805 Living Jul/Aug 2019 by 805 Living

J U LYâ&#x20AC;¢AUGUST 2019

ENDLESS SUMMER

OUTLIER MEET INSIDER.

SANTA BARBARA

WELCOME TO THE CALIFORNIAN thehotelcalifornian.com

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

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TILE

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

31275 LA BAYA DRIVE WESTLAKE VILLAGE CA 91362

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D O ORS & W I N D O W S

818 889 0487

CONEJOHARDWOODS.COM

Find a home that ignites and inspires you Westlake Village Brokerage 805.495.2000 | 3075 Townsgate Road, Suite 100, Westlake Village, CA 91361

Channel Islands Brokerage 805.382.8200 | 3600 S. Harbor Blvd, Suite 112B, Channel Islands, CA 93035

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Sotheby’s International Realty DRE Number: 899496

SEASONAL INGREDIENTS LOCALLY SOURCED WOOD FIRED

818.575.3044 TWO DOLE DRIVE | WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA | 91362 COINANDCANDOR.COM | @COINANDCANDOR

MALIBU COUNTRY MART

REAL ESTATE

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2590 Calbourne Lane - 5,796 sq ft Offered @ $4,650,000

benecia

nottingham

2931 Calbourne Lane - 4,333 sq ft

13 Williamsburg Way - 6,630 sq ft Offered @ $3,750,000

Offered @ $3,325,000

Monica Grisolia Lorie Alaimo bre (#01108133)

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

“Start with a Sofa

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

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

Paul Trent

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

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

Contents J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 • E N D L E S S S U M M E R

Features 70

THE 805 LIVING SUMMER ICE-CREAM TOUR Going out for the frosty favorite is one of the sweetest ways to stay cool.

ON BOARD

Photographer Bobbi Bennett rides an artistic wave. By Joan Tapper

For Ojai photographer Bobbi Bennett, surfboards are an artistic medium. For more, see page 78.

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

BOBBI BENNETT

By Victoria Woodard Har vey Photographs by Gar y Moss

Contents

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 • E N D L E S S S U M M E R

54 40 38 35

Departments of the 805

Finds 35 A Place in the Sun

Make the most of the season with these makings for summer fun. By Jennie Nunn

38 STYLE: Into the Wild Prowl around the pool like a cool cat.

Taste 82 FOOD: All Ears

Insights 56 Tale of the Tape

By Jaime Lewis

92 Dining Guide

86 DRINKS: In Ciders

P.S. Sketchpad 104 State-of-the-Art

By Leslie Dinaberg

Cassettes changed this writer’s life once. Can they do it again? By Anthony Head

Upgrades 60 Show Your Stripes Get a line on the latest patio classics.

By Frances Ryan

40 TRAVEL

Home Front 62 A Light Touch

By Erin Rottman

Go 44 Catalina Island:

Off the Mainland Water activities aside, this Channel Islands getaway is full of surprises. By Heidi Dvorak

Insider By Heidi Dvorak

46 48 51 53 53

Mind Body Soul 54 Wellness News

Local Events & Family Fun Hot Ticket Show Your Support Worth a Drive Give Back

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

In the hands of local chefs, simple cobs of sweet corn get three creative makeovers.

When it comes to fermenting the apple, Central Coast makers are crushing it. By Alex Ward

88 DINING OUT:

It’s All in the Name Mediterraneo at Westlake

Village Inn reopens with a fresh look and bright flavors. By Nancy Ransohoff Photographs by Gary Moss

Summer Conveniences By Greg Clarke

In Every Issue

18 Editor’s Note 22 Masthead 26 Behind the Scenes

Visit Us Online!

In every season the living is easy. By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

Good Deeds 66 Cancer Support

Community, Dream Foundation, Explore Ecology, Pacific Pride Foundation

By Mark Langton Photographs by Jay Farbman, Head & Heart Photography, Issac Hernandez, Mark Langton, and Megan Sorel

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.

On the Cover Ice cream becomes finger food at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery. Get details on these and other local frozen treats on page 70. Photograph by Gary Moss

40: THE BEVERLY HILTON; 54: BRITTANY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Pulse 31 Tracking the Beat

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

California Gold Chip Seal - Wayne Dyer

www.RamseyAsphalt.com

Lic# 881030 A/C12/C32

$1.2

Billion

in assets under management

FRONT, LEFT: Carlos Garcia: Associate Vice President, Financial Advisor; Barry Garapedian: Managing Director—Wealth Management, Financial Advisor; Seth Haye: Executive Director, Financial Advisor; BACK, LEFT: Vanessa Renna: Client Service Associate; Jessica Hudson: Client Service Associate; Clint Spivey: Consulting Group Analyst; Stephanie Hartmire: Senior Registered Associate; Elisa Decker: Group Director * as of August 1, 2018

Best-in-State Financial Advisor, 2019 (Seth Haye) —Forbes Magazine

Top NextGen Advisors, 2018 (Seth Haye, #11 of top 1000 in U.S.) —Forbes Magazine

Top 40 Under 40, 2019

The Oaks Group at Morgan Stanley 100 N. Westlake Blvd. #200, Westlake Village, CA 91362

(Seth Haye, #8 in U.S.) —On Wall Street

805-494-0215

Sources: Forbes.com (February 2018). Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pay a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com. Forbes Magazine (July, 2018). Data provided by SHOOKTM Research, LLC. Data as of 3/31/18. 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# 2458757

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ADOBE-COPPER-MOCHA PAVILION I AND II

ONE DESTINATION...MANY UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

WESTLAKE VILLAGE

31943 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361

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818-889-0230

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Fax: 818-879-0812

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westlakevillageinn.com

Editor’s Note

Scoop Shops Grow Up IF SUMMER HAS AN OFFICIAL FLAVOR, surely it comes in the form of ice cream. When we first came up with the idea to take readers on an 805 Living Summer Ice-Cream Tour, we might have been anticipating the ability to pronounce one flavor as a standout among the rest, but we had no idea how broad and deep the category really is. Ice cream, it turns out, is another 805 specialty. When I was a kid, on hot summer nights we’d pile into my family’s orange VW van and go out for ice cream. There were hardly any scoop shops where I lived so DQ was our go-to. I’d usually get a chocolate-vanilla twist with sprinkles—and that was a party! But just a glance at writer

SOUNDS OF SUMMER Inspired by consulting editor Anthony Head’s story on discovering a trove of his old cassettes (page 56), I teamed up with Anthony to create this mixtape-worthy collection of great summertime music. Find it on Spotify, and use it as road trip music to go out for ice cream. Sugar Magnolia by the Grateful Dead I’ll Take You There by the Staple Singers Hell on Heels by the Pistol Annies Runnin’ Down a Dream by Tom Petty Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder Apollo by St. Paul & the Broken Bones Wow by Beck Throw It All Away by Zero 7 Beautiful Girl by INXS Bye Bye Love by the Cars

Victoria Woodard Harvey’s ice-cream feature (page 70) reveals that today’s local ingredient combinations include olive oil and salted almonds, Vietnamese coffee, chocolate, coconut, and peanuts, Cracker Jack with popcorn-steeped ice cream, sea salt, and chopped peanut toffee, and white-cake ice cream with piecrust and strawberry swirl. And when I start adding up all the toppings, I get an ice-cream headache just contemplating the research that Victoria undertook to bring us the full story. Well, almost the full story. We’re inviting our readers to post a photo on Instagram of their favorite local ice-cream indulgence with #805LivingIceCreamTour. We will repost our favorite shot and give the winner a $50 gift certificate to the shop they tag. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up finding the official flavor of summer. Check out our Instagram page (@805living) for details. We return in September with our annual Food & Wine issue. Until then, stay cool.

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher

GARY MOSS

edit@805living.com

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.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

Working together for a bright future

W E L L S FA R G O P R I VAT E B A N K Wealth Planning Investments Private Banking Trust Services Insurance

wellsfargoprivatebank.com

Your time is valuable; how you spend it reflects who you are and the kind of world you want to create. Thank you for supporting 805 Magazine. We’re proud to stand with you. Together, we’re helping make the future bright for those who need it most. We can help you plan for your vision of your future—and the future of our community. To start a new kind of conversation, contact your local Wells Fargo Private Bank office: Scott P. Hansen Senior Vice President, Regional Managing Director 805-777-8375 Scott.p.hansen@wellsfargo.com Wells Fargo Wealth Management 118 E. Carrillo St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805-564-2876

Wells Fargo Wealth Management 2829 Townsgate Rd., Ste. 215 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805-777-8375

Wells Fargo Private Bank provides products and services through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., the banking affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company, and its various affiliates and subsidiaries. Brokerage services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Trust services available through banking and trust affiliates in addition to non-affiliated companies of Wells Fargo & Company. Insurance products are available through insurance subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company and underwritten by non-affiliated Insurance Companies. Not available in all states. © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLSR ID 399801 IHA-B13062

EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Lynne Andujar

edit@805living.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bernard Scharf MANAGING EDITOR

Kathy Tomlinson DESIGNER

Sophie Patenaude PHOTO EDITOR

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com SENIOR EDITOR

Heidi Dvorak CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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

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

Greg Clarke RESEARCH EDITOR

Tajinder Rehal CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Gary Moss CONSULTING EDITOR

Anthony Head

interior design

home furnishings

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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Please recycle this magazine when you are finished.

805 LIVING, JULY • AUGUST 2019

Buyer and Seller of Large Diamonds

Exceptional canary cushion shaped diamond, 13.15ct, set in platinum with two colorless half moon diamonds, GIA certified

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer S. Vogelbach

Home furnishings and design, fine jewelry, fashion, San Luis Obispo County jennifer@805living.com 818-427-3496 ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Ingrid C’deBaca

Real estate, home builders, architects, landscape, attorneys, senior living, Ojai businesses ingrid@805living.com 818-597-9220

Diane Dreyer

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

Amra Neal

Travel, entertainment, dining, food and beverage, education, health, fitness, beauty amra@805living.com 310-924-2631

Lisa Kitchin

Automotive, financial/banking, mortgage, nonprofit organizations lisa@805living.com 818-268-8001 ADVERTISING DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Sophie Patenaude sophie@805living.com OPERATIONS MANAGER

Carmen Juarez-Leiva ACCOUNTING

Lori Kantor lori@805living.com DISTRIBUTION

David Savage

ADVERTISING QUERIES

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

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 2019

Behind the Scenes The 805 offers up all kinds of ways to make the most of summer. Here’s what our featured contributors like to do best. Jennie Nunn “I love Morro Bay,” says contributing editor Jennie Nunn (Finds, page 35). “It’s one of the most beautiful coastal spots, and it’s fun to take our dog hiking to explore the area. I also love going to the Ojai Valley Inn with my mom and sisters. It’s a summer tradition.”

Victoria Woodard Harvey

Jaime Lewis “Every summer, my family indulges in a double feature at the Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo,” says contributing writer Jaime Lewis (Taste/Food, page 82). “We bring popcorn and drinks, blankets, and pillows, and I’m always the first one asleep.”

FROM TOP: JEN SISKA, CLAIRE DE L’ARBRE, ALEXANDRA WALLACE

In early summer, contributing writer Victoria Woodard Harvey (“The 805 Living Summer Ice-Cream Tour,” page 70) likes going to Figueroa Mountain with a picnic lunch from El Rancho Market. “But I love the Santa Barbara beaches during Indian summer as late as SeptemberOctober,” she says, “when the days are bright and the water is warm enough for long swims and endless bodysurfing.”

Highly dedicated to clients. Now, highly regarded by the industry. Congratulations to Stephen Davis for being named a 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor

At UBS, we believe managing a client’s assets goes beyond just the value of their portfolio. It’s about establishing trust, instilling confidence and building personal relationships. Those are just a few of the reasons Stephen has been named to the 2019 Forbes/ SHOOK list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in California. We’re proud to have someone who has the passion and dedication to excellence like Stephen on our team. We think you’ll feel the same about him, too. For more information, call: Stephen W. Davis, CIMA® Managing Director–Wealth Management Senior Portfolio Manager 805-367-3680 stephen.w.davis@ubs.com The Davis Group UBS Financial Services Inc. 3011 Townsgate Road, Suite 300 Westlake Village, CA 91361

ubs.com/team/davisgroup

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list is comprised of approximately 2,200 financial advisors. It was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to measure factors such as: quality of practice, industry experience, compliance record, assets under management (which vary from state to state) and revenue. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees pay a fee in exchange for these ratings. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business and that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. CIMA® is a registered certification mark of the Investment Management Consultants Association® in the United States of America and worldwide. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. © UBS 2019. All rights reserved. CJ-UBS-489357768 Exp.: 06/30/2020

Behind the Scenes Come summer, the 805 is jam-packed with interesting places to go and fun things to do. Our featured experts share their favorite ways to experience the season. “I surf all the epic spots in the 805 with my great gal pals.” —Bobbi Bennett

(“On Board,” page 78) artist and owner Stoked Surfboards Montecito and Ojai stokedsurfart.com, bobbibennett.com

“A sunset kayak on Westlake Lake capped off with dinner at a lakefront restaurant.” —Jennifer Noonan

(Pulse, page 31) cofounder A Token Of Agoura Hills atokenof.shop

“Santa Barbara’s Summer Solstice Parade is a fun, unique local event that shouldn’t be missed.” —Scott Levin

(“The 805 Living Summer Ice-Cream Tour,” page 70) owner Little Calf Creamery Thousand Oaks littlecalfcreamery.com

“My husband and I look forward to grilling and dining outside.”

BENNETT: MARIANA SCHULZE

—Lisa Biondi

(Dining Out, page 88) executive chef Mediterraneo, Westlake Village Inn med-rest.com

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

Contact the Kaufman Group to Find your Dream Home.

Kaufman Real Estate Group

Jill Kaufman Kristy Christensen Rusty Spragg

First Steps to Doorsteps

805.870.5710 team@kaufmanregroup.com DRE 01855802 | 01969673 | 01889784

Pulse

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

JOSEPH SOHM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

LAPS OF LUXURY

Cannonball! Perhaps that was the cry of W.R. Hearst as he jumped into either of two pools at his San Simeon castle. Now you can make your own splash at either iconic swimming hole—the outdoor Neptune Pool on July 6, August 3 and 24, and September 21 or the indoor Roman Pool on October 19—at exclusive parties hosted by The Foundation at Hearst Castle (foundationathearstcastle.com). Like Hearst’s swanky guests from the late 1920s through the ’40s, you’ll be treated like royalty. Make like Clark Gable or Mickey Rooney and change in any of 14 historic dressing rooms. Swim in Julia Morgan’s architectural masterpieces and enjoy Central Coast fine wines (including Hearst Winery selections), gourmet food, and Big Band and Jazz Age music. It’s all possible by joining the foundation, which supports castle preservation and restoration and educates underserved junior-high school students. Member-only pool tickets are $950. —Heidi Dvorak JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Pulse

A SIDE OF ART WITH THAT

DANGLING MODIFIERS

When Jennifer Noonan wanted to buy a locket for her sister, she could only find vintage, vintage-looking, or unaffordable pieces. Not to be stymied, the former maternity wear designer took it upon herself to create one of her own, teaming up with pal and architect Jennifer Hurless. The efforts of the Westlake Village residents resulted in a contemporary locket with a diamond on one side, a place to etch a word on the other, and an opening to hold a picture. So pleased were they with their collaboration, they formed

like grilled Morro Bay avocado. As chef and co-owner Will Torres puts it, “Farmhouse was built to bring all of the things we love the most about the Central Coast together—its amazing community, great wine, and bountiful fresh ingredients.” The eclectic food is complemented by the restaurant’s retro-modern decor, the focal point of which is its Art-o-mat, a repurposed vintage cigarette–vending machine that sponsoring organization Artists in Cellophane has converted into a dispenser of 2x3-inch artworks. “Not only does it help promote independent artists, it also brings back the nostalgia of vending machines,” says Farmhouse spokesperson Andrew Gin. “The art you receive is a oneof-a-kind piece and a great conversation starter while waiting for a table.” —Ryan Brown

P.S. Artists interested in submitting works to the Art-o-mat can get details on Instagram: @farmhousecm.

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

A Token Of (atokenof.shop), an online jewelry business. “You can personalize the lockets with an inscription of any of nine virtues: faith, integrity, harmony, empathy, kindness, power, protection, gratitude, and joy,” says Noonan. “Plus 10 percent of the proceeds is donated to local charities.” Online orders only require choosing a design and a virtue and uploading a photo. Those who like to be more hands-on can make an appointment to visit the recently opened showroom in Agoura Hills. —H.D.

CHEERS FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Something cold, refreshing, and eco-friendly is brewing at the Santa Barbara Zoo (sbzoo.org) this summer. Sales of Zoo Brew, a custom California pale ale produced by Ventura Coast Brewing Company (vcbc.beer), have already exceeded expectations, says zoo culinary programs manager Emily Largey. While the zoo gets the profits, the beer serves an even more important role as a vehicle to educate adults about animal conservation efforts. “Learning isn’t just for the kids,” Largey says. “The conservation messaging on the first can is ‘Drink beer, save wildlife.’ Each season we’ll roll out a new beer and a new label featuring an endangered or protected animal at the zoo.”  —Leslie Dinaberg

FAR LEFT: ANDREW GIN; BOTTOM: SANTA BARBARA ZOO

A favorite new hangout for hip foodies recently sprung up in San Luis Obispo: Farmhouse Corner Market (farmhouseslo.com) offers field-to-table fare for dining in and catering services as well as packaged handmade snacks and prepackaged groceries for patrons on the go. Locally sourced ingredients are the stars of Farmhouse’s dishes, including breakfast options such as Soft Boiled Eggs & Toast, made with local sourdough and served with Edna Valley Ranch pork belly, and dinner specialties

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

A Place in the Sun MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON WITH THESE MAKINGS FOR SUMMER FUN. By Jennie Nunn Slightly Choppy surf flags (starting at $60); SeaVees, Santa Barbara, seavees.com; and slightlychoppy.com. JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds 1 2

3 4

6 7

1. Sunnylife “Honeycomb Lemon” straws ($10 for a set of 12); Burt’s Pharmacy, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Ventura, and Moorpark; burtsrx.com.

2. Funboy “Tropical Jungle” tube float ($39); Burro Goods, Westlake Village and Malibu Country Mart; burrogoods.com. 3. Moxi “Beach Bunny” roller skates ($179); Urban Outfitters at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, and Malibu; urbanoutfitters.com. 4. Picnic Time “Belmont” picnic basket ($125); Central Coast Wines, San Luis Obispo, ccwines.com.

5. Puebco lighthouse-shaped salt-and-pepper mills (6-inch, $30; 8-inch, $34; 9-inch, $38); puebco.us. 6. “Malibu Sandthrow” ($70); Hamabla, Santa Monica, hamabla.com. 7. Margerum “Riviera Rosé, Santa Barbara County” ($11 a can); Margerum Wine Company at Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara, and Buellton; margerumwines.com; and Tri-County Produce, Santa Barbara, tricountyproduce.com. 8. “Loma” small, slouchy canvas tote ($250); James Perse, Malibu Lumber Yard, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito, and Montecito Country Mart; jamesperse.com. 9. Moke America electric car (starting at $17,975); Fred Segal Malibu, mokeamerica.com. 

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Three New Neighborhoods in Santa Paula

NOW SELLING FROM THE LOW $500,000s Discover a master-planned community with new home neighborhoods that come together with nature. With up to 2,968 square feet, five bedrooms and four bathrooms, this is where you’ll find thoughtful design and easy comfort with room to grow.

Vinelands by Lennar 1,860 – 2,189 Sq. Ft. 3 – 4 Bedrooms 3 – 3.5 Bathrooms

Wildflower by KB Home 2,226 – 2,371 Sq. Ft. 3 – 4 Bedrooms 2.5 – 3 Bathrooms

Orchard Heights by Lennar 2,688 – 2,968 Sq. Ft. 4 – 5 Bedrooms 3 – 4 Bathrooms

The Farmhouse Over two acres of modern-day recreation area with old-world charm. This is a place for residents to gather, celebrate and unwind.

INFORMATION CENTER NOW OPEN

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1898 Harvest Loop Santa Paula, CA 93060 (805) 800-3026 9am – 6pm Daily

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A master-planned community developed by Limoneira Lewis Community Builders, LLC. © 2019. All rights reserved. Floor plans, pricing, community features and details subject to change without notice. Homes pictured do not represent actual homesites for sale. Models do not reflect racial preference. Square footages are approximate. Renderings are artist’s conception. CA DRE license #01994759.

Finds Style By Frances Ryan

Into the Wild PROWL AROUND THE POOL LIKE A COOL CAT.

2 1

1. Eyelet flutter-sleeve T-shirt ($60); J.Crew at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, jcrew.com. 2. Sun ’N’ Sand “Sahara Braid” hat ($27); Hats Unlimited at Ventura Harbor Village, hatsunlimited.com. 3. Boys and Arrows “Fillis” top and “Kiki the Killer” bottoms, both in Frisky ($106 each); Hiptique at Trancas Country Market, Malibu, hiptique.com. 4. Rebecca Minkoff “Bree” mini belt bag ($148); Nordstrom at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; nordstrom.com. 5. Oliver Peoples “Avri” sunglasses ($410); Occhiali Fine Eyewear, Montecito and Santa Barbara, occhialieyewear.com; and Oliver Peoples at Malibu Country Mart; oliverpeoples.com. 6. Ippolita “Carnevale” ring in 18-karat yellow gold, coral enamel, clear quartz, mother-of-pearl, and diamonds ($1,795); Polacheck’s at The Commons at Calabasas, polachecks.com. 7. High-waisted cargo shorts with rope belt ($40); Zara at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; zara.com. 8. Wouf “Leopard XL” tote ($110); Hiptique at Trancas Country Market, Malibu, hiptique.com. 9. “Baylin” sandals ($198); Joie at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, joie.com. 

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

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

3: COURTESY OF BOYS AND ARROWS

Finds Travel

ON POINT IN MARIN COUNTY On the heels of the Gold Rush, ranchers settled north of San Francisco in Point Reyes to raise dairy cows in an area blessed with a cool climate, abundant grasses, and a fresh water supply, and land was eventually subdivided for families. Aggressive development plans in the 1960s threatened this bucolic way of life, and the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) formed in 1980 to preserve the farmlands. MALT’s success is part of the appeal of today’s Point Reyes, where passion for the land, the outdoors, and food and drink blend together in a place where

locals commute to work by bike and congregate for coffee at the working feed barn. So when a roadside hotel came up for sale, Marin County resident Tim Harmon, who owns Mosaic Hotel Group, didn’t even need to look at it to know he wanted to buy it. The now-revamped 24-room Olema House (olemahouse.com; from $275) commands a prime location for exploring the area. “I’ve been in few places that offer so many different experiences in such an easily accessible area and so close to a major metropolitan area,” says Harmon, an avid cyclist who

also enjoys hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore, stand-up paddling in Tomales Bay, and mountain biking along Bolinas Ridge, all near Olema House. The pet-friendly property feels cozy; common areas are reminiscent of a friend’s house in the country. A sitting room furnished with a stone fireplace, leather chairs, and a slice-of-tree-trunk-turnedcoffee-table opens up to a large lawn with Adirondack chairs and a wooden swing. Every room in the two-story building has a view of the grassy expanse and gentle Olema Creek outside, but the

At Olema House a lounge area blends modern and rustic elements (top, right), a bay window seat graces a guest room (above, right), and the secluded Creekside Cottage (left) accommodates up to six guests. Next door, dishes at the hotel’s Due West restaurant (above), such as the House Burger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Clam Chowder, and Adult Grilled Cheese, are made with ingredients from nearby businesses, like Brickmaiden Bread (above, left) and Cowgirl Creamery (right). A signpost marks the roadside eatery (top, left).

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

luxurious Creekside Cottage, which accommodates six and has a full kitchen, feels most in harmony with nature. One of two stand-alone cottages, Creekside sits under an old oak and boasts picture windows and a furnished outdoor deck facing the creek. End the day with dinner in the town of Point Reyes Station, two miles up the road, or at Due West, Olema House’s tavern, which serves oysters from Tomales Bay and grilled cheese sandwiches made with bread from Brickmaiden Bread and cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, both nearby.

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP, LEFT): DUE WEST; TANVEER BADAL; COWGIRL CREAMERY; TANVEER BADAL; DUE WEST; BRICKMAIDEN BREADS; TANVEER BADAL

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Finds Travel

L.A. COOLDOWN

taying at a swanky hotel isn’t necessarily the only way to enjoy its amenities. This summer, check in to these Los Angeles properties for the day to rejuvenate and play at their pools. Swim in a piece of art at the Hollywood Roosevelt (thehollywoodroosevelt.com; a $299 summer swim pass includes pool bed reservations and weekend yoga), where, in 1988, David Hockney painted the bottom of the pool, which was just restored. National swimming champion and late actor Esther Williams glided through gardenias in the Aqua Star pool on the day it was opened at the Beverly Hilton (beverlyhilton.com; $50 for a day pass). Reserve in advance. The beachfront JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot day pass Swim, order dinner service, and take in summer grants access to the pool and poolside food and drink service, the entertainment at the Beverly Hilton’s Aqua Star Pool. steam room, and the sauna, as well as 10 percent off spa services and complimentary three-hour parking. Book through ResortPass (resortpass.com; $40).

Ride Mammoth Mountain, not on a snowboard but on a new zip line descending 2,100 vertical feet from the top of the gondola ride to Main Lodge, reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. “For thrill seekers, it’s right up their alley,” says Mammoth Mountain spokesperson Joani Lynch. Scheduled to open in July, the two-part Mega Zip (mammothmountain.com; from $99) complements the mountain’s lift-served mountain biking trails and family-friendly Adventure Center. Also opening is a via ferrata, a network of climbing routes with iron rungs affixed to rock faces that climbers navigate while safely attached to secured cables by ropes. Visitors who book lodging through a participating Mammoth Mountain Lodging Collection property such as Tamarack Lodge & Resort or Mammoth Mountain Inn can reserve the Shop, Dine & Play package, which includes a $100 resort credit that can be used toward experiencing attractions such as the the Mega Zip and via ferrata.

A climber crosses a suspension bridge, part of a sequence of six Mammoth Mountain via ferrata routes gradually increasing in level of difficulty.

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

At Yosemite’s Tenaya Lodge (below) Premium Explorer Cabins (above) are situated in locations with prime meadow, pond, and creek views.

ollowing last year’s introduction of the Kids Adventure Course, an updated game room, and open-air buses for comfortable touring of the valley, Tenaya Lodge (tenayalodge.com; from $425) at Yosemite National Park has built 50 two-bedroom Explorer cabins (from $710) geared toward families and groups. Featuring kitchen areas with full-size refrigerators, TVs, fireplaces, and private porches, the upscale cabins are nestled among stands of cedar and pine and clustered around four communal fire pits. “We’ll have storytellers out there and s’mores and camp hosts talking about the history of the area,” says general manager Paul Ratchford. Behind the cabins are 70 miles of logging roads for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. “It’s going to be a full-service experience in a very intimate, remote location,” Ratchford says. 

(FROM TOP:) THE BEVERLY HILTON; TENAYA LODGE; COURTESY OF JOSH WRAY PHOTOGRAPHY; TENAYA LODGE

ZERO TO 60 IN MAMMOTH

NEW CABINS IN YOSEMITE

2019 JUL 6 An Evening with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band 18 Happy Together Tour 21 The Man in Black AUG

9&10 Little Black Dress— The Musical 24 Sara Watkins SEP 7 Ryan Hamilton 21 Rita Rudner

2020

OCT 4&5 Assisted Living: The Musical® 6 Jackie Evancho 11 Vanessa Williams 18&19 Heather McDonald 26 Paul Reiser NOV 2 Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis 3 Don Felder—Formerly of the Eagles 7 Switchfoot 9 Rob Lowe 13 Peppa Pig’s Adventures 15 Eric Burdon & The Animals

DEC 6 Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin Together on Stage 7 The Beach Boys 29 A Magical Cirque Christmas JAN 23 David Foster & Friends 31 Kobie Boykins FEB 1 Golden Dragon Acrobats 20 Travis Tritt 21 Jeanne Robertson 27–29 Dixie’s “Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull” 28 Andy Mann

800.745.3000 ticketmaster.com

MAR 1 Dixie’s “Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull” 6 Dinosaur World Live 7 Eric Buss 8 Celtic Illusion 15 Karla Bonoff APR 3–5 The Office! A Musical Parody 17 Damien Mander MAY 15 Annie Griffiths

New events added all year long!

CivicArtsPlaza.com

Go Catalina Island By Heidi Dvorak

Off the Mainland ead to the ports of Long Beach or San Pedro and board the Catalina

Express Ferry

(catalinaexpress. com) for a pleasant hour’s voyage to this vacation destination. Once debarked, look no farther than straight ahead to rent a golf cart or bike from the rental shops on the waterfront. The downtown area is imminently walkable, and cars are frowned upon, so why not travel like a native?

Stay

Charming motels and private rental units abound, but for renowned lodgings opt for the granddaddy of them all: The Inn on Mt Ada, the former 1921 Georgian Colonial mansion of

chewing gum magnet, Chicago Cubs owner, and primary Catalina developer William Wrigley Jr. The Forbes Travel Guide four-star hotel offers six period-decorated guest rooms, including Wrigley’s private suite. Across from the beach is the tropically themed 73-room Pavilion Hotel, which offers complimentary breakfast and a late-afternoon wine and cheese reception. Originally opened in 1920, Hotel Atwater is slated to reopen on August 11. One block from the beach, the completely renovated 95-room hotel now exudes a contemporary vibe while honoring its history.

an imposing 12-story circular structure built in 1929. Despite the name (casino originally meant gathering place in Italian), gambling never took place here. Rather, the Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival masterpiece served as a glamorous spot where movers and shakers danced to big band greats such as Tommy Dorsey and Harry James in the massive ballroom. Tour the premises with Frankie, who gives all the ladies a swing dance lesson, and watch a first-run film in its majestic Avalon Theatre, which houses

The first thing anyone sees upon approach to the island is the iconic Catalina Casino,

The circular Catalina Casino (left, on the far side of the bay) is an iconic landmark in the city of Avalon and home to a historic 1,184-seat movie theater (below). Pavilion Hotel guests gather in the courtyard (above), where full hot breakfasts and evening wine and cheese receptions are enhanced by ocean views.

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

THE CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY; OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: THE CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY; COURTESY OF CATALINA ISLAND MUSEUM

WATER ACTIVITIES ASIDE, THIS CHANNEL ISLANDS GETAWAY IS FULL OF SURPRISES.

Visitors (left) navigate one of five Catalina Aerial Adventure courses at Descanso Beach Club. Marking the 100th year since William Wrigley Jr. envisioned the island as a resort destination, a Catalina Island Museum exhibit (below) chronicles the ensuing transformation.

suspension bridges, swinging balance beams, zip lines, and hanging logs. Trace the island’s history at Wrigley’s Catalina: A Centennial Celebration exhibit in Catalina Island Museum and find out how notables like Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, and Charlie Chaplin impacted the area’s fame. Stop in the

the original 1929 pipe organ that played for audiences back in the day. Little-known fact: Wrigley Jr. was the first baseball club owner to bring a major league sports team out west for spring training. His Chicago Cubs practiced on the island from 1921 to 1951, so be sure to take a tour of their training field. Exhilaration is an understatement on a Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour, which offers five lines—the longest at 1,100 feet—that traverse breathtaking natural terrain. Nervous about flying over a canyon? Try it at night. Adults and kids 7 and over can attempt the challenging ropes courses of Catalina Aerial Adventure. The creative configurations include

museum gift shop to peruse an impressive array of locally crafted jewelry. However, Catalina is famous for its tiles that adorn many of the town’s structures. Visit Silver Canyon Pottery to make purchases and take a tile-making class. Ambitious hikers can see a variety of wildlife in the hills—Catalina island foxes, bald eagles, mule deer, and even bison, whose ancestors were taken to the island for a 1924 movie shoot and left behind. For safety, it’s best to view the bison on a narrated driving tour such as East End Adventure.  For information on accommodations, tours, and attractions check out visitcatalinaisland.com.

Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak Through September 15

July 11–21

July 15–19

FACE OF CALIFORNIA

VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL

VINTAGE MEXICAN FILM WEEK

Santa Paula Art Museum. The Golden State is many things to many people. Find out how 33 artists interpret its character at this exhibit, which features representations such as a San Buenaventura neon sign, Los Angeles International Airport, succulents, Santa Cruz Island, and surfers; santapaulaartmuseum.org.

Ventura County locations. Artistic director Nuvi Mehta dispatches world-class performers to venues, conventional and unconventional, to share their musical talents. The lineup includes The Summit: Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6, Ranky Tanky, the Calidore String Quartet, and the Rastrelli Cello Quartet; venturamusicfestival.org.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Discover the allure of actors like Pedro Infante, María Félix, Dolores del Río, and Cantinflas during this festival representing Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema from 1933 to 1964; oxnardperformingarts.com.

July 13–September 1

Ranky Tanky

7/ 1 1 —2 1

July 9–14 BOOK OF MORMON

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Hello! Elder Price and his missionary pals would like to share a most amazing book about America a long, long time ago in this Tony Award–winning musical by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and noted composer Robert Lopez; americantheatreguild.com.

ROBERTO BENAVIDEZ: PIÑATAS OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS

AD&A Museum, Santa Barbara. Leave the stick at home to view a large-scale installation of more than 20 life-size piñatas in the forms of animals, fruits, and figures found in Hieronymus Bosch’s painting The Garden of Earthly Delights; museum. ucsb.edu.

August 3 ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS AND BLONDIE

Santa Barbara Bowl. When New Age music was all the rage in the ’70s, these two bands, fronted by iconic singers, topped the charts. Between the artists’ latest albums and their oldies but goodies, this double bill promises to shine; sbbowl.org.

Family Fun

July 20–21

August 24–25

BUTTERFLIES ALIVE!

CENTRAL COAST RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

STONE SOUP MUSIC FESTIVAL

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. It could be the nearest thing to heaven: Butterflies flutter by within a designated pavilion that houses almost 1,000 of the local and subtropical winged beauties. Go inside and be amazed; sbnature.org.

Here’s an Idea:

Through September 8

Been meaning to spend quality time with the relatives? Make a splash with Mom, Dad, Bro, Sis, Gramps, Granny, and even that strange cousin you’ve been avoiding at the Ventura Aquatic Center’s FAMILY FLOAT NIGHT on July 5 and 19 and August 2 and 16. A trio of pools and two waterslides await waders and swimmers of all ages, so make it a party and bring a picnic or order a pizza on site; cityofventura.ca.gov/aquatics.

Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley. The artist and inventor’s creativity is brought to the forefront in this exhibit with two authentic folios of his Codex Atlanticus, three dozen reconstructions of his inventions, and an interactive workshop for kids and adults; reaganlibrary.com.

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

THE WORLD OF DA VINCI

Laguna Lake Park, San Luis Obispo. Gadzooks, it’s Bill Shakespeare cavorting with Queen Elizabeth! Everyone who was anyone in Tilbury, England, circa 1585 is depicted at this period gathering with four entertainment stages, a falconry show, staged battles, Buccaneer Boot Camp, and a treasure hunt; ccrenfaire.com.

Ramona Garden Park, Grover Beach. Diversity is cause for celebration, so share the joy with like-minded folk at this blowout featuring live entertainment, crafts, and games. Even canines can poke their noses in by joining the Mardi Paws Dog Parade; southcountychambers.com/ stone-soup. August 31–September 1

July 31–August 11 VENTURA COUNTY FAIR

Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center. Ever seen a poultry show? The homespun expo offers lots of cluck for the buck with livestock and other farm animals, floriculture projects, a homebrewed beer contest, a rodeo, and concerts starring Martina McBride, Melissa Etheridge, the Ohio Players, and others; venturacountyfair.org.

PICK YOUR OWN ROMA TOMATOES

Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark. What could be more fitting than laboring in the warm sun to pick red, ripe tomatoes on Labor Day weekend? BYO containers and make like a farmer; underwoodfamilyfarms.com. >

FROM TOP: PETER FRANK EDWARDS; GARY ROBINSON

Through 9/2

Through September 2

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Book your seats now for these hot upcoming events. JULY Through July 14 ABBA would be proud to witness this full-on musical production of MAMA MIA! Singing along is strongly encouraged so get ready to belt out “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and all the rest of the iconic tunes that contribute to a charming comedic tale about sleeping around, love, and the ensuing results; Ojai Art Center Theater, ojaiact.org. Through July 14 Observe how a prolific independent filmmaker interprets the American landscape in JAMES BENNING: QUILTS, CIGARETTES & DIRT (PORTRAITS OF AMERICA).

His chosen mediums are film, photography, and mixed media; Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, mcasantabarbara.org. Through July 14 The four-time Tony-winning musical comedy A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER presents a unique acting challenge: One actor portrays eight different characters in a story about a ruthless attempt to acquire an inheritance; Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, simi-arts.org.

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Through July 28 What appears as simple and direct may provide cryptic clues to sociopolitical and spiritual statements in works by a selfdescribed “painting chauvinist” in SQUEAK CARNWATH: HOW THE MIND WORKS. In her exhibit, the artist employs words, scribbles, and symbols to convey her message; Pepperdine University, Malibu, arts.pepperdine.edu. Through July 14, July 19–August 4 The KINGSMEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL doubles

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theatergoers’ pleasure with two plays by the Bard performed in an outdoor setting. First, a comedy: The Merry Wives of Windsor explores the comic antics of the financially challenged Sir John Falstaff as he attempts to seduce two married women of Windsor. Second, a history: Find out how the Hundred Years’ War came about in Richard II; Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, kingsmenshakespeare.org. Through August 1 Does water in the Indian Ocean appear different from water in the Arctic Ocean? See how one expedition artist’s travels resulted in her visual interpretations in DANIELLE EUBANK: ONE ARTIST FIVE OCEANS. Her paintings, photographs, and drawings capture each ocean’s personality, essence, and dynamism with color variations, undulations, ripples, ebbs, and flows. She recently completed her 20-year quest to see and paint each ocean, concluding in February with a journey to Antarctica; Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, callutheran.edu. Through August 10 The Music Academy of the West’s renowned 2019 SUMMER FESTIVAL presents

200 live performances on campus and around town. Highlights include the festival debut of the London Symphony Orchestra and the West Coast premiere of composer-in-residence Jennifer Higdon’s opera, Cold Mountain; Music Academy of the West and Santa Barbara locations, musicacademy.org. Through October 13 A horse is a horse, of course, of course, unless it’s painted by artist Kehinde Wiley. Fashioned after a 17th-century work by Anthony van Dyck, EQUESTRIAN PORTRAIT OF PRINCE TOMMASO OF SAVOY-CARIGNAN is a prime example of historic equestrian portraiture, except that his riders are young black men dressed in their own clothing; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, sbma.net. July 12 The British beat predominates at a U.S. presidential library when a SUNSET DINNER ROCK ’N’ ROLL TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES AND THE STONES takes place. Two tribute bands, Paperback

Now Open in Ventura!

Writer and the Hollywood Stones, provide the music with dead-on vocals, quality musicianship, and period costuming. Dinner includes appetizers and a gourmet buffet. Top the night off with dancing, touring the museum, and exploring Air Force One; Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, reaganfoundation.org. July 12 Heavy metal and mariachi miraculously mesh when the band METALACHI adds its Mexican flair to classics made famous by groups such as Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden. All ages are welcome to this show; Discovery Ventura, discoveryventura.com. July 12 With his uncanny resemblance, spot-on mannerisms, and baritone voice, Shawn Barker embodies the character and spirit of Johnny Cash. Witness his tribute to the American music icon in the show THE MAN IN BLACK featuring two members of Carter sisters tribute group the Sugarbelles, Jessica Morales recreating the vocals of June Carter, and the trio Folsom Prison Blues Boys; Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, civicartsplaza.com. July 12–14 View historic aircraft at the 35th annual WEST COAST CUB FLY-IN. Visitors can walk among more than 100 planes and even talk to the pilots. Activities include a pancake breakfast, pilot proficiency contests, aerial games, aircraft rides in a 1942 Boeing-Stearman or a 1947 Piper PA-11 Cub provided by Banner Airways, a mass flight, a raffle, awards, a spaghetti dinner, and a tri-tip dinner. Bring a lawn chair and a camera and look to the skies; Lompoc Airport, westcoastcubflyin.com. July 13 There’s nothing like listening to the musical strains of a top jazz instrumentalist, but a unique evening of entertainment is in store when the spotlight at an intimate outdoor amphitheater hits saxophonist KENNY G. His career spans three decades, so expect to hear hits from the Grammy Award winner’s 24 albums; Libbey Bowl, Ojai, wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com. July 13–14 What is a surf rodeo? Well, it’s when two popular worlds collide—surfing and music— which still doesn’t explain why it’s called a rodeo. Nevertheless, SURF RODEO 2019 wrangles >

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together the performances of 30-plus live bands on two stages, surf competitions, a bikini cowgirl contest (ah, there’s a western hook!), a giant beach cornhole tournament (purported to be the world’s largest), beer gardens situated on the sand, and vendors galore. The event attracts world-renowned surfers, artists, photographers, and musicians. Bands appearing include Highway Starr, Yächtley Crëw, Honey Owl, Sitting on Stacy, Zepp Heads, Cyde Ways, and others; Ventura Pier, surfrodeo.org. July 14, August 17, September 14, October 19 For children with disabilities, participating in activities at a public park can be challenging, so the City of Oxnard Recreation and Community Services decided to pave the way for joyful accomplishment during the PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED AND SPECIAL NEEDS DAY AT THE PARK. Kids can experience a bounce house and a

Jolly Jump, ride the City Corps train, and take part in board games and arts and crafts; Oxnard Beach Park, Ventura, oxnard.org. July 20 The establishment of 21 Spanish missions or outposts took place in California between the years 1769 and 1833. Youngsters can learn about this period by joining in fun educational activities during CHILDREN’S MISSION LIFE DAY AT LA PURISIMA MISSION; La Purisima Mission State Historical Park, Lompoc, lapurisimamission.org. July 27–28 Breeders, trainers, handlers, and their canines from across the nation vie for awards at the VALLEY KENNEL ASSOCIATION DOG SHOW. This national event attracts approximately 700 dogs each day to compete in show and trial. Additional contests include the Western Sighthound Combined Specialty competition, an all-breed dog show, conformation, obedience, and rally trials, a Pee Wee competition, and a Meet the Breeds exhibition; Ryon Park, Lompoc, explorelompoc.com.

Yosemite National Park and its famed giant sequoias is on many a bucket list. And for good reason. This unique mountain escape is the kind of place you have to see for yourself. That’s easy to do when you base your stay at Tenaya Lodge, which is just two miles from Yosemite’s southern entrance. Tenaya offers first-rate accommodations and dining, bus tours into the Park and a new kids adventure course – elevating your Yosemite experience even higher.

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July 27–28 If the sultry dancing doesn’t generate enough heat at the OXNARD SALSA FESTIVAL the condiment will. Take salsa dance lessons and learn how to move with a Latin groove at this all-ages extravaganza that offers a salsa recipe challenge, a craft and vendor marketplace, international cuisine, two stages with six bands performing, a hotterthan-hot dance floor, a battle of the bands, and a fun zone for kids; Plaza Park, oxnardsalsafestival.com. July 27–28 Opa! Become immersed in the sights, sounds, and culinary aromas of Greece at the SANTA BARBARA GREEK FESTIVAL, a cultural gathering that honors the country’s traditions through its music, art, dance, and foods. If all that leads to an urge to see the country in person, purchase a raffle ticket to win a trip to Athens; Oak Park, santabarbaragreekfestival.org.

AUGUST

*Offer valid through December 31, 2019, two-night minimum stay. Must book with promo code prior to arrival. Based on availability. Restrictions, including black out dates and longer stay minimums may apply. Not valid with any other offer.

August 10 Read Herman’s Melville’s classic novel about an innocent sailor—or was he really a sailor?— before attending the BILLY BUDD SHORT STORY AND FILM PRESENTATION led by Peter Rainer, film critic

for the Christian Science Monitor. There’s so much more to this nautically themed story than meets the eye, so get ready to discuss the symbolism behind what appears on-screen and in the book; The Agora Foundation, Ojai, agorafoundation.org.

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August 16–18 Revel in all that a viticultural region has to offer at the STA. RITA HILLS WINE AND FIRE WEEKEND, presented by the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance. Festivities include the Friday Night Barn Party, the Grand Tasting for which nearly 40 participating wineries team up with local restaurants to pair world-class wines with local grilled specialties, and the Tasting Passport event; Lompoc locations, staritahills.com/wine-fire. August 17 Due to water shortages and other environmental concerns, a thriving green lawn may be a thing of the past. Learn about viable alternatives in LIFE AFTER LAWNS: IDEAS AND PRACTICES, a class led by instructor Billy Goodnick, a former city landscape architect for Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, sbbg.org. August 17 Singer, composer, and musician Charlyn “Chan” Marshall, aka CAT POWER, delivers her melancholy vocals—often punk, sometimes bluesy, and always soulful—as part of her North American tour; Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara, lobero.org.

Design • Construct • Manage

August 27 It’s rare that the original members of long-surviving iconic bands still perform together, but that’s the case when Billy F. Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard (the only beardless one) star in 50 YEARS WITH ZZ TOP. The artists have more than 15 albums under their collective belts, so the playlist is bound to be diverse; Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara, thearlingtontheatre.com.

Show Your Support

Fun and fundraising go hand-inhand at these local events. JULY July 11 Imagine: Unlimited tastings of hot sauce, if those taste buds can handle it. Fortunately, craft beer, wine, and other culinary refreshments are on offer to temper the heat at the Rotary Club of Newbury Park’s second annual Old Boney Mountain HOT SUMMER NIGHT FESTIVAL. Vote for the best sauce at the International Hot Sauce Competition and compete in a cornhole tournament at this adults-only gathering. Proceeds go to the Grossman Burn Foundation and Rotary Club beneficiaries; The Gardens at Los Robles Greens, Thousand Oaks, oldboneymtnhotsummernight.com. July 13 Enjoy a gourmet meal made with ingredients sourced from local farms and prepared by Plated Events chef Jason Collis at FARM TO TABLE. Opolo Winery and local breweries supply the libations for this Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation fundraiser; Ventura County Credit Union, vcsheriffsfoundation.org. >

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Insider July 20 It’s all about survival of the fittest when two teams of women compete in BLONDES V BRUNETTES, a flag football game to raise awareness and charitable contributions to fight Alzheimer’s disease. But the event title begs the question: On what team are the red-haired women? Find out at the game, where fun food vendors like Dave’s Dogs, Shalhoob Meat Co., Santa Barbara Woodfire Catering, and Kona Ice provide refreshment; Bishop Diego Garcia High School, Santa Barbara, act.alz.org. July 20–21 It’s not necessary to travel south of the border to get the best of Mexico when the TEQUILA & TACO MUSIC FESTIVAL stages a twoday celebration of Mexican-style booze and food. With live music and a fundraising component— proceeds benefit Food Share Ventura—it’s a real fiesta. On Saturday, tequila takes center stage with a variety of top-shelf brands along with mezcal sampling. Live music plays all day and all ages are welcome to feast on the gourmet street tacos. Sunday features award-winning margaritas and craft beers; Plaza Park, Ventura, tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com/ventura. July 27–28 Wine, brew, and food festivals come and go, but A TASTE OF CAMARILLO has been around for 31 years and just keeps on getting tastier. This one promises samples of more than 100 kinds of wine, tastes from more than 50 restaurants and more than 12 breweries, plus ciders, and other thirst quenchers. Entertainment is provided by the Ignition Band, and dancing is not only permitted it’s encouraged. Attend the California Dreamin’ wine auction gala and dinner, bid in a silent auction, and indulge in boutique shopping, where clothing, accessories, and wine accoutrements await, all within the confines of a historic site; Camarillo Ranch, tasteofcamarillo.com.

AUGUST August 8 The actual stars of the NIGHT OF STARS are health-care professionals who

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contributed outstanding service to the Ventura County community. The Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation gala features live entertainment and silent and live auctions. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the David Fainer, M.D., and Leo Tauber, M.D., Awards in honor of the two late doctors who served as role models in the medical community; Lloyd Butler Estate, Oxnard, vcmrf.org. August 18 Wind down at SUMMER WINE DOWN, an adults-only soiree put on by the Westlake Women’s Club to raise money for Senior Concerns and the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. Swing to the beat of the Emile Borde Steel Drums and dig into fare from BJs Restaurant and Merlin’s Kitchen, along with vino from local wineries; Westlake Yacht Club, westlakewomensclub.com. August 22 Unlimited tastings of local craft beer, wine, other spirits and beverages, and food are on the docket at the Kiwanis of Thousand Oaks

Charitable Foundation’s BREWFEST. Meet top local brewmasters, groove to classic rock tunes performed by the band Ignition, and participate in a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds benefit local charities; Conejo Creek Park North, Thousand Oaks, tobrewfest.com. August 30–September 2 See the creations by artists in their own private work environments on the OPEN STUDIOS TOUR. Sponsored by Santa Barbara Studio Artists, this self-guided driving excursion covers more than 30 studio destinations through scenic backroads and picturesque neighborhoods. Proceeds benefit the William Sansum Diabetes Research Institute; Santa Barbara locations, santabarbarastudioartists.com.

Worth a Drive Venture just outside the 805 for these choice events.

Through September 1 He designed the monokini and the thong, and made countless other controversial contributions to women’s wear. The exhibit FEARLESS FASHION: RUDI GERNREICH chronicles the trailblazing designer’s life as an Austrian immigrant to the United States, his role as founder of the gay rights organization The Mattachine Society, and how he redefined style; Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, skirball.org. Through March 15, 2020 Cars are the stars at HOLLYWOOD DREAM MACHINES: VEHICLES OF SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY, an exhibition

of more than 40 iconic automobiles and other vehicles, along with costumes, props, concept artwork, and original blueprints from classic and modern-day films and video games; Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles, petersen.org. July 26–28 It’s almost an L.A. tradition: Nothing beats nabbing a seat at the city’s largest amphitheater for its fully staged summer musical production, and this one’s a whopper: INTO THE WOODS by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim. The story’s take on fairy tales brings new meaning to the words “happily ever after”; Hollywood Bowl, hollywoodbowl.com.

Give Back

Whatever your interests, there’s a volunteer opportunity just right for you. The ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION has three chapters in the 805—Ventura, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo—so pick one and lend your services. The organization needs volunteers who can serve as community educators, group facilitators, faith and Latino outreach representatives, helpline supporters, special event coordinators, policy and fundraising advocates, and clinical trial participants; alz.org.  If you would like to submit your event or organization for possible inclusion in Insider, please email the information and a contact number/email to insider@805living.com. Please submit your request no later than 14 weeks prior to the issue in which you’d like the information to appear.

SUPPORT BY THE SPOONFUL

By Leslie Dinaberg

“We have officially served over 1 million bowls of soup in the last 10 years,” says Andrea Slaby-Carroccio, chief operating officer of ORGANIC SOUP KITCHEN (organicsoupkitchen.org), which recently celebrated the milestone by opening a new headquarters in Santa Barbara. “We provide optimal organic nutrition and food security to those dealing with the effects of cancer. Our vision is to build scalable resources that are accessible to communities everywhere.” With the new space, the nonprofit is able to serve more clients, expand service to other counties, and continue to be sustainable through its community wholesale soup program. Here, the organization shares its recipe for a nutritious and refreshing gazpacho.

WATERMELON GAZPACHO

Offering self-care retreats and wellness events in beautiful settings such as vineyards and historic restaurants, VALLEY WELLNESS COLLECTIVE (valleywellnesscollective.com) founder Kelly Fiore describes her new Santa Ynez Valley–based venture as “an organization of many incredible people—fitness instructors, masseuses, health coaches, artists, energy healers, private chefs, acupuncturists— with a desire to spread health and wellness throughout the community.” The collective offers both public events and private group retreats. “Our goal is that every attendee will walk away with new skills to lead a happier, healthier life,” Fiore says. The community will be healthier too: 10 percent of the proceeds from each retreat goes to wellness programs in local schools and nonprofits.

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Puree watermelon in a blender and transfer to a large pitcher or mixing bowl with a pour spout. Return half of watermelon puree to blender. Divide remaining ingredients in half. Blend soup in two batches, tasting to adjust seasoning.

PET AID

The pursuit of perfect pet parenting just got a little easier, thanks to a free first-aid app and an online course from the AMERICAN RED CROSS (redcross.org/apps; redcross.org/catdogfirstaid) on treating dogs and cats. “Pets are such an important part of the family, we want every pet owner to have the tools to take care of their furry friend in case of an emergency,” says Nicole Maul, American Red Cross regional communications manager. In addition to emergency how-tos and videos, emergency kit information and preventive care tips are included.

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Serves 8 to 10 1 large watermelon, diced, seeds removed (8–10 cups pureed) 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 cup diced cucumber ½ cup fresh cilantro ½ cup fresh mint 2 tablespoons olive oil Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lime ½ teaspoon ground cumin Fresh ground black pepper to taste Himalayan salt to taste

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Insights By Anthony Head

Tale of the Tape

onsider the cassette. For those of us who came of age in the 1970s and ’80s, there was no escaping the cassette. They littered the top of the stereo, the floor of the car, and every conceivable flat surface in teenagers’ bedrooms. And among the means science produced to deliver audio entertainment to us, the cassette was clearly the bottom of the heap. Cassettes, or “tapes” as we called them on the streets, couldn’t come close to albums for sound quality when played on home stereos; and when we were driving, eight-track players allowed for much easier jumping around from song to song versus spending half our time either fast-forwarding past a

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boring ballad or rewinding in order to play a favorite rocker over and over again. The tape’s tape unraveled all the time, winding deep into the player’s wheels, gears, and other mechanisms, and it would warp, stretching and distorting the sound. But albums were useless in a car, eight-tracks were on their way out, and CDs had yet to arrive to solve all our problems. Cassettes endured for a long while, and it turns out that, while growing up, I preferred them precisely because they could be played in either the car or the bedroom. More importantly, tapes had one thing albums and eight-tracks didn’t: the ability to record. (Reel-to-reel aficionados, give it a rest, already.) Recorders built into stereo systems allowed users the power to personalize their song collections, what we >

CASSETTES CHANGED THIS WRITER’S LIFE ONCE. CAN THEY DO IT AGAIN?

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Insights

I don’t always toss things out just because their day has seemingly passed. Time and technology both only move in one direction, but history needs its artifacts to study. now refer to as a “playlist,” only back then we called it a mixtape. I really loved cassettes for that very reason. From the eighth grade until a few years after college, I created lots of mixtapes for myself and my friends. I concentrated on the songs’ rhythms—figuring out when to kick up the energy and when to bring it down—as much as I did the lyrics. I studied how to tell a story through my selections, even if no one else figured out the plots. I’d often give my mixtapes titles like “Music to Avoid Studying to” or “Make-Out Mix.” And I loved introducing my listeners to the new music I’d discovered, like the Grateful Dead. I’m a Dead Head, and soon after I first saw the band I dropped nearly everything and began following them around the country, I discovered that copies of entire shows, originally recorded by audience members with the permission of the band, were being distributed; there were also ads in the back of music magazines noting which shows were available. (There was no cost: Just send blank tapes and enough return postage and the deal was done.) These tapes were called “bootlegs,” and by the time the original band called it quits, I’d collected dozens of them to relive the magic. But CDs wrecked the whole world of cassettes for me. Over time, cars stopped coming with tape players and I’d inherited a home stereo system with no place for tapes. I eventually lost my ability to listen to my tapes, including my sizable Grateful Dead bootleg collection. But look, to be honest, it wasn’t on the top of my list of priorities to replace my tape player, and as my CD collection grew, my tapes ended up buried inside my closet and forgotten. Fifteen years went by without me listening to my cassettes, but I made do by creating mix-CDs until digital streaming began pushing the CD closer toward obscurity, like the VHS tape. Today, many new models of computers don’t come with a CD burner, as if some technocratic dictator has decided that all future music collections must be built and enjoyed only online. Then last Christmas arrived. I must have been grousing about how the speed of technology had rendered my adolescent hobby as outdated as feathered hair and The Clapper because a heavy box—the kind that generates real excitement— 58

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appeared from Santa Amazon.com. Inside was a Pyle PT-659DU stereo component. This thing is essentially just a tape deck, but it comes with a USB cable, allowing me to plug it into my computer and play tapes through my computer’s speakers. Before all the presents under the tree were unwrapped, I had unearthed from my closet a briefcase full of Grateful Dead concert tapes. Then I plugged in, and after about 45 seconds of rewinding one of the damn cassettes, I hit play—and the Dead came alive again. I played as many of the tapes as I could, reliving a golden era when I actually planned my life around the band’s touring schedule. I also noticed how their inferior technology (as compared to the CD and digital streaming) made the music sound old. Or rather, nostalgic. Then I found even more meaningful tapes, like mixtapes my friends made and sent me and old professional interviews I’d conducted using a handheld cassette recorder. Most significantly, I found some recordings I’d made over two decades ago at home and heard my daughter’s voice—singing, laughing, telling stories—when she was only 6 years old. I even found some mixtapes that she had made growing up, when the Hanson brothers and the Spice Girls ruled the radio. I’m not saying my cassette collection is some vast, critical archive of lost audio information. And I’m not trying to cast some sort of wonderful glamour upon the reality of cassette tapes. Today’s homeorganizational practices (for the moment) are all about decluttering the detritus of yesterday’s trends, and I’m certainly no hoarder. But I don’t always toss things out just because their day has seemingly passed. Time and technology both only move in one direction, but history needs its artifacts to study. I’ve noticed how albums, now called vinyl, have made something of a comeback with younger generations. The kids are discovering the nostalgic sound of music when it comes from a record player. I don’t hold out the same hope for cassettes, nor do I think they deserve such a resurgence. Their time has deservedly come and gone. But when a door to the past is suddenly opened, I can’t help but celebrate where technology has taken us. My new Pyle component even has tape-to-tape capability, which means I can revive my practice of making actual mixtapes. I just don’t know who to send them to. 

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ART DISTRICT

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Channing Peake Gallery

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Upgrades By Frances Ryan

Show Your Stripes GET A LINE ON THE LATEST PATIO CLASSICS.

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1. Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living “Aviano” chaise lounge with blueaqua “7044-31” upholstery ($4,500); Alderman Bushé Interiors, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbusheinteriors.com. 2. “Duo” oil lamps (small, $20; large, $40); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Westfield Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 3. “Rainbow” baby alpaca throw ($495); Alicia Adams Alpaca at Trancas Country Market, Malibu, aliciaadamsalpaca.com. 4. Business & Pleasure Co. French stripe “Holiday” beach umbrella ($150); Cove by Van Rozeboom Interiors, Pismo Beach, cove805.com.

5. Seasonal Living ceramic “Artisan Series” time stool–accent table ($825); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com.

7. Pollack “Meridian Stripe” indoor-outdoor Sunbrella fabric in Constellation (to the trade, price upon request); Patio Princess, Thousand Oaks, patioprincessdesign.com. 8. Elaine Smith “Woven Shimmer” indoor-outdoor lumbar pillow ($99); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com.

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9. Barclay Butera “Palm Springs Collection” cushioned sofa (starting at $3,896) for Castelle; Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. 

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6. Threshold “Bar Harbor” wicker patio club chair ($360 for a set of two); Target, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; target.com.

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Home Front By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

A Light Touch IN EVERY SEASON THE LIVING IS EASY.

ometimes a move offers an opportunity to start fresh, to think about the activities and lifestyle that give us pleasure, and create a home to match. That’s what a Westlake Village family did when they bought a one-story contemporary residence in their neighborhood and brought on certified interior decorator Karen Shoener, president of Designs of the Interior (interiordesignwestlake.com), and her colleague Genaro Lagdameo to furnish the 7,000-square-foot space. The home’s light-filled indoor-outdoor design showcases patios, a pool, native landscaping, and a view of the hills. What the new owners wanted, says Shoener, was a family-oriented, comfortable, and welcoming interior. “They were drawn to a minimalist style,” Shoener says, “with clean lines and neutral tones like white, off-white, and gray, with touches of blue and green.” With two high school–age children and a large dog, “they wanted the house to be fun, creative, and a bit playful,” she adds. One surprising request from the owners was to forgo a formal living room and create a billiard room instead. The table was one of just a few pieces that came from their previous house, and Shoener and Lagdameo updated the color of the felt. The designers added high pub tables with stools and chairs that swivel to take in the landscape. “Many of the fabrics are high performance or high-end indooroutdoor materials,” Shoener says. “Easy care but luxurious looking.” >

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Only a few of the ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; previous furnishings made the move to their new Westlake Village home, but that included the billiard table, which became the centerpiece of an informal living room.

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The huge dining room, which came with an artistic wine rack installed by the previous residents, needed to accommodate large parties. “I’d been dreaming about doing a round table that can fit eight or 10,” says Lagdameo. “Round tables have good feng shui, but it’s hard to find one that big. We had it made locally with a lazy Susan for serving.” Warm hues keep the neutral palette from being cold or boring. “The leather sectional in the family room has a buttery tone,” Lagdameo says. To temper an atmosphere of formality, there are asymmetrical elements, like a narrow, live-edge table flanked by a banquette on one side and chairs on the other. For the bedroom, the designers took their cue from the owners’ enjoyment of fine hotel suites and ordered two comfortable chaises, a hand-knotted wool rug, and luxurious bedding. “It feels like they’re on vacation,” says Shoener. A highlight of the interior design is in the office. The owner had a collection of guitars, which had been mostly stored out of sight. “He was frustrated not to see them,” Shoener explains. “We got a cork wallpaper with embedded flakes of brass and designed a pleasing yet functional array of the guitars, an artistic display within easy reach of the homeowner. He was just thrilled. “We loved working with this family,” Shoener says. “It was a joy when we installed [the design] and saw their faces.” The creators of the design were equally pleased with it. “Each room has a function, and your favorite changes depending on your mood and the time of day,” says Lagdameo. “The family room is about being together; the bedroom is for relaxing and unwinding. The furnishings outside are comfortable, and there you just want to be lazy. We designed the house before the holiday season, and we were geared to celebrations, but when we photographed it, the house seemed special for summer. It’s designed for their lifestyle all year long.”  64

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“We got a cork wallpaper with embedded flakes of brass and designed a pleasing yet functional array of the guitars, an artistic display within easy reach of the homeowner,” says interior decorator Karen Shoener.

Adding interest to the home’s neutral palette are texture and details like the chevron pattern in the dining room rug (top) and the channel stitching on the back of the chairs around the table. In the master bedroom (above) easy-care, luxurious-looking Perennials fabric covers the chaises, which invite relaxation.

The owner’s office (above) provides a showcase for his guitar collection. The great room (below), which includes a dining area and a serving cart, opens to a patio, accentuating the sense of indoor-outdoor living.

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Good Deeds By Mark Langton

Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/ Santa Barbara

Research shows that patients whose medical attention is augmented with social support through interactive community programs are more hopeful, live longer, and have better quality lives. Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara (cancersupportvvsb.org) assists cancer patients and their families with free support groups, educational workshops, and mind-body connection classes. In late April, the organization held An Evening of Hope, a gala and fundraiser, at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. The evening’s honorees were Timothy O’Connor (Celebration of Excellence), Holly Spiegel (Celebration of Hope), Laurie Peterson (Celebration of Life), and the City of Westlake Village (Celebration of Philanthropy). Actor and singer James Darren and his son, actor and journalist Jim Moret, served as masters of ceremony.

1. Tim O’Connor, Holly Spiegel, Laurie Peterson, Ned Davis 2. Jim Moret, James Darren 3. Barbara and Steve Dwyer 4. Jennifer Strong, Brad Uselmann 5. Janine Debvan, Diane Kay, Harriet Wasserman 6. Diana Welsh, Linda Flor 7. Henry Byun, Coco Byun, Alex Suchy 8. Sharon Altman, David Wank 9. Sher Toor, Sita Toor, Ray Pearl 10. Maddy Sattler, Grace Crocker Photographs by Mark Langton

Dream Foundation

Dream Foundation (dreamfoundation.org), based in Santa Barbara, grants the wishes of terminally ill adults. Over the last 25 years more than 30,000 dreams have been fulfilled thanks to this nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, and health-care organizations as well as many committed donors. Dream Foundation’s programs include services specially tailored to veterans and Flower Empower, which provides floral bouquets, freshbaked cookies and chocolates, and handmade cards to people in hospices, cancer centers, and residences every week from Ventura to Goleta. In May the organization’s Flower Empower luncheon and fundraiser took place at a private residence in the Hope Ranch area of Santa Barbara County.

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1. Jennifer Gillon Duffy, Diane Gillon 2. Kisa Heyer, Maggie Geyer 3. Kenny Slaught, Daryl Stegall, Mark A. DePaco 4. Kate Coppola 5. Lois Mitchell, Debbie Darke, Laura Forster, Andra Macleod 6. Lynette Hall, Thea Palencia, Boris Palencia, Steven E. Shulem, Alan Rose, Amie Parrish, Alys Martinez, Melinda Rogers 7. Colleen Barnett-Taylor, Jennifer Darling, Michelle Steinberger 8. Justine Roddick, Michelle Ebbin 9. Kelsey and Jet Martin 10. Tamar Shulem, Steven E. Shulem, Stefani Canin-Mullen 11. Tracey Morris, Valerie Banks Photographs by Head & Heart Photography

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Good Deeds By Mark Langton

Explore Ecology

In late May, Explore Ecology of Santa Barbara (exploreecology.org) held its Sustainable Table fundraiser at the private home of Grammy Award–winning producer and musician Alan Parsons and his wife, Lisa. The event featured farmto-table cuisine and drinks made from locally grown organic ingredients. Parsons also conducted an exclusive tour and demonstration of his on-site recording studio. Since 1990 Explore Ecology’s mission has been to promote a better understanding of the connection between people and their environment with an emphasis on educating local youths. Initiatives include the Art From Scrap Creative ReUse Store and Gallery, the Watershed Resource Center, Art and Nature Exploration Summer Camps, and the School Gardens Program. The organization serves more than 38,000 students annually.

1. Lindsay Johnson, Jill Cloutier, Tara Patrick, Genevieve Schwanbeck, Rachel Palmer 2. Lisa and Alan Parsons 3. Glen Phillips, Sean McCue 4. Sara and Graham Farrar 5. Janet Loughlin, Jen McJannet, Tae Kim 6. Brian McAdams and Jonni Collins 7. John Savrnoch, Catherine Remak 8. Brooke and Davis Darnell 9. Julio Carrillo, Angela Benson 10. Nancy Weiss Photographs by Jay Farbman

805 LIVING–SPONSORED EVENT

Pacific Pride Foundation

1. Luke Ebbin, Justine Roddick, Tina Schlieske, Michelle Ebbin 2. Mark Ismond, Steve Thompson with performers 3. Hilary Hayes, Marc Normand Gelinas, Elaine Gray, Alex Siege 4. Alex Brown, Lynn Cunningham Brown and Chris Brown with performer 5. Loretta Redd, Vivien Gay with performers 6. Gary Mosel, Ray Stokes, Marco Silva with performers 7. David Bolton, Daniel Avalos, Percy Sales, Kevin Marvin 8. Roger Durling, Kim Summerfield, Lynda Weinman, Sue Van Horsen, Bruce Heavin, Georgene Kennedy-Vairo, Robert Giaimo, Maria Rendon, Michael Trambert Photographs by Megan Sorel and Isaac Hernandez

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

The Pacific Pride Foundation (pacificpridefoundation.org) held its biennial Royal Ball gala and fundraiser in early May at the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito. The organization was founded in 1976 to serve the needs of lesbians and gay men in Santa Barbara and surrounding Central Coast cities and educate the public about HIV/AIDS prevention while fostering a visible and thriving LGBTQ+ community. Since then it has partnered with 60 educational and nonprofit organizations to annually provide 10,000 people of all ages with counseling and therapy services, free and anonymous HIV and hepatitis C testing, advocacy for LGBTQ+ issues, health and wellness care, and low-income programs. It is the largest organization of its kind between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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SUMMER ICE-CREAM Tour GOING OUT FOR THE FROSTY FAVORITE IS ONE OF THE SWEETEST WAYS TO STAY COOL. BY VICTORIA WOODARD HARVEY PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MOSS

Sprinkles and fruit top off fanciful softserve flavors like the blue and purple Unicorn Vanilla and Ube (purple yam) Twist and the vegan, nondairy and glutenfree Dragonfruit Pineapple at Coastal Cone in Ventura Harbor Village.

JULY â&#x20AC;¢ AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Ice cream is one of those comfort foods that says, “Life is good.” While enjoying a bowl of your favorite flavor on the patio is a great way to relax, going out for ice cream—like to one of the scoop shops here—opens up a tantalizing world of tasty exploration. Coastal Cone

Ventura Harbor Village coastalcone.com A popular attraction at Ventura Harbor for decades, this boardwalk parlor is the place to find decorated waffle cones and jumbo banana splits. The greatest challenge is choosing from more than 40 flavors. Go for the 805 Sundae with strawberry and tart soft-serve ice cream, crushed honey granola and oats, fresh strawberries, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, and whipped cream. For vegans and the lactose intolerant, there’s the 805 Unicorn Freeze made with Coastal Cone’s signature Pineapple Dole Whip and dragon fruit swirl blended with fresh strawberries and pineapple juice and topped with a paper umbrella.

Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab

Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections

Ventura exvotochocolates.com The making of fine chocolates and ice cream often go hand in hand, especially in the hands of Jennifer and Sophia Smith-Grunder, the mother-daughter team behind Ex Voto. “She’s been working in the kitchen with me since she was 4 years old,” says mom Jennifer, who incorporates caramel and chocolate ribbons into flavors like Peanut Butter Swirl with a brown sugar and sea salt base, dark‑ >

805.MEDIA

Negranti Creamery in Paso Robles specializes in making ice cream from sheep’s milk (above) and offers cow’s milk options, too. A flight of four varieties at Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections in Ventura includes (opposite, left to right) Rocky Road, Cracker Jack, Fresh Mint & Chip, and Thai Tea flavors.

Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, and retail outlets docburnsteins.com Since 2003 the wacky Doc Burnstein (a fun-loving, fictional mad scientist) and his team have produced more than 500 flavors of ice cream, like the popular deep-black and delicious Motor Oil, a rich chocolate ice cream with Kahlua and fudge swirls, originally created for the Pismo Beach Car Show. Many flavors are suggestions from customers, like Unicorn Swirl, a white-cake ice cream with piecrust pieces and a strawberry swirl, which is returning for its second summer to raise money for the Make-AWish Foundation. “We are a community-building company that serves ice cream,” says CEO Michael Boyer. “Come in and taste as much as you want for as long as you want.” (Don’t tell that to your furry companion, because real bacon and dog-friendly soymilk treats are also on the menu.) Tours are available to the public at the creamery in Grover Beach.

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chocolate fudge sauce, and Virginia peanuts roasted in-house. “It’s hard to keep it in stock as people order it before we make it,” she says. Look for the signature Honey Buttered Toast (it’s as good as it sounds); Cracker Jack with popcorn-steeped cream, sea salt, and chopped peanut toffee; and the popular Birthday Cake flavor, featured for the company’s two-year anniversary on July 1.

Helados Mexty

Oxnard (two locations) and Camarillo facebook.com @heladosmextyoxnard1 Traditional frozen treats that are popular south of the border can be found at Helados Mexty. The Oxnard location in Hueneme makes its own tamarind and gansito (like a Mexican Twinkie) ice creams, choco-bananas on a stick, esquimales (strawberry or vanilla Eskimo pies, chocolate-dipped and rolled in coconut), plus a dazzling assortment of more than two dozen paletas, which are milk- or water-based popsicles that come in flavors such as cinnamon rice horchata, vanilla with quince paste, passion fruit, jamaica (hibiscus flower), cucumber with chili, and a super-refreshing lemon with fresh whole blackberries, sliced kiwi, and strawberries.

Thousand Oaks and (opening this fall) Westlake Village littlecalfcreamery.com The life-size, black-and-white statue of a calf that resides at this family-owned shop sees a lot of action from visitors ranging from senior square dancers to high school marching bands. Owners Scott and Jen Levin are proud to provide a community hangout at which they dish up popular flavors like Moorpark Road, their version of Rocky Road. “We see old to young, team parties, birthdays—the Conejo Valley supports us, and it’s a beautiful

A lineup of scoops at Little Calf Creamery and Cafe in Thousand Oaks showcases (above, front to back) Raspberry Sorbet, Lavender Blueberry, Vanilla Berry Crisp, Joe Daddy (milk chocolate–hazelnut ice cream with a coffee-caramel swirl), and Strawberry Banana Swirl. A spinoff of Japanese

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filled fish‑shaped cakes, house-made taiyaki waffle cones (opposite, top) open wide at Coastal Cone and other shops like Santa Barbara’s Monkeyshine. About 32 flavors of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams (right) are in rotation, including seasonal varieties, like a current roster of summer flavors.

BOTTOM: MCCONNELL’S FINE ICE CREAMS

Little Calf Creamery & Cafe

thing,” says Scott. Join the party for a scoop, a float, or a sundae with new summer flavors: Peaches and Cream; Fresh Watermelon Sorbet; Gimme S’more with graham-cracker ice cream, fudge ribbon, and marshmallows; and What’sop sorbet made with soursop, which Scott describes as “a Central American fruit that tastes like kiwi and pear.”

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams

Santa Barbara (two locations), San Luis Obispo, and retail outlets and greater Los Angeles locations mcconnells.com Celebrating its 70th year, Santa Barbara’s McConnell’s is the royal family in the kingdom of premium ice cream. “We’ve loved it for years,” says Eva Ein, current chef and co-owner with her husband, Michael Palmer. “It’s for people who love food, a classic mid-century brand, with our spin on it.” Ein is solely responsible for the flavor recipes, like the signature Sea Salt Cream & Cookies, a velvety vanilla ice cream with a hint of local sea salt and bits of Guittard chocolate–chunk cookies. Look for new summer flavors that reflect McConnell’s historic and recent partnerships with local purveyors: Olive Oil & Salted Almonds made with Koroneiki olive oil and salt-roasted almonds from California Central Valley’s Ricchiuti Family Farms as well as Honey & Cornbread Cookies, a San Marcos Farms Honey Company ice cream studded with chunks of house-made sweet and salty cornbread cookies.

Monkeyshine

Santa Barbara monkeyshinesb.com Over in the Funk Zone, Monkeyshine is an ice-cream counter within the restaurant collective anchored by casual Asian streetfood eatery Tyger Tyger. The rotating ice-cream flavors are created by Tyger Tyger chef Daniel Palaima using Straus Family Creamery soft serve as a base. They are a reflection of “our love for the unique flavors of southeast Asia,” says Palaima. “Paired with Straus’ organic soft-serve ice cream, it’s an exceptional product we feel proud to serve.” Get creative with your own mix of toppings or try the Ube Halo-Halo with fresh strawberries, shaved coconut, Pocky sticks, and plum powder; or the Yanonali Meets Gray sundae (named after local streets around the venue) with Vietnamese coffee, shaved chocolate, nata de coco (a coconut gel), and salted peanuts. You can also grab one of the house-made frozen fruit pops that come in flavors such as Berry Thai Basil and Lychee Lemongrass on the way to or from the beach, just a short walk away.

Negranti Creamery

Paso Robles and retail outlets negranticreamery.com Using 60 ewes as a starter flock and becoming the first in the U.S. to make sheep’s milk ice cream for retail and wholesale markets, owner Alexis Negranti has been a leader of the pack, producing delicious flavors. “People often describe it as lighter, which it is, and that lets all the natural flavors come through,” says Negranti. The signature Salted Brown Sugar, one of the first flavors she ever made, tops the list of customer favorites along with Peanut Butter >

Chocolate Chip, a standout Blackberry Rosemary, and Black Coffee Chip made with espresso from Paso Robles’ Spearhead Coffee. Ice cream made with local cow’s milk is also available, and all scoops come with a house-made waffle chip. Try the new Thai Iced Tea flavor, available only at the Tin City shop through the summer.

strawberry, blueberry, and vanilla bean stripes, and Chocolate Triple Hitter with white, milk, and dark chocolate swirl, a perfect choice sandwiched between two house-made Snickerdoodles or oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies.

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery

Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, and Camarillo tifachocolateandgelato.com Family-owned Tifa began its sweet journey more than a decade ago selling artisan chocolate bars, so it’s no surprise that the dark chocolate gelato is one flavor for which chef and co-owner Candace Orr is well known. Her recipe calls for a 91 percent dark chocolate with a Borneo red cocoa powder “for a true flavor of chocolate,” she says. “It has the richness I love without the bitterness.” Recently introduced to the café menu, Liège-style waffles are made with brioche dough and pearl sugar that caramelizes to a golden crisp. Handheld or topped with a scoop of Cinnamon Panna Cotta or Almond Mascarpone Biscotti, “It’s great to share on date night,” says Orr. 

Carpinteria, Montecito (two locations), Santa Barbara Public Market, and greater Los Angeles locations roriscreamery.com What’s a gal to do with an unexpected 400 pounds of pitted Bing cherries? Rori Trovato, Rori’s owner and flavor maven, added them to swirls of fudge ribbon and shaved chocolate to create a satisfying Rori Garcia, her riff on a Ben & Jerry’s classic. “My passion is coming up with new flavors,” Trovato says. “I go with what we get from the farmers’ market and roll out two new seasonal flavors each month.” Look for her rollout of Summer Mint Mojito Sherbet, Local Blackberry Caramel, Star Spangled Banner with fresh

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery offers sandwich combinations such as (from top): Monkey in the Middle, cinnamon-chocolatehazelnut cookies with banana ice cream; Once You Go Brown, chocolate–chocolate chip cookies with Milk Chocolate Chunk ice cream; and The Big Easy, oatmeal chocolatechip cookies with Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream.

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Tifa Chocolate & Gelato

More, Please! Afters

Oxnard at The Collection at RiverPark and other Southern California locations aftersicecream.com Home of the Milky Bun, a warm glazed sweet bun filled with ice cream (try Strawberry Cookie Crunch featuring Famous Amos cookies) and festooned with topping choices like buttered, caramelized corn flakes.

Batch

San Luis Obispo batchslo.com Small-batch ice cream and freshbaked cookies are kept simple here. Pair one of the thin and buttery chocolate-chip cookies with a scoop of coffee ice cream made with java from Kreuzberg, the ice-cream shop’s sister coffee spot around the corner.

Café Dolce

Solvang 805-708-9003 Tucked in a courtyard in the heart of Solvang, Café Dolce is where locals go to find a selection of Doc Burnstein’s ice cream plus Sapore d’Italia, an olive oil gelato made with lemon, basil, and other ingredients that owner Sam Hamad gathers during weekly farmers’ market visits.

Carrara Pastries

Agoura Hills and Moorpark carrarapastries.us Pastry chef Massimiliano Carrara’s signature gelato flavor, Carrara, is a biscotti-infused cream spiked with crumbled chocolate-hazelnut rocher candy made at the Moorpark location using gelato machines imported from Italy.

Choppa Ice Cream

Santa Barbara and Goleta 805-845-5229 The craze continues for made-toorder, slab-frozen Thai-style rolled ice cream with flavors such as taro and chocolate made daily, toppings like M&M’s, and a layer of whipped cream.

Coaches Ice Cream Parlor Newbury Park coachesicecream.com A recently opened throwback to American pop culture, Coaches serves favorites with baseball names—like Draft Picks floats— made with old-style ingredients such as Orange Crush soda and vanilla bean ice cream.

Creamistry

Santa Barbara and Woodland Hills, and Camarillo by delivery creamistry.com Nitro-frozen, organic, and vegan-based

flavors come with myriad toppings and mix-ins. Try the Ruby Cacao with fresh fruit and chocolate chips or a classic Mangonada made with mango sorbet, spicy-tart Tajin seasoning, chamoy sauce (a savory Mexican condiment), Takis, and fresh lime.

Dave’s Drip House

Goleta (opening soon) facebook.com @davesdriphouse In August, Dave Reynoso, owner of Dave’s Dogs Grill in Santa Barbara, is slated to open his latest venture with a focus on a fresh concept: made-toorder cereal-infused ice cream made with his custom machine.

Fosters Freeze

Ventura, Santa Paula, Carpinteria, Lompoc, Morro Bay, and other California locations fostersfreeze.com Head to this longtime favorite to get the original vanilla twist cone, dipped in hard-shell chocolate, for old times’ sake.

Freezer Monkeys

Whole Foods Market in Thousand Oaks, Ventura, and Santa Barbara, and select farmers’ markets and retail outlets freezermonkeys.com A chef mom’s healthy gourmet popsicles come in delicious natural flavors like Strawberry Buttermilk and Blueberry Orange Blossom. Weekly market specials include exotic options such as TomatoSmoked Paprika and Coconut Rose With Candied Kumquats.

Grom

Malibu grom.it This international company sets a high standard for gelato and seasonal sorbet. Try the Limone made with Sicilian lemons, Torroncino with Italian nougat, or Cioccolato Extranoir sorbet with Venezuelan chocolate incorporated into the base and added as chips.

Here’s the Scoop

Montecito scoopmontecito.com A family-owned favorite serves its signature lemon-lavender sorbet year-round. This summer, look for Red, White & Blue raspberry, lemon, and blueberry sorbet and fresh organic peach flavor.

Honeymee

Camarillo and other Southern California locations honeymee.com The signature Honeymee is soft serve drizzled with raw honey and a chunk of real honeycomb; the Matcha Affogato is made with honey and ceremonial matcha.

Jeni’s

Calabasas and retail outlets and other greater Los Angeles locations jenis.com One of the big kids in premium ice cream, Jeni’s uses all-natural ingredients with flavors like Goat Cheese With Red Cherries and Brambleberry Crisp with chewy oats and tart, jammy swirls.

Le Café de la Plage

Malibu lecafedelaplagemalibu.com Owned by a French couple whose motto is “Only good vibes,” this café by the sea features organic, smallbatch ice cream like Choco Vegan, Rose Raspberry Lychee, and Lemon Ginger Mint.

Leo Leo Gelato

Paso Robles (opening in the fall) and retail outlets leoleogelato.com Fifty year-round and 20 seasonal flavors of small-batch sorbetti and gelati made in the northern Italian tradition are why chef caterers like Wolfgang Puck serve Leo Leo. Owner and master gelatier Niccoló Lekai says he can’t help but offer visitors free tastes from the nearby manufacturing plant until their first store opens in Paso Market Walk this fall.

Mister Softee

Camarillo mistersofteesocal.com This classic ice-cream parlor is known for its soda floats and soft serve with rainbow sprinkles and other classic toppings. Try one of the daily specials, like a cup of vanilla with peppermint syrup and chocolate bits.

Nite Creamery

Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo nitecreamery.com Look for the lines out the door to find this establishment where madeto-order flavors like Central Coast Crunch (vanilla ice cream, brownie bits, and praline almonds) are frozen with liquid nitrogen.

Ojai Bliss & More

Ojai 805-794-3219 This local favorite offers rotating flavors. Try the popular (and dairy free) Almond Milk with ground almonds—which is always available and delicious—swirled with blueberry pomegranate tart. Eat it with a spoon that is activated by temperature to change from pink to purple.

Paradice Shave Ice

Santa Barbara paradiceshaveice.com Two locals bring Hawaiian-style

shave ice to California with all‑natural syrups made in-house. Options include ice cream at the base or a sno-cap, a pour of sweetened condensed milk on top, just the way it’s served in Maui.

Rita’s

Newbury Park and Simi Valley ritas.com An East Coast favorite, these creamy frozen custards come in cones, as sundaes, and layered with Italian ices (flavors rotate daily) at unlikely but convenient locations (including a gas station).

Rolld Ice Cream Company

San Luis Obispo rolldslo.com Each serving of Thai-rolled ice cream is frozen to order (watching is part of the fun), rolled, and adorned with unlimited toppings. Try the Morro Rock with three kinds of caramel, rock salt, chocolate pretzels, and whipped cream.

Sanders & Sons Gelato

Ojai by delivery, select farmers’ markets, and served at fine Ojai and Ventura restaurants sandersandsonsgelato.com The frosty Italian-inspired dessert comes to Ojai in owner Sanders Marvin’s fun flavors like Pixie Had a Moment, Rose and Hibiscus Flower, Cheeky Chocolate, and Orange Blossom and Honey.

SLO Sweets

San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles slosweets.com This sugar emporium serves Leo Leo Gelato in The Konery’s Midnight Vanilla (they’re jet black) or Birthday Cake–flavored artisanal waffle cones.

Solvang Flavors Artisan Café and Gelateria

Solvang solvangflavors.com Located beneath the iconic windmill, this café serves sorbet (try one with a drizzle of sweet balsamic), proprietary gelato flavors like Persian Lime, Sesame, and Salted French Chef Caramel named for master chocolatier and collaborator Jean-Michel Carré of Chocolats du Calibressan.

Thrifty

Central Coast Rite Aid locations riteaid.com A California tradition since 1940, the drugstore chain continues to serve affordable hand-dipped ice-cream cones (remember how the tops are flat?). Try the pink-and-white iced Circus Animal Cookies flavor for the ultimate blast from the past.

Work in hand, Bobbi Bennett shows off a recent edition of Sexy Palms, the image that inspired her to start her Stoked Surfboard Art. She sometimes incorporates elements of her fine art photographs—like her image, Rincon Surfer (opposite)— onto the boards.

ON BOARD PHOTOGRAPHER BOBBI BENNETT RIDES AN ARTISTIC WAVE.

GARY MOSS; OPPOSITE: BOBBI BENNETT

BY JOAN TAPPER

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HOTOGRAPHER Bobbi Bennett called the first board she designed for her Stoked Surfboard Art (stokedsurfart.com) line Sexy Palms. Indeed, there is something tactile and alluring about her image of a palm tree glistening seductively on the resinous surface of a Sperm Whale board from Channel Islands Surfboards in Santa Barbara. “I’d been thinking about what I could do that would be different,” says Bennett, who has lived in Ojai for the past three years. “I was using resin in my other work, and I had seen art on boards, but nothing like I was visualizing in my brain.” It all came together, and “It’s been really cool,” she says. A collector quickly snapped up the board, and Bennett had established a new medium for her photographs. That was in the summer of 2017. Since then, Bennett has been turning out two Stoked series: a collection of beach imagery on boards from Channel Islands Surfboards and an assortment of photographs featuring Southwestern subjects, including cactus, longhorns, and even a nude cowgirl, destined for the old-style Fish longboards by Rockin Fig Surf in Huntington Beach. Bennett regularly visits surf shops to see what’s on offer, but she also finds boards at yard sales and in old-timers’ private stashes. The artist often relies on the boards’ shapes, colors, and occasional stickers to suggest an image to her. A board designed by Channel Islands Surfboards founder Al Merrick with a Bear Flag logo on the back inspired Bennett to shoot a dramatic full moon over the water in Santa Barbara. The pastel hues of another board called for a photo of a rainbow over a sugarcane field in Maui. And for a board with floral borders and a center arch, she plans to incorporate an image of a Hawaiian waterfall. To create the finished works—which command from $2,500 to $10,500 apiece—she makes a template, prints the photo in her Ojai studio, then takes the print and the board to Los Angeles, where her team resins the image in place. The exact details of the process remain her secret. A coterie of celebrities collects Bennett’s works. For a recent commission by Dennis Quaid, she paid homage to the actor’s band, The Sharks, by starting with a blue and orange board from local shaper Steve Brom, then heading to an aquarium, where she waited for hours to make the perfect image of a toothy denizen of the deep. Montecito resident Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys, a friend and client, asked Bennett to create a signature piece on the longboard he > 805LIVING.COM / JULY • AUGUST 2019

The eerie panoramic Double Sun (above) belongs to Bennett’s Wet series. Front-and-back looks at a pair of Stoked Surfboards (top) show off the artist’s range and sense of humor. Shaper Steve Brom’s logo is part of the orange-and-blue reverse of the shark surfboard Bennett created for Dennis Quaid. A recycled board from Channel Islands Surfboards with a mysterious image on the back (second from left) was transformed by the vivid sunset of Endless Summer on the front.

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GARY MOSS; OPPOSITE BOBBI BENNETT

Bennett’s artistic collaboration with Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys (below) is underscored by his signature on one of her recent works. The artist sits among several of her Southwestern-themed longboards (below, left). A sign of her enthusiasm (bottom) accompanies a board.

had surfed on when he was in his 20s. Johnston gave her a photo of himself riding a wave as a boy, which she placed horizontally across the bottom half of the board. On top, she added a subtle image of a Rincon surfer. Bennett’s surfboard art combines her personal passions and her unique artistic vision. She surfs on a Rennie Yater longboard, usually at Rincon Beach on the Ventura and Santa Barbara county line or at Mondos Beach in Ventura. “I started in my 30s,” she says, “[and picked it up again] a year and a half ago. Surfing is a whole other world. I like the culture and meeting people.” She continues to produce other work as well, often pursuing the same subject over the course of several years. She has photographed a series of abandoned tepees while on driving trips throughout the Southwest and also has a multipanel cactus series. Bennett, who was born in Monterey and studied art in Philadelphia, has lived mostly in California in recent decades. “I was in Santa Barbara in the early 2000s,” she says, “then I moved to Ojai for six years.” Her innovative large-scale photographs have explored themes like angels, superheroes, and goddesses. After the 2009 recession, however, she moved to Santa Fe. “I still had clients in L.A. and came to California regularly. I was singing country music and living a cowgirl dream.” She collaborated long-distance with Los Angeles abstract painter Joan Scheibel and also produced a Home on the Range series that focused on landscapes and animals. When her Fallen Angels photograph won an International Exposure Award at the Louvre in Paris in 2015, her career got a huge boost. By then she was back in California, living in Venice and shooting abstract seascapes and landscapes printed on wood panels and overlaid with resin. “I was bringing an organic feel to a minimal subject,” she says. She was also staging pop-up shows of other artists’ work along with her own. When she began to run a Montecito art gallery, a post she held for a couple of years, moving to Ojai was a convenient choice. Both playful and beautiful, her surfboard art has struck a popular chord. “Collectors are buying them,” she says. “There’s a California-dreaming mentality.”  See a pop-up show of Bennett’s work at Allora by Laura (805-563-2425) in Santa Barbara on Saturday, July 13, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Bruce Johnston–commissioned board will be auctioned to benefit the Surfrider Foundation. JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste FOOD / DRINKS / DINING OUT

All Ears IN THE HANDS OF LOCAL CHEFS, SIMPLE COBS OF SWEET CORN GET THREE CREATIVE MAKEOVERS. By Jaime Lewis

he arrival of corn at farmers’ markets signals the start of a deliciously lazy season: one of tire swings, sandy toes, and lemonade stands. A season that doesn’t tolerate complexity or fuss. Perhaps its simplicity is what has made corn the mainstay it is. First cultivated in what is now Mexico more than 7,000 years ago, the staple spread throughout North and South America. Today, it is the most widely grown crop in the United States, but only five percent of it shows up directly on our plates. (The remaining 95 percent goes primarily to animal feed.) Ears of grilled corn, smeared with butter and dusted with salt, make appearances throughout the summer at backyard barbecues. But some area chefs have thought outside the cob to show corn’s wilder side. Here are creative recipes from chefs Clark Staub of Full of Life Flatbread (fulloflifefoods.com) in Los Alamos, William Torres of Farmhouse Corner Market (farmhouseslo.com) in San Luis Obispo, and Conrad Gonzales of ValleFresh (vallefresh.com) eateries in Lompoc and Los Alamos and the new Cisko Kid food truck, which rolls up and down the Central Coast. No doubt they’ll plant a kernel of inspiration for your next summer meal.

CHILLED CORN SOUP WITH VADOUVAN CREAM Though Farmhouse Corner Market opened in June in San Luis Obispo wine country, chef and co-owner William Torres has been a local fixture for more than a decade, primarily as executive chef of the restaurant at Justin Winery in Paso Robles. Torres, his wife, Kari, and their partners Ryan and Leanne Harris, launched the new venture to celebrate the area’s flavors. In this simple Chilled Corn Soup recipe, Torres calls for vadouvan, a French curry blend. For the corn, he turns to Talley Farms in Arroyo Grande. Serves 6 to 8 VADOUVAN CREAM ½ cup crème fraîche or sour cream ½ cup Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons vadouvan curry spice (available at amazon.com) 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

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1 garlic clove, grated with a Microplane 1 tablespoon lime juice, or to taste Salt and pepper to taste SOUP 16 ears fresh yellow corn, husked and cleaned 3 tablespoons ghee 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, well rinsed and thinly sliced 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, peeled 3 cups whole milk (Torres suggests Straus Family Creamery brand) 8 cups vegetable stock 2 bunches basil, leaves only, plus more for garnish 2 teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste ¼ cup lime juice Chives, minced, for garnish

To make Vadouvan Cream: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Add additional lime juice and seasonings if desired. To make Chilled Corn Soup: Stand each cob on end on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut kernels off cobs. Transfer kernels to a bowl and set aside. In a Dutch oven or stockpot, heat ghee, then add onions, leek, celery, and garlic. Sauté vegetables over medium heat until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add milk, stock, basil, and half the corn kernels. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining corn kernels to pot. Let soup cool for 10 minutes. When soup is cool, puree it in a blender in batches, 2 to 3 minutes per batch, straining each batch through a fine mesh strainer into a container and discarding solids. Stir in salt, pepper, and lime juice. Refrigerate for at least two hours or preferably overnight. Serve with a dollop of Vadouvan Cream, torn basil leaves, and chives. >

Local chefs share three fresh preparations for summer’s golden kernels: pureed into a creamy chilled soup, combined with beans in a relish, and cut into ribs for grilling.

Taste Food CORN RIBS WITH ESPELETTE AIOLI, CORN DUST, AND CRISPY CORN SILK Clark Staub of Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos says the inspiration for this dish originated on social media. “In this era of Instagram, I, like so many others, was enamored with a post of Dried Curly Corn-onthe-Cob, a dish conceived by chef Max Ng of David Chang’s Momofuku Ssäm Bar in New York,” he says. Though Staub and the team at Flatbread had been doing variations on a Mexican street corn dish for years, that image inspired them to reconceive it as 2- to 3-inch corn ribs. The new presentation, says Staub, “blows away our guests every time.” For Staub’s tips on cutting corn cobs into ribs see, “A Good Ribbing.” Serves 4 6 ears of corn (in husks) Kosher salt 1 cup corn oil

A Good Ribbing

“To make corn ribs, there are a couple options,” says owner of Los Alamos’ Full of Life Flatbread Clark Staub. “The most obvious is to have a long, really sharp knife and excellent knife skills.” He adds that this is how Flatbread started with the corn ribs dish, but that this method “is not very fun and can be outright dangerous!” But if using a knife is the only option available, Staub recommends using folded kitchen towels on a stable surface (like a countertop or cutting board) to stabilize the corncob for cutting. “This creates a cushion on the underside of the corn and helps hold it in place as we halve it lengthwise and then cut the half into quarters, lengthwise.” Another option—the one that Staub and his team use now—is an inexpensive band saw with a stainless-steel blade, or a scroll saw. “Generally, I don’t recommend using your woodworking equipment,” he says, but he suggests that buying a small band saw just for this dish may be worthwhile if you plan to make it more than once. “If you want to repeatedly do a dish that will blow people away, it’s a small investment,” he says. To cut, use a small wooden push stick or wooden spoon to stabilize the cob, then run the cobs through the blade, stalk-end first, to slice in half. Then run each half through, stalkend first again, to create quarters.

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½ teaspoon cornstarch 4 garlic cloves, peeled 2 egg yolks* 2 teaspoons lemon juice Espelette pepper (also known as piment d’espelette; available at amazon.com or specialty food stores like Sur La Table) 1 cup avocado oil, plus extra for brushing corn ribs 1 handful dill fronds 1 handful parsley leaves 1 handful chives, cut into ¼-inch segments 1 handful cilantro leaves, preferably flowering Salt and pepper 4 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled fine Finishing salt (Staub suggests Maldon Smoked Sea Salt Flakes) 2 limes, quartered Preheat the oven to 200°F. Shuck and separate the corn, husks and silk; set aside. To make corn dust, place husks on a sheet pan and put in the oven until brittle, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and grind husks to a fine powder in a food processor or spice grinder. To ensure a consistently fine powder, you can also pass it through a finemesh sifter into a bowl. Season corn powder to taste with kosher salt, and set aside. To prepare crispy corn silk, top a sheet pan with paper towels and set aside. Pour corn oil into a medium saucepan to a depth of 2 inches and place over medium heat until oil reaches 325°F when measured with a deepfrying thermometer. Toss reserved corn silk in a bowl with cornstarch to lightly coat. Fry corn silk in oil until crispy, about 5 minutes, taking care not to burn the silk or your skin. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy corn silk from the oil to paper towels to drain; set aside for plating. To make Espelette aioli, using a mortar and pestle, pound garlic cloves into a paste. (Alternatively, use a food processor to mince the garlic.) If using a mortar and pestle, when the garlic starts to appear wet and bruised, add a little salt to add friction and move the pestle around again. Once it forms a paste, add egg yolks and continue moving the pestle around to incorporate the garlic. Add lemon juice and Espelette pepper and continue to incorporate. While moving the pestle around the mortar bowl, slowly begin to add avocado oil to incorporate, taking time to let the egg and oil emulsify. Season to taste with kosher salt. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. In a small bowl, toss dill, parsley, chives, and cilantro together and set aside.

Cut each corn cob into ribs (lengthwise quarters). To grill corn, heat a gas or charcoal grill until you can’t hold your hand over it longer than a few seconds. Brush corn ribs with avocado oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill, about 5 minutes. To serve corn ribs, smear aioli on plates and arrange 6 ribs on each plate. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and corn dust. Scatter crispy corn silk over the top, followed by the mixed herbs and finishing salt to taste. Garnish with a lime quarter. *For recipes that call for raw egg, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises using eggs that have been treated to destroy salmonella by pasteurization or another approved method.

SUMMER-SWEET-CORN-ANDHEIRLOOM-BEAN RELISH “We use this relish on top of our signature avocado toast but also use it as a salsa for tacos and as a topping for burgers,” says chef Conrad Gonzales of Lompoc’s Valle Eatery + Bar, ValleFresh Los Alamos, and the new Cisko Kid food truck. The new kitchen-on-wheels brings tacos and burgers with a farm-fresh sensibility to locations across the Central Coast, from San Luis Obispo to Ventura. For the restaurants’ handmade corn tortillas, Gonzales has partnered with Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard in Solvang to grow heirloom dent corn for flour and masa. For this relish, however, he uses ripe, locally grown sweet corn. Makes 15 servings 1 cup heirloom yellow beans, dried 1 cup heirloom pinquito beans, dried 8 ears sweet corn 1 cup baby heirloom tomatoes, halved ½ cup crumbled goat milk feta 1 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Juice of 1 lime Salt and pepper to taste Cook beans according to package directions and set aside. Preheat a grill until it becomes so hot you can’t hold your hand over it longer than a few seconds, or, alternatively, preheat the oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, shuck the corn, then toast it on the hot grill for 10 minutes or in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and, once the cobs are cool, cut off the kernels. Place corn, beans, tomatoes, feta, and cilantro in a serving bowl and toss with olive oil and a squeeze of lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

A fun, interactive, family-friendly exhibition of original playhouses

GARDEN PLAYHOUSES DESIGNED WITH NATURE IN MIND

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Taste Drinks By Alex Ward

n the 17th and 18th centuries, hard cider was America’s drink. Many of the early colonists consumed more cider than they did water. A few decades after the nation won its independence, pioneer John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, traveled the land sowing his legacy, but what he planted wasn’t orchards of McIntosh and Red Delicious; it was nurseries full of cider apples, all destined to be fermented into booze. With the influx of German settlers in the 19th century and the attendant rise of beer production and consumption, cider began to lose its foothold in the American marketplace. In the 20th century, Prohibition nearly put an end to the cider industry altogether. But hard apple cider is making a comeback, particularly in the 805 region. On August 10, the Central Coast Cider Festival in Atascadero gives visitors the opportunity to drink a variety of craft ciders, meet area cider makers, and learn more about this resurgent beverage. For a refreshing addition to any summer celebration, try the following distinctive locally made craft ciders.

In Ciders WHEN IT COMES TO FERMENTING THE APPLE, CENTRAL COAST MAKERS ARE CRUSHING IT.

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Experimentation is the guiding principle at Santa Barbara Cider Company (sbcider.com) in Goleta, where a growing roster of 75 gluten-free ciders rotates across a dozen taps. “We don’t want to be held back by the way things should be,” says owner Ben Schroeder. “People say whether they enjoy a cider or they don’t, that’s the only determining factor.” One of the most interesting of the company’s many inventive offerings is the PB&J, a Concord grape cider rimmed with honey and dusted with peanut powder. The taste is a deliciously nostalgic throwback to childhood.

PB&J

Poly Dolly

Tin City Cider (tincitycider.com) in Paso Robles invites cider enthusiasts to think pink with Poly Dolly, an enticing blend of dry hop cider and rosé wine. Barrel fermented with dry cascade and citra hops, this summer-ready cider features notes of watermelon, lemongrass, and sour cherry. With about 20 percent of the cider coming from local mourvèdre, pinot noir, and petit verdot grapes, the Poly Dolly is uniquely connected to vintage variation. “Each batch is going to be a little different due to what we have available,” explains taproom bartender Cory Morrison, “so no two batches of Poly Dolly are going to be exactly the same.”

Persimmon Lavender

Launched in June, Ventura’s Pier City Cider (piercitycider. com) came out of the gate strong with its Persimmon Lavender cider, an aromatic concoction fermented using a champagne yeast jacketed in stainless-steel tanks. The flavor profile is a combination of orange cream soda and subtle herbal bitterness. Free of artificial colors, flavors, or sulfites, the cider tastes clean and refreshing with the persimmons’ gentle honeyed sweetness taking center stage. “I was never a big fan of persimmons,” recounts Pier City owner and cider maker Gary Stewart, “but when one of my vineyard owners gave me some dried persimmons she makes from trees on her property, I fell in love.”

Self Care

Apiary Ciderworks (theapiary.co) in Carpinteria processes whole fruit on-site to produce Self Care, a smooth-drinking cider fermented from Cuyama-grown organic Pink Lady apples. Flavored with elderflower, orange blossom, and sage honey, Self Care is a relatively sessionable draft, coming in at just 6 percent alcohol by volume. Its name is a nod to the company’s emphasis on personal wellness. “It’s one of our foundational ideas,” says co-owner Nole Cossart. “We want to be healthy people and take care of ourselves, but we also want to have a good time. So let’s figure out how to make the best quality alcohol we can from the best ingredients.”

Mangelwurzel

Bristols Cider House (bristolscider.com) in Atascadero is an English-style pub serving an impressive lineup of traditional ciders. It’s a company that takes a remarkably hands-on approach to production. “We pick all our own fruit,” says bartender Kyle Harkness, “from orchards as far north as Sonoma County and as far south as Avila Beach.” Bristols produces everything in-house, including Mangelwurzel, a cider made from Granny Smith apples crushed with organic Bull’s Blood beets from Loo Loo farms in Paso Robles. Lending the cider an earthy bouquet and an electric fuchsia hue, the beets make for a surprisingly tasty addition. 

Taste Dining Out By Nancy Ransohoff Photographs by Gary Moss

It’s All in the Name MEDITERRANEO AT WESTLAKE VILLAGE INN REOPENS WITH A FRESH LOOK AND BRIGHT FLAVORS.

fter a six-month closure, Mediterraneo (med-rest.com) at Westlake Village Inn has reopened. The hotel’s Zagatrated flagship restaurant, located in a freestanding Tuscan-style building on the 17-acre property, has undergone a dramatic makeover, part of owner John Notter’s mission to continually enhance the property. “We’re excited to

introduce guests to our new-concept restaurant that combines a high-end experience with personalized touches to make them feel at home,” says general manager Bill Haig. “While we were closed, we worked on preparing and training the best culinary and service team so that we can deliver that wow factor, from the design to food to service.” Mediterraneo’s clean, elegant interior designed by Suzy Graham, owner of Bricks & Beams Home Decor in Westlake Village, features natural stone accents, warm wood floors and ceilings, curved leather banquettes, and expansive windows that frame picturesque views of the property’s lake. With a soothing palette in shades of cream, the dining room is sleek, stylish, and comfortable. A covered heated patio punctuated with graceful arches also overlooks the lake. “Our aim with the redesign was to capture the vibe of an open-air villa in the Mediterranean,” says Chris Cuilty, Westlake Village Inn chief operating and financial officer. The relaxed sophistication continues in the 30-foot bar that sits just inside the entrance. A backdrop of glowing lanterns perched in stone niches and dramatic ebony Murano glass chandeliers add to the warm, romantic feel. Bartenders prepare innovative craft cocktails and pour selections from a thoughtfully curated list of more than 50 wines, including exclusive labels of the inn’s Stonehaus brand, all stored in a custom temperaturecontrolled wine cellar that sits behind floor-to-ceiling glass doors. It’s clear that this is a destination dining spot where meticulous attention is devoted to detail, and that extends to the revamped menu, which shows off locally sourced ingredients and new flavors. “I’ve introduced more Mediterranean-influenced foods, with flavorful vegetables taking center stage,” says executive chef Lisa Biondi. “With the remodel and the all-new kitchen, it was the perfect opportunity. I’ve always loved Mediterranean food.” She notes that the new menu reflects a mix of influences, including Italian and Greek, and that some popular favorite signature dishes, such as Hamachi Crudo and Pasta Bolognese, remain. >

Mediterraneo makeover (clockwise from above): Roomy banquettes in cream-colored leather create ample seating for guests within the elegant dining room. Charred Cucumber and Zucchini Salad rests on a bed of avocado tzatziki. Executive chef Lisa Biondi christens the new kitchen with new dishes. Starters served with fresh pita include (from top gratin dish)—Moroccan Carrots With Citrus, Chile, and Mint; Street Corn, Lemon, Yogurt, Feta, and Aleppo; Roasted Eggplant Spread; Roasted Pepper Spread; and Beets With Tahini and Dill. Whole branzino, grilled with olive oil and thyme, is dressed in ladolemono (lemon and olive oil sauce).

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste Dining Out

Biondi grew up in a large Italian family and was drawn to the kitchen at a young age, working at her father’s Italian restaurant in Burbank. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, she did a six-year stint at the Sherwood Country Club before she came on board at Westlake Village Inn in 2008. Biondi’s shareable plates include salatim, a selection of small seasonal Israeli salads and spreads that are perfect for passing around the table while perusing the rest of the menu. Vibrant, fresh flavors stand out in vegetable-forward salatim options like beets with tahini

The new menu reflects a mix of influences, including Italian and Greek, and some popular favorite signature dishes remain.

Lit by glowing lanterns and dramatic glass chandeliers, the bar (above) serves a wide selection of offerings from the wine cellar as well as craft cocktails, like the fruit-filled Blackberry Mojito (top).

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

and dill; street corn with lemon, yogurt, feta, and Aleppo pepper; and Moroccan carrots with citrus, chile, and mint. “They are all vegan, except for the yogurt and feta on the street corn,” notes Biondi. And they’re all a superb accompaniment to the house-made hummus, which gets extra creaminess from an overnight soaking of chickpeas and is served with fluffy, fresh-baked pita bread. More Mediterranean tastes on the appetizer roster include the vegetarian and gluten-free Mushroom Lentil Kefte (crispy mushroom lentil balls) served with quinoa tabouleh, hummus, and tahini; Grilled Spanish Octopus; and Spiedini (spiced ground lamb and pork skewers flame grilled and served with cucumber tomato salad and labneh, a creamy Middle Eastern yogurt spread). For entrées, The Land section of the menu includes choices such as classic grilled prime steaks, lamb sirloin souvlaki, and brick chicken served with lemon Greek potatoes. The Sea section showcases bright Mediterranean flavors in dishes like grilled whole branzino served with sautéed greens and ladolemono (classic Greek vinaigrette). House-made pastas exhibit Biondi’s Italian roots in soul-satisfying plates such as lasagna with Bolognese and besciamella sauces and Gnocchi di Ricotta, a mound of ricotta dumplings tossed in truffle porcini sauce with speck. Decadent desserts, like butterscotch budino (rich butterscotch pudding with whipped cream, caramel sauce, sea salt, and roasted peanuts) and warm toffee butter cake with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh berries invite diners to linger in this stunning setting that lives up to its name.  Mediterraneo is open for dinner nightly, lunch Monday through Saturday, and brunch Saturday and Sunday.

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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. “Good Eats” listings are just that—solid, casual, and delicious. The “Fun, Fun, Fun” category brings you spots geared toward a good time. New listings will appear in 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. 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 decor featuring a fireplace, an ocean-view terrace, and hand-painted walls and ceilings. The wine list offers local and international labels. Happy hour Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. includes specials on featured tapas ($5 to $9), draught beer and wine on tap ($4 to $6), and select cocktails ($7).

Polo in paradise is in full swing. Catch the action at fun, casual Friday matches at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (sbpolo.com) while enjoying happy-hour bar bites and deals on drinks ($5 margaritas!) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. During the Silver Air Pacific Coast Open, happy hour takes place on Thursdays, August 15, August 22, and August 29. Admission and parking are free. Cheers! 92

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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.

UPDATE BLUEWATER GRILL 15 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, 805-845-5121 bluewatergrill.com Seafood; Entrées $16–$50 Great Views, Saturday and Sunday Brunch

This waterfront bar and grill turns out well-prepared plates using ingredients from land and sea with a focus on sustainably harvested seafood. Whether seated at the oyster bar, the cocktail bar, in the dining room, or on the upstairs deck, patrons savor dishes created by chef Chanel Ducharme like San Francisco cioppino, pan-seared sea scallops, and local sea urchin. Sip a cocktail, Central Coast wine, or craft brew from the extensive list. Happy hour takes place Sundays through Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the downstairs bar only.

CA’ DARIO 37 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-884-9419 cadario.net and 29 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-884-9419 cadariopizza.net and 38 W. Victoria St. Santa Barbara and 250 Storke Road, Unit B Goleta, 805-884-9419

cadario-cucina-italiana.business.site Italian; Entrées $11–$30

The flagship of Dario Furlati’s growing restaurant empire sits at the corner of Victoria and Anacapa streets somewhat off the Santa Barbara tourist path but decidedly worth the walk. House-made pastas with Bolognese, or tomatoes with olives and capers, or with smoked salmon, peas, tomatoes, and cream are available here, along with terra-cotta baked chicken, roasted quails with porcini ragout sauce, and fishof-the-day specials. Located just a few doors away, the cozy Ca’ Dario Pizzeria focuses on variations of the titular dish, plus salads, pastas and, at lunch, sandwiches. For faster fare, check out Ca’ Dario Pizzeria Veloce and Ca’ Dario Pasta Veloce, both found inside the Santa Barbara Public Market. And people of Goleta, take note: Ca’ Dario Cucina Italiana serves lunch and dinner in a Storke Plaza space decorated with dark woods and white tablecloths.

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

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

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

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

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

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The Dining Guide 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 woodfired cheeseburger bites offered with cocktails, draft beers, and wines by the glass.

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.

UPDATE MEDITERRANEO 32037 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-889-9105 med-rest.com Mediterranean, Entrées $16–$58

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

MOQUECA BRAZILIAN 3550 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 201 Oxnard, 805-204-0970 and 1610 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suites I and J Thousand Oaks, 805-230-3585 moquecarestaurant.com Brazilian; Entrées $12–$74

Moqueca specializes in, and is named for, a Brazilian seafood stew typically made with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and coconut milk and served in a handmade, black clay pot known as a capixaba. At dinner, you’ll need friends or a to-go container to help get to the bottom of small and large orders alike (variations include a vegetarian moqueca made with plantains and a particularly luxurious combination of lobster tails and large shrimp). At lunch, smaller moquequinhas are available along with prato feito, which is a combination plate of black beans, rice, and diner’s choice of fried plantains or yucca with fish, shrimp, chicken, or steak. Feijoada, a stew of black beans, ham hocks, pork ribs, linguica sausage, and bacon,

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is served only on Sundays. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available at both locations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bibi Ji (bibijisb.com) in Santa Barbara serves its modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine at brunch on its private back patio every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through September 30. On Sundays, local DJ Andrew Elia of Party Proper gets the party started. Munch on chef Gary Singh’s creative dishes including local uni toast, and lamb curry chilaquiles. Rajat Parr, Bibi Ji co-owner and James Beard Award–winning sommelier, offers a selection of pét-nat sparkling wine to complement fresh juices and lassi. Reservations recommended; call 805-560-6845 or book online. NEW ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH 1759 South Jameson Lane Montecito, 805-900-8388 rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramar-beachmontecito Californian and Italian; Entrées $19–$55 Great Views, Saturday and Sunday Brunch

Set in a spectacular seaside location, this luxury beachside resort’s seven distinctive restaurants and bars are open to the general public as well as hotel guests. Executive chef Massimo Falsini oversees the dining destinations, which emphasize locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Caruso’s, the signature oceanfront eatery, is open daily for dinner and features alfresco seating over the sand in addition to a stylish dining room outfitted with deep blue leather booths. Menu highlights include starters such as hand-pulled burrata as well as Baja kampachi crudo, house-made pastas including the chef’s signature carbonara, uni tagliolini, and main courses such as pan-roasted petrale sole and grassfed Watkins Ranch beef fillet. Local and international wines and traditional handcrafted signature cocktails are also offered. Malibu Farm at Miramar, the first California resort outpost of Helene Henderson’s wellregarded farm-to-table restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch in a refined yet relaxed setting. Standout dishes include mini Swedish crepe-style pancakes for breakfast, coconut and avocado striped bass ceviche for lunch, and crispy baked whole fish tacos for dinner. Beverages on the menu range from juices to specialty cocktails. At dinner, guests can dine family-style with shared plates such as a roasted Rocky Canyon half chicken.

UPDATE SAN YSIDRO RANCH 900 San Ysidro Lane Santa Barbara, 805-565-1700 sanysidroranch.com/san_dining.cfm American; Entrées $18–$56 at Plow & Angel; $38–$63 at The Stonehouse; Sunday Brunch, $75 Great View, Romantic, Sunday Brunch The five-star treatment at this historic resort starts the minute you turn onto the long drive lined with olive trees and lavender; it continues as you are greeted by a valet who whisks away your car from the circular entrance to its two restaurants, both overseen by executive chef Matthew Johnson. At Plow & Angel, the menu and setting are in keeping with a well-appointed tavern. Thick stone walls and a fireplace create a cozy space for enjoying barrel-aged cocktails and a menu of grilled flatbreads, beer-battered halibut and chips, and grilled New York steak with cognac Bordelaise sauce. Upstairs, The Stonehouse dining room gleams with copper and burnished wood and has a sheltered terrace with views of Montecito, the ocean, and Channel Islands. Seating

is also available on outdoor patios below, furnished with a fireplace and fountain and flanked by loquat trees. At lunch, served Mondays through Saturdays, a warm salad of kale grown on the premises, house-smoked bacon, and dates is topped with a poached egg. A three-course market menu also emphasizes local ingredients. Served from 6 p.m. daily, the dinner menu includes seared scallops with braised oxtail, sweet corn puree, and black garlic vinaigrette and Steak Diane prepared in the classic style—flambéed tableside. The list of wines and spirits is varied and deep; the wine selection garnered the 2018 Wine Spectator Grand Award. Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes starters, entrées, desserts, and free-flowing Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne.

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

Tucked inside Herzog’s winery and tasting room, Tierra Sur specializes in wine-friendly meals made with careful attention to detail. Executive chef Gabe Garcia maintains a local, seasonal vibe at lunch and dinner. Marinated olives and lamb bacon are made in-house. Tapas feature Wagyu sliders and a Margherita pizza with basil-cashew cheese. Watch carefully, and you may see your bone-in rib eye for two prepared on the patio’s wood-burning grill before it is served with fried kale and roasted potatoes. Desserts include frozen custards, vanillaspiced doughnuts, and a show-stopping Baked Alaska. Surrounded by the coppery glow of the walls and the burnished-wood wine rack that frames the kitchen pass-through, diners may forget they’re at a kosher restaurant in an Oxnard industrial park. The restaurant is closed on Fridays and Saturdays in observance of the Sabbath. Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is served buffet style, with carving and omelet stations and weekly specials inspired by ingredients from local farms.

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

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

UPDATE WATER’S EDGE RESTAURANT AND BAR 1510 Anchors Way Ventura, 805-642-1200 watersedgeventura.com American; Entrées $14–$50 This aptly named bar and grill offers well-prepared plates from both land and sea in an elegant setting with views of the harbor and boats. Start with a cocktail in the piano bar and move on to dinner for starters such as Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail and pesto-stuffed mushrooms and main dishes like seared sesame seed–crusted ahi and braised short ribs. Brunch, served every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 3 p.m., offers fried calamari and crab cakes appetizers and traditional breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict, pancakes, and waffles, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and freshly caught fish. Happy hour is every day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (except holidays) and features $8 cocktails and $5 to $10 plates and pizzas. There’s a pet-friendly patio, too.

The Agoura Antique Mart A Vintage Marketplace

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

28879 Agoura Road Agoura Hills, CA 91301 agouraantiquemart.com JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

The newly opened Cajé (caje.coffee) in Santa Barbara has caffeine and cocktails covered. The buzzing spot serves coffee drinks by day and turns into Lab Social, a speakeasy-style bar (look for the back entrance), at 5:30 p.m. Michelin Bib Gourmand– listed Sama Sama Kitchen and Corazón Cocina provide a rotating selection of bites. Expect daytime hits like avocado toast made with Oat Bakery bread, mango-ricotta toast on brioche, and tortilla española, with fresh ceviche at night. Cajé’s original location and roasting facility are going strong in Isla Vista.

Foodie

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

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

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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

American; Entrées $16–$28 Sunday Brunch

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE BOAR DOUGH TASTING ROOM 5015 Cornell Road Agoura Hills, 818-889-2387 boardoughtastingroom.com

Located in a refurbished 1920s-era service station with its original Douglas fir floors intact, this artisanal bakery is well worth a visit. For the best selection, arrive at 7 a.m. on Thursdays through Mondays, when the doors open and aromatic scones, bagels, kouign-amann, pain au chocolat, and other pastries come out of the ovens. Loaves of naturally leavened, burnished-crust breads follow soon after. Special daily breads include 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. Grab-and-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 foodand-wine pairings.

NEW BOSSIE’S KITCHEN 901 N. Milpas St. Santa Barbara, 805-770-1700 bossieskitchen.com American; Entrées $12–$20 Saturday & Sunday Brunch

Chef Lauren Herman and pastry chef Christina Olufson, alums of James Beard Award–winning Suzanne Goin’s Los Angeles restaurants A.O.C. and Lucques, helm this farmers’ market–inspired eatery in a landmark building topped with a cow statue. Their sweet and savory talents focus on entrées with globetrotting influences made from seasonal organic ingredients, hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and salads. Day-of-the-week specials include Tuesday chicken tagine and Saturday pork belly with coconut rice. Happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays includes local draft beers and wines for $6 to $7 and bites starting at $2 for Mom’s deviled eggs.

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

Named for the wood fires used to cook the restaurant’s seasonal and farm-fresh dishes, Ember is the project of executive chef Brian Collins, an Arroyo Grande native who shares skills he honed at Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Full of Life Flatbread in Los

Alamos with his hometown. The menu, like the beer and wine list, is locally focused, changes monthly, and includes rustic specialties such as crispy kale and house-made fennel sausage pizza, Jidori chicken alongside a wedge of grilled polenta and farmers’ market veggies, and grilled rib eye served over roasted potatoes and topped with a decadent garlic confit and avocado chimichurri.

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

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

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

Connected to the 17-room Granada Hotel, the bistro is both intimate and big-city urban, combining exposed brick walls with velvet upholstery and an eclectic art collection. (Check out the sculptural “tree” on the patio.) Executive chef Kenny Bigwood’s seasonal menus start with creative small plates, sides, and cheese and charcuterie selections. Don’tmiss 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.

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

This artisanal bakery and café is brought to you by the masterminds behind The Lark, Lucky Penny, and Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant, with which it shares a renovated 1920s-era warehouse space in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. The address says Anacapa Street, but walk in from Helena Avenue for the quickest access to Dart Coffee drinks and croissants, scones, cookies, and other pastries made with seasonal ingredients. Open daily, the bakery serves breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., when don’tmiss items include Green Eggs & Ham made with spicy green harissa and grits topped with a fried egg. During lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., head chef Adam Shoebridge offers salads and sandwiches, plus specials like Nashville Hot Chicken served with house-made pickles. The bakery’s rustic patio is shared by its neighbor, the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, which offers curated tasting flights and wines by the glass and bottle. JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

The Dining Guide HOTEL CALIFORNIAN 36 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-882-0100 thehotelcalifornian.com/santa_barbara_ restaurants/ Eclectic; Entrées $31–$50

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

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

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

KHAO KAENG 1187 Coast Village Road, Suite 9 Montecito, 805-770-7170 khaokaeng.com Thai; Entrées $19–$28

The enticing aromas of Thai spices greet you as you step from the sidewalk down the stairs to this tucked-away gem. The sister restaurant to Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar at the Santa Barbara Public Market, Khao Kaeng offers crave-worthy dishes inspired by family recipes from chef Nui Pannak’s Bangkok childhood. Fresh takes on classic Thai comfort food include Mama’s Hand-Wrapped Jiaozi Pot Stickers and zippy noodle and rice dishes. Quaff wines from a 300-bottle cellar. Lunch is served Mondays through Fridays; dinner is served nightly.

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

JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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 avocado-tomatillo 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.

Gardens, The Little Door charms with its romantic decor and outdoor patio. Chef Oscar Ledesma combines farmers’ market ingredients with FrenchMediterranean influences. Expect starters like Neapolitan pizza and mains such as steak frites and organic chicken tagine. Check the website for live music events. A special bites menu is offered during happy hour Tuesdays through Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

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

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

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.

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.

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

UPDATE THE LITTLE DOOR 129 E. Anapamu St. Santa Barbara, 805-560-8002 thelittledoorsb.com Mediterranean; Entrées $26–$42

Housed in a Craftsman-style building across from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken

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.

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

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

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.

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

Husband-and-wife owners Alberto Morello and Elaine

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

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

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

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 Kimpton Goodland is not the Holiday Inn it once was. Another is the menu at Outpost, the on-site restaurant overseen by executive chef Damien Giliberti. 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. Other highlights include a lamb burger with date chutney and watercress and caramelized sweet potato with turmeric yogurt. Local wines, beers, and craft cocktails are great for sipping poolside, in the dining room, and at the hotel’s Good Bar, which offers mealworthy snacks. Happy hour specials are available from 4 p.m. to 6 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.

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

The spirit of a one-stop general store lives on in the historic town of Los Alamos, the northern gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley. Expect to find an extraordinary chefdriven, 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.

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

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

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

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

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 apple-mustard seed slaw. Lunch options also include fish tacos, sandwiches, and an array of burgers. You can’t go wrong with the ever-changing chef’s burger by chef de cuisine Michael Cherney, who also lets loose with a new Taco Tuesday menu available at lunch and dinner each week. Dinner fare takes on an international flair: A banh mi-inspired appetizer pairs miso-cured bacon with steamed buns, mussels are served in coconut broth and red curry, and lamb sirloin comes with goat cheese gnocchi and maitake mushrooms. Desserts by pastry chef Stephanie Jackson are homey yet elegantly plated. Local wines are available by the glass and in carafes, supplementing the full bar.

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

The Spoon Trade serves what chef Jacob Town calls “elevated comfort food” in a bright and comfortable neighborhood hangout. Classic dishes (think:

fried chicken, pasta, and upside-down cakes) are reimagined with of-the-moment flavors and local ingredients alongside a progressive beer and wine list.

Drumroll, please. The inaugural Michelin Guide California (guide. michelin.com), the first statewide Michelin guide in the country, has announced its 2019 winners. Twelve Santa Barbara restaurants along with Solvang’s First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn received Michelin Plate recognition, honoring “fresh ingredients, carefully prepared: a good meal,” according to the company. Santa Barbara eateries Sama Sama Kitchen and Mesa Verde were named in the Bib Gourmand category for serving “high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.”

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

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

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

At this chic but casual restaurant in downtown Paso Robles, executive 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.

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

Located in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, Tyger Tyger burns bright with creativity. Hundreds of illuminated pink lanterns ring the exterior of the restaurant’s shared marketplace space. Open daily at 11 a.m., the order-at-the-counter eatery offers a menu of street food–inspired dishes by chef Daniel Palaima, who’s now back in his native Santa Barbara after stints with JULY • AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

The Dining Guide culinary heavyweights Grant Achatz and Stephanie Izard. Dishes include pork belly bahn mi, crispy chicken wings with caramelized fish sauce, octopus salad with glass noodles and a Vietnamese fish sauce called nouc cham, and Vietnamese crepes with duck and shrimp confit. Beer and wine selections are from around the globe. Also on site is Monkeyshine, which serves frozen treats flavored with Asian spices and ingredients (start with the toasted rice and black sesame options). Dart Coffee, a small-lot specialty roaster, opens its coffee counter at 7 a.m. daily.

Good Eats

Not too fancy, not too expensive, and a good experience all around. BRENT’S DELI 2799 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, 805-557-1882 brentsdeli.com Deli; Entrées $6–$20 Kid-Friendly

For amazingly good Reuben sandwiches on rye bread piled high with pastrami or corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, you can’t beat this slick deli. The booths are cushy and roomy, leaving space for your tummy to expand as you down a 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.

Talk about dinner with a view. Island Packers (islandpackers.com) dinner cruises take off from Ventura Harbor on selected Saturdays through the end of September, offering spectacular sunset and harbor scenery. The approximately two-hour cruises on a comfortable 64-foot motor catamaran feature dinner catered by Ventura restaurants along with live music. Reservations are required; tickets (adults $60, seniors $56, children $45) are available online or by calling 805-642-1393. Ahoy! NEW CAFE ANA 1201 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-888-0262 cafeanasb.com Californian Evening Plates $10–$20 Weekend Brunch

This bright, all-day café combines a big-city vibe with neighborhood-hangout warmth. At the remodeled former Coffee Cat space in downtown Santa Barbara, Cafe Ana patrons are in the capable hands of husband and wife owners and longtime hospitality-industry pros Julian Sanders and Katherine Guzman Sanders. In the morning, stop by for breakfast or snag a housebaked pastry and Lamill coffee. Weekday lunches

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include seasonal soups, fresh salads, and inventive sandwiches. Chef Ryan Whyte-Buck’s take on eggs Benedict is a don’t-miss weekend brunch dish. Sip from a well-curated wine and beer list while nibbling evening bites like cheese plates and house-made country pâté.

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

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

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

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

FINNEY’S CRAFTHOUSE & KITCHEN 982 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 2 Westlake Village, 805-230-9950 and 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.

FOOD HARMONICS 254 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, 805-798-9253 foodharmonicsojai.com Gluten-Free; Entrées $7–$16

Ojai’s historic Arcade is the setting for this lightfilled café specializing in gluten-free fare. There’s something for almost every diet, including vegan and paleo. Highlights include a raw vegan pizza that tends to sell out early in the day, the vegetarian sundara dosa with egg and sliced avocado tucked into a crepe-like wrapper, and the bison burger

accompanied by greens and sweet potatoes. Bison bone broth is available with optional add-ons like ghee and seaweed. Beverages include beer, wine, and turmeric matcha lattes.

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

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

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

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

UPDATE LOUISIANA SEAFOOD HOUSE BY EMC 511 Town Center Drive, Space 3015 Oxnard, 805-278-4997 emcseafood.com Cajun Entrées $15–$22; Seafood Boil is market price The Big Easy comes to Oxnard with the brandnew menu at this stylish eatery serving lunch and dinner daily in The Collection at RiverPark. Created by NOLA-raised wife-and-husband chefs Aliza and Guy DuPlantie, old-school New Orleans dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp Creole, house-made sausages, and blackened catfish are the real deal. French bread for authentic po’boys comes from Leidenheimer Baking Company in New Orleans, and crawfish is flown in seasonally. Patio seating is available. Happy hour takes place Mondays through Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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

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

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 turmericdusted 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 chocolatecookie crust, macadamia nut–vanilla ice cream, and oodles of hot fudge.

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

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

mignonette for $1.50 each, $1 off draft beers, and $7 curated wines by the glass. Dinner is served nightly.

NEW RAMEN KOTORI 1618 Copenhagen Dr. Solvang, 805-691-9672 ramenkotori.com Japanese, Ramen; Entrées $7–$16

What began as a pop-up has evolved into this casual, cozy eatery from husband and wife team Francisco and Ikuko “Erica” Velazquez and Budi Kazali, owner of The Ballard Inn and Gathering Table. The farmers’ marketdriven menu includes small bites like karaage (Japanese fried chicken), pot stickers, and seasonal salads. Look for daily specials such as kimchi fried rice and spicy fried chicken bao buns. The ramen roster includes a miso version with gluten-free and vegan options. Fresh sashimi specials are coming soon. Sip local beers and wines or Japanese sake.

EDNA VALLEY PIONEERS • SINCE 1973

Join us for a tasting of our world class Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

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

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

10 MIN FROM DWNTN SLO • CHAMISALVINEYARDS.COM

A TA S T E O F LU X U R Y The Finest Prime Steaks | The Freshest Seafood Exquisite Wines ⅼ Live Entertainment | Private Dining

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.

THOUSAND OAKS | 2087 East Thousand Oaks Blvd. | 805.418.1811 FOR ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS VISIT MASTROS.COM | @MASTROSOFFICIAL

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The Dining Guide

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.

There’s a delicious new option in town for those on the go in Ventura. The just-opened Banh-Mi Grill offers its version of the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, along with other specialties such as pho, spring rolls, and rice dishes, for takeout only. It’s all made by hand in small batches. Co-owner Hung Le’s mother, a vegetarian, inspired him to create veggie-forward takes that include a lemongrass golden-fried tofu banh mi. The restaurant is open Mondays through Saturdays for breakfast and lunch. THE ANNEX 550 Collection Blvd. Oxnard, 805-278-9500 thecollectionrp.com/the_annex Cuisines and prices vary by location Kid-Friendly

Seven restaurants offer as many dining experiences at this public market-style spot in the heart of The Collection at RiverPark. House-roasted coffee, avocado toast, and gluten-free muffins help jump-start the day at Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, while The Blend Superfood Bar serves smoothies, juices, and acai bowls made with local berries and honey. Other order-at-thecounter options include Love Pho, Taqueria el Tapatio, and PokeCeviche, specializing in build-your-own Hawaiian poke bowls and chef-curated Latin American ceviche. Seoul Sausage Kitchen, the season-three winner of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, offers an updated take on Korean barbecue. The craftbeer bar Bottle & Pint serves local brews and ciders on

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tap and by the bottle and can; wines are available by the glass. Fun artwork, inventive communal seating areas, and two retail shops add to the vibe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 hash-like 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.

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

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

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

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

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 decor 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.

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

figmtnbrew.com New American Entrées $8–$34, depending on location

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

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.

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.

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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-and-match 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 chile-marinated 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 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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P.S. Sketchpad By Greg Clarke

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JULY â&#x20AC;¢ AUGUST 2019 / 805LIVING.COM