805 Living December 2020 by 805 Living

DEC E M BE R 2020

Holiday Cheer

Morgan Stanley is proud to congratulate

Seth Haye

Named one of Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors Being named to Barron’s 2020 Top 1,200 Financial Advisors list is a testament to your experience, professionalism and dedication to your clients. Thank you for the work you do each day and for carrying forward the culture of excellence at our firm. Seth Haye Senior Portfolio Management Director Managing Director – Wealth Management Financial Advisor 100 North Westlake Blvd Westlake Village, CA 91362 +1 805 494-0222 seth.haye@morganstanley.com http://www.morganstanleyfa.com/theoaksgroup CA Insurance Lic. #0E71484 NMLS# 1279368

Source: Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors,” March 16, 2020, as identified by Barron’s magazine, using quantitative and qualitative criteria and selected from a pool of over 4,000 nominations. Advisors in the Top 1,200 Financial Advisors list have a minimum of seven years of financial services experience. Qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, compliance record and philanthropic work. Investment performance is not a criterion. 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 paid a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved. © 2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

CRC 2992552 03/20 REC001 CS 9819083 03/20

Contents D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • H O L I DAY C H E E R

Features 68 VISIONS OF CHOCOLATE

MAKE WAY, SUGAR PLUMS, THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY DREAMS ARE MADE OF RICHER, CREAMIER TREATS. Photographs by Gar y Moss

THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

GARY MOSS; COVER: © ALAN SHAPIRO/STOCKSY UNITED

Produced by Carmen Juarez-Leiva and Frances Ryan

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

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D O ORS & W I N D O W S

CONEJOHARDWOODS.COM

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I P E DE C K I NG

Contents

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • H O L I DAY C H E E R

Departments of the 805

By Leslie Dinaberg

Finds 51 Winter Wonderland

Turn your neck of the woods into a whimsical holiday forest. By Jennie Nunn

54 STYLE: Scads of Plaids Stay cozy this winter in these tartan toppers. By Frances Ryan

56 TRAVEL By Alex Ward

Insider 60 Events In & Around

Faces in the Crowd 62 Corey Pahanish

90 DINING OUT:

By Joan Tapper Photograph by Gary Moss

By Nancy Ransohoff

A nonprofit veteran takes the reins at Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

Upgrades 65 Star Light, Star Bright Celestial styles shine in home design. By Frances Ryan

Taste 84 FOOD:

Everyday Exotic Josephine Lochhead of Cook Flavoring Company in Paso Robles illuminates the uncommon origins of vanilla.

the 805

By Jaime Lewis

By Heidi Dvorak

88 BEVERAGES: RAISE-HOLIDAY SPIRITS Put a bow on these gift-worthy Central Coast bottles. By Alex Ward

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Restaurants Reimagined Dining concepts take new forms in response to the latest mother of invention.

93 Where to Eat Now

P.S. Sketchpad 104 Viral Holiday Viewing By Greg Clarke

In Every Issue

20 Editor’s Note 24 Masthead 34 Behind the Scenes

Visit Us Online! 805living.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Spotify, and YouTube 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 free 805 Living Eats podcasts and Spotify playlists. Become an 805 Living Insider! Sign up to receive “The Insider,” our free mid-month newsletter that provides additional suggestions for local events and activities, lastminute getaway ideas, and little extras—like food and wine tips—to help you get through the month. Insiders will also receive special offers, contest news, event invitations, and more. Subscribe at 805living.com.

43: GARY MOSS; 56: COURTESY OF GETAWAY; 62: GARY MOSS

Pulse 43 Tracking the Beat

LOC ALLY SO U RCE D · S E A SO NAL I N G R E D I E NTS · WOO D FI R E D 6 : 3 0A M - 1 0 P M

(81 8) 575 -304 4

O P E N DA I LY F O R D I N E - I N & TA K E O U T

COINANDCANDOR .COM

@COINANDCANDOR

@beautifulmesshome

Bring Our “Beautiful Mess” To Your Home This Holiday Season

We are in this together... NOW OFFERING: HOME DELIVERY CURBSIDE PICKUP NATIONWIDE SHIPPING

Gregoire Moulin. (OPPOSITE) public three eleven design

Owner & Curator Kymberley Fraser

28865 West Agoura Road, Agoura Hills | 818.874.9092 | abeautifulmesshome.com

Exceptional Spaces in All the Right Places SAN TA BA RBA R A

W E ST L A K E VIL L AG E

WE’RE O PEN !

…and doing everything possible to make your experience safe, sanitary & satisfying. Call or visit today.

I N TE RI OR D ESIG N | R EMA R K A B LE R ESOU RCE S

Left to right: Kristen Love, Genaro Lagdameo, Karen Shoener, Marcella McCracken, Carla Padour

960 South Westlake Blvd., Suite #6, Westlake Village (805) 418-1890 www.InteriorDesignWestlake.com

Editor’s Note

Not So Silent Night? WHEN I WAS A KID, one of my sisters would sometimes come home from grade school with pent-up frustrations. My mom had read an article about primal scream therapy, a one-time trendy, though dubious, psychotherapy in which a person attempts to release frustration and tension through … well … screaming hysterically until the pressure and anxiety lapses. At first, it struck her funny bone when she read it, but then she figured it might help my sister. At least it couldn’t hurt. So one day when my sister returned from school, Mom told her to go out to the garage and scream at the top of her lungs—to let it all out. Safely confined within the walls of the garage, my sister mustered up the energy for a big scream and prepared to let it all out. But because the whole scene felt so out of character to her, she ended up laughing uncontrollably instead. I probably don’t have to explain why that story from childhood came to me recently. Fatigue and monotony threaten to overshadow the seasonal spirit. And it pains us to alter our cherished holiday traditions—especially when we never took them for granted but rather treasured them from year to year, generation to generation. It’s so hard to predict what will happen in the coming weeks, but a very critical time of the year for local businesses is upon us, and they, too, have always factored, in some way, into our holiday traditions. Where we shop makes a difference, and not only is this issue loaded with ideas for local goods and services, it also contains information from local advertisers, which are among those businesses counting on us this year. Along with the rest of you, I hold out great hope that the coming year will be brighter in every way for us. And, probably like a lot of you, I find my patience for the arrival of that better future to be rather thin. Perhaps a trip to the garage for a primal scream would help everyone blow off some steam for what has truly been a year for the history books. And if it ends up in giggles, all the better.

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher

GARY MOSS

edit@805living.com

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

ÂŠ2020 Ojai Valley Inn

Only moments away is the rediscovery of Ojai Valley Inn. Come enjoy the crisp winter air, open spaces and a one-of-a-kind epicurean immersion at The Farmhouse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where unique culinary experiences await. This is the place where precious memories are made, connections are renewed and where life itself is restored. Reserve your new moment today.

844.259.6316 OjaiValleyInn.com

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, joy, and peace.

554 E Main Street, Ventura | 805.641.0125 727 W Ojai Avenue, Ojai | 805.646.7288 livsothebysrealtyca.com | Cal DRE 01904034

ACTIVE |

SOLD |

Ojai, California

Somis, California

12420 MACDONALD DRIVE | $3,300,000

4063 DONLON ROAD | Sold for $3,085,000

Larry Krogh 805.312.0512 | Gwen Mulligan 805.320.7691

ACTIVE |

SOLD |

Oak View, California

Ventura, California

10561 ENCINO DRIVE | $1,875,000

630 SKYLINE ROAD | Sold for $1,700,000

Larry Krogh 805.312.0512 | Gwen Mulligan 805.320.7691

SOLD |

ACTIVE |

Ventura, California

1504 CHURCH STREET | Sold for $1,250,000

2473 POLI STREET | $735,000

Larry Krogh 805.312.0512

Larry Krogh 805.312.0512 | Jason Bartyn 805.320.6878

LARRY KROGH Broker 805.312.0512

lkrogh@livsothebysrealty.com

JASON BARTYN Realtor® 805.320.6878

jbartyn@livsothebysrealty.com

GWEN MULLIGAN Realtor® 805.320.7691

gmulligan@livsothebysrealty.com

© 2020 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker. All information shall be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. DRE numbers: Larry Krogh: 01305510 | Gwen Mulligan: 01364978 | Jason Bartyn: 01319180

EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Lynne Andujar

edit@805living.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bernard Scharf EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathy Tomlinson

Coming Soon Porter Ranch

DESIGNER

Sophie Patenaude PHOTO EDITOR

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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

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

Greg Clarke RESEARCH EDITOR

AMERICAN TAVERN

Tajinder Rehal

San Luis Obispo • Santa Barbara Ventura • Westlake Village

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Gary Moss CONSULTING EDITOR

30 Craft Beers On Tap!

Signature Burgers & Sandwiches

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

Artisan Flatbread Pizzas Chef-Crafted Gourmet Salads 18 Sharable Appetizers Hand-Crafted Cocktails TV’s for Sports Viewing Family owned and operated, Finney’s is open for lunch and dinner with Monday-Friday Happy Hour specials.

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Please recycle this magazine when you are finished.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE 982 S Westlake Blvd.

SANTA BARBARA VENTURA 35 State St. 494 E Main St. www.FinneysCrafthouse.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO 857 Monterey St.

805 LIVING, DECEMBER 2020

5 •10 •20 P R O M OT I O N Save 5%, 10%, or 20%

Agoura Hills 30621 Canwood St. 818.991.8846

Moorpark 14349 White Sage Rd. 805.222.1380

on a Dacor Appliance Package*

Santa Barbara 3920 State St. 805.898.9883

Oxnard 887 Ventura Blvd. 805.278.0388

www.wdcappliances.com *Offer Expires Dec. 31, 2020. See Store for Details.

Torrance 20901 Hawthorne Blvd. 310.802.6380

COME TOGETHER This holiday season, gather safely in our newly renovated outdoor spaces.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer S. Vogelbach

Fashion, fine jewelry, real estate, home furnishings and design jennifer@805living.com 818-427-3496

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Diane Dreyer

Santa Barbara County wineries diane@805living.com 818-879-3951

Amra Neal

Dining, entertainment, food and beverage, travel, beauty, education, fitness, health, senior living, architects, landscape, home builders amra@805living.com 310-924-2631

Lisa Kitchin

Attorneys, automotive, financial/banking, insurance, mortgage, nonprofit organizations lisa@805living.com 818-268-8001

ADVERTISING DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Sophie Patenaude

sophie@805living.com

Stroll through snowfall in Center Court each night at 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm & 7pm. Enjoy #SelfiesWithSanta and live carolers in a safe and festive atmosphere.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Carmen Juarez-Leiva ACCOUNTING

Lori Kantor

lori@805living.com ADVERTISING QUERIES

805-444-1228, 805-830-1655 fax

Visit our website for holiday hours and safety protocols. paseonuevoshopping.com

805 Living is published 10 times a year and is a property of 3Digit Media, LLC. 3717 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, CA 91362

CEO

Lynne Andujar

@ShopPaseoNuevo

ESTABLISHED 2004

805 LIVING, DECEMBER 2020

SANTA BARBARA

WHERE THE BAR SETS THE BAR.

BLACKBIRD AT THE HOTEL CALIFORNIAN

WELCOME TO THE CALIFORNIAN

thehotelcalifornian.com

“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

Community Give Back

Alone we can do so little;

together

we can do so much. Helen Keller

Complimentary Financial Advice Many families have been impacted by COVID-19 and are in need of financial advice. We would love to help by either providing solutions to get through this difficult time or longer-term planning to set your family up for success. Register for Advice - http://bit.ly/2020MCsurvey Community Give Back Video - http://bit.ly/2020MCgiveback

www.mortoncapital.com 27200 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Calabasas, CA 91301 | (818) 222-4727

Behind the Scenes With all that’s happened this year, we asked our featured contributors what has been their most valuable takeaway.

Jaime Lewis

Mov e be yo n d i l l u m i n at i on . . .

“I’ve witnessed my own strength and adaptability,” says contributing writer Jaime Lewis (Taste/Food, page 84, and the related 805 Living Eats podcast at 805living.com). “Deadlines were met, homeschooling happened, civic duties were fulfilled, and (mostly) delicious food was cooked. I’ll also admit that tears were shed, cocktails were had, TV was binged, and bags of Cheetos disappeared.”

“This year has provided a reminder to not sweat the small stuff,” says contributing writer Nancy Ransohoff (Dining Out, page 90). “Also to slow down and savor the simple things and everyday pleasures of life: family and friends, getting out in nature, long walks, good conversation, and of course, great food and wine.”

Alex Ward

8 05 .9 6 2 . 0 2 0 0 | W W W.C A B A N A HOME .C OM 1 1 1 S A N TA B A R B A R A S T R E E T S A N TA B A R B A R A , C A 9 3 1 0 1

“If this year has taught me anything, it’s to take nothing for granted,” says contributing writer Alex Ward (Finds/Travel, page 56, and Taste/Beverages, page 88). “Also bingeing on pasta and wine is apparently what I consider self-care.”

LEWIS: ALEXANDRA WALLACE; RANSOHOFF: STEPHANIE BAKER PHOTOGRAPH

Nancy Ransohoff

Behind the Scenes Here’s what our featured experts learned during this year of exceptional challenges. “The importance of being adaptable, creative, positive, calm, and having a supportive team.” —Josephine Lochhead

(Taste/Food, page 84) president Cook Flavoring Company Paso Robles cooksvanilla.com

“In our most challenging times, coming together is the only solution for meaningful change.” —Corey Pahanish, PhD

(Faces in the Crowd, page 62) executive director Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties teddybearcancerfoundation.org

“America finally learned how to shop online.” —Ben Taylor

(“Visions of Chocolate,” page 68) owner Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates San Luis Obispo mamaganache.com

“Nowadays, it’s a great satisfaction to cause comfort in people’s homes while sharing my passion for empanadas.” (Dining Out, page 90) owner Passion Empanadas Westlake Village

PAHANISH: LUIS CHAVEZ

—Gabriel Gandelman

Your Trusted Local Lender When you’re looking to purchase a new home, you need an experienced mortgage professional who knows the ins and outs of the industry and the local market — That’s where John Wade comes in. John has 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry and is one of Fairway’s top loan officers. He earned a degree in economics from UCLA and specializes in hard-to-place loans, loans for the self-employed and Jumbo loans with great rates. John is passionate about helping his buyers find the right mortgage, guiding them from application to closing and beyond. He’s ready to set up a home financing plan that works for you and accomplishes your financial needs and goals!

Ready to buy, sell or refinance? Give John a call today.

John Wade Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #256688 Cell: 818-404-1905 • Office: 818-638-1801 john.wade@fairwaymc.com • www.johnwadeloans.com 26565 W. Agoura Rd., Suite 215 • Calabasas, CA 91302

Copyright©2020 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender. AZ License #BK-0904162. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License No 41DBO-78367. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law, NMLS #2289. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Residential Mortgage Lending Act License. TX Location: 1800 Golden Trail, Carrollton, TX 75010. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS ID #2289 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

581800

Competitive Pricing

Extensive Showroom

Over 30 years of experience you can trust

(805) 449 - 2840 www.AgouraSash.com

Agoura Sash & Door, Inc.

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

GIVE THE GIFT OF WINE An esteemed wine club spreads holiday cheer.

offers an exciting opportunity to sample a collection of world-class wines at a remarkably reasonable price. Club members will also enjoy twenty percent off any additional purchases of Miller Family Wines, $10 flat-rate shipping for orders up to 12 bottles, as well as four complimentary tastings per year at the J. Wilkes tasting room in Santa Barbara. It’s a surefire winner for all the wine aficionados on your holiday gift list.

To purchase a Miller Family Wine Club membership and give your friends and family the gift of curated wine shipped straight to their door, visit millerfamilywineclub.com and follow the gifting instructions.

Looking to get something for the wine lover in your life? Give the gift that is guaranteed to make spirits bright with a membership to the Miller Family Wine Club (millerfamilywineclub.com), an astonishingly affordable subscription wine service offering a delicious sampling of Central Coast and Napa Valley terroir. Since 1871, the Miller family has farmed and ranched the fertile lands of California’s wine country. Currently in its fifth generation, the family-run business continues its commitment to maintaining sustainable vineyards and

producing premium-quality wines. And to the delight of oenophiles throughout the 805 and beyond, the Miller Family Wine Company has recently launched a monthly wine club that represents one of the absolute best values in subscription wine services. The Miller Family Wine Club provides members three bottles of carefully curated wine each month, with each selection perfectly paired to the season in which it arrives. At just $39.95 a month (shipping included), the club

Happy Holidays

A sincere thank you to all of my clients, friends and staff who helped make this an extraordinary year. Warmest wishes for a blessed 2021.

Over $94,00,000 Million in Closed Sales in 2020

5600 Armour Ranch Rd., Happy Canyon, Santa Ynez 1430 Count Fleet, Happy Canyon, Santa Ynez 1920 Westerly Rd., Happy Canyon, Santa Ynez 1625 Armour Ranch Rd., Happy Canyon, Santa Ynez country estates 7300 Happy Canyon Rd., Santa Ynez 8000 Zaca Station Rd., Zaca Lake, Santa Ynez 4101 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez 3550 Live Oak Rd., Santa Ynez 4251 Long Valley, Santa Ynez 3160 Live Oak Rd, Santa Ynez 3226 Live Oak Rd, Santa Ynez

Patty Murphy

1340 Quail Ridge Rd., Santa Ynez 2900 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos 3235 Calle Bonita, Santa Ynez 3200 Montecielo, Santa Ynez 996 Fredensborg Canyon, Solvang 2850 Adobe Canyon, Solvang 1132 Fredensborg Canyon, Solvang 1240 Olesen, Solvang 680 Rancho Alisal Dr., Solvang 1559 Edison St., Santa Ynez Just to name a few...

Patty Murphy

Patty Murphy country estates

#1 in Sales for the Region in 3rd Quarter Patty Murphy Country Estates www.pattymurphy.com patty@pattymurphy.com (805) 680-8571

© Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. 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. Equal Housing Opportunity. Patty Murphy DRE: 766586

As the weather cools and Santa Barbara sparkles with a festive glow, join us at our relaxed hilltop hideaway for a season of celebrations.

800 ALVARADO PLACE, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103 | 805 770 3530 | BELMOND.COM/ELENCANTO

Pulse

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

GARY MOSS

SWEDISH-STYLE SWEETS

For a fresh twist on Christmas candy this year, try authentic handmade polkagris, a traditional treat in Sweden that’s available at Solvang’s Swedish Candy Factory (swedishcandyfactory.com), which claims to be the only bakery in the U.S. making the confection. “Polkagris is the main Swedish candy that we make,” says Rob Taylor, owner of the family business. “Our family is all part Swedish, so it’s kind of a neat thing to do.” “Peppermint Polkagris is probably the number one seller for the holiday season,” says Taylor’s sister Amy Freedman, who works at the Solvang store. In addition to that red and white–striped traditional flavor, the company’s polkagris sticks come in an array of colors and cinnamon, licorice, piña colada, and several sour fruit flavors. Chocolate is also in plentiful supply at the candy factory, with special holiday flavors and wrappings for December, says Taylor, who heads up the family’s Staffords Chocolates Company. The family’s other 805-area stores include Stafford’s Chocolates (opening soon in San Luis Obispo) and Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates in San Luis Obispo. (To see some of what Mama Ganache has to offer, check out the bark in “Visions of Chocolate,” page 68.) DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Pulse

CLIMB ON A CLYDESDALE

Sleep is such an important component of our overall health and happiness, so why not gift your loved ones (or yourself ) with eco-conscious luxury bedding this holiday season? Westlake Home (westlakehome.com) is a dream come true for brothers Charles-Etienne and Julien Roy, founders of the Westlake Village–based business, who spent more than two years traveling the world doing research to create luxurious bedding made from chemical-free, environmentally friendly products. “Our dedication to creating heirloom pieces demands nothing can be overlooked,” says Julien. Not even the package. “The goal of our packaging is to convey reusability and reduce our trash impact,” he says. Sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, and bundled sets are all available online, and every purchase comes with two gifts—a 100 percent organic mulberry silk eye mask and a striking agate coaster from Brazil.

SEE-WORTHY SHIPS

A new exhibit at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM, sbmm. org) spotlights the work of artist of the fleet Arthur Beaumont, who used impressionist techniques to paint the rich history of the U.S. Visitors to Covell Navy, from the USS Constitution to atomic bomb tests to expeditions Ranch hit the trails to the North and South Poles. on Clydesdales. “SBMM is proud to be one of only 10 museums in the United States selected to exhibit Arthur Beaumont: Art of the Sea,” says the museum’s executive director Greg Gorga. “This exhibit fits in perfectly with our other military displays,” Gorga adds, pointing to the museum’s appropos location inside the former Naval Training Center building and the area’s rich naval history, including visits by the Great White Fleet, the USS Constitution, and the USS Ronald Reagan; as well as some of the tragedies like the Honda Point Disaster and the Shelling of Ellwood Beach. In the last show on the West Coast, the artist’s 53 works are on view from December 3 through May 30, 2020. See works like Arthur Beaumont’s USS Fall River, a 13x17–inch watercolor from the Douglas Dreibelbis Collection depicting the first-ever underwater nuclear bomb test, which was conducted by the U.S. on July 25, 1946, at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

FROM TOP: COURTESY OF WESTLAKE HOME; COURTESY OF COVELL RANCH; COURTESY OF THE SANTA BARBARA MARITIME MUSEUM

DREAMY BEDDING

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding one of the majestic and mighty horses made famous in the Budweiser commercials, now’s your chance. Tour the family-owned Covell Ranch (covellsclydesdaleranch.com) in the charming coastal community of Cambria on the back of one of the gentle Scottish draught horses known as Clydesdales. “We’ve been breeding Clydesdales for over 40 years,” says Tara Covell. Her father, horse breeder Ralph Covell, owns the 2,000 acre ranch and offers tours and trail rides through the property, where stands of Monterey Pines grow along rolling hills with ocean views.

Pulse

A beautiful floral arrangement is always a welcome gift, but learning to make one can be a treasured experience. That’s the idea behind The Floral Pantry (thefloralpantry.com), a new CIY (create it yourself ) floristry-kit delivery service. Founder and creative director Kim Wiseley worked with internationally renowned floral designers for years before landing on a way to share their expertise and creative inspiration with home floral enthusiasts, she says. The result of collaborations with renowned professionals, such as English floral designer Willow Crossley and Belgium-based farmerflorist Emily Avenson of Fleuropean floral designs, the kits feature seasonal, fresh flowers, a handmade vessel, design tools, and a video design tutorial, all handpacked by Wiseley and her team in a Santa Barbara floral warehouse. “Nature’s wonder is at the heart of everything we do,” Wiseley says.

FLAVOR OF THE MONTH:

GINGERBREAD

What: The GingerbreadLatte Macaron, the classic French-style sandwich cookie meets all-American gingerbread flavors in a confection from pastry chef Ron Viloria Where: Goat Tree café at Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara (hotelcalifornian. com/santa_barbara_ restaurants/goat_tree)

The sweet, spicy goodness of gingerbread takes liquid form in the Get Rich or Die Chai-ing Cocktail at the Good Lion in Santa Barbara.

“A delicious gingerbread man with a cold glass of milk is a holiday staple for me,” says Kyle Kent, bar supervisor at The Lark, who created his Gingerbread Clarified Milk Punch Cocktail for this holiday season. The aromatics of gingerbread—molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and clove—evoke the holiday spirit, so it’s no wonder local chefs, bakers, and mixologists have been inspired to concoct new riffs on the classic treat. Kim Wiseley (right), founder of The Floral Pantry floristry-kit delivery service, assembles one of her design projects, which include various types of arrangements, such as wreaths. Kits come with tools and fresh flowers.

What: Clarified Milk Punch Cocktail, a mix of gingerbread spices and rich, creamy milk in a cold, dessert-style cocktail Where: The Lark, Santa Barbara (thelarksb.com) What: Gingerbread Gelato, traditional holiday spices warm up an authentic Italian frozen dessert Where: Solvang Flavors, Solvang (solvangflavors.com)

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

What: The Gingerbread Latte, delicately sweet gingery heat mingles with espresso and steamed milk in a seasonal cuppa Where: Libbey’s Market at the Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai (ojaivalleyinn.com/dining) What: Gingerbread-spiced Morning Buns, classic buns get a gingerbreadflavored twist in this holiday special from executive chef Jason Paluska Where: Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara (helenaavenuebakery.com) What: The Get Rich or Die Chai-ing Cocktail, a gingerbread-reminiscent mix of chai, blended scotch, orgeat, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Fernet-Branca, lemon juice, and herbal liqueur by mixologist-coowner Brandon Ristaino Where: The Good Lion, Santa Barbara (goodlioncocktails.com)

FROM TOP: ROB KLAUSEN; JULIE PAISLEY/HEARTSAFLUTTER; FLORAL PANTRY; JULIE PAISLEY/HEARTSAFLUTTER

FRESH FLOWERS MEET FRESH THINKING

THE LANDING

32107-32133 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village OFFICE SUITES AVAILABLE FOR LEASE

ATTENTION EXECUTIVE SUITE USERS STOP PAYING EXECUTIVE SUITE RATES 1-2 PERSON OFFICES AVAILABLE

Interactive works: Time Dilation (above) and Fluid Connections (below), both by Marco Pinter, respond to onlookers’ actions.

COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF SENSORY MOVEMENT

TAKE PART IN ART

At a time when people are thirsting for new activities they can do safely, the new Museum of Sensory & Movement Experiences (MSME, pronounced miss me; seehearmove.com) in Santa Barbara is a welcome addition to the cultural scene. The exhibits are all interactive and primarily hands-free, “as a way for people to still feel connected even during this time of social distancing,” explains executive director Marco Pinter. Pinter hopes in particular to attract visually savvy teens and young adults with extended evening hours, which he suggests are “great for date nights,” and interactive experiences that are sure to be great fodder for Instagram. Each visitor is an energy source that fuels the results, so as they engage with the artworks, what they see responds in new and unexpected ways. Pinter is himself an established media artist as well as a prolific inventor with more than 70 patents in the categories of live video technology, robotics, interactivity, and telepresence. Six of his installations are on view at MSME. Among other artists featured are Ethan Turpin, Alan Macy, Elisa Ortega Montilla, and Douglas Lochner. 

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS • Landmark Office & Retail Project Consisting of 104,868 SF • Stunning Lake Views • Beautifully Landscaped Grounds Conducive to Outdoor Team Meeting and Lunch • Several Amenities On-site Including Boccaccio’s, The Landing Sushi Bar & Grill, Zin Bistro Americana, and The Westlake Yacht Club • Prestigious Location on Westlake in Highly Desirable Westlake Village • Suites from 200 SF to 5,100 SF For leasing information please call: JAMIE CLEARY, On-site Management & Leasing Dolphin Partners | 818.597.0945 | jcleary@dolphin-partners.com

ONE OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY’S BEST NEW HOME VALUES.

FINAL HOMES NOW SELLING IN CARPINTERIA. Seahouse by Warmington Residential has struck a chord with new home buyers seeking a more affordable home near the coast. Set just one and a half miles from the beach and downtown, this neighborhood of brand new, Coastal Farmhouse-inspired residences features a community pavilion and is nestled among preserved heritage trees and a natural spring. Carpinteria is a haven with its relaxed hometown vibe, and miles of coastline that is home to the “world’s safest beach.” From here, you are just minutes from miles of shoreline and farmland, breathtaking mountain views, and many renowned California wineries that dot this spectacularly beautiful region. Don’t miss this opportunity! This is a rare and limited chance to own a brand new home in Carpinteria, the “have-it-all” hometown where you can live, work and play.

Move-in ready single-family detached and paired homes Approximately 2,271 to 2,290 Sq. Ft. 3-4 Bedrooms / Smart home technology Private yards / Lifestyle amenities 1300 Cravens Lane, Carpinteria CA 93013 Paired homes from $899,900 Detached homes from $1,197,900 www.seahouse31.com

TO SCHEDULE A TOUR CALL OR TEXT CRYSTAL 805.833.5870 Four moderate income homes set aside for qualified applicants. Warmington Residential is part of the Warmington group of companies. Square footages are approximate only. Prices effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. Models depicted do not reflect racial preference. 11.09.20

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

Winter Wonderland TURN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS INTO A WHIMSICAL HOLIDAY FOREST. By Jennie Nunn

“Sage and Silver” bottlebrush trees ($50 for set of eight); Crate and Barrel at the Village at Topanga in Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds 2

1. Metallic pastel ornaments ($20 for set of six); CB2, cb2.com. 2. Handcrafted velvet gift boxes ornament ($15); Pottery Barn: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; potterybarn.com.

6 7

3. Faux snowy tree in natural jute bag ($24); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. 4. Michael Aram “Ivy & Oak” nickel-plate coasters ($135 for set of six); The Malibu Colony Co. at Malibu Country Mart, malibucolonyco.com. 5. “Balsam and Cedar” pillar candles (small $14, medium $18, large $28); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. 6. Driftwood snowflake wall art ($199 for set of three); Pottery Barn: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; potterybarn.com.

7. Natural 28-inch pinecone wreath ($225); Hudson Grace, Santa Barbara, hudsongracesf.com. 8. Wilson Enterprises roped birch bundle ($19 for threepiece set); Target: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; target.com.

9. Sir/Madam “Faux Bois” linen napkins in Marine ($88 for set of four); Beautiful Mess Home & Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com. 

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Finds Style By Frances Ryan

Scads of Plaids STAY COZY THIS WINTER IN THESE TARTAN TOPPERS.

1. Treasure & Bond lined shirt jacket with spread collar ($129); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Canoga Park, nordstrom.com. 2. “Bowery” boxy fit, organic cotton flannel shirt in washed brown ($65); brixton.com. 3. Rails “Steffi” cropped jacket in beige and blue wool plaid ($238); Hiptique, Malibu, hiptique.com. 4. Wool blend oversize overshirt with flap patch pockets ($90); Zara, Thousand Oaks and Canoga Park, zara.com. 5. Gestuz “Rina” plaid wool-blend in salt peber check ($250); Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, saks.com. 6. Veronica Beard “Piana” brushed-flannel coat with puffed shoulders and corduroy cuffs ($750); Intermix at Malibu Lumber Yard, intermixonline.com. 7. Wool blend overshirt with fringed hem and metal stud appliqué ($90); Zara, Thousand Oaks and Canoga Park, zara.com. 8. Cropped overshirt with front flap pockets ($70); Zara, Thousand Oaks and Canoga Park, zara.com. 9. Oversize shirt jacket with diagonal side pockets ($50); H&M: Thousand Oaks, Ventura, The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; 2.hm.com. 

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

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

5: COURTESY OF SAKS.COM

Finds Travel By Alex Ward

t’s a rare hotel that redefines the character of a city. And yet, the Four Seasons Las Vegas (fourseasons.com/ lasvegas, from $200) achieves precisely that with its atmosphere of serenity and quiet sophistication. Occupying floors 35 through 39 of the Mandalay Bay tower, accommodations at the Four Seasons provide stunning views of either the Strip or the recently constructed Allegiant Stadium. Yet, this five-diamond, four-star property is an oasis of calm set amid Sin City’s vibrant lights, sounds, and stimulation. “There’s that transition as you walk in,” says hotel manager Ahmed Yacout. “All of your senses are immediately touched. The lighting is perfect, the music is just right, and it smells like a nonsmoking environment.” From the moment of arrival, it’s apparent that the Four Seasons Las Vegas prioritizes customer service as well as the health of its guests. Working in conjunction with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, the Four Seasons developed its Lead With Care program, implementing enhanced procedures to ensure safety during the COVID‑19 pandemic. With elevated cleaning protocols, advanced ventilation systems, and an array of contactless services, visitors can enjoy the hotel’s pleasing blend of modern comfort and classic glamour in guest rooms featuring thoughtful technology, oversize artwork, and art-deco accents. On-site amenities include a private pool with optional cabana service as well as an award-winning spa offering a variety of restorative wellness treatments such as warm salt-stone rituals and head-to-toe candle massage. Diners can grab small bites and craft cocktails at the buzzy Press bar or sample New American cuisine at Veranda, the hotel’s much-lauded restaurant. As a nongaming hotel, the Four Seasons is uniquely well suited for families, business travelers, or anyone seeking a restful stay in Las Vegas. However, despite the hotel’s relatively tranquil ambience, excitement is hardly out of reach; guests wishing to try their luck can easily access the casino at the adjacent Mandalay Bay Resort. Travelers with a spirit of adventure can book the Natural Wonders package, a three-hour helicopter excursion exclusive to the Four Seasons. Participating guests soar to the highest peak of Valley of Fire State Park and enjoy a champagne lunch at a private landing site in Hualapai Indian Territory, just below the Grand Canyon’s west rim. The return journey offers bird’s-eye vistas of Lake Mead, Fortification Hill, and the imposing Hoover Dam.

Have cocktails at the Press bar (top, left) and New American cuisine at the Veranda restaurant (above, left). Book the Natural Wonders package for a helicopter tour of the local sights.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ring in 2021 at Santa Barbara’s luxurious Belmond El Encanto (belmond.com) hotel via the Cheers to the New Year package. The special offer includes two nights in suite accommodations, valet parking, a bottle of Taittinger Prestige Rosé champagne, and dinner for two at the hotel’s New Year’s Eve celebration, which features Veuve Clicquot pairings.

GUEST ROOM, POOL, BAR, AND HELICOPTER: CHRISTIAN HORAN PHOTOGRAPHY; DISH: COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS

SERENE IN LAS VEGAS

A private pool complex and spacious guest rooms with panoramic views of the city are part of the peaceful sanctuary that is the nongaming Four Seasons Las Vegas hotel.

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Finds Travel

COZY CABINS

Escape the city with Getaway (getaway. house, starting at $109), an online rental service offering tiny cabins in natural settings that recently opened outposts in Glenwood, Washington, and Running Springs, near Big Bear. Each Getaway outpost is located within a two-hour drive of a major metropolitan area and provides queen-size beds, stoves, full baths, and climate control for a true glamping experience. Clean design, large picture windows and natural building elements create a sense of immersion while a cellphone lockbox and a purposeful lack of WiFi ensure that guests will have the ability to disconnect, unwind, and enjoy the scenery. Healthcare professionals, first responders, and military members are eligible to receive 15 percent off every stay.

RELAX IN SANTA YNEZ Situated on Mission Drive between Santa Ynez and Solvang, the newly opened Hotel Ynez (hotelynez. com, starting at $209 including daily breakfast) reimagines a classic California motor lodge in the 21st century. Eighteen stylishly decorated guest rooms feature a mix

Get the feel of Italy without the airfare at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort (allegrettovineyardresort.com, starting at $249) in Paso Robles. Simply walking the grounds of this magnificent property can be a transportive experience, in which manicured gardens and Mediterranean architecture evoke the aesthetics of a Tuscan villa. “What I want is for guests to walk into a place where it feels calm,” says general manager Rich Verruni, “and to see the serenity of this magical place.” Art abounds at every turn in the tastefully appointed resort, where oil paintings and vintage photography adorn the walls and sculptures line the grand central courtyard. An impressive cross section of a 2,000-year-old tree anchors the Sequoia Room, a congenial sitting area warmed by a hand-carved fireplace. Bordering the hotel are olive trees, lavender plants, and picturesque vineyards growing four different grape varietals. Guests can enjoy Allegretto’s award-winning estate wines at the on-site tasting room and meals of handmade pasta at the hotel’s Cello Ristorante. For a contemplative experience, stroll the Sonic Labyrinth, a Zen garden equipped with motion

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

sensors that emit soothing tones inspiring moments of reposeful reflection. One of the hotel’s most distinctive offerings is the special Zoo to You package, a collaboration with a local animal conservancy through which guests are granted access to a private rescue zoo. Visitors who stay two nights can arrange an up-close animal encounter with their choice of an otter, lemur, alligator, eagle, or kangaroo. Sharing a oneon-one moment with the conservancy’s wildlife is a singular experience and a must-do for animal lovers of any age.

of amenities including tile fireplaces, adorably retro refrigerators, and spacious, private front patios equipped with Adirondack chairs and woven hammocks. The hotel offers Santa Maria-style barbecue kits, allowing guests the opportunity to prepare seasoned steaks, burgers, and vegetables on Weber grills. A beautifully landscaped central garden invites travelers to gather around bonfire pits, sip a glass of local wine, and admire the rustic peacefulness of the Santa Ynez Valley. “There’s that old-school vibe about this area,” says Kimberly Walker, managing partner of Nomada Hotels, the company behind Hotel Ynez. “You feel like you can take a breath, relax, and calm down.” 

FROM TOP: COURTESY OF GETAWAY; COURTESY OF HOTEL YNEZ; COURTESY OF ALLEGRETTO VINEYARD RESORT

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Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak

JELLIES AND FRIENDS

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Join the jellies in welcoming all to see the reopened museum’s new and improved features, such as the addition of the giant Pacific seahorse and coral reef habitats; sbnature.org.

12/15

throughout town. It’s a unique way to explore the area and win prizes; nisseadventure.com.

December 12

Through January 31

Virtual. Pink Martini’s pianist and vocalist perform a rousing holiday concert featuring music from around the globe, including nondenominational songs to underscore the spirit of togetherness; pacslo.org.

SANTA PAULA SOJOURN

Through December 24

Santa Paula Art Museum. Venture into the museum and get a historic perspective of the city by viewing 33 works of local painter Shannon Celia; santapaulaartmuseum.org.

LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN AND HOLIDAY STROLL

Through January 6

Downtown San Luis Obispo. Take a wintry trek through a town that’s a holly-jolly showcase with lighted activations, Santa’s house, a holiday tree, window decorations, and socially distanced family offerings. Three strolls commence on the first three Fridays of the month; downtownslo.com.

December 13 ANYTHING GOES

Studios on the Park, Paso Robles. Looking for a gift? Buy that someone special an original work of art at this Paso Robles Artists Association exhibit of eclectic pieces in a variety of media; studiosonthepark.com. Through February 14 20/20: A RETROSPECTIVE

Through December 31 GENEVIEVE GAIGNARD: OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

Ongoing

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. Make an appointment online and visit this artist’s selfportraiture, installation, sculpture, and collage to experience her inventive take on popular and selfie cultures, historical imagery, and humor; mcasb.org.

Here’s an Idea:

Through January 3

Deck the halls with boughs of native plants since THE SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN (SBBG) retail nursery is now open. Begin by visiting the 78 acres of reopened garden for inspiration, then head to the nursery for regional plants to purchase. SBBG hint: Fall and winter months are the best time to plant in California; sbbg.org.

JULEFEST NISSE ADVENTURE

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Downtown Solvang. The illuminated Danish village sets an elaborate seasonal stage for the annual Nisse Adventure, a cell-phone game that entails hunting nisse—or Christmas elves—which are hidden

PINK MARTINI’S THOMAS LAUDERDALE & CHINA FORBES

Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, Solvang. Back open with new walk-in hours, the museum presents its 20-year history in the Santa Ynez Valley with one work for each year; wildlingmuseum.org. December 11 FROZEN

Conejo Valley Unified School District parking lot. Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and the rest of the cool crew for the Hillcrest Center for the Art’s Wheels and Reels drive-in screening of this winter-wonderful Disney movie; hillcrestarts.com.

KWAME S. BRATHWAITE IN CONVERSATION

Virtual. Brathwaite talks about the work of his father, renowned photographer Kwame Brathwaite, whose efforts helped to inspire a visual and cultural identity for African Americans through photography, fashion, and performance; sbma.net. December 15 JIM BRICKMAN COMFORT & JOY AT HOME LIVE!

Virtual. Gather ’round the TV, computer, or tablet for a heart-warming concert performed by a world-class pianist. Tickets include access to an interactive Zoom room and Christmas gifts delivered to your door. Partial proceeds benefit Broadway in Thousand Oaks, a series presented by the nonprofit American Theatre Guild; jimbrickman.com. 

SEAHORSE: COURTESY OF SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Ongoing

Jim Brickman

Faces in the Crowd By Joan Tapper Photograph by Gary Moss

directors, and “how precise they are with every penny in and out”—that helped convince him to make the move to Santa Barbara. The nonprofit world is one Pahanish knows well. Born near Detroit, he grew up with a single mother. “My first introduction to the nonprofit sector was as a recipient of services,” he remembers. He later attended the University of San Diego and became a first-generation college graduate, eventually attaining both a master’s degree and a PhD in leadership studies. Around 2004, Pahanish also started volunteering with people who had developmental disabilities, a path that led to the 88-year-old Bayside Community Center, where he became executive director in 2014.

“We’re an organization that had generated a lot of funds and education through events,” says Pahanish. Since that’s no longer possible, “we have to be strategic.”

Corey Pahanish A NONPROFIT VETERAN TAKES THE REINS AT TEDDY BEAR CANCER FOUNDATION

hough Corey Pahanish, PhD, just joined Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TCBF) as executive director in October, he’s already been buoyed by the organization’s commitment to supporting families with a child diagnosed with cancer. “Teddy Bear has such a strong legacy,” he says, “of helping them navigate

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

the often dysfunctional health system” through what he calls the three pillars of education, emotional support, and financial support. It’s a task made even more difficult by the pandemic, which has meant lost jobs and income for many families and the added danger of catching the virus as well. In fact, It was the way the foundation was run—its mission, the people served, the board of

A search for new challenges eventually connected him to TBCF. Like all nonprofits, the group, which serves Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties as well as Santa Barbara, has had to find innovative ways of operating. “We’re an organization that had generated a lot of funds and education through events,” says Pahanish. Since that’s no longer possible, “we have to be strategic. “The pandemic has had an impact on our long-term plan,” Pahanish continues. “We had ambitious goals”—concerning expanded coverage and endowments—“that have had to be postponed, but we’re an organization that prides itself on not turning away families.” And during the holidays, Teddy Bear’s Project Christmas, which provides gifts for the kids in the families they serve, takes on special importance. Adds Pahanish, “I’m here because it’s fulfilling to make a deep connection with the community. Building meaningful relationships, that’s the ultimate purposeful agenda.”  For more information about Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, go to teddybearcancerfoundation.org.

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

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805.373.5992 sherwoodrealestate.com Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy in any state where prior registration is required. Availability of certain amenities is not assured, and may require a separate agreement and payment of additional fees. In the constant endeavor to maintain the quality of the Sherwood community, the developer reserves the right to modify maps, floor plans, exteriors, specifications, features, and product types without notice or obligation. Any models shown do not reflect a racial preference. If you have any questions regarding the Sherwood community, please contact the sales office of Castle & Cooke California, Inc, License #01254164 at (805) 373-5992.

Upgrades Star Light, Star Bright CELESTIAL STYLES SHINE IN HOME DESIGN. By Frances Ryan

Steel and mahogany mirror in antique gold-leaf finish designed by Pride Sasser for Century Furniture’s Grand Tour Collection ($1,455); Alderman Bushé Interiors, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbusheinteriors.com. DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Upgrades 1 2

4 5

8 7

1. Worlds Away “ACS111BR” handcrafted 15-inch Moravian star pendant in brass ($312); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 2. Hooker Furniture “Melange Star Power” hardwood console with eglomise doors ($3,854); Alderman Bushé Interiors, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbusheinteriors.com. 3. “Sophia” small flush-mount light in natural brass with frosted glass by Alexa Hampton for Visual Comfort and Co. ($539); Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com. 4 .Worlds Away “Astro CS” faux shagreen side table in cream ($1,055); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 5. Nuevo “Star” dining table in American ash and glass ($1,950); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 6 Anthology “Kaleidoscope Gold” glass and stone tiles from the Dazzle Collection ($47 a square foot); Tileco: Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo; tilecodist.com. 7. Kathy Kuo “Nodo” jute and wool rug in Coastal Beige Star (from $579); Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com. 8. Shiny gold-glazed ceramic urchin objets (small $20; large $35); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

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

DECEMBER

Floor Sample Sale

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The holidays may look different this year, but you can still shine. LADY FACE JEWELRY owner, designer, and 20-year industry veteran Pauline brings a vibrant dose of fresh ideas and a passion for exciting designs to the finest quality new and reimagined older pieces. • Beautiful selection of wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and on-trend pieces • Custom Designs • Estate Pieces • Jewelry Repairs

Mention 805 Living to receive 10% off of purchase. 5017 Kanan Road • Agoura Hills, 91301 • 818.865.8160 • ladyfacejewelers.com •

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Visions of

Chocolate Make way, sugar plums, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday dreams are made of richer, creamier treats. PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MOSS

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

French-Style Sipping Chocolate Couverture Christmas Trees made by Sheila Kearns of Sheila Kearns Chocolates & Confections, San Luis Obispo, sheilakearnschocolate.com Festive little trees made from Italian Agostoni Chocolate are dusted with just enough confectionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sugar to

sweeten the drink. Sourced in the Dominican Republic, the 70 percent Agostini Chocolate is organic and ethically sourced and has floral and fruit notes and a velvety consistency. Just melt the chocolate in warm cream and milk and top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate for a sublime experience. $22 per tree; comes with a recipe and serves five to eight.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Chocolate Bonbons made by Jennifer Smith and Sophia Smith-Grunder of Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections, Ventura, exvotochocolates.com Only single-origin, fair-trade chocolates are used in the handmade Dulce de Leche Bonbons created by the mother-daughter duo. House-made dulce de leche caramel and a layer of salted darkchocolate ganache are molded in 61Â percent dark Venezuelan chocolate and hand painted with colored cocoa butter. Other seasonal chocolates include Veuve Clicquot Champagne Truffles, Porter Beer & Mastic Pine Cones, Peppermint Bark Cups, and the award-winning Apple Cider Caramel Bonbon. Bonbons shown are $2.45 each or $32.50 for a box of 12.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Chocolate Bark made by chef Ben Taylor of Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates, San Luis Obispo, mamaganache.com Taylor creates a variety of chef-driven bark flavors from organic, fair-trade, and ethically sourced chocolate. The festive seasonal 70 percent dark chocolate Peppermint Bark is drizzled with white chocolate and topped with candy-cane bits. White chocolate Nirvana Bark is flecked with cardamom, rose petals, pistachios, and cocoa nibs. Roasted almonds, pistachios, pepitas, cocoa nibs, and sea salt amp up the 70 percent dark chocolate Omega Bark. $7 for a four-ounce bag.

Black Tie Toffee made by Rikki Orloff of Black Tie Confections exclusively for Tifa Chocolate & Gelato: Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, and Calabasas; tifachocolatesandgelato.com Thick, buttery, melt-in-your mouth toffee is studded with whole roasted almonds and blanketed on both sides with dark chocolate. Lightly salted chopped roasted almonds finish the top. Orloff uses organic 64 percent Belgian chocolate made from a blend of dark-roasted beans in which delicate floral and fruit notes accent the predominant cocoa flavor. Four-ounce bag, $5.50; 12 ounce box, $18.

Handmade Gourmet Chocolate Truffles by Jessica Foster of Jessica Foster Confections in Santa Barbara, jessicafosterconfections.com Hand-rolled, hand-dipped truffles made from Belgian chocolate feature flavors inspired by the bounty of Santa Barbara’s fresh ingredients and Foster’s globetrotting culinary adventures. Dark Chocolate Earl Grey, Dark Chocolate Ancho-Cumin, White Chocolate Green Tea, Milk Chocolate Star Anise & Thyme, Dark Chocolate Pomegranate, Milk Chocolate Sea Salt and Pepper, and White Chocolate Meyer Lemon, are among the many exotic flavors offered. Eight-piece box, $16. · For more chocolate treats, visit our Pinterest page, keyword: 805Living.

NOVEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

The Holiday

Gift Guide 74

PRODUCED BY CARMEN JUAREZ-LEIVA AND FRANCES RYAN

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

JoyJolt “Atlas” crystal decanter ($53); Cheese Shop Santa Barbara, cheeseshopsb.com.

Rahaminov Diamonds “Illusion” bezel earrings with 5.02-carats of pear-shaped diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers, Calabasas, polachecks.com.

Jellycat “Zalien” ($18); Los Olivos General Store, losolivosgeneralstore.com.

Sock Smith “Beetle Mania” men’s socks ($10); Lost in Socks at Ventura Harbor Village, lostinsocks.com.

OPPOSITE: © KRISTIN DUVALL/STOCKSY UNITED

Olivia Riegel “Silver Remy” picture frame ($70); The Agoura Antique Mart, Agoura Hills, agouraantiquemart.com.

Round dice in silk twill pouch ($385); Hermès, Beverly Hills, hermes.com. “1920s Naval” 12x80mm binoculars ($2,595); RH, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara, rh.com.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

The Holiday Gift Guide

Arcona “Wine Oil” with grape seed oil ($58); Remedy Skin + Body, Westlake Village and Malibu, remedyskinandbody.com.

Anon Prime “MIPS” men’s ski and snowboard helmet ($220); REI: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and The Village at Topanga in Woodland Hills; rei.com.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems “The Beatles Singles” Artist Collection turntable ($899); Wilshire Media Systems, Westlake Village, wilshiremediasystems.com.

Anniversary band featuring one-carat total weight of pavé diamonds set in 14-carat white gold ($3,250); Lady Face Jewelers, Agoura Hills, ladyfacejewelers.com.

Wit & Delight “Desktop” notepad ($14); Beautiful Mess Home and Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com.

Rolex “Oyster Perpetual 36mm Oystersteel” watch in yellow, coral red, candy pink, turquoise blue, and green ($5,600 each); Polacheck’s Jewelers, Calabasas, polachecks.com.

Necklace of 18-karat white gold chain, 21.8-carats of emerald cabochons, and 7.3-carats of rose-cut diamonds (price upon request); Silverhorn, Santa Barbara, silverhorn.com.

Cinemood TV LTE and Wi-Fi 40 GB mini projector ($849); cinemood.com. Sir/Madam Brass “Block” perpetual calendar ($95); Beautiful Mess Home and Garden, abeautifulmesshome.com.

Large Italian leather box with lid ($475); Garde, Summerland, gardeshop.com.

Rachel Pots Kitchen handthrown pottery salt box ($44); General Store Paso Robles, generalstorepr.com.

“The Skin Tone” crayon set ($21); allofuscrayons.com.

“Star” cotton voile indoor play tent ($229); RH, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara, rh.com.

Keurig “K-Mini Basic” Jonathan Adler limitededition single-serve coffee maker ($100); Target: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Camarillo, The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; target.com.

Visit our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide board on Pinterest (keyword: 805Living) for more great gifts.

Marquise lapis earrings set in 18-karat yellow gold ($4,500); Silverhorn, Santa Barbara, silverhorn.com.

Letterfolk customizable flexible vinyl “Tile Mat” ($100); letterfolk.com.

“Hometown Line” soy candles (shown: “The Carpinteria,” “The Ventura,” and “The Los Alamos”; $28 each); One Last Glass, Santa Barbara, onelastglass.com. “TE14” headlamp with “Baja” headband ($50); Third Eye Headlamps, Carpinteria, thirdeyeheadlamps.com.

Bryce Wilner for Areaware “Gradient” 100-piece puzzle ($15); Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store, sbmastore.net. Ohom “Kopi” mug and warmer set ($75); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Canoga Park, nordstrom.com.

Yamaha “P-45” 88-key weightedaction digital piano ($500); Guitar Center, Westlake Village and Oxnard, guitarcenter.com.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

100-PIECE PUZZLE: COURTESY OF AREAWARE; SOY CANDLES: MEADOW ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Cohiba “Blue Robusto” cigar ($11); Old Oaks Cigar Company, Thousand Oaks, 805-494-1886.

Bluejay premiere edition pedal-assist electric bicycle ($2,995) with pannier “Nantucket” basket ($75) and “Bluejay” front basket ($150); Electric Bikes of Santa Barbara, electricbikezzz.com.

Hey Dewy portable facial humidifier ($39); The Salt and Sundry boutique at The Cliffs Hotel & Spa, Pismo Beach, cliffshotelandspa.com.

Gucci “Aviator” sunglasses ($495); Gucci at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, gucci.com.

Rahaminov Diamonds eight-strand bracelet with 25.79-carats of round white diamonds set in 18-karat white gold (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers, Calabasas, polachecks.com.

Coyote freestanding “Asado” cooker ($1,249); WDC Kitchen & Bath Center: Agoura Hills, Moorpark, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara; wdcappliances.com. Miller Family Wine Club gift subscription ($40 a month for three bottles from Miller Family Wines’ portfolio, including shipping); millerfamilywineclub.com.

Visit our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide board on Pinterest (keyword: 805Living) for more great gifts.

The Holiday Gift Guide

Sir/Madam footed English grater ($145); Beautiful Mess Home and Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com.

L’Objet “Deco” dominoes set ($495); Malibu Colony Company at Malibu Country Mart, malibucolonyco.com.

Vans MoMA “Vasily Kandinsky” classic slip-on ($80); Vans, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, vans.com.

“Jupiter” collection faceted rainbow moonstone earrings with diamonds set in 14-karat yellow gold ($3,320); Rock Star Couture Jewelry, Westlake Village, rockstarcouturejewelry.com.

Victorinox Swiss Army “Climber Wood For You” special 2020 edition walnut pocketknife ($60); swissarmy.com.

“No. 0039” handmade cutting board in cherry, maple, sapele mahogany, and black walnut ($197); Brander Blocks, Santa Margarita, branderblocks.com. BALANCING BLOCKS: COURTESY OF AREAWARE

The Holiday Gift Guide

Fort Standard for Areaware “Ocean” balancing blocks ($48); areaware.com.

Nemo “Stargaze” recliner ($220); REI: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and The Village at Topanga in Woodland Hills; rei.com.

Handwoven, hand-dyed, Navajo-churro wool 6x6.5inch “Wave” coasters ($50 each); Regina Design, Camarillo, reginadesign.com.

Style Union Home “Shana” handcrafted menorah ($245); Beautiful Mess Home and Garden, beautifulmesshome.com.

That! “Double Wall” glass ($15); Field and Fort, Summerland, fieldandfort.com.

Jack Rabbit Creations “Magnetic Go-Go Glamper Camper” ($42); Abigail’s Kids Closet, Agoura Hills, abigailskidscloset.com.

Cyan Design “Tulip” glass bowl ($90); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com.

Rustico “Traveler” flap-tie leather journal ($75); Kathryne Designs, Montecito, kdmontecito.com.

Nomadix “Mud Cloth” towel ($40); Ventura Dive & Sport at Ventura Harbor Village, venturadive.com.

Visit our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide board on Pinterest (keyword: 805Living) for more great gifts.

Bower Studios for Areaware “Table Tiles” ($18 for set of six); Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store; sbmastore.net. Sir/Madam “Peace” colander in solid brass ($145); Beautiful Mess Home and Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com.

Star Wars × Corkcicle “Stormtrooper” canteen ($39); Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant, Santa Barbara, metrofinefoods.com.

Sir/Madam “Rialto” glass coupe ($62 for set of two); Upstairs at Pierre La Fond, Montecito, shopupstairs.com.

Birkenstock “Buckley” shearling mule ($170); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, nordstrom.com.

Illustrator Rik Lee’s “Genius Music” playing cards ($11); The Flying Owl, Agoura Hills, flyingowl.com.

New Pacific Direct “Clovis” faux fur cocoon chair ($2,385); For Your Home Furniture, Ventura, fyhfurn.com.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

TABLE TILS: COURTESY OF AREAWARE

“Revolution” high-speed, touch-screen smart toaster ($300); Best Buy: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Goleta, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo; bestbuy.com.

Hape “Gourmet Grill” with food ($140); Chicken Little, Santa Barbara, chickenlittlekids.com.

The Holiday Gift Guide

Ca’Venezia Artessenza handmade candle in mouth-blown Murano glass ($145 each); Maison K, Santa Barbara, maisonkstyle.com.

Patagonia women’s down sweater jacket in cornice grey ($229); Great Pacific Iron Works, Ventura, patagonia.com.

Smeg temperaturecontrolled milk frother ($200); Williams-Sonoma: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Canoga Park; williams-sonoma.com.

Taschen “The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images” by Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism ($45); The Agoura Antique Mart, Agoura Hills, agouraantiquemart.com. L’Objet “Zen” chopsticks and rests ($150 for set of two pairs); Malibu Colony Company at Malibu Country Mart, malibucolonyco.com. 

Visit our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide board on Pinterest (keyword: 805Living) for more great gifts.

Taste FOOD / WINE / DINING OUT

Everyday Exotic

JOSEPHINE LOCHHEAD OF COOK FLAVORING COMPANY IN PASO ROBLES ILLUMINATES THE UNCOMMON ORIGINS OF A COMMON FLAVORING.

By Jaime Lewis

fter 102 years in business, the Lochhead family of Cook Flavoring Company (cooksvanilla.com) in Paso Robles knows vanilla better than just about anyone. “Vanilla has to be cultivated, cared for every day,” says Josephine Lochhead, whose grandfather established the company in 1918. “It’s just a passion you fall in love with. There’s no flavor like it.” If not for that irreplaceable flavor, vanilla may have gone the way of the dodo. The vanilla plant is an orchid that grows 20 degrees on either side of the equator, blossoming just one day per year for a few hours before the flower falls off. For Cook, this means hand pollinating every blossom before noon and waiting nine months for the mature pod. The beans are then harvested and cured in a laborious process; often, a vanilla bean is touched more than 200 times after it is picked. Anyone who’s bought a bottle of good vanilla

HALIBUT EN PAPILLOTE WITH VANILLA SAUCE “In Madagascar, they put vanilla beans in their fish dishes all the time,” says Josephine Lochhead, who also advises trying a bit of vanilla in tomato sauce for pasta to cut the tomatoes’ acidity. Serve this tender vanilla-infused entrée alongside a green salad or sautéed broccoli. Serves 2 VANILLA SAUCE 4 tablespoons butter 1 shallot, finely chopped ¼ cup white wine, such as sauvignon blanc Juice of ½ lemon 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out and pod reserved

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

extract knows just how pricey it can be. Most of the beans sourced for Cook’s vanilla come from the northeastern corner of Madagascar, where vanilla is treated like a precious metal or gem. Unfortunately, thieves see it that way, too. “Sometimes we literally have to go there and fight for the vanilla,” Lochhead says, referring especially to when the vanilla market is in short supply. “When our vanilla is high-priced like that, we have it guarded 24/7.” She travels to Madagascar a few times per year to check in with the organic co-op she established with three villages there. “We have bean-to-bottle control,” she says. “Our beans are picked ripe and cured to perfection—a little niche that requires travel and direct sourcing, especially at peak prices. So when you hear ‘plain vanilla,’ it’s just the opposite.” Here, Lochhead provides a few vanilla-infused recipes perfect for the holiday season, including a few sweet dishes and a surprise savory one.

PAPPILLOTE 1 cup raw riced cauliflower 4 tablespoons unsweetened dried coconut flakes, toasted 2 12x17-inch pieces of parchment 1 lemon, thinly sliced 2 halibut fillets (about 5 ounces each) Salt and pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 400°F. To make vanilla sauce: Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Sauté shallot, until translucent. Add wine, lemon juice and vanilla bean seeds and pod, and cook until mixture is reduced by half. Remove from heat and set aside. To make the parchment pouches: In a small bowl, toss together riced cauliflower and coconut. Set aside. Fold one 12x17inch piece of parchment in half, bringing the two 12-inch sides together, like a

book. On one half of the parchment, layer 4 slices of lemon in a row, leaving a 2-inch border around all sides of the parchment. Add half of the riced cauliflower mixture. Top with a halibut fillet, season with salt and pepper, and spoon half the vanilla sauce over the fillet. Fold the empty side of the parchment over the fillet and seal the pouch by folding together ¼-inch of the two parchment edges twice, crimping and pressing, until you’ve enclosed the entire thing, creating a half-moon shape. Repeat to make the second pouch and lay pouches on a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes, until halibut is just cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a minute or two. Taking care to avoid escaping steam, snip tops of pouches with scissors and peel them open. Finish with a squeeze of lemon wedge over the top. >

The unripe fruit of a climbing orchid, vanilla beans are cured for months in a drying process that produces their distinct flavor and scent. For more about how vanilla gets to your kitchen in its various forms, visit 805living.com to hear contributing writer Jamie Lewis’ 805 Living Eats podcast with Cook Flavoring Company president and CEO Josephine Lochhead, whose family has brought the go-to flavoring from Madagascar to the masses for more than 100 years.

Taste Food

But if it’s not there, you definitely know something’s missing.” Serve slices of this rich, simple shortbread with a cup of coffee or tea, she suggests. Makes 9 pieces ¾ cup butter ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon Cook’s Pure Cookie Vanilla Extract 2 cups flour Powdered sugar, if desired

“The only thing that could make this cake better is a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream,” says Lochhead of this decadent layer cake. Since vanilla’s flavor differs slightly depending on the region in which it’s grown, for this recipe, Lochhead recommends varying the vanillas in each element (e.g. Madagascar, Tahitian, and Bourbon vanillas) for a richer, more complex flavor. Serves 12 to 15 CAKE ¾ cup butter, softened 1⅔ cups sugar 2 large eggs 2½ teaspoons vanilla powder 3 cups sifted flour 2½ teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1¼ cups milk VANILLA CRÈME 1½ cups milk 1 vanilla bean ½ cup sugar 4 egg yolks ¼ cup flour VANILLA BUTTER FROSTING ¾ cup butter, softened 1 egg* 6 cups sifted powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla powder 3 tablespoons heavy cream To make cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and eggs, for 5 minutes at high speed. In a separate bowl, sift together vanilla powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients, in thirds, to butter

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

mixture, alternating with milk, in two portions, starting and ending with dry ingredients and beating between each addition. After last addition, beat on low speed just until smooth. Divide batter evenly between three prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When done, cake should spring back if touched lightly. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pans. To make vanilla crème: Add milk and vanilla bean to a saucepan. Scald milk. In a mixing bowl, beat sugar and egg yolks until creamy and light. Add flour and mix just until blended. Gradually add egg yolk mixture to saucepan with scalded milk, stirring until well combined. Cook over low heat, whisking until cream comes to the boiling point. Remove from heat; remove vanilla bean. Allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate until ready to use. To make vanilla butter frosting: In a large mixing bowl blend butter and egg. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla powder. Add cream, stirring until thoroughly combined. To assemble cake, place one layer on plate, top side up. Spread with half of vanilla crème. Place next layer on, top side down. Spread with remaining filling. Position final layer on, top side up. If layers seem to slide, refrigerate briefly to set filling. Apply a thin layer of vanilla butter frosting to sides of cake and refrigerate. Frost a second time with a slightly thicker layer, swirling frosting. Frost top of cake last, creating decorative swirls.

PURE VANILLA SHORTBREAD “Vanilla is a little like salt in baking,” Lochhead says. “It enhances all the other ingredients without taking the spotlight.

VANILLA PIECRUST The process used to make Cook’s vanilla powder is a family secret. “It’s one of my dad’s formulas,” Lochhead says of her father Raymond Lochhead, who was a chemist and worked in the family business. “It’s our secret process that no one can replicate. It’s great because it can be used as a condiment in oatmeal, on fruit, in shakes.” Because it contains no alcohol to burn off in the baking process, vanilla powder lends a deep vanilla flavor to this piecrust. Purchase the powder at the Cook Flavoring Company’s website, the General Store in Paso Robles, the SLO Food Co-Op in San Luis Obispo, or Gelson’s markets in Santa Barbara, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks. Makes crust for one 9-inch pie 1⅓ cups flour ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla powder ½ cup shortening 4 tablespoons cold water In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, salt, and vanilla powder. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in water with a fork only until mixture holds together—do not overmix. Form dough into a ball and refrigerate for 1 hour. On a lightly floured surface roll out dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Fill and bake as specified in pie recipe of choice. · *For recipes that call for raw egg, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises using eggs that have been treated to destroy salmonella by pasteurization or another approved method.

ISTOCK.COM/SUTI

VERY VANILLA LAYER CAKE

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix vanilla extract. Gradually add flour and mix to form a fairly stiff dough. Press dough into a 9-inch square pan and prick it all over with fork. Bake for 30 minutes, until lightly browned. Cut into 9 squares while warm. When cool, if desired, dust with powdered sugar.

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Taste Beverages By Alex Ward

Raise-Holiday Spirits

till have some holiday shopping to do? Fear not, procrastinators. Throughout the central coast, vintners, brewers, and distillers are producing giftworthy bottles bound to spread plenty of winter cheer. These craft offerings are made with premium ingredients using small-batch methods to exacting specifications. So this year, skip massmarket products and opt instead for homegrown beer, wine, and spirits that reflect the unique character of the 805 area. After all, what better present to commemorate the end of 2020 than a gift that takes the edge off ? A spin on French Banyuls-style dessert wine, the Margerum Mute-Age ($48, margerumwines.com) was sunbaked for two years in glass demijohns, producing

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

a maderized (heated and oxidized to create flavor) vin doux naturel with a toasty, caramel character. Fortified with barrel-aged brandy, this complex grenache-based wine is as sweet as it is sophisticated. Pair the Mute-Age with chocolate for a decadent dessert course. “This dark, succulent, intensely fruity, fortified wine manages to bring out more in chocolate and vice versa,” says owner Doug Margerum, “It’s a match made in heaven.” Forget the figgy pudding and pick up a bottle of Willow Creek Fig Brandy ($55, willowcreekdistillery.com), a distinctive digestif well suited for the season. Whole figs are infused for a year in a neutral base before the beautifully amber-tinted spirit is filtered and bottled. Prominent fragrances of ripe figs complement lingering honey, jam, and butterscotch on the palate. Pour into a snifter after a rich holiday dinner for a contemplative dram beside a roaring fire. Made with 100 percent organic grapes, the 2019 Herzog Variations Be-leaf Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($26, herzogwine. com) is one of the rare Central Coast cabs vinified without added sulfites. Opening notes of ripe blueberries and black raspberries lead to strong cherry filling while subtle tannins provide structure. Although this wine is intended to be enjoyed young, it will age well and take on pleasing complexity over the course of five to eight years. Choose to add a custom message to the bottle (or its optional pinebox packaging) with Herzog ’s in-house laser engraver. Gift recipients can take a tour of locally produced craft liquor with the Ventura Spirits Sampler Pack ($65, venturaspirits.com), a collection of the distillery’s top-shelf spirits including its Wilder Gin, Haymaker’s Vodka, Opuntia Prickly Pear Brandy, Strawberry Brandy, and Limoncello. This comprehensive bundle pairs perfectly with a Ventura Spirits Zoom

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Tasting Experience, a live virtual tasting booked on request that guides attendees through the origin, production process, and flavor profile of each bottle. Aged for a year in bourbon barrels, the Firestone Walker Parabola ($12, firestonebeer.com) is a wonderfully complex, rich, and strong imperial stout. Featuring notes of vanilla, toasted coconut, and chocolate alongside flavors of black cherry and roasted coffee, the current vintage is a standout brew that recently won the gold medal for Barrel Aged Strong Beers at the illustrious European Beer Star competition in Germany. “We have been brewing Parabola every year since 2006, and it’s something rare and cherished within the brewery,” says brewmaster Matt Brynildson, “It’s a beer to be shared and sipped, much like a port wine.” No New Year’s Eve celebration is complete without a bottle of bubbles, and the Riverbench 2014 Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Santa Maria Valley ($125, riverbench.com) is one of Santa Barbara County’s finest. Deep red rose petals greet the nose while tastes of marzipan and whipped cream precede hints of baked apple on the finish. “This wine was the first one in our sparkling portfolio to get an extended en tirage (rested in the bottle on lees to add yeasty characteristics)” says CEO Laura Booras, “It’s a more oxidized style than our other bubblies with more hazelnut and honey flavors but a super complex base. It’s gorgeous!” 

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Taste Dining Out By Nancy Ransohoff

Restaurants Reimagined DINING CONCEPTS TAKE NEW FORMS IN RESPONSE TO THE LATEST MOTHER OF INVENTION.

Although food is absent from the name, the menu at Apertivo Wine Bar is a sophisticated collection of light bites, such as ahi sashimi (below), and heartier rotating pasta specials, like Squid ink Spaghetti alla Chitarra (below left). TOP, BOTTOM RIGHT, AND OPPOSITE: NINA DODERO; SECOND FROM TOP AND BOTTOM LEFT: MARIA RAMOS PHOTOGRAPHY

ven during the best of times, opening a new restaurant or bar requires a leap of faith. During a pandemic, it takes added measures of passion, commitment, and perseverance. Four food and drink purveyors have opened new venues locally, each offering a distinctly different dining concept but all displaying the confidence and creativity needed for these unusual times. Chef Brian Dodero and certified sommelier Andrea Girardello, owners of the new Aperitivo Wine Bar (aperitivosb.com) in Santa Barbara, met while both were working at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Dodero was lead line cook at Tydes restaurant at the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club, and Girardello was restaurant manager. After leaving The Biltmore, each was looking for a new project, and when a perfect-for-their-needs restaurant space became available just off State Street downtown, the two joined forces.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Aperitivo owners (above from left) Andrea Girardello and Brian Dodero hope to encourage the Italian tradition of unwinding with drinks and light fare for which the wine bar is named; the 72 Hour Burrata, enhanced with seasonal fruits and honeycomb (below) is a great way to start.

The Santa Barbara-raised Dodero attended culinary school at Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, and during his time in Italy enjoyed the Italian tradition of aperitivo. “We wanted to bring that custom of gathering with friends or stopping by yourself after work for a glass of wine and some small bites,” says Dodero. “You can plan your evening while whetting your appetite for dinner nearby, or turn it into something longer and make a meal of it.” The wine bar’s clean, modern decor is in keeping with the constantly evolving new-Italian menu by Dodero, who sources fresh ingredients at the Santa Barbara farmers’ markets and the Santa Barbara Fish Market. “I love comfort food in the fall and winter months, especially as the Italians do it with a few simple but top-quality ingredients,” he says. A case in point is the selection of Bruschette made with pugliese, a rustic Italian bread, baked specially by the next-door Oat Bakery. (The bakery offers an array of organic handmade breads, but the pugliese is exclusive to Aperitivo Wine Bar.) One version is topped with porchetta (slow-roasted pork), which Dodero complements with fresh arugula, Parmigiano,

citrus, and herbs. The flavor-packed ‘Nduja & Mussels iteration features chopped rosemary-smoked mussels, cured pork spread, and pickled fennel, and gets a kick from Calabrian peppers. Italy and Santa Barbara come together deliciously in the 72 Hour Burrata. “Our burrata is from Puglia, Italy, and makes it to us within three days of being made,” says Dodero. “I like to highlight its freshness with fruits in season and enjoy changing it up.” Fresh crudo options vary by season and availability and might include Santa Barbara bluefin tuna sashimi, hamachi (yellowtail), or Octopus Carpaccio. One house-made pasta special is always on the menu, and although it changes frequently, a recent star was Squidink Spaghetti alla Chitarra (literally by guitar, it means square-cut using a stringed tool). Another satisfying cool-weather dish is the handmade Sweet Potato Gnocchi with brown butter, sage, and toasted pine nuts, topped with a crumble of amaretti and mostarda (candied fruit in white wine–mustard syrup). Dodero’s vision for warming winter menus includes agnolotti (meat- or vegetable-filled pasta), ravioli, and tortellini en brodo (in broth). To complement the food, Girardello curates a list of Italian and Santa Barbara County wines, with a focus on biodynamic and organic selections, available by the glass or bottle. Additional beverages include Italian and local beers and wine-based cocktails, like the Aperitivo Spritzer made with Cappelletti, Bordiga vermouth, and prosecco. Meanwhile, Blackbird restaurant at Hotel Californian (hotelcalifornian.com) spread its wings and reopened as a cocktail bar in November after being closed for several months due to COVID-19 restrictions. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, the sleek space blends art deco and mid-century design and features loungestyle seating that suits the new beverage-focused atmosphere while allowing for proper social distancing. Executive chef Travis Watson offers a new menu of small plates of comfort food with a creative spin. “The new menu stays true to our mantra of seasonality and sustainability,” says Watson. Tantalizing options include Memphis Style BBQ Chicken Wings with sweet corn fritters, ranch dressing, and pickled red onions; Roasted & Spiced Beet Hummus with Tunisianspiced lavash and Laura Chenel goat cheese; and the BB Smash Angus beef burger with American cheese, caramelized onions, and pickle aioli on a brioche bun. For dessert, try a cookies and cream ice cream–filled macaron sandwich. Inventive cocktails by mixologist Devon Espinosa and an extensive list of local wines and craft beers provide plenty of drink options. Signature cocktails include the cheekily named Tekila Mockingbird, made with Milagro tequila, mezcal, orange blossom > DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Hotel Californian’s Blackbird restaurant (above) takes on a new persona as a cocktail bar serving creative small plates, while Passion Empanadas (right) launches as a local delivery service with plans to take to the road in a food truck in the near future.

water, honey, cherry juice, muddled jalapeño, and Chareau aloe liqueur; and Baby It’s Cold Outside, a warm drink of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice, spiced with clove and cinnamon and sweetened with honey. There’s something to suit every mood, and Blackbird’s location makes it an ideal place to start or cap off an evening of exploring the stepsaway Funk Zone. In another example of creative pivoting, Olio Bottega (olioelimone.com/olio-bottega) opened in October, bringing a delicious little taste of Italy to downtown Santa Barbara. Executive chef Alberto Morello and Elaine Andersen Morello are husband and wife owners of Olio e Limone Ristorante and Olio Pizzeria. Their Olio Crudo Bar, next door to the Ristorante, was sidelined by the pandemic, and the Morellos were uncertain when they would be permitted to reopen the small space. So the couple decided to transform it into a casual Italian breakfast, lunch, and retail spot, serving schiacciate (focaccia panini), small bites, pasta, bottled cocktails, beer, and wine, which better lend themselves to walk-up takeout and outdoor patio seating. I grew up going to the corner store for items like these,” says Alberto, a native of Sicily. He designed the menu to offer quick, top-quality Italian specialties. For breakfast, the Bottega offers a selection of sweet and savory Italian croissants, scrambled egg dishes, 92

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

and espresso drinks. Lunch options include grab-andgo sandwiches and made-to-order panini featuring house-made olive oil focaccia. The delicate Capretta enhances prosciutto and thin slices of fresh pear with Italian goat cheese and walnut cream. Under Caldi (hot items) look for the vegan panelle (chickpea fritters), a popular street food in Palermo and Arancine, mouthwatering deep-fried Sicilian rice balls stuffed with meat sauce, mozzarella, and peas. Don’t miss the dolci (desserts), especially the cannolo, a tube-shaped Sicilian pastry shell filled with chocolate chip–studded sheep’s milk ricotta cream. Complete the experience by picking up some otherwise hard-to-find Italian gourmet products, meats, and cheeses to take home. Launched in September, Passion Empanadas (Instagram @passionempanadas; 818-208-0099) is aptly named: owner Gabriel Gandelman has an infectious enthusiasm for the golden, baked turnovers with savory fillings. The business operates out of a commercial kitchen in Westlake Village, where Gandelman makes Argentinian-style baked empanadas for local delivery (with a minimum order of one dozen) to Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and parts of Thousand Oaks. Customers enjoy the versatility and convenience of the empanada, which makes a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, appetizer, or snack, and a satisfying dinner with a salad. Gandelman grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a food-loving family. “I was fascinated by the way my grandma’s empanadas used to come out, and I eventually learned and perfected my own,” he says. “I discovered my passion for empanadas and decided to share it.” Family recipes form the basis for Gandelman’s empanadas, but he adds his own twists and uses local ingredients as much as possible. Popular fillings are the chicken, lamb, short rib, and ground beef. A vegetarian mushroom-and-potato version is a new menu addition. Gandelman is partial to the ones filled with spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, and fontina cheese. “When I take a bite of that, it takes me back to my childhood,” he says. “It’s comfort food.” The reach of the business will broaden with Gandelman’s acquisition of a custom food truck, due to arrive this month. Check the company’s Instagram posts for updates and food-truck routes. As the hours tick by toward 2021, these inspirational community examples of invention and re-invention call for raising a hopeful glass to the New Year. 

FROM LEFT: GARY MOSS; MELANIT INC.

Taste Dining Out

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

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. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Three dining concepts at this resort offer a variety of options. At Coin & Candor, a breakfast, lunch, and dinner brasserie, 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.

Get your caffeine on at the new Hustle & Grind Coffee Company (hustleandgrindcoffee.com) in Santa Barbara. The shop serves locally roasted Cajé coffee and small eats daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Owners Lee Jacobs and Marek Nold also helm ParadICE Hawaiian Shave Ice & Ice Cream, which shares the space in the newly remodeled Paseo Nuevo. Look for unique coffee drinks like the Lavender Molasses Latte with housemade lavender syrup and sweet and savory toasts made with bread from nearby Helena Avenue Bakery. There is plenty of outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi is available for customers. Order online for quick pick up. LA DOLCE VITA 1901 740 S. B St. Oxnard, 805-486-6878 ladolcevita1901.com Mediterranean; Entrées $11–Market Price for Steaks and Seafood Romantic, Great Views, Live Music

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

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

UPDATE 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. The restaurant is open daily for dinner and Mondays through Fridays for lunch.

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

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

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

A casually elegant dining room of distressed wood lit with unique light sculptures by artist Timothy J. Ferrie is a beautiful fit for Florence-born and -trained restaurateur Jacopo Falleni. The menu avoids the faddish, instead cutting a culinary swath through the Italian peninsula and islands with tradition-rich dishes that reflect Falleni’s Tuscan upbringing (gnudi with pomodoro sauce), executive chef Pamela Ganci’s Sicilian heritage (arancini), and pasta chef Pamela Ganci’s influences from Bologna (passatelli 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 familyfriendly Pixie Pool. Jimmy’s Pub offers a menu of salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and entrées plus craft beers and cocktails. (It’s also one of the few restaurants in Ojai to stay open past 10 p.m. on weekends.) Next door, Libbey’s Market is the place to go for a quick sandwich and a scoop of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams.

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

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

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

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

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

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Where to Eat Now greeted by a valet who whisks away your car from the circular entrance to its two restaurants, both overseen by executive chef Matthew Johnson. At Plow & Angel, the menu and setting are in keeping with a well-appointed tavern. Thick stone walls and a fireplace create a cozy space for enjoying barrelaged 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.

Need a little help with the holidays? Made in Italy (madeinitalybistro. com) in Westlake Village offers trays from its catering menu, including handmade lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, braised short ribs, handmade cannelloni, meatballs, shaved Brussels sprout salad, and tiramisu. Special house-made desserts like pumpkin cheesecake, Nutella tart, and mini apple crostata are available for preorder. Check off your gift list with the bistro’s holiday baskets, filled with everything from vino rosso to Italian chocolates.

NEW THE TAVERN AT ZACA CREEK 1297 Jonata Park Road Buellton, 805-688-2412 zaca-creek.com Steakhouse; Entrées $20–$50 Sunday Brunch

Located on a historic Santa Ynez property that was carefully resurrected after almost two decades of dormancy, this sophisticated yet warm and welcoming tavern serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Executive chef Kaitlyn Paul offers menus that highlight the best ingredients from the region, including beef from the restaurant’s American full-blood Wagyu cattle program. Menus change often, but expect dinner entrees like Kalbi-Style Wagyu Short Ribs and Seared Halibut with carrot-top chimichurri. For Sunday brunch, get fancy with a caviar flight, design your own omelet, or go down-home with steak and eggs. A remarkable selection of Santa Barbara County and imported wines, local beers, and signature and classic cocktails add to the experience.

DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

TEXAS DE BRAZIL 2770 Seaglass Way, Space 5120 Oxnard, 805-307-7400 texasdebrazil.com Steakhouse; Salad Buffet $30, Meat Plate $50

This lively eatery in The Collection at RiverPark is the fourth California location for the upscale international Brazilian-American steakhouse brand known for its high-quality meats and warm Texas-style hospitality. Meats are cooked in the churrasco tradition over an open flame with natural wood charcoal. There’s also a 50-item hot and cold salad, soup, and bread serving station. Sip wine from South America and California or craft cocktails, like the traditional caipirinha. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and offers takeout and delivery.

TIERRA SUR RESTAURANT AT HERZOG WINE CELLARS 3201 Camino del Sol Oxnard, 805-983-1560 tierrasuratherzog.com New American; Entrées $16–$144 (for 32-ounce rib eye for two); Buffet Brunch $65 Sunday Brunch Tucked inside Herzog’s winery and tasting room, Tierra Sur specializes in wine-friendly meals made with careful attention to detail. Executive chef Gabe Garcia maintains a local, seasonal vibe at lunch and dinner. Marinated olives and lamb bacon are made in-house. Tapas feature Wagyu sliders and a Margherita pizza with basil-cashew cheese. Watch carefully, and you may see your bone-in rib eye for two prepared on the patio’s wood-burning grill before it is served with fried kale and roasted potatoes. Desserts include frozen custards, vanilla-spiced doughnuts, and a show-stopping Baked Alaska. Surrounded by the coppery glow of the walls and the burnished-wood wine rack that frames the kitchen pass-through, diners may forget they’re at a kosher restaurant in an Oxnard industrial park. The restaurant is closed on Fridays and Saturdays in observance of the Sabbath. Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is served buffet style, with carving and omelet stations and weekly specials inspired by ingredients from local farms.

TRA DI NOI RISTORANTE 3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite 8A Malibu, 310-456-0169 tradinoimalibu.com Italian Entrées $18–$36; Market Price for Some Seafood Sunday Brunch Even though locals know what they want without opening a menu, the kitchen at this restaurant in the Malibu Country Mart can still impress the rest of us with its handmade pastas, shaved truffles, grass-fed beef, local olive oil, and salads made with produce from Malibu’s Thorn Family Farm. The spaghetti carbonara manages to be both low fat and delicious, and the seasonal specials are a treat. The well-curated wine list matches the food and offers prime selections for sipping on the patio.

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

This aptly named bar and grill offers well-prepared plates from both land and sea in an elegant setting with views of the harbor and boats. Start with a cocktail in the piano bar and move on to dinner for starters such as Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail and pesto-stuffed mushrooms and main dishes like seared sesame seed–crusted ahi and braised short ribs. Brunch, served every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 3 p.m., offers fried calamari and crab cakes appetizers and traditional breakfast dishes

like eggs Benedict, pancakes, and waffles, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and freshly caught fish. Happy hour is every day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (except holidays) and features $8 cocktails and $5 to $10 plates and pizzas. There’s a pet-friendly patio, too.

YOICHI’S 230 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-962-6627 yoichis.com Japanese; Kaiseki $80 and $125

Chef Yoichi Kawabata and his wife Mogi preside over this rare gem of a restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara that received a The Plate designation in the inaugural Michelin Guide California in 2019. No surprise there, as chef Yoichi’s culinary background includes a stint at Nobu Tokyo. Traditional five- and seven-course kaiseki menus exhibit Kawabata’s skill and artistry. Choose from a carefully curated list of sakes, wines, and beers that complement the cuisine.

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

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

Foodie

Cuisine that shines regardless of decor, service, ambience, or even views. BARBAREÑO 205 W. Canon Perdido St. Santa Barbara, 805-963-9591 barbareno.com Californian; Entrées $18–$29

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

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

Located in Whizin Market Square, Basta is the real Italian deal, serving authentic scratch-made dishes, including pasta and wood-fired pizzas for lunch and dinner. Helmed by Florence-native chef Saverio Posarelli and wife Devon Wolf, the bustling eatery

features a menu of tradition-rich dishes that reflect Posarelli’s Tuscan roots, such as the Tagliatelli With Wild Mushrooms and Black Truffle Sauce, as well as grilled steaks and fresh fish. Other standouts include the Wagyu Beef Burger, Grilled Spanish Octopus Salad, and Basta’s take on ramen, Tagliolini in Brodo.

BELL’S 406 Bell St. Los Alamos bellsrestaurant.com French; Entrées $18–$27

APPRAISALS CUSTOM REDESIGN WATCH & JEWELRY REPAIRS

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

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

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

3845 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD., SUITE A WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362 805.370.1110 ROCKSTARCOUTUREJEWELRY.COM OPEN TUES-SAT 11-6

The Agoura Antique Mart A Vintage Marketplace

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.

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

Known for its upscale food and unpretentious neighborhood-hangout feel, Decker Kitchen is the creation of chef-owner Graham Harris, who keeps the menu fresh and creative. Menu highlights include Harris’ naturally leavened sourdough bread, fresh-from-theoven pizzas, starters such as Feta Mousse Toast

Open daily 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 818-706-8366

28879 Agoura Road Agoura Hills, CA 91301 agouraantiquemart.com DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now with heirloom tomato, and entrées including barbecued pork ribs and seared rib-eye steak. Sip a craft cocktail or small-lot wine and nosh small bites on the patio Thursdays through Saturdays until midnight. Takeout is available.

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.

FLOR DE MAIZ 29 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, 805-869-6559 flordemaizsb.com Mexican; Entrées $14–$28

Restaurateur Carlos Luna and the team behind the Los Agaves restaurants and Santa Barbara’s Santo Mezcal delivers Oaxacan cuisine to the Santa Barbara waterfront at this rustic yet refined eatery. Lunch, dinner, and happy hour seating with ocean views is available inside or outside on two patios, one of which features a firepit. The menu is a combination of dishes that showcase traditional moles (grilled mahi-mahi with mole verde, for example) and contemporary Mexican plates. Innovative cocktails complement the food and are also perfect for sipping after dinner on the patio.

This is a kitchen takeover we can get behind. Chef Dalan Moreno brings his popular Mexican vegan pop-up Rascal’s (Instagram @rascals_sb) to Bibi Ji in Santa Barbara on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through March. Bibi Ji owners Alejandro Medina and Rajat Parr offer a curated selection of vegan wine and small-lot beer. The menu changes frequently and is available for pick up at the front window. A portion of the proceeds is donated to local Latinx organizations, with the selected charity varying each month.

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

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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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone takes flight with The Lark, named for the Pullman train that once made overnight runs between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The past is present in the restaurant’s setting, a former fish market remodeled to include exposed brick walls, subway tile, communal tables, and private booths fashioned from church pews. As culinary conductor, executive chef Jason Paluska oversees a thoroughly

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

NEW LITTLE DOM’S SEAFOOD 686 Linden Ave. Carpinteria, 805-749-7400 ldseafood.com Seafood, Italian; Entrées $23–$28; Pizza $14–$19

Open for dinner, Little Dom’s is the latest culinary venture from Los Angeles restaurateur Warner Ebbink and executive chef Brandon Boudet. Leather booths, a restored wooden bar, and a raw bar create a comfortable oldschool ambience. The seafood-forward menu focuses on local fish and includes pizzas from the wood-burning oven, handmade pastas, and Italian classics like chicken Parmesan. Guests get things started with appetizers like chilled, Creole-style, boiled shrimp and Santa Barbara live uni, and sip local wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.

LOQUITA 202 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-880-3380 loquitasb.com Modern Spanish; Entrées $19–$42 Great Patio

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

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

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

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

E + MON sushi and ramen eatery is poised to open at the Westlake Commons in Westlake Village. Owner Hidetoshi “Teddy” Seike, a restaurateur who was raised in Japan, and head chef Koji Miyamoto, whose cuisine has received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, preside over a creative menu featuring items like sushi, ramen, bao buns, and Asian salads highlighting seasonal ingredients. Entrees range from $12 to $26 and beer, wine, and sake are available.

Born in the Year of the Rooster, ownerchef 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 solar-powered 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 houseroasted pork shoulder served with fried sweet potatoes and pickled red onions, gets its heat from an aioli made with aji amarillo, a pepper from Sanchez’s native Peru. Additions at dinner might include malbec-braised short ribs on polenta one night and savory chicken stew called aji de gallina the next. Desserts include alfajores, delicate shortbread cookies filled with salted caramel. The Foodies in Training children’s menu includes a turkey slider with fruit, yucca fries, and a drink, all for $6.

NOVO RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 726 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, 805-543-3986 novorestaurant.com Global; Entrées $16–$32 Sunday Brunch Novo’s full-service bar and lounge area fronts the busy downtown, beckoning passersby to peek inside. Walk through the lounge to the back of the restaurant and a different Novo presents itself: a multilevel wood patio that

backs up to San Luis Obispo Creek. It’s a serene setting livened by the hum of diners’ conversations and crickets. Like its sister restaurant, the nearby Luna Red, Novo offers global cuisine and local ingredients. Executive chef Michael Avila presides over a menu that includes sought-after Southeast Asian and Indian curries and fresh avocadoshrimp spring rolls. Calling out glutenfree 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 jewelbox 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 half-price 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

HOURS: 11AM - 6PM WED - MON TUES CLOSED

309 E MAIN ST VENTURA, CA 805-667-8299

JELLYFISH VENTURA VINTAGE BOUTIQUE brings you new coastal home décor intertwined with vintage treasures for your home and office. We also showcase the extraordinary works of local artists. We have great unique gift ideas for everyone …including you! Come share the holiday season with us.

SEA you soon!

www.JellyfishVentura.com DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now 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 pop-up appearances by visiting chefs and winemakers.

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

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

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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

VIA MAESTRA 42 3343 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-569-6522 viamaestra42.com Italian; Entrées $16–$30

There’s no passport required for dining at this cozy neighborhood Italian eatery, where every visit is an experience that transports its loyal customers across the pond. Named after the address where owner Renato Moiso grew up in northern Italy, it’s a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an afternoon pick-me-up of espresso and pastry or gelato. Handmade pastas include Linguine con Gamberoni made with tiger shrimp, Penne alla Bolognese, and vegetarian lasagna. Grilled fish, chicken, and steaks get the authentic Italian treatment, naturalmente. Sip a Moscato d’Asti Nivole and nibble a Tartufo al Cioccolato to top off the trip.

Intermezzo by Wine Cask (intermezzosb.com) has reopened with a fresh new design and menu. The collaboration between proprietor John O’Neill and executive chef Josh Brown features modern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Look for favorites like Spicy Capicola Pizza, Panko Herb-Crusted Chicken, and the Cask Burger. Nightly specials reflect seasonal farm-fresh picks. A full bar is offered, along with wines from Santa Barbara County and around the globe, including sparklers from France— perfect for holiday toasting.

Good Eats

Not too fancy, not too expensive, and a good experience all around. 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 four-layer slice of chocolate cake or a plate full of stuffed cabbage rolls. A separate bar also offers the full menu. The patio out back allows for even more seating. A counter up front expedites take-out orders. Brent’s Deli is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

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

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

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 house-made 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.

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

The “craft beer spoken here” neon sign in the dining room doesn’t quite say it all at this casual but polished gastropub owned by Greg Finefrock, an 805 local whose childhood nickname inspired the restaurant’s moniker. In addition to the 30 brews on tap, you’ll find craft cocktails, California wines by the glass and bottle, and a fun atmosphere and menu that has something for everyone. With variations in decor between locations (look for the skee-ball machine and photo booth in San Luis Obispo), the menu remains the same. Shareable appetizers include gluten-free buffalo cauliflower tossed in yuzu sauce and 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. Seating is first-come, firstserved at the copper bar.

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

This breakfast and lunch establishment serves a unique blend of American and southern Italian fare every day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with both sides of the menu available all day. Owner Alessandro Tromba honors his family’s

Italian heritage in dishes like Maicho’s Morning Carbonara and Molise Eggs Benedict with prosciutto and pancetta. Linger with a Mimosa, sangria, glass of wine, Peroni on draught, or espresso drink. Rounding out the menu are fresh salads and deli and hot sandwiches, including eggplant parmigiana. You won’t be sorry if you try the Torta della Nonna.

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 brand-new 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, oldschool 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.

MESA BURGER 315 Meigs Road, Suite F Santa Barbara, 805-963-7492 and 1209 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara, 805-565-0642 and 7010 Market Place Drive Goleta, 805-869-2247 mesaburger.com Burgers; Entrées $10–$14

A laid-back beach vibe prevails at the original location in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood and at the newer Goleta and Coast Village Road outposts. Local gal and executive chef Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef on Food Network’s Iron Chef America, and chef Aimee DiMase offer a simple menu of mouthwatering burgers, fries, salads, and shakes. Try the Montecito burger, gussied up with griddled goat cheese, bourbon-glazed mushrooms, onion ring, truffle aioli, arugula, and grilled onions. Wines and on-tap beers are from the Central Coast. All locations are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Congrats! Bettina (bettinapizzeria.com) in Montecito, Sushi|Bar Montecito (montecitoinn.com), and Bell’s (bellsrestaurant.com) in Los Alamos were named discoveries of “new and inspiring culinary talent” by Michelin Guide inspectors. The eateries were among 25 in the state announced in the category at the October Michelin Guide Virtual Family Meal event. While the guide has postponed awarding its stars and other honors due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating wildfires, the event celebrated the resilience and strength of California restaurants and raised money for the California Association of Food Banks.

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

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

Belmond El Encanto (belmond.com) in Santa Barbara hosts the Butterfly Tea December 21 through 23 and 28 through 30 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Guests enjoy seasonal scones, buttery pastries, holiday cookies, and savory French sandwiches served with artisanal teas, including a unique butterfly pea–pollen tea. Live music, butterfly coloring pages for the kids and bubbles for the adults round out the afternoon. A portion of the proceeds go to the Santa Barbara–based Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. Cost is $125 per person; $60 per child 12 years and younger. Reservations are required; call 805-845-5800 or email elencanto@belmond.com.

NEW NOEMI PIZZA ROMANA 3534 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-869-2119 noemipizza.com Pizzas $14–$27; Calzone and Panini $9–$13

This neighborhood pizzeria stands out for its Romanstyle pies served in traditional square pieces. A 96hour dough-fermentation process is used to produce the distinctive crust, which patrons can enjoy in whole pizzas, by the slice, or take-and-bake options. After choosing meats, vegetables, and cheeses, diners further customize pies with drizzles like Calabrian chili honey or garlic white sauce. Calzone, panini, and salads round out the menu, and local craft beers and Italian wines are available to drink. Seating is offered indoors and on the outdoor patio.

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

This neighborhood California bistro and bar in The Commons at Calabasas adds a third location to the popular Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades eateries. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Porta Via offers an airy, colorful indoor dining room and

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a spacious patio. The menu spotlights locally sourced produce, meat and poultry, and sustainable seafood. Breakfast and brunch highlights include Huevos Rancheros and Grand Marnier French Toast, and lunch and dinner stars are the Organic Kale & Quinoa Salad, Grilled Ōra King Salmon, and Grilled Skirt Steak.

SAGE PLANT BASED BISTRO & BREWERY 5046 Cornell Road Agoura Hills, 818-707-0300 sageveganbistro.com Plant-based; Entrées $16–$19

This plant-based bistro in the Whizin Market Square is the fourth location for Sage, which has additional restaurants in Los Angeles, Culver City, and Pasadena. Vegans and non-vegans adore the creative cuisine, which includes hits like Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza and Bowl of Soul—roasted sweet potato, black beans, quinoa, grilled corn, and a gluten-free macaroni-and-cheese ball. Pair dishes with house-made kombucha, a cocktail, or beer from the Echo Park location’s brewery. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, the restaurant also offers takeout and delivery.

SOCIAL MONK ASIAN KITCHEN 4000 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Space C1 Westlake Village, 805-370-8290 socialmonk.com Asian; Entrées $9–$14

Spicing things up at The Promenade in Westlake Village, this new fast-casual restaurant offers madeto-order Asian dishes with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Award-winning chef Mohan Ismail oversees the approachable menu that features starters, salads, sandwiches, rice and noodle bowls, classic entrées, noodles, and sides, as well as a Little Monks menu for children. Pair the bold flavors with a glass of wine or beer, or Vietnamese iced coffee, and sit in the bright, contemporary dining room or on the outdoor patio.

THE STONEHAUS 32039 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-483-1152 the-stonehaus.com Mediterranean; Sandwiches and Platters $10–$17 Dog-Friendly, Great Views, Kid‑Friendly, Romantic

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

NEW THE THIRD DEGREE 1803 Spring St., #6 Paso Robles, 805-238-3929 thirddegreegrill.com American; Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads $13–$16 Kid-Friendly

Owner Jody Storsteen developed a loyal following during her 17 years running Berry Hill Bistro in Paso Robles. Now she’s back with a fresh take on American comfort food made from local ingredients. This counter-service eatery joins a variety of family-owned food purveyors and retail establishments inside

the Paso Market Walk. Menu hits include made-toorder gourmet burgers and signature cold and hot sandwiches—such as the Turkey Ortega, made with house-roasted turkey—as well as scratch-made soups, fresh salads, and rotisserie chicken dishes. Seating is provided inside the Paso Market Walk and in the tree-shaded outdoor courtyard.

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.

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

Seven restaurants offer as many dining experiences at this public market-style spot in the heart of The Collection at RiverPark. House-roasted coffee, avocado toast, and gluten-free muffins help jumpstart the day at Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, while The Blend Superfood Bar serves smoothies, juices, and acai bowls made with local berries and honey. Other order-at-the-counter options include Love Pho, Taqueria el Tapatio, and Silverlake Ramen. The craftbeer bar Bottle & Pint serves local brews and ciders on tap and by the bottle and can; wines are available by the glass. Fun artwork, inventive communal seating areas, and two retail shops add to the vibe.

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

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

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

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

Café Habana isn’t limited to Cuban food or cocktails. Dishes represent all of Latin culture, from South American ceviches to Mexican grilled corn and huevos rancheros to Cuban pulled-pork sandwiches. Owner Sean Meenan is an eco-warrior while partner Rande Gerber brings in the celebs and keeps the nightlife hopping. The food is good, the cocktails are great, and the coconut flan is out of this world.

FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN BREWING CO. 1462 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande, 805-474-8525 and 45 Industrial Way Buellton, 805-694-2252, ext. 110 and 2363 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, 805-694-2252, ext. 343 and 137 Anacapa St., Suite F, Santa Barbara, 805-694-2252, ext. 344 and 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Suites E and F, Westlake Village, 818-874-1305 figmtnbrew.com New American Entrées $8–$34, depending on location

Founded in Buellton in 2010, this family-owned craft brewery now has brewhouses and taprooms throughout the 805. Each offers a unique, local-flavor lineup of beers, with individual menus to match. The overall theme is gastropub, with beer-friendly fare such as burgers and pretzels available at locations that include on-site kitchens. In Arroyo Grande, guests will find Avila Fish Tacos and a turkey, bacon, and avocado sandwich dubbed The Dunes. The flagship Buellton site adds Animal Fries topped with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and Thousand Island dressing to the mix, while Westlake Village serves flatbreads and, after 5 p.m., entrées such as grilled salmon and rib eye.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Hotel Cerro (hotelcerro.com) in San Luis Obispo welcomes new executive chef Kenny Seliger, who will add fresh focus to the Mediterraneaninspired menu of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Brasserie SLO. The German-born chef attended Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and has worked at restaurants in California and New York, including stints at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and Per Se. Look for dishes spotlighting the bounty of Central Coast artisanal purveyors along with produce from the hotel’s own gardens.

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.

RELM WINE & BEER BISTRO 2390 Las Posas Road, Suite H Camarillo, 805-991-7356 relmcamarillo.com Global; Entrées $14–$25 Great Patio; Live Music

This relaxed bistro in Camarillo Village Square has a wood- and leather-accented interior that opens to a large patio offering seating around a fire table. The patio is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and well-behaved pups are welcome. A seasonal menu includes salads, sandwiches, flatbreads (try the one topped with prosciutto, lemon ricotta, and arugula), small bites, large plates, and desserts. Enjoy entrées, such as vegan pesto zucchini spirals and chimichurri-topped flatiron steak with a glass of wine from the international list or a local craft beer. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, and Happy hour with a special menu and discounted wines and beers is offered from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Listen to live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

TABU SHABU 2920 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Unit A Thousand Oaks, 805-371-8228 tabushabu.com Asian; Entrées $14–$24

At this Japanese-style hot-pot spot, diners cook their choice of thinly sliced meats, seafood, or fresh vegetables in hot broth and enjoy it with rice or noodles and house-made sauces. The casual eatery is open for lunch and dinner daily and offers takeout. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo options are available.

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

This huge space at the northeast corner of the Malibu Country Mart is almost never closed and never empty. There’s always fun to be had: If the classical guitarists aren’t playing, the waiters might be singing. Every meal starts with Greek-style country bread and house-made dip. The roast baby lamb is a specialty of the house for good reasons: The meat is garlicky and mostly tender with some crispy bites. The accompanying potatoes are roasted with lemon juice and the carrots are cooked with dill. Greek coffee is a perfect end here.  DECEMBER 2020 / 805LIVING.COM

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