fortydollar tickets for a three-course dinner for two. The couple shopped at a local market, prepped the meals together, knocked out the orders on a four-burner stove, and hustled them down the stairs to customers waiting in cars. While grilling 45 pounds of Korean short ribs on a tiny patio grill (to the dismay of neighbors and an irate landlord) Lee was forced to question not only his sanity but also the sustainability of their model. The next step was to find a commercial kitchen. Their search led the couple to an arrangement with Handlebar Coffee Roasters, where their Secret Bao weekend pop-up concept flourished for more than half a year. The pop-up menu offered innovative, well-executed and reasonably priced comfort food seen nowhere else in the region. New Asian-American dishes rotated weekly based on the seasons: creamy Udon Carbonara with Molinari pancetta; Seafood or Chinese Five Spice Duck Confit Congee; and Niman Ranch pork Katsudon. The steady offering of bao—the soft, pillowy steamed buns Medina had often made for a staff meal during her time at Loquita—called for a labor-intensive, triple-proof yeast dough. Before long, the next hurdle was to meet the demand for the 300 to 500 buns sold each weekend. At Secret Bao’s new downtown site the kitchen equipment includes an automatic dough-roller and The secret’s out: Secret Bao owners Peter Lee and Felicia Medina (opposite, right) serve modern AsianAmerican dishes, such as rice and noodle entrées, their popular bao with a variety of fillings—including (opposite, left, from top) maitake mushroom tempura, Korean fried chicken, and fried shrimp—and snacks, like sour cream–and-onion prawn chips (left). An assortment of local wines and Japanese and Asianinspired beers complements the fare.

a high-tech oven to ease that daunting bao-making challenge. Formerly the longtime location of Coffee Cat followed by Julian and Katherine Sanders’ Cafe Ana, the spacious, light interior is decorated in white and wood tones with photos of contemporary Seoul, Korea, gracing the walls. Until indoor dining returns, orders are available for takeout or for outdoor dining on the charming, newly installed patio, which is bordered by a luscious green hedge that looks like it belongs in an English country garden. Medina calls it “an Instagram-worthy backdrop for bao pics.” The opening lunch and dinner menu revives popular selections from the pop-up, such as the aforementioned Udon Carbonara and the Japchae, a stir-fry featuring glass noodles made from sweet potato starch in a deliciously sweet soy sauce with hefty mushrooms, slivered onions, and spinach leaves, all topped with a sprinkling of black and white sesame seeds. Beef and pork meatballs, similar to albóndigas (Mexican meatballs), are served in Kabli glaze (a Korean-style blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, mirin, and sesame oil), while potato balls represent the comfort food of Medina’s Mexican, Cuban, and Chinese heritage. A nostalgic dish for Lee, who is Korean-born and was raised in California from the age of 1, is the Curry Yakisoba, fried sun noodles in curry sauce with savoy cabbage, pickled ginger, onion, and nori powder. “It’s the food we crave,” says Lee of the menu items he and Medina create. “‘Fusion’ is how someone without [my] roots would describe these dishes. At the end of the day, it’s about what tastes good,” he says. In addition to the couple’s version of traditional Korean bibimbap, rice dishes showcase miso and black cod, bacon and kimchi, and pork katsu (fried with a panko bread crumb–crust). Bao fillings draw from the pop-up’s greatest hits: crisp fried chicken with a spicy Korean sauce and crunchy sesame cabbage slaw; whole maitake-mushroom tempura with a slather of mayo and sweet, pickled cucumber; fried shrimp doused with sweet chili sauce and topped with sesame slaw; and roasted, glazed pork belly with pickled pineapple. All are between $4.75 and $6.50 each. A kids’ menu offers tot-friendly chicken and PB&J Bao. Beverage offerings are simple and well considered: small-batch soju, local Draughtsman Nama Bīru rice lager on tap, Hitachino Nest beers by the bottle, and a selection of local wines. Soft drinks, like refreshing Japanese apple or yuzu sparkling sodas, are available as well as Handlebar Coffee Roasters Nitro brew on tap, an homage to the enterprise’s former host. Once again, the craziness of the past year has forced chefs like Lee and Medina to try new pathways. The couple plans to continue moving toward what works best for their restaurant and their diners, and eventually, to circle back to their postponed wedding.  APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

THE DINING GUIDE Our aim is to inform you of restaurants with great food that you might not have experienced yet. This guide is arranged not by cuisine type, but by style of restaurant. “Fine Dining” choices have an elegant atmosphere and very professional service. Restaurants included under the “Foodie” heading are heralded for their wonderful chef-driven cuisine, regardless of atmosphere. “Good Eats” listings are just that—solid, casual, and delicious. The “Fun, Fun, Fun” category brings you spots geared toward a good time. New listings will appear in Where to Eat Now in every issue. Please send any comments and suggestions to edit@805living.com. MORE ON THE WEB: Visit 805living.com for more listings and to make quick and easy reservations at many of the restaurants listed here and on the website through Open Table.

Fine Dining

These restaurants have a skilled kitchen team, a lovely dining room, and great service. UPDATE BELMOND EL ENCANTO 800 Alvarado Place Santa Barbara, 805-845-5800 belmond.com/el-encanto-santa-barbara Entrées $26–$54 Great Views, Romantic

The luxe Belmond El Encanto hotel perches atop its seven-acre hilltop property with sweeping city and ocean views. Settle in on the spacious terrace to experience the plant- and seafood-forward cuisine of executive chef Bruno Lopez in dishes such as king salmon, seared diver scallops, risotto with sea urchin or black truffle, glass noodles, and a grains and greens bowl. Taking influences from various California cultures, the menu showcases the flavors of local artisanal ingredients including fresh seafood, caught daily. Wine offerings from Santa Barbara County and around the globe, beers, and cocktails are among a wide selection of beverage choices. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, although Sunday lunch is replaced with a bottomless Bellini brunch. Afternoon tea is served Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with 24-hour advance notice. In-the-know locals and hotel guests take in the sunset, cocktail in hand, on the terrace.

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CA’ DARIO 37 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara and 38 W. Victoria St. Santa Barbara and 1187 Coast Village Road Montecito and 250 Storke Road, Unit B Goleta 805-884-9419 cadariorestaurants.com Italian; Entrées $11–$30

The flagship of Dario Furlati’s growing restaurant empire sits at the corner of Victoria and Anacapa streets somewhat off the Santa Barbara tourist path but decidedly worth the walk. House-made pastas here come with Bolognese or tomatoes, olives, and capers or smoked salmon, peas, tomatoes, and cream. Terra-cotta-baked chicken, roasted quails with porcini ragout sauce, and fish-of-the-day specials are also available. For faster fare, check out Ca’ Dario Pizzeria Veloce, found inside the Santa Barbara Public Market. People of Goleta, take note: Ca’ Dario Cucina Italiana serves lunch and dinner in a Storke Plaza space decorated with dark woods and white tablecloths. A recently opened Montecito location also serves lunch and dinner.

CAFÉ ZACK 1095 E. Thompson Blvd. Ventura, 805-643-9445 cafezack.com Global; Entrées $20–$34

It’s appropriate that this hidden gem is set in a charming renovated house, since owner Hector Gomez has been making customers feel at home for the past 20 years. Gracious service and impeccably executed dishes keep loyal followers coming back for lunch and dinner. For the evening meal, chef Salome Cervantes offers classic dishes with global influences, such as Tellicherry peppercorn– encrusted Choice Beef Filet Mignon and Slow Roasted Boar Shank in a rich demi-glace. Fresh locally sourced fish, pastas, and salads round out the menu along with house-made desserts including crème brûlée. Lunchtime offerings include soups, pastas, and salads like Zack’s Tostada, which comes with a choice of grilled shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. The wine list highlights local bottlings.

CELLO RISTORANTE & BAR 2700 Buena Vista Drive Paso Robles, 805-369-2503 allegrettovineyardresort.com/dining.aspx Mediterranean; Entrées $14–$38 Romantic

Located at the luxurious Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Cello features local, seasonal ingredients (some grown on site) in pastas, salads, flatbreads, steaks, and seafood. A serene covered patio near the substantial kitchen garden is a fine place for enjoying breakfast, lunch, small plates, or dinner outdoors. Cello also offers an extensive farm-to-bar cocktail menu and a wine list that includes several otherwise impossible-to-get bottles.

THE CHASE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 1012 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-965-4351 chasebarandgrill.com Italian; Entrées $16–$44

Romantic With the cozy upscale ambience of an oldfashioned supper club, The Chase Restaurant and Lounge has offered enduring Italian favorites along with American steaks, chops, and seafood, since 1979, proving that the classics never lose their appeal. Sparkling garlands of tiny white lights, white tablecloths, a marble-inlaid bar, tip-top service, and Frank Sinatra in the background set the scene for traditional, satisfying meals.

FIRST & OAK 409 First St. Solvang, 805-688-1703 firstandoak.com Modern European; Tasting Menus $59–$89

This charming eatery at the Mirabelle Inn was recognized with the Plate designation in the Michelin Guide California 2019. Chef JJ Guerrero offers a unique create-your-own tasting menu of three, four, or five courses that combine local ingredients with French techniques. The menu changes with the seasons; small plates include options like Truffle Roasted Cauliflower and Dungeness crab. A well-curated wine list spotlights Santa Ynez Valley vineyards. Check online for the afternoon high tea, which is served on selected dates.

COVID-19 restrictions affecting dining options are subject to change, but local restaurants need your support whenever possible.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE 2 Dole Drive Westlake Village, 818-575-3000 fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/dining

Three dining concepts at this resort offer a variety of options. At Coin & Candor, a breakfast, lunch, and dinner brasserie, original dishes by chef Jesus Medina are driven by the seasonality of ingredients from local purveyors and influenced by his Latin roots. The recently remodeled Onyx boasts a new menu by chef de cuisine Masa Shimakawa. With a spotlight on bright, fresh nigiri sushi and sashimi, the menu includes specialty rolls like the Hayabusa, with yellowtail, shrimp, asparagus, avocado, and creamy ponzu. The American Wagyu beef skirt steak is also a highlight on the well-rounded menu. Prosperous Penny is a sophisticated, comfortable social watering hole pouring inventive cocktails, aged bourbons and whiskeys, and rare spirits. Accompaniments are available from a seasonally driven light-bite menu. For a sip of joe, Stir coffee bar, located off the lobby, is open daily from 6 a.m., offering a grab-and-go menu of baked on-site pastries and savory options along with cold-brewed coffee, juices, gelato, and other treats. Valet parking is $10 with validation; self-parking is free for up to four hours with validation.

LA DOLCE VITA 1901 740 S. B St. Oxnard, 805-486-6878 ladolcevita1901.com Mediterranean; Entrées $11–Market Price for Steaks and Seafood Romantic, Great Views, Live Music

From the pergola-covered patio of this pretty Colonial Revival house, diners can often see docents in Victorian-era costumes giving tours of Oxnard’s Heritage Square. Dining rooms inside the historic former home offer bird’s-eye views of the grounds through diamond-pane windows. The eclectic menu by co-owner and executive chef Michelle Kenney includes grilled onion chowder, lemon-pistachio pasta, and portobello Florentine, the latter topped with sautéed spinach, pancetta, Gruyère, and capellini. Afternoon teas and hands-on cooking classes are available. Named for the year in which the house was built, the 1901 Speakeasy Lounge in the basement specializes in live music and Prohibition-themed cocktails.

LES PETITES CANAILLES 1215 Spring St. Paso Robles, 805-296-3754 lpcrestaurant.com French; Entrées $17–$40

DON’T MISS THE MAY

OUTDOOR LIVING ISSUE

UPDATE LUCKY’S 1279 Coast Village Road Montecito, 805-565-7540 luckys-steakhouse.com and 3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite 18 Malibu, 310-317-0099 luckysmalibu.com Steak House; Entrées $16–$69 Saturday & Sunday Brunch

At the Montecito location of this upscale steak house, black-and-white portraits of stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Warhol, and Julia Child adorn the walls. The plates and napkins are monogrammed, the patio is tented and heated for year-round enjoyment, and the bar opens an hour before dinner service

PHOTO BY ROBERTO NICKSON ON UNSPLASH

Offering a taste of Paris in Paso without the pretense, this buzzing French farm-to-table bistro focuses on sophisticated, modern cuisine in a casual, comfortable setting. Julien Asseo, chef and co-owner with his wife, Courtney, received his culinary education in France and honed his skills at Michelinstarred eateries Restaurant Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas and La Fontaine de Mars in France. Following dishes like steak tartare, escargot in puff pastry, steak frites, dayboat scallops, beef cheek Bourguignon, and Le Burger, it’s easy to say oui to crème brûlée or profiteroles for a very French ending.

To advertise, contact your sales representative or call 805-444-1228.

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Where to Eat Now begins. Steaks can be dressed with seven different sauces, there are eight versions of potato side dishes, and the onion rings should have their own Facebook fan page. The Malibu location in the Malibu Country Mart offers the same mouthwatering steaks, chops, seafood, and cocktails, and carries on the black-and-white theme with an eye-catching jazz-themed mural in the dining room. Seating is also available on the covered and heated outdoor patio. Dinner is served daily in Montecito and Tuesday through Sunday in Malibu. Lunch is offered Monday through Friday in Montecito.

El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara (belmond.com), welcomes new executive chef Bruno Lopez, who brings to the post more than 25 years of industry experience. Inspired by local bounty, Lopez lends fresh energy to favorites like Seared Diver Scallops and Seasonal Salmon, and adds dishes including risotto with a choice of local sea urchin or black truffle and glass noodles with Asian-inspired flavors. Locals and visitors savor breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch on the dining terrace, along with sweeping ocean views.

MEDITERRANEO 32037 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-889-9105 med-rest.com Mediterranean; Entrées $16–$58 Great View, Weekend Brunch

Recently reopened after a major makeover, this favorite of locals and hotel guests retains an elegant yet comfortable vibe. Located on the 17-acre property of the Westlake Village Inn, the all-new design includes an expansive bar for sipping craft cocktails and international wines. Executive chef Lisa Biondi has reimagined the menus to include bright Mediterranean dishes such as salatim, seasonal Israeli salads and spreads like street corn with lemon, yogurt, feta, and a punch of Aleppo pepper, at lunch and dinner. Dinner entrées include old favorites like classic prime steaks and housemade pastas, along with lamb sirloin souvlaki and grilled whole branzino. Weekend brunch options include Benedicts, shakshuka, pancakes, and waffles. Patios offer views of the lake or vineyard.

NONNA 951 S. Westlake Blvd. #102 Westlake Village, 805-497-8482 nonna.restaurant Italian; Entrées $18–$45 Romantic, Great Patio

A casually elegant dining room of distressed wood lit with unique light sculptures by artist Timothy J. Ferrie is a beautiful fit for Florence-born and -trained restaurateur Jacopo Falleni. The menu avoids the faddish, instead cutting a culinary swath through the Italian peninsula and islands with tradition-rich dishes that reflect Falleni’s Tuscan upbringing (gnudi with pomodoro sauce), executive chef Pamela Ganci’s Sicilian heritage (arancini), and pasta chef Pamela Ganci’s influences from Bologna (passatelli

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with peas). Service is engaging and professional, while Falleni himself fills the role of sommelier and designed signature cocktails for the full bar.

OJAI VALLEY INN 905 Country Club Road Ojai, 805-646-1111 ojaivalleyinn.com Various Cuisines Entrées $11–$60; Saturday Buffet Brunch $32, Sunday Bluegrass Brunch $55

The resort’s beautiful setting can be enjoyed by hotel guests and others who simply want to patronize the restaurants. As the fine-dining flagship, Olivella features California-Italian cuisine (see separate listing). Start the evening with small bites and cocktails in the Wallace Neff Heritage Bar, located in the resort’s original golf clubhouse and named for the architect who set the inn’s Spanish Revival tone. Other dining venues include the tranquil Spa Café in Spa Ojai, where light breakfast, fresh-pressed juices, and spa lunch are served inside or on the poolside terrace. The Oak is famous for its casual but attentive lunch service on a shaded patio overlooking the 10th hole of the resort’s golf course. It also serves breakfast and dinner and two styles of brunch: buffet on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and bottomless Champagne with live bluegrass music on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Indigo Pool & Bar offers salads, sandwiches, and adult libations served poolside and in cabanas. The Pixie Café is located at the family-friendly Pixie Pool. Jimmy’s Pub offers a menu of salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and entrées plus craft beers and cocktails. (It’s also one of the few restaurants in Ojai to stay open past 10 p.m. on weekends.) Next door, Libbey’s Market is the place to go for a quick sandwich and a scoop of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams.

OKU 29 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, 805-690-1650 okusantabarbara.com Asian Fusion; Entrées $16–$38

This sleek, contemporary Asian spot across from the beach boasts spectacular ocean and Stearns Wharf views and a lively atmosphere. The first-floor dining room is anchored by a cocktail bar on one side and sushi bar on the other, with an outdoor patio. Upstairs, a dining room with a cocktail bar opens to a roomy patio with an outdoor fireplace and sofas. Menu favorites include Wagyu steak, Miso Yuzu Black Cod, and Crispy Korean Cauliflower. Sip craft cocktails, local draft beer, sake, or a selection from the well-curated wine list spotlighting Santa Barbara County wineries. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, dinner, and happy hour.

PACIFIC BY NORU 394 E. Main St., Suite B Ventura, 805-205-9618 pacificbynoru.com New American; Entrées $10–$29

This star serves innovative coastal fare in an upscale yet laid-back setting that includes a lovely covered patio. Housed in the 1924 Beaux Arts–style Bank of Italy building on Ventura’s buzzing main drag, it’s a locals’ go-to for dinner and happy hour (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). The menu changes seasonally, but chef Ren Weigang and co-owner James Norton serve up recurring favorites like sake-glazed salmon, hamachi sashimi, braised short rib, chicken katsu sliders, and Wagyu Bavette Bulgogi with chimichurri. Sip an inventive cocktail or local wine or beer.

ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH 1759 South Jameson Lane Montecito, 805-900-8388

rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramar-beachmontecito Californian and Italian; Entrées $19–$55 Great Views, Saturday and Sunday Brunch

Set in a spectacular seaside location, this luxury beachside resort’s seven distinctive restaurants and bars are open to the general public as well as hotel guests. Executive chef Massimo Falsini oversees the dining destinations, which emphasize locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Caruso’s, the signature oceanfront eatery, is open daily for dinner and features alfresco seating over the sand in addition to a stylish dining room outfitted with deep blue leather booths. Menu highlights include starters such as hand-pulled burrata as well as Baja kampachi crudo, house-made pastas including the chef’s signature carbonara, uni tagliolini, and main courses such as pan-roasted petrale sole and grass-fed Watkins Ranch beef fillet. Local and international wines and traditional handcrafted signature cocktails are also offered.

SAN YSIDRO RANCH 900 San Ysidro Lane Santa Barbara, 805-565-1700 sanysidroranch.com/san_dining.cfm American; Entrées $18–$56 at Plow & Angel, $38–$63 at The Stonehouse, Sunday Brunch $75 Great View, Romantic, Sunday Brunch

The five-star treatment at this historic resort starts the minute you turn onto the long drive lined with olive trees and lavender; it continues as you are greeted by a valet who whisks away your car from the circular entrance to its two restaurants, both overseen by executive chef Matthew Johnson. At Plow & Angel, the menu and setting are in keeping with a well-appointed tavern. Thick stone walls and a fireplace create a cozy space for enjoying barrel-aged cocktails and a menu of grilled flatbreads, beer-battered halibut and chips, and grilled New York steak with cognac Bordelaise sauce. Upstairs, The Stonehouse dining room gleams with copper and burnished wood and has a sheltered terrace with views of Montecito, the ocean, and Channel Islands. Seating is also available on outdoor patios below, furnished with a fireplace and fountain and flanked by loquat trees. At lunch, served Mondays through Saturdays, a warm salad of kale grown on the premises, house-smoked bacon, and dates is topped with a poached egg. A three-course market menu also emphasizes local ingredients. Served from 6 p.m. daily, the dinner menu includes seared scallops with braised oxtail, sweet corn puree, and black garlic vinaigrette and Steak Diane prepared in the classic style—flambéed tableside. The list of wines and spirits is varied and deep; the wine selection garnered the 2018 Wine Spectator Grand Award. Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes starters, entrées, desserts, and free-flowing Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne.

TIERRA SUR RESTAURANT AT HERZOG WINE CELLARS 3201 Camino del Sol Oxnard, 805-983-1560 tierrasuratherzog.com New American; Entrées $16–$144 (for 32-ounce rib eye for two); Buffet Brunch $65 Sunday Brunch

Tucked inside Herzog’s winery and tasting room, Tierra Sur specializes in wine-friendly meals made with careful attention to detail. Executive chef Gabe Garcia maintains a local, seasonal vibe at lunch and dinner. Marinated olives and lamb bacon are made in-house. Tapas feature Wagyu sliders and a Margherita pizza with basil-cashew cheese. Watch carefully, and you may see your bone-in rib eye for two prepared on the patio’s wood-burning grill before it is served with fried kale and roasted potatoes. Desserts include frozen custards, vanilla-spiced doughnuts, and a show-stopping Baked Alaska.

Dinner just got easier. Los Levi’s Tacos (loslevistacos. com) delivers fully prepped taco kits to your door. Chefowner Matthew Levinson, whose culinary background includes catering and a stint at Nobu Malibu, embraces his taco love in kits with marinated ready-to-cook carne asada, tortillas, Spanish rice, and all the fixings. The kits come in three sizes—standard, serving two to three; family, serving four to six; and the party pack, serving 10 to 12—and are available for delivery to parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Visit the website for details. Surrounded by the coppery glow of the walls and the burnished-wood wine rack that frames the kitchen pass-through, diners may forget they’re at a kosher restaurant in an Oxnard industrial park. The restaurant is closed on Fridays and Saturdays in observance of the Sabbath. Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is served buffet style, with carving and omelet stations and weekly specials inspired by ingredients from local farms.

TRA DI NOI RISTORANTE 3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite 8A Malibu, 310-456-0169 tradinoimalibu.com Italian Entrées $18–$36; Market Price for Some Seafood Sunday Brunch

Even though locals know what they want without opening a menu, the kitchen at this restaurant in the Malibu Country Mart can still impress the rest of us with its handmade pastas, shaved truffles, grass-fed beef, local olive oil, and salads made with produce from Malibu’s Thorn Family Farm. The spaghetti carbonara manages to be both low fat and delicious, and the seasonal specials are a treat. The well-curated wine list matches the food and offers prime selections for sipping on the patio.

WATER’S EDGE RESTAURANT AND BAR 1510 Anchors Way Ventura, 805-642-1200 watersedgeventura.com American; Entrées $14–$50

This aptly named bar and grill offers well-prepared plates from both land and sea in an elegant setting with views of the harbor and boats. Start with a cocktail in the piano bar and move on to dinner for starters such as Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail and pesto-stuffed mushrooms and main dishes like seared sesame seed– crusted ahi and braised short ribs. Brunch, served every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 3 p.m., offers fried calamari and crab cakes appetizers and traditional breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict, pancakes, and waffles, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and freshly caught fish. Happy hour is every day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (except holidays) and features $8 cocktails and $5 to $10 plates and pizzas. There’s a pet-friendly patio, too.

ZIN BISTRO AMERICANA 32131 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 111 Westlake Village, 818-865-0095 zinwestlake.com Eclectic; Entrées $15–$42 Great View, Romantic

The fire pit on the patio and the view of the lake make this quite a romantic spot for dinner. Begin by nibbling on oysters, or a seafood cocktail, or a cheese and charcuterie plate. Main courses have influences from France and England. Farfalle pasta is tossed with roasted salmon and caviar, and at lunchtime, a British steak and ale stew over mashed potatoes. A long list of main-course salads includes tuna Niçoise with seared ahi, mixed greens, caper berries, and potatoes. Happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday though Friday.

Foodie

Cuisine that shines regardless of decor, service, ambience, or even views. 101 NORTH EATERY & BAR 30760 Russell Ranch Rd., Suite D Westlake Village, 805-852-1588 101northeateryandbar.com New American; Entrées $22–$46 Sunday Brunch, Late-night Menu

Award-winning chef and owner Anthony Alaimo delivers seasonal dishes that are big on international flavors along with wine, beer, and signature cocktails. The restaurant’s relaxed, modern setting includes a bar with a large flat-screen TV, a rustic communal table, and an outdoor patio. Expect starters like wild albacore kabobs with Calabrian chili tapenade and grilled Spanish octopus with white bean hummus and mains such as a cumin-rubbed lamb rack, Mediterranean sea bass with green romesco, house-made tagliolini pasta with Selva prawns, and wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas. Sandwiches and sides are on the happy hour menu on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. A late-night menu is offered on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now BARBAREÑO 205 W. Canon Perdido St. Santa Barbara, 805-963-9591 barbareno.com Californian; Entrées $18–$29

This restaurant highlights ingredients from the Central Coast in menus that feature a few changes monthly. Head chef Justin Snyder focused on pastry in his previous culinary lives, evident from the carefully composed salads, tartares, and desserts that emerge from the kitchen. Recurring favorites include starters like avocado roulade made with hamachi crudo and coconut-oolong milk, and cheeky Eggamuffins featuring buttermilk blini stacked with Seascape cheese, speck, and shavings of salt-cured egg yolk. Hope Ranch Mussels with fennel and mustard broth and slow-cooked Wagyu tri tip are also available, along with an extensive inventory of local beers and a wine list that recently garnered a Wine Spectator award of excellence.

BASTA 28863 Agoura Road Agoura Hills, 818-865-2019 bastaagoura.com Italian; Entrées $16–$55, Pastas $16–$21

Located in Whizin Market Square, Basta is the real Italian deal, serving authentic scratch-made dishes, including pasta and wood-fired pizzas for lunch and dinner. Helmed by Florence-native chef Saverio Posarelli and wife Devon Wolf, the bustling eatery features a menu of tradition-rich dishes that reflect Posarelli’s Tuscan roots, such as the Tagliatelli With Wild Mushrooms and Black Truffle Sauce, as well as grilled steaks and fresh fish. Other standouts include the Wagyu Beef Burger, Grilled Spanish Octopus Salad, and Basta’s take on ramen, Tagliolini in Brodo.

In Buellton, The Tavern at Zaca Creek (zaca-creek.com) puts out the welcome mat for new executive chef Cullen Campbell, who earned acclaim at Phoenix restaurants Crudo, Bar Pesce, and Okra. Campbell introduces new spring menus with French and Italian influences that showcase local ingredients, including duck from Motley Crew Ranch in the Santa Rita Hills. The restaurant offers covered outdoor dining for happy hour and dinner Thursday through Saturday, and for Sunday brunch. BELL’S 406 Bell St. Los Alamos bellsrestaurant.com French; Entrées $18–$27

Daisy and Gregory Ryan, alums of Per Se, Thomas Keller’s Michelin-starred New York restaurant, helm this French-inspired bistro in the historic town of Los Alamos. Located in a building that served as a bank in the early 1900s and as a biker bar later, Bell’s delivers classics like steak tartare, wild Burgundy snails served with bread from Bob’s Well Bread Bakery down the street, and coq au vin. For lunch, try the French dip made with roasted rib eye. Reservations are available through the website or via email to info@bellsrestaurant.com.

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BIBI JI 734 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-560-6845 bibijisb.com Indian, $10–$16, Grill $15–$25, Curries $10–$18, Chef’s Tasting $50 per person

A short stroll from Stearns Wharf and the beaches along the Santa Barbara waterfront, Bibi Ji presents an approachable and modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. The spacious restaurant, designed with a vibrant, eclectic decor, also has a private back patio for dining while taking in the fresh ocean air. Owners Alejandro Medina and James Beard Award–winning sommelier Rajat Parr offer a menu that highlights an abundance of local seafood, traditional coconut curries, a bounty of fresh regional produce cooked in Indian spices, a Chef’s Tasting menu, and an extensive list of natural wines. The critically acclaimed restaurant was included in The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2019.”

BOAR DOUGH TASTING ROOM 5015 Cornell Road Agoura Hills, 818-889-2387 boardoughtastingroom.com American; Entrées $16–$28 Sunday Brunch

This cozy hidden gem is a perfect spot for dinner or a bite (or two) before or after a movie at the next-door theater. Sip from an international wine list (the friendly owners, Charles and Joanne Bruchez, are happy to help with a selection) while enjoying starters like charcuterie and cheese boards and bacon-wrapped dates with Manchego, fresh salads, and pizzas. Entrées include sweet and spicy fried chicken breast and crispy pork belly tacos. For a treat try Blueberry Bliss, a tarte flambé showcasing the all-American berries with goat cheese, thyme, and honey. Sunday brunch features omelets and other egg dishes, waffles (banana and Nutella, anyone?), and pizzas like the Mr. Johnstone with marinated salmon (also available at dinner). Happy hour on Wednesdays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. offers half-price pizzas and $5 house wines, beers, and sangria.

BOB’S WELL BREAD BAKERY 550 Bell St. Los Alamos, 805-344-3000 and Bob’s Well Bread Bakery at the Ballard Store 2449 Baseline Ave., Ste. 101 Ballard, 805-691-9549 bobswellbread.com European; Pastries and Breads $1.50–$20, Entrées $7–$13

Located in a refurbished 1920s-era service station with its original Douglas fir floors intact, this artisanal bakery is well worth a visit. For the best selection, arrive at 7 a.m. on Thursdays through Mondays, when the doors open and aromatic scones, bagels, kouign-amann, pain au chocolat, and other pastries come out of the ovens. Loaves of naturally leavened, burnished-crust breads follow soon after. Special daily breads include gluten-free Centennial Loaf and pain aux lardons (Saturdays and Sundays). The on-site café serves breakfast and lunch (think avocado toast tartine, croque monsieur sandwiches, and grilled bread with pâté and onion-bacon marmalade) until 3 p.m. Graband-go items for DIY picnics include ficelle sandwiches made with French ham, Emmentaler cheese, and house-made butter. Well Bread Wines created by Doug Margerum are available by the glass or bottle.

BOUCHON 9 W. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-730-1160 bouchonsantabarbara.com Wine Country Cuisine; Entrées $26–$38

Romantic Bouchon celebrates the local, from its carefully curated wine list to the craftspeople overseeing the successful

remodeling of the garden patio at the front entrance. Executive chef Greg Murphy follows suit, using farmers’ market ingredients in dishes like pan-roasted local white fish with wilted dandelion greens or a soup featuring white carrots from Tutti Frutti Farms. (Murphy’s Foodie Stroll menu includes a tour of the Tuesday farmers’ market followed by a three-course meal with wine for $95 per person.) Add the gracious presence of proprietor Mitchell Sjerven and you have the ingredients for the first Santa Barbara-area restaurant in a decade to earn the AAA Four Diamond award for excellence.

DECKER KITCHEN 4661 Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, 818-735-9577 deckerkitchen.com American; Entrées $16–$42

Known for its upscale food and unpretentious neighborhood-hangout feel, Decker Kitchen is the creation of chef-owner Graham Harris, who keeps the menu fresh and creative. Menu highlights include Harris’ naturally leavened sourdough bread, fresh-from-the-oven pizzas, starters such as Feta Mousse Toast with heirloom tomato, and entrées including barbecued pork ribs and seared rib-eye steak. Sip a craft cocktail or smalllot wine and nosh small bites on the patio Thursdays through Saturdays until midnight. Takeout is available.

NEW E + MON 2805 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 805-371-3693 eplusmon.com Sushi; Entrées $12–$27

Chef-owner Hidetoshi “Teddy” Seike, a restaurateur who was raised in Japan, joins forces with head chef Koji Miyamoto, whose cuisine has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, at this stylish eatery in the Westlake Commons. They offer a creative lunch and dinner menu of sushi, sashimi, bao (steamed buns), and Asian salads that spotlight seasonal ingredients. Look for signature rolls such as the E + Mon Crunch Roll, featuring spicy tuna and shrimp tempura with chive mayo, avocado, sesame, sweet soy, cucumber, and citrus sauce. Premium sake, Japanese craft beer, and California wines are the perfect sips.

EMBER RESTAURANT 1200 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande, 805-474-7700 emberwoodfire.com California-Mediterranean; Small Plates $10–$17, Pizzas $18–$20, Entrées $23–$32 Named for the wood fires used to cook the restaurant’s seasonal and farm-fresh dishes, Ember is the project of executive chef Brian Collins, an Arroyo Grande native who shares skills he honed at Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos with his hometown. The menu, like the beer and wine list, is locally focused, changes monthly, and includes rustic specialties such as crispy kale and house-made fennel sausage pizza, Jidori chicken alongside a wedge of grilled polenta and farmers’ market veggies, and grilled rib eye served over roasted potatoes and topped with a decadent garlic confit and avocado chimichurri.

EMBERMILL 1031 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-456-1212 embermillsb.com Caribbean/Californian; Entrées $21–$32

When chef Harold Welch opened his restaurant, foodies who knew him from his stints at restaurants including Santa Barbara’s now-closed Citronelle and his World Cuisine Express catering company leaped for joy. The Barbados-born chef offers lunch and dinner with weekly specials and favorites such as Classic Jerk Chicken, Barbados Fried Red Snapper, and Curried Tempeh & Vegetable Stir Fry. Dishes from the Italian

Finch & Fork (finchandfork restaurant.com) at the Kimpton Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara takes outdoor dining to another level, serving dinner and weekend brunch on the hotel’s rooftop patio by reservation. Dinner favorites include chef Peter Cham’s Roasted Chicken Breast or Grilled New York Strip Steak Frites. Sip a glass of Santa Barbara County wine or a craft cocktail like the Hibiscus Habanero Margarita. For brunch, nibble Santa Barbara Eggs Benedict with Meyer lemon hollandaise while drinking in views of the mountains, ocean, and red tile roofs. wood-burning oven such as Mussels & Clams with a coconut-ginger broth round out the menu. Housed in a historic building, the restaurant has a casual European feel with a lovely outdoor patio where steel drum music (Thursday through Sunday) adds to the ambience.

FULL OF LIFE FLATBREAD 225 Bell St. Los Alamos, 805-344-4400 fulloflifefoods.com Californian Flatbreads and Entrées $9–$27

Opened in 2003, this down-to-earth gem has become a foodie destination. Dinner is served on Thursdays through Sundays, with lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Owner Clark Staub’s vision rings deliciously true in every bite of the fresh salads, flatbreads, and entrées made with seasonal ingredients from local farmers’ markets and artisan food producers. For flatbreads, look for the vegetarian Shaman’s Bread with a crunch of New Cuyama pistachios and the Nitrate-Free Pepperoni and Peppers. Diners who sit at the bar can order food there, too, and seating is available outside.

HELENA AVENUE BAKERY 131 Anacapa St., Suite C Santa Barbara, 805-880-3383 helenaavenuebakery.com Baked Goods, California-Eclectic Entrées $4–$14

The artisanal bakery and café is brought to you by the masterminds behind The Lark, Lucky Penny, and Loquita in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. The address says Anacapa Street, but walk in from Helena Avenue for the quickest access to Dart Coffee drinks and croissants, scones, cookies, and other pastries made with seasonal ingredients. Open daily, the bakery serves breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., when don’tmiss items include Green Eggs & Ham made with spicy green harissa and grits topped with a fried egg. The lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers salads and sandwiches, plus specials like Nashville Hot Chicken served with house-made pickles. The bakery’s rustic patio is shared by its neighbor, the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, which offers curated tasting flights and wines by the glass and bottle.

HOTEL CALIFORNIAN 36 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-882-0100 thehotelcalifornian.com/santa_barbara_ restaurants/ Eclectic; Small Plates $12–$19

Built on the grounds of the original Hotel Californian less than a block from Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara’s newest resort pays careful attention to all the luxurious details while retaining a casual yet elegant vibe. Its dining options are equally skilled. Blackbird, a cocktail bar located on the ground floor of the hotel, features lounge-style seating, a creative menu of small plates from executive chef Travis Watson, and inventive cocktails by mixologist Devon Espinosa in addition to local wines and craft beer. (Fans of Alfred Hitchcock will get a kick out of his photo in the dining room.) Located in a separate building from Blackbird, Goat Tree is an order-at-the-counter café with its own patio and, in the dining room, windows with a view of the kitchen. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with grab-and-go options for impromptu picnics.

INDUSTRIAL EATS 181 Industrial Way Buellton, 805-688-8807 industrialeats.com New American; Entrées $9–$45

To find this destination restaurant on Buellton’s aptly named Industrial Way, drive past the Central Coast Water Authority office and look for a building painted with a mural of floating sausages, carrots, and wine glasses. Inside, you’ll find imported cheeses, house-cured meats, and locally sourced dishes by owner and executive chef Jeff Olsson. The frequently changing menu is noted on pull-down rolls of butcher paper behind the order counter. Wood-fired pizzas can be simple (rosemary with Parmesan) or adventurous (crispy pig’s ear salad with sriracha and an egg on top). Offerings from the Not Pizza section of the menu include chicken liver with guanciale, while the sandwich list offers selections like the Next Level BLT and a beef-tongue pastrami Reuben. Clipboard specials often feature a must-have oysteruni-avocado combo. Local wine and beer options are on tap. Located two doors down, The Grand Room is available for large private parties and is the setting for monthly chef dinners. Tickets go fast. Next door to the Grand Room is the new Here to Go, offering grab-andgo items like premade and hot sandwiches, salads, cheese and charcuterie plates, and pizzas. Also find house-cured meats, kimchi, dressings, hot sauces and salsas, fresh fish, meats, and baked goods.

THE LARK 131 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-284-0370 thelarksb.com New American; Entrées $18–$42

Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone takes flight with The Lark, named for the Pullman train that once made overnight runs between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The past is present in the restaurant’s setting, a former fish market remodeled to include exposed brick walls, subway tile, communal tables, and private booths fashioned from church pews. As culinary conductor, executive chef Jason Paluska oversees a thoroughly modern menu that highlights local ingredients. West Coast oysters with Goleta caviar lime are popular starters to shared plates of roasted chicken with green peppercorn gastrique, depending on the season. Craft brews, wines by the glass, cocktails, and mocktails extend the artisanal spirit into the bar.

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LIDO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 2727 Shell Beach Road Pismo Beach, 805-773-8900 thedolphinbay.com/lido Californian; Entrées $16–$58 Great View, Daily Brunch

Chef Richard Pfaff brings his eye for fresh and local ingredients to a menu that echoes the creativity displayed by the art glass in Lido’s dining room. Appetizers include oysters with pink peppercorn mignonette and beef carpaccio with dijon aioli. Entrées include pasta carbonara, house-made burgers, and a generous rib eye with herbed porcini butter. The Chef’s Tasting Menu offers five courses for $75 ($100

805-990-7524 bruceprotennis@yahoo.com Lindero Country Club 5719 Lake Lindero Dr., Agoura Hills APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now with wine pairings). A daily affair, brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. features a three-course plated option with bottomless mimosas as well as à la carte dishes.

LITTLE DOM’S SEAFOOD 686 Linden Ave. Carpinteria, 805-749-7400 ldseafood.com Seafood, Italian; Entrées $23–$28, Pizza $14–$19 Open for dinner, Little Dom’s is the latest culinary venture from Los Angeles restaurateur Warner Ebbink and executive chef Brandon Boudet. Leather booths, a restored wooden bar, and a raw bar create a comfortable old-school ambience. The seafood-forward menu focuses on local fish and includes pizzas from the wood-burning oven, handmade pastas, and Italian classics like chicken Parmesan. Guests get things started with appetizers like chilled, Creolestyle, boiled shrimp and Santa Barbara live uni, and sip local wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.

Sugar Lab Bake Shop (sugarlabbakeshop.com) has a sweet, new location in the Ventura Harbor Village. The bakery is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving fresh breakfast pastries such as muffins, scones, and coffee cake in the early morning. Cupcakes, cookies, and other sweets are out of the oven by 10 a.m., and coffee and tea are served all day. The mother-and-daughter-owned shop is also known for its custom cakes, decorated sugar cookies, French macarons, and mini pies. LOQUITA 202 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-880-3380 loquitasb.com Modern Spanish; Entrées $19–$42 Great Patio

Loquita is Spanish slang for a wild, fun-loving girl, but this eatery’s menu and food are seriously irreproachable. Executive chef Peter Lee sources the finest meat, fish, cheese, and produce to create festive, communal, à la carte meals, including tapas, pintxos (small bites typically pierced with a toothpick), and signature paella dishes. Drinks autentico include sangria and Spanish-style gin and tonics. Enjoy the spacious patio with two inviting fireplaces, or try the small-bites bar named, naturally, Poquita.

MADE IN ITALY BISTRO BY ANTONIO SESSA 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Unit F Westlake Village, 805-370-8667 madeinitalybistro.com Italian; Entrées and Pizzas $16–$27

Chef-owner Antonio Sessa serves up warm hospitality and authentic southern Italian cuisine at this bustling bistro. Order at the counter, then dig into Neapolitan-style pizzas from the Italian wood-fired pizza oven, housemade pastas, fresh insalate, and main dishes from family recipes. Try Sessa’s handmade cavatelli ricotta pasta with his nonna’s Bolognese. At lunch, you can’t go wrong with panini such as the braised brisket, veggie, or turkey and pancetta with house-made tomato jam. Lunch and dinner are served every day except Sunday.

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MOODY ROOSTER 2891 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 805-370-3131 moodyroosterwlv.com New American; Entrées $13–$30

Born in the Year of the Rooster, owner-chef Collin Crannell cooks whatever he feels like putting on the menu each day at this foodie version of a neighborhood café located in a Westlake Village shopping center. That’s what’s in the name. On the plate, Crannell—formerly the executive chef at The Lobster in Santa Monica— focuses on from-scratch fare showcasing local, seasonal produce, seafood, and proteins at lunch and dinner. Trademark dishes include crispy gnocchi with roasted cherry tomatoes, Parmesan fondue, and a swirl of aged balsamic, as well as a half chicken with roasted garlic and butternut squash. Wine and craft beers are available (ask co-owner Vicki Crannell for pairing suggestions).

MOUTHFUL EATERY 2626 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, 805-777-9222 mouthfuleatery.com Peruvian, Californian; Entrées $9–$14 Kid-Friendly

Don’t let the multicolored chalkboard menu or the solarpowered toy pigs decorating the dining room fool you: This order-at-the-counter café may specialize in salads, sandwiches, and what are called “powerbowls” in a fun, casual atmosphere, but chef and co-owner Luis Sanchez is serious about the food—witness Mouthful’s inclusion on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2015. La Sarita, a sandwich of house-roasted pork shoulder served with fried sweet potatoes and pickled red onions, gets its heat from an aioli made with aji amarillo, a pepper from Sanchez’s native Peru. Additions at dinner might include malbec-braised short ribs on polenta one night and savory chicken stew called aji de gallina the next. Desserts include alfajores, delicate shortbread cookies filled with salted caramel. The Foodies in Training children’s menu includes a turkey slider with fruit, yucca fries, and a drink, all for $6.

NOVO RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 726 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, 805-543-3986 novorestaurant.com Global; Entrées $16–$32 Sunday Brunch

Novo’s full-service bar and lounge area fronts the busy downtown, beckoning passersby to peek inside. Walk through the lounge to the back of the restaurant and a different Novo presents itself: a multilevel wood patio that backs up to San Luis Obispo Creek. It’s a serene setting livened by the hum of diners’ conversations and crickets. Like its sister restaurant, the nearby Luna Red, Novo offers global cuisine and local ingredients. Executive chef Michael Avila presides over a menu that includes sought-after Southeast Asian and Indian curries and fresh avocado-shrimp spring rolls. Calling out gluten-free and vegan menu items is a nice touch as is identifying teas by caffeine level. Central California and international wines and spirits accent the menu. Late night on Fridays and Saturdays, a DJ fills the lounge with music.

UPDATE OLIO E LIMONE RISTORANTE AND OLIO BOTTEGA 11 W. Victoria St., Suites 17-18 Santa Barbara, 805-899-2699, Ext. 1 olicucina.com Italian; Restaurant Entrées $20–$42; Bottega $4–$12

Husband-and-wife owners Alberto Morello and Elaine Andersen Morello treat their restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara like the gems they are: No ingredient is too good to employ. The organic extra-virgin olive oil from a grove near Alberto’s home village in Italy is so popular, patrons buy bottles of it for their own use. At

the Ristorante, salads are fresh and the pastas and sauces are house-made. Standouts include gnocchi alla Riviera, which combines spinach-and-ricotta dumplings with fresh tomato sauce. Next door, Olio Bottega, a casual breakfast, lunch, snack, and retail spot, feels like a quick trip to Italy. Breakfast items include scrambled egg dishes, sweet and savory Italian croissants, and espresso drinks. Among lunch offerings are hot Italian street food specialties and grab-and-go sandwiches, like the panini on house-made olive-oil focaccia. Don’t miss the dolci (desserts), such as the cannolo, a crispy, tube-shaped Sicilian pastry shell filled with chocolate chip–studded sheep’s-milk ricotta cream. Italian gourmet products, meats, and cheeses are available to take home, along with bottled cocktails, beer, and wine.

OLIVELLA 905 Country Club Road Ojai, 805-646-1111 ojaivalleyinn.com California-Italian Entrées $37–$65 (a three-course experience is $90 or $150 with wine pairings; four-course experience is $110 or $180 with wine pairings) Romantic, Great Views

This fine-dining restaurant at Ojai Valley Inn features California cuisine with an Italian twist. From chef de cuisine Andrew Foskey’s menus come beautifully plated dishes like Kabocha Squash Ravioli, Tails & Trotters Farm Tenderloin of Pork, and Wild Pacific Sea Bass. Save room for the Citrus Olive Oil Cake or Crème Fraîche Panna Cotta, just two of executive pastry chef Joel Gonzalez’s creative dessert options. Dining spaces include a private wine room as well as a veranda overlooking the first and final holes of the property’s world-class golf course. The restaurant also hosts winemaker dinners.

PARADISE PANTRY 218 and 222 E. Main St. Ventura, 805-641-9440 paradisepantry.com Rustic; Entrées $9–$22 Sunday Brunch

This combination café, wine shop, and cheese store occupies adjoining storefronts in Ventura’s historic downtown. Both spaces feature original brick walls and delightfully creaky wood floors. While 218 E. Main St. is devoted to wine sales and cheese and charcuterie displays, 222 offers wine tasting and soups, salads, cheese plates, and pâté samplers. Panini-style sandwiches include the Italiano, packed with arugula and truffle cheese and wrapped in prosciutto. (That’s right: The meat is on the outside.) Named for chef and co-owner Kelly Briglio, Kel’s Killer Mac is made with a new over-the-top combination of ingredients each week. (Gluten-free options are available.) Typically scheduled once a month, Sunday brunch features such dishes as Kel’s crab cakes with Meyer lemon crème fraîche, and French toast made with cinnamon brioche. Join the email list for news of upcoming popup appearances by visiting chefs and winemakers.

PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN GRILL 100 S. Westlake Blvd. Westlake Village, 805-373-9300 paulmartinsamericangrill.com American; Entrées $13–$36 Romantic, Saturday & Sunday Brunch

The farm-to-table movement never looked as elegant as it does at this bistro-style restaurant, which also has locations in Irvine, Roseville, El Segundo, San Mateo, and Mountain View. Tortillas and infused vodkas are just two of the items made in-house to augment the menu showcasing organic produce and artisanal ingredients. The kale Caesar salad features wild white anchovies, mesquite-grilled salmon is served with a chilled salad of quinoa and bulgur wheat, and natural meats are used for burgers,

steaks, chops, and “brick” chicken (flattened and cooked evenly under the weight of a brick). Weekend brunch service starts with freshly baked millet drop biscuits and honey butter before moving on to your choice of entrée. Three-course dinner specials include prime rib on Sundays and fried chicken on Tuesdays.Available daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Taste of Paul Martin’s menu offers small plates, burgers, and signature cocktails from $5 to $13.

PICO AT THE LOS ALAMOS GENERAL STORE 458 Bell St. Los Alamos, 805-344-1122 picolosalamos.com New American; Shared Plates & Entrées $9–$46 Live Music

The spirit of a one-stop general store lives on in the historic town of Los Alamos, the northern gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley. The outstanding chef-driven, locally sourced dinner menu from executive chef John Wayne Formica changes frequently but offers dishes like local crudo, grilled octopus, house-made pastas, smoked pork chop, and dry-aged rib-eye steak. Charcuterie and cheese platters are a mainstay. Pair the fare with a signature cocktail, beer, or wine from the well-curated list spotlighting small-scale vintners, which earned Pico “Top 100 Wine Restaurant” recognition from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The spacious, refurbished building is also the tasting room of Lane Tanner and Will Henry’s Lumen Wines of Santa Maria. Upscale but down home, Pico is keeping destination diners as well as the local cowboys coming back for more.

SAMA SAMA KITCHEN 1208 State Street Santa Barbara, 805-965-4566 samasamakitchen.com at Topa Topa Brewing 345 East Ojai Avenue Ojai, 805-335-4175 topatopa.beer Asian; Shared Plates $11–$42

This hip spot buzzes with guests who come for wellprepared southeast Asian food made with ingredients sourced from local farms. Shareable plates include the signature jidori chicken wings with sweet and spicy tamarind glaze. A recently opened second location resides within Topa Topa Brewing in downtown Ojai, where the beer-friendly menu echoes the bold flavors of the original location but is especially tailored to pair with a pint. Order at the walk-up window and sit indoors or on the street-side patio.

THE SPOON TRADE 295 West Grand Ave. Grover Beach, 805-904-6773 thespoontrade.com American; Entrées $15–$32 Great Patio, Sunday Brunch

The Spoon Trade serves what chef Jacob Town calls “elevated comfort food” in a bright and comfortable neighborhood hangout. Classic dishes (think: fried chicken, pasta, and upside-down cakes) are reimagined with of-the-moment flavors and local ingredients alongside a progressive beer and wine list.

S.Y. KITCHEN 1110 Faraday St. Santa Ynez, 805-691-9794 sykitchen.com Italian; Entrées $20–$38

Located on a quiet side street in Santa Ynez, this cozy spot is an oasis of craft cocktails and rustic Italian fare in wine and tri-tip country. Executive chef Luca Crestanelli lets his native Italian roots show in house-made pastas such as wild mushroom pappardelle, salmon puttanesca, and a don’t-miss grilled globe-artichoke appetizer. With its firepits and padded lounge seating, The Courtyard is a great place to settle in for pre-dinner cocktails and glasses of local wine or to stay for the whole meal. A lunch

menu of salads, pastas, and oak-grilled meats and seafood is served daily.

THOMAS HILL ORGANICS 1313 Park St. Paso Robles, 805-226-5888 thomashillorganics.com Wine Country Cuisine; Entrées $15–$41 Sunday Brunch

At this chic but casual restaurant in downtown Paso Robles, executive chef Libry Darusman builds on the vision of owner and founding chef Debbie Thomas by turning ingredients from local purveyors into elegant, satisfying fare at lunch, brunch, and dinner. (Why, yes, those are Loo Loo Farms tomatoes in the pickled stone fruit and house ricotta salad.) Wine, beer, and ciders from the region are also featured, adding to the restaurant’s farm-to-table bona fides. A new dessert bar served in the front bar and lounge area offers a selection of treats crafted both in-house and by local purveyors. Try Darusman’s spin on s’mores.

TRE LUNE 1151 Coast Village Road Montecito, 805-969-2646 trelunesb.com Italian; Entrées $18–$37

Tre Lune, or “three moons,” is part of the Montesano Group, which owns Lucky’s in Montecito and Joe’s in Santa Barbara—and it shows. The walls are dressed in black-and-white photos of celebrities from yesteryear, the floors are Old World wood, and the tables are covered in blush-colored linen. Teeny tiny chairs mounted high on the wall bear brass plates engraved with the names of regular patrons. A ring-shaped, rolled pizza-bread appetizer is stuffed with smoked mozzarella and braised radicchio. It’s crispy outside and delicious inside. Pizzas from the stone oven can be topped with roasted eggplant, spicy sausage, or mushrooms and truffle oil. The wide selection of pastas are available in half or full portions. Veal scaloppine, rack of lamb, chicken Marsala, and even a cheeseburger round out the menu and support the extensive Italian wine list.

Good Eats

Not too fancy, not too expensive, and a good experience all around. BLUE TABLE 28912 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills, 818-597-2583 bluetable.net International; Entrées $8–$15

A few blue tables provide seating for outside dining at this charming deli with high-quality Italian eats for lunch and dinner. The indigo theme continues inside, where blue-wash wooden tables are topped with bouquets of fresh flowers. Different salads rotate through the deli case, and the list of sandwiches is written on a blackboard. (The proscuitto and burrata panini is not to be missed.) Pizzas, soups, cookies, and all other items here are made fresh daily. A small freezer carries pastas and sauces for home use, but anything on the menu can be taken to go. You’ll want to stay for dinner, available daily from around 6 p.m. The menu of comfort-food classics includes eggplant Parmesan and spaghetti with organic ground turkey meatballs.

BRENT’S DELI 2799 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, 805-557-1882 brentsdeli.com Deli; Entrées $6–$20 Kid-Friendly

For amazingly good Reuben sandwiches on rye bread piled high with pastrami or corned beef, sauerkraut,

Oddette Augustus, known for her catering company and barbecue sauces, continues Miss Oddette’s Creole Kitchen (missoddettes.store) southern-inspired pop-ups. Preorder a slab of smoked ribs and a quart of potato salad ($35) for pick up at Cypher Winery in Paso Robles on April 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and at the Haven Properties parking lot in San Luis Obispo on April 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dine outdoors on fried chicken and waffles with broccoli slaw ($20) on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cypher Winery with live music and wine options. and Thousand Island dressing, you can’t beat this slick deli. The booths are cushy and roomy, leaving space for your tummy to expand as you down a four-layer slice of chocolate cake or a plate full of stuffed cabbage rolls. A separate bar also offers the full menu. The patio out back allows for even more seating. A counter up front expedites take-out orders. Brent’s Deli is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

CAFÉ BIZOU 30315 Canwood St., #14 Agoura Hills, 818-991-9560 cafebizou.com French; Entrées $17–$28

Cozy and candlelit, Café Bizou offers French comfort food in an unstuffy atmosphere. It’s known for wellcrafted classics such as traditional bouillabaisse, lobster bisque, escargots persillade, steak au poivre, double truffle pommes frites, along with plats du jour. Also look for grilled fresh fish, steaks, chops, chicken, pastas, and risotto. This is high-end food without the prices to match. A salad added to your dinner is $2 or $3, and wine buffs rejoice at the $2 per bottle corkage fee.

FINNEY’S CRAFTHOUSE 982 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 2 Westlake Village, 805-230-9950 and 494 E Main St., Ventura, 805-628-3312 and 35 State St., Suite A Santa Barbara, 805-845-3100 and 857 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo, 805-439-2556 finneyscrafthouse.com American; Entrées $10–$16 Kid-Friendly

The “craft beer spoken here” neon sign in the dining room doesn’t quite say it all at this casual but polished gastropub owned by Greg Finefrock, an 805 local whose childhood nickname inspired the restaurant’s moniker. In addition to the 30 brews on tap, you’ll find craft cocktails, California wines by the glass and bottle, and a fun atmosphere and menu that has something for everyone. With variations in decor between locations (look for the skee-ball machine and photo booth in San Luis Obispo), the menu remains the same. Shareable appetizers include gluten-free buffalo cauliflower tossed in yuzu sauce and chickenand waffle bites that come with a tangy surprise: Tabasco-braised kale. The house burger is made with a chuck, brisket, and hanger steak patty on a brioche bun (options include gluten-free buns and plant-based Impossible Burger patties). Crispy tacos, salads, and flatbread pizzas are also available. Seating is firstcome, first-served at the copper bar. APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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Where to Eat Now NEW FRONTSIDE CAFE 1070 E. Front St. Ventura, 805-628-9566 frontsidecafe.com Californian; Breakfast and Lunch Entrées $12–$15 This friendly blocks-from-the-beach café brings a taste of Australia to town and gives it a coastal Californian spin, serving breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Owners and husband-wife team Joel and Charne Huff are hospitality industry veterans; Ventura native Joel has enjoyed a 30-year career in fine dining. He keeps the menu simple and adds specials daily. All-day favorites include the Brekkie Roll, Frontside Burger, and Aussie Meat Pie. For breakfast, house-made pastries and breads include the popular toasted banana bread with salted brown-butter cream-cheese spread. The Chicken Katsu Sandwich is a star on the lunch menu. An upscale coffee program features Ventura-based Beacon coffee.

IMMIGRANT SON CAFFE 543 E. Main St. Ventura, 805-667-9085 immigrant-son.com Italian-American; Entrées $8–$25

This breakfast and lunch establishment serves a unique blend of American and southern Italian fare every day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with both sides of the menu available all day. Owner Alessandro Tromba honors his family’s Italian heritage in dishes like Maicho’s Morning Carbonara and Molise Eggs Benedict with prosciutto and pancetta. Linger with a Mimosa, sangria, glass of wine, Peroni on draught, or espresso drink. Rounding out the menu are fresh salads and deli and hot sandwiches, including eggplant parmigiana. You won’t be sorry if you try the Torta della Nonna.

The Solvang dining scene heats up with the newly opened Sear Steakhouse (searsteakhouse.com). Owners Demetri (“Jimmy”) and Karen Loizides, the duo behind K’Syrah Catering and Events and the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez, team up with partner, general manager, and master mixologist Alberto Battaglini, and executive chef Erik Dandee. The farm-to-table restaurant and bar sources ingredients for food and cocktail menus from the Loizides family’s Santa Ynez Valley farm. JANE 1311 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-962-1311 janerestaurantsb.com and 6940 Marketplace Drive Goleta, 805-770-5388 janeatthemarketplace.com Eclectic; Entrées $9–$25

Lots of interesting main dishes, salads, sandwiches, and burgers are set down at lunchtime on small wooden and marble tables in the cute spot on State Street from the family that owns the Montecito Cafe. Jane is the name of the owner (Jane Chapman) and

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her grandmother (Jane Moody), whose pictures adorn the high walls. The loft seating and upstairs patio are cool and a bit secluded compared to the downstairs tables, which are always packed in the afternoon. The eclectic dinner menu offers pastas, steaks, and grilled duck breast. For dessert, the soft-serve ice cream is a fun choice, as is the coconut cake. The airy, singlelevel Goleta location in The Marketplace offers a similar menu, but adds oak-fired brick-oven pizzas to the mix and is open for lunch and weekend brunch as well as dinner. A bar anchors a large, open gathering space that adjoins a covered, heated patio, while a smaller, quieter room offers more intimate dining.

and breakfast sandwiches from Lisa Biondi, executive chef at the adjacent Mediterraneo at the Westlake Village Inn. It switches to wine bar mode in the afternoons and evenings, when the menu includes charcuterie and crostini platters, salads, panini, and desserts. The outdoor pizza oven is fired up nightly (check website for hours). Wine flights are arranged by regions, varietals, and themes. Patios overlook the waterfall and the working vineyard, which is open for picnicking on Stonehaus fare (check website for information about seasonal tastings and festivals). The picnic tables and bocce ball court are family friendly, and visiting canines get a water fountain of their own near the courtyard fireplace.

NEW MOMOTARO RAMEN 1803 Spring St. Paso Robles, 805-538-3876 eatmomotaroramen.com Ramen; Entrées $16–$17

YOUR CHOICE RESTAURANT 3404 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-569-3730 yourchoicerestaurant.com Thai; Entrées $13–$24

POOKIE’S THAI CUISINE 900 Hampshire Road Westlake Village, 805-381-0094 pookiethai.com Thai; Entrées $7–$13 Kid-Friendly

Fun, Fun, Fun

Chefs Mateo Rogers and Brittney Yracheta bring Japanese soul food to Paso Robles with their casual lunch-and-dinner eatery. This counter-service spot joins a variety of family-owned food purveyors and retail establishments inside the Paso Market Walk. Start with appetizers like the chicken and pork gyoza and karaage (Japanese fried chicken). Slurp ramen from bowls of the signature Momotaro Ramen tonkotsu (pork-bone) broth or seasonal vegetarian options. Seating is provided at the counter, as well as inside the Paso Market Walk and in the tree-shaded outdoor courtyard.

Downstairs in the Water Court Plaza office complex, owner Pookie creates delicious Thai dishes for lunch and dinner daily. Lunch specials are a steal at $7 to $8 each. She also has a wide selection of interesting salads like the Outrageous Beef Salad with a spicy lime dressing and the protein-rich Yam Yai salad with shrimp, chicken, egg, and peanuts in a sweet-andsour dressing. Noodle dishes are generously sized and include the classic pad Thai and the interesting Hi Yo Silver with fried noodles, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Curries, vegetarian options, and fish dishes (such as the crispy sole with tamarind and chili sauce) give diners lots of great choices not found elsewhere.

PORTA VIA CALABASAS 4799 Commons Way, Suite J Calabasas, 818-746-2400 portaviarestaurants.com Californian; Entrées $19–$42 Weekend Brunch; Great Patio

This neighborhood California bistro and bar in The Commons at Calabasas adds a third location to the popular Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades eateries. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Porta Via offers an airy, colorful indoor dining room and a spacious patio. The menu spotlights locally sourced produce, meat and poultry, and sustainable seafood. Breakfast and brunch highlights include Huevos Rancheros and Grand Marnier French Toast, and lunch and dinner stars are the Organic Kale & Quinoa Salad, Grilled Ōra King Salmon, and Grilled Skirt Steak.

THE STONEHAUS 32039 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-483-1152 the-stonehaus.com Mediterranean; Sandwiches and Platters $10–$17 Dog-Friendly, Great Views, Kid‑Friendly, Romantic Patterned after an Italian enoteca, the aptly named Stonehaus starts each day as a coffeehouse, serving kale-berry smoothies along with baked goods, wraps,

This neighborhood favorite was opened by husband and wife Aungkoon and Sukanya Sukavivatanachai in 1989. Their son Piti and his wife, Kathy Dao, took up the baton in 2012 and continue to offer original family recipes along with some new additions, such as deep-fried chicken wings in honey-sriracha sauce or chili-tamarind fish sauce. Main dishes such as the Panang curry and Spicy Drunken Noodles never disappoint. Orders can be customized for extra spiciness using a 1-to-5 scale. Piti also developed the restaurant’s Thai-inspired Creaminal small-batch ice cream brand, which features flavors like Thai Tea Oreo and Vietnamese Coffee Mud Pie.

Look to these eateries for festive food, an upbeat atmosphere, and a good time. ANDRIA’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET 1449 Spinnaker Drive Ventura, 805-654-0546 andriasseafood.com Seafood; Entrées $8–$24 Kid-Friendly

No visit to Ventura Harbor—or to Ventura, period— is complete without a stop at Andria’s, a locals’ favorite since 1982. On weekends, the fast-moving line to order can stretch out onto the restaurant’s front patio. Additional seating includes indoor dining rooms decorated with vintage photos and fishing gear, and a protected patio with a view of the docks. Charbroiled fresh catch of the day dinners come with rice pilaf, bread, and a choice of salads. Some items are available in stir-fry dishes. But deep-fried is the preferred method of preparation for everything from onion rings (served in a towering stack) to halibut and chips, oysters and chips, popcorn shrimp and chips, and, well, you get the idea. The atmosphere is beach casual: Orders are called out by number when ready, and it’s up to diners to gather utensils, tartar sauce, and other fixin’s from a counter near the kitchen. Beer and wine are available. An on-site fish market is open daily.

UPDATE THE ANNEX 550 Collection Blvd. Oxnard, 805-278-9500 thecollectionrp.com/the_annex Cuisines and prices vary by location Kid-Friendly

Seven restaurants offer as many dining experiences at this public market-style spot in the heart of The Collection at RiverPark. House-roasted coffee, avocado toast, and gluten-free muffins help jumpstart the day at Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, while The Blend Superfood Bar serves smoothies, juices, and acai bowls made with local berries and honey. Other order-at-the-counter options include Love Pho,

Taqueria el Tapatio, and Silverlake Ramen. The craftbeer bar Bottle & Pint serves local brews and ciders on tap and by the bottle and can; wines are available by the glass. Fun artwork, inventive communal seating areas, and two retail shops add to the vibe.

BETTINA 1014 Coast Village Road Montecito Country Mart Montecito, 805-770-2383 bettinapizzeria.com Pizza/Italian; Entrées and Pizzas $12–$22

First-timers to Bettina may think they’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up in Italy. At this bustling, cozy neighborhood restaurant patrons sip a Venetian spritz or Negroni and nosh on naturally leavened, Neapolitanstyle pizzas dressed up with inventive toppings. Antipasti, entrées such as chicken cacciatore, and fresh salads are also on the menu, which changes seasonally but always includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Lunch and dinner are served daily; online orders are available for pick up.

BOGIES BAR & LOUNGE 32001 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-889-2394 bogies-bar.com Spanish-California; Small Plates & Entrées $4–$15 Great Views, Live Music Surrounded by greenery and water, this bar on the grounds of the Westlake Village Inn is a gorgeous place to get your groove on: Live music and/or club nights are scheduled nearly every night of the week. On the patio, wicker chaise lounges are arranged in semi-private groupings around fire pits and a bar counter looks onto the dance floor through roll-up doors. Inside, bronze curtains and silver wall sconces shimmer in the mood-setting darkness. (Some areas are available by reservation.) It all adds up to a great backdrop for a menu that includes happy hour specials like $3 draft beers, $5 glasses of wine, and dinner-and-drink duos ($10 to $14) on Mondays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Spanish influences are evident in dishes like paella and crispy patatas bravas with Fresno chilies and garlic aioli.

NEW BURNIN’ MOUTH NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN 550 Collection Blvd., #180 Oxnard, 805-485-1288 burninmouth.com Hot Chicken Sandwiches; Entrées $13–$14

This casual eatery located inside The Annex Food Hall at The Collection at RiverPark serves up a fresh take on classic Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, along with menu items that incorporate the style of sweet and savory Korean fried chicken. Try the signature Bang Bang chicken sando, served with fries, pickles, coleslaw, and comeback sauce (a mildly spicy mayo). Choose your sandwich spice level to get it just right. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plenty of outdoor seating is available in The Annex’s common area.

CAFÉ HABANA 3939 Cross Creek Road Malibu, 310-317-0300 cafehabana.com Pan-Latin; Entrées $9–$25 Sunday Brunch

Café Habana isn’t limited to Cuban food or cocktails. Dishes represent all of Latin culture, from South American ceviches to Mexican grilled corn and huevos rancheros to Cuban pulled-pork sandwiches.

MORE ON THE WEB: Visit 805living.com for more listings and to make quick and easy reservations at many of the restaurants listed here and on the website through Open Table.

Owner Sean Meenan is an eco-warrior while partner Rande Gerber brings in the celebs and keeps the nightlife hopping. The food is good, the cocktails are great, and the coconut flan is out of this world.

FLOUR HOUSE 690 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, 805-544-5282 flourhouseslo.com Italian; Starters $5–$21, Pizzas $15–$20, Pastas $19–$28

With a sleek interior, dynamic menu, and portrait of Sophia Loren, Flour House isn’t just a pizzeria: It’s a love song to Italy. Co-owner and Salerno native Alberto Russo works magic with imported flour and a Stefano Ferrara pizza oven, the gold standard for traditional pizza napolitana. During Meter Mondays, pizzas are available in different sizes depending on the number in your party: a half-meter for four people includes a choice of three tastings ($28), while a full meter serves eight with a choice of six tastings ($50). Don’t miss Russo’s house-made pastas or the weekday-night aperitivo hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring cocktails such as the classic Negroni and Aperol Spritz as well as beer and wine and appetizers from $4 to $6.

HITCHING POST II 406 E. Highway 246 Buellton, 805-688-0676 hitchingpost2.com Steak House; Entrées $26–$56

A fan favorite since its star turn in the 2004 movie Sideways, Hitching Post II radiates a western-style steakhouse feel with down-home service and hearty portions of Santa Maria–style barbecue. In addition to oak-grilled steaks, the menu features ribs, quail, turkey, duck, and seafood. Sip from the Wine Spectator award-winning wine list that includes a selection of Hitching Post labels.

LITTLE CALF CREAMERY & CAFE 652 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks, 805-497-2000 Burgers, Ice Cream; Entrées $4–$11 LITTLE CALF SCOOP SHOP 3980 Thousand Oaks Blvd., #2 Westlake Village, 805-917-6855 Ice Cream, Desserts littlecalfcreamery.com

The family-friendly cafe is a lunch, dinner, and sweet-treat favorite, serving top-notch burgers and sandwiches, fresh salads, and dreamy house-made ice cream. Try the standout West Coaster burger with Gruyère cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo, or the Turkey Brie Melt sandwich. Look for seasonal and signature ice cream flavors such as Milk and Cookies, Lavender Blueberry, and Vanilla Berry Crisp. The scoop shop serves ice-cream sandwiches, drinks, and scoops as well as freshly baked desserts like mini pies, bread pudding, cookies, and brownies. Both locations offer custom birthday cakes, mud pies, and sundae kits with all the fixings.

LUCKY PENNY 127 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-284-0358 luckypennysb.com Californian; Entrées $11–$16

Located in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, this orderat-the-counter spot ranks as one of the city’s most Instagrammed restaurants. The exterior covered in thousands of shiny copper pennies is a draw, but so is the creative menu of close-up-worthy salads, sandwiches, small plates, and wood-fired pizzas. The latter includes such local-place-named favorites as the Milpas, topped with fingerling potatoes, chorizo, and a sunny-side-up egg. Salads are big enough to turn into a meal or to share with a friend who orders pizza. Seating is on a pet-friendly patio adjacent to The Lark restaurant. Coffee is served, along with beer, wine, cider, and a life-giving frosé accented with local strawberries and tarragon.

Here’s the scoop. Tondi Gelato (tondigelato.com) in the Paseo Nuevo open-air mall in Santa Barbara makes its authentic all-natural Italian-style ice cream in house. The shop’s 20 flavors change according to season and incorporate ingredients from local farmers’ markets. Also look for granita and vegan/dairy-free options, such as key lime pie and vanilla saffron. Dairy-based choices might include tiramisu, chocolate hazelnut, and pistachio. Grab a coppetta (cup) or cono (cone) and stroll the State Street Promenade. OLIO PIZZERIA 11 W. Victoria St., Suite 21 Santa Barbara, 805-899-2699 oliocucina.com Italian; Small and Shared Plates $5–$19, Entrées $15–$21

This combination Italian pizzeria and enoteca is brought to you by the owners of Olio e Limone Ristorante, the more formal eatery located next door. The Victoria Court setting includes a long bar with a peekaboo view of the pizza oven, plus small tables. Menu offerings include chicken, fish, and beef entrées, as well as pasta, antipasti, salads, cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and housemade dolci. The pizzas, with thin, chewy crusts, are individually sized and topped with excellent ingredients—sautéed rapini, spicy salami, cremini mushrooms, and black truffles among them. Lunch or brunch is served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the dinner menu is available daily from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Wines from California and Italy are available by the glass, carafe, half liter, and bottle.

PEASANTS FEAST 487 Atterdag Road Solvang, 805-686-4555 peasantsfeast.com Seasonal Comfort Food Entrées and Sandwiches $14–$18

Owned by chef Michael Cherney, an alum of Las Vegas’ L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and his wife Sarah, a hospitality pro, this family-friendly restaurant focuses on scratch-made food from local ingredients. Menu stars like Solvang Hot Chicken sandwich, The Grotto Smash Burger, Local Rock Fish Tacos, and family meals such as Whole Fried Free-Range Chicken are served in the casual earth-toned dining room, on the outdoor patio, and for takeout. Reina’s Ice Cream by the Scoop, made by the Cherneys’ daughter, is a must.

TAVERNA TONY 23410 Civic Center Way Malibu, 310-317-9667 tavernatony.com Greek; Entrées $13–$37

This huge space at the northeast corner of the Malibu Country Mart is almost never closed and never empty. There’s always fun to be had: If the classical guitarists aren’t playing, the waiters might be singing. Every meal starts with Greek-style country bread and house-made dip. The roast baby lamb is a specialty of the house for good reasons: The meat is garlicky and mostly tender with some crispy bites. The accompanying potatoes are roasted with lemon juice and the carrots are cooked with dill. Greek coffee is a perfect end here.  APRIL 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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Agoura Hills 30621 Canwood St. 818.991.8846

Moorpark 14349 White Sage Rd. 805.222.1380

Santa Barbara 3920 State St. 805.898.9883

Oxnard 887 Ventura Blvd. 805.278.0388

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Torrance 20901 Hawthorne Blvd. 310.802.6380