805 Living Jul-Aug 2018 by 805 Living

J U LYâ&#x20AC;¢AUGUST 2018

SUMMER PERFECT

You are going to need a valid pilot’s license. For the plane, too. The nation’s first and only standalone AMG® showroom has landed at Mercedes-Benz of Thousand Oaks. With over 3,000 square feet of iconic, modern design, the AMG Elite Performance Center is the latest manifestation of 50 years of fanatical dedication to the pinnacle of automotive performance. Come experience the soul-stirring rumble of hand-built V8 motor, or configure your dream machine in life size on a video screen that’s bigger than most garage doors. The world’s fastest family finally has its own home, and it’s right here in Thousand Oaks. Fly on in any time.

Mercedes-Benz of Thousand Oaks

3905 Auto Mall Drive Thousand Oaks, CA (805) 371-5400 www.mbzthousandoaks.com

SILVERHORN Grand Reopening

FOUR SEASONS RESORT T H E B I LT M O R E S A N TA B A R B A R A

805.969.3167 I MONTECITO, CA 93108 I WWW.SILVERHORN.COM

Beauty. Warmth. Comfort. (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we do best.)

I N T ERIOR D ESIG N | R EM AR KAB LE R ESO URC ES

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

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

B E L M O N D E L E N C A N T O , S A N TA B A R B A R A

JOIN US FOR OUR 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Belmond El Encanto first opened its doors to welcome visitors and locals in 1918. In commemoration of this historic event, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put together a year-long celebration that includes exclusive offers, special events and community activities that pay tribute to the past, present and future of our enchanting resort. For more information or reservations, please call 805 845 5800 or visit belmond.com/elencanto.

800 ALVARADO PLACE, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103 | 805 845 5800 | BELMOND.COM

HOTELS | TRAINS | RIVER CRUISES | JOURNEYS | BELMOND.COM

TILE

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C O U N T E RTOP S

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31275 LA BAYA DRIVE WESTLAKE VILLAGE CA 91362

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818 889 0487

CONEJOHARDWOODS.COM

Contents J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 • S U M M E R P E R F E C T

FEATURE 74 THE 805 LIVING BEACH GUIDE

The Central Coast shoreline has plenty of sun, sand, and sea, and each beach has a personality and ideal offerings all its own. Find the perfect places for all your summer day whims. By Nancy Ransohoff Photographs by Gary Moss

UNLIMITED MOBILITY A new take on a mobile home lets a family live small and entertain-at-large.

Surfers make their way to Rincon Point, famous worldwide for its successive long-lasting waves.

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

GARY MOSS

By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss Culinary and Creative Production by Joanna Hofmann

The Sky-Dweller The revolutionary watch for world travelers, blending watchmaking ingenuity with simplicity of use. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just tell time. It tells history.

oyster perpetual SKY-DWELLER

rolex

oyster perpetual and sky-dweller are ÂŽ trademarks.

Contents

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 • S U M M E R P E R F E C T

98 41 Arts & Culture

35 Tracking the Beat of the 805

Finds

41 On the Edge

Create the ultimate poolside getaway with these hip accessories. By Jennie Nunn

44 In Awe of Straw

This summer, bag it in style with a woven wonder. By Frances Ryan

46 Travel By Erin Rottman

On the Cover Making the most of their home on wheels, Matthew and Joanna Hofmann, founders of Living Vehicle (livingvehicle.com), a mobile house–design company, choose a scenic spot for a summer dinner party (for details, see page 82). Photograph by Gary Moss

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

By Joan Tapper

By Shauna Burke

Upgrades

98 DINING OUT:

69 Chill Zone

Good Deeds

A Seafaring Affair Santa Barbara’s new Bluewater Grill location continues the ocean-to-table seafood tradition started by a beloved restaurant formerly at the site.

By Heidi Dvorak

of Art Women’s Board

By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

50 Local Events & Family Fun 52 Hot Ticket 54 Show Your Support 56 Worth a Drive 57 Give Back

By Mark Langton Photographs by Baron Erik Spafford

101 Dining Guide

Taste

P.S. Sketchpad

Three local chefs share their favorite ways to prepare lobster.

By Greg Clarke

DEPARTMENTS Pulse

A different kind of school imparts old skills in new ways.

96 BEER: Heady Floats What better way to keep cool this summer than with ice cream bobbing in beer?

66 Just Folks

Insider

Special: Kid Pleasers

Elevate patio-lounging comfort with cool outdoor furnishings. By Frances Ryan

72 Santa Barbara Museum

92 FOOD: Get Crackin’ By Jaime Lewis

58 Fun Time

Whether it’s cooking like a cowpoke, creating a computer app, or participating in any other of these 10 engaging local activities, there are plenty of ways to keep the young crowd happy this season. By Heidi Dvorak

Insights

62 Bookmark Archaeology Traces of the past lay hidden between the pages of a library.

By Anthony Head Photograph by Gary Moss

112 Summer Reading

In Every Issue

18 Editor’s Note 24 Masthead 28 Behind the Scenes

Visit Us Online! 805living.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest keyword: 805Living Check out the free digital version of 805 Living on our website and on issuu.com. It’s smartphone and tablet compatible. Become an 805 Living Insider! Sign up to receive “The Insider,” our free mid-month newsletter that provides additional suggestions for local events and activities, last-minute getaway ideas, and little extras—like food and wine tips—to help you get through the month. Insiders will also receive special offers, contest news, event invitations, and more. Subscribe at 805living.com.

62 AND 98: GARY MOSS

Shown: Duquesa Fatima Decorative Field in Mezzanotte.

What will you create?

Tile & Stone Showroom Stone Slab Gallery 16719 Schoenborn St. North Hills, CA 91343 818.280.8300

Tile & Stone Showroom 8750 Melrose Avenue West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.659.1234

Authentic, handcrafted natural stone and ceramic tile, since 1952 walkerzanger.com

Sensational for all the senses CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

31943 Agoura Road | Westlake Village, CA | 91361 | westlakevillageinn.com | 818.889.0230

Barry Garapedian

Seth Haye

Top 400 Advisors in America

Forbes Top Next-Gen Advisor

—Financial Times

(#2 in CA and #16 in USA)

FRONT, LEFT: Seth Haye: Executive Director, Financial Advisor; Barry Garapedian:

Top 40 Under 40

Managing Director–Wealth Management, Financial Advisor; Gregory Givvin: Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; BACK, LEFT: Anna Quirino-Miranda: Client Service Associate; Carlos Garcia, Financial Advisor; Elisa Decker: Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager; Stephanie Hartmire: Senior Registered Service Associate; Clint Spivey: Relationship Manager; Lanelle Morin: Client Service Associate

—On Wall Street

The Oaks Group at Morgan Stanley | 805-494-0215

The Financial Times Top 400 Financial Advisors is an independent listing produced annually by the Financial Times (March, 2017). The FT 400 is based on data gathered from advisors, broker-dealer home offices, regulatory disclosures and the FT's research. The listing reflects each advisor's status in six primary areas: assets under management, asset growth, compliance record, experience and online accessibility. The award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. The rating may not be representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of the Financial Advisor's future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to The Financial Times in exchange for the rating. Source: Forbes Magazine (July, 2017). Data provided by SHOOK TM Research, LLC. Data as of 3/31/17. SHOOK considered Financial Advisors born in 1980 or later with a minimum 4 years relevant experience, who have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information see www.SHOOKresearch.com. On Wall Street's Top 40 Under 40 asks brokerage firms to nominate their top young brokers. Of those nominated, On Wall Street bases its rankings on quantitative and qualitative criteria. Financial Advisors are ranked by their annual trailing-12 month production (as of Sept 30, 2014). The rating is not indicative of the advisor's future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its financial advisors pay a fee to On Wall Street in exchange for the rating.

CRC# 1913332

10/17

REPLACING YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS? This guide is a must read.

Download your FREE Simplifying Window and Door Replacement guide from Marvin® Windows and Doors. You know it’s time to replace those drafty windows and doors, but you’re not sure where to start. Here’s your first step… download this free informative guide to replacing windows and doors by an industry leader, Marvin Windows and Doors. This guide walks you through the process in simple, easy to understand language. You will be able to analyze material options, styles, and learn about energy efficiency. Do yourself and your home a favor and download this guide today.

Go to myfreewindowguide.com and get your FREE informative guide to replacing windows and doors.

Editor’s Note

What Do Tricked-Out RVs and Beer Floats Have in Common? THEY’RE BOTH GREAT FOR SUMMER FUN. AND IF ANYTHING ELSE RELATES TO THIS SEASON, THEN WE’VE GOT IT COVERED BETWEEN THE COVERS OF THIS SUMMER PERFECT ISSUE. THAT INCLUDES lobster rolls, lighthouses, beaches, camping, beer and ice cream (together!), surfing, sailing, and road trips. And it’s all here to help you have, well, the perfect summer. That may seem a tall order, but we’ve also got festivals, fairs, cornhole, and a lot more. The bounty of cool warm-weather activities on the following pages is basically a license to relax, and relax you should. So, if your idea of a blissful summer involves hanging out at the shore, check “The 805 Living Beach Guide” on page 74 to find the perfect coastal spot to chill. Looking to take a road trip to the next level? Then turn to page 82 and see how Matt and Joanna Hofmann’s thoroughly modern Living Vehicle and moveable alfresco feast can do just that. Did you ever think your choice for a summer book might hold more than just a good story inside? Then don’t miss “Bookmark Archaeology” on page 62. And our “Kid Pleasers” special on page 58 features the kind of local diversions that manage to keep the little ones happy and busy—and might just free up an hour or two for you. Let’s assume you do everything. All I can say is that so much relaxing is bound to be exhausting, so don’t blame us if you need a little vacation come September. After putting together this bountiful double issue, our team needs some downtime, too. We’re taking a short break, but we’ll all be back to work soon enough, cooking up our annual Food & Wine issue. Wishing you a wonderful summer. I’ll see you all again in September.

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher

GARY MOSS

edit@805living.com

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Nowhere is the magic of a California moment more tangible than at the world-class Spa Ojai. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place where time resets, memories are crafted, and life itself has the space to hit its highest notes. Come explore how our authentically reimagined resort can help create and care for your special day.

800.918.6043 OjaiValleyInn.com

ÂŠ2018 Ojai Valley Inn

Financial Planning & Investment Management

PalmCM.com | 805.727.2000

2945 Townsgate Road, Suite 200 Westlake Village, California 91361 Schedule Your No-Obligation Consultation With An Experienced Fiduciary Wealth Advisor.

Alano Massi, MBA, CFPÂŽ Palm Capital Management, LLC is a d/b/a of Dynamic Wealth Advisors. All investment advisory services are offered through Dynamic Wealth Advisors. The material contained in this ad is not a solicitation to purchase or sell any security or offer of investment advice. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only. A copy of Dynamic Wealth Advisorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure is available upon written request and can also be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/IAPD by searching under CRD#151367.

HARVEST DINNER & GRAPE STOMP Join the best Harvest Party in Paso Robles

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19TH & SATURDAY OCTOBER 20TH

Roll up your pant legs and get ready to stomp! In between grape stomping, folk dancing and of course, fabulous Opolo wine, we will be treating you to some of Opoloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest delicacies. This event sells out every year, reserve your tickets today!

For tickets and more information visit: opolo.com or call 805.238.9593

Opolo | 7110 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles CA 93446 | 805.238.9593

GRAND KITCHEN Event

Get Three Additional Years of Protection for Extra Peace of Mind* OR QUALIFY FOR A $1,000 REBATE *with a qualifying purchase of a Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance package See stores for details.

Agoura Hills 30621 Canwood St. 818.991.8846

Burbank 851 N. San Fernando Blvd. 818.844.0900

Moorpark 14349 White Sage Rd. 805.222.1380

Santa Barbara 3920 State St. 805.898.9883

www.wdcappliances.com

Oxnard 887 Ventura Blvd. 805.278.0388

Torrance 20901 Hawthorne Blvd. 310.802.6380

EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Lynne Andujar

edit@805living.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bernard Scharf MANAGING EDITOR

Kathy Tomlinson DESIGNER

Sophie Patenaude PHOTO EDITOR

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com SENIOR EDITOR

Heidi Dvorak CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Mark Langton (Philanthropic Events), Jennie Nunn (Shopping), Erin Rottman (Travel), Frances Ryan (Fashion, Interior Design) CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Jaime Lewis CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shauna Burke, Victoria Woodard Harvey, Nancy Ransohoff, Joan Tapper CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

Greg Clarke RESEARCH EDITORS

Gaylen Ducker Grody, Tajinder Rehal CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Gary Moss CONSULTING EDITOR

Anthony Head

home furnishings

interior design

online w w w.c a b a n a h o m e .c o m

i n - s t o re santa barbara

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, JULY / AUGUST 2018

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer S. Vogelbach Home furnishings and design, fine jewelry, fashion jennifer@805living.com 818-427-3496 ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

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Diane Dreyer Santa Barbara County Real estate, home builders, architects, wineries diane@805living.com 818-879-3951

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

805 LIVING, JULY / AUGUST 2018

Behind the Scenes

The 805 is home to many a summer memory. Here’s what a few of our contributors remember fondly. Anthony Head Consulting editor Anthony Head (Insights, page 62) recalls an 805 Living–related story: “For our August 2006 issue, editor in chief Lynne Andujar, photo editor Gary Moss, and I ran around Malibu taking photographs for a story I wrote called ‘Malibu Confidential.’ Lynne chatted with store owners, Gary stopped traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway, and I just had to stand around and look 12 years younger than I do today.” Check the photo.

Jaime Lewis “I grew up spending a week of summer at my grandmother’s cottage in Summerland,” says contributing columnist Jaime Lewis (Taste/Food, page 92). “Burgers at Tinker’s, pancakes at Summerland Beach Café, and days in the waves: Those are my sweetest summer memories. Today, her name is on a memorial bench in Lookout Park.”

“One summer morning, my husband and I cycled route 150 from Ojai to Carpinteria,” says travel editor Erin Rottman (Finds/ Travel, page 46). “It was a beautiful and challenging ride, made harder because, unbeknownst to me, the brake pads were rubbing against the wheel rim. Reaching the beach awarded me the greatest sense of accomplishment, but when I saw the trouble with my bike, I felt even more proud to learn that I conquered Casitas Pass with my brakes on!”

HEAD: GARY MOSS; LEWIS: ALEXANDRA WALLACE

Erin Rottman

Behind the Scenes

Our featured experts share their favorite 805 summer recollections. “Learning to make and put up homemade chutney with women across three generations.” —Jenn Hooten

(Arts & Culture, page 66) co-founder California Folk School Los Alamos cal-folk.com

“Riding a beach cruiser around Shell Beach and watching fireworks from the Dinosaur Caves.” —Brooke Town

(Taste/Beer, page 96) owner and operator The Spoon Trade and Grover Beach Sourdough thespoontrade.com groverbeachsourdough.com

“Picnicking with my now‑husband and dog on top of Figueroa Mountain among the poppies.” —Joanna Hofmann

“This summer our family enjoyed watching our son and daughters learn how to play baseball at The Hit Factory in Newbury Park.” —Greg Finefrock

(Taste/Beer, page 96) owner Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen Westlake Village finneyscrafthouse.com

TOWN: REBEKAH VENTURINI (ATOMIC GRAPHICS); HOFMANN: MATT WIER

(“Unlimited Mobility,” page 82) co-founder and CMO Living Vehicle Santa Barbara livingvehicle.com

NEW HOMES NOW SELLING

Idyllic Living the Enchanted Way... Lonestar Estates, Thousand Oaks

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311 HAIGH ROAD, SUITE 201, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 | www.hydamhomes.com | 805-498-7786

VOTED AS NATIONALLY Real Estate Agency Brand of Year Most Trusted Real Estate Brand 2018 Harris Poll EquiTrend Study

Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Sellers among National Full Service Real Estate Firms J.D. Power’s 2017 HomeBuyer/Seller Satisfaction Survey

LOCALLY Best Real Estate Brokerage in Ventura County Ventura County Star Reader’s Choice Awards, 2017 & 2018

BHHSCALHOMES.COM ©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

pacpatio.com Price Match Guarantee Top Notch Customer Service White Glove Delivery Service

Agoura Hills 818-949-6120 28505 Canwood Street

Patio Furniture 路 Fire Pits 路 Umbrellas 路 Cushion Replacements 路 Accessories

Pulse

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

IMMERSION CINEMA

Ah, the smell of freshly chlorinated water, the sight of a shimmering turquoise oasis, and the chilling sensation that comes from taking that first plunge. Staying cool in a pool is de rigueur for swim fans in summer, and many double their pleasure by taking in a dive-in movie—that’s a public screening of a fun flick at a pool. Make a splash at Rancho Simi Community Park Pool (rspd.org) in Simi Valley with Despicable Me 3 on July 7 and The Lego Ninjago Movie on August 11;

at Kennedy Club Fitness in Paso Robles with Ferdinand on July 28 and Coco on August 11; and at Ventura Aquatic Center with Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs on July 6, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs on July 20, Megamind on August 3, and Ferdinand on August 17. Or consider hosting a backyard dive-in movie party of your own. FunFlicks of Southern CA (funflicks.com), a national outdoor movie event–rental company serving Ventura County, sets up all the necessary equipment. —Heidi Dvorak JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

A LUMINESCENT LOCAL GEM Tucked into the manzanita and eucalyptus trees of the Montecito hills, The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple

(vedantabookstore.com) is a little-known shop that began in the early 1960s as a folding table at the temple steps, offering incense and classic texts of Vedantic philosophy, a tradition rooted in ancient Hinduism. Since then, it has evolved into a unique store featuring carefully sourced meditation tools, imported and fair-trade gifts, hand-hewn stone and bronze sculptures, and, of course, inspiring and contemplative reads. “We offer books as a service,” says senior nun Sister Krishnaprana, “to provide people with the opportunity to explore and find their path.” Book buyer Sister Vrajaprana, another resident nun at the small convent on the idyllic 45-acre property, personally selects each title, shelved in sections that now incorporate Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Native American spirituality, and women’s studies. Other categories include a selection of picture books for children, Indian and vegetarian cookbooks, and the latest titles in both scientific inquiry and mindfulness. Former interior designer and key volunteer Wendy Varnals sources the heirloom textiles, high-quality, featherlight pashminas, and silk and cotton kurtas from India; jewelry from Israeli and Balinese artisans; handcrafted bird feeders from Peru; picture frames from Italy; and very cool, hand-beaded Wazi sandals from Tanzania, which, through their purchase, provide nursing scholarships for women in that country. Proceeds from the store, which is staffed by a dozen community volunteers, help fund the nonprofit Vedanta Society of Southern California. —Victoria Woodard Harvey

A LANDMARK PARK

Nestled in a small valley in Thousand Oaks, bordered by Westlake Boulevard to the east, Erbes Road to the west, and Avenida de los Arboles to the north, Sapwi

Trails Community Park

is a natural open space with a variety of activitysupporting enhancements. “The park offers a place for open-space activities to take place in a more controlled setting,” says

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Conejo Recreation and Park District superintendent Matt Kouba. There’s a disc-golf course, a remote-control scalemodel glider area, and a bike park with pump tracks (banked off-road circuits) and a flow trail, which is a path built for an unobstructed riding experience. A multiuse perimeter trail for hiking, horseback riding, and

biking is also available to local cross-country running teams for practice and events. The bike park component is in need of additional funding; to donate visit sapwibikepark. com. Completion of the majority of the amenities is expected by September, but the area is open to the public now. —Mark Langton

ART WITH STREET CRED

Where does art live? One look at the work of Barry McGee and those with a keen intellect might deduce the only possible answer: everywhere. As a street art pioneer, McGee is known for his bent on urban culture, DIY aesthetic, and use of found objects. And like the disorderly order of street life itself, the content of his solo show, from July 1 to October 14 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (mcasantabarbara.org), is equally unpredictable. Even associate curator Alexandra Terry isn’t privy to the outcome. “He’s drawing inspiration from the local environment, creating sitespecific installations,” says Terry. “You may have seen certain elements before, like pieces from surf culture and skate culture, as well as preexisting paintings, drawings, ceramic pieces, videos, and sculptures, all of which may be part of the exhibit, thus creating a new framework for them.” 

—H.D.

TOP, RIGHT: BARRY MCGEE, UNTITLED, 2017, ACRYLIC AND GOUACHE ON PANEL, 5 ELEMENTS, 36.5 X 32.5 X 1.75 IN., COURTESY RATIO 3, SAN FRANCISCO, AND CHEIM & READ, NEW YORK; BOTTOM, LEFT: COURTESY OF FLOWRIDE CONCEPTS; BOTTOM, RIGHT: MATT HAWTHORNE

Pulse

Beautifully Maintained and Much Sought After Single Story Home 545 Kalinda Place, Newbury Park

Light and bright open floor plan with 10 ft. ceilings. Beautifully updated throughout. Newly remodeled kitchen with Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Dacor double ovens. Spacious master suite with sitting area. Newly remodeled bathrooms. Upgraded lighting. New wood and porcelain travertine flooring, freshly painted inside and out. Furnace, A/C, water heater and duct work were replaced. Plantation shutters. ADT alarm system. Lovely landscaped yard with covered patio and retractable awning. Plenty of grassy play area or future pool. Rose and vegetable garden with 9 fruit trees. Enjoy fresh eggs from your own chicken coop! Storage/Garden shed.

Offered at $1,195,000 - www.545Kalinda.com

Sigi & Pam 818.879.2999 Luxury CollectionSM Specialists sigiandpam@sigiandpam.com www.sigiandpam.com Sigi CalBRE # 00589771 / Pam CalBRE # 00669728

Associate Brokers. ÂŠ2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.ÂŽ Equal Housing Opportunity.

EXCEPTIONAL NORTH RANCH HOME 1724 Mesa Ridge Avenue, Westlake Village Much sought after single story home in Whitehawk at North Ranch. Situated on a beautiful street and a private lot. Two wings surround the large, private and lushly landscaped front courtyard. The center foyer offers an entry panorama through pairs of French doors to the rear yard. The living room and formal dining room flank the entry with the gourmet island kitchen, breakfast nook and family room just around the corner. The hallway leads to two secondary bedrooms and an office/study. The master suite is spacious and private with a luxurious sunken tub set in a private rommantic garden. Private yard with pool, spa and patio areas for easy entertaining.

Offered at $1,799,000 - www.1724MesaRidge.com

Sigi & Pam 818.879.2999 Luxury CollectionSM Specialists sigiandpam@sigiandpam.com www.sigiandpam.com Sigi CalBRE # 00589771 / Pam CalBRE # 00669728

Associate Brokers. ÂŠ2018 Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.ÂŽ Equal Housing Opportunity.

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

On the Edge Create the ultimate poolside getaway with these hip accessories. By Jennie Nunn

“Kate Roebuck” beach towel ($58); Anthropologie at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; anthropologie.com.

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds

2 1 4 3

1. White picnic cooler ($70); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 2. Polk Audio Boom “Swimmer Duo” Bluetooth speaker ($60); Target at the Shoppes at Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Maria, Woodland Hills, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; target.com.

3. Watermelon wedger ($20); Williams-Sonoma at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, La Cumbre Plaza, Santa Barbara, The San Luis Obispo Collection, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; williams-sonoma.com. 4. Stacking acrylic margarita glass ($5); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 5. Sunnylife “Ping Pong Play on Ice Cream” set ($36); Burt’s Pharmacy, Westlake Village and Newbury Park; burtsrx.com. 6. “Toyo” wide-brim hat with painted band ($120); Maison K, Santa Barbara, maisonkstyle.com. 7. Malibu pool accessory storage bin ($249); Pottery Barn at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and The San Luis Obispo Collection; potterybarn.com.

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8. Fringed macramé hammock ($128); Anthropologie at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. 9. Fujifilm “Instax Mini 9” instant camera ($69); Urban Outfitters at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, The San Luis Obispo Collection, Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, and Malibu; urbanoutfitters.com. 

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

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Finds Style By Frances Ryan

In Awe of Straw

This summer, bag it in style with a woven wonder.

1. Eric Javits “Brigitte Squishee” shoulder bag ($375); Nordstrom at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; nordstrom.com.

2. “Shiraleah” black braided pom-trim clutch ($28); Express at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Pacific View Mall, Ventura, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; express.com. 3. “Fan” rattan clutch ($88); J.Crew at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, jcrew.com. 4. “Ava” wicker bag ($198); J.McLaughlin, Montecito, jmclaughlin.com. 5. “Circle” straw tote in pom-pom ($118); J.Crew at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, jcrew.com.

6. Loeffler Randall “Tassel” pouch ($195); Neiman Marcus at Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com. 7. Straw bag with round handles ($50); Zara at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; zara.com. 8. Raffia basket ($40); Zara at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; zara.com. 9. Rattan purse ($92); Heritage Goods & Supply, Carpinteria, heritagegoodsandsupply.com. 

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Finds Travel By Erin Rottman

HOT TIP

Another flight delay? European law allows passengers to seek compensation when faced with a canceled flight, when denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, or when forced to endure delays of three hours or more. Through AirHelp (airhelp.com), an airline passenger advocacy

hree ropes hang at the recently redesigned obstacle course at Rancho La Puerta retreat in Baja California (rancholapuerta.com, from $3,700 per person per week; through September 7 use promo code “805Living” in the booking comments to save $250 on a seven-night visit). One is 12 feet long, another 15 feet, and the third is 20 feet. They might be intimidating, but they beg to be climbed. When guests attempt to do so, proper foot placement is as important as upperbody strength. Once the technique is demonstrated, “It surprises people that they are able to climb the whole thing or half of it or part of it or even two feet up,” says fitness manager Marcos Landavazo. This is how the ropes grant empowerment. The course, which has 14 stations, each with beginner through advanced options, is just one way to unplug at the 4,000-acre retreat set amid chaparral and granite boulders in the foothills of Mount Kuchumaa. Visitors can slide cell phones into mini “sleeping bags” on arrival, and reap the rewards of the weekly rate, which includes accommodations, organic vegetarian and pescatarian meals, and

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

firm, passengers flying to Europe can submit a claim and let the company do the work. There is no charge for filing; if AirHelp wins compensation, a 25 percent service fee applies. A recently unveiled tool on the company’s website allows travelers to search compensation eligibility for the previous three years.

Guests at Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, Mexico, tackle obstacle course stations as part of a guided class (left) and on their own (top).

OBSTACLE COURSE: COURTESY OF RANCHO LA PUERTA; IPHONE: COURTESY OF AIRHELP

LEARNING THE ROPES IN BAJA

more than 50 different fitness and wellness classes. Spa treatments are extra. Activities are regularly updated and include conventional as well as less conventional options. New this year are Bounce, a one-hour trampoline class, and aerial silks, which is a yoga practice incorporating poses and stretches performed by students using silk hammocks suspended at knee height. The most popular courses are Inner Journey: Guided Meditation and Sound Healing, during which the instructor uses crystal bowls to emit vibrations for relaxation. Barry Shingle, director of guest relations and programming, says that by day three, people start to release stress. “The person who arrives on Saturday,” he says, “is a different person from the person who leaves the following Saturday.”

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Finds Travel

A HOTEL RENO ON CANNERY ROW

Chinese immigrants were the first to make an industry of fishing in Monterey Bay in the 1850s, but it was the high demand for canned sardines during World War I that fueled the development of the famous street known as Cannery Row. As the sardine population dwindled after World War II, the canneries closed and the area was revitalized as the popular vacation destination that it remains today. Ideally located on the waterfront along a quiet stretch of the historic street, the four-star Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (montereyplazahotel.com; from $279) recently completed a renovation of its guest rooms, luxury suites, and public spaces. Decorated in navy blue and white, the lobby now mirrors the views from its expansive windows overlooking the ocean. The newly appointed guest rooms include bathrooms with walk-in showers and natural stonework. Two new hot tubs and a fireplace add to the relaxing open-air experience on the rooftop Vista Blue Spa sundeck. Across the street, Adventures by the Sea rents kayaks and standup paddleboards that can be launched from the beach adjacent to the hotel. Children, however, may be more excited about the tide pool bingo they get at check-in and the teepees that can be set up for a comfy indoor campout.

ear ye, hear ye: The new Legoland Castle Hotel (legoland. com) is a fairy-tale dream come true. Imagine: 2,100 masterful Lego models showcased inside and out, wandering costumed characters, and an attention to detail that includes vibrantly graphic carpeting and wallpaper throughout as well as an indoor slide, a dungeon, a joke wall, and piles of Legos everywhere to keep the fantasy real. Each of the 250 guest rooms tells a story with design themes of Knights and Dragons, Magic Wizard, or Royal Princess. Kids get their own private sleeping quarters outfitted with bunk beds and a TV. Adults can drift off to dreamland on a fanciful

Throughout the Legoland Castle Hotel troves of Lego pieces, like this one at the Jester’s Bar play area in the Dragon’s Den restaurant, invite young guests to build their own creations with inspiration from models on display.

platform bed beneath sparkling stars. The Royal Courtyard serves as an expansive play area with Lego and Duplo climbing structures as well as a live entertainment venue. Dining in the Dragon’s Den offers vignettes, interactive storytelling, and games. The hotel is located in Carlsbad just steps from Legoland, which just opened a new attraction, Lego City: Deep Sea Adventure. Guests board a real submarine for an underwater adventure in a 300,000-gallon tank, where they can view more than 2,000 sea creatures and log in sunken treasure with touchscreens at each porthole.  —Heidi Dvorak

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL & SPA: PAUL DYER; PLAY AREA: COURTESY OF LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA RESORT

A newly completed remodel at the waterfront Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa on Cannery Row (left) revamped suites (above) and added two hot tubs to the spa’s rooftop sundeck (bottom).

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Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak

Pink Martini

7/ 1 2 —2 2

July 11

July 12–August 4

August 3

VAL KILMER LIVE PRESENTS CINEMA TWAIN Levity Live, Oxnard. The Huckleberry Finn author comes to life on a stage usually reserved for stand-up comedians. Kilmer’s rendition certainly has its light moments, but the actor reveals serious acting chops in his dramatic portrayal; oxnard.levitylive.com.

CENTRAL COAST SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Filipponi Ranch, San Luis Obispo. Is all the world really a stage? Find out while picnicking and enjoying vino at a family-run wine estate during performances of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It followed up by Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers; centralcoastshakespeare.org.

AMERICAN IDOL LIVE! 2018 TOUR Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Center. The current season’s top seven finalists—Gabby Barrett, Cade Foehner, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Jurnee, Maddie Poppe, Catie Turner, and Michael J. Woodard— show off the talents that won them masses of fans and a steppingstone to success. Season eight American Idol winner Kris Allen also performs; civicartsplaza.com.

July 12–22

July 22

VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL: AN AMERICAN SEASON Ventura locations. Under the artistic direction of Nuvi Mehta, an impressive lineup of artists, including Pink Martini, guitarist John Jorgenson, singer Perla Batalla, and the Akropolis Reed Quintet, perform. Check out Tea & Trumpets, a proper English tea with a brass quintet; venturamusicfestival.org.

SYNCOPATED LADIES Oxnard Performing Arts Center. If anyone can give tap dancing a comeback, it’s these hoofers, who won the hearts of viewers on So You Think You Can Dance. Their in-sync, sensual choreography brings new meaning to the oldschool percussive movement; oxnardperformingarts.com.

August 23

adults, too) at a touring rock concert of contemporary pop tunes for young ears. Everyone can dance and sing along; parents get the opportunity to compete in a lip-synch battle; vinaroblesamphitheatre.com.

with a turkey leg in one hand and a deep-fried pickle in the other. The folksy fest dates back to 1875 and offers all the trappings of the days of yore, including a carnival midway, live entertainment, and exhibits showcasing gems, art, floriculture, and photography; venturacountyfair.org.

THOUSAND OAKS BREWFEST Conejo Creek North Park. The Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks means business when it comes to beer and raising money for community organizations. More than 30 craft breweries gather at an adults-only suds sampler with food from local eateries, a silent auction, a raffle, and dancing to music by the classic rock band Ignition; tobrewfest.com.

Family Fun Here’s an Idea: Whether it’s eclectic, memorable, influential, or wonderfully wacky, ANIMATED NIGHTS is the theme for this summer’s UCSB Arts & Lectures film series. Screenings take place from July 6 through August 24 on Wednesday nights at UC Santa Barbara Campbell Hall and on Friday nights at the Sunken Garden at Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Leading the program are 16 animated shorts called the “19th Animation Show of Shows,” followed by The Triplets of Belleville, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Ratatouille, The Iron Giant, Persepolis, and Loving Vincent; artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Through July 15 BIG RIVER Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Bluegrass, folk, and country music make this adaptation of Mark Twain’s 1884 novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, even more compelling as Huck and Jim escape on the Mississippi River in search of freedom; simi-arts.org.

July 13–15 ANNUAL WEST COAST CUB FLY-IN Lompoc Airport. The sky’s the limit at an air show with flour bombing, aerial games, and contests in proficiency and spot landings. Chat up some pilots and view historic aircraft; westcoastcubflyin.com.

July 18–29 CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR Paso Robles Event Center. Tractor restoration, veggie art, livestock, funnel cakes, a diaper dash, home-brewing demos, wine-making, Pitbull (the entertainer, not the dog), Demi Lovato, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and other performers demonstrate the diversity of this annual shindig; midstatefair.com.

August 1–12 July 17 KIDZ BOP LIVE 2018 TOUR Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles. Kids entertain kids (and

VENTURA COUNTY FAIR Ventura County Fairgrounds. Wander around this so-called “country fair with ocean air”

August 24–26 SPENCER MAKENZIE’S END-OFSUMMER THROW DOWN 2018 Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co., Ventura. It’s all about cutthroat cornhole at a block party for all ages. Bring a lawn chair and watch the action or join in a competition in which players of all ages can compete. DJs, food, games, and live music are on the docket for three days of just plain ol’ stupid fun; spencermakenzies.com. >

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7/ 1 3 — 1 5

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Hot Ticket

Book your seats now for these hot upcoming events. JULY

- featuring -

Through July 15, July 20–August 5: Two plays are performed under the stars as part of the KINGSMEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL. The tragicomedy The Two Nobel Kinsmen takes the lead, and the tragic story of Othello concludes the run; Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, kingsmenshakespeare.org. Through August 19: In GENGHIS KHAN, the brutal barbarian and leader of the Mongol Empire who brought the concept of democracy to the west stars in his own exhibit featuring 13th-century weapons, costumes, jewels, instruments, and documents; Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, reaganfoundation.org.

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Through September 23: Inspired by several large drawings in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s permanent collection, SUMMER NOCTURNE: WORKS ON PAPER FROM THE 1970s represents stylistic practices and the culture of that era. Included are works by Robert Beauchamp, Huguette Caland, Richard Dunlap, Dane Goodman, Luchita Hurtado, Tom Marioni, Marie Schoeff, Michelle Stuart, Joan Tanner, and John M. White; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, sbma.net. Through October 14: Within a darkened space, 24 color televisions mounted on pedestals are arranged on an arc in late artist Nam June Paik’s exhibit TV CLOCK. This work, created by a trailblazer of video art, is on view for the first time in nearly a decade. Each electronic image was created by manipulating televisions to compress its red, green, and blue color into a single line against a black background. Rather than using a videotape, disc, or computer chip, Paik created an image by manipulating electronic elements in a way that resembles measuring time; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, sbma.net. Through April 2019: Mullin Automobile Museum, Oxnard. Elegant design and handcrafting are the hallmarks of the French builders of cars such as Bugatti, Citroen, De Villars, Vanvooren, and others. In L’ÉPOQUE DES CARROSIERS: THE ART AND TIMES OF THE FRENCH COACHBUILDERS

Concours-winning vehicles are on view including the famed 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic; mullinautomotivemuseum.com. July 14: Intended for children ages 2 through 10, A FAERY HUNT MAGIC IN SHERWOOD FOREST

is an interactive adventure and show that takes place in Fairyland. As kids make their way through

the forest (where the original Robin Hood was filmed), they become part of the story as they meet sprightly fairies, fairy royalty, and other fanciful creatures. Most children come in costume; Corriganville Park, Simi Valley, afaeryhunt.com.

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July 14, 21, 28: Winemaker wannabes can tap into their hidden talents at Opolo Vineyard’s WINE BLENDING PARTIES. Instruction and fun begin in the barrel room, where mixing, testing, and tasting take place. Each student concocts a magnum of a Bordeaux blend, and then the results are judged by an expert tasting panel. The winner gets a custom double magnum of their wine as a trophy, and everyone gets to take home a magnum of their own wine; Opolo Vineyard, Paso Robles, opolo.com. July 17–29: Keeping up in tempo with social change, the Festival Mozaic MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS summer concert series transcends the boundaries of geography, gender, national identity, and technology with diverse performances of classical and what’s termed “UnClassical” music. Sit in on master classes, workshops, and rehearsals, talk to the musicians, and attend concerts from morning through evening in conventional and unconventional venues, such as vineyards, ranches, courtyards, and missions. There’s even a piano performance devoted to new arrangements of Radiohead songs; San Luis Obispo locations, festivalmozaic.com. July 18: Take a tuneful trip with BALLYHOO, THE BUMPIN’ UGLIES, AND TROPIDELIC, as all three punk bands take the stage with their message-driven songs. The punk-rock group Ballyhoo has entertained from coast to coast and attracted a devoted fan base to prove it. Find out about how much fun it could be to live in a Police State, as the Uglies play their hit as well as other ironically provocative songs. Tropidelic fuses funk, reggae, and jam with lyrics that speak to a frustrated generation; Discovery Ventura, discoveryventura.com.

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July 20, 22: Eight young soloists along with musicians from the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic perform in a program entitled OPUS 52, named for the group’s 52nd concert. Led by conductor John Roscigno, the orchestra performs concertos by Viotti, Marcello, Mozart, Beethoven, de Bériot, Mendelssohn, and Sibelius; Camarillo United Methodist Church and Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, tophil.org. July 28–29: The OXNARD SALSA FESTIVAL dares to venture beyond the confines of the spicy condiment, incorporating the sensual dance and Latin music of the same name into this triplethemed blowout. Activities embrace dance exhibitions, performances by Latin and jazz bands, perusing arts and craft booths, and eating at a salsa tasting tent and two international food courts; Plaza Park, oxnardsalsafestival.com. >

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Insider AUGUST August 17–18: For a hot time on the old town, head for the hills—Sta. Rita Hills AVA, that is—for the STA. RITA HILLS WINE AND FIRE WEEKEND. Locally made vino is the cause for celebration, so get down at the Friday night barn party, followed by a Saturday seminar, and then a grand tasting, where more than two dozen member wineries as well as local restaurants pair their worldclass products with grilled specialties; Lompoc locations, staritahills.com. August 19: Be part of the happening, babe, when IRON BUTTERFLY takes center stage. Maybe

the band members will enlighten the audience about the meaning of “In-a-Gadda-da-Vida” at their show that brings the psychedelic-fueled 1960s to the forefront; The Canyon, Agoura Hills, wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.

SEPTEMBER

Holy Chic D e s i g n e r Fa s h i o n at A ff or d a bl e P r ic e s

September 14–16: For those who can’t make it to Denmark—or for those who can’t get enough of Denmark—attending the 82nd annual SOLVANG DANISH DAYS is the next best thing. Take in three parades, living history exhibits, traditional music and dance, arts and crafts, regional foods, and readings of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales; Solvang locations, solvangdanishdays.org. September 19: Brothers Bear Rinehart (vocals and guitar) and Bo Rinehart (vocals and guitar) along with Seth Bolt (vocals and bass) and Josh Lovelace (vocals and keyboard) make up the gasp-worthy South Carolina alt-rock band NEEDTOBREATHE. This performance is one leg of the band’s Forever on Your Side Tour. The Johnnyswim folk duo also perform; Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles, vinaroblesamphitheatre.com. September 27: Twenty-three years ago, the album Jagged Little Pill debuted. Back then, its pertinent lyrics about addiction, feminism, gender identity, and gun control hit home. Seems that the words of ALANIS MORISSETTE are more pertinent than ever as her album is now a stage musical, turning on a whole new generation to her songs. The seventime Grammy Award–winner and activist performs her hits in this concert spotlighting her emotionally charged vocals, multi-instrumental chops, and biting words; Santa Barbara Bowl, sbbowl.com.

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Fun and fundraising go hand-inhand at these local events. JULY July 16: It’s four-person Texas Scramble at the 26th annual CARE FOR KIDS GOLF CLASSIC, with

hole-in-one prizes on all par threes. So scramble on over to this tournament to raise money with the Rotary Clubs of Camarillo to benefit Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families; Spanish Hills Country Club, Camarillo, casapacifica.org. July 28: At the SOUL KITCHEN FUNDRAISER “soul” stands for seasonal, organic, unrefined, and local. It describes the type of food that the Wellness Kitchen and Resource Center provides for those in need. Bring lawn chairs, lay a blanket on the grass, or sit at a communal picnic table for dinner prepared by Wellness Kitchen volunteers. Have a glass of Peachy Canyon wine, enjoy live music by the Paisanos, and bid in silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the Pay It Forward meal program; Peachy Canyon Winery, Templeton, thewkrc.org. July 28: Bid high at the Meadowlark Service League’s WINE AUCTION GALA, where a gourmet dinner, fine wines, and cocktails await, all in the name of raising money for local charities. Along with the foodie fun are live and silent auctions; Red Barn at the Camarillo Ranch, tasteofcamarillo.com. July 28, August 25: Meet a mustang or two at a RETURN TO FREEDOM WILD HORSE SANCTUARY TOUR. This refuge is home to 160 horses and burros

that once roamed the plains. The docent-guided walk allows for quiet herd observation. Guides provide information on the horses’ origins, history, and challenges to survive. Proceeds from tours benefit this nonprofit organization; Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary, Lompoc, returntofreedom.org.

GASTROPUB Westlake Village

•

Santa Barbara

July 29: It’s the longest running wine and food festival in Ventura County, so sip and savor a bit of history during this afternoon of sampling fine wines, craft beers, and gourmet dishes at A TASTE OF CAMARILLO WINE, BREW & FOOD FESTIVAL.

Live music plays all day, featuring the Beach Boys tribute band Surfin’. Dance, hang out at the VIP Surf Shack, bid in a silent auction, and go boutique shopping. Proceeds benefit local and Ventura County charities; Meadowlark Service League, Camarillo Ranch, tasteofcamarillo.com.

AUGUST August 12–13: The sixth annual CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER’S CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC benefits the Kyle Family Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo. Tee off with celebrities and enjoy a VIP dinner and post-play awards reception; El Caballero Country Club, Tarzana, bgccam.org. August 18: The Kiwanis Club of Ventura and the Channel Islands Bike Club are sponsors in tandem for the COOL BREEZE CENTURY 2018, a quintet of pedal-pleasing rides: Mini Metric (30 miles), Metric Century (60 miles), Century (100 miles), Hilly Century (100 miles), and Double Metric Century (125 miles). Activities include a pre-race breakfast, a traditional refresher called Popsicles on the Rincon, and a celebratory post-race lunch. Proceeds >

30 Craft Beers On Tap!

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Insider benefit the charitable efforts of both organizations; Trudy Tuttle Arriaga Education Service Center, Ventura, cibike.org. August 26: Since 2005, the WHEELS ’N WINDMILLS CAR SHOW has donated more than $298,000 to local and national charities. The fun begins with a classic barbecue at the Jack Mendenhall Museum of Gasoline Pumps. Among the awards presented are Mayor’s Choice, Best of the Best, the Gary Horn Memorial, Solvang Elementary School, and DJs Choice. Topping the excitement, Dennis Gage of TV’s My Classic Car is on site to film an episode for his series; downtown Solvang, wheelsnwindmills.com.

SEPTEMBER

Home is Beautiful from the Inside Out

September 6: Applaud those who provide quality medical service to others in need at the 25th annual NIGHT OF STARS, also known as the David Fainer, M.D., & Leo Tauber, M.D., awards, hosted by the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation. Enjoy dinner, live entertainment by Allegato Music, silent and live auctions, and a moving ceremony in which eight deserving individuals in the delivery of health care in Ventura County are presented with awards; Lloyd-Butler Estate, Oxnard, vcmrf.org. September 15–16: In the name of raising money for the Templeton Instrumental Music Boosters Association, the Udsen Family of Castoro Cellars goes all out with the WHALE ROCK MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL. Two stages feature continuous band performances starting with headliner Aloe Blacc, followed by Orgōne, Fruition, Con Brio, Rayland Baxter, Mipso, Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men, Joey Dosik, Jade Jackson, Lake Street Dive, Nicole Stromsoe, B and the Hive, Mannequins By Day, Samba Loca, Mama Tumba, Arthur Watership, and Miss Leo & Her Bluegrass Boys. Food trucks are on site, as well as activities such as yoga, crafts, and games; Castoro Cellars Whale Rock Vineyard, Templeton, whalerockmusicfestival.com.

Call the Kaufman team to help you find your dream home. Kaufman Real Estate Group Jill Kaufman Kristy Christensen Rusty Spragg 805.870.5710 team@kaufmanregroup.com DRE 01855802

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal without notice.

September 20: It’s Food Share’s 40th anniversary, so don some denim for the organization’s signature fundraiser, the BLUE JEAN BALL. More than 400 guests are expected to turn out for down-home delicious dishes, suds, and sips from local restaurants, breweries, and wineries; Walnut Grove, Moorpark, foodshare.com.

Worth a Drive

Venture just outside the 805 for these choice events. Through October 21: Fashion reflects and often is a driving force for social, economic, and political change. If there’s any doubt about

that, witness ICONS OF STYLE: A CENTURY OF FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY, 1911–2011, an exhibit of more than 160 fashion photographs as well as costumes, illustrations, magazine covers, videos, and advertisements collectively representing the artistic contributions of more than 80 photographers. On view is the work of Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Arthur Elgort, Bruce Weber, William Klein, Neal Barr, and others, who capture the likes of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Tatjana Patitz, Stephanie Seymour, and Christy Turlington wearing fashions that turned heads and often turned the world upside-down; J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, Los Angeles, getty.edu. Through January 27: As the most comprehensive Porsche exhibit outside of Stuttgart, THE PORSCHE EFFECT showcases a historically significant collection of the German brand’s street and race cars as well as artifacts, historical documents tracing the marque’s history in engineering, kinetic art, branding, and the new underground Porsche Vault Tour, which presents some of the marque’s rarest automobiles. Vehicular eye candy includes the 1938 BerlinRome Type 64 race car, a 906 race car, the 919 Endurance racer, the Petersen Collection’s 901 and Continental, a rare model X83 Turbo S Flachbau 964, a rally-spec Type 953 911, the Gulf 917K, the Jägermeister 962, and the legendary 935 K3 Le Mans winner; Petersen Automobile Museum, Los Angeles, petersen.org.

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Give Back

Whatever your interests, there’s a volunteer opportunity just right for you. Bienvenido. Willkommen. Maligayang pagdating. It’s not necessary to know how to say “welcome” in a foreign language when working as a CITY HOST in Carpinteria, but it certainly might come in handy since, in the last 10 years, the organization’s volunteers have greeted nearly 62,000 visitors from almost every state and more than 22 countries. It does help to know a bit about the area, since tourists often stop in for guidance at the city host kiosk on Linden Avenue, where volunteers impart information on area history, activities, points of interest, shopping, and dining. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and work in two-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday; carpinteria.ca.us. 

290 0 Tow n s g a te Rd # 10 5 , We s tl a ke Vi l l a g e , CA 9 1361 8 0 5 . 3 7 1 .4 0 0 0

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If you would like to submit your event or organization for possible inclusion in Insider, please email the information and a contact number/email to insider@805living.com. Please submit your request no later than 14 weeks prior to the issue in which you’d like the information to appear.

Our other locations: 2333 Borchard Rd, Newbury Park, CA 91320 430 Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Special: Kid Pleasers By Heidi Dvorak

Fun Time

Say G’day! Tell the kids to brush up on the lyrics of “Waltzing Matilda,” because two koalas at the Santa Barbara Zoo (sbzoo.org) are

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

yearning to be serenaded with tunes of their ancestral homeland. The pawsome pair would also like to hear “It’s a Grand Old Flag,” because their roots are firmly planted in American soil as loaners from the Los Angeles and San Diego zoos. That said, the two are only 805 residents through April of next year, so scurry on over to see Edmund, who’s almost 3 years old, and Thackory, who’s 7. Hands-on interaction is a no-no, but there are always stuffed koalas at the gift shop.

Get Onboard Got a skipper in the family? Or a water-wary nautical novice? In either case, set their sights on the Westlake Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program (westlakeyc.org) in Westlake Village to help them get their sea legs and learn how to navigate a boat. Westlake Lake serves as the body of water and dinghies serve as sea-worthy vessels. Accredited instructors teach six weekly five-day sessions through August 17. Class size tops out at 15 students, ranging in age from 9 to 17. They also must know how to swim, since the boats capsize on occasion. No worries, though, because three manned powerboats are at the ready to fish out sailors who go overboard.

Believe in Magic Here’s a trick to turn a bored little face into an enthusiastic one: Enroll your child in the Magic Fellowship Jr. class at The House of Magic Foundation for the Arts (thomagic. org) in Ventura and, presto chango, a smiling prestidigitator appears. >

FROM TOP: © ANGELA LUMSDEN/STOCKSY UNITED; TONY LUNA

Let Imaginations Run Wild There’s nothing like live theater to hold the attention of little ones. But tickets can be costly and lengthy productions can leave moppets antsy. Acting ensemble Gypsies in a Trunk fills the bill with Fairy Tales in the Park (fairytalesinthepark.com). In its 24th year, the troupe of seasoned actors knows that for youngsters to have a good time, noisemaking is part of the deal, so there’s lots of audience interaction, and Bizaardvark wannabes can ham it up. With costumed characters, sound effects, and hip story spins, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, it’s free. Slated through September are Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty & the Beast (and Bob), and CSI: Wonderland in Camarillo, Simi Valley, Ventura, Westlake Village, and Channel Islands Harbor.

Special: Kid Pleasers as well as trips within the 805. For stupendous 360-degree views, opt for seats in the vintage Great Dome rail car. It was built in 1955 for the Great Northern Railway, but Amtrak nabbed it in 1971. It’s only on select trips, so check for availability.

Make an App for That There’s an upside to sitting at a computer all day. At ID Tech (idtech.com), a weeklong computer-skills camp, kids from ages 7 to 18 can choose from a multitude of classes, such as coding, engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, and video and game design. Classes meet for eight hours each day, but the time flies since students are involved in projects like Minecraft modding (that’s modifying to you, Mom and Dad) or mastering YouTube dynamics. Sessions run through August 3 at UC Santa Barbara and Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. There’s also an overnight option, in which students can stay at the campus dorm.

Ride the Rails Treat your offspring to a trip on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. With 26 stations from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, the train provides stress-free transportation to vacation destinations like Disneyland, Legoland, and the San Diego Zoo

Shed a Light on History Once kids get a load of a lighthouse, they’ll be throwing around lingo like “isophase” and “Fresnel lens.” Three historic light stations grace the 805 and all are a testament to preventing shipwrecks, thus saving countless lives. Two locations are open for tours: the Port Hueneme Lighthouse (ci. port-hueneme.ca.us), established in 1874 but rebuilt in 1941, and Point San Luis Lighthouse (pointsanluislighthouse.org), founded in 1890 in Avila Beach. Worth seeing, although not open for tours, is Anacapa Island Lighthouse (lighthousefriends. com), which opened in 1932.

Write It Down Future playwrights, novelists, and poets can polish their prose at Write on Books (writeonbooks. org), a creative writing camp in Ventura for scribes ages 8 to 18. However, instructor Dallas Woodburn also meets the needs of those who lack confidence or don’t enjoy writing. Sans strict parameters, she encourages them to share their imaginations

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

and write about what they like. Whether the goal is to get creative juices flowing or improve grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, pacing, and dialogue, the curriculum is customized for each student. Classes meet on July 28 and 29 and August 4 and 5.

Get Out! The game’s on when 8 to 10 players are locked in a themed room and have 60 minutes to solve a code to earn their freedom. Ultimate Escape Rooms (theultimateescaperooms.com), located in Ventura and soon-toopen in Solvang, is an exciting, interactive game that employs the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, communication, teamwork, and strategizing. Win or lose, everyone has tons of fun. Call ahead to reserve a child-friendly room, such as We Are All Mad Here, Wizard’s Lair, or Mermaid’s Curse. And tell any nervous Nellies there’s an emergency exit.

Cowboy Up Round up wily cowpokes ages 7 to 11 and pack their sweet little hides off to Wild West Camp, a western-themed day program at

the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum (santaynezvalleymuseum. org). Activities hark back to pioneer days, with trail cooking, archery, Native American art and music, visits with farm animals, crafts, and native plant identification. Weeklong sessions take place from July 9 to 13 and July 16 to 20. 

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First-timers and experienced students share tricks, critique one another, and learn skills such as sleight-of-hand, presentation, and stage and close-up tricks from veteran magicians James and Joshua Lantiegne (father and son). Classes meet every other Saturday and are geared for kids ages 8 to 17. Groups perform at restaurants, and shows are staged quarterly at the on-site theater.

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Insights By Anthony Head Photograph by Gary Moss

John Schultz’s lucid account of the trial of Abbie Hoffman and the rest of the Chicago Seven for protesting during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. From between the pages documenting a terrible miscarriage of justice, out dropped a note. The scribbling was in my handwriting:

leave 28th Colorado friday leave Sunday morning Aug l.a. on 2 TUES.

Bookmark Archaeology Traces of the past lay hidden between the pages of a library.

o matter what I’m reading this summer, I’m reading a book. Not a tablet, not an iPad, not a Kindle—a book. Because if you spill beer on a book, you’ve got a couple discolored pages. Slosh a brew on an electronic reading device and you’ve probably got a piece of junk. Same thing with sand at the beach: Sand in your book—just shake it out. Sand in a computer—goodbye computer. There’s another reason I don’t bother with e-books. I can’t comb through their glowing pages to reconstruct a life’s story. Here’s what I mean: It all started while I was idly flipping through my paperback copy of The Chicago Conspiracy Trial,

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

That note proved to be a deep-memory placeholder, triggering recollections of packing my Chevy pickup and leaving behind Chicago on Thursday, July 28, 1994. In pursuit of sunnier job opportunities, I drove cross-country to California, stopping in Fort Collins, Colorado, to bunk with a high-school friend’s family for a couple nights. Late on Tuesday, August 2, I parked the truck at my new apartment on Hollywood Boulevard. All that from a simple bookmark. Intrigued by that initial discovery, I fanned through The Once and Future King, T.H. White’s magnificently charming tale of King Arthur—and the first book that I truly loved in a deep, meaningful way. And it’s no wonder: In the story, a geeky young boy is compelled to live a noble life. Along the way, he garners love, respect, and admiration, even during the

tragic times. Stuck between the pages was a playing card, a joker. Some might see it as a random bookmark, but I was in middle school when I first plowed through this 600-page medieval coming-of-age story. I was tall and gawky back then, with a big nose, a pair of open barn-door ears, and feet that reached into different zip codes. But I was funny sometimes, and I could be clever. Holding it in my hand after nearly four decades, that joker, I knew, represented the defense mechanism of an early teen trying to survive adolescence’s brutal rites of passage by being a class clown. (Let’s see your Kindle do that.) Suddenly, I understood why little artifacts, trivial-seeming at first, are what archaeologists relish. Sure, it’s exciting to discover a Mayan temple from the ninth century, but finding a full and fully preserved trash can from inside that temple lends both foundation and nuance to understanding Mayan culture in the >

Insights note.” I contacted her office, but they couldn’t locate his letter. year 856, or whenever they invented trash cans. Still, after seeing the author’s beautiful face and smoldering My Charles Bukowski novels were stuffed with coasters, eyes on the dust jacket, and having been so moved by the napkins, and matchbooks from Tom Bergin’s, an Irish pub in Los exquisite writing throughout the book, I could probably piece Angeles—tangible links to a beloved bar where I passed countless together a motive behind my uncle’s charm. (Perhaps, too, this lunch hours (circa 1997) engrossed in the drunken exploits correspondence illustrates an ancestral proclivity for employing of Bukowski’s alter-ego protagonist Henry Chinaski. When I meaningful placeholders within books.) opened Hunter S. Thompson’s The Great Shark Hunt, out fell a Look, I know this stuff isn’t going to be featured in National greeting card reminding me of the correct spelling of my thenGeographic’s “Secrets from the Lost World of Household girlfriend’s name, Jacque, not Jackie. Obviously, I was about as Libraries,” but when I look at my bookshelves I see much good a boyfriend as a baked potato and this card is evidence of more than books. I see time’s passage and, looking deeper, why she ultimately dumped me in our junior year at college. I find moments of my life between the pages. As I continue Digging deeper into my library, feeling a bit like a literary discovering this personal payload of artifacts, I reconnect with Indiana Jones, I unearthed bookmarks from bookstores I’d the me of the past. visited, like the marker inside The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and In the end, these discoveries lead to one conclusion: I’ve led Mr. Hyde, purchased from Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay; a pretty mundane life. But I’m still enthralled to find dots that and one from Caveat Emptor in Bloomington, Indiana, inside I can connect. And those dots are made of real materials, like Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. There were other curious artifacts, cocktail napkins, and not made of tinier digital dots. Entire like movie ticket stubs and pizza coupons. T.C. Boyle’s The civilizations of the past have been mapped out and reassembled Road to Wellville held a piece of paper on which I’d written the based on seemingly trivial mementos. That’s why we bookmark engaging but confusing phrase “Shakespearean Fart Fop.” archaeologists keep on digging.  The meaning—if any—behind some of my bookmarks remains elusive, such as the receipt from Ralphs in one Stephen King novel, Misery, and a piece of paper with an idea for a comedy skit about a tennis judge who openly takes sides at Choosing the right book for Unsub by Meg Gardiner book that will initiate or a match that I unearthed from another summer is important. It must Warning: Must be read in the increase your interest in King book, Christine. I can account for be engaging, a real pagebright light of day. Under no these brilliant creatures. neither since the receipt is all but faded turner, hard to put down circumstances should this completely and the skit rings no bells but easy enough to pick up unsettling page-turner be Calypso by David Sedaris (though it could be funny). Sometimes again if a few days pass in read at night if the reader A guaranteed crowdbetween reading. Consider intends to sleep later. pleaser. It has the bonus of the gray matter of my mind remains these recommendations. being centered around the pretty gray and sometimes a bookmark Circe by Madeline Miller purchase of a beach house. is just a bookmark. From bookseller Sarah Madeline Miller reminds us As I continued excavating, there were Prindle at Chaucer’s that Greek legend can make The Mars Room a few disappointments, like nothing Bookstore (chaucersbooks. for great adult literature. by Rachel Kushner com) in Santa Barbara: This retelling of the myth A literary page-turner about at all found inside Douglas Adams’ of Circe is as spellbinding a newly convicted inmate’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. Vacationland as the sorceress herself. experience of prison life. And, if you knew me well, too many by John Hodgman questions are raised by the absence of If you like David Sedaris, Endling: The Last Summer by Karl Ove bookmarks inside The Electric Kool-Aid who coincidently has a by Katherine Applegate Knausgaard new book out this summer, Lose yourself in this So far, Karl Ove Knausgaard’s Acid Test, The Call of the Wild, and One you’ll enjoy this memoir children’s fantasy novel three season–themed Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. from John Hodgman of about Byx, a young dairne collections of short There was one bookmark in particular The Daily Show and “I’m (an anthropomorphized works have been very that proved especially compelling, a PC” fame. His blend of doglike species) on a quest satisfying, with the literary although it had nothing to do with me. humor and awkwardness to find out if she is indeed showmanship that his as he gets personal is both the last of her kind. This is readers have come to expect. Inside a first edition of the magnificent hilarious and touching. the first of a new trilogy The last volume in the cycle biography Mary Queen of Scots by by a master storyteller. is due out in mid-August. Antonia Fraser, which was previously White Teeth by Zadie Smith owned by my uncle Fabian Mattingly, This debut novel is a brilliant From Matt Henriksen at The Fall of Gondolin there was an airmail envelope with a one-of-a-kind book. It is a Bart’s Books (bartsbooks by J.R.R. Tolkien roller coaster ride through ojai.com) in Ojai: Any Middle-Earth fan will be postmark from March 4, 1970, Notting the lives of its subjects excited to get this early story, Hill (London); inside was a letter as generations, cultures, The Soul of an Octopus mentioned in The Silmarillion, from the book’s author. Apparently, classes, and families collide by Sy Montgomery and edited by the author’s my uncle had written to her because in unpredictable ways. A great little science son Christopher Tolkien. Fraser’s reply referred to his “charming

SUMMER READING

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

2018

JULY

6 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns Tour AUGUST

3 American Idol Live! 2018 SEPTEMBER

7 14 20 28 29 30

Daughtry Kathleen Madigan Engelbert Humperdinck The Outsourced Comedy Tour Loudon Wainwright III Kenny G

OCTOBER

12 Mark Wills 12 Lily Tomlin 13 Justin Willman

2019

20 25 26 27

Tom Papa Jesse Colin Young The Undeportables Five for Fighting with String Quartet

NOVEMBER

2 7 8 9 16 17 23 24

Johnny Boyd The Tenors America Mark Synnott The Every Woman Comedy Tour Rodney Crowell Postmodern Jukebox A Magical Cirque Christmas

JANUARY

25 Bertie Gregory FEBRUARY

22 Kara Cooney MARCH

1 Peter Yarrow & Noel Paul Stookey 15 Thomas Peschak MAY

4 Live from Laurel Canyon

DECEMBER

20 Brian Wilson presents the Christmas Album Live

800.745.3000 ticketmaster.com

New events added all year long!

CivicArtsPlaza.com

Arts & Culture By Joan Tapper

Just Folks

A different kind of school imparts old skills in new ways.

he initial class offerings have been rather eclectic— from learning about raising backyard chickens to mindful listening. But that’s all part of the strategy behind the creation of the California Folk School (cal-folk.com) in Los Alamos, say its founders, Jon and Jenn Hooten. In part, they want to cast a wide net and see what appeals to prospective students. But they also have an interest in building and strengthening a sense of community by showcasing the wide-ranging skills and talents of residents in this part of Santa Barbara County. Their interest in education is longstanding, says Jon, who grew up in Oklahoma, studied philosophy and theology in college, and got into college administration. He met Jenn, an Ohio native

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

who was an educational administrator at the time, in Claremont, California, and in 2014 they moved to Los Alamos. Their daughter, Nelle, was born a year and a half ago. He traces the germ of their idea to open a folk school to a visit by his father, who offered to help build a pizza oven in their backyard. The construction plans came from Mother Earth News, and in the back of the magazine was a small ad for the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. Intrigued, Jon set out to research what it was all about, and in the process discovered an educational movement with roots in 19th-century Denmark. “Danish folk schools were democratic, practical, and intergenerational,” says Jon. They promoted a sound mind in a sound body. Immigrants brought the institution to the United

FROM TOP: © SHAIITH/ISTOCK.COM; COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA FOLK SCHOOL; © ANSKUW/ISTOCK.COM; © BOSCOJR/ISTOCK.COM

Jon and Jenn Hooten (left with their daughter Nelle and dog Stella) are co‑founders of the California Folk School in Los Alamos, where locals share their talents, such as how to can fruit, make ice cream, and raise backyard chickens.

States, establishing schools mostly in the East and Midwest, though notably it was interest in starting a folk school on the West Coast that led to the founding of nearby Solvang in 1911. The schools eventually developed in different ways in different parts of the United States. Solvang’s Atterdag College worked to maintain old-country ways while integrating students into its new civic environment. “On the East Coast, folk schools tended to emphasize preserving old ways of making and doing things,” says Jon. That is the model that he and Jenn have embraced, though, he says, “We’re not just copying it, but trying to do something different.” They believe that Los Alamos is the right spot to do it in. “It’s an interesting place and interesting times, with a real sense of community,” Jon says. Factoring into that decision and who would teach at the school was a consideration of the kind of world the couple wanted their daughter to grow up in. “We wanted her to be around creative people,” he says, “interesting characters, the arts, and music. We asked ourselves who we could spend meaningful time with. We weren’t looking for major artists or celebrity guests to

“...There’s a humility and a value in learning,” says Jenn Hooten. “Being able to offer knowledge is important, but it’s a symbiotic relationship.” teach. We want people who are relatable.” They came up with a list of people they knew who had interesting skills, such as canning fruit, baking sourdough bread, leatherworking, and birdwatching. Venues vary and could be a private kitchen in Los Olivos, a backyard in Santa Ynez, a park, or a community center. For the most part, the teachers don’t make a living doing what they’re teaching, though the leatherworker is, in fact, a saddlemaker, and Jenn will lead the session on the art of listening, something she does in her professional life as a organizational development consultant. “I would hope that anyone with curiosity about being a better listener would walk away from the class with new things in their repertoire,” Jenn says. “One of my interests is creating space to learn and also to contribute. Coming out of education, I recognize that there’s a humility and a value in learning. Being able to offer knowledge is important, but it’s a symbiotic relationship.” From the beginning—the list of offerings was posted in midMay, with the first class in mid-June—the response has been encouraging. Not surprisingly, the Hootens are beginning to look forward to the next set of possibilities. “I’d love to have a basketmaking class,” says Jenn. “These classes are all for the beginner. Later we might go deeper on some things. And there’s a lot of interest around the holidays, say, in making tamales.” Meanwhile, Jon envisions the folk school hosting other kinds of events. “I would like to do a live, onstage interview with a local hero or something on oral history as a showcase for what’s here,” he says. “I want this to be a sweet and authentic community. There are many different calibers of community—those who worship together or work together on political issues, for example. There’s also something special about learning together, solving something, even if it’s something like how to put together pieces of wood to make a cutting board.” 

Upgrades GLOSTER “GRAND WEAVE” LARGE CORNER END UNIT (left, $6,678 and SMALL CORNER END UNIT ($3,497); Patioworld, Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills; patioworld.net.

Chill Zone Elevate patio-lounging comfort with cool outdoor furnishings. By Frances Ryan

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Upgrades

3 1

6 4

7 8

1. “Careyes” all-weather wicker lantern ($69); Pottery Barn at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; potterybarn.com. 2. Gloster “Grand Weave” twoseater sofa ($5,688); Patioworld, Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills; patioworld.net. 3. “Onslow” tray ($40); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 4. Loloi Isle Collection outdoor rug (7-feet-10-inches by 10-feet9-inches, $419); Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com.

5. “Bamileke” coffee table ($1,498); Serena & Lily, Los Angeles, serenaandlily.com. 6. Twin Eagles “TEGB42SD-B” 42-inch gas grill and base with storage drawers ($7,438); Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design, thousandoaksfireside.com. 7. “Cosimo” planter ($195–$695); Restoration Hardware at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, and Santa Barbara; rh.com. 8. Sunbrella palm-leaf jacquard pillow ($129); Williams-Sonoma Home at The Commons at Calabasas, williams-sonoma.com.

9. Palecek “San Remo” side table ($518); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 10. Elaine Smith “Hula Spa” pillow ($199); Pacific Patio, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. 11. Kannoa “Nest” chaise lounge ($2,400); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. 

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Good Deeds

805 LIVING–SPONSORED EVENT

By Mark Langton

9 6

10 7

Santa Barbara Museum of Art Women’s Board

The Art of the Table fundraiser, presented by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Women’s Board (sbmawb.org), was held at the museum in The Davidson Gallery in late April. Twelve distinguished local designers created tablescapes inspired by artworks in the permanent collection. Guests were able to mingle with the artists to discuss their creations. All proceeds from the board’s events support the museum’s acquisitions, exhibitions, and education programs. 805 Living magazine was a media sponsor.

1. John Saladino 2. Jeanne Fulkerson, Lynn Brown, Leisa Cosentino 3. Larry Feinberg, Starr Siegele 4. Diana Dolan 5. Margaret Watson, Steve Thompson, Caroline Thompson 6. Rose and Jack Herschorn, Stacie Boufford 7. Richard Rosin, Fran Morrow, Jonathan Barton 8. Lynne Andujar, Hugh Margerum, Diane Dreyer 9. Starr Siegele, Victoria Imperioli 10. Grace and Edward Yoon 11. Regina Roney, Rick Roney, Anne Towbes, Diane Sullivan 12. Diana and Ralph MacFarlane, Holly Murphy Photographs by Baron Erik Spafford

JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

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Beach Guide The 805 LIVING

THE CENTRAL COAST SHORELINE HAS PLENTY OF SUN, SAND, AND SEA, AND EACH BEACH HAS A PERSONALITY AND IDEAL OFFERINGS ALL ITS OWN. FIND THE PERFECT PLACES FOR ALL YOUR SUMMER DAY WHIMS. BY NANCY RANSOHOFF PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MOSS

Beach Caves and Arches

DRONE COURTESY OF LOGAN BRINKLEY

Check tide charts before heading out to explore.

Dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and spectacular sunsets make El Matador State Beach in Malibu a go-to for photo shoots. Walk from Pacific Coast Highway or the small pay-parking lot down a dirt path and stairs. The ocean-bluff Margo Dodd Park in Pismo Beach overlooks dramatic rugged coastline with rock arches, sea stacks, and sea caves. A stairway at Pier Avenue and Ocean Boulevard leads down to the beach. Head south for more sea caves at Dinosaur Caves Park. For adventurous and experienced climbers, Cave Landing Beach in Avila Beach offers trails that include fixed ropes to descend steep cliffs down to the beach for sea cave and alcove exploring. Cave Landing Beach californiabeaches.com/beach/ cave-landing-beach Dinosaur Caves Park pismobeach.org/288/dinosaurcaves-park El Matador State Beach parks.ca.gov Margo Dodd Park pismobeach.org/293/margo-dodd-park El Matador State Beach JULY â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Harbor Cove Beach

Camping

Set up camp and bust out the seaside s’mores at beaches with grounds for overnights.

Kid-Friendly

All of these beaches are suited to the young set and staffed with summer lifeguards. East Beach in Santa Barbara is a sandy standout for families. Located east of Stearns Wharf, it offers picnic tables, beach volleyball courts, and a playground. Malibu’s Zuma Beach sums up California dreamin’ with its wide stretch of white sands, food stands, restrooms, showers, and volleyball nets. Heed lifeguard warnings, especially during rough surf and riptides. Carpinteria City Beach at the end of Linden Avenue is known for its gradual slope into the water, making it a fam favorite for surf-frolicking and swimming. Rent boogie boards and inner tubes here and stand-up paddleboards and kayaks at the Ash Avenue popup. At Ventura’s Harbor Cove Beach, or Mother’s Beach, the harbor’s breakwaters provide protection from big swells. Nearby Ventura Harbor Village offers restaurants, ice-cream shops, and an arcade. Arroyo Burro Beach, known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, is a top pick for swimming, surfing, and tide-pooling families. Seaside dining and a flipflop-friendly walk-up snack bar are available at The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach.

At Jalama Beach County Park in Lompoc, whether you choose tent, trailer, RV camping, or a hill-perched cabin, you’ll overlook the ocean or beachfront. Each campsite has a picnic table and barbecue pit, with hot showers, restrooms, and water nearby. Cabins are equipped with electricity, bathrooms, kitchenettes, living rooms, private porches, picnic tables, and fire pits. Carpinteria State Beach offers ocean-side camping in tents, motor homes, trailers, and campers. Stay at North Beach or Oceano campgrounds at Pismo State Beach. Fun fact: This is the only beach in Central California where vehicles are permitted to drive along the shore. Camp close to the waves at Refugio State Beach in Goleta, where creek-side palm trees add an only-in-California feel to the beach and campgrounds. Carpinteria State Beach parks.ca.gov Jalama Beach County Park countyofsb.org/parks/jalama.sbc Pismo State Beach parks.ca.gov Refugio State Beach parks.ca.gov

Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach) countyofsb. org/parks/day-use/arroyo-burro-beach.sbc Carpinteria City Beach carpinteria.ca.us East Beach santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/ parks/features/beaches/east.asp Harbor Cove Beach (Mother’s Beach) venturaharbor. com/directory/beaches Zuma Beach beaches.lacounty.gov

Refugio State Beach

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East Beach

Volleyball and Skating

Bring a ball and ’blades to take full advantage of shoreline amenities. Oxnard Beach Park, located along the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route, is a 60-acre site with rolling grassy hills, barbecue areas, beach volleyball courts, a playground, and skating and jogging paths. Across the bicycle path is the beach with views of Channel Islands National Park. Restaurants and attractions are nearby at Channel Islands Harbor. In Santa Barbara, a bike path extends from the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge along East Beach

with its more than a dozen volleyball courts and continues past other city beaches, Skater’s Point skateboard park, and the harbor to Shoreline Park. At Ventura’s Harbor Cove Beach, Rincon Volleyball Club’s new courts are available to the public when not being used by the club. At Pismo State Beach, 13 first-come-first-served courts are located north of the pier, which is currently being restored. East Beach santabarbaraca.gov/ gov/depts./parksrec/parks/features/ passiveopenspaces/andreeclark.asp Harbor Cove Beach (Mother’s Beach) venturaharbor.com/directory/beaches Oxnard Beach Park visitoxnard.com/ blog/visitors-guide-oxnard-beaches Pismo State Beach pismobeach.org/ 285/volleyball-courts

Rincon Beach Park

Surfing

Geographic and oceanic conditions make these prime spots for riding the waves. Rincon Beach Park, also known as Rincon Point, which straddles the Santa Barbara–Ventura county line, is known in the surfing world as The Queen of the Coast for its long righthand waves that break around the east side. The popular annual Rincon Classic surf competition draws grommets and legends from around the globe. Other go-to spots to catch a wave in Ventura are County Line Beach, Ventura Harbor, and California Street (locals call it C Street)/Surfers Point Beach at Seaside Park. Oxnard’s mile-long Silver

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Strand Beach offers three breaks that cater to different skill levels. Jalama Beach in Lompoc is a favorite summer break spot for Santa Barbara surfers, who come early before it’s blown out. Surfing or not, grab a Jalama Burger at Jalama Beach Store & Grill. California Street (C Street)/Surfers Point Beach visitventuraca.com/blog/ surfing-in-ventura County Line Beach visitventuraca.com/ blog/surfing-in-ventura Jalama Beach countyofsb.org/parks/ jalama.sbc Rincon Beach Park (Rincon Point) countyofsb.org/parks/day-use/rinconbeach.sbc Silver Strand Beach visitoxnard.com/ blog/visitors-guide-oxnard-beaches Ventura Harbor visitventuraca.com/ blog/surfing-in-ventura

Wildlife Sightings

Keep your smartphone camera app open. At all area beaches, keep an eye (or binoculars) out for migrating whales and frolicking dolphins. The following spots add another dimension to your walk on the wild side. At Surfer’s Knoll Beach in Ventura walk south to the Santa Clara River Estuary for prime viewing of a variety of shorebirds, ducks, gulls, and terns. Take care to avoid California least tern and Western snowy plover nesting areas. Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve in Santa Barbara County is accessed via nearby Guadalupe Beach. The preserve protects the dunes’ habitats of animals including brown pelicans, California least terns, Western snowy plovers, peregrine falcons, and rare breeds of frogs and salamanders. The Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve is a perfect viewing spot from which to see the harbor seal rookery below, just south of Carpinteria State Beach. Take the Bluffs Trail down to the beach—the rookery area is off-limits during the December-through-May birthing season but seals lounge year-round. Carpinteria State Beach parks.ca.gov Guadalupe Beach dunescenter.org/visit-the-dunes Surfer’s Knoll Beach visitventuraca.com/business/ santa-clara-river-estuary

Leo Carrillo State Park

Tide Pools

LEFT: © KELLY VANDELLEN/ISTOCK.COM

The tide table is also your friend for examining these natural caches of sea life. Plan to hit Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu at low tide for prime tide pooling with abundant sea creatures and shells. The Visitor Center next to the parking lot has interpretive displays on tide pools. Don’t miss the coastal caves and reefs, too. Local secret Shell Beach near Pismo

Beach is a glittering sandy necklace of beaches tucked below steep bluffs. Most have tide pools that are exposed at low tides, while some beaches disappear or are quite small at high tide. Hazard Canyon Reef in Montaña de Oro State Park in Los Osos has tip-top tide pools, rugged cliffs, and secluded beaches. Hazard Canyon Reef slocal.com/ things-to-do/beaches-parks-nature/ beaches or parks.ca.gov Leo Carrillo State Park parks.ca.gov/leocarrillo Shell Beach slocal.com/things-to-do/ beaches-parks-nature/beaches JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Paddle-Boarding and Kayaking Gentle waters and scenic sights beckon paddlers to these locations.

Secluded

Shh, don’t tell anyone about these hidden gems. Loon Point Beach, just south of the town of Summerland, has an off-thebeaten-path feel. It’s popular with local families, surfers, fishermen, and those looking for a quiet spot beneath the bluffs. Remote Jalama Beach is reached via a winding road off the Pacific Coast Highway about 63 miles north of Santa Barbara. Enjoy windswept beach walks, fishing, swimming, picnics, and whale watching. It takes some effort to get to Water Canyon Beach on Santa Rosa Island in Channel Islands National Park. Take Island Packers Cruises or Channel Islands Aviation to the island, then a short hike to the pristine two-mile-long beach. Due to steady winds and currents, swimming, diving, and kayaking are recommended for experienced visitors only. More Mesa Beach, a narrow, sandy swath tucked below the bluffs of More Mesa Park in Santa Barbara, is so secluded that part of it is clothing optional by informal local custom. Jalama Beach countyofsb.org/parks/ jalama.sbc Loon Point Beach californiabeaches. com/beach/loon-point-beach More Mesa Beach californiabeaches. com/beach/more-mesa-beach Water Canyon Beach nps.gov/chis/ planyourvisit/backcountry-beachcamping-on-santa-rosa-island.htm

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The protected water of Ventura’s Harbor Cove Beach, next to Ventura Harbor Village, is ideal for kayaking and standup paddle-boarding. Expect small lapping waves and spectacular coastline views. In Santa Barbara, East Beach, Stearns Wharf, and Santa Barbara Harbor are popular spots, with several rental companies on site. Get a quick lesson and check the wind and weather before heading out. Hit the Pacific around Fisherman’s Beach in Avila Beach and choose between breakwater-sheltered water or open ocean. Sights include Point San Luis Lighthouse, sea otters, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and migratory birds. Hobie Beach in the Channel Islands Harbor is an easy, protected launch spot between Port Hueneme and Ventura. East Beach santabarbaraca.gov/gov/ depts/waterfront/paddling.asp Fisherman’s Beach visitavilabeach.com Harbor Cove Beach (Mother’s Beach) venturaharbor.com/directory/beaches Hobie Beach channelislandsharbor.org Santa Barbara Harbor santabarbaraca. gov/gov/depts/waterfront/paddling.asp Stearns Wharf santabarbaraca.gov/ gov/depts/waterfront/paddling.asp

Dog-Friendly

Pooches are welcome to get their paws in the sand while on a leash at many area beaches, but here are a few where Fido can be leash-free. Arroyo Burro Beach is the site of the best-known off-leash spot in the Santa Barbara area. From the parking lot, walk to the beach and turn left. After crossing the slough, Sparky can chase waves offleash. Look for the self-service credit-card-operated dog wash stations adjacent to the parking lot. In the San Luis Obispo Bay area, dogs are allowed off-leash if they are kept under control all day at Olde Port Beach in Port San Luis Harbor and before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. daily at Avila Beach.  Arroyo Burro Beach countyofsb.org/parks/dog.sbc Avila Beach portsanluis.com/2162/Beach-Regulations Olde Port Beach portsanluis.com/2162/Beach-Regulations

Arroyo Burro Beach

Giving a Living Vehicle spin to a backyard barbecue, Joanna Hofmann (with her dog on her lap) and husband Matthew (in plaid shirt) entertain (from left) Mindy and Justin Mahy and Erick and Laura Goycochea at a Buellton ranch.

UNLIMITED MOBILITY

A new take on a mobile home lets a family live small and entertain-at-large.

SUMMER IS THE TIME FOR PICNICS in the country and barbecues at the

beach. But no one likes to admit that, despite the fun aspect, it’s kind of a hassle to pack up ingredients, cooking utensils, and everything else needed to serve a multicourse meal. If only we could take our kitchens and patios with us. Matthew and Joanna Hofmann have the perfect solution. Their compact, stylish, sustainable Living Vehicle is meant to be a comfortable >

BY JOAN TAPPER PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MOSS CULINARY AND CREATIVE PRODUCTION BY JOANNA HOFMANN JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

WITH ROLLING HILLS AND HORSE PASTURES AS A BACKDROP, JOANNA WHIPPED UP A CASUALLY ELEGANT SUMMER MEAL.

The Hofmanns (opposite) have found that “living small” in no way cramps their style (from top): Joanna with Luca, a 3-month-old miniature Australian shepherd; utensils at the ready; Alessandra Goycochea and Pierce Mahy smiling in the sun.

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full-time house that can hit the road or be parked off the grid and provide everything needed for an outdoor gathering with friends. Getting to that point has been an interesting creative journey for them, and it’s one that promises to continue in some intriguing directions. Matthew, born and raised in Mammoth, earned an architecture degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and moved to Santa Barbara, where he worked at DesignARC before setting off on his own. On a whim, he bought an Airstream trailer and began to renovate it. The timing—at the start of the recession and after the 2008 Tea Fire—was ironically auspicious: He could keep his overhead low by living in the vehicle on a rented empty plot of land with an ocean view. Drawing on his own experience, Matthew went on to found a company that renovated 400 mobile living spaces over the next six years; he also co-founded AutoCamp in Santa Barbara, using renovated Airstreams for travelers’ accommodations. About four years ago he met Joanna, who had grown up in Connecticut, worked in crisis counseling after college in Virginia, and ultimately pursued her dream of a culinary career in Los Angeles. When love entered the picture, she moved to Santa Barbara and worked as a private chef while the two of them charted their next move. After some cross-country travel, they sidestepped the high-priced housing market by buying a boat to live in.

MODERN MOVEMENT Photographs by Matt Wier

The Living Vehicle’s clamshell siding unfolds to create a patio (top). The bedroom (above) holds a queen-size bed. The bathroom (both right) is chic and futuristic.

An array of modern appliances neatly and efficiently fill the bright compact kitchen (above). The movable island contains storage beneath the work counter, while a cabinet above the sleek fridge holds AV and IT equipment. The dining area (right) accommodates a family for meals. At night a bunk bed drops from above and the table sinks to create another sleeping space.

THE HOFMANNS DREW ON THE INTELLIGENCE THEY’D GATHERED LIVING IN SMALL MOBILE SPACES TO LAUNCH THEIR NEW ENTERPRISE.

They also drew on the intelligence they’d gathered living in small mobile spaces to launch their new enterprise. “There’s a gap in the RV market for quality and for people who need or want to live full time in a mobile space,” notes Matthew. “RVs are designed only for part-time living.” “We wanted to create something of quality,” adds Joanna, “so customers don’t spend all their time fixing things.” The Living Vehicle—towable, 27 feet long, and designed for full-time habitation—is a hightech, high-quality, aesthetically pleasing home for as many as six people. Made of stainless steel and aluminum, with solar panels, a WiFi antenna, and lithium batteries, it can function off the grid or on. “It looks and feels like a home,” says Matthew. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, oven-microwavegrill unit, pull-out pantry, and moveable island. In the dining area a bunk bed lowers from the ceiling with a touch of a button, and the table sinks down to form the base of another bed. The spa shower is lined with an attractive teak mat. The master bedroom boasts a queen-size bed and has space for a washer-dryer, and there’s storage everywhere—in cabinets, closets, and cleverly tucked-away spaces. The high ceilings easily accommodate Matthew’s 6-foot-5-inch frame. Meanwhile, the RV Industry Association–certified vehicle, which is just over 8 feet wide, has an undercarriage with space for appliances, utilities, and water tanks. The clamshell side panel that protects the huge glass side window in transit unfolds to become a patio for indooroutdoor entertaining. The Living Vehicle’s adaptability came into play on the Hofmanns’

Baby Potatoes With Fennel, Orange, and Olives

White Rose Sparkling Sangria

On-the-Move Dinner Party Menu White Rose Sparkling Sangria Watermelon, Jicama, and Mint Salad Honey-Orange Pork Tenderloin With Cucumber-Cantaloupe Salsa Baby Potatoes With Fennel, Orange, and Olives Grilled Apricots With Honey-Basil Goat Cheese For recipes see page 90.

Honey-Orange Pork Tenderloin With CucumberCantaloupe Salsa JULY â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

Watermelon. Jicama and Mint Salad

Grilled Apricots With Honey-Basil Goat Cheese

recent outing with friends to the Santa Ynez Valley. With rolling hills and horse pastures as a backdrop, Joanna whipped up a casually elegant summer meal: marinated, grilled pork tenderloin with a cucumber and cantaloupe– based salsa; roasted baby potatoes with fresh fennel, citrus, and olives; and grilled apricots stuffed with honeyed goat cheese. Picnics aside, the Living Vehicles, each of which costs about $150,000, have proven popular with empty nesters, families who have lost their homes to fire, single folks who want to be on the road, and people who want them for guesthouses or B&Bs, among others. Additional models are rolling out from the company’s Indiana manufacturing facility over the next few months. The future is full of possibilities, according to Matthew. “It’s not so much about solving problems of today but imagining what’s possible and moving in that direction,” he says. That might mean adding enough solar panels to power its own electric towing vehicle or designing a device to pull condensed water out of the air. “This is about making intentional choices about where you live and what you pay for your house,” he says. “We’re reimagining the American Dream.” Backyard barbecues, too! > Shot on location at Buell Ranch Vineyard. Project assistant: Marrisa Dumford Hair and makeup: Leah Washuta at Sirena boutique, Ellie Pham at Carlyle Salon and Style Bar, and Romina Murillo Makeup Artistry Vendors: Blueblossoms, Kōpū Pure Sparkling Water

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“IT’S NOT SO MUCH ABOUT SOLVING PROBLEMS OF TODAY BUT IMAGINING WHAT’S POSSIBLE AND MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION,” MATTHEW SAYS.

Dining Wherever the Road Leads

RECIPES BY JOANNA HOFMANN WHITE ROSE SPARKLING SANGRIA “As the wind blows and horses graze in the distance, I think about how I am cooking in a house I designed with my husband, surrounded by so much life, laughter, and beauty,” says Joanna. Of this summery sangria recipe, she says, “Make sure to breathe in the fresh basil before taking a sip!” Makes about 12 8-ounce glasses 2 cups steeped white rose tea, room temperature 1 750 ml bottle rosé ¼ cup brandy ¼ cup honey 1 cup peeled, sliced white peaches 1 cup sliced strawberries ½ cup raspberries Ice 1 750 ml bottle sparkling rosé 12 large basil leaves for garnish In a large pitcher combine steeped tea, still rosé, brandy, and honey and mix gently. Stir in fruit. Cover pitcher and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and add fresh torn basil leaves. Pour sparkling rosé into pitcher and stir to combine. Pour sangria into glasses and serve.

WATERMELON, JICAMA, AND MINT SALAD “These recipes are inspired by my minimalist lifestyle that encourages me to buy local, in season, and only the necessary and most practical ingredients,” Joanna says. Here, she livens up a watermelon and jicama salad with lime, mint, and a spicy hint of cayenne pepper. Serves 6 1 Sugar Baby watermelon (or other variety of small watermelon) 1 cup peeled, cubed jicama ¼ teaspoon lime zest, optional 3 limes, juiced 1 dash cayenne pepper, plus more as desired ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more as desired 20 mint leaves, cut into a chiffonade Using a sharp knife, cut watermelon in quarters. Remove and discard rind. Cut watermelon into small triangles and place in large serving bowl. Gently stir in jicama. In a small bowl, combine lime zest and juice, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add mixture to watermelon and jicama and toss gently until melon and jicama are evenly coated. Refrigerate until chilled or for up to 2 hours. When ready to serve, add more salt and cayenne, if desired. Add fresh mint and toss gently. Enjoy!

HONEY-ORANGE PORK TENDERLOIN WITH CUCUMBERCANTALOUPE SALSA “The idea of entertaining has shifted over the years from polite conversation and fancy china

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to a genuine gathering of friends just happy to find the time to connect,” says Joanna. Her dinner-party menu may be casual, but it’s no less delicious, as this pork roast attests. Serves 6 HONEY-ORANGE MARINADE ¼ cup honey ¼ cup soy sauce or Bragg Liquid Aminos ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil ½ tablespoon minced garlic ½ tablespoon peeled and minced ginger ½ cup fresh orange juice PORK 1 pork tenderloin, about 1¼ pounds ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon chipotle pepper flakes Cucumber-Cantaloupe Salsa (recipe follows) In a small bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Pour into a resealable plastic bag (or a shallow pan) large enough to hold the pork tenderloin. Season pork with salt and pepper flakes. Place it in releasable plastic bag (or pan) with marinade and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. (If using a pan, cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.) When ready to grill, remove pork from marinade and place on a large sheet of foil. Heat grill on high. Grill pork and sear 3 minutes on each side. Return pork to foil and pour several tablespoons marinade over the pork, taking care not to let the marinade overflow. Wrap pork in foil forming a packet and return to grill. Close the grill, reduce heat to mediumlow, and roast pork packet for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from grill and let it rest on a fresh sheet of foil 5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, spoon Cucumber-Cantaloupe Salsa onto serving platter and set aside. Slice pork, arrange slices on top of salsa, and serve. Pass any remaining salsa in a small bowl.

CUCUMBER-CANTALOUPE SALSA Joanna makes this fruity salsa to enhance her Honey-Orange Pork Tenderloin, but the versatile condiment has many uses. Makes about 2½ cups ¾ cup peeled, seeded, and diced English cucumber ¾ cup peeled, seeded, and diced cantaloupe ¾ cup seeded, diced mini heirloom tomatoes ¼ cup diced red onion 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro Salt to taste In a medium bowl, combine cucumber, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and red onion. Add balsamic vinegar and salt and toss gently. Cover bowl and refrigerate until chilled or up to 4 hours. Just before serving, stir in fresh cilantro.

BABY POTATOES WITH FENNEL, ORANGE, AND OLIVES “As I move through the kitchen trying to dodge the toddlers and dogs chasing each other and sneaking food, I think, ‘This is my reality. A very beautiful and blessed reality,’ ” Joanna says. Simple ingredients cooked outdoors make this potato side dish more realistic for a mobile lifestyle and give it an elegance all its own. Serves 6 15 multicolored baby potatoes 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra as needed ½ tablespoon minced garlic Sea salt to taste ¼ cup chopped sweet yellow onion 3 small oranges, peeled, sliced into rounds, then quartered ½ cup sliced fennel ½ cup pitted, drained green olives ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Pepper to taste 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, for garnish Rinse potatoes and place in a medium bowl. Add olive oil, garlic, and salt, and toss to coat evenly. Preheat grill on high. Place potatoes directly on grill and roast 3 to 5 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic. Remove from grill and place on a large sheet of foil. Add onion and, if needed to coat potatoes, additional olive oil. Wrap mixture in foil, forming a packet. Reduce heat to medium, place packet on grill and roast for 15 to 20 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine oranges, fennel, and olives. Place potatoes in a large serving bowl. Add orange mixture and toss gently. Drizzle with ½ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped cilantro.

GRILLED APRICOTS WITH HONEY-BASIL GOAT CHEESE “I hope you enjoy these simple and delicious dishes in whatever environment feels most like home to you,” Joanna says. She encourages doubling this dessert recipe so there’s enough for seconds. Serves 6 3 ripe apricots, pitted and halved ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons soft goat cheese ½ tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling 6 fresh basil leaves for garnish Heat grill on high. In a medium bowl, toss apricot halves in ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and coat evenly. Place apricot halves cutside down on grill for about 3 minutes, or until softened. Return apricots to bowl and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese and honey. Spoon mixture into center of apricot halves, and place each half in a dessert dish. Drizzle honey over filled apricot halves, top each with a basil leaf, and serve immediately. 

Taste FOOD / WINE / DINING OUT

Get Crackin’ Three local chefs share their favorite ways to prepare lobster.

By Jaime Lewis

elieve it or not, lobster wasn’t always considered the delicacy it is now. In fact, in the 17th century, an abundance of the crustaceans on the North Atlantic coast made their meat cheap and plentiful enough to use as fertilizer, fish bait, and even feed for livestock. Today, of course, a plate of lobster with melted butter represents life well lived on long summer days. But for many home cooks, the prospect of sourcing, selecting, cooking, and serving the large shellfish is daunting. To get more home cooks crackin’, we nabbed recipes from three local lobster lovers, as well as tips, tricks, and hacks from local seaworthy experts. LOBSTER SALAD

Serves 4 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons malt vinegar 1 cup canola oil Salt and pepper to taste 4 cups mixed local greens 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 4 carrots, peeled and julienned into fine matchsticks Meat from 1 whole cooked Maine lobster (See “Preparing Lobster 101”), lightly chopped >

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At the new eatery Frankland’s Crab & Co. (franklandscrabandcompany.com) in Montecito, chef and owner Phillip Frankland Lee hadn’t initially planned to offer a lobster salad. “People kept asking for our lobster sandwich over greens, so eventually we put it on the menu,” he says. The result is decidedly West Coast–style: chopped lobster and fresh local greens in a light vinaigrette.

A TAIL OF TWO LOBSTERS With its large front claws, the North Atlantic American lobster, often called Maine lobster, thrives in cold waters, but we have our own lobster here on the West Coast, too. Though it has no claws, the California spiny lobster is a similar delicacy, found between Monterey and Mexico from October until near the end of March. The two

lobsters’ appearances, textures, and flavors differ in distinct ways, and each has its connoisseurs. “When the average guest thinks of lobster, they think of Maine lobster,” says chef and owner Phillip Frankland Lee of Frankland’s Crab & Co. (franklandscrabandcompany.com) in Montecito. “Maine lobster is softer and sweeter, a little bouncier, lighter.” Giovanni DeGarimore of Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley (giovannisfishmarket.com) in Morro

Bay is partial to California spiny lobster. “I’ve caught and cooked thousands of lobsters, and I think it’s the best lobster,” DeGarimore says. “Spiny lobsters are definitely more toothsome. You cut them with a steak knife and fork. They’re almost approaching chicken in texture, but they’re sweet and delicious and have a nice chew.” Just be ready to pay a pretty penny when California spiny lobster season hits, he says, as export demand from Asia has sent prices through the roof.

Taste Food

WHERE TO BUY Whether you want it live from the tank, delivered to your door, or cooked and chopped for you, lobster is easy to source from many Central Coast fish markets. Gelson’s Market (gelsons.com) in Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Barbara has live Maine lobsters in tanks, and they’ll also steam, crack, cook, and clean a lobster in about 20 minutes for no additional fee. At Ventura Harbor, Andria’s Fresh Seafood Market and Andria’s Seafood (andriasseafood.com) carry whole Maine lobster and in the fall sell California spiny lobster by special order. Frozen Maine lobster tail, whole Maine lobster, and California spiny lobster are available in season at the Santa Barbara Fish Market (sbfish.com) and online for home delivery. By special request, cooked lobsters can also be delivered. Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley (giovannisfishmarket.com) in Morro Bay offers live, raw, and cooked lobster on-site, online, and delivered, for a fee starting at $15 within California. In Templeton, Pier 46 Seafood (pier46seafood.com) sells live Maine lobster as well as frozen lobster tail.

In a small bowl, whisk mustard and honey until fully incorporated. Whisk in lemon juice. Alternating each, add vinegar and oil, whisking until mixture is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set vinaigrette aside. On a large platter, layer greens, tomatoes, carrots, and lobster. Serve with vinaigrette on the side. (Alternatively, in a large bowl, toss vegetables and lobster with vinaigrette before plating.)

CLASSIC LOBSTER BISQUE For this lobster bisque from Cafe Bizou (cafebizou.com) in Agoura Hills, “Everything is done from scratch,” says owner Philippe Gris. The long-simmering recipe calls for a nose-to-tail approach: Whole cooked lobsters are mashed and strained, shell and all, to create a rich, concentrated stock. Serves 8 2 or 3 Maine lobsters 3 tablespoons salted butter 1 white onion, chopped 3 celery stalks, chopped 2 carrots, chopped

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2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced 8 to 10 Roma tomatoes, chopped 2 cups water ¼ cup heavy cream 2 ounces brandy Italian parsley, chopped, for garnish Boil lobsters (see “Preparing Lobster 101”) and cool, leaving meat in the shell. Discard water from cooking pot and return whole cooked lobsters to it. With a large wooden spoon, mash lobsters to a pulp, including the shell. Strain juices from mashed lobster through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing lobster pulp into strainer with back of wooden spoon. Discard solids and set lobster stock aside. In a large Dutch oven over mediumhigh heat, melt butter. Sauté onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and tomatoes in butter until onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add water and reserved lobster stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer, partially covered, for 3 hours. Stir in heavy cream and brandy and simmer another 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and ladle into bowls.

CALIFORNIA-STYLE LOBSTER ROLL When Pier 46 Seafood (pier46seafood. com) restaurant and fish market opened in Templeton 10 years ago, owner Tony DeGarimore developed—on a whim—a California-style lobster roll with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, served

alongside sweet potato fries and a spring salad. He had no idea the stir it would cause among lobster roll traditionalists. “It’s the one item on my menu that I’ve had the most complaints about, and the most accolades” he says. “But I can’t take it off the menu now, because so many people love it.” The key to the perfect sandwich is using claw and knuckle meat from the lobster as well as the softest hoagie roll available, he says, “like an oversize hot dog bun.” Makes 2 sandwiches 1 pound cooked lobster meat, preferably from claw and tail, chopped (See “Preparing Lobster 101”) 2 Roma tomatoes, peeled and chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil Zest from 1 lemon 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 stalk celery, finely chopped ¼ red onion, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fish stock 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (or to taste) Salt and pepper to taste 2 soft hoagie rolls Italian parsley, chopped, for garnish In a large bowl toss together the first 12 ingredients and chill for 1 hour. Distribute the mixture between rolls and garnish with Italian parsley. 

PREPARING LOBSTER 101 When sourcing live Maine lobster, look for those that are moving and active; also make sure each lobster holds its claws upward. Black marks and holes in the shell indicate older lobsters and harder shells: Those with hard shells are usually fuller-fleshed but their meat can be tougher to access, while those with new shells generally offer more tender and easily accessible meat, but less of it. For beginners, boiling is the easiest method for cooking lobster. (Steaming can lead to uneven cooking and difficulty prying meat out of the shell.) To boil live lobsters, fill a 4- to 5-gallon pot with water and add ¼ cup sea salt per gallon. Bring water to a rolling boil and add 5 pounds of Maine lobster headfirst into the pot (they average 1¼ to 1½ pounds each). Cover the pot and boil lobsters about 20 minutes, until shells are bright red and tail meat is firm and opaque. Using tongs, remove lobsters, transfer them to a platter or sheet pan, and allow them to rest 5 minutes. To test for doneness, crack each lobster between its body and tail; meat should be white and opaque, not translucent. To harvest the meat, twist off front claws, crack each with a nutcracker, and scoop meat out with a small fork. Then, separate the tail from the body and break off the tail flippers, extracting meat from inside. Using a fork, push the tail meat out in one piece. Remove and discard the black vein that runs through the tail meat. Pull the shell of the body away from the flesh. Discard the tomalley (the liver, a soft green substance found in the body cavity). Using a sharp knife, crack the underside of the body through the middle, extracting meat from legs and joints.

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Taste Beer By Shauna Burke

here’s often no better respite from the scorching temperatures of summer than a frosty pint of beer or ice cream, and marrying the two makes for a unique summer treat. It’s a commonly held belief that summer calls for light, bright, easy-drinking beers, but don’t dismiss those dark stouts just yet. The full-bodied, nutty, often bittersweet dark brews are the perfect base for beer floats, as they tend to balance and complement sweet, rich ice creams. The collection of float recipes that follows features contributions from a crew of local beer-loving culinary professionals, myself included, and each of the frothy drinks here is approachable enough to make at home all summer long. NUT FARM FLOAT Brooke Town, owner of The Spoon Trade (thespoontrade.com) in Grover Beach, loves to highlight local products and ingredients and makes no exception with this over-the-top float. Chill a pint glass in the freezer (Town often scoops the ice cream into the glass before chilling) and prepare root beer syrup and spiced cacao nibs ahead of time for easy assembly. To make root beer syrup, simmer 24 ounces of root beer over medium heat for 45 minutes or until only ¼ cup remains. The syrup should be thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. To make spiced cacao nibs, heat 2 tablespoons of nibs in a sauté pan over low heat for 30 seconds, then add 1 teaspoon sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, stirring to coat. Continue stirring until sugar dissolves and nibs appear somewhat glossy; remove from heat and set aside to cool.

What better way to keep cool this summer than with ice cream bobbing in beer? 96

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Scoop ice cream into a chilled pint glass. Drizzle in root beer syrup. Top with stout, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with spicy cacao nibs. Serve with a long spoon.

TOKYO FLOAT Looking across the Pacific for his inspiration, George Piperis, lead bartender at Finch & Fork (finchandforkrestaurant.com) in Santa

Heady Floats

Makes 1 float 3 large scoops Doc Burnstein’s Heavenly Vanilla ice cream 8–10 ounces Silva Brewing Nut Farm stout 2 ounces root beer syrup 2–3 ounces heavy cream, whipped 1 teaspoon spiced cacao nibs, seasoned with cinnamon and sugar and toasted

Barbara, mingles local ice cream with a rich espresso stout and whiskey, both from Japan. The result works as an after-dinner drink and dessert all in one. Makes 1 float 2 scoops Rori’s Artisanal Creamery Matcha Green Tea ice cream 6 ounces Hitachino Nest Beer Espresso Stout 1 ounce Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky To a large dessert bowl, add two scoops of ice cream, then top with stout and whisky.

THE CLASSIC The local beer list at Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen (finneyscrafthouse.com) in Westlake Village is never less than impressive, but when looking for a sweet fix, don’t miss the off-menu beer float. Proprietor Greg Finefrock keeps it simple with local vanilla ice cream and a seasonal milk stout “on nitro” (dispensed with nitrogen for a creamier result). Makes 1 float 1 large scoop McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Vanilla Bean ice cream 12 ounces Firestone Walker Brewing Company Nitro Merlin Milk Stout or another brand of milk stout Scoop ice cream into a pint glass and fill to the top with milk stout.

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As a classically trained chef, I appreciate hyper-local brews, especially those that use local ingredients. So, for my own float, I’ve chosen Third Window Brewing Co. Walkabout 2018, named for the walking about done while foraging for the local oranges juiced and zested to make it. Öko Caribe cocoa nibs from Twenty-Four Blackbirds Chocolates, located in the brewery’s hometown of Santa Barbara, contribute to the beer’s deeply rich color, aroma, and flavor, which plays beautifully with an equally rich ice cream, like chocolate, coffee, or the peanut butter variety called for here. Makes 1 float 3 scoops McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Double Peanut Butter Chip ice cream 10–12 ounces Third Window Brewing Co. Walkabout 2018 ¼ ounce Twenty-Four Blackbirds Chocolates 75 percent Öko Caribe chocolate bar, for garnish Scoop ice cream into a chilled pint glass and fill to the top with stout. Shave chocolate over the top and serve with a long spoon. 

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Taste Dining Out By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

A Seafaring Affair Santa Barbara’s new Bluewater Grill location continues the ocean-to-table seafood tradition started by a beloved restaurant formerly at the site.

photographs from the Castagnola family ooking out at the Channel Islands archives that Ulcickas describes as a reverential and Santa Barbara Harbor from nod to the lobster house legacy. the upper-level patio of the new Although the restaurant is sure to attract Bluewater Grill (bluewatergrill. tourists from the Stearns Wharf and State com) in Santa Barbara is as Street corridor, Bluewater Grill is serious sweet as it gets. From here, Jim about keeping things local. With the help Ulcickas, co-founder of the of general manager Colin Lohenry, the new Bluewater Grill family of restaurants with eatery has developed a spirit of camaraderie business partner Rick Staunton, points out with neighboring Hotel Californian and nearby the slip where his boat is docked and describes Santo Mezcal and The Lark restaurants, the 15-year journey to find this location. The among others, and has hosted fundraisers for new site is their eighth location since the first recent disaster-relief efforts and groups from one opened in Newport Beach 25 years ago. the local yacht club. Even more crucial to These casual, upscale restaurants dish up Bluewater Grill’s love-the-locals movement is standard classics like shrimp skewers, cioppino, the restaurateurs’ choice of executive chef for and steak and lobster, as well as innovative, A staircase in the lighthouse tower spirals the Santa Barbara location, Chanel Ducharme, attention-getting fare, always using sustainably upward from a captain’s table. who has extensive restaurant experience in sourced seafood. San Francisco and Santa Barbara, most recently as chef de The oceanfront Santa Barbara location on Cabrillo cuisine at seafood-centric Hungry Cat, now closed. Boulevard plays a key role in local lore. The spacious, Ducharme, a Moorpark native, comes with her own thoroughly refurbished building was the original site of the sea-loving background. She recalls sitting on the dock Castagnola Lobster House, part of the Castagnola brothers’ of the Ventura Harbor as a child with her grandfather, a retail and wholesale seafood enterprise started in the 1930s. seasoned fisherman in California and Alaska, and has a firm Its motto, “From our boats to your door,” is an uncanny echo commitment to highlighting the local fishermen who supply of Bluewater Grill’s mission (Staunton’s swordfishing boat the fresh catch. “I’m all about supporting the little guy hauls in Channel Islands catches for his restaurants from who comes in to eat and sees his name written there on the July to September), which is more than just a coincidence. white board,” says Ducharme, referring to Bluewater Grill’s “I interviewed quite a few people,” says current property posted daily specials, which identify the source of their owner Virginia Castagnola Hunter, who is known for ingredients. She’s also a veteran forager at Santa Barbara’s preserving her father George Castagnola’s ocean-loving Tuesday and Saturday farmers’ markets, where she is often legacy. “[Bluewater Grill owners] Rick and Jimmy were head seen loading up carts with heirloom cauliflower, Jimenez and shoulders above the rest,” says the Santa Barbara native, Family Farm romanesco (a crucifer with pointed clusters now in her 80s, “and they really know how to do things.” of undeveloped flower buds), and Brussels sprouts from The restaurant’s elaborate build-out features a chef’s Lompoc for the menu’s side choices. counter addition to the open kitchen, a five-seat oyster bar, Ducharme worked closely with Bluewater Grill corporate a custom captain’s table in the iconic lighthouse tower, plus executive chef Jason Mazur to become familiar with his cocktail bars on the first- and second-story levels. There’s also a signature plates. The grilled Spanish octopus is served atop > charming library nook with nautical-themed books and historic

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Bluewater runs deep (clockwise from top, left): Sea scallops in the shell with ponzu sauce, pickled ginger, and flying fish roe dazzle on a platter beside oysters and cocktail shrimp. Chain co-founder Rick Staunton visits the new location. Guests gather at the upstairs bar. Ichiban Ahi Tuna is a dramatic starter. The dĂŠcor fits the theme swimmingly. Executive chef Chanel Ducharme prepares a Seafood Platter. Historic Castagnola family photos (center) honor the property ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; seafood enterprise.

Taste Dining Out smoked-paprika aioli, chive oil, and a mound of pan-roasted purple fingerling potatoes and topped with sweet onions marinated in coriander-dominant pickling spices. Large, tender Peruvian sea scallops are presented sashimi-style in the shell with sweet mirin-ponzu sauce, wasabi aioli, pickled ginger, and tobiko (flying fish roe), beside a wakame (seaweed) salad for textural contrast. A heaping bowlful of plump and delicious Hope Ranch black mussels is steamed in white wine, butter, and clam juice with caramelized chunks of Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que chorizo. Ducharme takes creative license with featured dishes to provide a uniquely Santa Barbara twist. “People from Santa Barbara are sophisticated,” she says, “and they like original, authentic dishes.” One comes by way of a pal from her Hungry Cat days, diver Stephanie Mutz, known for her hand-harvested Santa Barbara sea urchin, which is featured

In the summer, look for the New England Lobster Clambake, a 1.25-pound steamed Maine lobster, Manila clams, corn on the cob, and coleslaw, served with drawn butter and a bib.

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on the menu raw in the shell with baked saltines Ducharme seasons with furikake (a seaweed, sesame seed, and dried fish flakes–based spice blend). Her Ichiban Ahi Tuna is lightly seared with a choppedherb crust, served on a bed of mint, parsley, cilantro, and julienned cucumber and daikon radish, and topped with crispy rice. The featured whole fish, enough for two, changes daily and comes with a root-vegetable puree, a melange of wild mushrooms, and a bold chimichurri sauce. A popular pasta entrée is squid ink spaghetti with prawns, leeks, whole roasted garlic, baby arugula, and creamy burrata cheese. For one of several salads on the menu, roasted red and golden beets come bite-size with goat cheese that’s smoked in-house, pickled fennel, orange sections, citrus crème fraîche, and a handful of Santa Barbara pistachios. Seasonal monthlong celebrations are part of Bluewater Grill tradition, with rotating themes like A Taste of Louisiana, featuring hearty shrimp and chicken gumbo and chipotle blackened Gulf redfish, and Inside Passage, named for the Seattle-to-Alaska waterway and presenting fresh Alaskan halibut and salmon and oysters from the Pacific Northwest. In the summer, look for the New England Lobster Clambake, a 1.25-pound steamed Maine lobster, Manila clams, corn on the cob, and coleslaw, served with drawn butter and a bib. Tasting Tuesdays, a reservationsonly chef ’s event held on the second Tuesday of every month, pairs seasonal menu items with local wines and spirits. Happy hour is Monday through Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a special small-plates menu. There’s a whole lot more to enjoy at Bluewater Grill than just those sunset views on the water. 

The Guide W H E R E TO E AT N OW

Our aim is to inform you of restaurants with great food that you might not have experienced yet. The 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 chefdriven cuisine, regardless of atmosphere. “A Good Bet” 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 The Guide in every issue. Please send any comments and suggestions to edit@805living.com. ON THE WEB: Visit 805living.com for more listings and to make quick and easy reservations

at many of the restaurants listed here through Open Table.

Fine Dining

These restaurants have a skilled kitchen team, a lovely dining room, and great service. ANGEL OAK 8301 Hollister Ave. Santa Barbara, 805-968-0100 ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/ santa-barbara/dining/angel-oak Steaks & Seafood; Entrées $31 to Market Price

Great Views, Romantic Located on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Angel Oak takes full advantage of its perch above the Santa Barbara County coastline and of the talents of chef Alexander Bollinger. The menu is modern steakhouse with a seafood twist—and guests can choose from among 12,000-bottles in the restaurant’s wine cellar.

ARTISAN 843 12th St. Paso Robles, 805-237-8084 artisanpasorobles.com New American; Entrées $14–$31

Vegetables from the restaurant’s own farm, sustainably raised meats, and an award-winning chef combine to form a temple of gastronomy in the heart of 805 wine country. Chef and co-owner Chris Kobayashi prepares seasonal food for daily dinners, and weekend brunches. An afternoon menu of small plates, woodfired pizzas, and drink specials is available daily at the bar. Chris’ wife, Shandi, matches excellent wines to her husband’s cuisine.

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

Great Views Named for its sweeping views of lawn, ocean, and sky, Bella Vista has an Italian bent thanks to executive chef Marco Fossati. He uses local fish and organic farmers’ market produce, handmade pastas, and herbs from the chef’s garden at the resort to create such dishes as Tajarin Carbonara di Mare, and jidori chicken with farrotto and smoked corn. Specials include table-side service of spaghetti with

caciocavallo cheese and Tellicherry pepper. At the adjacent Ty Lounge, an extensive menu of Spanish tapas echoes the Hacienda-style décor featuring a fireplace, an ocean-view terrace, and hand-painted walls and ceilings. The wine list offers local and international labels. Happy hour Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. includes specials on featured tapas ($5 to $9), draught beer and wine on tap ($4 to $6), and select cocktails ($7).

BELMOND EL ENCANTO 800 Alvarado Place Santa Barbara, 805-845-5800 belmond.com/el-encanto-santa-barbara Entrées $28–$48

Great Views, Romantic The luxe Belmond El Encanto hotel perches atop its seven-acre hilltop property with sweeping city and ocean views. Settle in on the spacious terrace or in the elegant dining room and linger over artfully presented California coastal cuisine crafted by executive chef Johan Denizot. Local ingredients shine, including herbs from the chef’s garden and cheese made from the milk of Ellie, the resort’s cow. The seasonal menu features appetizers such as halibut sashimi and mains like king crab leg in lobster-chili broth and classic New York steak with a choice of sides. The wine list includes Santa Barbara County gems and globetrotting labels. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, although Sunday lunch is replaced with a bottomless Bellini brunch. Afternoon tea (reservations highly recommended) is served Monday through Saturday. In-the-know locals and hotel guests take in the sunset, cocktail in hand, on the terrace.

CA’ DARIO 37 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-884-9419 cadario.net Italian; Entrées $15–$32

At the corner of Victoria and Anacapa streets, Ca’ Dario is somewhat off the Santa Barbara tourist path. That doesn’t mean it isn’t jammed with people twirling forks laden with al dente pastas sauced in Bolognese, or tomatoes with olives and capers, or smoked salmon with peas and tomato and cream. The Ravioli al Burro e Salvia is a fine example of a spinach-ricotta ravioli sauced in browned butter and crispy sage leaves. Steaks, lamb chops, and breaded chicken breast are quite filling. There’s a fresh fish special daily and sometimes a wonderful seafood risotto. Wines from Italy and the Central Coast line the walls.

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

Romantic Located at the luxurious Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Cello showcases the cuisine of executive chef Justin Picard, a veteran of kitchens in San Francisco and Aspen who has made two guest appearances at the James Beard House in New York. Look for local, seasonal ingredients (some grown on site) in his pastas, salads, flatbreads, steaks, and seafood. A serene covered patio near the substantial kitchen garden is a fine place for enjoying breakfast, lunch, small plates, or dinner outdoors. Cello also offers an extensive farm-to-bar cocktail menu and a wine list that includes several otherwise impossible-to-get bottles.

At Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (fourseasons.com/santabarbara), two seasonal tasting events are sure to have folks saying “Cheers!” to summer. On July 13, Red, White & Brew ($55) features beers from a local microbrewery as well as a tequila bar, paired with ceviche, barbecue suckling pig, Ensenada mussels, and more. True to its name, the Sunset Spritz session ($65) on August 24 includes an aperitivo bar of light libations designed to whet appetites for the menu of Italian specialties that follows. Participants get to sample dalla forma—pasta prepared in a wheel of pecorino cheese—before the sun goes down.

THE CHASE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 1012 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-965-4351 chasebarandgrill.com Italian; Entrées $16–$44 Romantic With the cozy upscale ambience of an old-fashioned supper club, The Chase Restaurant and Lounge has offered enduring Italian favorites along with American steaks, chops, and seafood, since 1979, proving that the classics never lose their appeal. Sparkling garlands of tiny white lights, white tablecloths, a marble-inlaid bar, tip-top service, and Frank Sinatra in the background set the scene for traditional, satisfying meals. JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

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The Dining Guide FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE 2 Dole Drive Westlake Village, 818-575-3000 fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/dining Californian and Japanese Entrées and Sunday Brunch $15–$72

Trained at Michelin-starred restaurants in his native Spain, executive chef Jose Fernandez brings a refined farm-and-ocean-to-table approach to the resort’s elegant dining rooms. At Hampton’s, posh furnishings and waterfall views are backdrops for a Champagne brunch buffet with live jazz on Sundays. The more casual Lobby Lounge features waterfall views with breakfast, lunch, and dinner and a Sustainable Living Menu. Located near the lobby, Stir is open daily from 6 a.m. with a grab-and-go menu of baked-on-site pastries and savory options to go with cold-brewed coffee, gelato, and other treats. With its fire pits and urban vibe, The Lookout is a sophisticated outdoor spot to start the evening with a cocktail and a small plate or two. Open Fridays through Sundays, The Tasting Room features California labels and a menu of wine-friendly nibbles. Sushi fans will want to visit Onyx, which gets its own write-up in the Foodie section of this guide. Valet parking is $7 with validation; selfparking is free for up to four hours with validation.

For farm-to-table dining with a charitable twist, nab a ticket to Feast in the Field, an August 25 event that benefits and celebrates the 10th anniversary of The Abundant Table (theabundanttable.org). Located just off Highway 101 in Camarillo, the working organic farm offers learning opportunities for local schoolchildren, visiting interns, and other community members. (Its organic produce is sold on site and at farmers’ markets and is donated to area food banks and faith-based organizations.) Bring your wallet and walking shoes: Dinner includes a silent auction and tours of the farm.

THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY 120 E. Promenade Way Westlake Village, 805-418-1760 thegrill.com American; Entrées $11–$59

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

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IL CORTILE RISTORANTE 608 12th St. Paso Robles, 805-226-0300 ilcortileristorante.com Italian; Entrées $18–$34

Il cortile is Italian for “the courtyard.” At this upscale restaurant at the edge of downtown Paso, the courtyard invites diners to breathe in beautiful evenings. A more intimate experience awaits inside, where diners find what the owners call contemporary Old World styling. Northern and Southern Italian dishes are the heart of executive chef and co-owner Santos MacDonal’s seasonal menu. Along with caldi (hot) and freddi (cold) antipasti, there is a section of the menu dedicated to mozzarella. Pasta, ravioli, and gnocchi have fresh, inspired flavors, hallmarks of being house-made. Secondi (main courses) cover beef, lamb, and seafood; osso bucco is particularly nice. The restaurant has a small bar area and a wine list that raises a glass to California’s Central Coast and Italy.

LUCERNE RESTAURANT 868 Arneill Road Camarillo, 805-383-5777 lucernerestaurant.com Italian; Entrées $14–$22 Romantic

This family-owned restaurant offers white-tablecloth service (for lunch and dinner) where you’d least expect it: a strip-mall space next to Kmart. Tables are decorated with fresh flowers, and warm, heart-shaped focaccia bread is in the breadbasket that arrives while you peruse the menu. Options include salads, seafood, and veal; pastas are mix-and-match: Choose a shape and a sauce to go with it. (Fettuccini is especially good with the Lucerne, made with chicken, capers, mushrooms, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.) Several $10 traditional Italian specials are available Tuesdays through Fridays at lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Save room for the house-made ricotta and chocolate chip cannoli, dusted with powdered sugar. The wine list focuses on Italy and California with an emphasis on labels from the 805. Check the restaurant’s Facebook page for news of monthly wine dinners.

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

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Black-and-white portraits of stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Warhol, and Julia Child adorn the walls of this upscale steak house in Montecito. The plates and napkins are monogrammed, the patio is tented and heated for year-round enjoyment, and the bar opens an hour before dinner service begins. Steaks can be dressed with seven different sauces, there are eight versions of potato side dishes, and the onion rings should have their own Facebook Fan page.

MEDITERRANEO 32037 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-889-9105 med-rest.com Mediterranean; Entrées $11–$105 (to share)

Great View, Kid-Friendly (breakfast and lunch), Sunday Brunch Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Mediterraneo provides plenty of dining options for locals and guests of the Westlake Village Inn, where it is located. Executive chef Lisa Biondi showcases local, seasonal ingredients in starters such as Kurobuta pork belly with crispy white polenta and apple agrodolce, Italy’s answer to sweet-and-sour sauce. Entrées include an array of flatbreads, swordfish with sautéed rapini, Niman Ranch double-cut pork chops and oven-roasted carrots with rosemary garlic potatoes, and an 18-ounce free-range veal chop Milanese. The

à la carte Sunday brunch choices range from light to decadent. Happy hour, on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., features live music, a $5 menu, and thematic food-and-drink specials (think Mozzarella Mondays and Truffle Tuesdays). Worth a splurge: classic and craft cocktails filtered through the imagination of mixologist and food and beverage manager Jacopo Falleni. Patios offer views of the lake or vineyard; a private room is available for special events.

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

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

NOBU 22706 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, 310-317-9140 noburestaurants.com Japanese with Peruvian Influences; Entrées $8–$46, Omakase Menu $100–$150

The stars love to come to Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurant for its sushi bar and Peruvian-influenced Japanese cuisine as well as the omakase (chef’s choice menus) and other high-budget treats. The rest of us might need to check our bank accounts before ordering the lobster shiitake salad with spicy lemon dressing (nearing the $50 mark at lunch and dinner). The ocean views available from nearly every seat are priceless—and a little easier to squeeze into the budget during breakfast and brunch service on Fridays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., when selections range from Jidori chicken and waffles ($24) to the caviar “hot pot” of steamed eggs topped with crème fraîche, crispy mushrooms, and caviar ($21).

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

Romantic, Great Patio A casually elegant dining room of distressed wood lit with unique light sculptures by artist Timothy J. Ferrie is a beautiful fit for Florence-born and -trained restaurateur Jacopo Falleni. The menu avoids the faddish, instead cutting a culinary swath through the Italian peninsula and islands with tradition-rich dishes that reflect Falleni’s Tuscan upbringing (gnudi with pomodoro sauce), executive chef Gianluca Maita’s Sicilian heritage (arancini), and pasta chef Pamela Ganci’s influences from Bologna (passatelli with peas). Service is engaging and professional, while Falleni himself fills the role of sommelier and designed signature cocktails for the full bar.

THE RANCH HOUSE 102 Besant Road Ojai, 805-646-2360 theranchhouse.com Farm-to-table; Prix fixe $45 for three courses, $55 for five Romantic

The Ranch House is much changed from the early 1950s, when it was founded as a pay-what-you-can vegetarian restaurant by Alan and Helen Hooker. But its sense of magic remains: A stream runs through the property, spilling into a koi pond with a bridge that leads to the gardens. Tables draped in white linens are tucked behind stands of bamboo throughout the garden and arranged on a sheltered patio strung with twinkle lights. (The table nearest the pond is a prime spot for marriage proposals.) The current menu channels the Hookers (who added meat to the menu in the 1960s) with prix-fixe dinners that continue to showcase local produce, some of it from the on-site herb garden. Don’t miss the braised pork belly appetizer, which might come with a sweet pineapple poppy sauce one season and other accompaniments the next. The wine list offers 600 imported and domestic labels. A note about the address: The Ranch House is located where South Lomita Avenue meets Besant Road, prompting Yelp and other online sources to place it at 500 S. Lomita Ave.

as a reminder that they’re at a kosher restaurant in an Oxnard industrial park. On Fridays, only lunch is served. The restaurant is closed on Saturdays in observance of the Sabbath.

SABOR COCINA MEXICANA 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, 805-497-2457 saborcocinamexicana.com Mexican; Entrées $14–$24

Romantic Village dwellers pack this beautiful space for its warm, friendly service and top-notch food. The menu is small, but the nightly specials are worth investigating. High rollers and celebs consider this their neighborhood boîte. Others come just for special occasions. The lobster and shrimp martini salad has hearts of palm, avocado, and pink grapefruit segments; the baby greens salad has shaved fennel and toasted pine nuts; the whole Dover sole is topped with a lemon-chervil sauce; and the chicken breast comes under a sundried tomato pesto.

Romantic, Sunday Brunch It’s flashy and fancy—not your usual Mexican cocina. Eat in the bar area where huge margaritas are being blended, or on the front patio while people watching, or in the main dining room with the massive chandeliers strung with red glass hearts. Chef-owner Leticia Hansen turns out beautifully plated entrées like chicken enchiladas with Oaxacan cheese and cochinita pibil, which is pork in achiote sauce. Her partner and husband, Mark Hansen, makes sure the dining areas are running smoothly.

TIERRA SUR RESTAURANT AT HERZOG WINE CELLARS 3201 Camino del Sol Oxnard, 805-983-1560 tierrasuratherzog.com New American; Entrées $16–$58, Wine-Tasting Menu $70

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, who’s also a fan of local, seasonal fare, maintains the Mediterranean vibe of the menu. Marinated olives, lamb bacon, and corn tortillas are made in-house. Tapas feature beet salad as well as pastrami and corned beef tongue. 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 kale and sous vide oyster mushrooms. Desserts are elegantly plated variations on sorbets and flourless chocolate cake. Surrounded by the coppery glow of the walls and the burnished-wood wine rack that frames the kitchen pass-through, diners may need to pinch themselves

TRA DI NOI RISTORANTE 3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite 8A Malibu, 310-456-0169 tradinoimalibu.com Italian; Entrées $18–$36; market price for some seafood

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

TUSCANY IL RISTORANTE 968 S. Westlake Blvd. Westlake Village, 805-495-2768 Italian; Entrées $18–$32

Foodie

Cuisine that shines regardless of décor, service, ambience, or even views. AROHA NEW ZEALAND CUISINE & BAR 30990 Russell Ranch Road, Unit C Westlake Village, 805-405-5054 aroharestaurant.com New Zealand fare; Entrées $26–$45

Kid-Friendly, Romantic, Sunday Brunch The spirit of aroha—a Maori word meaning “love”—is alive and well at this restaurant owned by husband-and-wife Gwithyen and Justine Thomas. She handles marketing and social media, and as executive chef and a native of Auckland, he oversees the menu of beautifully plated cuisine from New Zealand and the Pacific Rim. Some artisanal products are flown in thrice weekly. New Zealand Ora King salmon is served with burnt orange sauce; lamb is paired with smoked purple potatoes and grape-mint salsa. A cloudlike Pavlova JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

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The Dining Guide is among the desserts. A separate children’s menu is available. Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. features breakfast and lunch fare, such as ricotta pancakes and a venison short-rib sandwich with handcut potato chips. Drinks include nonalcoholic sparklers, and beer, wine, and spirits from New Zealand. The bar menu of small bites (lump crab cakes, crispy pork belly) and “main grub” (fish and chips, steak and cheese pie) is available Tuesdays through Sundays from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Happy hour runs Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; specials include $5 beers and wines by the glass and a $7 cocktail.

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

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

Featured in the movie Sideways and considered a must-see for wine lovers passing through the Santa Ynez Valley, the Buellton restaurant The Hitching Post 2 (hitchingpost2.com) is getting a new neighbor in late July: a tasting room to call its own. Devoted to wines made by pith helmet–wearing chef and owner Frank Ostini and his business partner Gray Hartley, the spot at 420 E. Highway 246 is set to include a limited lunch menu of deli plates from The Hitching Post 2 and plenty of space for picnicking.

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

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

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

Chef and restaurateur Jessi Singh partners with star sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr to offer vibrant Indian fare and local and international wines and beers in this casual downtown bistro. Don’t miss the gol gappa, surprising sweet-and-spicy flatbread balls flavored with mint, coriander, dates, and tamarind chutney or Singh’s signature dish, Mr. Tso’s Cauliflower, featuring the nutty florets tossed in a tangy chili sauce.

UPDATE THE BLUE OWL AT CANON PERDIDO 5 W. Canon Perdido Santa Barbara, 805-705-0991 theblueowlsb.com Asian-American; Entrées $9–$13

Late-Night Menu East meets West at this popular lunch-and-dinner spot, where a banh mi sandwich with oyster-chili mayo is on the menu along with a Thai basil cheeseburger infused with green curry and topped with an egg. The café also offers a fried-rice bar with kimchi, pork, and poached eggs among the optional add-ons (vegan and gluten-free versions are available). Beverages include house-made herbed lemonade and local beer and wines on tap. The Blue Owl really lives up to its name on Fridays and Saturdays, when an everchanging late-night menu of munchies-slaying dishes greets diners from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

BOB’S WELL BREAD BAKERY 550 Bell St. Los Alamos, 805-344-3000 bobswellbread.com European; Pastries and Breads $1.50–$20, Entrées $7–$13

Located in a refurbished 1920s-era service station with its original Douglas fir floors intact, this artisanal bakery is well worth a visit. For the best selection, arrive at 7 a.m. on Thursdays through Mondays, when the doors open and aromatic scones, bagels, kouignamann, pain au chocolat, and other pastries come out of the ovens. Loaves of naturally leavened, burnishedcrust breads follow soon after. Special daily breads include pain aux lardons (Saturdays and Sundays), and gluten-free Centennial Loaf (Mondays). The on-site café serves breakfast and lunch (think avocado toast tartine, croque monsieur sandwiches, and grilled bread with pâté and onion-bacon marmalade) until 3 p.m. Graband-go items for DIY picnics include ficelle sandwiches made with French ham, Emmentaler cheese, and house-made butter. Check the Facebook page for details about monthly meet-the-winemakers gatherings that include food-and-wine pairings.

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

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

EMBER RESTAURANT 1200 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande, 805-474-7700 emberwoodfire.com California-Mediterranean; Small Plates $10–$17, Pizzas $18–$20, Entrées $23–$32

Named for the wood fires used to cook the restaurant’s seasonal and farm-fresh dishes, Ember is the project of executive chef Brian Collins, an Arroyo Grande native who shares skills he honed at Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos with his hometown. The menu, like the beer and wine list, is locally focused, changes monthly, and includes rustic specialties such as crispy kale and house-made fennel sausage pizza, Jidori chicken alongside a wedge of grilled polenta and farmers’ market veggies, and grilled rib eye served over roasted potatoes and topped with a decadent garlic confit and avocado chimichurri.

FARMER AND THE COOK 339 W. El Roblar Drive Ojai, 805-640-9608 farmerandcook.com Vegetarian; Entrées $6–$14

Kid-Friendly Steve Sprinkel is the farmer and wife Olivia Chase is the cook at this combination café, bakery, market, and community center in the Meiners Oaks area of the Ojai Valley. A soup-and-salad bar offers fresh, organic fare for those on the go. The daily menu of vegetarian Mexican dishes like Swiss chard enchiladas and huaraches topped with grilled veggies, Feta, and Jack cheeses, and salsa roja can be made vegan with the substitution of a housemade cashew “cheese.” Gluten-free and raw foods are also available. On Friday and Saturday nights, the weekend farm café menu features dishes inspired by what Chase has harvested from the couple’s farm less than 3 miles away.

UPDATE FINCH & FORK 31 W. Carrillo St. Santa Barbara, 805-879-9100 finchandforkrestaurant.com American; Entrées $10–$35

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

FIRST & OAK 409 First St. Solvang, 805-688-1703 firstandoak.com California French Small Plates $8–$19, Entrées $34–$38

Named for its address, this restaurant inside the newly renovated Mirabelle Inn is a showcase for the talents of British-born executive chef Steven Snook, a veteran of the Michelin Star–rated kitchens of Gordon Ramsay. Snook marries classic and molecular gastronomy techniques with local ingredients, creating a small plates–focused menu that changes with the seasons. Artful platings of butternut squash soup poured over brown-butter sage tortellini as well

as sous vide carrots with a 63-degree (Celsius) egg echo the drama of the Belle Époque–inspired dining room. For spring, heirloom tomato consommé is ramped up with vegetables and preserved lemon and a spring wedge salad showcases baby gem lettuce, topping it with green goddess dressing, fresh herbs, and pistachios. (Outdoor patio seating is also available.) Co-owner, sommelier, and general manager Jonathan Rosenson oversees the wine list, which includes selections from his family’s Coquelicot Estate Vineyard, also in Solvang, along with other Santa Barbara County labels. France, Italy, Germany, and New Zealand are represented, too. Call for news about winemaker dinners.

FOREMOST WINE CO. 570 Higuera St., Suite 105 San Luis Obispo, 805-439-3410 foremostslo.com American, Eclectic Small plates $9–Market Price; Entrées $22–$31

In the heart of San Luis Obispo, this combination restaurant, wine bar and lounge, and burrata bar offers a metrorustic vibe and globe-trotting wine list. The menu by the culinary team of chefs Andrew Cross and Drew Vaughan pairs worldly flavors with ingredients sourced closed to home. Dishes include farro risotto with roasted vegetables, a crudo of the day featuring local fish or beef, and grilled petite tenderloin with mushroom– blue cheese bread pudding. The burrata bar serves several combos: The Bee Keeper marries the creamy cheese with shards of chewy honeycomb and a seasonal fruit or vegetable. Happy hour on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. includes $5 by-theglass wine specials, a $4 to $10 happy hour menu, and draft beers.

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

Romantic, Sunday Brunch Connected to the 17-room Granada Hotel, the bistro is both intimate and big-city urban, combining exposed brick walls with velvet upholstery and an eclectic art collection. (Check out the sculptural “tree” on the patio.) Executive chef Kenny Bigwood’s seasonal menus start with creative small plates, sides, and cheese and charcuterie selections. Don’t-miss entrées include cherry cola– braised ribs at dinner, Cuban panini, and a chef’s selection bento box at lunch, and eggs Benedict made with corn bread, bacon, and chipotle hollandaise during Sunday brunch. The wine list focuses on small-production labels from around the world. Cocktails often include locally foraged ingredients like lavender, rosemary, and pink peppercorns.

HOTEL CALIFORNIAN 36 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-882-0100 thehotelcalifornian.com/santa_ barbara_restaurants/ Eclectic; Entrées $31–$50

Built on the grounds of the original Hotel Californian less than a block from Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara’s newest resort pays careful attention to all the luxurious details while retaining a casual yet elegant vibe. Its dining options are equally skilled. At Blackbird, dinner menus by executive chef Alexander La Motte showcase local ingredients in dishes inspired by the Mediterranean with some North African influences; the bar serves signature cocktails in addition to local brews on tap. (Fans of Alfred Hitchcock will get a kick out of his photo in the dining room.) Located in a separate building from Blackbird, Goat Tree is an order-at-the-counter café with its own patio and, in the dining room, windows with a view of the kitchen. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with graband-go options for impromptu picnics.

INDUSTRIAL EATS 181 Industrial Way Buellton, 805-688-8807 industrialeats.com New American; Entrées $6–$20

To find this destination restaurant on Buellton’s aptly named Industrial Way, drive past the Central Coast Water Authority office and look for a building painted with floating sausages, carrots, and wine glasses. At night, a neon “Eats” sign points to the front door. Inside, you’ll find imported cheeses, house-cured meats, and locally sourced dishes by New West Catering owner and executive chef Jeff Olsson, making his debut as restaurateur. Frequent changes to the menu are noted by pull-down rolls of butcher paper behind the deli counter. Wood-fire pizzas can be simple (rosemary with Parmesan) or adventurous (crispy pig’s ear salad with sriracha and an egg cracked on top). “Not Pizza” selections include veal sweetbreads with arugula and a beef tongue pastrami Reuben. Press Gang Cellars is among the local labels with wines on tap.

LA COSECHA MODERN COCINA 450 E. Harbor Blvd. Ventura, 805-652-5151 lacosecharestaurant.com Mexican; Entrées $13–$23

Located inside the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach hotel, this casually upscale restaurant is named for “the harvest” in Spanish. The menu by executive chef Luis Martinez, a native of Jalisco, marries authentic Mexican flavors with contemporary cooking techniques and locally grown produce. Shareable plates include shrimp and octopus ceviche as well as barbacoa beef taquitos with avocadotomatillo salsa. House specialties include chicken tinga enchiladas and grilled salmon marinated in orange and achiote and served with tequila butter. Thematic specials are available throughout the week: On Margarita Mondays, the featured drink is $6.

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

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The Dining Guide 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. Desserts by pastry chef Joey Vega include warm Meyer lemon fritters with slow-cooked blueberries and lemon thyme.

Thanks to the Cosmic Meals at Ambrosia by Caffrodite (caffrodite. com) in midtown Ventura, you can dine on a different grain each day of the week. Wednesdays are all about millet (think hot cereal with berry compote in the morning and millet burgers at lunch), while Fridays focus on barley (flakes and berries for breakfast and cabbage stuffed with barley and summer veggies in the afternoon). Vegan croissants and other baked goods, including gluten-free items, are also available daily. But you’ll have to take a celestial breather on Tuesdays, when the combination café and coffeehouse is closed.

UPDATE LES MARCHANDS RESTAURANT & MERCHANT 131 Anacapa St., Suite B Santa Barbara, 805-284-0380 lesmarchandswine.com European; Small Plates $5–$15; Entrées $18–$30

Weekend Brunch The vibe is Parisian bistro, but selections at this combination restaurant and retail shop in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone give equal opportunity to the United States and other countries. The by-the-glass wine selection is well-rounded, craft beer is available on draft and in bottles, and the cocktails showcase vintage and contemporary recipes. The menu by executive chef Weston Richards includes charcuterie, cheese platters, and artisanal toasts made with bread from the neighboring Helena Avenue Bakery. Dinner is served daily from 5 p.m., when selections include a local strawberry-arugula salad with house-made ricotta and mint pesto and lemon-brined chicken with crispy fingerling potatoes. Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. offers dishes such as shakshuka (a Middle Eastern poached-egg dish) and fried chicken and waffles with rosemary honey.

UPDATE LIDO AT DOLPHIN BAY 2727 Shell Beach Road Pismo Beach, 805-773-8900 thedolphinbay.com/lido

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Californian; Entrées $16–$58

Great View, Daily Brunch Chef Hector Ibarra brings an eye for seasonal ingredients to a menu that echoes the creativity of the art glass displayed in Lido’s dining room. Appetizers include oysters with pink peppercorn mignonette and braised pork belly with fennel slaw. Entrées include house-made squid-ink pasta, quinoa veggie burgers, and a generous rib eye with curry compound butter. The Chef’s Tasting Menu offers five courses for $75 ($100 with wine pairings). A daily affair, brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., features a three-course plated option with bottomless mimosas as well as à la carte dishes.

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

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

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

This restaurant located inside The Landsby hotel is named for the Danish words for “food” and “wine.” You won’t find a single aebleskiver in the sleek but comfy dining room, but Mad & Vin still pays homage to Solvang’s heritage with a Nordic Caesar salad of local greens, sautéed shrimp, fried sourdough croutons, and dill-caraway Caesar dressing. At dinner, the lamb porterhouse with mint-pesto yogurt and seafood hot pot, paired with selections from the primarily Santa Barbara County wine list, are not to be missed. The bar is a Scandinavian-chic spot to meet friends for lunch on the weekends or for cocktails and small bites daily from 4 p.m.

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

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

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

Kid-Friendly Don’t let the multicolored chalkboard menu or

the solar-powered toy pigs decorating the dining room fool you: This order-at-the-counter café may specialize in salads, sandwiches, and what are called “powerbowls” in a fun, casual atmosphere, but chef and co-owner Luis Sanchez is serious about the food—witness Mouthful’s inclusion on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2015. La Sarita, a sandwich of 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.

THE NEST 401 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, 805-798-9035 Californian; Entrées $8–$15

Don’t let the order-at-the-window casualness fool you: The Nest serves high-quality fare with options for vegans and carnivores, plus craft cocktails that change with the seasons. Chef and co-owner Kiona Wachter is an Ojai native, a fact that turns up in such dishes as The Tireman, a brisket sandwich named for her uncle’s tire business in nearby Oak View, and in the Tico Salad, sprinkled with Fritos corn chips just as it was when her father and godmother served it at their Nest of Ojai restaurant more than 20 years ago. Pizzas, rice bowls, cauliflower tacos, shave ice, and desserts round out the menu. Indoor seating is limited; the most popular spot for dining is the semi-sheltered patio, which offers views of the Topa Topa mountain range.

UPDATE OJAI VALLEY INN 905 Country Club Road Ojai, 805-646-1111 ojairesort.com Various cuisines Entrées $11–$60; Saturday Buffet Brunch $29; 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 cuisine with a Northern Italian twist courtesy of chef de cuisine Andrea Rodella. Beautifully plated dishes are served in dining spaces that include a private wine room as well as a veranda overlooking the first and final holes of the property’s world-class golf course. Olivella also offers a fourcourse prix fixe menu, available with or without paired wines, and hosts winemaker dinners. Start the evening with small bites and craft 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 options 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. 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, and 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 ice cream.

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

Husband-and-wife owners Alberto Morello and Elaine Andersen Morello treat their restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara like the gems they are: No ingredient is too good to employ. The organic extra-virgin olive oil from a grove near Alberto’s home village in Italy is so popular, patrons buy bottles of it for their own use. At the Ristorante, salads are fresh and the pastas and sauces are house-made. Standouts include gnocchi alla Riviera, which combines spinach-and-ricotta dumplings with fresh tomato sauce. With its glass shelves and glowing marble walls, the crudo bar is a jewel-box showcase for carefully executed dishes. Thinly sliced pieces of raw fish are accented with simple but excellent olio e limone (olive oil and lemon) and sometimes a bit more: Try the Atlantic Bluefin tuna belly with ginger vinaigrette and wasabi shoots for a meaningful experience. Selected appetizers, beers, cocktails, proseccos, and wines by the glass are halfprice during happy hour service available Sundays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

ONYX AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE Two Dole Drive Westlake Village, 818-575-3000 onyxrestaurant.com Japanese; Entrées $15–$45

Romantic, Great View A master at sushi, chef Masa Shimakawa also serves modern Japanese fare inspired by his training in Japan and influences from Thailand, China, and beyond. Cocktails and sake flights are available to pair with artfully prepared crab-and-smoked salmon rolls and with such dishes as roasted black cod and beef sirloin grilled in hoba leaves. Dinner is served Mondays through Saturdays at the sushi bar on the patio overlooking the resort’s waterfall and in the stylish dining room decorated with saltwater aquariums and the restaurant’s titular stone.

UPDATE OUTPOST AT THE GOODLAND 5650 Calle Real Goleta, 805-964-1288 outpostsb.com Cal-Eclectic; Shareable Plates $7–$29

Weekend Brunch The mint-condition Airstream trailer parked out front is one sign that The Goodland hotel is not the Holiday Inn it once was. Another is the menu at Outpost, the on-site restaurant. Playful takes on classics like guacamole (served with toasted pumpkin seed gremolata) join pork belly bao buns and roasted sea bass lettuce wraps with crispy shallots. Local wines, beers, and craft cocktails are great for sipping poolside, in the dining room, and at the hotel’s The Good Bar, which offers meal-worthy snacks. Happy hour specials are available from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Ramen is a Sunday-night thing from 5 p.m. (go early). Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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

Romantic, Saturday & Sunday Brunch The farm-to-table movement never looked as elegant as it does at this bistro-style restaurant, which also has locations in Irvine, Roseville, El Segundo, San Mateo, and Mountain View. Tortillas and infused vodkas are just two of the items made in-house to augment the menu showcasing organic produce and artisanal ingredients. The kale Caesar salad features wild white

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

NEW PICO AT THE LOS ALAMOS GENERAL STORE 458 Bell St. Los Alamos, 805-344-1122 picolosalamos.com New American; Share Plates and Entrées $12–31 Live Musc

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. Expect to find an extraordinary chef-driven, locally sourced menu by Drew Terp (formerly of Auberge du Soleil in Napa and Alain Ducasse at the Essex House in New York) offering heart of rib eye, duck confit risotto, smoked scallops, house-made pasta dishes, and charcuterie and cheese platters, along with signature cocktails, beer, and a world-class wine list. The spacious, refurbished building is also the tasting room of Lane Tanner and Will Henry’s Lumen Wines of Santa Maria. Sunday is Burger Night. Upscale but down home, Pico is keeping destination diners as well as the local cowboys coming back for more.

Q SUSHI & KIEU HOANG WINE LOUNGE 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Unit A Westlake Village, 818-540-3231 qsushi.com Japanese; Sushi and Sashimi $5–$24; Shared Plates $5–$24; Entrées $11–$20

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This restaurant at the Shoppes at Westlake Village feels worlds away, thanks to its blend of traditional techniques, modern comforts, and one showstopper of a chandelier fashioned from found tree branches. Surrounded by a sushi counter of Carrara marble, the open kitchen equipped with a robata grill also produces sushi, sashimi, and special rolls showcasing delectable cuts of Scottish salmon, Hawaiian amberjack, and more. (Don’t miss the sashimi pizza, dotted with flower petals and miso beet cream.) The lunch menu served Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. offers salads, bowls, and quick-order assortments of sushi or sashimi. The beverage list includes wines from Europe, the Central Coast, and, as promised, Napa Valley’s Kieu Hoang Winery. Beer, hot and cold sake, and craft cocktails are also featured. Happy hour on Tuesdays through Sundays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. offers specially priced drinks and appetizers.

SADDLE PEAK LODGE 419 Cold Canyon Road Calabasas, 818-222-3888 saddlepeaklodge.com New American Small Plates $15–$23; Entrées $36–$58; Chef’s Tasting Menu $145 for nine courses

Romantic, Sunday Brunch Chairs woven from willow branches and game trophies hanging high on walls made of stone and wood speak to the rustic nature of this multistory restaurant nestled in the hills of Malibu. Executive chef Adam Horton is back and over-seeing menus that are both elegant and stick-to-your-ribs: Small-plate options include Peruvian marinated quail, while composed entrées include seabass with house-made pasta and New Zealand lamb rack with smoked miso potatoes. The Chef’s Game Trio offers a diner’s choice of emu, elk, or buffalo with sides. On Mondays through Wednesdays, the three-course Supper Menu is $39 per person. The outdoor patio is a spectacular place for brunch. JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

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The Dining Guide SIDES HARDWARE AND SHOES, A BROTHERS RESTAURANT 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave. Los Olivos, 805-688-4820 sidesrestaurant.com American; Entrées $14–$35

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

Beer with pizza is good. Wine with pizza is better, especially when you order the dynamic duo during reverse happy hour at Pizzeria Bianco Rosso (pizzeriabiancorosso. com) in Camarillo’s Ponderosa Shopping Center. Every Tuesday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., the purchase of any carafe of wine comes with a free margherita pizza made with crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and house-made mozzarella.

SLY’S 686 Linden Ave. Carpinteria, 805-684-6666 slysonline.com American; Entrées $12–$55

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Sort of casual, sort of stylish, this Carpinteria gem is a must-visit. With its Vespa hanging over the bar, glass-wall wine room, and polished wood accents, it’s great for formal occasions. But the service is super-friendly and most of the patrons are comfortably dressed, so there’s nothing stuffy about an evening here, either. Chef and owner James Sly has been cooking for more than 40 years, and his cuisine tastes like it. You really can’t go wrong with anything on this American menu of steaks and seafood, but the abalone is a real treat. Unlike most chophouses, Sly’s offers a list of pastas as well as sandwiches and small cuts of steak for those who don’t have a huge appetite. Desserts are wonderful, too. Sly’s is open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner nightly, and lunch and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

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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 $17–$37

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 housemade pastas such as wild mushroom pappardelle and a warm octopus salad with olives, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes. A lunch menu of salads, pastas, and oak-grilled meats and seafood is served daily. Also originally from Italy, mixologist and bar manager Alberto Battaglini makes his own bitters and stashes away dried fruits and herbs in glass jars that double as décor. The wine list features local and Italian labels. Available Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Aperitivo menu offers special pricing on beer, wine, cocktails, and light bites.

Founded in 1981, the Wine Cask reinvents itself every time executive chef Brandon Cogan goes to the farmers’ market in Santa Barbara. Local ingredients inform dishes at every turn, especially in the tasting menus that change weekly and sometimes nightly but almost always feature Santa Barbara County labels in the optional wine pairings. The regular dinner menu is a mix of seasonal mains and classical mains, the latter a collection of longtime favorites like wild mushroom risotto and pan-roasted local white sea bass. Desserts echo the elegant simplicity of the restaurant itself (bread pudding with bourbon–salted caramel sauce is a standout). California wines are the focus of the international wine list. Co-owner and vintner Doug Margerum also has one tasting room adjoining the restaurant, and a second, devoted to reserve wines, located elsewhere in the same complex.

A Good Bet

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

At this chic but casual restaurant in downtown Paso Robles, executive corporate chef Kurt Metzger 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 Windrose Farm apples in the burrata salad.) Wine, beer, and ciders from the region are also featured, adding to the restaurant’s farm-to-table bona fides.

Live Music A few blue tables provide seating for outside dining at this charming deli with high-quality Italian eats for lunch and dinner. The indigo theme continues inside, where blue-wash wooden tables are topped with bouquets of fresh flowers. Different salads rotate through the deli case, and the list of sandwiches is written on a blackboard. (The proscuitto and burrata panini is not to be missed.) Pizzas, soups, cookies, and all other items here are made fresh daily. A small freezer carries pastas and sauces for home use, but anything on the menu can be taken to go. You’ll want to stay for dinner, available daily from around 6 p.m. The menu of comfort-food classics includes eggplant Parmesan and spaghetti with organic ground turkey meatballs. Local musicians are featured on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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

BOLLYWOOD INDIAN RESTAURANT #3 860 Hampshire Road Westlake Village, 805-777-7100 bollywood3.net Indian; Entrées $10–$15

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

Tre Lune, or “three moons,” is part of the Montesano Group, which owns Lucky’s in Montecito and Joe’s and Bucatini 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 white 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.

UPDATE WINE CASK 813 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-966-9463 winecask.com Wine Country Cuisine Entrées $24–$38; Chef’s tasting menu $75 for five courses, $95 for eight courses Romantic

Fresh vegetables are used in the curries, masalas, and kormas at this casual Indian restaurant. Chicken, lamb, fish, and shrimp are prepared a variety of ways: in the tandoori oven, with coconut-milk sauces, and in spicy vindaloos. Naan comes topped with garlic, basil, cilantro, and onions, or stuffed with cheese or potatoes. Beer and wine are on offer, along with excellent yogurt drinks like mango lassi and Indian spiced tea.

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.

CAFÉ FIRENZE 563 W. Los Angeles Ave. Moorpark, 805-532-0048 cafefirenze.net Italian; Entrées $13–$30

Sunday Brunch Moorpark’s movers and shakers go to Firenze for rustic but innovative Italian fare matched with a solid international wine list. (By-the-glass options change each month to include at least one 805-based label selected by a local wine blogger.) Chef and co-owner Fabio Viviani makes a splash in the dining room and in the adjoining space, where he often leads cooking classes. When Viviani is cooking at his many off-site projects, co-executive chef John Paolone keeps the kitchen going strong with imaginative flatbreads, fresh fish, and excellent, dry-aged beef. Check the daily specials menu for Paolone’s growing repertoire of house-made fresh pastas. Available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday brunch is an à la carte affair that includes Nutella sticky buns, Pecorino-flecked biscuits with fennel sausage gravy, and carafes of Bloody Marys.

ELADIO’S RESTAURANT & BAR 1 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-963-4466 harborviewinnsb.com American; Entrées $12–$25

Great View, Saturday & Sunday Brunch It’s tough to beat the view of the wharf and the ocean from the open, spacious patio with a fountain in the middle. Eladio’s whips up breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily for guests of the Harbor View Inn and anyone else who stops in. Morning staples include vanilla-dipped brioche French toast, crab cake Benedict, and smoked salmon scramble made with locally smoked fish. New England clam chowder, cheeseburgers, ahi salad with mango salsa, and fish-and-chips in a Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Double Barrel Ale batter show up at lunchtime. Pasta, steaks, and fresh fish round out the dinner menu. Happy hour specials are available daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

UPDATE FINNEY’S CRAFTHOUSE & KITCHEN 982 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 2 Westlake Village, 805-230-9950 and 35 State St., Suite A Santa Barbara, 805-845-3100 finneyscrafthouse.com American; Entrées $10–$16

Kid-Friendly The “craft beer spoken here” neon sign in the dining room doesn’t quite say it all at this casual but polished gastropub owned by Greg Finefrock, an 805 local whose childhood nickname inspired the restaurant’s moniker. In addition to the 30 brews on tap, you’ll find craft cocktails, California wines by the glass and bottle, and a fun atmosphere and menu that has something for everyone. With slight variations between the Santa Barbara and Westlake Village locations, shareable appetizers include 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. Families and other groups gravitate to the communal tables inside and on the patio. Seating is first-come, first-served at the copper bar.

HARVEST KITCHEN & BAR AT HYATT REGENCY WESTLAKE 880 S. Westlake Blvd. Westlake Village, 805-557-4710 westlake.regency.hyatt.com Californian; Entrées $11–$29

Kid-Friendly Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Harvest welcomes hotel guests and the public alike. The dining rooms are sleek and comfortable with natural light, and patio and garden views. Executive chef Steve Johnson,

a Hyatt Regency veteran, turns up the flavor in offerings such as the grass-fed burger and Alaskan Halibut in Rosemary Butter Sauce served with summer squash and jubilee rice. The For Kids by Kids children’s menu features dishes created by Haile Thomas, host of the YouTube series Plant-Powered Haile. Furnished with fire pits and lounges, the outdoor patio is the perfect place to sample $5 cocktails and food specials during happy hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

HIMALAYA 35 W. Main St. Ventura, 805-643-0795 and 720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, 805-409-1041 himalayacuisine.com Nepalese, Indian, Tibetan; Entrées $8–$32

Live Entertainment Adventurous eaters will delight in dishes such as the Sherpa curry goat and chef specials featuring yak meat. Even the pizzas and burritos on the fusion-food portion of the menu are on the exotic side, since they’re made with naan and chapati from the tandoori oven. Vegetarian selections include bhindi masala, which is okra cooked with tomatoes and Indian spices. Feeling nimble? Try sitting cross-legged at one of the low tables set on a raised platform. The Ventura location serves beer and wine; the Thousand Oaks site has a full bar. Both offer a belly dance show about once a month.

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

Lots of interesting salads, sandwiches, and burgers are set down at lunchtime on small wooden and marble tables in this cute spot on State Street from the family that owns the Montecito Cafe. Jane is the name of the owner (Jane Chapman) and her grandmother (Jane Moody), whose pictures adorn the high walls. The loft seating and upstairs patio are cool and a bit secluded compared to the downstairs tables, which are always packed in the afternoon. The eclectic dinner menu offers pastas, steaks, and grilled duck breast. For dessert, the soft-serve ice cream is a fun choice, as is the coconut cake.

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

Launched in Santa Barbara in 2008, this family-owned and operated group of restaurants has clearly struck a chord: Its original location was number 16 on Yelp’s list of Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2016. The mix of authentic Mexican cuisine with casual but attentive orderat-the-counter service can now be found at five sites in and around the 805. Each offers the same menu of housemade tortillas, ceviche, salads, and burritos filled with all manner of seafood, poultry, or beef. Signature dishes include the show-stopping Land and Sea molcajete, a bubbling-hot mixture of meat and seafood with housemade salsa, avocado, chorizo, grilled onion, and nopal, served in a three-legged bowl carved from volcanic rock. Los Agaves restaurants in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Oxnard serve beer and wine as well as agave margaritas and micheladas. The Shoppes at Westlake Village location has a full bar that offers top-shelf tequilas and drink specials. Diners who sit at the bar can order food there, too. JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

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The Dining Guide MARMALADE CAFE 4783 Commons Way Calabasas, 818-225-9092 and 3894 Cross Creek Road Malibu, 310-317-4242 and 3825 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-682-5246 and 140 Promenade Way Westlake Village, 805-370-1331 marmaladecafe.com American; Entrées $10–$22

Salads, sandwiches, soups and waistline-friendly half-orders of pasta are lunchtime mainstays at this chain known for its cozy, French-country décor. But chef Aaron Johns also showcases fresh produce and California ingredients in newer dishes like the Petaluma chicken potpie, served upside-down in a bowl of flaky puff pastry. Happy hour deals are especially sweet, with half-price appetizers (think Maryland crab cakes), $5 well drinks, and glasses of premium wines available for $9 to $12 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Or take advantage of the free corkage and half-off pricing on all bottles during Wine Down Wednesdays from 4 p.m.

Psst! Have you heard about the speakeasy in downtown Paso Robles? You don’t need a password to get in at Eleven Twenty Two Cocktail Lounge (eleven-twentytwo. com), but it does help to know which button to push to gain access via the back patio at Pappy McGregor’s. (Hint: Look for a doorbell that triggers the outside lights—and an appearance by the doorman.) Once inside, you’ll find a drinks menu overseen by bartenders dressed in garb from the 1920s through the 1940s. Tell ’em 805 Living sent you.

MERSEA’S 3985 Avila Beach Drive Avila Beach, 805-548-2290 merseas.com Seafood; Entrées $8–$15

Great View, Kid-Friendly Located on the Harford Pier, this modern take on a casual seafood restaurant offers a lot of sightseeing bang for the buck. Indoor tables are placed near tall windows, and outdoor seating includes a row of colorful bar-stools at a counter that doubles as the pier’s railing for a stretch. (Look down: You just might spy an otter frolicking in the kelp.) The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burritos, but seafood is the star at this spot operated by members of the family behind Dorn’s Original Breakers Café in Morro Bay and Duckie’s Chowder House in Cayucos. Highlights include a crab melt sandwich with avocado, chowders of both the Manhattan and New England variety, and daily specials like garlic fries topped with blackened shrimp, blue cheese, and avocado. Decorated with whimsical octopus pendant lamps, the bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails.

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NEW OJAI BOWLS 11492 N. Ventura Ave. Ojai, 805-633-9044 ojaibowls.org Californian-Asian; Entrées $9–$15

An Ojai Valley shopping center anchored by a Rite Aid is the setting for this casual, order-at-the-counter restaurant specializing in customizable poke and ramen bowls, plus what co-owners Don Hull and Doug Hernandez call “crafted bowls.” The latter include the vegan Golden Flower Bowl, named for its pairing of turmeric-dusted cauliflower, beet chips, and quinoa, and the Braised Beef Bowl, made with local Watkins Cattle Co. beef, brown rice, and crispy leeks. Hull, a sommelier, oversees the list of wines served by the glass and local beers and kombuchas on tap. Hernandez lets his imagination—and his sweet tooth—run free in desserts like banana spring rolls with vegan coconut ice cream and a Kona pie that involves a chocolate-cookie crust, macadamia nut– vanilla ice cream, and oodles of hot fudge.

POOKIE’S THAI CUISINE 900 Hampshire Road Westlake Village, 805-381-0094 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-and-sour 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.

NEW SPENCER MAKENZIE’S FISH CO. 311 Carmen Drive Camarillo, 805-643-3474 and 806 E. Thompson Blvd. Ventura, 805-643-8226 spencermakenzies.com Seafood; Entrées $5–$11

Kid-Friendly Famous for its grilled and tempura-battered fish tacos, this restaurant named for the owners’ two eldest children enjoys a beachy vibe that has made its Ventura location a favorite of locals and visitors alike for more than a decade. (Newly opened in May 2018, the Camarillo site echoes that laid-back feel, despite its shopping-center setting.) Other house specialties include the ahi pocket, an appetizer of mildly sweet tofu stuffed with sushi rice and topped with seared ahi tuna. Grilled fish-andshrimp burritos are best when eaten “Brooklyn style,” named for kid number three and created by combining house-made Spencer and Sweet Chili Fire sauces. Also featured are Parmesan hard-shell tacos, clam chowder by the cup, bowl, and sourdough bread bowl, and the seared–ahi steak Parker Burger, a shout-out to the family’s youngest child. Local brews are on tap.

THE STONEHAUS 32039 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-483-1152 the-stonehaus.com Mediterranean; Sandwiches & Platters $10–$17

Dog-Friendly, Great Views, Kid‑Friendly, Romantic Patterned after an Italian enoteca, the aptly named Stonehaus starts each day as a coffeehouse, serving kale-berry smoothies along with baked goods, wraps, and breakfast sandwiches from Lisa Biondi, executive chef at the adjacent Mediterraneo at the Westlake Village Inn. It switches to wine bar mode in the afternoons

and evenings, when the menu includes charcuterie and crostini platters, salads, panini, and desserts. The outdoor pizza oven is fired up nightly (check website for hours). Wine flights are arranged by regions, varietals, and themes. Patios overlook the waterfall and the working vineyard, which is open for picnicking on Stonehaus fare (check website for information about seasonal tastings and festivals). The picnic tables and bocce ball court are family friendly, and visiting canines get a water fountain of their own near the courtyard fireplace.

Fun, Fun, Fun

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

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

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

Kid-Friendly Nine restaurants offer as many dining experiences at this public market–style spot in the heart of The Collection at RiverPark. House-roasted coffee 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. Scratch Sandwich Counter covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that includes The Sabbich, a vegetarian combination of grilled eggplant, black bean hummus, and fried egg in soft pita bread, and baked goods including cookies and—at 4 p.m. on Sundays—chicken pot pies. Other order-atthecounter options here also include: Love Pho; Taqueria el Tapatio; PokeCeviche, specializing in build-your-own Hawaiian poke bowls and chefcurated Latin American ceviche; and Seoul Sausage, the season three winner of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race with its updated take on Korean barbecue. Chef Sandra Cordero shares her heritage at Pancake, where the menu focuses on sweet and savory Dutch pancakes. The craft-beer bar Bottle & Pint serves local brews and ciders on tap and by the bottle; wines are available by the glass. Fun artwork, inventive communal seating areas (look for tables crafted from reclaimed bowling-alley lanes), and two retail shops add to the vibe.

BOGIES BAR & LOUNGE 32001 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-889-2394 bogies-bar.com Spanish-California; Small Plates & Entrées $4–$15

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

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

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

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

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

THE COPA CUBANA 1575 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 103 Ventura, 805-642-9463 805copa.com Cuban; Entrées $12–$18

Great Views, Live Music This lively spot in Ventura Harbor Village may inspire you to book a flight to Cuba. Owner Andres Fernandez runs it and the neighboring 805 Bar & Grilled Cheese out of the same kitchen (the two eateries share a phone number), but the Copa Cubana maintains its identity with a separate menu that includes a classic Cubano sandwich, the hashlike picadillo topped with fried eggs, and lechón asado, which is roasted pork served with black beans and yucca marinated in garlic. The dog-friendly patio, with views of nearby boat docks, is an especially fine place to sip a piña colada on a lazy afternoon. Live entertainment is scheduled most days, with an emphasis on Latin jazz.

DUKE’S MALIBU 21150 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, 310-317-0777 dukesmalibu.com Seafood; Entrées $14–$45

Great Views, Sunday Brunch Gorgeous ocean views are maximized in the dining rooms and bars of this large, Hawaiian-themed seafood and steak house, which in summer 2016 marked its 20th anniversary with updates to the décor and menu. Swinging chairs and a life-size bronze statue of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku greet diners before they step through the front doors and into an interior filled with wood screens, glass mosaic tiles, and chairs sporting surfboard stripes. New dishes presented by chef Eric BosRau showcase regional ingredients in beautiful platings. Fresh fish is available in a variety of preparations, including Parmesan-herb crusted with lemon, capers, and macadamia nuts. Longtime Duke’s fans, take note: Your favorite coconut shrimp dish is back as coconut shrimp croquettes. Kimo’s Original Hula Pie remains as advertised. A Sunday brunch buffet is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the Barefoot Bar for breakfast items (think loco moco and banana and macadamia nut pancakes) from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Poké tacos, fish and chips, and pulled-pork sandwiches are served daily.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

OLIO PIZZERIA 11 W. Victoria St., Suite 21 Santa Barbara, 805-899-2699 oliocucina.com Italian Small and Shared Plates $5–$19; Entrées $15–$21

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

PLATA TAQUERIA & CANTINA 28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 10 Agoura Hills, 818-735-9982 plataagoura.com Mexican; Entrées $14–$26

Plata means “silver” in Spanish—and a good time in the Whizin Market Square. The menu at this taqueria is homey but elevated: House-made tortillas and mix-andmatch trios of soft tacos are featured, the latter with a choice of veggies or eight types of protein, including ahi tuna and short ribs. Spa Nachos are made with roasted cauliflower and crispy kale; guacamole is available in three variations, including tradicional and ranchero, made with bacon and roasted pumpkin seeds. Other standouts include chamorro de cordero, a chilemarinated lamb shank served with spinach tamales, and pollo con Elvia’s mole, named for chef Elvia Saldivar, who is co-owner with her husband. Nearly a dozen specialty margaritas star on the cocktails list. Pull up a colorfully upholstered stool at the copper-topped bar to enjoy $7 margaritas and other drink and food specials during daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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, or the owner, Tony Koursaris, might be telling stories at one of the tables. 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.  JULY • AUGUST 2018 / 805LIVING.COM

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Try over 25 eateries at The Collection and The Annex. Visit thecollectionrp.com for menus and details. 805-988-7527 Located off HWY 101 at Oxnard BLVD.