805 Living December 2019 by 805 Living

DEC E M BE R 2019

Let the Holidays Shine

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Gratitude

We at Ramsey Asphalt want to use this opportunity to thank all our employees who work so tirelessly throughout the year enabling us to work towards a future where we continue to grow and learn. We feel that we are so blessed to have met some of the most amazing people along the way and we couldn’t do it without all of you. Wishing everyone Peace and Lo throughout the Holidays. Love

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Morgan Stanley Congratulates

Seth Haye Ranked # 1 in America Forbes 2019 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors The Oaks Group at Morgan Stanley 100 N. Westlake Blvd. #200, Westlake Village, CA 91362

805-494-0215

FRONT, LEFT: Stephanie Hartmire: Senior Registered Associate; Jessica Hudson: Client Service Associate; Katie Arnold: Financial Advisor; Elisa Decker: Group Director; BACK, LEFT: Clint Spivey: Consulting Group Analyst; Barry Garapedian: Managing Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Wealth Management, Financial Advisor; Seth Haye: Executive Director, Financial Advisor; Carlos Garcia: Associate Vice President, Financial Advisor

Source: Forbes Magazine (July 2019). Data provided by SHOOKTM Research, LLC. Data as of 3/31/19. SHOOK considered Financial Advisors born in 1980 or later with a minimum 4 years relevant experience, who have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: 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, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The rating may not be representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of the Financial Advisor's future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information see www.SHOOKresearch.com. ÂŠ2019 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC

CRC# 2683837

8/19

Contents

Features 78

GIFTS OF THE SEASON Produced by Carmen Juarez-Leiva and Frances Ryan

A VERY VINTAGE HOLIDAY The perfect gift may be one that captures the essence of days gone by. Photographs by Gar y Moss

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • L E T T H E H O L I DAY S S H I N E

Contents

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • L E T T H E H O L I DAY S S H I N E

Departments Pulse 41 Tracking the Beat

Arts & Culture 68 A Winning Hand

98 WINE: Festive Fizz

Finds 49 Snowscape

By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

By Alex Ward

Upgrades 73 Glacial Effect

A Feast of Fish Local restaurants join in a festive tradition with a meal that showcases the bounty of the sea.

of the 805

Set a winter scene indoors with a flurry of snowflake motifs. By Jennie Nunn

52 STYLE: Wrapped in Red

The holidays’ hottest hue makes for a pretty package. By Frances Ryan

54 TRAVEL

By Erin Rottman

Insider By Heidi Dvorak

58 Local Events & Family Fun 60 Hot Ticket 63 Show Your Support 65 Worth a Drive 65 Give Back

Faces in the Crowd 66 Michael Christie

The new music director of New West Symphony brings his Grammy Award–winning talent to the Ventura County ensemble’s 25th season. By Leslie Dinaberg Photograph by Gary Moss

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Artist Dan Levin’s works have heart.

Ice-inspired decor lets a light and airy ambience shine through. By Frances Ryan

These Central Coast sparklers are certain to raise holiday spirits.

100 DINING OUT:

103 Where to Eat Now P.S. Sketchpad 112 Seasonal Holiday Work in the 805

By Greg Clarke

In Every Issue

14 Editor’s Note 26 Masthead 34 Behind the Scenes

By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

Good Deeds 76 Dream Foundation,

Southeast Ventura County YMCA

By Mark Langton Photographs by Sarah Abrams and Head & Heart Photography

Taste 94 FOOD: Pear for

the Course The season’s iconic fruit elevates dishes from appetizers to desserts with its subtle, sweet flavor. By Jaime Lewis

Visit Us Online! 805living.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest keyword: 805Living Check out our website for the free digital version of 805 Living (smartphone and tablet compatible, it’s also on issuu.com) and to tune in to our 805 Living Eats podcasts.. 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, last-minute 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.

54 JONATHAN FINCH/LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY; 68 GARY MOSS; 94 © KIRSTY BEGG/STOCKSY UNITED

Majorelle Spa at Hotel Californian For reservations call (805) 882-0100 or email majorelle@thehotelcalifornian.com

hotelcalifornian.com

Editor’s Note

Wrapping Up the Season

Do-Good Dining Don’t forget that 805 Living’s “Dishing It Out for Charity Challenge” continues through the end of December. Our fourth annual philanthropic dining-out program is sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust and features more than two dozen Central Coast restaurants that have pledged to contribute $2 to their chosen charity for every order of a special menu item they’ve created. For a complete list of participating restaurants and their dishes visit 805living.com.

THE GREAT THING ABOUT GIFT-GIVING being such a prominent part of the holiday season is that it can take us out of our sunup-to-sundown, wall-to-wall lives to think about other people in a very real way. It’s not that we should feel compelled to simply check off our holiday gift-buying lists but rather that we have the opportunity to think about our friends, family, coworkers, and others. We get to ask ourselves: What would make him happy? What would put a smile on her face? Do I have the chance to help someone out? But I’m not naive. I know that as much as the holidays can deliver joy and merriment, they also have a way of adding frustration to our lives. Sometimes we find ourselves staring at a long and daunting gift list as the days of December seem to move past us at record speed. So we put together this issue to help you find the perfect present for anyone and everyone on your list. For instance, check out “A Very Vintage Holiday” (page 88) for items that have a timeless feel because they are, in fact, vintage; “Festive Fizz” (page 98) for Central Coast sparkling wines that make great gifts as well as first-rate bottles for New Year’s Eve celebrations; and “Gifts of the Season” (page 78) for more presents, perhaps, than even Santa has in his bag. I hope this issue comes in handy as you consider your loved ones. Please note that we’re switching things up a bit by releasing our winter issue during the last week of January (instead of the first week). This will be our annual “Wellness Issue” and it also includes a special “805 Weddings” resource guide, two perfect topics to start out the New Year. Here’s hoping your holidays are happy and meaningful.

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher

GARY MOSS

edit@805living.com

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

NEW SHOWROOM OPENING IN EARLY 2020

photography by public three eleven design

WHIZIN MARKET SQUARE 28861 West Agoura Road, Agoura Hills | 818.874.9092 | aBeautifulMessHome.com

There’s no place like home for the holidays WESTLAKE VILLAGE BROKERAGE 805.495.2000 | 3075 TOWNSGATE ROAD, SUITE 100, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361

CHANNEL ISLANDS BROKERAGE 805.382.8200 | 3600 S. HARBOR BLVD, SUITE 112B, OXNARD, CA 93035 Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Sotheby’s International Realty DRE Number: 899496

H O L I DA Y R O O M PA C K A G E S Available for Arrivals December 1 to 31

Merry Miramar A festively adorned suite, Santa photo session and mistletoe service with delectable confections. Holiday De-Stress Beachside bliss and pampering with seasonal treatments at Sense, A Rosewood Spa®. S A N TA’ S B U N G A L O W Open Daily from November 29 to December 24

St. Nick’s merry beachside retreat, perfect for sharing wish lists and getting the family together for a joyful photo op. S A N TA’ S H O L I DA Y B R U N C H December 15 & 22

Seatings at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. A grand feast in the Chandelier Ballroom, featuring a buffet of seasonally inspired dishes and strolling holiday entertainment. $125 Per Person, $65 for Children 4 – 12 Complimentary for Children 3 & Under

C H R I S T M A S DA Y D I N I N G Wednesday, December 25

Malibu Farm | 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A farm-to-table buffet with an extraordinary assortment of seasonal dishes. $150 Per Person, $65 Per Child 4 – 12 Complimentary for Children 3 & Under

Caruso’s | 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. An oceanfront setting and five-course, prix-fixe menu crafted by Chef Massimo Falsini. $165 Per Person, $65 Per Child 4 – 12 Complimentary for Children 3 & Under For Reservations 805.900.8388 | miramar@rosewoodhotels.com

rosewoodmiramarbeach.com 1759 S. JAMESON LANE, MONTECITO, CA 93108

EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Lynne Andujar

edit@805living.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bernard Scharf MANAGING EDITOR

Kathy Tomlinson DESIGNER

Sophie Patenaude PHOTO EDITOR

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com SENIOR EDITOR

Heidi Dvorak CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Mark Langton (Philanthropic Events), 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 PHOTOGRAPHER

Gary Moss CONSULTING EDITOR

Anthony Head

home furnishings

interior design

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805 LIVING, DECEMBER 2019

Join Us At The New J. Wilkes Tasting Room Located At The Hotel Californian 35 State Street Santa Barbara

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805 LIVING, DECEMBER 2019

What’s Her Color?

“Start with a Sofa

...end with a room” - Paul Trent Owner/Designer, The Sofa Guy

Visit our showroom, get inspired, and create your favorite space.

Paul Trent

A sofa is the heart of a room, so we put our heart into everything we do. We bridge the gap between a design firm and a furniture store. Like a design firm, we value the creative process. We make house calls, collaborate with clients and coordinate many of the little details you never thought existed. Like a furniture store, you can come in and select anything from our showroom, order it in the fabric you want and call it a day.

2520 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. | Thousand Oaks | 805.497.3222 | TheSofaGuy.com

Behind the Scenes The holidays are a time to dream, and what could be better than dreaming about the presents we’d bestow on loved ones if money were no object? Here’s what our featured contributors would like to give. Leslie Dinaberg “I’d love to take my entire extended family to the Olympics in Tokyo this summer—with first-class air travel,” says contributing writer Leslie Dinaberg (Pulse, page 41, Faces in the Crowd, page 66). “My sister and I traveled to Japan together in the 1990s. It would be so much fun to take our kids and husbands back with us.”

Greg Clarke

Carmen Juarez-Leiva Operations manager Carmen Juarez-Leiva (second from left, among her family; “Gifts of the Season,” page 78) says, “I would give my entire family (grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles) a safari vacation together for the holidays—Christmas in Africa, preferably on a reserve.”

DINABERG: AMY BARNARD; CLARKE: GREG CLARKE

“As a college student many years ago, I took a term off to backpack through Europe with a two-month Eurail Pass,” says contributing illustrator Greg Clarke (P.S. Sketchpad, page 112). “I’ve always wanted to go back with my wife and two kids. That would be my gift to them.”

Behind the Scenes If the sky were the limit for handing out gifts to that special someone, here is what our featured experts would like to give. “A four-bedroom tree house by the beach to my wife, Anne.” —Dan Levin

(Arts & Culture, page 68) artist Objects of Curiosity Santa Barbara danlevin.com

“I would save the rainforest to help preserve our world for future generations.” —Ashley Ann Harris

(Pulse, page 41) celebrity-makeup artist The Starlet Studio Westlake Village thestarletstudio.com

“Clean water, clean air, and the healthiest food to every human on earth.” —Michael Christie

“I would spread joy and love by gifting gourmet chocolates to the world.” —Rhonda Nassar

(Pulse, page 41) co-founder and sales and marketing director Celia Chocolatier San Luis Obispo celiachocolatier.com

In the November issue, we incorrectly identified Barbara Ben-Honin’s title at nonprofit organization Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara. Ben-Honin is currently CEO. We regret the error.

HARRIS: ALEX NEUMANN; CHRISTIE: KENNY BACKER

(Faces in the Crowd, page 66) music director New West Symphony Thousand Oaks and Camarillo newwestsymphony.org, michaelchristieonline.com

Winner of the CLCA San Fernando Chapter Beautification Award

Happy Holidays

EXPLORE NEW SHOPPES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Novo - Urban Vejjie - Bamboo Room - Amazing Lash - More!

save the date!

Annual Holiday Sing-a-Long | December 8th, 3-6pm

Enjoy Photos with Santa Claus • Frozen Characters • Cookie Decorating

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Rock the Holidays at Spreading Love & Crystals Everywhere!

An Interior Designer’s Must-See Destination HOME DÉCOR | ETHICALLY SOURCED CRYSTALS | ART 21828 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303 Located less than one mile from Westfield Topanga Mall M-F 10-6

SAT 10:30-6

SUN 11-6

818-963-8557 | www.rockparadise.com

Pulse

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

Enjoy Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Cookies from Fig & Sprig in Calabasas throughout this month.

GARY MOSS

GET ’EM WHILE THEY LAST

Sweet and spicy peppermint is among the most festive of flavors, and there’s no more appropriate time of year to enjoy it. Don’t miss out on these local treats available for a limited time.

chocolate robed in dark chocolate adorned with colorful cocoa butter transfers of holly leaves and berries. Where: Chocolats du CaliBressan, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria, chococalibressan.com When: Through December 31

What: Flødeboller, a Danish confection made of whipped

What: Poker’s Porter Peppermint Bark Beer, a robust

peppermint-flavored marshmallow piled on a circular marzipan base and coated with a thin layer of dark or white chocolate decorated with crushed candy canes or red or green sugar pearls. Where: Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant, Santa Barbara, andersenssantabarbara.com When: Through January 1 What: White Chocolate and Peppermint Ganache

Bonbons, bites of peppermint-infused cream and white

porter-style brew with hearty malt and peppermint flavors.

Where: Poseidon Brewing Co. tasting room, Ventura, poseidonbrewingco.com When: While supplies last

What: Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Cookies, flat

rounds of buttery shortbread spiked with cocoa powder and crushed candy canes. Where: Fig & Sprig, Calabasas, figandsprig.com When: Through December 31

—Nancy Ransohoff DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Pulse

A TASTEFUL GIFT

Celia Chocolatier (celiachocolatier.com) in San Luis Obispo makes and ships gift-worthy packages of European-style chocolates, chocolate bars, toffees, and brittles. Sisters Rhonda and Dinah Nassar launched their decadent enterprise last January to produce the type of sweets they grew up with in Egypt and Lebanon. “We started experimenting with chocolates when we were young,” says Rhonda. Later, the sisters made 600 chocolates for Dinah’s wedding. “We were so stressed,” Rhonda says, “but all our friends and family were so impressed, they urged us to start the business.” The chocolates feature fresh nuts and fruits rather than concentrates. “It’s all very pure and real,” Rhonda says. Coming soon: A new line of organic varieties. —Jaime Lewis

HOME-FIELD APPVANTAGE

“We know that encouraging women to turn their talents into businesses helps unleash economic potential,” says Lyn Johnson, founder of the Conejo Valley–based company West Tenth (wtenth.com), an app she developed to provide free digital storefronts to women who own and operate home-based businesses. “We are confident that busy households benefit when access to these women-led businesses is made easier,” Johnson says. “And we believe that figuring out both sides of this digital marketplace will ultimately build a modern Main Street that will provide value to households in the 805, L.A., and beyond.” Whether the entrepreneur is a baker of designer cookies, a detail-driven event planner, a floral artist, a calligrapher, or a provider of one of myriad other creative home-based services, West Tenth can make her business known via its virtual marketplace. — Leslie Dinaberg The West Tenth app is an online showcase for the wares of local home-based businesses, like the luxury paper flower designs of Joyful Creative Events & Production in Simi Valley.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

GLAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS (OR ANY DAY)

The golden age of Hollywood glamour is alive and well at celebrity-makeup artist Ashley Ann Harris’ new The Starlet Studio (thestarletstudio.com) in Westlake Village. Taking inspiration from her grandmother Marilyn L. Riess—a dancer and background actor who appeared in

Showbiz ties run in the family of The Starlet Studio owner Ashley Ann Harris, granddaughter of 1940s–era dancer and background actor Marilyn L. Riess (right).

films starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra—Harris says, “The studio was designed to emulate a starlet’s dressing room, but with a modern twist. It is a lush, old Hollywood atmosphere, where you can escape from the everyday and feel like a star with your own personal makeup artist in your private dressing room.” Harris, who has worked with Brooke Shields, Anna Kendrick, and Hilary Duff, among others, says, “Just like your favorite celebrity getting ready for a red carpet event, you can now enjoy personalized makeup services.” Book early to glam up for the season’s holiday celebrations.

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Growing Imaginations

in a climate of care

“Oak Park schools are inclusive learning environments where children are loved and honored for who they are.” – Superintendent Tony Knight

Accepting District of Choice applications for 2020-2021 through December 31, 2019

Serving grades K-12

National Green Ribbon School District by US Department of Education and the EPA 100% organic landscapes at all campuses

#1 Counselor to student ratio in Ventura County OPUSD students are the highest achieving on all state tests, SAT, ACT, and AP in Ventura County

Most Coastal Canyon League Championships 60% of students participate in a sport in high school

Oak Park schools use a holistic approach to learning that blends the latest technology with more traditional experiences such as gardening, singing, painting, and building things in a climate of care where every child is nurtured and valued. 899 N. Kanan Road, Oak Park, CA 91377

Oak Park Unified School District |

| 818.735.3253

| www.opusd.org

Educating Compassionate and Creative Global Citizens

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

Snowscape SET A WINTER SCENE INDOORS WITH A FLURRY OF SNOWFLAKE MOTIFS. By Jennie Nunn

Beaded snowflakes and stars ($55â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$98, sizes and styles vary); The Agoura Antique Mart, Agoura Hills, agouraantiquemart.com. DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds

1. White ceramic tea light candleholder ($4 for small; $8 for medium; $13 for large); World Market at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; worldmarket.com.

2. Embroidered gingerbread oven mitt ($10); World Market at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; worldmarket.com. 3. MacKenzie-Childs pedestal ($135 for small; $150 for medium; $165 for large); Neiman Marcus at Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com. 4. Vietri “Incanto Stone Winterland White” handled platter ($165); Coast 2 Coast Collection, Santa Barbara, coast2coastcollection.com.

5. Garland ($68); Anthropologie at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Barbara, anthropologie.com.

8 9

6. Napkin ring ($5); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 7. Joanna Buchanan snowflake cocktail picks ($76 for a set of four); Neiman Marcus at Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com. 8. “Tree and Snowflake” lasercut wood rolling pin set ($26); World Market at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; worldmarket.com. 9. Snowflake ice-mold and rocks glass set ($40); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills; crateandbarrel.com. 

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Finds Style By Frances Ryan

2 3

5 4

8 7

11 9

Wrapped in Red THE HOLIDAYS’ HOTTEST HUE MAKES FOR A PRETTY PACKAGE. 1. Alexis “Lishan” tie-neck printed mini dress ($495); Intermix at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, and Malibu Lumber Yard; intermixonline.com. 2. Pleated midi skirt ($98); J.Crew at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, jcrew.com. 3. Bottega Veneta “BV” classic leather shoulder bag ($1,900); Nordstrom at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; nordstrom.com. 4. Fauxfur ear muffs ($11); Zara at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; zara.com. 5. Cartier “Tank Anglaise” large model watch in 18-karat rose gold and diamonds with leather band (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers at The Commons at Calabasas, polachecks.com. 6. “Lanica” boots ($395); Vince at Malibu Country Mart, vince com. 7. “Love 85” suede pumps ($625); Jimmy Choo at Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, jimmychoo.com. 8. Ring with 8.34-carat oval ruby set in white gold with a halo of colorless diamonds flanked by two half-moon diamonds (price upon request); Raiman Rocks, Calabasas, raimanrocks.com. 9. Cushnie open-back draped silk dress ($1,495); Intermix at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, and Malibu Lumber Yard; intermixonline.com. 10. Hooded puffer jacket ($70); Zara at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; zara.com. 11. Ruby and diamond earrings (price upon request); Silverhorn, Santa Barbara, silverhorn.com. 

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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

160 Promenade Way Suite E Westlake Village, CA 805-777-7019 @sharonsegalninasegal

love what you wear

Holiday Floor Sample Sale 20—60% off

1881 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks 805.498.5588 AldermanBusheInteriors.com Mon–Fri 10-5 Sat–Sun by Appt.

Finds Travel By Erin Rottman

A lounge accompanies the heated pool at the Wet Deck on the roof of the new W Aspen hotel and The Sky Residences at W Aspen.

uxury retreats like The Little Nell, The St. Regis Aspen Resort, and Hotel Jerome have been go-to reservations for longtime Aspen lovers, but there’s a new place in town—and it’s a party. The ultra-modern W Aspen hotel and The Sky Residences at W Aspen (marriott.com/ hotels/travel/asewh-w-aspen; from $379 in December and $539 in January) at the base of Aspen Mountain feature the city’s only rooftop bar, the 8,000-square-foot Wet Deck with fire pits, a heated pool, a hot tub, a DJ booth, and a dance floor.

“We expect après-ski to be huge on the Wet Deck,” says general manager Greg Durrer, who points out that unique outdoor experiences are as much of a priority at this mountain chalet as cocktails and nightlife. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities beyond the ordinary, such as attaching climbing skins to the bottom of their skis or using a split-board to hike up Aspen Mountain in time to watch the sun rise. “Being able to introduce our guests to a different variation of one of their favorite sports is very special,” says W Insider Colie Cook, who leads activities and plans private adventures.

Cook says she customizes activities “by seeing if the guests crave a more relaxing experience when they are on vacation or if they are more of an adrenaline junkie.” W Aspen also offers opportunities for members of the hotel’s loyalty program to bid on a ski day in March with half-pipe skier Alex Ferreira, the Aspen local who won the silver medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games in South Korea. Ambassadors like Ferreira and Olympic snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler will be on hand, mingling with guests at the Wet Deck or playing

shuffleboard in the indoor Living Room lounge during events such as the X Games and Gay Ski Week in January, Durrer says. After the night’s fun, the day’s thrills are made easy with Four Mountain Sports ski and snowboard rentals and ski valet service from the W Aspen. Whether guests want to ski at Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, or Buttermilk, Durrer says, “their skis will show up slopeside the following morning.”

A mountain-shaped roofline atop the 88–guest room hotel and 11 residences mimics the surroundings (far left). At the Welcome Desk (left), wood furnishings, the floor covering, and shelves of terrariums depicting hiking, biking, and snow sports bring the essence of the outdoors inside. Open space is maximized in rooms with two queen beds lining one wall (above). DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

W HOTELS WORLDWIDE

W ASPEN BRINGS THE PARTY

Finds Travel

Recently opened in Big Sky, Montana, the all-suite Wilson Hotel (thewilsonhotel.com; from $269) is about a seven-mile shuttle ride from Big Sky ski slopes. The hotel offers everything snow sports enthusiasts need: ski and snowboard storage, an outdoor hot tub, and a lounge (slated to open in February) for cocktails. General manager Mandy Hotovy shared some insider tips with 805 Living.

What makes Big Sky special? It’s still a very unknown destination. For skiing, there are really no lift lines, so that’s huge compared to some of the ski resorts in California. Of Big Sky’s four connected mountains, what’s the hottest spot? The Lone Peak tram provides access to the most technical and extreme inbound skiing. There are three different chutes on the backside: Liberty, Marx, and Lenin. Those go toward Shedhorn Grill, which is a hot spot for lunch. After a day on the slopes, where do you like to relax before heading back to the Wilson? Scissorbills Saloon. We’ll stop there and get some great white Russians and nachos.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Leave the crowds behind: Book a suite at the Wilson Hotel and hit the slopes in Big Sky.

SACRAMENTO’S GAME-DAY EXCLUSIVE

Sacramento Kings fans can score some great perks at The Kimpton Sawyer hotel in the NBA team’s hometown. “This city loves the Sacramento Kings, and we wanted to give our visitors a truly unique experience they couldn’t get anywhere else,” says hotel general manager Nikki Carlson. Fit for a King (sawyerhotel.com; $5,000 package) includes a one-bedroom suite for two nights, a $75 credit at the rooftop lounge for pregame drinks and snacks, admittance to the team’s pregame practice, two courtside seats, two signed jerseys to wear to the game, and a signed ball. Located across the street from the Kings’ home court, Golden 1 Center, The Kimpton Sawyer is the cornerstone of the city’s Downtown Commons shopping and dining hub.

HO, HO, HO IN PISMO

The 124-room Vespera on Ocean (vesperapismobeach.com; from $250) hotel in Pismo Beach fronts the Pacific, offering spacious guest rooms decorated in soothing hues of blue and white, oversize bathrooms, and private balconies. Somerset Grill, the hotel restaurant—which taps Central Coast farms for produce and serves beer and wine from Edna Valley and San Luis Obispo County—is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.  Make an ocean view the cornerstone of this year’s holiday decor in a guest room at Vespera on Ocean in Pismo Beach.

FROM TOP: SACRAMENTO KINGS; JONATHAN FINCH/LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY; SHANNON McMILLEN

SWEET SUITES IN MONTANA

Sit courtside at a Sacramento Kings basketball game via The Kimpton Sawyer hotel’s Fit for a King package.

Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak Through December 29 GREAT OAKS

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. The ancient oak trees of West Sonoma County are captured in a series painted by Adam Wolpert. In his work, the artist embraces ecological processes and the shifting lighting and colors of the seasons; sloma.org. December 8 CHOPPER FEST

12/8

Ventura County Fairgrounds. Get those motors runnin’ and head out on the highway to the ultimate biker shopping adventure at a motorcycle show with antique and custom models; chopperfestival.com. December 14 SASSY CHRISTMAS

hear “Run, Run, Rudolph,” performed Motown style? Give a listen to vocalist-trombonist Aubrey Logan at a Concerts in the Gallery presentation of jazz pop tunes and unique takes on holiday favorites; studiochannelislands.org. December 15 LADIN SUBARU 805 STRONG 5K

Thousand Oaks Community Park. Join T.O. residents as they show support for others at a run-walk to benefit the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Hill Fire/Woolsey Fire Sudden and Urgent Needs Effort Fund and the Conejo Valley Victims Fund; 805strong5k.com.

Studio Channel Islands Art Center, Camarillo. Ever

December 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE COMEDY BASH

Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks. Ring in the new year with four comedians in a PG-13 show starring Thousand Oaks native Jason Love, former Tonight Show correspondent Kira Soltanovich, and nationally touring headliners Dan Gabriel and Nick Cobb; bapacthousandoaks.com. December 31 POPS: A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo. The San Luis Obispo Symphony salutes the best of film music in a retrospective of Academy Award–winning films, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Casablanca, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and others; slosymphony.org.

Family Fun Here’s an Idea: Raise a glass to lives past and present at BORDERLINE COUNTRY NIGHT held at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on Wednesdays, starting at 6 p.m. Despite the tragic events of November 7, 2018, the legacy of the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks is upheld at this popular venue where Borderline regulars and newbies gather to ride the mechanical bull, take dance lessons, and listen to down-home country tunes; wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.

Through December 23

December 6–30

December 14

CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET

ROCKSTAR TOUR OF LIGHTS

MUSICAL NOTES & HOLIDAY FLOATS

Cambria Pines Lodge. After the sun goes down, a winter wonderland illuminated by twinkling lights appears as shopkeepers open their booths at an old-fashioned outdoor German Christmas market. Vendors sell handmade wares and serve warm glühwein (mulled wine) and traditional German foods while live music plays; cambriachristmasmarket.com. December 5–22 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

Ensemble Theatre Company at The New Vic, Santa Barbara. There’s nothing like a holiday classic to get everyone in the spirit of Christmas. Gather loved ones and listen to a story about one man’s uplifting adventure in the town of Bedford Falls; etcsb.org.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Santa Barbara Zoo pickup. Let someone else do the driving in a humongous light-strewn trolley for a guided evening tour of Santa Barbara. Everyone gets hot chocolate and candy canes during a curated excursion of extravagantly illuminated homes and businesses; rockstartrolley.com. December 14 CAMARILLO CHRISTMAS PARADE

Community Center Park, Camarillo. With a theme like Cosmic Christmas, this annual processional is bound to be out of this world. Along with Santa atop his sleigh, bands on floats, automobiles, and equestrian units populate a jubilant stroll on the green, surrounded by artisan booths, live music, and food galore; pvrpd.org.

Channel Islands Harbor. An allday seaside celebration ensues for young and old, starting with a 36-ton snowfall, carolers, an appearance by Santa, photo opportunities, dockside activities, a lighting of the mast at the Maritime Museum, and a parade of festively decorated boats on the water; channelislandsharbor.org. December 14–29 ELF THE MUSICAL

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. When a young orphan crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts, he ends up at the North Pole. Find out what happens years later when Santa sends him off to New York City to find his birth father in this heartwarming production; simi-arts.org. >

TOP: DAVID MANN

Through 1 2 / 2 3

cabinetsense.com

Insider

Hot Ticket

Book your seats now for these hot upcoming events. DECEMBER Through December 8 Kids with an unbridled imagination might get a kick out of MATILDA THE MUSICAL, a play based on the 1988 Roald Dahl novel about a 5-year-old girl with telekinesis. Her can-do attitude is inspiring, despite the odds against her; simi-arts.org. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, simi-arts.org.

Design • Construct • Manage

Through December 14 Lend an ear to flamenco, fingerstyle, jazz, classical, Americana, blues, and slack-key guitar playing at SBAcoustic, a series of international acoustic concerts and guitar workshops hosted by the Santa Barbara Acoustic Music Association; Alhecama Theatre, Lobero Theatre, and Soho Restaurant & Music Club, Santa Barbara, facebook.com/sbacoustic2019. Through December 15 The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Miss Gertrude McFuzz, and other heavy hitters from the stories of Theodor Geisel (that’s Dr. Seuss) star in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, a melodious romp through the Jungle of Nool, the Circus McGurkus, and other Seussian sites; Ojai Art Center Theater, ojaiact.org. Through December 22 All aboard the SUGAR PLUM EXPRESS for a train ride to Holiday Village. Once there, passengers can meet up with Santa and visit his workshop, ride a carousel, purchase a Christmas tree, engage in crafts, and hop on the Jolly Jumper; Fillmore & Western Railway Co., Santa Paula, fwry.com.

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Through January 3 Do as the Danish do and pronounce the J as a Y in SOLVANG JULEFEST, a slew of seasonal happenings, all taking place within a festively decorated, walkable area. Highlights include a Christmas Drone Show, a tree lighting, candlelight walking tours, the Skål Wine and Stein Stroll, a parade, photo opportunities, Santa’s Barn stocked with live animals, a countdown to the Danish new year, and the traditional Christmas tree burn; Solvang locations, solvangjulefest.org. Through January 12 Cultivate an appreciation of beauty found in simple objects and materials in BEYOND FUNCTION: FIBER, WOOD AND CLAY, an exhibit that showcases the wares of weaver Michael F. Rohde, woodworker Michael Adams, and potter Nate Pidduck; Santa Paula Art Museum, santapaulaartmuseum.org. Through January 12 See how science compels artists to create in THE OBSERVABLE UNIVERSE: VISUALIZING THE COSMOS IN ART. Works in the exhibition include matter that can be seen by the naked eye or with technology. The subject may appear all-encompassing but the artists share one

viewpoint: Earth. The challenge of creating art for the exhibit required them to look to observational sciences such as astronomy as well as to employ experimental techniques to conceptualize the vastness of outer space. Included are interpretations of the cosmos, coinciding with the Space Age of the last 60 years; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, sbma.net. Through January 20 Find out why California is called the Golden State at CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL LANDS OF CALIFORNIA, an exhibit of 63 artworks inspired by national parks, monuments, preserves, and recreation areas, including 805 locations such as Channel Islands National Park; Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, Solvang, wildlingmuseum.org.

Coming Soon to San Luis Obispo!

Through February 28 See nature at its finest when tens of thousands of butterflies congregate at the PISMO BEACH MONARCH BUTTERFLY GROVE. At this time of year, the eucalyptus and pine trees are often ablaze with tens of thousands of these butterflies hanging in clusters. But these winged beauties travel sans calendars, so the expected dates of their appearance and departure aren’t a sure thing. Check the website for updates; North Beach Campground, monarchbutterfly.org. Through April 12 View more than 200 artifacts from two ancient Egyptian cities that slipped into the sea centuries ago at the exhibit EGYPT’S LOST CITIES. Discovered by underwater archeologist Franck Goddio, the remains represent a civilization that resided in a major center of power, wealth, trade, and artistry; Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, reaganlibrary.com. December 7 Experience small-town charm at an OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS. The funfilled day offers activities for kids and shopping opportunities for grown-ups at area shops and the Artisan Holiday Market. Feast at the food court and explore Gingerbread Wonderland, where Santa and his helpers pose for cameras. Carolers stroll the streets, and Summerset Farm & Dale’s Nursery Train ferries kids and parents through the village. The official lighting of the Los Olivos Christmas tree takes place in the town center; Los Olivos locations, losolivosca.com. December 7 Mike Love and Bruce Johnston are still crooning about those surfer girls as the BEACH BOYS usher in the holidays at this CAP Presents show of seasonal and beachy tunes. Accompanied by top-notch musicians Jeffrey Foskett, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill (of the Cowsills’ fame), Keith Hubacher, Christian Love (son of Mike Love), and Scott Totten, they continue the musical legacy of the iconic American band; Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks, bapacthousandoaks.com. December 11–12 One of Australia’s most respected guitarists, TOMMY EMMANUEL possesses a wide repertoire that spans pop, jazz, blues, gospel, classical, flamenco, and aboriginal styles. In this >

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performance, he shares the stage with special guests Jim and Morning Nichols; Pepperdine University, Malibu, arts.pepperdine.edu. December 14 Sip and swirl while fashioning festive decorations to take home at the GRAPEVINE WREATHMAKING WORKSHOP. All supplies—including Cinquain grapevines—as well as hands-on instructor guidance are provided. The occasion is also a winery open house, and wine tastings are available; Cinquain Cellars, San Miguel, cinquaincellars.com. December 14, 21 Rock out with live reindeer at WINTER WONDERLAND, a joyful celebration that gives a nod to the season with special activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, and arts and crafts activities are at the ready to spread lots of good cheer; Malibu Country Mart, malibucountrymart.com.

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December 15 Explore the grounds of a Spanish mission with costumed docents who lead a procession and sing songs in Spanish and English during LAS POSADAS AT LA PURISIMA MISSION. The celebratory tradition dates back more than 400 years in Mexico and reenacts the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem; La Purisima Mission State Historical Park, Lompoc, lapurisimamission.org. December 15 Indulge in the yumminess of the season at a family-friendly GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP. No cooking’s required, just assembling, decorating, and eating. All supplies are included along with the tummy-warming beverages of hot cocoa, cider, tea, and coffee. Everyone gets to take home the gingerbread recipe, an apron, and a toque; Justin Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles, justinwine.com. December 15 It’ll be a blue, blue Christmas without the musical intonations of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, so take in his songs at the ELVIS BLUE CHRISTMAS show where impersonator Raymond Michael recreates Presley’s hits and holiday favorites; Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, simi-arts.org. December 31 Enjoy five courses of farm-to-table cuisine plus wine pairings from LaZarre Winery of Paso Robles at a NEW YEAR’S EVE WINEMAKER DINNER. The party takes place in a private dining room and is accompanied by live acoustic music. A champagne toast salutes the New Year; Apple Farm Inn, San Luis Obispo, applefarm.com.

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 Sunday 11-5 818-706-8366 62

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

28879 Agoura Road Agoura Hills, CA 91301 agouraantiquemart.com

December 31 Take part in a long-held tradition when the Santa Barbara Symphony performs a rousing show of classic and pop tunes at the NEW YEAR’S EVE POP CONCERT. The performance ends well before midnight, so there’s plenty of time for more partying after; The Granada, Santa Barbara, granadasb.org. December 31 Welcome 2020 at a NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION that’s positively presidential.

Party under the wings of Air Force One with hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations, gourmet desserts, and a champagne toast at midnight, complete with party hats, horns, and streamers. Dance to music performed by Platinum Groove and check out the Christmas Around the World tree exhibit. Reservations must be made by December 23; Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, reaganfoundation.org.

JANUARY January 16–19 Ever contemplate Peter Pan’s backstory? Get the 411 on the boy in green who refused to grow up in FINDING NEVERLAND, a play about author J.M. Barrie. Based on the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan, the musical centers on Barrie’s real-life relationship with widow Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her four sons; Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks, bapacthousandoaks.com. Photos courtesy of Olio e Limone and Kevin Steele / kevsteele.com

January 19 Take in a Chamber on the Mountain concert of classical, jazz, and contemporary music from around the world performed by Australian guitar duo the GRIGORYAN BROTHERS. Meet the musicians at a post-performance patio reception overlooking Topa Topa Mountain; Logan House, Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, Ojai, chamberonthemountain.com. January 23 Virtuoso guitarist JOHN MAYALL is world-class. At the ripe age of 86, he’s worked with the best of the best—Eric Clapton, Peter Green, John McVie, and Mick Taylor—and is known to many as the godfather of British blues. Catch his show, which encapsulates his 60-year history of music making, including his days as founder of the Bluesbreakers, as well as his hits from albums such as Blues From Laurel Canyon, Bare Wires, and Looking Back; The Canyon, Agoura Hills, wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.

Photos courtesy of Olio Crudo Bar and Gary Moss /garymossphotography.com

Show Your Support

Fun and fundraising go hand-inhand at these local events. DECEMBER December 1–24 Give those newly purchased gifts the gorgeous wrap they deserve when the United Cancer Advocacy Action Network offers fullservice HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING. Donations are suggested, but keep in mind that contributions go directly to this nonprofit organization that provides services for cancer patients and survivors; second floor of the outdoor shopping center, The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, ucaan.org. December 7 Visit a prime example of 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture at an estate fundraiser that underscores the importance of preservation. Originally owned by George Fox Steedman, Casa del Herrero opens its doors for CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA, a soiree featuring >

Photos courtesy of Olio Pizzeria® and Kevin Steele / kevsteele.com

OLIOCUCINA.COM 11 W. Victoria St., Ste.’s 17, 18 & 21

| Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | 805.899.2699

Insider Steedman’s silver collection and a new book about it. Casa supporter Henry Nevins is honored; Casa del Herrero, Montecito, casadelherrero.com. December 7–8 St. Nicholas might be able to work off that bowl full of jelly at the SANTA TO THE SEA half marathon, two-person relay, 5K, and 1K. Pros, practiced runners, and neophytes are all welcome to join in on this all-ages event, but make sure to witness the infamous Diaper Dash, in which 35 babies compete in heats (seven races with five crawlers per heat) on a 10-foot-long stage with coaches on both ends. And there’s no messin’ around: Standers and walkers are immediately disqualified. There’s also a finish line festival, a holiday marketplace, and a toy drive. Scenic courses pass through strawberry fields, the Marine Emporium Landing in Channel Islands Harbor, and historic downtown Oxnard. Pick a charity, get sponsors, and get going; Nyeland Acres, Oxnard, santatothesea.com. December 10, 11, 17, 18 Treat friends and family to a unique experience by taking them to see how the holidays were celebrated back at the turn of the 19th century at CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH WITH SANTA. Join the Camarillo Ranch Foundation on a special historic home tour of Adolfo Camarillo’s 1892 Queen Anne Victorian mansion, all gussied up with festive decorations, as well as the 1905 Red Barn, which is transformed into Santa’s Workshop. Kriss Kringle, Victorian carolers, and gourmet food trucks are all on site. Bring a toy to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo. Proceeds benefit the foundation; camarilloranchfoundation.org. December 15 Surfer Joe would cry “Cowabunga!” upon learning about this epic procession: The HOLIDAY WOODIE PARADE shows off the it-cars of surf culture—in other words, classic station wagons with wood bodywork. These gnarly vehicles take it a step further as they’re decked out in bows, lights, candy canes, and wreaths. Beachy-themed entertainment is provided by the Hodads and the Malibu Ukulele Orchestra. The shebang supports the fire-relief efforts of the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu; Paradise Cove Beach Café to Malibu Village, malibuvillage.com.

JANUARY January 12 It may sound Yiddish, but the CHERYL DIAMOND SANTA BARBARA 5K SCHLEP benefits those of all stripes. The run is

sponsored by the American Friends of Rabin Medical Center in New York and benefits the Breast Cancer Center in Santa Barbara, research on breast and ovarian cancer and mutation carriers, and the BRCA Multidisciplinary Clinic at Rabin Medical Center’s Davidoff Center. The special day is also aimed at raising global awareness for BRCA genetic screening. Get there early for a yoga warm-up on the beach; Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, afrmc.org.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

GET RIGHT WITH YOUR LINES

FEBRUARY February 1 After five years, it’s practically a habit, so be a part of the sixth annual NUN RUN, sponsored by those altruistically hip Sisters of Notre Dame (SND). Run in a 5K, a 1-mile fun run, or even a virtual run, and refuel at a pancake breakfast. Proceeds support the SND Life & Ministry Fund, which provides spiritual, educational, and social outreach locally and around the world. Afterward, meet the reps of local nonprofits at the on-site community service fair to find out how to assist others in need; La Reina High School and Middle School, Thousand Oaks, nun.run. February 29 Find out who will be crowned king and queen of the MARDI GRAS BALL. It could be anyone who has made significant contributions to the Greater Conejo Valley through actions, talents, dedication, or financial support. The fundraiser supports Community Conscience Human Services Center, which currently houses 13 social service organizations at no charge; Hyatt Regency Westlake, Westlake Village, communityconscience.org.

Worth a Drive

Venture just outside the 805 for this choice event. December 13–15 It’s electrifying: CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE makes its Southern California debut with a dazzling live holiday spectacle. The critically acclaimed extravaganza is both a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate experiential gift for the entire family; Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, dolbytheatre.com.

Give Back

Whatever your interests, there’s a volunteer opportunity just right for you. Retail merchandising has never been as much fun as when it’s experienced at SENIOR CONCERNS’ BARGAIN BOUTIQUE AND THRIFT STORE in Thousand Oaks. The versatile shop needs volunteers age 18 and older to serve in a variety of roles. Pricing suggestions are needed for all inventory—shoes, clothing, accessories, tableware, jewelry, and home decor—so exercise those online shopping skills to come up with fair prices. Silver polishers are needed to make tableware and jewelry shine; items can be polished at home. Helpers are also needed to greet customers, cashier, sort donations, and group items in eye-catching ways or showcase them by category, color, or type; seniorconcerns.org.  If you would like to submit your event or organization for possible inclusion in Insider, please email the information and a contact number/email to insider@805living.com. Please submit your request no later than 14 weeks prior to the issue in which you’d like the information to appear.

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Faces in the Crowd By Leslie Dinaberg Photograph by Gary Moss

Michael Christie THE NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR OF NEW WEST SYMPHONY BRINGS HIS GRAMMY AWARD–WINNING TALENT TO THE VENTURA COUNTY ENSEMBLE’S 25TH SEASON.

fter winning the 2019 Best Opera Recording Grammy Award for The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, New West Symphony’s (newwestsymphony.org) new music director Michael Christie is bringing his own kind of (r)evolution to the West Coast. “We threw a lot at the audience,”

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Christie says of his first concerts in his new role with the Thousand Oaks–based symphony this past October. “Our concert format is slightly tweaked,” he says, “and we had our new venue [Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo], so people had a fair amount to take in.” Patrons were treated to a Gershwin concerto, Corigliano’s “Salute” with kazoos, and a “Scheherazade” performance that

Los Angeles Times critic Mark Swed praised as, “supplying far and away the most spectacular playing from what should no longer be considered a regional symphony.” “The biggest difference,” says Christie, “is that we are using intermission as an opportunity for people to experience some new things if they choose.” This includes a question-and-answer session with the guest artist and an entr’acte. Up next is the global celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday on January 25 and 26, featuring the Eroica Trio, whom Christie calls, “three very vibrant, genius women who are just amazing [with] the energy that they bring.” Christie has led top orchestras all over the world and served as music director for Minnesota Opera, The Phoenix Symphony, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic (now defunct). He now lives part-time in Ventura County, while his wife, Alexis, who is a physician, and their two children are in Minneapolis. Much of the life of a musician-conductor is spent on the road, says Christie, a trumpeter, who first conducted when his middle school band director let him give it a try back in Buffalo, New York. “I was never sure how one became a conductor,” he says. “I just knew I wanted to know more about it. People were very generous with their time and always willing to answer questions.” In February he’ll pay it forward with a one-month teaching and conducting stint at Indiana University. Christie is eager to communicate with students about the duties of an American music director, which he says, “are very specific to our particular situation of creating artistic vision and raising lots of money. It’s very particular to our country. I feel a great sense of responsibility for helping to convey that information, having lived it for the last 25 years. It’s fun to be asked to help the next generation start to figure that out. “We [music directors] are the face of the organization in many ways,” Christie says. “We should be viewed by our audience as open, friendly, fun, and adventurous but also sensible, engaging, and concerned for our community, what it’s going through, and what it’s aspiring to be. And none of those words really say Mozart or Gershwin,” he says, laughing. “It’s all kind of wrapped together.” 

Arts & Culture By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

A Winning Hand ARTIST DAN LEVIN’S WORKS HAVE HEART.

For his Levin’s Lonely Hearts collection, assemblage artist Dan Levin strategically cuts pieces from individual playing cards within a deck and assembles them to add dimension to the patterns printed on them. The heart on the ace of hearts plays a central role in each design.

mong the artifacts overfilling the shelves of artist Dan Levin’s compact Santa Barbara studio—boxes of wood pieces, bags of poker chips, stacks of photographs, old electronics, scores of playing card decks, and thousands of unidentifiable objects—is an old metal detector. And though most people might be inclined to consign it to the trash heap, it has value to Levin for several reasons. First, it has a history with its previous owner, another Santa Barbara artist who worked with assemblage—which Webster’s defines as “an artistic composition made from scraps, junk, and odds and

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

ends.” Second, it reminds Levin of the guys he used to see using detectors to scan beach sands for valuables. “I remember how excited they were when they got a score,” Levin says. “When I go to the thrift store or antique store, that’s how I feel.” Finally, the contraption might come in handy for a sculpture one day. Influenced by artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Edward Kienholz, Levin has made a career of creating art from unlikely components. He was born in the San Fernando Valley and grew up in New York. After graduating from Cal State University Northridge in the 1980s, he moved to Santa Barbara in 1986 to work as a graphic designer and art director, always >

HAVE A VERY MERRY HOLIDAY SEASON AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE BILTMORE SANTA BARBARA Celebrate the holidays and roar into 2020 with activities for all ages, decadent holiday dining, seasonal spa treatments and 1920s-themed New Year's Eve events. For reservations and more information, call (805) 969-2261 or visit fourseasons.com/santabarbara

Arts & Culture

In works from his Objects of Curiosity series, such as What Does It All Mean (left) and two others (right, integrated with a Levin’s Lonely Hearts piece), Levin (above) assembles eclectic miscellany.

painting on the side, he says, and accumulating stuff in a warehouse space in Los Angeles. “I’d find objects in Dumpsters and attach them to paintings,” he says. “Then I just concentrated on the objects.” After taking a few years off to travel in Australia and Europe, he met his future wife on a train in Scotland, and by 2009 they were living permanently in Santa Barbara. He was producing what he calls “objects of curiosity,” quirky, surrealistic, threedimensional pieces with an occasional provocative political or environmental edge. “I did an American tools series,” he says. “I took a rake or a shovel and cut them up and beaded the pieces with other objects. I did that for a while and then moved on. I don’t stay in one place artistically very long.” In 2012 Levin was working on an assemblage when he added a deck of playing cards and thought about cutting into the faces. One thing led to another: First he folded cards and made straight scissor cuts, the way one might cut out valentine hearts or paper snowflakes. These days, with what seems like X-ray vision, he uses an X-Acto knife to isolate various shapes in the patterns on the backs of the cards. Working his way through an entire deck, he stacks and glues the cut cards together to form a delicate three-dimensional diorama that tantalizes the eye with its complexity. At the very back of the jewel box– like creation he places the deck’s ace of hearts—a red icon. Hence the name: Levin’s Lonely Hearts. Levin has hand-cut 500 to 600 such decks by now, working with a dazzling variety of vintage and contemporary motifs: abstract mandalas, the skeletons and skulls of Día de los Muertos, a bee-andhive pattern, and an image of Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, among many, many others. “I went on eBay,” he says, “and saw all kinds of card designs. There are thousands, and new ones all the time.” 70

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Levin has hand-cut 500 to 600 such decks by now, working with a dazzling variety of vintage and contemporary motifs. And as people have seen examples of Levin’s Lonely Hearts—which the artist posts on Instagram, Etsy, and Facebook and generally sells for $150 to $500 each—card designers have sent him decks to work with and collectors have commissioned him to produce specific pieces. Even using the same patterns again, Levin rarely repeats his cuts exactly. “I start right around the heart with the smallest cut, then bring it to the top, making adjustments along the way,” he says. There’s also an element of chance, since there’s no set order to the cards. If the deck happens to fly apart as he works with it, it just comes together differently. “I like to let happy accidents take over,” he says. Levin has continued to work with other objects. The effort involved in landing a man on the moon 50 years ago has inspired him to make pieces that combine space and astronaut imagery with pictures of President John F. Kennedy. He collects and cuts up old photographs and 19th-century cartes de visite and reassembles them into mash-ups mounted on pieces of wood. He also creates balancing wire-work sculptures that pay homage to the mobiles and stabiles of late sculptor Alexander Calder. The Lonely Hearts aren’t going away anytime soon, however. “I’m going to keep doing the cards,” Levin says. “I envision myself being able to do this for many years to come.”  An exhibit of Levin’s Lonely Hearts is on display at Bella Rosa Galleries (bellarosasb.com) in Santa Barbara through December. Other examples of his work can be found at danlevin.com.

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The Perfect Venue for Your Wedding

The word “oasis” comes to mind when describing

gazebo pavilion to enjoy dinner and the evening’s

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lagoon, fountains, and hundreds of palm trees.

the central dance floor and has various nooks for

the DJ, cake, buffet, or other needs. It is organza

two decades, this unique venue is nestled in

draped and glowing with twinkle lights creating

the middle of a 420-acre private estate. You’ll

a romantic ambiance. And, when the sun goes

be captivated by weeping willows, hundreds

down, this place really comes alive!

of palm trees surrounding a huge lagoon, sparkling fountains, and a marvelous island that is connected to the shore by an expansive bridge (perfect for photos), which all create a stunning

Rancho De Las Palmas only holds one event per

Exchange your vows by the double-tier waterfall,

hang out before the festivities begin.

lagoon, or in the estate’s newest more formal ceremony area. Here, the bride walks down a 100-foot-long aisle and through a series of ornate archways, which can be festooned with flowers and tulle. After the ceremony, guests will

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arrive early in the morning and enjoy the grounds and amenities, as well as the bride’s private salon

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In addition to weddings, Rancho De Las Palmas hosts numerous movie shoots, luaus, casino nights, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthdays, graduation parties, proms, swing dances, memorial services, charity events, and more. If you can’t stand the thought of renting a stuffy ballroom or

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3566 Sunset Valley Road | Moorpark, CA

A Private Estate Wedding Location

Where Paradise Still Exists...

Upgrades

Glacial Effect

ICE-INSPIRED DECOR LETS A LIGHT AND AIRY AMBIENCE SHINE THROUGH. By Frances Ryan Julie Neill for Visual Comfort & Co. “Chiara” large sputnik chandelier in polished nickel and clear acrylic ($4,349); Alderman Bushé Interiors, aldermanbusheinteriors.com. DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Upgrades

1 3 2

4 6

1. Acrylic stool (from $650); Williams Sonoma Home at The Commons at Calabasas, williams-sonoma.com. 2. Polished double-point quartz stones ($18–$48 each; sizes vary); Rock Paradise, Canoga Park, rockparadise.com. 3. Emtek crystal knobs (left to right): “Lowell” with “Wilshire” rosette in polished chrome, “Windsor” with rectangular rosette in polished nickel, and “Lowell” with “Wilshire” rosette in satin nickel ($145 each); Agoura Sash & Door, Inc., Westlake Village, agourasash.com. 4. John-Richard selenite “Starburst” mirror ($2,247); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 5. Arteriors “Eli” crystal lamp ($935); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 6. Bernhardt Interiors “Tahlia” acrylic dining chair ($1,898); Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com. 7. “Oscarine” Lucite dining table ($1,698); anthropologie.com. 8. Sklo “Sea Object” handblown glass sculpture designed by Karen Gilbert and Paul Pavlak ($1,080 for a set of three as shown); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 9. “Aliyad” hand-knotted wool and silk rug (from $6,755); Restoration Hardware at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, and Santa Barbara; restorationhardware.com. 

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Good Deeds By Mark Langton

Dream Foundation

Dream Foundation (dreamfoundation.org) held its fifth annual Endless Summer Dream fundraiser in early October at the Nesbitt Estate in Summerland. The private venue provided a breathtaking backdrop for fabulous fashions from Oscar de la Renta. Guests enjoyed panoramic ocean views, gourmet food, and fine wine while taking in live music and dance performances by the Airedanse Collective, Aqualillies and Aquawillies synchronized swimmers, teen vocalist Marissa Reyes, Santa Barbara Dance Theater, DJ Gavin Roy, and vocalist Natalie Noone. Founded in 1994, Dream Foundation is the only national organization fulfilling the dreams of terminally ill adults and their families. To date, it has carried out more than 30,000 of these special wishes.

1. Arlene Montesano, Ursula Nesbitt 2. Daphne Dahl, Cyndi Gilbert 3. Barbara Schoch, Kisa Heyer, Robert Curtis, J. Paul Gignac, Kenny Slaught, Jackie Waddill 4. Mark and Renee DePaco 5. Luke and Michelle Ebbin 6. Jane-Louise Hackett, Justine Roddick, Tina Schlieske 7. Hollye Jacobs, Frank Foster, Kisa Heyer 8. Marissa Reyes 9. Andrew Firestone 10. Natalie Noone, Eric Pressly Photographs by Head & Heart Photography

Southeast Ventura County YMCA

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA (sevymca.org) held its third annual Reach for the Stars gala in late September at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. David H. Murdock, CEO of Dole Food Company and long-standing philanthropist in the Conejo Valley, was given the Joel and Frances McCrea Memorial Award for his support of the Yarrow Family YMCA branch, which opened in early 2019 in Westlake Village. The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s main goals are to build relationships, impact lives, and strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Its signature programs include Safety Around Water, an educational course for youngsters, and Find My Genius, a free academic summer tutorial for low- and middle-income students who are not reading at their grade level.

1. Scott Nagatoshi, Ronnie Stone 2. Jeff Tenenbaum 3. Meghan Stone, Zenaida Vincent, Loren Halpern 4. Regan Burns 5. Megan Laack, Pamela Denton, Richard Boucher, Cynthia Leon 6. Jon and Buffy Quinn, Megan and Matt Glynn, Mollie Vehling 7. Vicki and Jeff Shumway 8. Jasmine Martinez, Alex Martinez, Carmen Ramos 9. Pat Wallace, Ronnie Stone 10. John and Karen Bradley 11. Ned Davis Photographs by Sarah Abrams

To see more photos from these events, visit 805living.com.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

GIFTS OF THE SEASON

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PRODUCED BY CARMEN JUAREZ-LEIVA AND FRANCES RYAN

Gucci “GG” velvet belt bag ($790); Nordstrom at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; nordstrom.com.

Rose gold and diamond pyramid “Luxor” bracelet ($4,800); Rock Star Couture Jewelry, Westlake Village, rockstarcouturejewelry.com.

Mitchell Exotic acousticelectric “Cutaway” ukulele ($229); Guitar Center at The Shoppes at Westlake Village, and Oxnard; guitarcenter.com.

Voyage et Cie “Bain de Moussant” lavender bubble bath ($52); Sharon Segal Nina Segal at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, facebook.com/ sharonsegalninasegal.

Bose “Frames” audio sunglasses with Bluetooth connectivity ($200); Target at The Shoppes at Westlake Village, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; target.com.

Animalia passport holder ($28); Anthropologie at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Barbara; anthropologie.com.

Limited-edition LEGO Originals Wooden Minifigure ($120); The LEGO Store at Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, lego.com.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

GIFTS OF THE SEASON Jenni Kayne “Suede Moc” clog ($345); Jenni Kayne, Montecito, jennikayne.com.

Good Luck Sock “Mister Rogers Pop Art” socks ($14); Lost in Socks at Ventura Harbor Village, lostinsocks.com.

Hermès Pop-Up book ($40); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com.

IWC “Pilot’s Watch Chronograph ‘Le Petit Prince’ ” edition ($5,250); Polacheck’s Jewelers at The Commons at Calabasas, polachecks.com.

Olli Ella “See-Ya” kids’ suitcase ($85); French, Calabasas (818-223-9600); and Bungalow by Fig, Ojai, figojai.com. Cozyblue “Full Heart” embroidery kit ($24); Len Collective, San Luis Obispo, lencollective.com.

Jetson “Strike” hover board ($150); Target at The Shoppes at Westlake Village, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; target.com.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Ring with 25.95-carat tanzanite gemstone surrounded by 1.39 carats of sapphires (price upon request); Silverhorn, Santa Barbara, silverhorn.com.

Hannah Banana “Sequin Cat Face” girl’s bomber jacket ($96); Neiman Marcus at Westfield Topanga, Canoga park, neimanmarcus.com.

Illy “X1 Anniversary” multibeverage machine (from $595); Williams Sonoma at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and The San Luis Obispo Collection; williams-sonoma.com.

Huts and Bay pet tent ($136–$168); Nordstrom at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; nordstrom.com.

Runamok Maple pecan wood–smoked maple syrup ($17); Gelson’s, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Calabasas; gelsons.com.

“Y/osemeti” paddleball set ($380); James Perse, Malibu Lumber Yard, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito, and Montecito Country Mart; jamesperse.com.

Margo Selby “Sakuru” lambswool throw ($540); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

GIFTS OF THE SEASON

Maileg “Superhero Mouse in Suitcase” ($27); The Copenhagen House, Solvang, thecopenhagenhouse.com. Kalamazoo “Shokunin Kamado” grill ($5,995); Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design, thousandoaksfiresideanddesign.com.

Belgian-linen “Marshall” pouch ($51); Beautiful Mess Home & Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com.

Travel backgammon game ($99); Pottery Barn at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and The San Luis Obispo Collection; potterybarn.com.

Single “Classic” hammock ($329); cacoonworld.com.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Moustache Bikes “Lundi 26.1” ($3,499); Electric Bikes, Santa Barbara, electricbikezzz.com.

Confetti Crayons ($10 for a set of 12); Rock Paradise, Canoga Park, rockparadise.com.

Crosley “302” wall phone ($50); Target at The Shoppes at Westlake Village, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; target.com.

Pendleton Woolen Mills “Carry Along Motor” robe ($100); Iron & Resin, Ventura, ironandresin.com.

Vinglacé wine bottle insulator ($90); Sharon Segal Nina Segal at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, facebook. com/sharonsegalninasegal.

Bowers & Wilkins “Formation Wedge” wireless sound system ($899); Wilshire Media Systems, Westlake Village, wilshirehe.com.

Master & Dynamic “MW60” wireless leather headphones ($299); Nordstrom at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; nordstrom.com.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

GIFTS OF THE SEASON Burton men’s “Photon Step On Bundle” snowboarding boots ($650); REI at The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara; rei.com.

Richard Brendon “Diamond” mixing glass ($240); Garde, Summerland, gardeshop.com.

Rahaminov Diamonds “4459” emerald-cut 16.09 total weight JK SI1 GIA diamond earrings set in 18-karat white gold accented with 0.60 total weight melee (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers at The Commons at Calabasas, polachecks.com.

Smith “Attack Max” ChromaPop performance sunglasses ($250); The Hub, Westlake Village, thehubwestlake.com. Fujifilm “Mini Link” smartphone printer ($99); Urban Outfitters at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, and Malibu; urbanoutfitters.com.

Rachel Zoe “Race Car Ride-On” ($159); potterybarnkids.com.

“Harvest” basket ($160); Beautiful Mess Home & Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Yeti “Roadie 20” cooler ($200); REI at The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara; rei.com.

LA Hearts faux-fur “Pom” beanie ($13); PacSun at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, and Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara; pacsun.com.

Goldpaw stretch fleece ($22–$40); Ventura Pet Barn, venturapetbarn.com.

“Frequency” stainless-steel bowl by Kelly Wearstler for Georg Jensen ($95); The Copenhagen House, Solvang, thecopenhagenhouse.com.

Magna-Tiles “Clear Colors” deluxe magnetic building set ($79); MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, Santa Barbara, moxi.org.

Umbra “Handy Hooks” ($23); The Container Store at The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard, containerstore.com. Forager Spirits Bourbon Whiskey ($42); Ojai Beverage Company (ojaibevco.com); and Central Coast Distillery, Atascadero, foragerspirits.net.

GIFTS OF THE SEASON

Calhoun & Co. “Butterfly & Moth” tapestry blanket ($108); Burro at Malibu Country Mart; burrogoods.com.

Ben Riddering handcrafted “Hairpin Rocker” ($3,400–$3,900); benridderingdesign.com.

Stemless wineglass ($14; other versions available); Sharon Segal Nina Segal at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, facebook. com/sharonsegalninasegal.

Orii voice-powered smartphone assistant ring with bone-conduction technology ($149); B8ta at Santa Monica Place, b8ta.com.

Graf-Lantz 13-inch sleeve for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air ($59); General Store Paso Robles, generalstorepr.com.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Jumbo plush giraffe ($99); potterybarnkids.com.

Graf-Lantz Merinowool felt key fob ($12); General Store Paso Robles, generalstorepr.com.

Forestbound “Escape” weekender bag ($99); Libbey’s Market at Ojai Valley Inn, ojaivalleyinn.com. Aviator Nation “5 Stripe” women’s vest ($395); Jake & Jones, Santa Barbara, jakeandjones.com.

Cynthia Rowley X Impala roller skates ($120); Cynthia Rowley at Malibu Lumber Yard, cynthiarowley.com.

“Havana Dice” game ($25); Salzer’s Records, Ventura, salzers.com. 

Italian linen napkins ($24 each); Hudson Grace at Montecito Country Mart, hudsongracesf.com.

Visit our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide board on Pinterest (keyword: 805Living) for more great gifts. DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

AVery Vintage Holiday The perfect gift may be one that captures the essence of days gone by. Sometimes shopping for holiday gifts entails thinking outside the box. The newest fashion fad or latest electronic device may not always elicit the emotional connection a gift hunter is seeking. Special recipients may call for something more individual, timeless, and classicâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;something with a story, something found only by venturing off the beaten path. In search of such singularity, many gift seekers are turning to shopping destinations that specialize in vintage goods and finding a treasure trove of items that speak to recipientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personal tastes while allowing them to engage with a precious piece from the past that may even appreciate with time. Found at The Agoura Antique Mart, the ideas presented on these pages are just a sampling. PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MOSS SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE AGOURA ANTIQUE MART, AGOURA HILLS

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

For the Literary Scholar (front to back, left to

right): Ward’s “Old Reliable 8 Day” alarm clock ($63); small Gorham sterling silver and crystal inkwell ($165); large Birmingham sterling silver and crystal inkwell circa 1902 ($195); letterpress wood blocks ($2–$6); 1939 series Corona Royal P portable typewriter in perfect working condition with case ($399); magnifier glass ($51); set of four leather-bound poetry books ($39; three shown); 1933 cast-iron seal embosser ($35); apothecary pharmacy bottle ($69); 1930s Gilmore Gas ad globe ($149); midcentury oil-on-canvas portrait ($395); leatherbound books (prices vary); brass magnifier glass on stand ($40).

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

For the Western Devotee (front to back, left

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

to right): vintage cowboy hat ($79); Adelle Nampeyo Hopi pottery seed pot ($199); vintage sterling longhorn leather bolo tie ($125); Navajo turquoise chip-inlay cuff circa 1970s to 1980s ($350); Jason Lenox handcrafted silver and turquoise box ($73); large turquoise and sterling silver ring ($199); Charlie Horse handcrafted leather boots ($149); Navajo squash-blossom necklace with original matched stones circa 1960s to 1970s ($1,550); cowhide pillow ($125).

For the Entertainer

ironstone platters, plates, coffeepots, pitchers, creamers, tureens, silver-plated flatware, pewter plates, and pewter and ceramic mugs (prices vary).

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

For the Baker

(front to back, left to right): butcher block on stand ($949); 1906 first-edition Twentieth Century Home Cook Book ($70) by Francis Carruthers; set of five antique Garanti Villedieu French copper pots and four lids ($500; partial set shown); mortar and pestle ($45); striped linen dishtowel ($22); vintage four-piece cannister set ($189; three shown); yellowware bowl with navy stripes ($79); rolling pin ($52); copper mold ($75); crock bottle ($42); ironstone cake stand ($95); French linen apron ($85); vintage German breadboard ($249); vintage wooden oven paddle ($110); baker sign ($45).

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Local Vintage Markets Explore these marketplaces for gifts with a history. For additional locations, visit 805living.com.

THE AGOURA ANTIQUE MART Agoura Hills agouraantiquemart.com ANTIQUE CENTER MALL Goleta antiquecentermall.com THE BLUE DOOR Santa Barbara thebluedoorsb.com RELICS MALL Paso Robles @relicsmarketspaces on Instagram RICH MAN POOR MAN Cambria richmanpoormanantiques.com SUMMERLAND ANTIQUE COLLECTIVE summerlandantiquecollective.com TIMES REMEMBERED Ventura times-remembered.business.site

For the Kid at Heart

(front to back, left to right): The Steel Stamping Company toy red rotary phone ($43); three-in-one field, marine, and theater binoculars ($62); Eastman Kodak Company “Rainbow Hawk-Eye Vest Pocket” camera ($90); vintage toy autoservice truck ($145); oversize chess pieces ($12–$16); The New Fun With Dick and Jane 1956 editions ($55; teacher’s edition $48); Lindstrom’s “Gold Star” tabletop pinball games ($90 large; $69 small). 

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste FOOD / WINE / DINING OUT

Pear for the Course THE SEASON’S ICONIC FRUIT ELEVATES DISHES FROM APPETIZERS TO DESSERTS WITH ITS SUBTLE, SWEET FLAVOR.

By Jaime Lewis

good pear at the height of ripeness tastes the way falling in love feels: sweet, precious, and nuanced. A cool weather staple, this darling of winter holiday fare enjoys a long growing season but, once picked from the tree, dashes madly toward ripeness. When that magic moment arrives, a pear is nearly irresistible, with its perfumed aroma, juicy abundance, and buttery flesh. “I don’t know what it is about a pear,” says Ojai caterer and private chef Robin Goldstein (privatechefrobin.com). “I just love them. I think they’re just as versatile as

apples, and they have such great texture.” Over her decades-long career as a private chef, caterer, and cookbook author, Goldstein has developed and prepared many recipes for several varieties of pears. For her Pears Poached in Mulled Wine she prefers Anjou or Bosc pears for their long, slender necks. On her Pear Tartine she slices a classic, aromatic Bartlett pear. And in her decadent Pear Mostarda she recommends a Comice, the sweetest variety. Of course, finding the right pear for different needs takes a bit of know-how. For tips, see “How to Pick the Perfect Pear,” then try Goldstein’s recipes and fall in love all over again.

PEARS POACHED IN MULLED WINE

Serves 4 to 6 2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds 6 whole allspice berries 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 1 4-inch cinnamon stick 2 star anise pods 2 teaspoons pink peppercorns 1 750-ml bottle red wine ½ cup port wine ¼ cup honey or brown sugar 1 orange 4–6 firm Anjou or Bosc pears 2 ounces brandy, optional 8 ounces dark chocolate ½ cup shelled, chopped pistachios ½ cup crème fraîche, mascarpone, or plain Greek yogurt

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast the spices for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until they release their essential oils and are fragrant. In a saucepan heat the red wine, port wine, honey or brown sugar, and toasted spices over medium heat. Using a fine-mesh strainer to catch any seeds, squeeze in the juice of the orange, then thinly slice the orange, and add to pan. Simmer 10 minutes. While the spices infuse the wine, peel and core pears. Slice ¼ inch off the bottom of each pear so it stands upright when plated. Leave stem intact for presentation. Strain mulled wine through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove spices and bits of orange. Return strained wine >

For this dessert, from her Simply Delicious Wine Country Recipes (M27 Editions, 2018) cookbook, Goldstein suggests mulling the wine up to 24 hours in advance to speed day-of preparation for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. “You could even poach the pears a day in advance,” she says, “and dip them in the chocolate a few hours before.” Be sure to start with firm pears, rather than ripe ones, for poaching. Goldstein also recommends using whatever spices are in your spice rack for the mulled wine. “The spices in this recipe are suggestions,” she says, “but you could omit anything you don’t have on hand.”

Pears Poached in Mulled Wine are dunked in melted chocolate and rolled in chopped pistachios for a festive dessert.

Taste Food

to saucepan and add brandy, if desired. Add pears, making sure the wine covers the fruit, and poach over medium-high heat. If needed, dampen a clean kitchen towel and lay it over the top of the fruit to weigh it down. Cook pears until fork-tender, approximately 40 minutes, turning them over during cooking so that both sides get submerged in wine. When tender, transfer pears to a large plate and set aside to cool. Continue to simmer mulled wine over medium-high heat until it reduces by half and has a syrupy consistency. In a double boiler, melt chocolate and stir until smooth. Place a large parchment-lined dish and chopped pistachios in a bowl near the stove. Dip a cooled pear into the melted chocolate, roll it in pistachios, and stand it upright on the parchment-lined dish. Repeat with remaining pears. Refrigerate pears until chocolate is set, approximately 30 minutes. To serve, drizzle each plate with the reduced mulled wine and place a chocolate-dipped pear on top. To each plate add a large spoonful of crème fraîche, mascarpone, or plain Greek yogurt.

PEAR TARTINE “I eat toast every day,” Goldstein says. “Tartine is just a fancy word for toast.” This simple sweet and savory recipe from her A Taste of Ojai cookbook (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015) brings cheese and pears together on slices of baguette, a favorite combination of Goldstein’s for breakfast, brunch, or an appetizer. Mascarpone and standard American cream cheese are blended with Greek yogurt and lavender to make about 2 cups of a floral spread that also works well on cheese platters and bagels. As for pear variety, “This one is for Bartletts,” Goldstein says. “I just love that flavor.” Serves 4 LAVENDER MASCARPONE SPREAD 8 ounces mascarpone ¼ cup cream cheese, softened ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons organic culinary lavender buds 1 teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest 4 tablespoons local honey 1 tablespoon rose water TARTINES 1 baguette 2 Bartlett pears, thinly sliced ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

How to Pick the Perfect Pear Use these hacks to help ensure the success of your next pear purchase. Different pear varieties ripen at different speeds from the moment they’re picked, but in general, a pear is ripe when its neck yields to pressure. A Bartlett’s skin turns from green to yellow when it is ripe. A Bosc pear doesn’t change color, but it is usually ripe when its stem has shrunk or shriveled. Comice and Anjou pears also do not change color; they soften around the neck when ready to eat or cook. To ripen a pear quickly, put it in a paper bag with bananas, which naturally produce ethylene gas that expedites the ripening process. To slow the oxidation process that causes a pear’s flesh to brown after they are peeled or sliced, try bathing the exposed fruit in a solution of equal parts water and lemon juice. Pears ripen best at room temperature. Once a pear is ripe, however, refrigeration can extend its life by three to five days. Many pear varieties develop brown spots on their flesh. This process, called russeting, is completely natural and doesn’t affect a pear’s flavor. There’s no need to peel the skin unless called for in a recipe.

1 cup Lavender Mascarpone Spread Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Local honey, as desired To make Lavender Mascarpone Spread: In a small bowl or food processor blend all ingredients together. To make tartines: Preheat a stovetop grill or grill pan on high. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, then into 8 pieces. Brush each piece and the pear slices with olive oil on both sides. Lower heat to medium and first grill bread slices until lightly charred and toasty on both sides. Transfer to serving tray and set aside. Grill pear slices for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until lightly charred. Transfer to a dish and set aside.

To serve, arrange toasted baguette slices on serving tray. Top each slice with Lavender Mascarpone Spread and grilled pear slices, arranging them so they slightly overlap. Season with sea salt and pepper and drizzle with honey.

PEAR MOSTARDA Goldstein’s take on this Italian condiment is an ideal accompaniment to roasted and grilled meat, charcuterie boards, and even grilled cheese sandwiches. “Mostarda is sort of like an Italian chutney,” Goldstein says. “It complements savory foods.” For this recipe, her pear of choice is ripe or overripe Comice. “Overripe is okay because it’s a marmalade, relish-y thing,” she says, “so it’s a great way to use mushy pears.” Also from the A Taste of Ojai cookbook, this recipe may be canned using proper foodpreservation procedures. For the holidays, Goldstein suggests giving gifts of preserved mostarda with a hunk of aged cheese, a small cutting board, and a cheese knife. Makes 2 cups 1 small fennel bulb, cut into dice 1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds ½ teaspoon whole fennel seeds ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 6 tablespoons water 2 Comice pears, peeled 1 orange 1 teaspoon sea salt In a small saucepan, combine fennel, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, brown sugar, vinegar, and water over medium heat. Meanwhile, cut the two pears into dice, removing the cores. Cut the whole orange into dice, removing any seeds. Add to the saucepan, which should be at a rapid simmer by now. Raise heat so mixture boils for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then lower heat to medium-low. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced to the consistency of maple syrup (nearly all liquid will be gone by then), and the mustard seeds have plumped and softened. Set aside and cool, then stir in the salt. At this point, the mostarda will still be chunky. If a smoother consistency is desired, puree it in a blender or with an immersion blender. The mostarda can be refrigerated in a small, lidded jar for up to one week. 

Recipes adapted with permission from Simply Delicious Wine Country Recipes (M27 Editions, 2018) and A Taste of Ojai cookbook (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015).

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Taste Wine By Alex Ward

Festive Fizz

THESE CENTRAL COAST SPARKLERS ARE CERTAIN TO RAISE HOLIDAY SPIRITS.

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urely among the most joyful sounds of winter is the sharp pop of a cork. Indeed, nothing pairs better with the holidays than a bottle of sparkling wine and a flute full of bubbles. But there’s no need to pick up imported champagne or prosecco. Vineyards throughout the Central Coast are producing high-quality sparkling wines made with grapes grown right here in the 805. Whether for ringing in the New Year or simply celebrating with family, these wines are sure to help make the season bright. The wonderfully elegant Potek Winery 2015 Blanc de Blanc ($65, potek.com) is made exclusively from chardonnay grapes sourced from Mormann Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. This exceedingly well-balanced sparkling wine was aged eight months in oak barrels, followed by an additional three years en tirage (resting in the bottle while retaining contact with yeast lees). This extended aging is “what gives the wine its yeasty, doughy, breadlike character,” explains Potek winemaker Dave Potter. With a nuanced minerality and scents of butter and meringue, Potek’s blanc de blanc is a deliciously dry and complex wine worthy of a special occasion. Vina Robles Brut

($23, vinarobles.com)

is a pleasing blend of chardonnay and pinot noir. Appetizing notes of green apple are complemented by a toasty finish and aromas of citrus and caramel. Fermented en tirage for 24 months, this sparkler pours medium-bodied and crisp and features a price point that belies its sophistication. Rosé lovers looking to elevate their go-to glass of wine for the holidays need look no further than Riverbench 2016 Cork Jumper Brut Rosé ($48, riverbench. com), a beautifully coral-colored sparkler. Estate grown and bottled in the Santa Maria Valley, this 100 percent pinot noir bubbly offers aromas of orange blossom and rosewater while flavors of meringue and raspberries delight the palate and lead to a smooth finish. This fantastic wine pours blushing pink and is bound to leave winter guests with warm thoughts and rosy cheeks. The Bubble Shack 2016 Fesstivity Brut Cuvée ($45, bubbleshack.com)

is a tantalizing blend of 67 percent pinot noir and 33 percent chardonnay. Derived from grapes grown in the Rio Vista and Parker West vineyards of Sta. Rita Hills, the wine is distinctively aromatic, showing enticing fragrances of pastry and meringue. Gentle tastes of apple and vanilla on the palate make for an imminently drinkable cuvée. With balanced acidity, persistent bubbles,

and a fantastically dry finish, this is an exceptional sparkler that will have its imbibers reaching for a second glass. Opolo Vineyards in Paso Robles produces its Opolo Sparkling ($14, opolo.com) from colombard grapes, an offspring of chenin blanc and gouais blanc. The wine is processed according to the Charmat Method, in which a cold secondary fermentation occurs in stainless-steel tanks and is subsequently bottled under pressure. What results is a light-golden wine featuring notes of peach and apple and accented by pronounced ribbons of bubbles. Fruity and subtly sweet, Opolo Sparkling would make a fine accompaniment to a meal of seafood and lightly sautéed vegetables. Strange Family Vineyards handharvests organically farmed Sta. Rita Hills pinot noir grapes to produce its exquisite 2015 Blanc de Noirs ($42, strangefamilyvineyards.com). Bold fragrances of crusty sourdough appear first on the nose followed by hints of citrus and stone fruit. Pleasingly tart notes of lychee and gooseberry greet the palate and linger on a fine-bubbled finish. Aged for a combined four and a half years, this is a stunningly bold and sophisticated sparkler that’s built to pair with stronger flavors. 

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste Dining Out By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

A Feast of Fish

LOCAL RESTAURANTS JOIN IN A FESTIVE TRADITION WITH A MEAL THAT SHOWCASES THE BOUNTY OF THE SEA.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes prix-fixe menu at Ojai Valley Inn’s Olivella begins with oysters on the half shell (opposite), doused in limoncello vinaigrette and heaped with basil granita. Chef de cuisine Andrew Foskey prepares cod fish (right) to fill his handmade pasta for course 3, Baccalà Tortelli. Course 5 (above) is Stufato di Polpo, octopus stew.

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f the salt cod known as baccalà is soaking in a kitchen in the days leading up to Christmas, chances are the kitchen is in an Italian household. The common Italian staple is featured in one of several dishes enjoyed at the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a multicourse, seafoodcentric meal traditionally prepared for family and friends before midnight mass on La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve). The origins of the feast are somewhat vague; some say it is a uniquely Italian-American experience begun by immigrants from southern Italy who were homesick for the bounty of the Mediterranean and continued an ancient practice among Catholics in Rome of abstaining from eating meat on Christmas Eve. Here on the Central Coast, it’s an apropos tradition to borrow for a memorable winter celebration of the sea. No hard and fast rules dictate the types of seafood dishes served at the dinner. Starters could include a platter of fresh oysters, crab dip, clams casino, or a simple shrimp cocktail. Classic, home-style Italian dishes often feature calamari, grilled for inclusion in a cold salad, fried, or roasted; breaded and fried smelt or sardines; and capitone frito o grigliato, an ancient dish of fried or grilled eel that is especially popular in Naples. Baccalà braised in tomato sauce is common, as are pastas, such as linguine con vongole (linguini with clams) and main dishes like whiting, a large fish simply cooked in a skillet with salt and pepper. Typically, seven courses are served, representing either the seven Catholic sacraments or the seven hills of Rome. However, honoring the 10 stations of the cross by presenting as many courses is not unheard of, nor is an ambitious 13-course meal to pay homage to Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles at the Last Supper. Fortunately for contemporary Californians who might find preparation of such a feast a bit daunting, there are talented chefs in the 805 who understand the tradition and do all the planning and preparations with delicious results. “I have a tremendous respect for Italian food, Italian cooking, and Italian culture as a whole,” says Andrew Foskey, chef de cuisine of Olivella at the Ojai Valley Inn (ojaivalleyinn.com), where he has created a Feast of the Seven Fishes prix-fixe menu with paired wines, which is served the week before Christmas. It opens “fresh and crisp to start things off,” he says, with oysters on the half >

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Taste Dining Out a pureed potato soup with clams topped with crisp croutons; and hamachi (yellowtail) carpaccio served with sautéed asparagus and red and yellow peppers, a parmigiana fondue, and truffle caviar (pearls of reduced black truffle juice). Seppie e Piselli, a stew of cuttlefish and split peas, is served with crostini. Ganci, who comes from a long line of pasta makers in Bologna, is committed to perpetuating Bolognese culinary traditions, such as the Ravioli di Pesce Spada e Melanzane Croccanti, swordfish ravioli with cherry tomatoes, black olives, capers, and fresh mint, in eggplant sauce. Her entrées include Merluzzo in Salsa di Cocco e Cuori di Carciofi Fritti, pan-sautéed cod in a coconut and lemongrass sauce with fried artichokes, and Guazzetto di Pesce allo Zafferano, a saffron-laced stew that features no fewer than seven types of fish. The special menu offers a way to celebrate the tradition with just one hearty, comforting dish or an entire feast. 

More Fish Dishes

To get into the holiday spirit Italian-style, here are a few more dishes worth seeking out. Course 4 on Olivella’s prix-fixe menu is Calamaro, Ventura County squid stuffed with spicy pork.

shell in limoncello vinaigrette along with a basil granita. The second course begins with fried boquerones (anchovies) served on rosemary focaccia with agliata, a pungent garlic sauce, and gremolata. Next up is handmade tortelli pasta with a baccalà filling, served with winter chanterelles in a wild mushroom brodo (broth), a popular dish Foskey brought back from last year’s inaugural feast menu. For the calamari course, Foskey uses squid from Ventura County. “We have some of the best squid in the world right here in our local waters,” he says. He serves it stuffed with a blend of ‘nduja (a spreadable cured pork) and crushed taralli (a kind of Italian pretzel) that is panroasted in a tomato and fennel base. The Stufato di Polpo is a Mediterranean octopus stew, slow-cooked with oregano, lemon, new potatoes, and cipollini onions. The savory grand finale is spiny lobster tail, butter-poached and served with Taggiasca olives (a dense black variety salt-brined in olive oil), tomato confit, fresh basil, and capers. For a sweet end to the dinner, executive pastry chef Joel Gonzalez creates a sea-themed dessert called Ocean Pearls, an assortment of sorbet, mousse, tapioca, and sponge cake orbs flavored with chocolate, coconut, almond, and lime. During the second week of December at Jacopo Falleni’s restaurant Nonna (nonna.restaurant) in Westlake Village, executive chef Pamela Ganci presents a special menu of holiday fish dishes that can be ordered individually as starters or entrées. For openers, she offers focaccia with house-made smoked salmon, cream cheese, and roasted pistachios; Zuppa di Vongole e Patate,

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OLIO E LIMONE, AND OLIO CRUDO BAR Santa Barbara, olioelimone.com Featured throughout the month of December, Zuppe di Pesce mingles mussels, clams, prawns, salmon, and sea bass in a white wine–fish broth with chili flakes, a touch of tomato, and a pinch of curry. At Olio Crudo Bar, pan-seared sand dabs are enhanced with white wine vinegar, caramelized red onion, golden raisins, pine nuts, and chervil for the Sogliolette in Agrodolce. MEDITERRANEO Westlake Village, med-rest.com For Linguini Vongole, fresh Manila clams are sautéed in a white wine and garlic sauce with a pinch of chili and Italian parsley. In Scampi Bruschetta, shrimp gets dressed in garlic butter and lemon and served on grilled bread slices with baby tomatoes and caper berries. BASTA Agoura Hills, bastaagoura.com Santa Barbara Mussels are wood-fired and served in a lemongrass, leek, and white wine broth with grilled bread and roasted bone marrow. Grilled dishes include Whole Branzino with lemon, fennel, spinach, and a sprinkling of peppery smoked salt. TRATTORIA GRAPPOLO Santa Ynez, trattoriagrappolo.com Carpaccio de Polipo is thinly sliced octopus with Kalamata olives, capers, and dressed arugula. For Calamari alla Positano, calamari is stuffed with smoked mozzarella and prosciutto, sautéed in lemon and olive oil, and served on a bed of tender roasted vegetables. IL CORTILE Paso Robles, ilcortileristorante.com Spaghetti alla Bottarga is a tangle of long pasta strands studded with shrimp, clams, mild pepperoncini, and garlic and topped with shaved bottarga. Capesante spotlights farm-raised diver scallops, which are seared and served atop a Japanese sweet potato puree, accompanied by seasonal wild mushrooms in a fontina and white truffle oil sauce, and drizzled with balsamic reduction.

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 old-fashioned 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.

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

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. BELLA VISTA RESTAURANT IN FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE BILTMORE SANTA BARBARA 1260 Channel Drive Santa Barbara, 805-969-2261 fourseasons.com/santabarbara/dining Californian and Italian; Entrées $19–45; Sunday Brunch $85 per person Great Views

Named for its sweeping views of lawn, ocean, and sky, Bella Vista has an Italian bent featuring local fish and organic farmers’ market produce, handmade pastas, and herbs from the chef’s garden in dishes such as Tajarin Carbonara di Mare, and jidori chicken with farrotto and smoked corn. Specials include tableside service of spaghetti with caciocavallo cheese and Tellicherry pepper. At the adjacent Ty Lounge, an extensive menu of Spanish tapas echoes the Haciendastyle decor featuring a fireplace, an ocean-view terrace, and hand-painted walls and ceilings. The wine list offers local and international labels. Happy hour Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. includes specials on featured tapas ($5 to $9), draught beer and wine on tap ($4 to $6), and select cocktails ($7).

BELMOND EL ENCANTO 800 Alvarado Place Santa Barbara, 805-845-5800 belmond.com/el-encanto-santa-barbara Entrées $28–$48 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 or in the elegant dining room and linger over artfully presented California coastal cuisine crafted by executive chef Johan Denizot. Local ingredients shine, including herbs from the chef’s garden and cheese made from the milk of Ellie, the resort’s cow. The seasonal menu features appetizers such as halibut sashimi and mains like king crab leg in lobster-chili broth and classic New York steak with a choice of sides. The wine list includes Santa Barbara County gems and globetrotting labels. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, although Sunday lunch is replaced with a bottomless Bellini brunch. Afternoon tea (reservations highly recommended) is served Monday through Saturday. In-the-know locals and hotel guests take in the sunset, cocktail in hand, on the terrace.

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 showcases the cuisine of executive chef Justin Picard, a veteran of kitchens in San Francisco and Aspen who has made two guest appearances at the James Beard House in New York. Look for local, seasonal ingredients (some grown on site) in his 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.

Three dining concepts at this resort offer a variety of options. At Coin & Candor, a breakfast, lunch, and dinner brasserie, chef Jose Fernandez combines thoughtfully sourced local ingredients with woodfired cooking techniques. 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. Fernandez provides accompaniments in a seasonally driven lightbite menu. For a sip of joe, Stir coffee bar, located off the lobby, is open daily from 6 a.m., offering a graband-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.

THE GALLERY RESTAURANT 30768 Russell Ranch Road, #C Westlake Village, 818-889-1338 thegallerywestlake.com New American and Seafood; Entrées $18–$54

This sleek eatery in The Shoppes at Westlake Village strikes a comfortable balance between casual and upscale, serving a varied menu of classic dishes and updated twists with global influences. Father and son owners Moez and Karim Megji make sure there’s always something new along with mainstays such as steaks and burgers. Look for favorites such as Macadamia-Crusted Halibut with Thai peanut sauce, Oven-Roasted Seafood with yakisoba noodles, and Cajun Gumbo. The sprawling raw seafood bar includes stars like spicy tuna and fresh oysters. The restaurant is open weekdays for lunch and nightly for dinner, and happy hour is every day from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cookies? Why, yes. Celebrate the season with a sweet treat at Belmond El Encanto (belmond.com) in Santa Barbara. On December 27, 28, and 29 hotel guests and the public are invited to enjoy a complimentary tea and dessert station in the lobby near the lounge from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nibble holiday cookies and other treats, and sip hot apple cider. Live harp music adds to the cozy atmosphere on December 27 and 28. DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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Where to Eat Now THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY 120 E. Promenade Way Westlake Village, 805-418-1760 thegrill.com American; Entrées $11–$59 Saturday & Sunday Brunch

Steaks and chops are legendary here and at the original Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills, the ultimate powerlunch spot. At this location, whether out on the patio or in the dining room and bar, diners enjoy American comfort food with international flair. Sushi is available at lunch and dinner, and the menu’s friendly reminder that “any turf can surf” is an invitation to order jumbo prawns and other seafood with your filet mignon or dry‑aged New York strip. Weekend brunch offers avocado toast, Niman Ranch slab bacon and eggs, and $15 bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys. Happy hour is daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., when you can make a meal of the specially priced lollipop chicken wings, spicy tuna rolls, and wood-fired cheeseburger bites offered with cocktails, draft beers, and wines by the glass.

Just when it seemed the Los Alamos food scene couldn’t get any better, Santa Barbara’s Sama Sama Kitchen (recent recipient of Michelin’s Bib Gourmand designation) is collaborating with Babi’s Beer Emporium (babisbeeremporium. com) in Los Alamos to create (Dim) Sama at Babi’s. Stop in on Thursdays through Sundays to snag order-at-the-counter dumplings, baozi, sticky rice, mango pudding, and more for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack. Sip a craft beer, cider, or wine on tap or in bottle. LASEN’S GRILL 590 Town Center Drive Oxnard, 805-983-6600 larsensrestaurants.com Steak House; Entrées $20–$59

A warm, welcoming vibe pervades at this classic steak house with a modern twist in The Collection at RiverPark, from the wood- and stone-accented dining room and large lounge area to the dog-friendly patio. The spotlight is on prime, aged, slow-cooked steaks, but there’s something for everyone on the extensive menu, including Fresh Chilean Miso Sea Bass, Sliced Tri Tip and Baby Back Rib Combo, and Herb-Crusted Roasted Chicken Breast. Lunch, dinner, and happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. are offered daily.

LUCKY’S 1279 Coast Village Road Montecito, 805-565-7540 luckys-steakhouse.com Steak House; Entrées $16–$69

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Black-and-white portraits of stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Warhol, and Julia Child adorn the walls of this upscale steak house in Montecito. 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 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.

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UPDATE 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 house-made 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.

MR. CHOW 3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite 18A Malibu, 310-456-7600 mrchow.com Chinese; Family-style service $60–$80 per person; à la carte service available Romantic

Located in the Malibu Country Mart, this Mr. Chow location shares a menu and sense of showmanship with its famous older brother in Beverly Hills. (Both offer hand-pulled noodle demonstrations.) Decor is minimalist, putting the cuisine in sharp focus. Favorite dishes include honey-glazed prawns with walnuts, enlivened with dabs of spicy chili sauce from the small pots found on each table. A threecourse Beijing Duck dinner ($78 per person) is among the prix-fixe, family-style dining options, which tend to be less spendy than going à la carte. A small-bites menu is available in the bar, where the cocktails change with the seasons.

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 Gianluca Maita’s Sicilian heritage (arancini), and pasta chef Pamela Ganci’s influences from Bologna (passatelli 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.

NEW PACIFIC BY NORU 394 E. Main Street, 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. Malibu Farm at Miramar, the first California resort outpost of Helene Henderson’s well-regarded farm-to-table restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch in a refined yet relaxed setting. Standout dishes include mini Swedish crepe-style pancakes for breakfast, coconut and avocado striped bass ceviche for lunch, and crispy baked whole fish tacos for dinner. Beverages on the menu range from juices to specialty cocktails. At dinner, guests can dine family-style with shared plates such as a roasted Rocky Canyon half chicken.

UPDATE 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

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Where to Eat Now 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.

Santa Claus is coming to town and to the beach. Santa’s Holiday Brunch takes place at Rosewood Miramar Beach (rosewoodhotels. com) in Montecito on December 15 and 22. Revel in a buffet of seasonally inspired dishes, holiday entertainment, festive crafts, and a pop-in by Santa and his elves. A portion of the proceeds goes to Santa Barbara’s Storyteller Children’s Center, a nonprofit preschool for at-risk children. Seatings are at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Prices, excluding tax and gratuity, are $125 per adult, $65 per child (ages 4 to 12), and there is no charge for children under 4.

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, vanillaspiced doughnuts, and a show-stopping Baked Alaska. Surrounded by the coppery glow of the walls and the burnished-wood wine rack that frames the kitchen

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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.

UPDATE 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 Rd., 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.

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.

THE BEAR AND STAR 2860 Grand Ave. Los Olivos, 805-686-1359 thebearandstar.com American; Entrées $15–$49 Saturday & Sunday Brunch

Named for the motifs on the California and Texas state flags, this restaurant, located at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, sources much of its beef, poultry, and produce from the nearby 714-acre Parker family ranch. The wood-smoked traditions of both states are represented on what is referred to as a “refined ranch cuisine” menu by chef and partner John Cox. Dishes have included cured Wagyu carpaccio topped with shavings of cured egg yolk, stuffed local quail with molasses gastrique, grilled catfish with charred onion dressing, and, for dessert, a chess pie to make Cox’s Lone Star–state brethren proud. Brunch features an à la carte menu with specialty cocktails.

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.

BIBI JI 734 State Street Santa Barbara, 805-560-6845 bibijisb.com Indian, Australian, and American Street Food $10–$16, Grill $15–$25, Curries $10–$18, Chef’s Tasting $50 per person Chef and restaurateur Jessi Singh partners with star sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr to offer vibrant Indian fare and local and international wines and

beers in this casual downtown bistro. Don’t miss the gol gappa, surprising sweet-and-spicy flatbread balls flavored with mint, coriander, dates, and tamarind chutney or Singh’s signature dish, Mr. Tso’s Cauliflower, featuring the nutty florets tossed in a tangy chili sauce.

BOB’S WELL BREAD BAKERY 550 Bell St. Los Alamos, 805-344-3000 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.

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.

FINCH & FORK 31 W. Carrillo St. Santa Barbara, 805-879-9100 finchandforkrestaurant.com American; Entrées $22–$36 Weekend Brunch

Located in the Kimpton Canary Hotel, the restaurant has its own entrance at Chapala and Carrillo streets. The vibe in the dining room is sophisticated but comfortable, words that also describe the locally sourced menu by executive chef Peter Cham, a Santa Barbara native. Creative starters, flatbread, salads, and entrées change with the seasons for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The latter, served from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, even has its own cocktail menu. The daily specials menu offers buttermilk fried chicken on Tuesdays and cioppino every Thursday. Happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays includes drinks starting at $5 and snacks starting at $3. Go ahead and splurge on the $8 harissa buffalo wings, served with pickled celery and crumbled Point Reyes blue cheese.

GRANADA BISTRO 1126 Morro St. San Luis Obispo, 805-544-9110 granadahotelandbistro.com Californian, French-Asian; Entrées $14–$29 Romantic, Sunday Brunch

Connected to the 17-room Granada Hotel, the bistro is both intimate and big-city urban, combining exposed brick walls with velvet upholstery and an eclectic art

collection. (Check out the sculptural “tree” on the patio.) Executive chef Kenny Bigwood’s seasonal menus start with creative small plates, sides, and cheese and charcuterie selections. Don’t-miss entrées include cherry cola–braised ribs at dinner, Cuban panini, and a chef’s selection bento box at lunch, and eggs Benedict made with corn bread, bacon, and chipotle hollandaise during Sunday brunch. The wine list focuses on smallproduction labels from around the world. Cocktails often include locally foraged ingredients like lavender, rosemary, and pink peppercorns.

UPDATE 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; Entrées $31–$50

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. At Blackbird, dinner menus showcase local ingredients in dishes inspired by the Mediterranean with some North African influences; the bar serves signature cocktails in addition to local brews on tap. (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.

UPDATE 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, housecured 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 oyster-uni-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

New in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, nightlife hot spot Pearl Social (pearlsocialsb.com) offers cocktails, an extensive wine list, seasonal bites by next-door neighbor chef Jason Paluska of The Lark, and live and recorded music. Named in honor of the late historic preservationist Pearl Chase, the intimate bar is the latest enterprise from Acme Hospitality. Cozy up inside on a mid-century-style leather sofa or rose velvet chair or outside on a comfy couch on the patio. dinners. Tickets go fast. Next door to the Grand Room is the new Here to Go, offering grab-and-go 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.

NEW LA COCINA 7 E. Anapamu St. Santa Barbara, 805-277-7730 lacocinasb.com Mexican; Entrées $13–$31

Rustic meets refined at this stylish eatery in the Santa Barbara Arts District. The seasonal menu showcases a mix of updated Mexican classics and new takes, such as the Beef Roja Enchilada with braised beef, queso fresco, cebolla habanero, and house-made salsa. Tortillas and chips are also made in-house. Diners can share plates and sip signature cocktails and margaritas inside as well as outside on the back patio. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the bar and lounge area.

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.

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

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.

DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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Where to Eat Now 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 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.

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.

Thomas Hill Organics (thomas hillorganics.com) in Paso Robles has a sweet new dessert bar. Located in the front bar and lounge area it offers a selection of treats crafted both in-house and by local purveyors, such as Angela’s Pastries, Leo Leo Gelato, and Negranti Creamery. One featured confection is executive chef Libry Darusman’s take on s’mores: brownbutter graham cracker “soil,” dark chocolate mousse, and smoked marshmallow meringue. Desserts are available all day, and the bar is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

UPDATE MAD & VIN 1576 Mission Drive Solvang, 805-688-3121 thelandsby.com Eclectic; Entrées $16–$38 Sunday Brunch

This restaurant located inside The Landsby hotel is named for the Danish words for “food” and “wine.” You won’t find a single aebleskiver in the sleek but comfy dining room, but Mad & Vin still pays homage to Solvang’s heritage with a Nordic Caesar salad of local greens, sautéed shrimp, fried sourdough croutons, and dill-caraway Caesar dressing. At dinner, the lamb porterhouse with mint-pesto yogurt and seafood hot pot, paired with selections from the primarily Santa Barbara County wine list, are not to be missed. The newly expanded Scandinavian-chic bar (open until midnight Fridays and Saturdays) and lounge area with patio seating is a great place to enjoy Sunday brunch, lunch, or happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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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.

UPDATE 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.

OLIO E LIMONE RISTORANTE AND OLIO CRUDO BAR 11 W. Victoria St., Suites 17-18 Santa Barbara 805-899-2699, Ext. 1 olicucina.com Italian; Entrées $18–$41; Crudo Bar $12–$25

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. With its glass shelves and glowing marble walls, the crudo bar is a jewel-box showcase for carefully executed dishes. Thinly sliced pieces of raw fish are accented with simple but excellent olio e limone (olive oil and lemon) and sometimes a bit more: Try the Atlantic Bluefin tuna belly with ginger vinaigrette and wasabi shoots for a meaningful experience. Selected appetizers, beers, cocktails, proseccos, and wines by the glass are halfprice during happy hour service available Sundays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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.

PETIT VALENTIEN 1114 State St. #14 Santa Barbara, 805-966-0222 petitvalentien.com French; Entrées $20–$25 Weekend Ethiopian Brunch

Step into this cozy French bistro in La Arcada Plaza for lunch or dinner to feel transported to Paris. Candles glow, glasses clink, and the menu lists such classics as escargot and pan-seared duck breast. But there are also surprises, like the Ethiopian weekend brunch, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sunday supper with a different one-time French menu each week. Sip wines from California or France or local beers on tap. Diners are also served outdoors in the plaza.

In Malibu, Nicolas Eatery (nicolaseatery.com) offers a French-influenced menu featuring dishes made with local, organic ingredients. Owner Nicolas Fanucci, a native of Cannes, has worked for 30 years at culinary hot spots in Europe and the United States, including The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Lunch and dinner offerings include lobster macaroni and cheese with béchamel sauce, steak frites, and American-leaning favorites like cheeseburgers and buttermilk fried–chicken sandwiches. Nutella crepe for dessert? Oui. SIDES HARDWARE AND SHOES, A BROTHERS RESTAURANT 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave. Los Olivos, 805-688-4820 sidesrestaurant.com American; Entrées $14–$35

Brothers Jeff and Matt Nichols named their restaurant after a business that occupied the building in the early 1900s. The country-store vibe appears in the decorative tin ceiling and menu items like the Hammered Pig, a lunch dish of pork tenderloin that has been pounded thin, breaded, deep-fried, then served in a salad of arugula, pecans, and Parmesan or as part of a sandwich with applemustard seed slaw. Lunch options also include fish tacos, sandwiches, and an array of burgers. You can’t go wrong with the ever-changing chef’s burger by chef de cuisine Michael Cherney, who also lets loose with a new Taco Tuesday menu available at lunch and dinner each week. Dinner fare takes on an international flair: A banh mi-inspired appetizer pairs miso-cured bacon with steamed buns, mussels are served in coconut broth and red curry, and lamb sirloin comes with goat cheese gnocchi and maitake mushrooms. Desserts by pastry chef Stephanie Jackson are homey yet elegantly plated. Local wines are available by the glass and in carafes, supplementing the full bar.

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 oakgrilled meats and seafood is served daily.

UPDATE 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.

UPDATE TYGER TYGER 121 E. Yanonali St. Santa Barbara, 805-880-4227 tygertygersb.com Thai-Vietnamese Entrées $13–$17; Platters $21–$23

Located in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, Tyger Tyger burns bright with creativity. Hundreds of illuminated pink lanterns ring the exterior of the restaurant’s shared marketplace space. Open daily at 11 a.m., the order-at-the-counter eatery offers a menu of street food–inspired dishes by chef Daniel Palaima, who’s now back in his native Santa Barbara after stints with culinary heavyweights Grant Achatz and Stephanie Izard. Dishes include pork belly bahn mi, crispy chicken wings with caramelized fish sauce, octopus salad with glass noodles and a Vietnamese fish sauce called nouc cham, and Vietnamese crepes with duck and shrimp confit. Beer and wine selections are from around the globe. Also on site is Monkeyshine, which serves frozen treats flavored with Asian spices and ingredients. Dart Coffee, a small-lot specialty roaster, opens its coffee counter at 7 a.m. daily.

WINE CASK 813 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-966-9463 winecask.com Wine Country Cuisine Entrées $28–$42; Chef’s tasting menu $75 for five courses, $95 for eight courses

Romantic Founded in 1981, the Wine Cask is pleasing palates with executive chef Jeremy Van Kralingen, a native of Hilo, Hawaii, in the kitchen. Local ingredients still inform dishes at every turn, especially in the tasting menus that feature Santa Barbara County labels in the optional wine pairings. The regular dinner menu includes Santa Barbara Channel sea bass with gremolata, duck confit with farro and strawberry sofrito, and pan-roasted rib eye with umami potatoes. Desserts echo the elegant simplicity of the restaurant: Bread pudding with bourbonsalted caramel sauce is a traditional standout, joined by newer options like lemon meringue ice-cream tart and a Nutella cheesecake with pretzel brittle. California wines are the focus of the international wine list.

Good Eats Not too fancy, not too

expensive, and a good experience all around. NEW BRAXTON’S KITCHEN 317 Carmen Drive Camarillo, 805-384-7566 braxtonskitchen.com American; Breakfast and Lunch Entrées $8–$13 This beloved order-at-the-counter breakfast-and-lunch spot serves updated classic dishes with a side order

of down-home friendly vibes. Hearty breakfasts include lemon-poppyseed pancakes and the Scorpion Bowl of fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, jalapeños, and a sriracha drizzle. Lunch offerings are fresh salads and sandwiches, including the vegan Somis Sammy with marinated eggplant and hummus. The dog-friendly patio is a given, as the restaurant is named after co-owner Steve Kim’s rescue pooch.

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, 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 fourlayer 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.

UPDATE 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.

CASA NOSTRA RISTORANTE 717 Lakefield Road, Unit H Westlake Village, 805-495-0053 casanostralake.com Italian; Entrées and pastas $16–$29 Great Patio

It’s apt that casa nostra translates to “our house,” as diners are well taken care of in the cozy, relaxed setting and lovely outdoor patio of this hidden gem. Couples, families, and groups of friends soak up the warm hospitality while nibbling antipasti including fried calamari, prosciutto, and burrata, along with housemade pastas. For secondi, classics like chicken piccata and osso buco are highlights, but look for daily specials such as braised lamb shank and papardelle with porcini and truffles. Choose from an extensive list of Italian and California wines. For dessert, the tiramisu is a standout.

CHO CHO SAN, THOUSAND OAKS 400 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, 805-379-9300 Chochosan.com Japanese; Entrées $12-$20; Rolls $7–$14

This lively spot is known for its reliable and reasonably priced Japanese specialties. Teppanyaki tables, popular for birthday celebrations, showcase entertaining chefs cooking over sizzling-hot iron plates. In the main dining room, sushi chefs turn out fresh sushi, sashimi, and traditional and specialty rolls. Look for the dragonfly roll with shrimp tempura and spicy tuna, and check out daily specials. There’s something for everyone, including non-Japanese items such as burgers and chicken sandwiches, and for kids, bento boxes with mini corn dogs.

FINNEY’S CRAFTHOUSE & KITCHEN 982 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 2 Westlake Village, 805-230-9950 and 494 E Main St., Ventura, 805-628-3312 DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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Where to Eat Now and 35 State St., Suite A Santa Barbara, 805-845-3100 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 slight variations between the Santa Barbara and Westlake Village locations, shareable appetizers include glutenfree buffalo cauliflower tossed in yuzu sauce and chicken-and-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. Families and other groups gravitate to the communal tables inside and on the patio. Seating is first-come, first-served at the copper bar.

In October, co-owners Jim Rice and Linda Jordan opened Peirano’s Market & Delicatessen (deliventura. com) in the historic Peirano’s Grocery building in downtown Ventura. The welcoming community hub serves dishes from Italian and California cuisines on a spacious outdoor patio and sells local artisanal and imported-Italian food products, including area craft beers and Italian beers and wines. Dig into hearty sandwiches, crostini, salads, charcuterie platters, dinner specials, and weekend breakfast fare or get a family meal to go. Linger to enjoy live music on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

JANE 1311 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-962-1311 and 6940 Marketplace Drive Goleta, 805-770-5388 janeatthemarketplace.com; janerestaurantsb.com Eclectic; Entrées $9–$25

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

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LOS AGAVES RESTAURANT 600 N. Milpas St. Santa Barbara, 805-564-2626 and 2911 De la Vina St. Santa Barbara, 805-682-2600 and 7024 Market Place Drive Goleta, 805-968-4000 and 2810 Portico Way, Suite 1105 Oxnard, 805-278-9101 and 30750 Russell Ranch Road, Suite G Westlake Village, 818-874-0779 los-agaves.com Mexican; Entrées $9–$17

Launched in Santa Barbara in 2008, this familyowned and operated group of restaurants has clearly struck a chord: Its original location was number 16 on Yelp’s list of Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2016. The mix of authentic Mexican cuisine with casual but attentive order-at-the-counter service can now be found at five sites in and around the 805. Each offers the same menu of house-made tortillas, ceviche, salads, and burritos filled with all manner of seafood, poultry, or beef. Signature dishes include the show-stopping Land and Sea molcajete, a bubbling-hot mixture of meat and seafood with house-made salsa, avocado, chorizo, grilled onion, and nopal, served in a three-legged bowl carved from volcanic rock. Los Agaves restaurants in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Oxnard serve beer and wine as well as agave margaritas and micheladas. The Shoppes at Westlake Village location has a full bar that offers top-shelf tequilas and drink specials. Diners who sit at the bar can order food there, too.

UPDATE LOUISIANA SEAFOOD HOUSE BY EMC 511 Town Center Drive, Space 3015 Oxnard, 805-278-4997 emcseafood.com Cajun; Entrées $15–$22; Seafood Boil is market price

The Big Easy comes to Oxnard with the brandnew menu at this stylish eatery serving lunch and dinner daily in The Collection at RiverPark. Created by NOLA-raised wife-and-husband chefs Aliza and Guy DuPlantie, old-school New Orleans dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp Creole, house-made sausages, and blackened catfish are the real deal. French bread for authentic po’boys comes from Leidenheimer Baking Company in New Orleans, and crawfish is flown in seasonally. Patio seating is available. Happy hour takes place Mondays through Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

THE STONEHAUS 32039 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-483-1152 the-stonehaus.com Mediterranean; Sandwiches & 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, 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.

Fun, Fun, Fun

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.

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 jump-start 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-thecounter options include Love Pho, Taqueria el Tapatio, and PokeCeviche, specializing in build-your-own Hawaiian poke bowls and chef-curated Latin American ceviche. Seoul Sausage Kitchen, the season-three winner of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, offers an updated take on Korean barbecue. 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 pickup.

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.

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 pm. to 7 p.m. Spanish influences are evident in dishes like paella and crispy patatas bravas with Fresno chilies and garlic aioli.

THE CAVE AT VENTURA WINE COMPANY 4435 McGrath St., Suites 301-303 Ventura, 805-642-9449 venturawineco.com International; Small Plates $3–$18; Salads and Sandwiches $7–$11 Saturday Brunch

Patrons at The Cave conduct their own tastings via Enomatic machines, which dispense 1-, 3- and 5-ounce pours at the push of a button. Executive chef Alex Montoya’s creative, wine-friendly menu of shareable small plates changes on the first Tuesday of each month. Look for combinations like prosciuttowrapped pork chops with apricot-cashew stuffing and Arctic char with sinigang broth and tomato concasse, plus an assortment of pizzas, burgers, and desserts. (Save room for one of Montoya’s award-winning frozen custards.) For the best acoustics, nab a table in the Barrel Room decorated with dozens of glass balls hanging from the ceiling. It’s also available for private events.

NEW THE CRUISERY 501 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-770-0270 thecruisery.com American Fusion; Entrées $9–$18

This lively brewpub located in the former Santa Barbara Brewing Company space serves top-notch beers from award-winning master brewer Dave “Zambo” Szamborski as well as a satisfying sudsfriendly menu. Not your typical pub grub, offerings include banh mi flatbread, yellowtail crudo, and steak frites, along with sandwiches, tacos, salads, and appetizers like beer-battered green beans. Beer not your jam? Try a craft cocktail with house-made infusions and freshly squeezed juices. Happy hour is Sundays through Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with deals on cocktails, beers, and bites.

NEW CUBANEO 418 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-250-3824 cubaneosb.com California-inspired Cuban; Entrées $10–$15

Sister restaurant to Barbareño in Santa Barbara, this order-at-the-counter spot has a fun vacay vibe and shares space with tropical-cocktail bar Shaker Mill and Modern Times Beer. Cubaneo offers lunch, dinner, and late-night eats with a reasonably priced menu of sandwiches, platos, and sides. Plates include plato mixto ($15) with choice of mojo pork loin or roast, marinated chicken breast, shrimp, or goat cheese croquetas. A standout sandwich is the Cubano ($13) with mojo pork roast, Benton’s country ham, and Jarlsberg cheese. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

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 steak-house 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.

LADYFACE ALEHOUSE & BRASSERIE 29281 Agoura Road Agoura Hills, 818-477-4566 ladyfaceale.com French, Belgian, and American; Entrées $8–$17

A brewpub with a Belgian accent, Ladyface delivers top-notch beers from brewmaster David Griffiths and an elegant menu that includes moules frites (mussels and fries), ale-brined chicken, and chocolate porter cake. Ale-pairing suggestions are printed on the menu. A communal table lends to the convivial atmosphere as do the beer floats made with local ice cream. Growlers (reusable half-gallon glass jugs) filled with Ladyface ales are available for takeout.

LOS OLIVOS WINE MERCHANT & CAFÉ 2879 Grand Ave. Los Olivos, 805-688-7265 losolivoscafe.com Wine Country; Entrées $12–$29

Presqu’ile winery (presquilewine. com) in Santa Maria welcomes Julie Simon as its new executive chef. The San Luis Obispo–based farmer, former executive chef of Thomas Hill Organics in Paso Robles, and former chef of the now-closed Foremost in San Luis Obispo creates Presqu’ile tasting-room wine-and-food pairings and special event menus, oversees wine dinners and guest chef dinners, and will design an organic garden for the stunning hillside property. 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.

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 house-made 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.

NEW THE PROJECT: CORAZON COCINA & TAPROOM 214 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-869-2820 theprojectsb.com Mexican; Entrées $10–$24

This retail wine shop adjoins an all-day café with seating indoors by the stone fireplace and outside on the wisteria-covered patio. Cheese plates and olives are small bites perfect for pairing with wines at the bar. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and pizza comprise the lunch menu. At night choices get a little fancier with pot roast, lamb shank, pasta, chicken, steak, and fresh fish. The wine selection from the shop (available to diners) has more than 400 labels and specializes in picks from California’s Central Coast. Now that’s fun.

Chef Ramón Velazquez of Corazon Cocina teamed up with Captain Fatty’s Brewing Company to create this easy-breezy hangout spot on the edge of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. Fun-loving folks dig into fresh and creative tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, and ceviche while quaffing from a frequently changing selection of more than 20 craft beers, including Captain Fatty’s, local guest taps, and Mexican brews. A full bar features signature tequila- and mezcal-based margaritas. Catch the ocean breeze on the State Street–facing outdoor patio or the game on TVs in the bar.

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

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

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

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.  DECEMBER 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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