805 Living December 2021 by 805 Living

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WEALTH WEALTH MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT for forHigh-Net-Worth High-Net-WorthFamilies Families

—— Forbes ForbesBest-In-State Best-In-StateWealth WealthAdvisors Advisors2021 2021 Seth SethHaye Haye —— Barron’s Barron’sTop Top1,200 1,200Financial FinancialAdvisors: Advisors:State-by-State State-by-State2021 2021 Seth SethHaye Haye

FRONT, FRONT, LEFT: LEFT: Duncan Duncan Hizzey: Hizzey: Financial Financial Advisor; Advisor; Seth Seth Haye: Haye: Managing Managing Director-Wealth Director-Wealth Management, Management, Financial Financial Advisor; Advisor; Katie Katie Arnold: Arnold: Financial Financial Advisor; Advisor; BACK, BACK, LEFT: LEFT: Sharon Sharon Stepenosky: Stepenosky: Registered Registered Associate; Associate; Stephanie Stephanie Hartmire: Hartmire: Wealth Wealth Management Management Associate; Associate; Elisa Elisa Decker: Decker: Group Group Director; Director; Clint Clint Spivey: Spivey: Consulting Consulting Group Group Analyst; Analyst; Jessica Jessica Hudson: Hudson: Client Client Service Service Associate Associate

805-494-0215 805-494-0215 100 100N.N.Westlake WestlakeBlvd., Blvd.,Suite Suite200, 200,Westlake WestlakeVillage, Village,CA CA91362 91362 Source: Source: Forbes.com Forbes.com (February, (February, 2021). 2021). Forbes Forbes Best-in-State Best-in-State Wealth Wealth Advisors Advisors ranking ranking waswas developed developed by SHOOK by SHOOK Research Research andand is based is based on on in-person, in-person, virtual virtual andand telephone telephone duedue diligence diligence meetings meetings to evaluate to evaluate each each advisor advisor qualitatively, qualitatively, a major a major component component of aofranking a ranking algorithm algorithm thatthat includes: includes: client client retention, retention, industry industry experience, experience, review review of compliance of compliance records, records, firmfirm nominations; nominations; andand quantitative quantitative criteria, criteria, including: including: assets assets under under management management andand revenue revenue generated generated for for their their firms. firms. Investment Investment performance performance is not is not a criterion a criterion because because client client objectives objectives andand riskrisk tolerances tolerances vary, vary, andand advisors advisors rarely rarely have have audited audited performance performance reports. reports. Rankings Rankings areare based based on on thethe opinions opinions of SHOOK of SHOOK Research, Research, LLCLLC andand areare notnot indicative indicative of future of future performance performance or representative or representative of any of any oneone client’s client’s experience. experience. Neither Neither Morgan Morgan Stanley Stanley Smith Smith Barney Barney LLCLLC nornor its its Financial Financial Advisors Advisors or Private or Private Wealth Wealth Advisors Advisors paypay a fee a fee to Forbes to Forbes or SHOOK or SHOOK Research Research in exchange in exchange for for thethe ranking. ranking. ForFor more more information, information, seesee www.SHOOKresearch.com. www.SHOOKresearch.com. Source: Source: Barrons.com Barrons.com (March (March 2021). 2021). TopTop 1,200 1,200 Financial Financial Advisors: Advisors: State-by-State State-by-State as identified as identified by Barron’s by Barron’s magazine, magazine, using using quantitative quantitative andand qualitative qualitative criteria criteria andand selected selected from from a pool a pool of over of over 4,000 4,000 nominations. nominations. Advisors Advisors in the in the TopTop 1,200 1,200 Financial Financial Advisors Advisors list list have have a minimum a minimum of seven of seven years years of financial of financial services services experience. experience. Qualitative Qualitative factors factors include, include, butbut areare notnot limited limited to, to, compliance compliance record record andand philanthropic philanthropic work. work. Investment Investment performance performance is not is not a criterion. a criterion. TheThe rating rating maymay notnot be be representative representative of any of any oneone client’s client’s experience experience andand is is notnot indicative indicative of the of the financial financial advisor’s advisor’s future future performance. performance. Neither Neither Morgan Morgan Stanley Stanley Smith Smith Barney Barney LLCLLC nornor its its Financial Financial Advisors Advisors or Private or Private Wealth Wealth Advisors Advisors pays pays a fee a fee to Barron’s to Barron’s in exchange in exchange for for thethe rating. rating. Barron’s Barron’s is aisregistered a registered trademark trademark of Dow of Dow Jones Jones & Company, & Company, L.P.L.P. All All rights rights reserved. reserved. Morgan Morgan Stanley Stanley Smith Smith Barney Barney LLC. LLC. Member Member SIPC. SIPC. CRCCRC 3950386 3950386 10/21 10/21

Contents DECEMBER 2021 • ‘TIS THE SEASON!

Features 70

SIPPIN’ PRETTY

The chefs behind Santa Barbara’s Alessia Patisserie & Cafe think outside the instant hot cocoa mix box. By Jaime Lewis Photographs by Gar y Moss

THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

GARY MOSS; COVER: © DOBRÁNSKA RENÁTA/STOCKSY UNITED

Produced by Carmen Juarez-Leiva and Frances Ryan

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Alessia Guehr, owner of Santa Barbara’s Alessia Patisserie & Cafe, baked these sugar-cookie snowflakes to accompany her White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate in our photos. Find similar confections at the cafe and her creative hot chocolate recipes on page 70.

Contents

DECEMBER 2021 • ‘TIS THE SEASON!

92 43

Departments Pulse 35 Tracking the Beat

Arts & Culture 56 On Their Toes

By Victoria Woodard Harvey and Erin Rottman

By Joan Tapper

Finds 43 What Comes to Light

Brighten the shortest days of the year with these illuminating accessories. By Jennie Nunn

46 STYLE: Cozy Couture Warm up this winter in high-fashion fleece. By Frances Ryan

48 TRAVEL

By Erin Rottman

Insider 54 Events In & Around

the 805

By Heidi Dvorak

A holiday tradition returns.

Upgrades 65 Time for Reflection

A glimpse into the looking glass provides insight for the journey ahead.

Good Deeds 68 Dream Foundation’s Twilight in the Garden

Taste 86 FOOD:

The Precious Pistachio A coveted stocking stuffer gets sweetened up for the occasion in these nutty treat recipes. By Jaime Lewis

90 WINE:

By Matt Kettmann DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

95 Where to Eat Now

P.S. Sketchpad 104 Holiday Celebrities

Support Local Businesses

By Greg Clarke

In Every Issue

20 Editor’s Note 24 Masthead 28 Behind the Scenes

By Frances Ryan

Brave New Combos for the Sparkling Season The makers of Central Coast bubblies dish on their favorite pairings.

Home on the Range A team of culinary professionals unites to elevate contemporary steakhouse fare in historic Solvang.

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

48: COURTESY OF HOTEL DEL CORONADO; 92: GARY MOSS

of the 805

92 DINING OUT:

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Editor’s Note

IT’S A FINE SEASON OF THE YEAR, indeed, that has its own ballet. For some families, like mine, the music and performance of The Nutcracker is as much a part of the Christmas season as decorated trees, Gene Autry’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and those precious days away from work spent with loved ones. Contributing writer Joan Tapper and photo editor Gary Moss partnered for a wonderful article on local performances of The Nutcracker (see page 56); in this note I had originally planned to draw parallels between the ballet and what’s going on in the world—maybe end the year with some opining about overcoming challenges and finding happiness. Instead, I’ve simply jotted down a few thoughts on how The Nutcracker, for me, is an essential joy of the season. As far back as I can remember, it was a family tradition to listen to the score while decorating our Christmas tree, a custom that I carry on today and that never fails—along with a glass of champagne—to nudge me into the holiday spirit. This probably started the year my parents took my two older sisters, Elaine and Elizabeth (my third sister Celia and I were too young), to New York’s Lincoln Center for a performance of the ballet. My 83-year-old mom recently reminded me of that day. “Needless to say, the event was magical,” she said. “Magic! The dancers and the music and the sets—and then suddenly, a child’s sweet voice was heard by audience members in the second tier. Elizabeth, who was 5 at the time, was singing along with the orchestra. She had been transported into another world. For a moment, all eyes were on her as she gleamed with joy, directing the music, as if she were the conductor, from the edge of her seat until she realized that she was the only one singing. But she unselfconsciously stopped, happily sat back, and continued to immerse herself in the production!” I wasn’t even there, and I still feel such happiness whenever I hear The Nutcracker score and think of my sister being swept away. As my mother rightfully called it: Magic. My final wish of 2021 is for you too to find—or make—some holiday magic of your own. And then share it with the world.

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher edit@805living.com

Dancers from the Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo (far right) and Ventura County Ballet bring the characters of The Nutcracker to life. To read more about area performances of this holiday classic, turn to page 56.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

PORTRAIT: GARY MOSS; DANCERS (FROM LEFT): JOHN ARNOLD; JOHN ARNOLD; BARRY GOYETTE

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EDITOR IN CHIEF, PUBLISHER, & CEO

Lynne Andujar edit@805living.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

DESIGNER

PHOTO EDITOR

Bernard Scharf

Kathy Tomlinson

Sophie Patenaude

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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

Victoria Woodard Harvey, Matt Kettmann, Jaime Lewis, Nancy Ransohoff, Joan Tapper

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

RESEARCH EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

CONSULTING EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Greg Clarke Gary Moss

Tajinder Rehal Anthony Head

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer S. Vogelbach

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

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

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Lori Kantor, lori@805living.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 © 2021 3Digit Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

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

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805 LIVING, DECEMBER 2021

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Behind the Scenes

On all Greenington furniture

Whether it’s chestnuts roasting over an open fire or Jack Frost nipping at your nose, everyone has a go-to local activity to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s what our featured contributors do to make their season bright.

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“A house at the corner of Leff and Chorro streets in San Luis Obispo goes crazy with Christmas lights each year,” says contributing writer Jaime Lewis (“Sippin’ Pretty,” page 70, and Taste/ Food, page 86). “It even has its own radio station that plays holiday tunes in time to the lights. We eat popcorn in the car and watch the show.”

Victoria Woodard Harvey

• Sofas • Recliners • Bedroom • Coffee tables Dining tables • TV stands • Leather • Office and more

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“Foraging. Holidays in California are rarely white, but there’s plenty of greenery to gather for wreaths, centerpieces, or decorating wrapped packages. Citrus, seedpods, and succulents are also abundant in winter. It’s like a treasure hunt,” says contributing writer Victoria Woodard Harvey (Pulse, page 35, Dining Out, page 92).

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“When my kids were younger, we’d cut down a tree every year at Christmas Ranch Tree Farms in Thousand Oaks,” says contributing illustrator Greg Clarke (P.S. Sketchpad, page 104). Now nothing says ‘holiday’ like an aged single-malt scotch at home with a log in the fireplace.”

LEWIS: ALEXANDRA WALLACE

Greg Clarke

Something’s Brewing Over Here...

AMERICAN TAVERN WESTLAKE VILLAGE | SANTA BARBARA | VENTURA SAN LUIS OBISPO | PORTER RANCH | BURBANK COMING SOON: OLD TOWNE ORANGE, CAMARILLO, AND LAGUNA BEACH

WWW.FINNEYSCRAFTHOUSE.COM Proud Supporter of Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties

Behind the Scenes Here are some great ideas from our featured experts, who share what they do locally to get in the holiday spirit. “Ice skating at the outdoor rink at The Lakes mall in Thousand Oaks is a winter holiday tradition in our family.” —Joe Woolf

(Pulse, page 35) cofounder Song-Word Art House Gallery Westlake Village song-word.com

“In December, I visit our local farmers’ market when I’m looking for some holiday spirit.” —Ben Taylor

(Taste/Food, page 86) chocolatier, proprietor Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates San Luis Obispo mamaganache.com

“I love to attend the local Christmas markets and make traditional German stollen.” —Alessia Guehr

(Sippin’ Pretty, page 70) owner and pastry chef Alessia Patisserie & Cafe Santa Barbara alessiapatisserie.com

“Picking out a Christmas tree with my family is always the highlight of my holiday.”

CARSON: JEREMY BALL

—Lincoln Carson

(Dining Out, page 92) co-owner, chef Coast Range & Vaquero Bar Solvang coastrange.restaurant

“The year end brings no greater pleasure than the opportunity to express to you seasons greetings and good wishes. May your holidays and new year be filled with joy.”

Pulse

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

Seasonal wreaths take a turn toward the tropical at Rancho Santa Cecilia Exotic Fruits with vibrant additions like protea flowers and pomegranates.

GARY MOSS

RINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS

Pine branches and holly berries alone would not suffice for Mary Valadez Marquez and Cecilio Marquez’s holiday wreaths; the Marquezes reach for exotic blooms like hot-pink, spiky protea flowers and deep-red safari sunset shrub. At their 28-year-old family farm, Rancho Santa Cecilia Exotic Fruits (ranchosantaceciliafruits.com) in Carpinteria, they make each wreath by hand. For their popular fruit wreath, they incorporate lemons, pomegranates, dried blood oranges, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks before applying a glycerin product so the arrangement will dry naturally, holding up for three to four months. “People like that they last a very long time,” Mary says. “You can buy one at the beginning of December, and by New Year’s Eve, it still looks beautiful.” Wreaths may be ordered one to two weeks in advance, as can five-pound seasonal mixed-fruit boxes filled with cherimoya, persimmon, and Mexican guava. —Erin Rottman DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Pulse

Flavor of the Month

CINNAMON

What: Cinnamon Apple Manhattan, bar manager

Once more valuable than gold, cinnamon was the most profitable spice for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. Today, it’s the predominant flavor in spicy, winter treats, like these. (Some are only available for a limited time, so get ’em while they last!)

What: Cinnamon Oat Milk Gelato, a frosty, creamy, vegan

Chris Castorina’s concoction for the holidays, made with WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye, black amaro, and cloveforward bitters, and aged in a two-gallon whiskey barrel with cinnamon sticks. Where: The Ranch House (theranchhouse.com), Ojai When: Through March

confection flavored with ground Ceylon cinnamon, Madagascar vanilla, and Maldon sea salt flakes. Where: Stir at Four

Seasons Hotel Westlake Village (fourseasons.com/

What: Cinnamon Pecan Butter Cake, a warm, brownsugar-and-cinnamon-swirled take on the traditional dessert, surrounded with crème anglaise and topped with vanilla bean ice cream, caramel sauce, and crushed candied pecans. Where: Mastro’s Steakhouse (mastrosrestaurants.com), Thousand Oaks When: Through December

What: Cinnamon Roll French Toast, slices of the house-

made classic roll prepared French toast–style and served doused with warm glaze. Where: Waypoint Café (thewaypointcafe.com), Camarillo When: Year-round

What: Cinnamon Kringle, a flaky, platter-size, Scandinavian pastry made with cardamom, vanilla, real butter, and marzipan paste in the center. Where: Andersen’s Danish Bakery and Restaurant

(andersenssantabarbara.com), Santa Barbara When: Year-round —E.R.

ART IMITATES MUSIC

Westlake Village gets an injection of pop culture with the opening of SongWord Art House (song-word.com), an art gallery featuring paintings, mixed media, and sculpture inspired by rock and roll, blues and folk, and hip hop. There’s graffiti, profanity, and a whole lot of edge. “That’s what we’re striving for, to capture the spirit of rock and roll and project that into fine art,” says cofounder Joe Woolf, who along with partner Liz Cruz commissions emerging and internationally known artists to create works—based on

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

themes like lust or road trips—that sell for $2,500 to $20,000. Next up is a collection they’re developing for the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles and a new Song-Word gallery collection, Songs About Paradise, slated for release next year. Woolf invites guests to play the gallery’s piano or guitar if they’re inspired, and he just might offer a martini. “We love to entertain,” says Woolf, who is also planning live music events for the space. “You’re coming here to have fun.” —E.R.

GELATO: COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE; BUTTER CAKE: COURTESY OF MASTRO’S RESTAURANTS; KRINGLE: SILAS FALLSTICH; GALLERY: JOE WOOLF

westlakevillage) When: Through January 1

EcoSmarts

KITCHEN WASTE ALCHEMY

Here’s some good news for the planet: The team at Carpinteria’s Farm Cart Organics recently launched The Better Bucket (thebetterbucket.com), a kitchen scrap– recovery program aiming to reduce the amount of household food waste that winds up in landfills. “In Portland and Hawaii there are programs in place for food-waste collection, but in our area, where Earth Day started, we are way behind the times,” says Jason Lesh, who with his wife, Katherine, co-owns Farm Cart Organics and runs The Better Bucket. “The response here has been great. People really care.”

Food, Family and Flying.

Happy Holidays from Waypoint Café!

FROM TOP: ISTOCK.COM/MUKHINA1; MIKAELA HAMILTON STEINWEDELL

The Old Fashion: double cheddar cheeseburger with grilled onions, iceberg lettuce, and Thousand Island dressing on a brioche bun.

The Lesh family, owners of Farm Cart Organics in Carpinteria, now also run The Better Bucket, a kitchen-scrap recovery program.

For $25 a month, subscribers to the program receive a lidded bucket delivered to their home to hold scraps, shredded paper, and yard trimmings (the website lists dos and don’ts), which is picked up weekly. Over time, the participants receive clean, nutrient-rich, garden compost in exchange. The service is currently available in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Carpinteria, and Summerland. 

—Victoria Woodard Harvey

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

BE CONFIDENT, BE WELL,

BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU

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Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

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

What Comes to Light BRIGHTEN THE SHORTEST DAYS OF THE YEAR WITH THESE ILLUMINATING ACCESSORIES. By Jennie Nunn Roman bust candles ($26 for small, $48 for large); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds

3 5

8 9

1. Skeem hand-blown glass “Match Cloche” ($34 each); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. 2. Nomatiq “Golden” dual-arc rechargeable electric lighter ($30); nomatiq.com. 3. Aerin Home “Petal” candle snuffer ($95); The Malibu Colony Company at Malibu Country Mart, malibucolonyco. com. 4. Greentree Home 12-inch beeswax tapers ($18 for a pair); Fig Curated Living, Ojai, figojai.com. 5. Cire Trudon “Mary” candle ($140); Beautiul Mess Home & Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com. 6. L’Objet “Lito” candle in porcelain vessel with 24-karat gold plating and inlaid resin ($225); Beautyhabit, Montecito, beautyhabit. com. 7. Glaze zebrawood matchbox ($105); Santa Ynez General, santaynezgeneral.com. 8. P.F. Candle Co. wick trimmer ($12); Summer Camp, Ojai, shopsummercamp.com. 9. Rough cast–brass pillar candleholders ($50 for small; $59 for large); Pottery Barn: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; potterybarn.com. 

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Finds Style By Frances Ryan

Cozy Couture WARM UP THIS WINTER IN HIGH-FASHION FLEECE.

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1. Zara fleece jacket with lapel collar and toggle closures ($70); Zara, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; zara.com. 2. Jimmy Choo “Eshe 65” shearling and suede hiking boots ($1,175); Neiman Marcus, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com. 3. Saint Laurent “Puffer” small quilted shearling clutch ($1,450); Neiman Marcus, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com. 4. Shearling scarf with silk monogram lining in chestnut brown ($1,130); Louis Vuitton, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, us.louisvuitton.com. 5. Gucci “Eileen” faux-shearling slipper ($1,190); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; nordstrom.com. 6. “Hilde” bucket hat in shearling and black leather ($850); Jimmy Choo, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, jimmychoo.com. 7. J.Crew Collection lamb shearling jacket in ivory cognac ($1,300); J. Crew, Thousand Oaks, jcrew.com. 8. Mark Cross “Christy” shearling and suede messenger bag ($1,090); Intermix, Malibu Lumber Yard, intermixonline.com. 

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Savor scrumptious seasonal fare, gracious service, good tidings and cheer over a memorable meal at Miramar. C H R I S T M A S E V E D I N I N G Friday, December 24

C A R U S O ’ S | 5 : 3 0 P. M . T O 9 : 3 0 P. M . For the occasion, Executive Chef Massimo Falsini will serve his Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional Italian-American meal comprised of exquisite fish and seafood dishes. $225 Per Adult, $85 Per Child 4-12 Complimentary for Children 3 & Under *Price excludes tax and gratuity.

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

THE REVERE ROOM 1 1 : 3 0 A . M . T O 1 : 3 0 P. M . O R 2 : 0 0 P. M . T O 4 : 0 0 P. M .

A brunch buffet pairing regionally influenced Christmas classics with an extraordinary assortment of seasonal dishes. $145 Per Adult, $65 Per Child 4-12 Complimentary for Children 3 & Under CARUSO’S Take in the views of the Pacific Ocean as you toast to the season over festive prix fixe brunch and dinner menus. B R U N C H | 1 1 : 3 0 A . M . T O 3 : 3 0 P. M . Five-course prix fixe menu composed of coastal-inspired festive cuisine. $165 Per Adult, $65 Per Child 4-12 Complimentary for Children 3 & Under D I N N E R | 5 : 3 0 P. M . T O 9 : 0 0 P. M .

Standard prix fixe menu available with festive additions. *Prices excludes tax and gratuity.

F O R R E S E R VAT I O N S

Email Miramar.HolidayReservations@RosewoodHotels.com or call 805.303.6167 between 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.

Finds Travel By Erin Rottman Skaters circle the oceanfront ice rink at the Hotel del Coronado.

ce-skating at New York’s Rockefeller Center may be a classic holiday experience, but California has its own spots for skating, from the coast to the rolling vineyards of wine country. For these local destinations, all with skating through January 2, guests may bring their own skates but rentals are available. Hotel del Coronado in San Diego County (hoteldel.com, from $350) transforms its Windsor Lawn into an oceanfront ice rink. An

adjacent lounge, Frostbite, offers hot chocolate, spiked coffees, and snacks to enjoy while warming up beside a crackling firepit. The hotel recently restored its front porch and lobby and refreshed guest rooms and suites as part of a $400 million property renovation. Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington beach (meritagecollection.com/ pasea-hotel, from $349) presents theme nights, like Ugly Sweater Skate and Iconic ’90s Christmas at its seaside ice rink. Holiday cocktails,

hot cocoa, and s’mores kits are on hand along with a VIP firepit experience that includes blankets and champagne. The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina, sister resorts near

downtown Napa (meritagecollection. com, from $249 and $349, respectively), share the only ice rink in Napa Valley. Skate next to the grapevines, then sip wine, beer, or cocoa from one of the adjacent tasting rooms. Families can visit Santa on the weekends leading up to Christmas.

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY REJUVENATION

Farmhouse Inn (farmhouseinn.com, from $735), a family-owned property in the Russian River Valley renowned for its Michelinstarred restaurant, has opened the Wellness Barn, which draws from the natural surroundings to expand the spa experience beyond treatment rooms. “When you’re talking about wellness, there are so many different components of it,” says Irisha Steele, the inn’s spa and wellness director. “Wellness [includes] the delicious food we’re eating, the sounds [we hear], what we touch, what we see.” In that spirit, guests open lockers to fresh aromas of rosemary and apples, grown on the property, and are invited to sound-bath meditations and workshops on making homemade facial masks and teas. Treatments take cues from the environment, as well. The two-hour Nurtured by Nature experience begins with a Pacific sea salt body exfoliation and includes a mud body mask with wild mustard seed and an alfresco shower followed by a spritz of coastal redwood mist and a massage.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

FROM TOP: COURTESY OF HOTEL DEL CORONADO; PAUL FERRADAS

CALIFORNIA SKATIN’ ON A WINTER’S DAY

Happy Holidays

A heartfelt thank you to all of my wonderful clients and friends for another fabulous year. Cheers to 2022 and the adventures we will have!

Patty Murphy country estates

Top 25 Sotheby’s agent nationwide Patty Murphy Country Estates & Vineyards www.pattymurphy.com patty@pattymurphy.com (805) 680-8571

Finds Travel

UNCONVENTIONAL COUNTRYWIDE CAMPSITES

camping fees beyond the Harvest Hosts membership, the Vail, Colorado–based company encourages travelers to support the hosts by making small purchases, which in turn keep small towns alive and vibrant, says Harvest Hosts CEO Joel Holland. “When we stumble across a little town… it feels very special, because it kind of feels like you’ve got your own little thing, your own little slice of the country that you’ve discovered,” Holland says. “To me, that’s the closest we’ll ever come to being pioneers.”

RIDE WITH A PRO IN HEALDSBURG

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

t can be challenging to find a rental in Big Bear Lake that doesn’t have green carpet in the bathroom or peach kitchen cabinets, but self-taught designer Sarah Salvatore eliminated the throwbacks to the ’70s to make space for mid-century modern, amenity-rich luxury at her three Midnight Moon Cabins (midnightmooncabins.com, from $400). “When you’re going up there, you don’t really want to go to Grandma’s cabin, you want to go to the idea of Grandma’s cabin,” says Salvatore. Located between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts on the shuttle line, the two- and three-bedroom cabins have electric vehicle chargers in the driveways and furry pillows, throw blankets, soft rugs, and candles inside for a cozy atmosphere. “Everything has to feel good,” Salvatore says, adding that Dank Donuts, “the best in Big Bear,” is just a walk away.

A private ride with professional cyclist Peter Stetina would be a treat for serious cyclists and banana-seat bikers alike, and now anyone can join him through the Pro Cycling Experience at H2hotel in Healdsburg (h2hotel.com/ experiences/pete-stetina, from $1,765). Stetina, who has raced in the Tour de France twice and also has a passion for sampling craft beer, takes up to four riders on a custom tour, whether that means hammering out hard routes or doing a relaxed tour of local bakeries or just sightseeing. “I know every little nook and cranny of this county, and it’s one of the best places in the nation to ride a bike,” says Stetina, who has lived in Sonoma County for 10 years. Along with the ride, the package includes two nights of accommodations, a welcome bottle of wine, and a post-ride happy hour. For every package booked, the hotel and Stetina make a $400 donation to the Santa Rosa– based B-Rad Foundation, which provides bikes, helmets, locks, and rides for local children. “By riding with me,” Stetina says, “you’re sharing that bike experience with someone else who might become a cyclist someday.” 

Please check CDC and local guidelines before traveling.

FROM TOP: GIANNA CHRISTINA PHOTO; COURTESY OF HARVEST HOSTS; COURTESY OF H2HOTEL

Sixty-five million people were planning on taking an RV trip in 2021, according to the RV Industry Association. For those interested in alternatives to campgrounds, Harvest Hosts (harvesthosts.com, from $99/ year) offers members more than 2,700 unique locations, including wineries, farms, golf courses, and museums across the country. In California, for example, stay at an olive oil ranch in San Ardo in Monterey County or at a candy company in Fiddletown in Amador County. While there are no nightly

BIG LUXURY IN BIG BEAR

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Visit Santa

November 26-December 24

Nightly Snowfall

November 26-December 31

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Your trusted Central Coast advisor. Julianna has an in-depth understanding of what the Central Coast of California has to offer. Whether you’re finding a place for your family to call home, looking to settle down for retirement, seeking a vacation getaway, or expanding your proprietary assets, her readiness to adapt and wholeheartedly engage in any venture will ensure an unparalleled experience in finding the right property. Julianna’s mission is to support her clients during their process of buying, selling, and investing in real estate. Her diverse background in marketing, advertising, and sales produces a successful close. She is backed by Compass Real Estate which enables her to use top-of-the-line technology in marketing and advertising. Julianna’s negotiation skills ensure success in today’s market.

Julianna Gimelliis a real estate salesperson affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak

Through December 31

Through January 9

December 18–19

URBAN LANDSCAPES

DRIFTERS

THE NUTCRACKER

Thomas Reynolds Gallery, Santa Barbara. Artist Mark Matsuno has been the art director for films such as Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan. On view are his paintings, which evoke iconic scenes of Los Angeles; thomasreynolds.com.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. In the assemblage works featured at this solo exhibition, Los Angeles sculptor Rosha Yaghmai uses visual distortion and disorientation to evoke sensations of altered perception; mcasb.org.

Bank of America Performing Arts Thousand Oaks. Visions of sugarplums will dance in audience members’ heads at this Pacific Festival Ballet production with elaborate sets and costumes, plus a snowfall; bapacthousandoaks.com.

Through January 1

December 11

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS

SOLVANG JULEFEST

WINTER WONDERLAND & HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE

Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara. Join this musical performance group in an early California celebration of the winter solstice, as they depict a wedding in Santa Barbara during the time of the Spanish ranchos, from the classic book Two Years Before the Mast; lobero.org.

December 18–19

Through 1/1

Jerry Douglas

Downtown Solvang. Walkable holiday happenings in the Danish village set an elaborate seasonal stage for a tree lighting, illuminated displays, live entertainment, strolling carolers, and a communitywide hunt for elves, called the Nisse Adventure; solvangjulefest.org.

Ventura Harbor Village. Come for the seaside shopping, stay for the fun, like watching or being a part of the Santa Paddle, in which participants may wear a costume as they traverse the water by kayak or paddleboard; venturaharborvillage.com.

December 25

Here’s an Idea: What better day than Christmas to show respect for humankind and the earth? Consider taking part in Surfrider Ventura County’s PROMENADE BEACH CLEANUP from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Then be among the first to stretch out on the freshly cleaned sand, look out on the expanse of the Pacific, and express your joy to the world; ventura. surfrider.org/beach-cleanups.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

December 15

CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO

HANDCRAFTED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

MY BLUEGRASS HEART

Santa Barbara Zoo. Penguins, lions, snakes, tigers, giraffes, and all the other animals are celebrating the holiday. Join them for some wild and wooly fun; sbzoo.org.

Studios on the Park, Paso Robles. Buy that someone special an original work of art from this eclectic exhibit. A portion of every sale supports the studio’s nonprofit facility and educational programming; studiosonthepark.com. Through January 7

The Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara. UCSB Arts & Lectures presents an evening of bluegrass banjo, when Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, and Bryan Sutton perform songs from their newly released album; Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara; thearlingtontheatre.com.

WOMEN’S QUALITIES

Historic Downtown Ventura. Visit six different locations to see artist Ghada Amer’s installation, a collaboration of the Museum of Ventura County, the City of Ventura, Downtown Ventura Partners, and Ventura Botanical Gardens; venturamuseum.org.

December 17 THE SPAZMATICS

The Canyon, Agoura Hills. Take a trip back to the ’80s with these New Wave nerds who rock the era’s cover songs. Attractive Nuisance opens the show; wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.

December 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE SUPER GALA

Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo. Ring in 2022 with an evening of opera, Broadway, symphonic pops, and dance performed by Opera San Luis Obispo, Ballet Theater San Luis Obispo, and the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra and conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff; pacslo.org. 

TOP: CENTRAL COAST PICTURES/SOLVANG.COM

12/15

Through January 3

2021/2022

Masterpiece

SERIES

TUNE INTO the MAGIC CELEBRATING THE RETURN OF LIVE MUSIC

SATURDAY CONCERTS - 7:30PM

BANK OF AMERICA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (BAPAC) AT THE THOUSAND OAKS CIVIC ARTS PLAZA

SUNDAY CONCERTS - 3:00PM

RANCHO CAMPANA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN CAMARILLO

The Programs Talented New West Symphony musicians take our stages to present pinnacles of the symphonic canon such as Beethoven’s mighty Ninth Symphony, Rachmaninoff’s enthralling Third Piano Concerto, Mozart’s radiant “Jupiter” Symphony, and Vaughn Williams’ pensive Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis with a slate of guest artists who add their unique musical voices to an array of featured soloist works. Join us for a marvelous season under the direction of Grammy-winning Music Director Michael Christie.

Give t he Gift of Music to your community by supporting the Symphony.

866.776.8400

NewWestSymphony.org

OUR AMERICAN ROOTS

Sat, Jan. 29, 2022 | Sun, Jan. 30, 2022

MUSIC TO MY EARS THE SCIENCE OF SOUND

Sat, Feb. 26, 2022 | Sun, Feb. 27, 2022

RACHMANINOFF PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3

Sat, Apr. 2, 2022 | Sun, Apr. 3, 2022

MASTERS OF MELODY

Sat, Oct. 1, 2022 | Sun, Oct. 2, 2022

ODE TO JOY

Sat, Nov. 19, 2022 | Sun, Nov. 20, 2022

For additional details on all of our performances 866.776.8400 | NewWestSymphony.org

Arts & Culture By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

On Their Toes A HOLIDAY TRADITION RETURNS.

or those of us who’ve never quite understood what a sugarplum is, merriamwebster.com has the answer: It’s a small candy in the shape of a ball or disk. The Sugar Plum Fairy, however, is far more familiar. She’s the dancer who sparkles in a virtuosic pas de deux with her Cavalier toward the finale of The Nutcracker. And this year, throughout the 805 area, she’s back on stage. The beloved ballet and Tchaikovsky’s famous score have been a holiday staple for generations, inspiring young dancers and creating lifelong balletomanes. As Kim Maselli, artistic director of Ventura’s Pacific Festival Ballet (pacfestballet.org) notes, “Nutcracker

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Rehearsals are afoot (left) for the Pacific Festival Ballet presentation of The Nutcracker. Artistic director Kim Maselli gives cues as Abbey Wyrrick and Victor Jarvis practice a pas de deux (top and above) on the ground and in the air.

is global; it’s the rare ballet that strikes a chord in everyone, whether they’re ballet lovers or not.” It’s the story of Clara, who receives a toy nutcracker at a Christmas party. In her dream he comes to life, battles an army of mice, turns into a prince, and leads her through a snowy forest to a land of sweets, where the pair is royally entertained by other dancers. Last year, with theaters off-limits, local ballet companies found innovative ways to stay in the picture. Ventura County Ballet (venturacountyballet. com) performed a streamlined version for family and friends on a drive-in stage. State Street Ballet (statestreetballet.com) in Santa Barbara set up an outdoor studio and created a shortened video version >

Arts & Culture

that they put on YouTube, while the Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo (civicballetslo.org) got permission to videotape dancers—four at a time—at the local Cal Poly campus performing arts center and posted their own version of the classic. As the artistic director of the latter group, Drew Silvaggio, says, “The great thing about the arts is, like nature, they find a way!” This year, though, everyone is pulling out the stops. The Pacific Festival Ballet is back at the Kavli Theatre, where it was one of the first companies to perform when the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza opened 27 years ago. Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia, principal dancers of the New York City Ballet, are returning as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. For Peck—who grew up not far away in Bakersfield, where her mother taught ballet—it’s a homecoming. She has also led weeklong summer intensives in Thousand Oaks. The other cast members are professionals from throughout the region; preprofessionals from the California Dance Theatre, the company’s official training school; and younger ballet students, who play mice, soldiers, and party children. “We’re pretty traditional,” says Maselli. “We love keeping it with Victorian-style sets and costumes.” The Ventura County Ballet has a new venue, the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo, and Australia-born Aaron Smyth, who played the role of the Snow Cavalier in Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms, returns as the Prince. The cast also draws from the Ballet Academy Ventura, 58

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

The Show Must Go On

The Nutcracker comes to life again this year at local venues on these dates. Pacific Festival Ballet

State Street Ballet

December 18–19 Fred Kavli Theatre Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks

December 18–19 Granada Theatre Santa Barbara

Ventura County Ballet

December 11–12 Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

•

December 11–12 Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center Camarillo

•

Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo

•

TOP: ROBERT YEAGER; BOTTOM: DAVID BAZEMORE

The Nutcracker Prince battles a mouse (top) during a past performance by the Pacific Festival Ballet. During the Snow Scene (above) the State Street Ballet’s Clara dances with her prince.

the group’s training school. “When the students come into the school,” says executive director Kathleen Noblin, “it’s a goal to be in The Nutcracker.” The 6- and 7-year-olds dance as snowflakes and baby mice; more advanced students take on bigger and stronger roles. “It’s important to them, and as a community effort, it’s great,” says Noblin. “We’re so excited to be back in the theater,” says Cecily MacDougall, associate executive director of the State Street Ballet, whose production at the Granada Theatre will be accompanied by the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra. The company’s 20 professional dancers hail from eight countries—from Russia to Brazil—and work and rehearse with the younger nonprofessionals. “They’re role models,” MacDougall says, “but the heart and soul of the company” is executive director Rodney Gustafson, who cofounded Gustafson Dance, the company’s training school, before joining State Street Ballet in the 1990s. “He’s been doing The Nutcracker for more than 25 years.” The setting is traditional Victorian, MacDougall says, “but with some humorous additions and special guests, including a furry friend.” Also teaming up with the Opera San Luis Obispo orchestra is the Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo, “but we add pieces that aren’t traditionally part of the show,” says Silvaggio. “That gives us wiggle room for new characters,” like rag dolls, lumps of coal that come to life, and little lions, to name a few. “We change our Nutcracker every year, rechoreograph every part. I love to give the dancers something to look forward to.” And what is he particularly looking forward to? “Officially, every scene is amazing,” Silvaggio says. “But unofficially, my favorite part is going through the snowy forest, which has the most incredible music and staging. I want to make the dancing rise to the level of that music.” “The Nutcracker means holiday joy,” adds MacDougal. As for the ability to once again gather and appreciate its beauty and magic, “it’s something we’ll never take for granted again,” she says. 

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CASA MEXICANA IMPORTS Brighten your holidays with festive new arrivals: Beautifully handcrafted pieces by Mexican tinsmiths who have mastered the age-old craft of punched tin. The trees come in various sizes from 18 to 84 inches. The churches are 20 inches by 15 inches. Since 1989, owners Tim and Kay Hine have been curating unique, high-end furnishings, antique doors, artifacts, and décor from Mexico.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE Enjoy Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village’s festive holiday decor as you shop one-of-a-kind art pieces from Malibu Contemporary Art Gallery. Brought to life by nationally recognized Southern-California artists, the upscale works are perfect for giving the enduring gift of art this holiday season. Visit the Mezzanine Level of the award-winning hotel to view and shop the coastalinspired collection.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

810 Lawrence Drive, Suite 108 Newbury Park, 805-480-4864 casamexicanaimports.com

THIS SEASON, SHOP LOCAL TO FIND THE MOST UNIQUE GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.

2 Dole Drive Westlake Village, 818-575-3000 fourseasons.com/westlakevillage

DEEP BLUE BIKINI CO.

THE REFILL SHOPPE

Deep Blue Bikini Co. specializes in beach essentials. All swimwear is ethically handmade in Santa Barbara and designed to be timeless. With a “festival” line of clothing as well as accessories and gift cards, there is something special for everyone on your shopping list this season. We love the popcorn fabric swimwear and skirts and the handmade straw visors. Custom swimwear available. Visit us on Instagram @deepbluebikinico.

Thoughtful, practical, and playful gifts are abundant at The Refill Shoppe including custom-scented bubble bath and bath salts, custom lotion or body butter, candles, eco-friendly reusables, fun stocking stuffers, easy hostess gifts, and oh, so much more. You’re sure to find something special for your special someones, either at the shop located in downtown Ventura or online.

By appointment Santa Barbara, 805-689-4300 deepbluebikinis.com

363 E. Main Street Ventura, 805-765-9135 therefillshoppe.com

LADY FACE JEWELERS Discover a treasure trove of unique pieces for the ultimate holiday gift. Custom creations like these stacked bands are brilliant holiday classics. Create custom bands using 14-karat white, yellow, or rose gold, adding birthstones or favorite colored gems like rubies, blue, pink, and yellow sapphires, emeralds, or all diamonds! Let Lady Face Jewelers help bring your imagination to life this holiday season. Visit us on Instagram @ladyfacejewelers. 5017 Kanan Road Agoura Hills, 818-865-8160 ladyfacejewelers.com

Christmas

‘Tis the season to discover Aldik Home, LA’s favorite Winter Wonderland!

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A TOKEN OF A Token Of is a collection of modern lockets designed for those who love the sentimentality of a locket, but desire a more stylish version. Our lockets are instilled with meaning, ensuring that your gift will have a special place in your loved one’s heart. We make it easy to gift, just email the photos and we will carefully place them inside. Free gift wrap and shipping, too.

THE HUB BIKE SHOP The Hub Bike Shop is for riders of all kinds and here for all your cycling needs. Demo a bike, get yours tuned up, or buy a new one and start riding. Our staff will help you with everything from helmets, shoes, clothes, and accessories. This holiday season, we’ll even have 30% off select items. We love bikes, are locally owned, communityminded and rider-first focused. 2900 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, 805-371-6482 thehubwestlake.com

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

28914 Roadside Dr., Whizin Market Square Agoura Hills, 818-579-9980 atokenof.shop

THIS SEASON, SHOP LOCAL TO FIND THE MOST UNIQUE GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.

SHEILA KEARNS CHOCOLATE & CONFECTIONS

LOCAL BATH BOX A new kind of self-care box. Bath and wellness goods sourced exclusively from Central Coast artisans, and featuring local women-owned businesses. Gift the 2022 Seasonal Membership. Includes six delivery boxes per year; customize your personal-care items such as signature crystal-inspired soaps, bath bombs, candles, shampoo bars, and more. $62/ delivery, or $317/year (purchase in full and get one box free). Online only. Visit localbathbox.com; @localbathbox.

Fourth-generation French-family Chocolatier, Sheila Kearns, along with French-born Master Chocolatier, Kamel Blasco, create unique flavor profiles that stand out in a crowd. Treat yourself and all your loved ones to world-class, awardwinning creations not soon to be forgotten. Exquisite hand-painted, one-of-a-kind artisan chocolates and seasonal chocuterie boards found only at SK Chocolates. 722 Marsh Street San Luis Obispo, 805-439-3330 sheilakearnschocolate.com

Ojai localbathbox.com

ROCK STAR COUTURE JEWELRY Owner and designer Jennefer Lawless, with more than 30 years of experience and unlimited resources for gems and diamonds, designs one-of-a-kind, fresh, unique pieces. She has created fabulous jewelry for celebrities and rock stars through the years. Visit Rock Star Couture Jewelry, your “go-to” bespoke fine-jewelry boutique this holiday season to create or redesign your dream piece! 3845 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Westlake Village, 805-370-1110 rockstarcouturejewelry.com

The perfect gift thinks outside the box. Give the gift of discovery + exploration this season with a MOXI Membership.

Join or give the gift of Membership by Dec. 30 and get an extra month free!* *Offer available to new MOXI Members only. Open Daily 10 AM - 5 PM 125 State St. Santa Barbara 805.770.5000

moxi.org/gift

Gift giving down to a science. Shop MOXI + kid-approved gifts on-site at MOXI’s Museum Store or at moxi.org/store.

VENTURA BOTANICAL GAR

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Upgrades

Time for Reflection

A GLIMPSE INTO THE LOOKING GLASS PROVIDES INSIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD. By Frances Ryan

“Starry Crown” in iron with gold finish ($288); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Upgrades

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1. Baker “Chloe” snowflake with bronze frame (price upon request); NQP Interior Designs, Agoura Hills, nqpinteriordesigns.com. 2. “Noir” floor mirror with hand-carved mango wood frame in hand-painted deep black finish ($1,199); Arhaus, Thousand Oaks, arhaus.com. 3. Arteriors “Anna” in ribbed iron with antiqued brass finish ($805); Santa Barbara Designs of the Interior, santabarbaradesignsoftheinterior.com. 4. “Solange” in white with Victorian lace motif ($1,799); Arhaus, Thousand Oaks, arhaus.com. 5. Uttermost “Cyra” in iron with metallic gold-leaf finish ($837); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 6. Lexington “Hempstead” with nailhead trim ($779); Alderman Bushé, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbusheinteriors.com. 7. John-Richard “Isabella” with antiqued-gilt mouldings ($3,600); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 8. Crestivew Collection “Henson” floating square beveled mirror with metal frame in antique brass finish ($170); For Your Home Furniture, Ventura, fyhfurn.com. 9. Uttermost “Casmus” in iron with matte black finish ($414); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Discover endless and dreamy gifts for everyone on your list... PEACE.

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Good Deeds DRE AM FOUNDATION’S T WILIGHT IN THE GARDEN

1 - Michael Taylor, Colleen Barnett-Taylor 2 - Andrew Firestone 3 - Tim Sullivan, Margie Sullivan 4 - Wells Hughes, Troy Cox, Kenny Slaught, Kisa Heyer, Mario Muredda, Daryl Stegall, Chris Freeman 5 - Michael Taylor, Chance Darling 6 - Christina Rottman, Peter Horjus, Colette Cosentino 7 - Shelly Miller, Nicholas Miller 8 - Andrew Butcher, Elizabeth Butcher 9 - Valerie Banks, Kira Duffy, Jennifer Duffy 10 - Jeff Jordano, Sharon Martin 11 - Gloria Dominguez, Betty Dominguez

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

HEAD & HEART PHOTOGRAPHY

On October 10, the Dream Foundation’s (dreamfoundation.org) board of directors held a garden party at a private Montecito estate to celebrate its loyal supporters who have helped fulfill the nonprofit’s mission of granting final dreams to terminally ill adults and their families. The 2021 Leadership of Excellence Award was presented to Colleen Barnett-Taylor and Michael Taylor, who have facilitated more than 560 dreams over the past 25 years. Longtime supporter Adam Firestone of Firestone Walker Brewing Company served as the event’s emcee and live auctioneer, and the event raised $140,000.

This Year, Let the Holidays Shine Brighter Than Ever LADY FACE JEWELERS is celebrating its one-year anniversary! Stop by our Agoura Hills showroom and select your favorite pieces for the holiday season and beyond. Designs by Pauline Kejejian will make any occasion one worth celebrating. • Beautiful selection of wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and on-trend pieces • Estate pieces and vintage jewelry • Custom designs • Jewelry repairs

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

Spread Holiday Warmth, Ventura Style

@ladyfacejewelers

1. Patagonia Vest - This incredibly lightweight vest has intricate innovations only a clothing designer understands. You’ll just know you’re warm and dry. Patagonia means quality. $149 2. Octopus Canvas Wall Art -The octopus is a magical, mythical creature, as beautiful as it is intelligent. This striking piece is printed on fabric with eco-friendly inks. $60 3. Flannel Shirt - As warm and cozy as clothing gets and ideal for Ventura’s crisp fall mornings and evenings. We’re a town that knows quality, but prefers it to be casual. $68.95 4. Corduroy Cap - The classic gets an upgrade. The soft structured build is easy to pack and is embroidered with our Ventura branding. It’s a must-have. $24 5. Faux Fur Pom-Pom Beanie - Cozy faux-fur keeps you warm on crisp fall evenings. Keep the pom-pom on or not, depending on your mood. $34.95

6. Ventura Spirits Flask - This hip flask is made of stainless steel with a wide-mouth opening, is leakproof, packable and embellished with the unique Ventura Spirits logo. $50

Shop.VisitVenturaCA.com

Business hours: Mon-Fri & Sun 10am-4pm & Sat 10am- 5pm

101 S. California St., Ventura, CA 93001

@VisitVentura

Sippin’ Pretty The chefs behind Santa Barbara’s Alessia Patisserie & Cafe think outside the instant hot cocoa mix box. BY JAIME LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MOSS Chef Alessia Guehr may come from a culinary family, but the new Alessia Patisserie & Cafe (alessiapatisserie.com) in Santa Barbara is a project all her own. Guehr grew up in the kitchens of her parents, Norbert Schulz and Brigitte Guehr, who have since retired from operating Santa Barbara restaurants, including Brigitte’s and The Nook. The pastries at Alessia Patisserie are, in many ways, informed by the couple’s European descent. “Their former guests come into my bakery and talk about Brigette and Norbert,” their daughter says, “but I have my own following as well.” Indeed, the younger Guehr has enjoyed a robust career already, including nine years at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, where she ultimately became assistant pastry chef. “I learned everything at the Four Seasons,” says the owner of the patisserie. “Being at a hotel, you can really learn every aspect of the work.” Employment in luxury hotels is an experience she shares with her assistant pastry chef Jordan Pilarski, who came to Alessia Patisserie via The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. “We’ve both worked at five-star hotels, and we’ve tied that into the atmosphere that’s here,” sas Alessia Guehr. The response to Alessia Patisserie’s opening in July has been overwhelming, she says. “It’s amazing. I feel very lucky. The community has been really excited about us being here.” To celebrate that support, she shares here a few of her favorite hot chocolate recipes to make at home. The decadent concoctions are inspired by a visit to Paris with her mother, where they stopped in at the famous Angelina teahouse for hot chocolate. “It was more like drinking warm ganache, but not as thick,” she recalls. “With these recipes, I’ve expanded on that idea.” She and Pilarski include ideas and recipes for fun dippers, toppers, and garnishes to bring a little cheer to holiday gatherings. 70

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Caramel Hot Chocolate

White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Caramel Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate is flavored with hazelnut and caramel. The caramel sauce recipe follows, but if you decline to make your own, Guehr recommends using Ghirardelli caramel sauce. Serves 2 ½ cup 58 percent to 64 percent cacao dark chocolate pieces ¾ cup Nutella spread 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for topping (recipe follows) ¼ cup granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 2⅛ cups whole milk 2 teaspoons cocoa powder, plus more for garnish

1 vanilla bean, sliced length wise, seeds scraped out, pod discarded or reserved for another use Whipped cream Toasted hazelnuts, chopped Chocolate-covered pretzels Gingerbread cookies Combine dark chocolate, Nutella, 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla to a boil, stirring constantly so it does not burn. Pour milk over chocolate mixture and whisk until chocolate dissolves. Serve with fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, hazelnuts and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, plus chocolate-covered pretzels and gingerbread cookies for dipping.

Caramel Sauce White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate

In a nod to Christmas, Alessia Guehr and Jordan Pilarski infuse this white chocolate–based twist on the classic with mint. Serves 2 2⅛ cups whole milk 1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise, seeds scraped out, pod discarded or reserved for another use Handful of fresh mint leaves 1¼ cups white chocolate pieces ¼ cup granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon peppermint extract Whipped cream Chopped candy canes or peppermints In a small saucepan, bring milk to a simmer over medium heat. Add vanilla bean seeds and fresh mint leaves and remove from heat. Cover pan with a kitchen towel and steep for 1 hour. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, discard leaves and return milk to pan. Combine white chocolate, sugar, salt, and peppermint extract in a medium bowl and set aside. Over medium heat, bring milk to a low boil, stirring frequently. Pour over white chocolate mixture, and whisk until chocolate dissolves. Serve with homemade whipped cream and chopped peppermint pieces.

This simple caramel sauce is also a great gift for neighbors or party hosts. Guehr suggests wearing kitchen gloves when incorporating hot and cold ingredients to protect hands from splatter during the whisking process. Makes 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar 6 tablespoons butter ½ cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon salt Heat sugar in a medium heavy saucepan (not nonstick) over medium heat, stirring constantly with a high heat–resistant rubber spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick ambercolored liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn it. When sugar is melted, stir in the butter cautiously, as it will cause the caramelized sugar to bubble rapidly. Continue stirring until butter melts and combines with caramelized sugar. If you notice the butter separating, or if the sugar clumps up, remove pan from the heat and whisk vigorously

to combine mixture again. It may take 3 to 4 minutes, but it will eventually come back together— just keep whisking. When mixture is combined again, return it to heat. When butter is melted and combined with caramelized sugar, cook caramel for 1 minute without stirring. Then, very slowly, stir in heavy cream. This will also cause the mixture to bubble rapidly, so be careful. After all heavy cream has been added, stop stirring and allow caramel to boil for 1 minute. It will rise in the pan as it boils. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in salt. Allow sauce to cool slightly before using. Caramel thickens as it cools. Cover tightly and store for up to one month in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat caramel briefly in the microwave or on the stove to desired consistency.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Caramel Marshmallows Mexican Chocolate and Chili Sipping Chocolate For this rendition of the south-of-the-border tradition, Guehr suggests finding Mexican chocolate, such as Ibarra or Abuelita brands, in the grocery store international aisle. To indulge in it with its iconic dunking counterpart, find her churros recipe at 805living.com. Serves 2 ¾ cup Ibarra Mexican chocolate, chopped ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper plus more for garnish ¼ cup milk chocolate pieces ¼ teaspoon salt 1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise, seeds scraped out, pod discarded or reserved for another use 2⅛ cups whole milk 2 teaspoons cocoa powder Whipped cream

Combine Mexican chocolate, cayenne, milk chocolate, salt, and vanilla bean seeds in a medium bowl; set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring milk and cocoa powder to a boil, stirring often so it does not burn. Pour boiling milk into chocolate mixture and whisk until chocolate dissolves. Serve with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cayenne or the chili powder of your choice.

White Chocolate Maple Cardamom Hot Chocolate An American sweetener meets warm, exotic spices in this creamy white hot chocolate. Serves 2 1 cup heavy cream 5 tablespoons maple syrup, divided 1¼ cups white chocolate ¼ teaspoon salt 2⅛ cups whole milk ½ teaspoon ground cardamom 1 vanilla bean Cinnamon Maple cookies Biscoff Cookies

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

In a medium bowl, combine heavy cream with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and whip to stiff peaks. Set aside. Combine white chocolate, remaining 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring milk, cardamom, and vanilla bean to a boil. Strain milk into white chocolate mixture and whisk until chocolate dissolves. Serve with maple whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and cookies for dipping.

If you’ve never made marshmallows before, after making these, you might never go back to the store-bought variety. Guehr’s recipe includes a swirl of caramel throughout. A dusting of cornstarch helps keep the end products from sticking to your hands—and each other. Makes 24 two-inch marshmallows 4 ounces powdered gelatin 2 cups water, cold 10 egg whites Pinch of salt 8 cups sugar 2 cups light corn syrup 2 cups water, room temperature Caramel sauce, cooled (recipe page 73) 2 tablespoons cornstarch, plus more for dusting Grease a sheet pan, and line it with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix gelatin and cold water; set aside. Combine egg whites and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip until stiff peaks form. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a pot, such as a Dutch oven, and bring to a boil. When mixture measures 250°F on an instant-read thermometer, remove pot from heat and slowly pour sugar mixture into egg whites. Quickly heat gelatin and water in microwave, 10 seconds at a time, until gelatin dissolves. While liquid gelatin is still hot, pour it into egg whites. Whip mixture until stiff peaks form. Pour whipped mixture into prepared sheet pan. Swirl in caramel sauce. Dust top of marshmallows with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and cover pan tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to set for two hours. When ready to serve, cut marshmallows into 2-inch squares. Toss with a bit more cornstarch and serve. 

Hot Choc-uterie

To let holiday guests design their own steamy delights from piping hot cups of milk or cocoa, set out a hot chocolate board. Pile it with an array of dippers, toppers, stirrers, and add-ins. “Almost any kind of cookie or holiday candy can work,” says Alessia Patisserie’s Jordan Pilarski. Beyond the standard candy canes, marshmallows, and whipped cream, he suggests Ghirardelli chocolate wafers, Pirouette or Biscoff cookies, and for a s’mores theme, graham crackers. “Anything with brown sugar works well, too,” he adds “and there’s also booze.” For a grown-up hot chocolate bar, he recommends brown spirits like brandy and whiskey, as well as Irish cream and Kahlúa liqueurs.

Caramel Marshmallows

The Holiday Gift Guide PRODUCED BY CARMEN JUAREZ-LEIVA AND FRANCES RYAN

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Georg Jensen “Sky” stainless steel and leather card case ($59, includes deck of cards); The Copenhagen House, Solvang, thecopenhagenhouse.com.

Alfa Forni “One” portable wood-fired pizza oven ($1,399); Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design, thousandoaksfireside.com.

Oval ring with 37-karat cabochon aquamarine and diamond accents set in 18-karat rose gold (price upon request); Silverhorn Design Studio, Montecito, silverhorn.com.

Oribe “Côte d’Azur,” “Desertland,” and “Valley of Flowers” eau de parfum ($125 each); Beautyhabit at Montecito Country Mart, beautyhabit.com.

Global Grub “DIY Focaccia Art Kit” ($29); globalgrub.com.

Global Views “Curved Corner” boxes and tray in ivory cowhide leather (price upon request); Alderman Bushé, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbusheinteriors.com.

Electra “Navigator Go! 5i” e-bike ($3,050); REI: Oxnard, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and The Village at Westfield Topanga in Woodland Hills; rei.com.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

The Holiday Gift Guide

Ear clips in 18-karat rose gold (price upon request); Silverhorn Design Studio, Montecito, silverhorn.com.

Dansk “Kobenstyle” two-quart casserole in plum ($115); food52.com.

Aerin “Gio Shagreen” mah-jongg set ($2,250); The Malibu Colony Company at Malibu Country Mart, malibucolonyco.com.

“Voyager” outdoor chair with insulated cooler in classic blue ($225); parkitmovement.com.

Rolex “Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40” in 18-carat white gold with olive green dial (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers, The Commons at Calabasas, polachecks.com.

Aervana “Travel” portable wine aerator ($80); Total Wine & More, Thousand Oaks, totalwine.com.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

CASSEROLE, ROCKY LUTEN/FOOD52; CHAIR, PARKIT CO.

Electra “Ice Cream” bicycle bell ($15); Bicycle Bob’s of Santa Barbara, Goleta, bicyclebobs-sb.com.

The Holiday Gift Guide Marshall “Minor III” wireless earbuds ($130); marshallheadphones.com.

Lego Architecture “Taj Mahal” ($120); The Lego Store, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, lego.com.

The “Strolley” ($139); Heritage Goods & Supply, Carpinteria and Solvang, heritagegoodsandsupply.com.

Rahaminov “Bar Dangle” earrings with 6.07 carats round diamonds set in 18-karat white gold (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers, The Commons at Calabasas, polachecks.com.

BedHead “Night Owls” long-sleeve, classic, stretchjersey pajamas ($120); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; nordstrom.com.

Kikkerland “Cross Stitch” D.I.Y. clock ($20); Firefly, Paso Robles, fireflypaso.com.

Galison 1,000-piece “Frank Lloyd Wright Colored Pencils” panoramic puzzle ($25); General Store Paso Robles, generalstorepr.com; and B. on Main, Ventura, bonmain.com.

Visit our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide board on Pinterest (keyword: 805living) for more great gifts.

The Holiday Gift Guide Izipizi “#C” readers in light tortoise with blue-light filter ($40); Barnes & Noble at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, barnesandnoble.com.

Jellycat “Kingfisher” and “Puffin” stuffed toys ($12 each); Chicken Little, Santa Barbara, chickenlittlekids.com.

Santa Barbara Records’ “CaliAmericana” debut double vinyl album ($30); shop. santabarbararecords.com.

Craighill “Jack” puzzle ($95); Neiman Marcus, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com.

Amboss Toys “Primo Ride On” kids toy in classic pink ($199); ambosstoys.com.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Art of Play “Cabinetarium” playing cards ($25); Los Olivos General Store, losolivosgeneralstore.com.

PLAYING CARDS, DANIEL FORERO

Capita “Super Defenders of Awesome” snowboard ($700); Zumiez: Thousand Oaks, Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; zumiez.com.

The Holiday Gift Guide

Printfresh “Tiger Queen” robe ($148); Beautyhabit at Montecito Country Mart, beautyhabit.com. Rahaminov eternity band with 9.17 carats round diamonds set in platinum (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers, The Commons at Calabasas, polachecks.com.

Philips pasta machine ($300); Crate and Barrel, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, crateandbarrel.com.

Gucci “1977” men’s tennis sneaker ($630); Gucci, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, gucci.com.

Ralph Lauren Home “Graham” throw blanket ($430); Double RL, Malibu Country Mart, ralphlauren.com.

Generation Bee soaking bath salts in “Bee Invigorated,” “Bee Energized,” “Bee Well,” “Bee Restored,” “Bee Detoxified,” and “Bee Clear Minded” ($15 for each two-ounce vial); Beautiful Mess Home & Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com.

Visit our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide board on Pinterest (keyword: 805living) for more great gifts.

The Holiday Gift Guide “Colorplay” Chinese checkers ($78); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com.

MoMA Design Store “Brooklyn” boom box ($300); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park’ nordstrom.com.

uKeg “Nitro Cold Brew” coffee maker ($199); Sur La Table, The Promenade at Westlake in Westlake Village, surlatable.com.

Men’s “Balmamion” club jersey ($190); Rapha, Santa Monica; rapha.cc. Stella McCartney “Frayme” small cross-body bag ($1,695); Neiman Marcus, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

The Holiday Gift Guide

“Stardust” earrings with 1.02 carats pave diamonds set in 14-karat white gold ($3,200); Rock Star Couture Jewelry, Westlake Village, rockstarcouturejewelry.com.

Cinnamon Projects “Circa Mineral” amethyst incense burner ($240); Santa Ynez General, santaynezgeneral.com.

New Balance “327” sneaker in outer space ($90); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; nordstrom.com. Flamingo Estates “Single Farm Early Harvest” extravirgin California olive oil ($46); Beautiful Mess Home & Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com.

INCENSE BURNER: CINNAMON PROJECTS

“The Original 35MM” wooden toy camera ($65); ONEderChild, Solvang, onederchild.com.

Cattaneo Bros. “Range Sampler” grass-fed beef jerky ($34); The Mercantile, San Luis Obispo, themercantileslo.com.

Georg Jensen “Manhattan” leather coaster set in polished stainless steel case ($89); The Copenhagen House, Solvang, thecopenhagenhouse.com.

Visit our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide board on Pinterest (keyword: 805living) for more great gifts.

The Holiday Gift Guide

Maileg miniature “Fridge,” “Blender,” and “Kitchen” ($44, $16, and $78); Bijou, Paso Robles, bijouonthepark.com.

Impala Skate “Harmony Blue Quad” roller skate ($120); Zumiez: Thousand Oaks, Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; zumiez.com. Parker Thatch canvas tennis bag ($325); Montecito Mercantile at Montecito Country Mart, montecitomercantile.com.

Bang & Olufsen “Beosound A1 2nd generation” waterproof Bluetooth speaker ($250); Best Buy: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Goleta; bestbuy.com.

Teenage Engineering “OP-1” portable synthesizer ($1,299); Guitar Center, Shoppes at Westlake Village and Oxnard; guitarcenter.com. Murphy & Daughters “Boadicea Green Tea,” “Alexandrine Geranium” and “Sappho Cucumber” hand creams ($24 each); Riviera Towel Company, Santa Barbara, rivieratowel.com.

Chance “Pebble” composite leather basketball ($39); wearechance.com.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

The Holiday Gift Guide

Three-stone halo pendant necklace with 0.6 carats of diamonds set in 14-karat yellow gold ($1,495); Lady Face Jewelers, Agoura Hills, ladyfacejewelers.com.

Bad Marlon Design Studio “Linden” dog daybed ($540); petssogood.com.

“3-in-1 Charging Station” compatible with AirPods Pro, Apple watch, and iPhone ($30); elago.com.

Peugeot “Bali Fonte” cast-iron pepper mill ($65); Los Olivos General Store, losolivosgeneralstore.com.

Banwood “First-Go” kids push-bike in navy ($189); Santa Ynez General, santaynezgeneral.com.

Luxe Dominoes “La Vieja” lucite tic-tac-toe game ($175); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 

Muzen “OTR” metal mini, portable Bluetooth and FM radio speaker ($139); Santa Barbara Museum of Art, sbma.org.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste FOOD / WINE / DINING OUT

The Precious Pistachio A COVETED STOCKING STUFFER GETS SWEETENED UP FOR THE OCCASION IN THESE NUTTY TREAT RECIPES. By Jaime Lewis

anta has never filled my stocking with pistachios, but I’ve heard they were one of his greatest hits for previous generations. Like citrus fruits, pistachios found their way into stockings and onto Christmas tables as a special treat, one not afforded for everyday snacking. Today, of course, pistachios are routinely accessible at most supermarkets, but to me, they still feel precious. Maybe it’s the fact that they are so ancient— they’re even mentioned in the Old Testament as “one of the best products of the land,” a gift that can open doors and open hearts. Or maybe it’s the work we have to put into splitting their shells. (I’ve spent afternoons on the porch, cracking and nibbling, cracking and

PISTACHIO DIVINITY According to Ben Taylor, owner of Mama Ganache Chocolates (mamaganache.com) in San Luis Obispo, divinity isn’t the easiest dessert to make. “Timing is very important,” he says. “A lot depends on the humidity and temperatures.” Note that using a candy thermometer is critical for this recipe. Taylor also stresses the importance of drizzling, rather than pouring, the hot syrup into the egg whites to prevent the heat from cooking the whites. He suggests cutting the divinity into shapes with cookie cutters, or cutting it into small squares and twisting wax paper around them like caramels. “It’s a great treat to take to parties,” he says. “It’s popular during the holidays, and when made correctly, it is delicious.” Note:

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

nibbling, until my thumbnail bent out of shape.) Perhaps it’s that outlandish color, greener than the Grinch and totally unique among nuts of the world. More likely than not, the preciousness of pistachios simply has to do with how they taste: creamy and a little sweet, soft and delicate, ideal eaten from a bowl or baked into a holiday cookie or candy. I reached out to Ben Taylor, owner of Mama Ganache Chocolates (mamaganache.com) in San Luis Obispo, and the farmers at Santa Barbara Pistachio Company (santabarbarapistachios.com) in Ventucopa, to learn about their favorite homemade pistachio treats to give as holiday gifts. They share the recipes here. Make them for others, or better yet, forward the formulas to Santa, and hope you’ve been very good this year.

always use extreme caution to avoid burns when working with hot sugar mixtures Makes about 2 pounds 5 cups sugar 1 cup water 1 cup light corn syrup ½ teaspoon salt 4 egg whites 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup roughly chopped pistachios Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with wax paper and set aside. In a large saucepan, stir together sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt over high heat. Watching a candy thermometer closely, bring mixture to 250°F.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whip egg whites on low speed with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes, then increase to medium speed until soft peaks form. When the sugar mixture reaches 250°F, drizzle half of it into the egg whites while whipping continuously. Return saucepan to heat and continue cooking until sugar mixture reaches 280°F. Drizzle and whip remaining sugar mixture into egg whites at medium speed. When incorporated, increase mixer speed slightly and continue whipping until mixture loses its gloss. Add vanilla and chopped pistachios. Beat at high speed until ingredients are well mixed. Pour divinity into prepared dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and allow it to set overnight. Cut into desired shapes and serve. >

Pistachios lend their festive green crunch to divinity.

Taste Food

The recipe comes from the Zannon family, owners of Santa Barbara Pistachio Company (santabarbarapistachios.com) in Ventucopa. Since 1991, owners Gene and Gail Zannon, and more recently their sons Tristan and Josh, have farmed 420 acres of pistachio trees at 2,900 feet above sea level on the easternmost edge of Santa Barbara County. An ideal way to bake with locally grown pistachios, these biscotti can become a sweet holiday gift. Or serve them at a festive get-together with espresso and a dollop of whipped cream.

The standard peanut gets edged out by pistachios in a holiday brittle.

PISTACHIO BRITTLE “I am from the Central Valley, and there are pistachio growers all around us,” says Ben Taylor of Mama Ganache Chocolates. Rather than peanuts, Taylor calls on the distinctive flavor of pistachios to make this brittle. The recipe produces a large batch, perfect for packing and gifting throughout the holiday season. Taylor recommends pouring the confection in its hot, fluid form onto a marble table or slab, if you have it, as it cools the brittle quickly. Alternatively, pour it onto a large sheet of wax paper laid on a countertop. He again stresses the importance of using a candy thermometer: “Temperatures matter.” Note: always use extreme caution to avoid burns when working with hot sugar mixtures. Makes 6 pounds 1⅓ teaspoons baking soda 1⅓ teaspoons salt 5⅓ cups plus 1 tablespoon water, divided 4 pounds of sugar 2¾ cups corn syrup 11 tablespoons butter 2⅔ pounds pistachios

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

If not using a marble table or slab, cover a large, spacious countertop with a generous amount of wax paper. (This recipe makes a lot of brittle, which will spread considerably.) Stir together baking soda, salt, and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl, and set it aside. In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar, corn syrup, and remaining water to 250°F, per reading on a candy thermometer. Add butter and pistachios, and continue heating the mixture until it registers 305°F on the thermometer. Stir in baking soda mixture and combine thoroughly. Remove pan from heat. Spread brittle on prepared wax paper and allow it to cool completely, at least 1 hour. When brittle is completely cooled and set, break it into shards. Line single layers with wax paper in an airtight container to prevent pieces from sticking together. Keep at room temperature for up to 1 month.

PISTACHIO BISCOTTI In Italian, the word biscotti means twicecooked, which is how these traditional cookies are dried and crisped for longer preservation.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a baking sheet. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and ¾ cup sugar in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add pistachios and pulse about 10 times. In a small bowl, lightly beat together eggs and vanilla. Pour egg mixture evenly over flour mixture in food processor and pulse about 20 times to form dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface, scraping sides and bottom of food processor bowl to empty all contents. Using the heel of your hand, mash dough with a few quick strokes to moisten any dry spots. Gather up dough, form it into a ball, then flatten it into a disk. Divide disk into quarters. Form each quarter into an 8-inchlong log. Place dough logs about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Using the heel of your hand, flatten each dough log to 2 inches wide. Sprinkle tops of flattened logs with sugar. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven (leaving oven on), and transfer baked logs to a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each log into ¾-inch slices on the diagonal. Lay biscotti on baking sheet with one cut-sidedown. Bake until they begin to color, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to four days. 

Makes 20 biscotti 1¾ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces 1½ cups Santa Barbara Pistachio kernels or any brand of shelled pistachios 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Taste Wine By Matt Kettmann

Brave New Combos for the Sparkling Season THE MAKERS OF CENTRAL COAST BUBBLIES DISH ON THEIR FAVORITE PAIRINGS. grapes, pinot noir and chardonnay, the Goat Bubbles 2016 Crémant, Santa Maria Valley

(flyinggoatcellars.com; $40) is all pinot blanc. “Pair this fresh and zesty sparkler with eggs Florentine and lemon curd crepes,” says Yost’s wife and partner-in-crémant, Kate Griffith. “We make these dishes using fresh lemons from our backyard tree and local eggs. This wine is perfect for your afternoon yacht trip around Catalina Island or brunch in the vineyard.” Bruce Freeman is another pioneer, as his

lenty of amazing things can be said about serving French Champagne with caviar, which is a classic and common combination for New Year’s Eve and other endof-year celebrations. But with so many bubbly bottlings blossoming across the Central Coast, where more than 100 wineries now make sparkling wine, why not explore more creative fare that more perfectly pairs with each sip you take? Created in 2005 by Flying Goat winemaker Norm Yost, Goat Bubbles is considered the pioneering brand of bubbly in Santa Barbara County. Though Yost makes plenty of bubbly from the traditional

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(closdesamis.com; $55) is that county’s firstever sparkling wine producer, coming from ocean-facing slopes near Santa Paula. “Our bubbly has typical notes of brioche, and yet bright citrus, with a smooth and creamy finish,” says Freeman. He and his partner, Gretel Meys Compton, developed the “Avocado Bateau” as a pairing, propping the creamy green fruit atop goat cheese and a fried pasta noodle, with pomegranate seeds on top. Alternatively, in the high/low tradition, try their “SpamStrellas,” for which Spam is cut into a star, seared to golden, topped with yellow mustard and a sprig of dill, and served on a pita cracker. The estate-grown Sanford Winery 2015 Brut Cuveé, Sta. Rita Hills (sanfordwinery.com; $53) goes with pho, according to winemaker Trey Fletcher. “The acidity of the sparkling cuts through the richness of the broth, while the saltiness of the soup invites another sip,” he says. A bit more traditional would be a quiche Lorraine, an ideal Sunday brunch pairing that matches dense bites with the sparkler’s zesty energy. Sanford’s associate winemaker Laura Roach makes a small brand of her own, and suggests one savory snack and one brunch item to go with her Loubud 2020 Brut Rosé Cebada Vineyards, Santa Ynez Valley (loubud.com; $50): Duck fat fries—

the wine “livens up each sip and beckons another taste,” Roach notes; and bagels and lox—the “refreshing sparkling cuts through the buttery lox and cream cheese splendidly,” she says.

Clos des Amis 2017 Chambang!, Ventura County

In Paso Robles, Sherman Thacher makes bubbles from viognier, and he left some of it on the lees for seven years to make the Thacher 2013 Extended Tirage Blanc de Blanc, Adelaida District (thacherwinery.com; $60).

His wife, Michelle Thacher, takes a cue from The Lark in Santa Barbara, serving their Spicy Citrus Popcorn. The wine’s “extra yeasty quality complements the popcorn almost like a sprinkling of nutritional yeast would, but better,” says Michelle. For a holiday brunch, try the savory French toast recipe by The New York Times’ Sam Sifton. It’s ideal, she says, “because of the acidity of tomatoes and the richness of the butter.” The Gleasons of Refugio Ranch recently hired chef Peter Cham to run the food service at Roblar Winery in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, where they host “Birds & Bubbles” every Thursday. Fried chicken goes especially well with the Gleason Family Vineyards 2020 Pétillant Naturel, Santa Ynez Valley (gleasonfamilyvineyards.com;

$40), which is 100 percent sangiovese from young vines. “The pairing of fried chicken and sparkling wine might sound weird at first, but it’s a match made in heaven,” says Cham, whose chicken requires a three-day process, involving brining, air-drying, and five types of pepper “to give it peppiness and a little zing.” But hurry up: the recently bottled 2021 pét-nat may be the last vintage, as the maturing sangiovese vines will go to red wine next year. Niner Wine Estate’s on-site chef Jacob Burrell pairs the Niner Wine Estates 2017 Blanc de Noirs, Edna Valley (ninerwine.com; $80) with cast-iron oven-roasted brussels sprouts in a Caesar dressing. “This rich, savory dish and the creamy tangerine/lime flavors of the bubbles are a nice ‘opposites attract’ duo,” says Burrell. He also notes that the “invigorating” bubbles do well with rock cod fritters, which can be made at home with buttermilk pancake mix. Arroyo Grande’s Laetitia Winery was founded as bubbly-only by producer Maison Deutz in 1982 and continues to produce a long line of sparklers, including the new Laetitia NV RM Brut Rosé, Arroyo Grande Valley (laetitiawine.com; $25). Laetitia

winemaker Eric Hickey recently enjoyed it alongside a spinach- and mushroomwrapped, puff pastry–encased salmon Wellington prepared by chef Ryan Fancher at Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo. Hickey describes the result in one word: “Killer.” ·

Taste Dining Out By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

Home on the Range A TEAM OF CULINARY PROFESSIONALS UNITES TO ELEVATE CONTEMPORARY STEAKHOUSE FARE IN HISTORIC SOLVANG.

he Santa Ynez Valley continues to flourish as a wine and food mecca with the recent opening of Coast Range & Vaquero Bar (coastrange.restaurant) in Solvang, the Danish-style town where smorgasbords of Swedish meatballs and jam-filled aebleskivers have been available since the 1960s. Drawn by the agricultural and equestrian traditions of the region, chef Anthony Carron and his wife Hillary Calhoun partnered with chefs Lincoln Carson and Stephen Fretz and joined forces with renowned sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr to bring the new venture to fruition. “These guys were all our first picks, and fortunately for us, no one said no,” says Calhoun, who wrangled and hosted team members for nearly a year at Coast Range Ranch during the restaurant’s renovation. “It wasn’t a hard sell,” says Carson, now a resident of the valley with his wife and daughter. “We wanted our food to match the great wines coming from this region,” he says. “While you don’t want to be rooted in the past, you also don’t want to lose sight of what’s possible here. It’s a kind of stewardship.” At first glance, the dinner menu appears to be classic steakhouse-style with starters like oysters on the half shell, caviar with traditional accompaniments, and a wedge salad. But there’s more to discover about Coast Range dishes, the result of techniques and details befitting each chef’s experience. Side dish highlights include Yukon gold and Gruyère gratin fries with ketchup, a fresh twist on creamed spinach with Parmesan and artichoke hearts, and big-shell macaroni and cheese with sheep’s milk ricotta and Comté Mornay sauce. Notable appetizers are the crab cake served with Creole remoulade and fresh watercress, chilled rock crab claws from the Channel Islands, and a daily crudo with dashi, topped with slivered jalapeños and dollops of yuzu koshō, a fermented chile-based Japanese condiment that Carron makes from scratch. Among the offerings from the “Coast” section of the menu are California king salmon, diver scallops, and bluefin tuna, which are grilled over red oak, as is the vast selection of beef cuts in the “Range” category. Selections

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A large portrait in the Vaquero Bar pays tribute to Dolly Parton, who is a source of inspiration to its founders.

are butchered to order then grilled over the outdoor firepit. Calhoun recommends the VIP seating for two in the white-tiled preparation area to take in all the action during dinner service, an option based on a memorable experience from culinary adventures she and her husband had in Rome. Local quail from Motley Crew Ranch and Kurobuta pork chops are also on hand, and all grill items come with a choice of lobster sauce, béarnaise, black truffle jus, yuzu miso, or the proprietary CR steak sauce. >

Chefs Stephen Fretz (opposite) and Lincoln Carson (above) turn out fresh takes on classics like Beef Wellington (left). Meanwhile, the 9–5 martini garners attention at the Vaquero Bar with its elderflower-purple hue and lychee garnish.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste Dining Out

Joseph Sabato helms the Vaquero Bar.

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The winter soup is a luscious, Paris-worthy French onion broth topped with crusty pain au levain (Frenchstyle sourdough bread) from Bob’s Well Bread, Gouda, and creamy stracchino cheese. The Beef Wellington in a spinach crepe with perigourdine (black truffle–based) sauce is fast becoming a Coast Range signature dish. Carson’s pastry prowess shows in the rotation of desserts, which includes Valrhona chocolate soufflé with chartreuse gelato, hot brioche doughnuts with brown-butter glaze, and a dacquoise layered with chocolate and espresso cream. The restaurant’s imaginative interior has a welcoming, Old World vibe with pressed-tin ceiling tiles, flocked wallpaper, stained-glass insets and handpainted gold leaf on dark wood panels. Custom Italian alabaster chandeliers dangle above leather banquettes, and a centuries-old wooden church podium serves as a hostess stand. Private booths feature decorative themes: horses, bulldogs, the high seas, Chumash culture, and national parks—a portrait of Teddy Roosevelt presides over the latter, as if deciding between the steak tartare and prawn cocktail. Outdoor seating is also available for lunch, dinner, or just to hang out. (For a longer stay, ask about the vacation apartments upstairs.) It’s not surprising that the Vaquero Bar, which debuted last spring, was named among Esquire magazine’s Best Bars in America in 2021. The nightly scene there is exuberant. Partner, general manager, and bartender Joseph Sabato, pours 805 and Agua Santa draft beers, knocks out chilled espresso martinis and bourbon hot toddies, and suggests northern California classic, Central Coast, and international favorites from Parr’s evolving wine list, all while spinning vinyl albums until last call. 

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.

NEW COSTA KITCHEN & BAR 1111 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, 805-882-1234 costasb.com Cal-Mediterranean; Entrées $21–$42 Ocean Views

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

Fine Dining

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

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

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

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

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

It’s appropriate that this hidden gem is set in a charming renovated house, since owner Hector Gomez has been making customers feel at home for the past 20 years. Gracious service and impeccably

The stylish signature restaurant at Mar Monte Hotel across from East Beach offers a seafood-driven menu that incorporates influences from coastal Italy and the eastern Mediterranean. Chef Nathan Lingle takes advantage of local ingredients in shareable plates like Day Boat Fish Crudo and main dishes such as Whole Roasted Branzino with green-olive salsa verde and brown-butter kale. Sip a craft cocktail, local beer on tap, or wine from the extensive list, on which Central Coast wines shine. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday.

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

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

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 Michelinstarred eateries Restaurant Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas and La Fontaine de Mars in France. Following dishes like steak tartare, escargot in puff pastry, steak frites, dayboat scallops, beef cheek Bourguignon, and Le Burger, it’s easy to say oui to crème brûlée or profiteroles for a very French ending.

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

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

At the Montecito location of this upscale steak house, black-and-white portraits of stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Warhol, and Julia Child adorn the walls. The plates and napkins are monogrammed, the patio is tented and heated for year-round enjoyment, and the bar opens an hour before dinner service begins. Steaks can be dressed with seven different sauces, there are eight versions of potato side dishes, and the onion rings should have their own Facebook fan page. The Malibu location in the Malibu Country Mart offers the same mouthwatering steaks, chops, seafood, and cocktails, and carries on the black-and-white theme with an eye-catching jazz-themed mural in the dining room. Seating is also available on the covered and heated outdoor patio. Dinner is served daily in Montecito and Tuesday through Sunday in Malibu. Lunch is offered Monday through Friday in both locations.

Holiday-themed pop-up bar Miracle at the Funk Zone (pearlsocialsb.com) takes up residence and spreads cheer at Santa Barbara’s Pearl Social lounge through December 31. Toast the season with an appropriate cocktail—like the Christmapolitan— served in whimsical signature glassware, while surrounded by festive décor. Nibble on vintage snacks like the Old-Fashioned Cheese Ball and Soft Ginger Molasses Cookie. This year, Miracle donates 10 percent of the proceeds from select glassware sales to the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good campaign, which supports relief efforts for independent restaurants. Reservations are recommended. MEDITERRANEO 32037 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-889-9105 med-rest.com Mediterranean; Entrées $16–$58 Great View, Weekend Brunch

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

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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 family-friendly Pixie Pool. Jimmy’s Pub offers a menu of salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and entrées plus craft beers and cocktails. (It’s also one of the few restaurants in Ojai to stay open past 10 p.m. on weekends.) Next door, Libbey’s Market is the place to go for a quick sandwich and a scoop of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams.

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

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

ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH 1759 South Jameson Lane Montecito, 805-900-8388 rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramar-beachmontecito Californian and Italian; Entrées $19–$55 Great Views, Saturday and Sunday Brunch

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

UPDATE SAN YSIDRO RANCH 900 San Ysidro Lane Santa Barbara, 805-565-1720 sanysidroranch.com American Entrées $48–$90, Sunday Brunch $95 Great View, Romantic, Sunday Brunch

This historic resort’s Stonehouse restaurant is helmed by executive chef Matthew Johnson. Set upstairs inside a 19th-century citrus-packing house, it boasts an inviting dining room with fireplaces, creek-side views, and a sheltered terrace. The lunch menu offers dishes like Crispy Halibut Tacos, while dinner mains include options such as Steak Diane, prepared in the classic style and flambéed tableside. Sip from the renowned wine cellar’s 12,000 bottles of varietals from around the globe. Sunday brunch includes starters, entrées, desserts, and Champagnes from Mumm.

NEW SEAR STEAKHOUSE 478 4th Place Solvang, 805-245-9564 searsteakhouse.com Steakhouse; Entrées $26–$125

Living up to its name, this restaurant and bar from owners Demetrios and Karen Loizides, owners of K’Syrah Catering and Events, serves up expertly prepared steaks and sides. A seasonal menu includes ingredients sourced from the Loizides family’s Santa Ynez Valley organic farm. Steaks range from a filet mignon center cut to a shareable tomahawk. Pork chop, lamb, and fresh seafood dishes are also on the menu. The same high standards applly to the beverage program, which features a locally focused wine list and inventive cocktails. A separate menu is devoted exclusively to martinis.

TIERRA SUR RESTAURANT AT HERZOG WINE CELLARS 3201 Camino del Sol Oxnard, 805-983-1560 tierrasuratherzog.com New American; Entrées $16–$144 (for 32-ounce rib eye for two), Buffet Brunch $65 Sunday Brunch Tucked inside Herzog’s winery and tasting room, Tierra Sur specializes in wine-friendly meals made with careful attention to detail. Executive chef Gabe Garcia maintains a local, seasonal vibe at lunch and dinner. Marinated olives and lamb bacon are made in-house. Tapas feature Wagyu sliders and a Margherita pizza with basil-cashew cheese. Watch carefully, and you may see your bone-in rib eye for two prepared on the patio’s wood-burning grill before it is served with fried kale and roasted potatoes. Desserts include frozen custards, vanillaspiced doughnuts, and a show-stopping Baked Alaska. Surrounded by the coppery glow of the walls and the burnished-wood wine rack that frames the kitchen 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

Family owned for 33 years

UPDATE WATER’S EDGE RESTAURANT AND BAR 1510 Anchors Way Ventura, 805-642-1200 watersedgeventura.com American; Entrées $21–$55

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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.

This aptly named bar and grill offers well-prepared plates from land and sea in an elegant setting with harbor views. Starters like chorizo crab cakes, garlic shrimp, and the restaurant’s award-winning New England clam chowder set the stage for main dishes such as seared sesame seed–crusted ahi and braised Szechuan short ribs. Brunch, served every Saturday and Sunday, offers appetizers, egg dishes, beignets, and waffles, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and locally sourced fish. Pets are welcome on the patio. Happy hour is every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (except holidays).

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Foodie

Cuisine that shines regardless of decor, service, ambience, or even views. 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, 805-344-4609 bellsrestaurant.com French; Entrées $18–$27

Daisy and Gregory Ryan, alums of Per Se, Thomas Keller’s Michelin-starred New York restaurant, helm this French-inspired bistro in the historic town of Los Alamos. Located in a building that served as a bank in the early 1900s and as a biker bar later, Bell’s delivers classics like steak tartare, wild Burgundy snails served with bread from Bob’s Well Bread Bakery down the street, and coq au vin. For lunch, try the French dip made with roasted rib eye. Reservations are available through the website or via email to info@bellsrestaurant.com. DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now 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.”

The new Nate’s on Marsh (natesonmarsh.com) is creating a buzz in San Luis Obispo with its updated Italian-leaning dishes and charming colonial bungalow setting. Owner and San Luis Obispo native Nathan Long also offers an extensive California-focused wine list and a full bar. Chef Libry Darusman, previously of Thomas Hill Organics in Paso Robles, presents a seasonal menu with a focus on local ingredients. Mainstay dishes include Polpette, beef, pork, and veal meatballs, with pomodoro (tomato) sauce and fresh Burrata mozzarella; and Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper) with house-made chitarra (a squared type of spaghetti) pasta. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. BOAR DOUGH TASTING ROOM 5015 Cornell Road Agoura Hills, 818-889-2387 boardoughtastingroom.com American; Entrées $16–$28 Sunday Brunch

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

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

UPDATE FIRST & OAK 409 First St. Solvang, 805-688-1703 firstandoak.com Modern European; Five-Course Tasting Menu $85 per guest; À La Carte Entrées $29–$48

This charming eatery at the Mirabelle Inn was recognized with the Plate designation in the Michelin Guide California 2019. Chef Javier Ramirez combines local ingredients with classical techniques for his seasonal five-course tasting menu, offered in addition to the à la carte menu. Look for dishes such as Roasted Cauliflower with truffle and chive vinaigrette, Kimchi Cracklings, miso-marinated duck breast, seasonal risotto, house-made pasta, local wild-caught seafood, and 28-day aged prime New York steak. A well-curated wine list includes international and Central Coast bottlings and interesting varietals.

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

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

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

The artisanal bakery and café is brought to you by the masterminds behind The Lark, Lucky Penny, and Loquita in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. The address says Anacapa Street, but walk in from Helena Avenue for the quickest access to Dart Coffee drinks and croissants, scones, cookies, and other pastries made with seasonal ingredients. Open daily, the bakery serves breakfast and lunch. Morning meal offerings include dishes like Green Eggs & Ham made with spicy green harissa and grits topped with a fried egg. The lunch menu features salads and sandwiches, plus specials like Nashville Hot Chicken served with house-made pickles. The bakery’s rustic

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

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

UPDATE INDUSTRIAL EATS 181 Industrial Way Buellton, 805-688-8807 industrialeats.com New American; Entrées $10–$18

Part restaurant, part butcher shop, and part takeout, this popular spot is hard to miss—just look for the colorful mural with floating sausages and the retro neon “EATS” sign in front. Inside, you’ll find locally sourced dishes by owner and executive chef Jeff Olsson. The frequently changing menu features an array of wood-fired pizzas, such as rosemary with Parmesan or skirt steak, tomatillo, and queso fresco (a soft, mild, white Mexican cheese). Small plates include chicken liver with guanciale (Italian cured pork), while the sandwich list offers selections like the Crispy Pork Banh Mi. Local wine and beer options are on tap. Check out the deli case for imported cheeses, housecured meats, and other delicacies.

NEW LA PALOMA CAFÉ 702 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-966-7029 lapalomasb.com Californian/Mexican/Spanish; Entrées $21–$30 Weekend Brunch

This neighborhood favorite occupies a historic building and a special place in the hearts of locals. The original La Paloma Café was open from 1940 until 1983; for the next 37 years it was Paradise Café. Now owned by Acme Hospitality, the restaurant offers a creative menu focused on oak-grilled meats and fish, along with seasonal produce. Chef Jeremy Tummel melds Spanish and Mexican influences in dishes such as Santa Barbara Mission Chicken with apple-and– pink peppercorn sauce and Santa

Maria–Style Snake River Farm Wagyu Tri Tip. Sip a specialty margarita, local wine, or beer. Seating is offered on a two-level outdoor patio or inside the casual dining room. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday; Saturday and Sunday brunch is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Alma Rosa Winery: Now in Solvang! This holiday season come enjoy our inviting new tasting room in downtown Solvang with its spacious courtyard.

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

1623 Mission Drive, Suite M Solvang, CA 805-691-9395

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

Open Daily & Weekends until 7:30 pm www.almarosawinery.com

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

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, housemade 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 threecourse plated option with bottomless mimosas as well as à la carte dishes.

RAISE a SPOON or FORK 805 Living for the

Dishing It Out for Charity Challenge, which continues through the end of this month. Now in its sixth year, the event encourages restaurants and their patrons to support charities at local and national levels each November and December. Participating restaurants (visit 805living.com for a complete list) have selected a favorite dish or created a tantalizing new one and pledged to donate $2 to the nonprofit of their choice for every order of it sold during the challenge.

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

PHOTO BY ABSOLUTVISION ON UNSPLASH

patio is shared by its neighbor, the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, which offers curated tasting flights and wines by the glass and bottle.

DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now 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 & 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 woodfired pizza oven, house-made 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.

Timbers Roadhouse (timbersgoleta. com) in Goleta brings new life to a historic restaurant space. The restored wood-clad eatery, owned by Kim and Gino Stabile, who previously owned Woody’s BBQ and Catering by Woody’s in Santa Barbara, offers lunch in the bar area and dinner in the great room with its large stone fireplace. Try the shrimp fritters appetizer and entrées, including steaks, fish and chips, and confit duck leg. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The eatery is closed on Mondays. MOODY ROOSTER 2891 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 805-370-3131 moodyroosterwlv.com New American; Entrées $13–$30

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

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

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

NELLA KITCHEN & BAR 2860 Grand Ave. Los Olivos, 805-686-1359 nellakitchen.com California-Italian; Entrées $36–$44, Pinsas $14–$35, Small Plates $14–$26

The team behind S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez operates this rustic-chic restaurant and bar located inside the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn. Executive chef and partner Luca Crestanelli oversees the offerings, favoring refined comfort food made with farm-fresh ingredients. The evolving menu features selections of cheeses and charcuterie, small plates, and main courses like Wagyu Short Ribs. Crispy Roman-style pinsa (which has a lower gluten index than pizza) is perfect for nibbling with specialty cocktails, local beers, and Italian drafts, or a glass from the wine list that spotlights Santa Barbara County vintages, including selections from Fess Parker Winery. Warm woods and earth tones make the dining room inviting, and the outdoor patio seating is divine.

UPDATE OLIO E LIMONE RISTORANTE, OLIO BOTTEGA AND OLIO PIZZERIA 11 W. Victoria St., Suites 17-18, and Suite 21 Santa Barbara, 805-899-2699 olicucina.com Italian Restaurant Entrées $20–$42, Bottega $4–$12, Pizzeria $6–$28

Husband-and-wife owners Alberto Morello and Elaine Andersen Morello preside over these three Italian venues. At the ristorante, salads, seafood, chicken, and chops are served alongside house-made pastas and sauces. Olio Bottega, a casual breakfast, lunch, snack, and retail spot next door, serves egg dishes, Italian croissants, and espresso drinks for breakfast and hot Italian street food specialties and panini on house-made focaccia for lunch. Shop from a selection of Italian specialty products, cocktails, beer, and wine to take home. At the pizzeria, enjoy chicken, fish, and beef entrées, pasta, antipasti, salads, and panini. Pizzas are topped with gourmet ingredients, such as sautéed rapini, spicy salami, and black truffles.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

SANTO MEZCAL 119 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-883-3593 santomezcalsb.com Contemporary Mexican; Entrées $15–$26

Located a block from the beach on the edge of the buzzy Funk Zone, this stylish venture from restaurateur Carlos Luna offers a fresh take on Mexican dishes made with local ingredients. The menu celebrates seafood with plates such as Halibut Ceviche and Camarones al Mescal (Mexican shrimp sautéed in a creamy mezcal sauce). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily. A full bar pours creative craft cocktails and selections from wine and beer lists with local and international labels. Happy hour hums weekdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

SIX TEST KITCHEN 3075 Blue Rock Road, Unit B Paso Robles, @six_test_kitchen sixtestkitchen.com Seasonal; 12-Course Tasting Menu $185

Slated to open next month in downtown Ventura, Stout Burgers & Beers (stoutburgersandbeers. com) is the fifth location for the pub-style restaurant. Among the menu offerings are the signature Stout Burger with blue cheese, rosemary bacon, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, and horseradish cream; the Low and Slow chicken burger; and new items created for the Ventura location. Libations include 40 beers on tap, including local craft brews, and a variety of bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. Custom-designed shipping containers provide a communal dining area on the back patio. Chef-owner Ricky Odbert started out offering his seasonal menus in a garage location, where he had six seats for lucky guests. He now has 12 chef’s-counter seats in this intimate spot in Paso Robles’ Tin City. The unique dining experience is a 12-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons and is driven by the bounty of local farms. Expect creative dishes such as raw dry-aged California yellowtail, seasoned with Meyer lemon in plum, cucumber, and gazpacho consommé. A wine pairing option features local and imported wines, and there is a short by-the-glass and bottle list. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday; reservation tickets are available online.

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

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

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

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

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

At this chic but casual restaurant in downtown Paso Robles, executive chef Libry Darusman builds on the

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

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

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

Good Eats

MIKE WALLEN LIC. #0711471

• AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE • RENTERS • HOME • MOTORCYCLE • RECREATIONAL

Visit us at The Landing 818-889-5100

mwallen@farmersagent.com farmersagent.com/mwallen 32107 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite #124 | Westlake Village

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 fourlayer slice of chocolate cake or a plate full of stuffed cabbage rolls. A separate bar also offers the full menu. The patio out back allows for even more seating. A counter up front expedites take-out orders. Brent’s Deli is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

THE DAISY 1221 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-845-0188 thedaisyrestaurant.com Californian/Mediterranean Entrées $16–$22 Kid-Friendly

Owned by husband-and-wife team Dominic Shiach and Carmen “Daisy” Deforest, this bright and airy café is known for its top-notch food, casual setting, and good value. Deforest helms the kitchen, offering dishes such as Falafel Plate, Mezze Plate, House-Smoked Brisket Banh Mi, California Lamb & Beef Kofta Meatballs with tzatziki, and Spicy Braised Chickpeas with couscous. All are made with produce from farmers markets and Farm Cart Organics in Carpinteria. Sip from a selection of 16 mostly local wines on tap, selected beers, and kombucha on tap. The café is open for lunch and dinner, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio. DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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Where to Eat Now 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, first-served at the copper bar.

Poised to make a splash at Ventura Harbor Village is On the Alley (onthealley.com), a casual eatery located downstairs from its sister restaurant, Brophy Bros. This third outpost of On the Alley adds to the Santa Barbara Harbor and Goleta locations. Look for hits like beerbattered fish tacos, fish and chips, blackened salmon salad, and a breakfast burrito, and sip a signature cocktail, local beer, or wine. The restaurant offers dine in, takeout, delivery, and harborside patio seating. JANE 1311 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-962-1311 janesb.com and Jane at The Marketplace 6940 Marketplace Drive Goleta, 805-770-5388 janeatthemarketplace.com Eclectic; Entrées $9–$34

Devoted fans keep coming back for the well-executed main dishes, pastas, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials at these sister eateries, which are named for owner Margaret Huston’s mother Jane Moody, whose pictures adorn the walls. The Santa Barbara location is open for dinner, offering entrées that range from grilled duck breast and filet mignon to Chicken Picatta and penne with house-made Bolognese sauce. For dessert, don’t miss the coconut chiffon cake. The Goleta venue is open for lunch and happy hour as well as dinner. The menu there is similar but also includes oak-fired, brick-oven pizzas.

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LOVI’S DELICATESSEN 24005 Calabasas Road Calabasas, 818-223-8777 lovisdeli.com Deli; Entrées $11–$30 Kid-Friendly

“Delicatessen” seems like a misnomer for this sharp and sleekly designed modern restaurant and bar. A comprehensive menu offers standard deli fare like triple-deckers, house-made soups, and smoked fish platters but also features contemporary dishes such as Alaskan salmon, Mexican, pasta, and vegetarian specialties, and build-your-own salads with 65-plus ingredients. The restaurant consists of four spacious areas. A bright main dining room is designed with clean lines, earth tones, and stylish riveted steel tables. Another dining room has a full bar, and the beautiful shaded outdoor patio is a perfect place for Sunday brunch. Most impressive is a private glassed-in dining room that seats 30 and has an equally impressive wine cellar. Fifteen flat-screens are judiciously placed, so they don’t detract from the upscale vibe. Lovi’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily and serves breakfast all day. Daily happy hour is from 3 p.m. until closing. Catering and delivery are available.

OYSTER LOFT 175 Pomeroy Ave. Pismo Beach, 805-295-5104 oysterloft.com Seafood; Fresh Oysters $16 per half dozen; Crudo $14–$27; Entrées $21–$47 Great Views

Savvy seafood lovers get their fix at this buzzing oceanview spot with an outdoor patio. Oysters, such as Fanny Bay and Kumamoto, are delivered fresh daily and other fresh crudo starters include scallop carpaccio and salmon poke tacos. Preparations change seasonally, but look for pan-seared Pacific halibut and cioppino, chock-full of sea bass, mussels, prawns, and littleneck clams. Non-seafood options include hangar steak au poivre and wild mushroom and asparagus risotto. Go ahead and splurge on the peanut butter–chocolate tower. Happy hour is Mondays through Thursdays (excluding holidays) from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., offering the chef’s choice of oysters on the half-shell with rice-wine mignonette for $1.50 each, $1 off draft beers, and $7 curated wines by the glass. Dinner is served nightly.

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

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

RUMFISH Y VINO 34 N. Palm Street Ventura, 805-667-9288 rumfishyvinoventura.com Caribbean–Central American Inspired Entrées $13–$27 Sunday Brunch

Rumfish Y Vino brings the taste and feel of the tropics to Ventura. The airy dining room and bar area and

roomy outdoor patio with lush plantings and a fireplace puts diners in vacation mode. Begin by nibbling crispy Conch Fritters, Ahi Tuna Crudo, or Peruvian Ceviche. Move on to Caribbean Fish Stew, braised pork tacos on house-made corn tortillas, or vegetarian rice and beans with roasted vegetables. Sip an inventive cocktail or local beer and wine. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, and daily happy hour.

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.

TAP THAI 3130 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-682-1114 tapthaicuisine.com Thai; Entrées $12–$18

At this bustling neighborhood eatery, owner Preaw Chamchoi presents a fresh, modern take on the food she grew up eating in Bangkok. Tables and counter seats are filled with groups of friends, families, and couples digging into mainstay dishes such as Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Drunken Noodles made with flat rice noodles, along with the don’t-miss side dish of Roti (Thai crepes). Drinks include Thai beer, local beer on tap, and sake.

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 jump-start the day at Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, while The Blend Superfood Bar serves smoothies, juices, and acai bowls made with local berries and honey. Other order-at-the-counter options include Love Pho, Taqueria el Tapatio, Don Waffly, Burnin’ Mouth, 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Owned by chef Michael Cherney, an alum of Las Vegas’ L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and his wife Sarah, a hospitality pro, this family-friendly restaurant focuses on scratch-made food from local ingredients. Menu stars like Solvang Hot Chicken sandwich, The Grotto Smash

Burger, Local Rock Fish Tacos, and family meals such as Whole Fried Free-Range Chicken are served in the casual earth-toned dining room, on the outdoor patio, and for takeout. Reina’s Ice Cream by the Scoop, made by the Cherneys’ daughter, is a must.

The new Reunion Kitchen + Drink (reunionkitchen.net) in Santa Barbara offers dinner with a seaside sunset view. Located in the renovated Cabrillo Pavilion adjacent to East Beach, the eatery is the familyowned company’s third location (others are in Anaheim Hills and Laguna Beach). For appetizers, try the Crab and Shrimp Ceviche and the Coconut Shrimp, available exclusively in Santa Barbara. Signature entrées include Rosemary’s Chicken and Biscuits. Current hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 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.

WAYPOINT CAFÉ 325 Durley Ave. Camarillo, 805-388-2535 thewaypointcafe.com American; Entrées $16–$25 Kid-Friendly

With its unique location at the Camarillo Airport, this café is a locals’ favorite for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and Friday and Saturday dinner with airplane traffic views. Signatures at dinner are Chicken Marsala, Top Sirloin Steak, and Rotelli Cajun Pasta, and tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and salads round out the menu. At lunch, try the Serrano Cheeseburger and an old-fashioned ice cream milkshake. Egg dishes rule at breakfast, along with Belgian waffles, pancakes, breakfast burritos, and house-made Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Tri-tip cooked on an oak-fired grill makes a special appearance on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sit inside or on the spacious outdoor heated patio.  DECEMBER 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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P.S. Sketchpad By Greg Clarke

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