805 Living May 2019 by 805 Living

M AY 2019

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

G O L E TA

SA N TA

BARBARA

MONTECITO

SUMMERLAND

There’s inspiring. Then there’s awakening with the day’s first rays atop a playground of boulders followed by a golden afternoon surfing the waves below.

That’s more than beautiful, it’s

SANTA BARBARA EPIC The Rock Gard e n – up w it h t h e sun

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

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818 889 0487

CONEJOHARDWOODS.COM

SEASONAL INGREDIENTS LOCALLY SOURCED WOOD FIRED

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Featured Property:

296DAVIDLANE.COM | LAKE SHERWOOD, CA 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

OUTLIER MEET INSIDER.

SANTA BARBARA

WELCOME TO THE CALIFORNIAN thehotelcalifornian.com

Contents M AY 2 0 1 9

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TA K E I T O U T S I D E

Features 68

Four ways to go outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer this season.

Event designer Nicole Leza sets the stage for fabulous alfresco feasts.

GET OUT!

By Nancy Ransohof f Photographs by Gar y Moss

JONA CHRISTINA PHOTOGRAPHY; COVER: © STUDIO FIRMA/STOCKSY UNITED

By Joan Tapper

NEXT-LEVEL PICNICS

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Learn the art of floral design at a Rose Story Farm workshop in Carpinteria (for details see page 68).

Contents M AY 2 0 1 9

•

TA K E I T O U T S I D E

54 37 82 61

Departments of the 805

Finds 37 Snappy Camper

Trick out the travel trailer with these stylish comforts of home. By Jennie Nunn

40 STYLE: Ahead of the Curve The latest shades are circling back to round lenses. By Frances Ryan

42 TRAVEL

By Erin Rottman

Insider By Heidi Dvorak

46 Local Events & Family Fun 48 Hot Ticket 51 Show Your Support 53 Worth a Drive 53 Give Back

54 Mind Body Soul

Arts & Culture 56 On Nature’s Wavelength Bruce Munro creates works of artistic enlightenment. By Joan Tapper

Upgrades 61 Teak It to the Max

Crafted from this weatherresistant timber, the latest outdoor furnishing designs provide lasting elegance.

Good Deeds 64 Make-A-Wish Foundation

Tri-Counties and The Jewel Levine Foundation Text and photographs by Mark Langton

Taste 82 FOOD: The Choux Fits The classic sweet pastry makes its modern-day mark with infusions of creative flavors. By Nancy Ransohoff Photographs by Gary Moss

86 WINE: Match Game By David Gadd

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

From Humble Beginnings Inside Coin & Candor brasserie at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, even simple ingredients become experiences in extraordinary flavor. By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

91 Dining Guide P.S. Sketchpad 104 The Birder’s Field Guide

to Rare Birds of the 805 By Greg Clarke

In Every Issue

12 Editor’s Note 18 Masthead 24 Behind the Scenes

By Frances Ryan

Spring vegetables present unique wine-pairing challenges.

88 DINING OUT:

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

54: TYNAN DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY/TYNANDANIELS.COM; 82 AND 88 GARY MOSS

Pulse 31 Tracking the Beat

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 We want to help you rebuild after the WOOLSEY FIRE. Learn how at: interiordesignwestlake.com/rebuild-your-life

Editor’s Note

Step Away From the Computer SPRING’S EYE-POPPING DISPLAY OF WILDFLOWERS has given us all another good reason to appreciate the sheer beauty that encompasses the Central Coast. I like to think of this year’s super bloom as Mother Nature’s way of beckoning everyone to go outdoors because she knows how beneficial it is for us on so many levels. Enjoying nature not only gets us moving but also feeds the soul and serves as a reminder that we simply can’t take our precious Earth for granted. So, with that in mind, our May issue is a call to action to Take It Outside! Our team has put together so many inspiring ideas that I can’t wait for you to turn the page. And then act on one or all of them. For example, there’s the “Get Out!” feature on page 68. Writer Joan Tapper highlights four fun ways to connect with nature while connecting with ourselves. Her Arts & Culture column, on page 56, showcases how an innovative artist’s installation will illuminate the Paso Robles landscape. And in Pulse, on page 31, she writes about a new book by Yvon Chouinard—the founder of Ventura-based outdoor clothing and gear company, Patagonia. His climbing, kayaking, fishing, and other adventures may extend far beyond the 805 area, but there are plenty of places to pursue those activities closer at hand. I don’t know about you, but I think food always tastes better in beautiful surroundings, and that certainly includes a pretty outdoor setting for a picnic. On page 74, writer Nancy Ransohoff and photographer Gary Moss show how Nicole Leza of Santa Barbara Picnic Co. takes dining alfresco to the next level with her refined bohemian-style. The Central Coast holds a treasure trove of things to do, so step away from the computer, grab family and friends, and embrace nature in all its glory. While you’re at it, don’t forget to look out for the six rare bird species identified on page 102 in illustrator and humorist Greg Clarke’s “The Birder’s Field Guide to Rare Birds of the 805.” There’s nothing better than being in the Great Outdoors with a smile!

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher

GARY MOSS

edit@805living.com

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

We stepped out of time...

...and the daily roles we play. We answered whatever called us — whether it be bouncing on a trampoline, ascending Mt. Kuchumaa, or swaying in yoga silks. We returned home with a sense of what really matters.

De stin ation W e lln e ss Re sor t & S p a

Tecate • Baja California • Mexico 877-440-7778 • RANCHOLAPUERTA.COM

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

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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

3/19

A culinary-inspired event center

Ojai Valley Inn is proud to announce the grand opening of THE FARMHOUSE at Ojai, a one-of-a-kind epicurean and event destination. Inspired by Ojaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farming heritage, The Farmhouse was designed to connect you to the local land and world-class food culture. The exhibition kitchen is home to everything from wine seminars and tastings,

ÂŠ2019 Ojai Valley Inn

cocktail mixology, cooking classes and demonstrations, to intimate dinners with renowned chefs.

Introducing The Farmhouse

C U L I N A R Y

W O R K S H O P S

C U L I N ARY

AM B ASSAD O R

& D E M O N S T R AT I O N S

N A N C Y S I LV E R T O N

MIXOLOGY CLASSES

WINE & CHEESE PAIRING WORKSHOP CHAMPAGNE SABERING & TASTING EXPERIENCE WINE TASTING: · GEMS OF THE CENTRAL COAST · BLIND TASTING CHALLENGE · WINES OF FRANCE PASTRY WORKSHOPS: · THE ART OF MACARONS · ÉCLAIRS & CREAM PUFFS · CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE COOKING CLASSES: · KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

ancy Silverton is the co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza in LA and Newport Beach, as well as Mozza2Go and Chi Spacca in Los Angeles. She also founded the world-renowned La Brea Bakery and Campanile Restaurant, an institution that Angelenos cherished for decades. Nancy has worked with some of the nation’s most notable chefs including in the kitchens of Jonathan Waxman at Michael’s restaurant and Wolfgang Puck at Spago. Additionally, she has served as a mentor to numerous others who have gone on to become award-winning chefs and restaurant owners themselves. In her role as debut Culinary Ambassador of THE FARMHOUSE at Ojai Valley Inn, Silverton will cultivate multiple bucket list–worthy epicurean events, bringing together the crème de la crème of the culinary world and giving guests the opportunity to experience master classes, book signings, talks and workshops.

· GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE · PASTA MAKING · GNOCCHI AND RISOTTO

· N AN C Y & FR IEN D S EVEN T H IG H LIGH TS ·

· ARTISAN PIZZA & MOZZARELLA COOKING DEMOS:

THE PASTA DINNER WITH EVAN FUNKE - Sunday, June 16

· FRENCH BISTRO DINNER

GRILLED CHEESE POP-UP - Friday, August 30

· GARDEN-TO-TABLE DINNER

CHEESE CLASS & DINNER WITH MIMMO BRUNO & PIZZERIA MOZZA - Saturday, August 31

· CLASSIC ITALIAN

LUNCH WITH RUTH REICHL - Saturday, September 21 FAETHM : WINEMAKER TASTING WITH NIKOLAS & JULIA KRANKL - Saturday, September 21

SPECIAL EVENTS

DINNER WITH MICHAEL CIMARUSTI - Saturday, September 21 “BUTCHER FOR A DAY” WITH DARIO CECCHINI - Friday, November 22 DINNER WITH DARIO & FONTODI WINERY - Friday, November 22

WINEMAKER TASTING SERIES: · STOLPMAN VINEYARDS + SCAR OF THE SEA DINNER WITH GUEST CHEF NEAL FRASER

OPEN-FLAME COOKING DEMO WITH DEBBIE MICHAIL - Saturday, November 23 GRILL CLASS WITH RYAN DENICOLA & ERIC GEPHART - Sunday, November 24 WHITE TRUFFLE LUNCH WITH JOHN MAGAZINO - Friday, November 29

OLIVE OIL TASTING WITH MASTER MILLER PHILIP ASQUITH

THE WHITE TRUFFLE DINNER - Saturday, November 30

TOMATOMANIA WITH CULINARY GARDENER SCOTT DAIGRE

WELCOME DINNER WITH WALTER MANZKE - Friday, December 6

THE OJAI VINEYARD ROSÉ PARTY & LIBRARY DINNER

PASTRY CLASS WITH DAHLIA NARVAEZ - Saturday, December 7

MOVIE NIGHTS UNDER THE STARS

BAKED GOODS DEMONSTRATION WITH MARGARITA MANZKE - Sunday, December 8

WHISTLEPIG WHISKEY BBQ

CLOSING BRUNCH WITH NANCY SILVERTON + KRUG CHAMPAGNE - Sunday, December 8

DINNER WITH GUEST CHEF GAVIN KAYSEN KITCHEN TAKEOVER W/ MAGGIE HARRISON & BRAD GRIMES

VISIT

T H E FA R M H O U S E O J A I . C O M

TO VIEW OUR FULL

CALENDAR OF EXCLUSIVE EVENTS AND RESERVE ONLINE, OR CALL Farmhouse events, classes and demonstrations subject to change.

1·855·781·4059

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

David Gadd, Victoria Woodard Harvey, Nancy Ransohoff, Joan Tapper 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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805 LIVING, MAY 2019

Buyer and Seller of Large Diamonds

An exquisite 20.05 carat F, VS2 Round Diamond set in a most delicate design to exceptionally highlight its magnitude

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer S. Vogelbach

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

Dave Bottom

San Luis Obispo County dandkbott@aol.com 619-994-3344

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

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

Sophie Patenaude sophie@805living.com OPERATIONS MANAGER

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Lori Kantor lori@805living.com DISTRIBUTION

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ADVERTISING QUERIES

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

805 LIVING, MAY 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Start with a Sofa

...end with a roomâ&#x20AC;? - 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

DESTINATION: PISMO BEACH

» For thousands of years, the abundance of clams drew Native Americans to Pismo’s bountiful shores. And while its beautiful coastline still defines this laidback California beach town, it’s only one of many reasons to visit, dine, stay, and play. Here is the Pismo you need to know.

SHOP

STAY Steps from the pier and boardwalk, built in a beachhouse craftsman style, The Inn at the Pier (theinnatthepier. com) has luxurious boutique guestrooms and the only roof-top deck in Pismo with a bar, lounge, and pool—and of course, spectacular ocean views. The Inn at the Cove (innatthecove.com) sits on a bluff between Pismo and Shell Beach. A Martin Resorts Group hotel, it has newly renovated rooms and puts a welcome mat out for dogs. Unwind with an ocean-front yoga class, or meet the artisans at Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves, a short stroll away. You can’t get any closer to the beach than the Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach (sandcastlehotelonthebeach.com), which is literally baby steps from the sand as well as within easy walking distance

of downtown Pismo and its delightful restaurants and shops. After a day of play, enjoy the ocean views from the hotel’s beach-level or third-floor lounges and then sleep blissfully to the sound of the waves.

» F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , V I S I T C L A S S I C C A L I F O R N I A . C O M

Take advantage of the unique retailing experiences in the heart of downtown Pismo. COVE by Van Rozeboom Interiors (cove805.com) offers custom design services and a range of eclectic, sophisticated furnishings and gifts for the home, celebrating contemporary beach culture with gorgeous pillows, linens, jewelry, beach umbrellas, and more. Wildflower (wildflowerwomenboutique. com) is a higher-end boutique filled trendy brands of clothing and accessories for women, girls, and babies. Take advantage of their complimentary personal stylist. Heart’s Desire Soap Co. (heartsdesiresoaps.com) sells ethically made soaps, skincare products, and essential oils with tempting names like Butter Me Baby shea butter and Chocolate Lovers soap. And who doesn’t love an outlet store? Pismo Beach Premium Outlets (premiumoutlets.com/outlet/ pismo-beach), a few miles from downtown Pismo, has nearly forty of your favorite stores beckoning with their best prices.

SIP

Wine lovers can take advantage of more than 20 tasting rooms within 15 minutes of downtown Pismo, offering sips to savor the nearby wine country. Breakaway Tours (breakaway-tours.com) offers private or group tours to the nearby Edna Valley. These range from barrel tastings to dogfriendly winery tours to private tours to meet garagiste, small-lot winemakers who are handcrafting some of the best wines on the Central Coast. Among several wine tasting shops in downtown Pismo, Tastes of the Valleys (pismowineshop.com) features nearly a thousand Central Coast wines. Enjoy them by the glass, try a tasting flight, or take a bottle back to your room to toast the sunset.

EAT Overlooking the pier and ocean from its upstairs perch, Oyster Loft (oysterloft.com) shucks a fine selection of oysters delivered fresh daily and serves distinctive seafood and meat classics. Signature cocktails and desserts add to the appeal. Indulge in gourmet fresh potato chips with custom toppings of fresh herbs, cheeses, drizzles, house-made seasonings and tantalizing dipping sauces at Chipwreaked (chipwreakedinpismo.com) Surf Side Donuts (surfsidedonuts.com) is a fun place all day long, but get there early or the fans will beat you to donut delights like the strawberry clam shell, the maple bacon, or the Mexican hot chocolate topped with tiny marshmallows. Stumptown coffees provide a perfect pairing.

PLAY Pismo’s coastal caves and fascinating rock formations make for great kayaking adventures. Central Coast Kayaks (centralcoastkayaks.com) offers tours that bring sightings of birds, whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters. Guides are knowledgeable about local history, biology, and wildlife, and the tours are perfect for all ages.

Agoura Sash & Door, Inc. 805.449.2840

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Windows . Doors . Millwork . Hardware

Behind the Scenes Gorgeous blooms, greener-thangreen hills, and sunny skies make for perfect days. Our contributors tell us about their favorite places and ways to spend time outside.

Mark Langton “The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency trail system is the main reason I live in Thousand Oaks,” says philanthropic events editor Mark Langton (Good Deeds, page 64). “Mountain biking is the way I enjoy the beautiful ocean vistas and lush canyons.”

Kathy Tomlinson

“Lately, my favorite way to enjoy the outdoors is tending to my yard. I’ve always appreciated the greenery, flowers, fruits, and wildlife around my house,” says managing editor Kathy Tomlinson, “but I’ve felt an even deeper gratitude for them since last November, when the Woolsey fire spared my home as it destroyed my brother’s.”

“When the ocean is a little too chilly for a swim I head for the hills,” says contributing writer Victoria Woodard Harvey (Pulse, page 31, Dining Out, page 88). “McMenemy Trail for hikes with girlfriends, or Jesusita is a great ride.”

TOP: KASH DADVAND

Victoria Woodard Harvey

NOODLES

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A NEW FAST-CASUAL CONCEPT NOW OPEN AT THE PROMENADE AT WESTLAKE SOCIALMONK.COM DELIVERY POWERED BY

Behind the Scenes Our featured experts share their number-one preference on where and how they spend time outdoors. “I enjoy being in the rose fields, picking, grooming, and tending to the plants.” —Danielle Dall’Armi

(“Get Out!,” page 68) owner Rose Story Farm Carpinteria rosestoryfarm.com

“Any outdoor place with a view, good friends, food, and tunes.” —Nicole Leza

“The beach. I enjoy running in the sand, listening to the waves, and taking in the ocean breeze.” —Joel Gonzalez

(Taste/Food, page 82) executive pastry chef Ojai Valley Inn ojaivalleyinn.com

“Sea cave kayaking at Channel Islands National Park.” —Michael Cohen

(“Get Out!,” page 68) president Santa Barbara Adventure Company, Channel Islands Adventure Company, Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours sbadventureco.com, islandkayaking.com, winetours-santabarbara.com

FROM TOP: VICTORIA PEARSON; CHERTHISMOMENT; OJAI VALLEY INN; SANTA BARBARA ADVENTURE COMPANY

(“Next-Level Picnics,” page 74) owner, picnic designer Santa Barbara Picnic Co. santabarbarapicnicco.com

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

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Save the date for our Annual Women’s Conference Mark your calendar for an exclusive event hosted by the Valdez Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.

Thursday, September 19th, 2019 Westlake Village Inn 31943 Agoura Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91361

Q&A with Managing Director – Investments Louie Valdez Q. Why does your team host this event each year? A. We are passionate about women’s issues, especially those relating to finance. We enjoy fostering an environment that is welcoming and encourages them to share ideas and ask questions of one another and of our team. Q. What benefits do the attendees get? A. They’ll experience a half-day conference – filled with energy and excitement – focused specifically on issues they care about. It’s a great environment for interacting and sharing. Q. Where can I learn more information if I want to attend? A. Visit our website – fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/valdez-group – and click on the “Women’s Event” tab for all the details.

2829 Townsgate Road, Suite 200 Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 373-8245 (800) 336-1244

Character. Communication.

louie.valdez@wfadvisors.com

Investment and Insurance Products:

NOT FDIC Insured

NO Bank Guarantee

Commitment.

MAY Lose Value

This event is educational in nature - no company specific products will be discussed. The views expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wells Fargo Advisors or its affiliates. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. 0319-02735

Pulse

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

In his latest book, adventurer, entrepreneur, and author Yvon Chouinard shares historic images, like this 1964 photo of him at Yosemite National Park taking in the view from Big Sur Ledge during the first ascent of El Capitan’s North American Wall.

TOM FROST/AURORA

EXTREME JOURNALISM

Surfer, climber, skier, kayaker, inventor, businessman, visionary, fierce advocate for the earth: Yvon Chouinard, founder of the Ventura-based outdoor gear company Patagonia, is all of these things and an engaging writer as well. In his latest book, Some Stories: Lessons From the Edge of Business and Sport (Patagonia, 2019), he shares adventures like his newsworthy ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, a driving trip from Ventura to the tip of South America, a hair-raising kayak excursion through the inner gorges of the Yellowstone River’s Clarks Fork, and a dicey sailing journey across the Pacific. Also among the pieces (many previously published) are paeans to favorite athletic > MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Pulse inspiring photos of places and perspectives that most of us will never get to see in person. Chouinard’s impassioned conclusion— impossible to ignore—is that our planet is increasingly under threat, and we must join together to actively defend it. —Joan Tapper

FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY

Veteran faculty member of the renowned but nowclosed Brooks Institute of Photography Christopher Broughton (above, last on the right), captures a selfie with his Photo Boot Camp class, the first in a new Brooks at UCSB photography program. In the program’s Visual Storytelling course, Tony Di Zinno, another instructor from the former institute, points to images like his Buffalo Crossing (left) as examples.

Photographers can up their game at the new Brooks at UCSB (professional.ucsb. edu) program, a partnership between UC Santa Barbara and The Ernest Brooks Foundation (ernestbrooksfoundation.org). “By collaborating closely with both UCSB’s division of humanities and fine arts and the Professional and Continuing Education program, EBF can now offer photography courses for all levels of interest and skill,” says Ernest Brooks II, former president of Brooks Institute of Photography (now closed), which was founded in Santa Barbara and had locations in Montecito and Ventura. Brooks is the force behind the program that continues

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

his late father’s legacy of providing excellent educational opportunities in the visual arts. Rotating courses taught by alumni and former faculty of the institute include Photo Boot Camp and Visual Storytelling and are augmented with field trips and guest lecturers on topics such as settings for iPhone, point-and-shoot, or DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras, captioning, archiving, photo file development, and retouching with the latest digital darkroom software. Visit the websites for more information on course offerings and limited scholarship opportunities.

—Victoria Woodard Harvey

Y TO STAY FIT

It’s rare to find one place that offers fun, friendship, and family bonding while promoting fitness and good health, but the new Yarrow Family YMCA (sevymca. org) in Westlake Village makes it all possible. The state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot facility encompasses a fitness center, lap pool, warm water pool, gymnasium, meeting space, café, and lounge. Activities encourage connection with others through aerobics, yoga, Pilates, cycling, and swimming, as well summer camps for kids, lunchtime tournaments for working adults, STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning experiences for teens, and childcare. “The Y is a place where multiple generations can come to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle together,” says Ronnie Stone, president and CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “It’s a place where everyone belongs.” 

—Heidi Dvorak

FROM TOP: JEFF JOHNSON; CHRISTOPHER BROUGHTON; TONY DI ZINNO

endeavors, journal entries and letters, and tributes to friends and colleagues. Even some of the more technical climbing entries are lyrical in their appreciation for the stunning beauty of his surroundings, a feeling that is mirrored in the awe-

Chouinard lives by the environmental consciousness he espouses at Patagonia and in his new book.

We’re here for you so you can focus on what matters most

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

At Wells Fargo Private Bank, we understand that your commitments to your family and community are some of your most important responsibilities. We offer a dedicated team of local professionals who take the time to understand your unique needs so you can focus your time and energy into what’s most important—when it’s most important. Contact us to learn more about our wealth management solutions and how we can help support your vision. To start a new kind of conversation, contact your local Wells Fargo Private Bank office: 118 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805-564-2876

2829 Townsgate Rd., Ste. 215 Westlake Village, CA, 91361 805-777-8375

Scott P. Hanson Senior Vice President, Regional Managing Director 805-777-8375 scott.p.hansen@wellsfargo.com 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-B11477

A Magical Place Evolves

It’s an iconic landmark 50 years in the making: But rather than stand frozen in time, the Westlake Village Inn is gracefully evolving within its spectacular natural surroundings. This year brings multimillion-dollar updates and renovations to the property to ensure that the Inn always goes above and beyond for guests. In the coming months, exciting changes are being unveiled at what is now an innovative boutique hotel that both visitors and locals can call home.

BOGIES BAR

The bar’s newly redesigned Vista Terrace is destined to be the go-to spot for the community this spring and summer. The outdoor space is worthy of Instagram posts and Pinterest dream boards, so don’t forget to tag it! From the lakeside alfresco dining experience to the private outdoor cabanas with lakeside views, Bogies introduces a distinctive menu of craft cocktails and delectable bites. It’s a great meeting place to catch up with friends by the fire pits. Inside, intimate seating and a lively dance floor awaits, plus live entertainment fills the bill almost every evening.

MED

Opening this month, Mediterraneo boasts a redesign that makes it one of the Westlake Village Inn’s most exciting projects to date. The restaurant exudes the ambience of an open-air Mediterranean villa. Guests can start off at the expansive new bar with an inventive handcrafted cocktail, like the Blood Orange Old-Fashioned, then settle in at a table to peruse a new menu inspired by the cuisine of the Mediterranean coast. The high-end concept restaurant will offer personal touches and details at every turn.

SPA RELAIS

In the months to come, this exclusive spa, nestled between the golf course and the lake, will embrace sophisticated elements of Tuscan style. The main building will house 13 customized spa treatment rooms, two private entrance couple suites, a fitness center, a Vichy treatment room, 16 luxurious overnight guest rooms, and a secluded lap pool within lush fragrant gardens. The beautiful, boutique-style retreat will offer Vinothérapie treatments utilizing the anti-aging and antioxidant properties of grapes, grown on the property’s vineyard. Spa Relais will be a place to rejuvenate and escape from the world.

Visit www.westlakevillageinn.com for more details.

SPA R EL AIS

DESTINATION: LOMPOC VALLEY

» SPRING FEVER is in the air, and there’s no better time to hit the open road and enjoy the great outdoors on the Central Coast. Set in a scenic valley, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and vineyards, Lompoc offers off-thebeaten path adventures and space to explore a rich California heritage, inspiring works of art, outstanding boutique wineries, and even rocket launches from nearby Vandenberg Air Force Base.

STAY

JUMP

Spend a few days, and make Lompoc Valley your home base for Central Coast sightseeing. Close to Solvang and Los Olivos— but without the high price tag and crowds—Lompoc offers a variety of accommodations to suit your style and travel budget. Here are five favorites:

If skydiving has been on your bucket list, there’s no better place to experience your first jump than in Lompoc. Boasting the highest tandem jump in Southern California, Skydive Santa Barbara, located at Lompoc Airport, offers a first-rate tandem jump experience. From a vantage point of 10,000, 13,000 or 18,000 feet, you’ll see glorious ocean, valley, and vineyard views. And you’ll be fully secure in your tandem harness with an experienced jumpmaster at the controls.

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON LOMPOC—CENTRAL COAST

Spacious two-room suites, complimentary cooked to-order breakfast, pool. (805) 735-8311 HILTON GARDEN INN LOMPOC

HIKE

Lompoc’s most visited attraction is La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, a fully restored California mission complex surrounded by open countryside and 25 miles of trails connecting to the back country. You can easily spend several hours at this serene historical gem, exploring the restored and furnished buildings, then heading into the hills for a trail hike. Most of the trails are sandy, leading through a mix of chaparral and oak to scenic overlooks along the way. The Mission is open daily, year-round.

EXPLORE

At the heart of Lompoc Valley is historic Old Town, with a vintage vibe all its own. Stroll along the streets and alleys to view the impressive collection of nearly 40 Lompoc murals. These larger-than-life works of art provide colorful insight into Lompoc’s history and heritage. Stop by Southside Coffee Company to recharge with a latte, or lunch at Sissy’s Uptown Café where the home-made pies are legendary. Follow the Lompoc Wine Trail along route 246 towards Buellton for breathtaking vistas and estate wineries around every bend. Or stay in town, where you can easily sip and stroll in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, with more than 20 boutique wineries within a few blocks’ walk. Before heading home, detour to Jalama Beach, a secluded spot 14 miles off of Highway 1 just outside of Lompoc. It’s a popular spot for surfing, kite flying, birdwatching, and beach strolls. Indulge in a Jalama Burger—one of the best beach burgers you’ll ever have—while taking in the stunning coastline views.

» VI E W H OTEL S AN D TH I N G S TO D O AT E X P LO R E LO M P O C .CO M

Modern open-lobby concept, first rate amenities, Valle Eatery + Bar, pool. (805) 735-1880

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LOMPOC

Modern amenities, free, hot Express Start breakfast bar, pool. (805) 736-2391 O’CAIRNS INN & SUITES

Family-style hotel, free breakfast and happy hour, complimentary DVDs, pool. (805) 735-7731 SURESTAY PLUS HOTEL BY BEST WESTERN LOMPOC

Comfortable accommodations, complimentary full hot breakfast, pool. (805) 735-8555

GOLF Pack your clubs, because Lompoc’s golf courses are two of the finest on the Central Coast. Test your skills at La Purisima Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed by world-renowned architect Robert Muir Graves. With spectacular vistas and rolling hills, La Purisima has been the site of numerous PGA, LPGA, and Senior PGA tournaments. It’s acclaimed as one of the country’s best designed courses! Nearby is The Mission Club with stately oaks and mature pine trees framing the fairways. Designed by Ted Robinson, this Lompoc course takes full advantage of its spectacular natural setting and is suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Why not come for two days, and try both?

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

Snappy Camper

TRICK OUT THE TRAVEL TRAILER WITH THESE STYLISH COMFORTS OF HOME. By Jennie Nunn Pendleton “Camp” enamelware dishes ($60 for a set of six); Heritage Goods & Supply, Carpinteria, heritagegoodsandsupply.com. MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds 2 3

4 1

1. Vinglacé white wine insulator ($90); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Westfield Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 2. Cuisinart single-burner professional portable gas grill ($150); Bed Bath & Beyond, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard, Goleta, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; bedbathandbeyond.com. 3. Barebones “Forest” lantern ($60); REI at The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and The Village at Westfield Topanga, Woodland Hills; rei.com.

7 8

4. Teak camp stool ($198); Serena & Lily, Palisades Village, Pacific Palisades, serenaandlily.com. 5. “2-in-1” bean bag toss and tic-tac-toe ($150); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Westfield Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com.

6. Fujifilm “Instax Mini 90 Neo-Classic” instant camera ($180); Urban Outfitters at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, and Malibu; urbanoutfitters.com.

7. Jenni Earle “Roam Free” bandana ($28); Bungalow by Fig, Ojai, figojai.com.

8. Ethics Supply Co. “Meadow Soak” bath salts ($21); Burro, Westlake Village and Malibu Country Mart; burrogoods.com. 9. “Nest” by Airstream travel trailer (price upon request); Airstream of Santa Barbara, Buellton, airstreamofsantabarbara.com. 10. Utilitario Mexicano “Colors” cotton mat ($220); Paso Robles General Store, generalstorepr.com. 11. Estwing 14-inch “Sportsman’s” ax with leather-grip handle ($35); Home Depot, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Oxnard, Goleta, Lompoc, Atascadero, and San Luis Obispo; homedepot.com. 

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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

“. . . a plan can help you see where you are today, think about where you want to be in one, 10, or even 20 years, and may provide ideas on how to pursue the future you envision. ” FAST FACTS

BRANDI L. SCHNATHORST, CFP®

Financial Advisor The Davis Group UBS Financial Services Inc. 3011 Townsgate Road, Suite 300 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805-367-3681 tel 855-741-2069 fax

BRANDI L. SCHNATHORST Financial Advisor

TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH WEALTH MANAGEMENT GOALS WITHOUT A FINANCIAL PLAN IS LIKE TRYING TO NAVIGATE WITHOUT A MAP: You may arrive late or even miss your destination. By providing an integrated view of your personal and financial goals—not just your investment portfolio—a plan can help you see where you are today, think about where you want to be in one, 10 or even 20 years, and may provide ideas on how to pursue the future you envision. A well-thought-out plan will help gauge how cash flow may impact saving for college and retirement, how borrowing can work with investing, and how preserving your assets today can preserve your legacy. As a Financial Advisor with The Davis Group, I will work with you to help you create a clear, actionable financial plan that helps you navigate uncertainty, help seize new opportunities and pursue what’s ultimately most important to you. The Davis Group at UBS Financial Services Inc., can help provide strategies customized to your needs—and to be your primary source of financial advice. We concentrate on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service as life situations change. We believe you can rely on our personalized advice, to help provide solutions, and wealth management experience.

brandi.schnathorst@ubs.com financialservicesinc.ubs.com/team/ davisgroup ABOUT ME: Brandi L. Schnathorst, CFP® is a Financial Advisor with The Davis Group. She is a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, a certification through the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. Brandi began working in the financial services industry in 2002 and joined The Davis Group in 2008. She is a graduate of Iowa State University with a B.S. in Finance and a B.S. in Marketing and earned her M.B.A. in Financial Planning from California Lutheran University. Brandi is also personally involved in Women United with United Way of Ventura County. Additionally, she is a member of the Conejo Valley Estate Planning Council and The Divorce Transition Professionals (DTP)™.

Brandi L. Schnathorst is a Financial Advisor with UBS Financial Services Inc. a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC in 3011 Townsgate Road Suite 300, Westlake Village, CA 91361. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of UBS Financial Services Inc. In providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services which are separate and distinct and differ in material ways. For information, including the different laws and contracts that govern, visit ubs.com/workingwithus. In providing financial planning services, we may act as a broker-dealer or investment adviser, depending on whether we charge a fee for the service. The nature and scope of the services are detailed in the documents and reports provided to clients as part of the service. Financial planning does not alter or modify in any way a client’s existing account(s) or the terms and conditions of any account agreements they may have with UBS. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S.

Finds Style By Frances Ryan

Ahead of the Curve THE LATEST SHADES ARE CIRCLING BACK TO ROUND LENSES.

1. Chloé “Carlina” ($475); Nordstrom at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, and Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park; nordstrom.com. 2. Round-frame rimless ($505); Gucci at Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, gucci.com. 3. Salt Optics “Lorna” polarized ($455); Occhiali Fine Eyewear, Montecito, occhialieyewear.com. 4. Ray-Ban “Round” ($178); Sunglass Hut at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, and The San Luis Obispo Collection; sunglasshut.com. 5. Celine “Round Metal” ($460); Neiman Marcus at Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com. 6. Krewe “Louisa Nylon” ($255); Fred Segal at Malibu Village, fredsegal.com. 7. “Carnival” ($52); J.Crew at The Oaks, Thousand Oaks, jcrew.com. 8. “Robinson Round” ($180); Tory Burch at Westfield Topanga, Canoga Park, toryburch.com. 

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

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds Travel By Erin Rottman

CAMPERS TO GO

HOT TIP

Campago camper-vans come equipped with cookout essentials, beds for up to four or five people, a DVD player, and an electronic gaming device.

harky Laguana has never really been a camper, so naturally, he started a business centered around camping. “There’s a little bit of irony in this,” Laguana says. “Maybe it makes more sense if I hate camping because then I’ll make a product that people who hate camping will like.” Laguana’s San Francisco–based camper-van company Campago (campago.com; rentals from $150 per day) offers tricked-out Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans delivered to any location from Mendocino to Paso Robles. Vans accommodate up to five passengers and can be configured to customer specifications with amenities such as two queen-size bunks, cargo space for bikes, or a tailgate module. Linens and kitchen supplies are standard, as is the Bluetooth speaker, DVD player, and Xbox. A former professional guitarist who spent time in vans between gigs, Laguana says his goal is for people not to have to set up a thing. He also wants the van to be fun. There’s a proprietary app that allows travelers to adjust the lighting to chill, light show, campfire, and disco settings. “We do some neat little touches that kids go berserk for,” Laguana says.

The Edgewood Tahoe golf course (right) hosts the 30th annual American Century Championship in July.

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Brownand-white spotted swell sharks swim in the waters from Monterey Bay to southern Mexico, and sometimes guests of Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara are lucky enough to see their eggs. The hotel recently introduced the family-friendly Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program (ritzcarlton.com/en/ hotels/california/santabarbara/area-activities/ ambassadors-of-theenvironment), which offers guided eco hikes. Every guide has an environmental sciences degree, says program supervisor Sara Welsh, who adds that when people see a gray whale, a dolphin pod, or a shark egg, they are “absolutely stoked.”

Some of the best views of South Lake Tahoe are seen from the golf course at the Edgewood Tahoe (edgewoodtahoe.com; from $300) resort, where three holes put players either parallel to the lake or teeing off toward the water. “It’s definitely an awe-inspiring moment for people who golf,” says general manager Corinna Osborne. “I think it distracts you,” she says with a laugh. The alpine lodge’s award-winning course, designed by George Fazio, is ideal for intermediate players and is set to reopen this month, when the Stay & Play package (from $499) of golf and spa treatments begins. From July 9 to 14, professional athletes are slated to show up for the 30th annual American Century Championship, which attracts some 55,000 spectators and inspires a high-energy buzz. The family-owned, LEEDdesigned spa resort is just as attractive for non-golfers. Rooms are designed to be luxurious but comfortable, with fireplaces, velour Frette robes, coffee from local roaster Alpen Sierra, and balconies with more of those fantastic views. A private dock offers access to paddleboards, kayaks, and speedboats. Beachfront Adirondack chairs provide a scenic spot for a glass of wine at sunset.

CAMPER-VAN: PHIL WARTENA; GOLF COURSE: EDGEWOOD TAHOE

SCENIC SIERRAS

Finds Travel

Views of the forest stretch to the mountain-topped horizon at the Suncadia Resort Lodge in Cle Elum, Washington.

COME UP FOR AIR

About 83 miles east of Seattle in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Suncadia Resort (destinationhotels.com/ suncadia-resort; from $179) sits on 6,400 acres of land replete with evergreens, hiking trails, and activities for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. “We have the good, fresh mountain air,” says lead concierge Steve Talerico, whose grandfather came from southern Italy to work in the local mines. Talerico connects guests with excursions like the

Gourmet Lunch Float down the clear Cle Elum River, guided horseback riding, ATV-ing on nearby Thorp Mountain, and fly-fishing. The resort offers both a luxury lodge and a more intimate inn, as well as a fitness center, a pool with two water slides, the Glade Spring Spa with outdoor hot mineral baths, and the recently opened Nelson Farm Pool, which features a splash pad and lazy river. Tie-dyeing, archery, and salsa and yoga classes begin this month.

CULVER CITY CULTURE

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

A pragmatic guest room (above right) at the Palihotel Culver City (above and right) reflects the characterrich hotel’s origins as a 1920s boarding house.

LANDSCAPE VIEW: SUNCADIA RESORT; HOTEL: PHOTOS COURTESY OF PALISOCIETY

ourists heading to Disneyland or the Santa Monica Pier may not stay at the Palihotel Culver City (palisociety.com; from $250), but those looking to hang out in hubs of Los Angeles culture like Larchmont, Abbot Kinney, and downtown Culver City, will. “It’s more about people in the know who are putting up their friends and clients,” says Avi Brosh, founder and president of Palisociety, which has several boutique hotels in the Los Angeles area. Built in 1923 as a boarding house, Palihotel Culver City retains its historic character with its Hotel West End sign and exterior fire escapes but feels fresh with an inviting peacock-blue facade and flowery bohemian-style mural. Just inside the front door is Simonette, a French bistro where locals settle into the outdoor courtyard to have the salade Niçoise or steak tartare tartine for lunch or pull up a stool at the bar for happy hour. The small rooms, with king beds or two twins, are a reminder of the building’s boarding house roots, but guests are typically out for the day, whether working at Sony Pictures Studios, catching a film at the movie theater a block away, or browsing independent boutiques and pop-ups at the upscale Platform shopping center nearby. “Let’s be honest,” Brosh says, “Culver City is hot right now.” 

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Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak

Through July 7 COMMON GROUND

Santa Paula Art Museum. The works of three award-winning Ventura County women artists—Meredith Brooks Abbott, Susan Petty, and Gail Pidduck—are the focus of a shared exhibition that expresses their love of nature within the 805. Beauty found in their surroundings are represented; santapaulaartmuseum.org. Willie Nelson

Through October 13

5/12

except that his riders are young black men dressed in their own clothing; sbma.net. May 7–10 WINE, WOMEN, & WRANGLERS

Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, Solvang. Gals can start horsing around at this getaway with a western twang. Activities include horseback riding, roping, barrel racing, cattle driving, equine therapy, and yoga, with wine tastings and gourmet dining to boot; alisal.com.

EQUESTRIAN PORTRAIT OF PRINCE TOMMASO OF SAVOY-CARIGNAN

SPRING TEA

Santa Barbara Museum of Art. 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, Wiley’s work is a prime example of historic equestrian portraiture,

Heritage Square, downtown Oxnard. An elegant high tea transports participants back to the roaring twenties with Charleston lessons, live piano music, and a fashion show, all reflecting the period; heritagesquareoxnard.com.

May 11

May 12 WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY

Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles. The author, activist, songwriter, musician, singer, and Texas icon performs the hits that span his six-decade career. His onstage family consists of his touring band—talented professionals in their own right; vinaroblesamphitheatre.com. MAY 26 AVILA BEACH BLUES FESTIVAL

Avila Beach Resort. Talk about a cool concert: An afternoon of live music is set against the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. And this one offers stellar performances by Charlie Musselwhite, Eric Burdon and the Animals, and Little Feat; otterproductionsinc.com.

5/11

Here’s an Idea: Explore what life was like in 19thcentury Lompoc on a tour of the FABING-McKAY-SPANNE HOUSE, an 1875 Victorian farmhouse named for the three families who resided there. Built by Henry Wadsworth Fabing, it is the first two-story wooden residence to be constructed in the city. Lompoc Valley Historical Society members are on hand to talk about the home’s history and answer questions. Free tours take place on Mondays and Thursdays and the fourth Saturday of the month and include the carriage house, blacksmith shop, museum room, and reference library; lompochistory.org.

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

May 3–19

May 12

May 29–30

MARY POPPINS, JR.

COOKIE ADVENTURE

CAJUN & BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL

Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Thousand Oaks. The Disney and Cameron Mackintosh production introduces a new nanny to help the Banks family in this play performed by youths ages 10 through 19; hillcrestarts.com.

Charles Paddock Zoo, Atascadero. Cookie Monster may not be one of the critters present, but the blue Muppet may turn green with envy when he discovers that local cookie bakers are handing out samples of their culinary efforts at the zoo in honor of Mother’s Day. Nom, nom, nom!; charlespaddockzoo.org.

Rancho Santa Susana Community Park. Jefferson Starship, the Bayou Brothers, Queen Nation, Lightnin’ Willie, Acadiana, the Spin Doctors—these are just some of the performers at this family-friendly gathering, where kids get their own area to rock out; simicajun.org.

May 18

May 30–June 2

MERMAID, SEA CREATURE, & PIRATE PARADE

SANTA MARIA ELKS RODEO & PARADE

Morro Rock parking lot, Morro Bay. Who says there’s no free lunch? Kids eat gratis, courtesy of Tognazzini’s Dockside restaurant, when they join the parade in a sea-worthy costume and shell-ebrate everything that’s fishy and fun; morrobay.org.

Elks Unocal Event Center. Buckin’ broncos, professional bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, rodeo clowns, a rodeo dance, and stickhorse races make this western hoedown a hoot. Need spurs and chaps? Check out the western marketplace; elksrec.com. >

May 11 WILLOWS ANCHORAGE TRIP

Santa Cruz Island, Oxnard. Board a 63-foot catamaran for a trip to the island’s picturesque south side, where an isolated white-sand beach, towering bluffs, and native wildflowers and wildlife await. It’s the perfect place to swim and snorkel; islandpackers.com.

BOTTOM: ANDREA MILLS

Family Fun Willows Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island

GET RIGHT WITH YOUR HAIR

Insider

Hot Ticket

Book your seats now for these hot upcoming events. MAY Through May 11 Explore the processes of printmaking and ceramics offered as part of the Cal Lutheran University curriculum at THINGAMAJIG V: A PRINTMAKING AND CERAMICS EXPLORATION. The student exhibit includes dry

point, monoprints, intaglio, solar plate, reduction, lino prints, and woodcut-relief prints as well as sculptural hand-built and wheel-thrown ceramic techniques; Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, callutheran.edu. Through May 12 Who are you? Thirty-nine artists from all over the state answer this question in I AM ME: ARTISTS’ SELF-PORTRAITS, an exhibition featuring their depictions of themselves created in a variety of techniques—painting, drawing, digital illustration, collage, sculpture, mixed media, and photography. Visitors also get to respond to the question by making their own self-portraits on site; Santa Paula Art Museum, santapaulaartmuseum.org. Through June 23 Unprecedented, OUT OF STORAGE AND INTO THE LIGHT: SCULPTURES THAT TELL STORIES is the Santa Barbara Art Museum’s

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first exhibition exclusively devoted to sculpture. More than 50 works include pre-Columbian, ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek and Roman, 11th- to 17th-century southeast Asian, ancient to 13th-century Chinese, 19th-century African, and 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century French, English, and American sculpture. Rather than being organized by culture or time period, the installation is organized thematically utilizing the categories of Dance and Music, Flight, The Head, The Body, and The Human-Animal; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, sbma.net. May 11 Author NEIL GAIMAN has achieved rockstar status by penning books such as Coraline, The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, and American Gods as well as graphic novels and short stories. His sometimes quirky, sometimes prescient, always entertaining work appeals to all ages. Gaiman tells and reads stories, answers questions, and generally delights listeners; UC Santa Barbara, artsandlectures.ucsb.edu. May 15–17 Learn how to fire up the grill and rustle up some great western chow at BBQ BOOTCAMP, a three-day course on prepping, cooking, and serving Santa Maria–style barbecue. Alisal chef Anthony Endy and guest chefs Paula Disbrowe, Burt Bakman, Frank Ostini, and Valerie Gordon show off their ’cue skills through individually taught seminars on topics such as spice blending, meat selection, heating grills, and gourmet grilled desserts; Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, Solvang, alisal.com.

May 24–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 artistic 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. May 28–June 1 Talented up-and-coming instrumentalists vie for awards at the PARKENING INTERNATIONAL GUITAR COMPETITION. Named for classical guitarist Christopher Parkening, the prestigious music event showcases 15 guitarists, ages 30 and younger, as they compete for the largest prize purse of any classical guitar competition in the world with cash awards in excess of $65,000. The final three competitors perform a concerto accompanied by the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra; Pepperdine University, Malibu, arts.pepperdine. edu/parkening.

Coming Soon to Ventura!

JUNE June 2 Take in classical musical works from the Romantic period in the program EUROPEAN ROMANTICS, performed by the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra, as well as a musical salute to graduating seniors; Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, cvyo.org. June 2 Toothy and terribly engaging, Peter Noone is still the front man for HERMAN’S HERMITS, bringing to the stage good ol’ hits like “Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat” and “Kind of a Hush” and still making the gals—now a tad older—downright giddy. Hear him and his bandmates in this concert that includes lots of laughs, good music, and good memories; The Canyon, Agoura Hills, wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com. June 14–16 Who called the English teacher Daddy-o? Such a pertinent question can surely be answered by one of the two R-and-B groups in this show starring the DRIFTERS AND CORNELL GUNTER’S COASTERS. Both bands influenced the 1960s’ doo-wop sound, so attend this concert to hear songs such as “Yakety Yak,” “Little Egypt,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and “Under the Boardwalk” and bring back some cool memories of a simpler time; Rubicon Theatre, Ventura, rubicontheatre.org. June 14–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. >

GASTROPUB Westlake Village

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Santa Barbara

30 Craft Beers On Tap!

Signature Burgers & Sandwiches Artisan Flatbread Pizzas Chef-Crafted Gourmet Salads 15 Savory Appetizers Hand-Crafted Cocktails TV's for Sports Viewing Locally owned and operated, Finney's is open for lunch and dinner with Monday-Friday Happy Hour specials.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE SANTA BARBARA VENTURA 982 S Westlake Blvd. 35 State Street 21 California Street www.FinneysCrafthouse.com

Insider June 20–22 Everyone has a barrel of fun at ROLL OUT THE BARRELS, a weekend of wine sipping and socializing. It commences on Friday with Barrels in the Plaza, a food and wine showcase featuring artfully prepared dishes made by local chefs and vino from more than 50 wineries. On Saturday, participating tasting rooms open for Passport to Wine Country, which offers vineyard walks, barrel samplings, and opportunities to chat up winemakers throughout coastal San Luis Obispo wine country; San Luis Obispo locations, slowine.com. June 22 Kids can join the Faery Folk in Sherwood Forest—the location at which the original Robin Hood movie was filmed—to become part of an interactive performance that tells a story about going on a quest to Faeryland. In A FAERY HUNT MAGIC IN SHERWOOD FOREST participants meet faeries, funny creatures, and Faery Royalty; Corriganville Park, Simi Valley, afaeryhunt.com. June 28–July 14, July 19–August 4 The KINGSMEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL doubles 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.

JULY July 4 Pack a picnic—or purchase food from on-site vendors—and scout out a good spot to hear the celebratory crackles and explosions and witness the spectacle of the FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR hosted by the City of Lompoc Recreation Division and community sponsors. Tons of games with prizes are on offer to keep the kids occupied until dusk; Lompoc High School Huyck Stadium, cityoflompoc.com.

We create beautiful outdoor living spaces with the ingenuity of nature-inspired technology.

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.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 BoeingStearman or a 1947 Piper Cub PA-11 provided by Banner Airways, a mass scenic flight, a raffle, awards, a spaghetti dinner, and a tritip dinner. Bring a lawn chair and a camera and don’t forget to look to the skies; Lompoc Airport, westcoastcubflyin.com.

Show Your Support

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Fun and fundraising go hand-inhand at these local events. MAY May 7 The Gift of Life nonprofit volunteer organization helps save the lives of children with congenital heart disease, so sign up to compete in the GIFT OF LIFE GOLF CLASSIC. The annual event hosts more than 120 golfers and last year raised $107,000 to provide life-saving heart surgeries for infants and children in the poorest and most remote areas around the world; Moorpark Country Club, giftoflifela.org. May 10 Join the fight to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease at the second annual YOUR BRAIN MATTERS LUNCHEON, during which keynote speaker Leeza Gibbons and a special caregiver of the year are honored. Sharing her knowledge about new treatments and research is the Alzheimer’s Association’s director of scientific engagement Rebecca Edelmayer, Ph.D. 805 Living is a media sponsor; Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, act.alz.org.

Design • Construct • Manage

May 10 Rub elbows with members of regional nonprofit and environmental organizations at the TGIF! MIXER for the Environmental Defense Center. This casual gathering is a happy hour with a purpose. It’s a time to enjoy live music, local wines, and hors d’oeuvres as well as hear about the center’s work to protect the local environment; Environmental Defense Center Courtyard, Santa Barbara, environmentaldefensecenter.org. May 11 Compassion, commitment, and caring are fitting words to describe the members of Interface Children & Family Services as they strive to wipe out domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. Find out about the nonprofit organization’s mission at LOVE IS BREWING, a luncheon and fundraiser held at a historic site; Camarillo Ranch, icfs.org. May 16 Back by popular demand, the FLOWER EMPOWER LUNCHEON blossoms again to raise money for the Dream Foundation’s volunteerdriven program that delivers beautiful bouquets, treats, and handmade cards to those in hospices, cancer centers, and personal residences. The event honors the donors, volunteers, and community growers that make the program possible. A Spanish-style hacienda sets the stage for an outdoor luncheon and a silent auction; private residence, Santa Barbara, dreamfoundation.org. May 18 American Red Cross sponsors OPERATION: RIDE FOR THE RED, a cycling event with 30-, 62and 100-mile rides, all traversing the farmlands of Ventura County. Depending on the specific course, riders may see alpacas, strawberry fields, orange and lemon groves, and Point Mugu Missile Park. >

Visit Our Showroom 2221 Madera Road, Simi Valley • 805.520.0168

Insider Proceeds benefit active members and veterans of the nation’s armed forces; American Red Cross Headquarters, Camarillo, redcross.org. May 18 With more than $432,000 donated to the research of breast cancer, the ROLLING FOR PINK BUNKO TOURNAMENT continues to roll, so get in on the action at this fun-fueled competition. Play the game, eat, drink, buy raffle tickets, bid in a silent auction, and be part of the effort to find a cure and raise awareness for breast cancer; Santa Rosa Valley Park, Camarillo, rollingforpink.org. May 18–19 Ever had strawberry nachos? Strawberry pizza? Strawberry beer? These unlikely concoctions and others can be had at the CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, where vendors, contests, a cooking competition, carnival rides, raffles, drum circles, drum-offs, puppet and magic shows, the Fan Favorite Battle of the Bands, and Strawberryland for kids are all are part of this fundraiser for local charities; Strawberry Meadows of College Park, Oxnard, castrawberryfestival.org. May 19 Alligator handbags might not be the most appropriate accessory to show off at the GATOR RUN, the longest-established running event in Simi Valley. An imposing, fluffy green alligator mascot leads the pack at this race, hosted by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset to benefit the Simi Valley YMCA. Participants can take part in a 5K, 10K, or Kids 1 Mile Run. There is a pancake breakfast and beer (for those over 21), customized medals, and a health and fitness expo; Moorpark College, gatorrun.org. May 22 The perfect mix of socializing, business, and entertainment takes place at the Thousand Oaks Woman’s Club CHARITY LUNCHEON. It’s a time to find out how to make friends with women who are interested in assisting in local charitable endeavors; Los Robles Greens Golf Course, Sunset Ballroom, Thousand Oaks, thousandoakswomansclub.org. May 25 Alan and Lisa Parsons open their organic avocado ranch to host SUSTAINABLE TABLE, a culinary farm-to-table dinner and benefit for Explore Ecology. The evening begins with cocktails at the state-of-the-art ParSonics Studio, followed by a zero-waste dinner created by Full of Life Flatbread’s Clark Staub, live music by singer-songwriter Glen Phillips, and dancing under the stars; Tres Vientos Ranch, Goleta, exploreecology.org.

The Agoura Antique Mart A Vintage Marketplace

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JUNE June 8 It’s not often that outsiders get to peer inside luxury homes in Santa Barbara, but the MAKING IT HOME TOUR makes it possible and raises money for PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) Santa Barbara. Participants hop aboard a historic trolley to visit four residences, where food and wine pairings from local restaurants are at the ready, and concludes with a reception featuring music, raffles, and more food and drink. 805 Living is a media sponsor; Santa Barbara locations, sbhometour.org.

June 21 Go all in for THE LONGEST DAY POKER NIGHT BENEFIT, an Alzheimer Association fundraiser to support care, services, and research for Alzheimer’s disease. The fun is in the cards, of course, but there’s also a silent auction, luxury car demonstrations, live music, alcoholic libations, and hors d’oeuvres; O’Gara Coach, Westlake Village, act.alz.org.

Worth a Drive

Venture just outside the 805 for these choice events. Through December 31 Happy birthday LEGOLAND! In honor of the theme park turning 20, kids 12 and younger get free admission on their birthdays through the end of the year. There’s a slew of new shows and attractions, so be the first to experience the Riptide Racers water slide in the recently expanded Surfers’ Cove, the film Lego City 4D: Officer in Pursuit, the Express Train, the reopening of Duplo Playtown, and the Lego Friends Live Show and 20th Birthday Character Dance Party, which runs through August; Carlsbad, legoland.com. Through January 5 Become immersed in a prehistoric environment to discover what it’s like to be an adventurer-scientist at the new traveling exhibition ANTARCTIC DINOSAURS. The exhibit follows the real-life 2010 journey of two modernday paleontologists as they mount an expedition to Antarctica’s Mount Kirkpatrick and discover a new dinosaur species. Visitors can learn how scientists prepare for a journey and transport fossils and see full-size replicas of four species of dinosaurs; Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, nhm.org.

Give Back

Whatever your interests, there’s a volunteer opportunity just right for you. Love art and the creative process? Volunteers can put their passion to good use by helping out at STUDIOS ON THE PARK, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reaching out to the public to heighten an appreciation of art. The Paso Robles venue consists of six open-art work spaces and four galleries, but it’s also a center for art education, providing lectures, classes, workshops, activities, and special events for children and adults. Help is needed for fundraising, greeting visitors, assisting with the Kids Art Smart program, preparing exhibits, marketing, providing administrative support, working at the gift shop, leading tours, or serving as a wine steward at the studios’ Winery Partners Wine Bar. Find out what’s required by attending a training and orientation session; studiosonthepark.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.

W HEN YO U CAN’T FI ND THE SUNSHI NE

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EXERCISE TO KEEP 805 STRONG

Take your workout outside and help raise money for local 805 charities. It’s all part of the 805 Project (fitness805.com), a nonprofit organization that makes charitable contributions to help locals by staging donation-based instructorled workouts. “This platform is a way to give back to this amazing community,” says founder and fitness instructor Jason Baker. “And what better way to do it than to have people getting in shape, building a stronger community by coming together, and having all donations go to organizations that will help the 805 grow.” Charitable recipients change every quarter. The Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade—dedicated to crisis prevention and response—is the current beneficiary at the Alameda Park sessions in Santa Barbara, where instructors lead circuits of strength, cardio, and stability training. Participants can register online but walk-ins are welcome. Just show up with a donation and join the workout. —Heidi Dvorak

FUN, FLEXIBLE FITNESS

16 classes each month. Choose from dozens of participating spots, including Pilates Plus in Malibu, DIG Indoor Cycling + Strength in Calabasas, Jazzercise in Agoura Hills, CorePower Yoga in Thousand Oaks, Family Karate Center in Agoura Hills, and Paddle Sports Center in Santa Barbara, with more added all the time. Book classes with the easy-to-use app, and get moving!

—Nancy Ransohoff

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Silent Disco Meets Outdoor Yoga

YOGA DANCE MAGIC (yogadancemagic.com) raises sun salutations to the next level. Owner Emma Davis and a team of instructors take yoga outside, leading energizing weekend classes on West Beach in Santa Barbara. Silent disco (via wireless headphones) sessions, held Saturday morning and Sunday at sunset, combine yoga for all levels with free-form, non-choreographed dancing on the beach. Required: a sense of fun. Not required: previous yoga or dance experience. Special classes include Happy Hour Silent Disco Yoga on May 29 at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (fourseasons.com/santabarbara). Visit Yoga Dance Magic’s website for times, preregistration, and updates on new classes. —N.R.

FROM LEFT: CLASSPASS; TYNAN DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY/TYNANDANIELS.COM

Looking to add variety to your exercise routine without spending an arm and a leg? Try ClassPass (classpass.com), a monthly subscription service headquartered in New York that has recently expanded its geographic scope to provide subscribers access to studios and gyms within a healthy swath of the Central Coast. Memberships, which range from $29 to $79 per month, allow for three to

Arts & Culture By Joan Tapper

On Nature’s Wavelength

hanks to this year’s rains, nature has been generous, providing a bounty of wildflowers in the hills and valleys of the 805. And while the brilliant poppies and lupine will fade after a few weeks, a far more unusual display in Paso Robles will be in bloom for months. Field of Light at Sensorio (sensoriopaso.com) is a solar-powered garden consisting of more than 58,000 LED bulbs lit by fiber-optic stems set into the gently rolling landscape. It is the latest art installation by British artist Bruce Munro, > British artist Bruce Munro (above, right) brings his unique art form, Field of Light, to Sensorio, a garden attraction in Paso Robles. A past exhibit at Uluru, Australia (top), seems to mirror the sky.

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

FROM TOP: SERENA MUNRO; MARK PICKTHALL

BRUCE MUNRO CREATES WORKS OF ARTISTIC ENLIGHTENMENT.

Arts & Culture

Considering the breadth of Munro’s Uluru installation (above), the Paso Robles display—his largest yet—is sure to inspire awe.

whose concept was first inspired by a 1992 camping visit to Uluru, a sandstone monolith also known as Ayers Rock, in Australia. At the time he was about to leave the country, where he’d been working in lighting for several years. Near the mountain, “I could feel the energy coming from the ground,” he says, “and I wanted to visualize what I was feeling. I imagined what it was like in a desert after it rained; it blooms.” It would not be until 2004, however, that Munro would turn that initial vision into reality. By then he was back in England, “painting in a cowshed turned into a studio,” he says. “I wanted to cover the landscape with light.” He did just that, creating Field of Light on 10 acres near his home in Wiltshire, kicking off a career that has resulted in myriad installations in museums, gardens, and other public and private spaces around the world. In 2016 he finally returned to Uluru and set up Field of Light at the base of the massive rocky outcrop. Among the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the site were Santa Ynez Valley residents Ken and Bobbi Hunter. “It was amazing, like nothing we’d ever seen,” says Ken, who had acquired a parcel of land near the Paso Robles airport and been working on developing Sensorio, a series of gardens—“a playground for the mind” he calls it, along with a future resort and conference center. Thinking that an installation like the one at Uluru would be a good fit to inaugurate their project, the couple reached out to Munro. After several years of planning and preparation for it, the exhibit opens on May 19 and remains 58

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

in place at least through January 5. Visitors can stroll the paths that wind among the bulbs, which slowly change color. “Think of a promenade,” says Munro. “It’s a way for people to get together and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. Field of Light will elevate that experience.” The only sounds are those of nature. “It’s an opportunity to be at peace with oneself,” he adds. “Art needs to come back to observation. I’m urging people to go back to what they experience through their senses, instead of a conceptual view of the world.” The technology behind the work hasn’t changed, he notes, though today’s LED bulbs use less than one-sixth of the power required when he started. The light is carried to the bulbs through the optic fibers from a source or projector; in this case it’s solar powered. “As time goes on, it’ll get even more efficient,” Munro says. “Who knows where energy will come from?” The installation is unaffected by weather. It has survived the tests of hot, dry climates as well as Minnesota winters. And though the bulb spikes are planted in the ground, they’re flexible enough to bend in the wind. Field of Light is just one of Munro’s creations, which take the forms of stout light-filled towers, glowing sprays of delicate filaments, and illuminated spherical structures, among others. Still in the concept stage are C-Scales, a series of indoor installations that use reflective material as an abstraction of water, and Mettabhavana, a luminous building for meditation, windowless but lit through prisms and light tubes by sunlight during the day and candlelight by night. For now, he looks forward to seeing Field of Light in its Paso Robles incarnation. “This is a first,” he says, “working with people rather than institutions. It’s a joy. [The Hunters] want to leave something positive in the world, and it’s a pleasure to be involved with their vision.” “The landscape dictates what can be done there,” says Bobbi, “and Bruce likes to work with natural resources.” Ken adds, “Our goal is enjoyment and entertainment. The installation is the entrée to Sensorio. It’s a unique experience. We hope the community embraces it, and it puts smiles on their faces.” For his part, Munro hopes the effect goes beyond that. “Nature has a way of healing,” he says, “of taking the anxiety level down. We’re trying to be in sync with nature.” 

MARK PICKTHALL

Field of Light is just one of Munro’s creations, which have taken the forms of stout light-filled towers, glowing sprays of delicate filaments, and illuminated spherical structures, among others.

SANTA BARBARA 10 West Gallery

ART DISTRICT

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

10westgallery.com

sbma.net

Channing Peake Gallery

Santa Barbara Fine Art

Colette Cosentino Atelier & Gallery

State Gallery | Youth Interactive

sbac.ca.gov

santabarbaraďŹ neart.com youthinteractive.us

colettecosentino.com cole

Sullivan Goss

Distinctive Framing N Art

An American Gallery

distinctiveframingnart.com

sullivangoss.com

Early California Antiques

Waterhouse Gallery

earlycal.com

waterhousegallery.com

Santa Barbara Public Library

Yuliya Lennon Studio

Faulkner Gallery

yuliyalennon.com

40 East Anapamu St.

Gallery 113

Image: Yuliya Lennon, New Beginnings, oil and gold leaf on linen.

Indigo Interiors & Gallery

SantaBarbaraArtDistrict.com

gallery113sb.com indigointeriors.com

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Upgrades

Teak It to the Max CRAFTED FROM THIS WEATHER-RESISTANT TIMBER, THE LATEST OUTDOOR FURNISHING DESIGNS PROVIDE LASTING ELEGANCE. By Frances Ryan “Sebastian” rectangular dining table in weathered teak ($4,295), dining side chair ($995), and cushion ($120 as shown); RH at The Promenade at Westlake, Westlake Village, and Santa Barbara; rh.com. MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Upgrades

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1. Janus et Cie “Hatch” sofa designed by Michael Vanderbyl ($7,387); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 2. Janus et Cie “Hardwick” lanterns (small $340, large $566); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 3. Lloyd Flanders “Universal” oval sled-base dining table ($4,002); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. 4. Tommy Bahama Home “Tres Chic” chaise ($2,640); Alderman Bushé Interiors, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbusheinteriors.com. 5. Gloster “Archi” lounge chair designed by Henrik Pedersen ($3,370 as shown); Patioworld, Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills; patioworld.net.

6. “The Santa Barbara Umbrella” ($3,850); Santa Barbara Designs, Oxnard, santabarbaradesigns.com. 7. Gloster “Blow” low teak and ceramic side table ($1,800); Patioworld, Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills; patioworld.net. 8. “Regatta” natural consolebar-work station ($1,099); Crate and Barrel at The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 9. Kingsley Bate “Azores” all-weather wicker and teak dining side chair designed by John Caldwell ($565); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. 10. Gloster “Deco” large screen designed by Mark Gabbertas ($4,000); Patioworld, Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills; patioworld.net. 

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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©2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

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Good Deeds By Mark Langton

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Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties

1. Dore Baker, Pattie Mullins, Melissa Remotti 2. Holly Cole 3. Erin Schrode, Noa Hecht 4. Jennifer Cooper Finnerty, Cindy Ladin 5. Lisa Waldrep, Liz Rusnak, Jake McQuaide, Sandy Kobeissi 6. Andrew Firestone and Ivana Bozilovic, Kevin Krystofiak 7. Katherine Steele, Earl Minnis, Sarah Newell, David Edelman 8. Jennifer Strong, Peter and Karen Wollons 9. Sara Weiner, Karla Aguirre, Maribel Ramirez 10. Chris and Liz Kimball 11. Janet Garufis, Jennifer Quail 12. Natalie Yanez, Sharon Cromartie

The Make-A-Wish Foundation Tri-Counties (tri-counties. wish.org) held its Big Wish Gala in early March at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Hosted by Montecito Bank & Trust president and CEO Janet Garufis, the event raised money to help grant wishes to children living in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties who are diagnosed with lifethreatening medical conditions. Three Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties community partners who have contributed to the organization’s mission were recognized: television personality and philanthropist Andrew Firestone, the Los Angeles Rams, and World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization working to prevent hunger around the globe. Children and their families shared inspiring stories about what it meant to have their wishes granted.

Photographs by Mark Langton

To see more photos from this event, visit 805living.com.

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

As a lifelong dancer, Alice has always projected confidence and grace. Sidelined by injuries and illness, she worried that she would never dance again. As a Belmont Village resident, Alice stays active every day in a holistic wellness program that includes personalized fitness, therapy, and rehab programs developed by experts in senior health.

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Good Deeds By Mark Langton

The Jewel Levine Foundation

The Jewel Levine Foundation (thejewellevinefoundation.org) raises money to assist those in extreme financial or medical need. In 2013, Danielle “Missy” Marquis, then a Newbury Park middle school student and competitive runner, was so moved by the Boston Marathon bombing that she felt compelled to raise money for the victims. Years later, when a friend and neighbor became very ill, Marquis wanted to help but was skeptical of donating money to an organization because she wasn’t sure where her money would actually go. She decided to create her own charitable foundation in honor of her late grandmother, Jewel Levine, who had demonstrated strength and positivity throughout the more than 15 years during which she’d received dialysis. In less than three years since the foundation’s inception, it has raised more than $200,000 through efforts like its third annual Bill Hannan Memorial Crawfish Boil. The authentic New Orleans–style picnic, held in mid-March at a private residence in Newbury Park, benefited local families in need.

1. Danielle “Missy” Marquis, Amy and Derek Marquis, Gator Marquis 2. Don Loperena Jr., Karen Loperena 3. Mallory Winston, Tanya Martinez, Michael Marquis 4. Jerry Bennett, Jack Frye, Kimberly Bennett 5. Catherine Diliberti, Claudia Diliberti 6. Aiden Rodriquez, Manny Crovetto, Larry Wagner 7. Krish and Steve Nishi 8. Larry Austin, Shanaira Austin, Terry Austin, Terrence Austin 9. Rick Marquis, Virginia Alvarado 10. Scott Barlow, George Barlow 11. Caroline Pemberton, Ryan Pemberton 12. Steve Moskowitz Photographs by Mark Langton

To see more photos from this event, visit 805living.com.

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Lewis Galleries

SOURCING YOUR ART NEEDS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS

We are a preferred Disney, Warner Bros., and Dr. Seuss fine art gallery. We also carry such artists as Alex Ross, Gabe Leonard, Michael Godard, Richard J. Oliver, Oryan, and Bob Doucette.

Join us on May 10 to meet artist Bob Doucette. 1555 Simi Town Center Way, No. 130 Simi Valley, CA 93065

805-579-9818

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Get

ut!

Four ways to go outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer this season. BY JOAN TAPPER

Granted, even during the cool, rainy weather of what passes for winter in the 805 area, it’s not too daunting to leave the house. Snow means heading up to the mountains to ski, not shoveling your walk, and even when we wake up to a brisk 40-degree morning, we often exchange a sweater for a T-shirt a few hours later when the temperature has risen to 60. Still, by May, longer days of sunshine and refreshing breezes are excuses to spend more time outdoors. It can be enjoyable to putter on the patio or in the garden. But why not venture farther afield? Here are a few ideas.

For the Birds

The equipment is minimal (binoculars, sensible shoes, water), and the fee is nonexistent. What could be easier than showing up at 8:30 a.m. for one of the twice-monthly, two-hour bird walks led by Peter Thompson, a volunteer for the Santa Barbara chapter of the National Audubon Society (santabarbaraaudubon.org)? Newbies and veteran birders alike are welcome. “There are regulars and also people just passing through town,” he says. Venues dot the landscape from Carpinteria to Goleta. “We’re fortunate with different habitats here,” Thompson says, “with mountain chaparral, ocean for seabirds, and freshwater locations like Lake Los Carneros. The new North Campus Open Space at UCSB is a hot spot for birds, with a gorgeous restored habitat. And it’s flat. Anyone can do it.” This time of year is particularly good, with lots of species migrating at the birds’ peak coloration for breeding. What will you see? Commonly sighted birds are California scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers, and California towhees—“They’re practically tame,” Thompson says—as well as warblers, hummingbirds,

Scoping out the scene, a bird-watcher uses binoculars on a tripod to take a long look at a feathered friend.

and countless shorebirds, depending on the location. There are also surprises. When the North Campus Open Space restoration project brought in rocks and created above-ground warrens to attract burrowing owls, one of those birds—which Thompson says are “not rare, but uncommon”—actually showed up. It’s helpful, he notes, to have a good field guide. “And you can also get apps for your phone that will play birdsong,” Thompson says. “Listening is important, because you often hear the bird before you see it.” A lifelong birder who grew up in the Midwest and moved to the 805 area in retirement, Thompson says the activity appeals to different personalities. While some people are diligent about keeping track of every species they see, his attitude is simply to enjoy it. “I think the best part is being able to get out and enjoy a new location, being with like-minded people,” he says. “It’s social.” For information about Audubon-led bird walks and field trips in Ventura County visit conejovalleyaudubon.org; for San Luis Obispo County check out morrocoastaudubon.org.

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Watery

The Channel Islands are called the Galápagos of North America because among the 2,000 species of plants and animals there, 23 are found nowhere else in the world— and the islands are just 20 miles off the Southern California coast, protected as a national park. “It’s a true treasure, an unparalleled marine habitat,” says Michael Cohen, founder of Santa Barbara Adventure Company (sbadventureco.com), which runs a June-through-August kayak excursion to the Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island, among many other trips. Named for the colorful mosses and lichen that grow on a geological seep, the huge cavern is one of the world’s deepest sea caves and juts far above emerald green water that Cohen says seems to be lit from underneath. “The cave tapers as it goes way back,” he says, “and there are sea lions hauling out. It’s world-class kayaking in your backyard.” Exploring the cave is a highlight of a daylong trip that begins aboard a charter boat in the Santa Barbara Harbor and heads straight across the channel to the west end of Santa Cruz, with whale watching along the way. At the island, participants board tandem kayaks and begin by exploring smaller grottoes and caves. “The marine life is incredible,” says Cohen. “There are dolphins, kelp forests with garibaldi, seabirds—a procession of different species.” During the summer the waters are generally calm, and the pace for the nearly three hours of kayaking is slow. No experience is necessary. The participant-toguide ratio is eight to one, and a skiff serves as a support vehicle. Back on the charter boat— which boasts hot showers—a hot barbecue lunch is waiting, and later there’s time for snorkeling (wet suits and gear are provided). “With kayaking you’re able to be in a small craft and connect with nature,” says Cohen. “You’re in rhythm with the water. It’s a form of meditation. You get to be in the moment, in the wilderness of the ocean.”

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Wonders

A plein air artist works in watercolor to quickly capture the landscape (below). Dwarfed by the entrance to the Painted Cave (opposite), a group of kayakers emerges from exploring the innards of Santa Cruz Island.

Art in the Open

Plein air painting is alive and well in the 805 area, where a wealth of local professional artists are known for such work. And for those who’ve always hankered to take a sketchbook or easel and a box of paints to a scenic ocean-view bluff or patch of woods, the Santa Barbara City College School of Extended Learning (sbcc.edu) provides that opportunity. John Iwerks—a landscape painter and member of The Oak Group, whose exhibits support the preservation of open spaces—is one of the artists who leads eight-week classes for adults both indoors and out. He’s quick to say, “Nature is the teacher,” but that downplays his role with the 20 to 30 students in his charge, whom he schools by going from one to the next, offering encouragement and helpful comments. “I may demo a sketch or talk about how to incorporate air, light, and color,” he says. “I point out things that make it easier. Everyone [gets] something different. I might talk

about perspective or suggest a technique like scumbling— using a dry brush when oil painting to give a sense of mist. On a foggy day we talk about values and shadows.” Iwerks began teaching in the early 1990s and after 20 years took a five-year break, before recently returning. “I started feeling like I missed it,” he says. “It keeps me humble.” He rotates class locations among mountains, architectural views, and coastal and wooded areas but keeps in mind the fact that everyone will have to tote an easel, a box for paint, canvases, a sketchbook, a lightweight backpack, and a stool from the parking lot to the chosen spot. “I find places where you can relax and enjoy what you do,” Iwerks says. “There is no right or wrong. There’s a camaraderie. It’s a great experience—watching the light change, then walking through the scene.”

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JONA CHRISTINA PHOTOGRAPHY

Smell the Roses

“I want everyone to step out of our own small world and experience nature, something bigger than yourself,” says Danielle Dall’Armi, the creative force behind Rose Story Farm (rosestoryfarm.com) in Carpinteria. For her, that means sharing her property through workshops and gatherings that allow visitors not only to enjoy the artful setting and the vision of thousands of rose bushes in bloom but also to spark an appreciation of floral crafts. She kicked off this season with a three-day experience for farmers, rose growers, floral designers, and artists from around the country. It was a special, scholarship-only event that combined technical information with design inspiration and networking. But local rose aficionados can look forward to one-day workshops that will be open to the public and include a tour of the farm, perhaps breakfast or lunch, tips on rose care and design, and, most important, some hands-on experience. “We plan to have two or three over the summer,” Dall’Armi says. “Thirty years ago, when we bought the property, our dream was to have opportunities for likeminded people to get together. It’s fun to pick things from the garden and make things. Anyone can do it. If you have good products to work with, it’s hard to fail. Many times people are blown away by what they can do with their hands.” Dall’Armi notes that there are all kinds of ways people can enjoy the rose garden. She’s considering intimate alfresco concerts and opportunities for plein air artists to come and set up their easels. But for now, floral workshops top the list. “In this area we have bluffs, beaches, hiking trails that a lot of people never experience,” she says. “Being at Rose Story Farm may be a bit more romantic, but mostly I want people to get out in nature, even if that means planting one rose in a pot on your balcony.” 

Imparting inspiration, Danielle Dall’Armi (opposite, top) addresses rose growers and floral artists at a recent workshop at Rose Story Farm. A designer (opposite, bottom) works with a handheld bouquet; the beribboned result (right). MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Next-Level Picnics

EVENT DESIGNER NICOLE LEZA SETS THE STAGE FOR FABULOUS ALFRESCO FEASTS.

BY NANCY RANSOHOFF PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MOSS

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in the details. Picnickers gather around a lace-draped custom-made table adorned with spring foods and flowers. A lace tent (opposite) fashioned a local cabinetmaker sets a cozy scene. 74byMAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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Friends drink a toast to the season in the pretty, relaxed setting softened with rugs, blankets, and a variety of textured-fabric pillows culled from nearby stores and thrift shops as well as online sources.

FOOD TRENDS come and go, but picnics are forever. The desire to eat a meal in a beautiful outdoor setting is timeless, and nowhere is this easier to accomplish than on the Central Coast, thanks to its picnic-friendly climate. Local event designer Nicole Leza, owner of Santa Barbara Picnic Co. (santabarbarapicnicco.com), takes picnicking to the next level, creating up-to-the-minute, memorable gatherings infused with bohemian style. “The idea to start the company came to me because I like to go on picnics with my friends and boyfriend, but I was always sprucing it up,” says Leza. “I also wanted to allow people who are visiting from other places to have this unique way of experiencing the beauty of Santa Barbara.” The setting for the professional picnic designer’s premier picnic, an event for local lifestyle and food bloggers last summer, was the Santa Barbara Mission rose garden. From that point on, her business blossomed. “It really took off on Instagram,” she says. “That’s how most people find me.” The rose garden is one of her primo picnic places, along with Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden and Ledbetter Beach, both also in Santa Barbara. For culinary offerings, most >

Menu Hibiscus-Strawberry Sparkler Grazing Board Shaved Asparagus Salad With Pecorino Cheese, Dill, and Lemon Spring Market Tartines Mini Mixed Berry–Chamomile Tarts

Alexis Ireland Florals arranged roses, ranunculus, cymbidium orchids, and thistle from the farmers’ market to add to the festive look.

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Leza elevates events with her custommade tables, canopies, and lace and macramé tents, along with area rugs, blankets, pillows, and other decor.

A picnic with panache (from top): Nicole Leza, event designer and owner of Santa Barbara Picnic Co., enjoys the fruits of her efforts. Guests sip refreshing Hibiscus-Strawberry Sparklers. Shaved Asparagus Salad with Pecorino Cheese, Dill, and Lemon is one of the creative offerings on the menu by chef Jamie Poe of Poe and Co. A grazing board (opposite) is arranged with honeycomb-topped goat’s milk brie, aged Gouda, Manchego, goat’s milk Gouda, breadsticks, rosemary crackers, fig and olive crisps, mixed Manzanilla olives, dried apricots, red grapes, and dried orange and lemon slices.

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gatherings include Leza’s grazing boards with a variety of cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruits from the farmers’ market, and bread from Santa Barbara’s Oat Bakery. For more elaborate menus, she often works with local caterer Poe and Co. (poe-and-co.com). To celebrate peak picnic season, the two joined forces to create an alfresco brunch on a recent sun-splashed afternoon in Santa Barbara. Chef Jamie Poe, co-owner of Poe and Co. with husband Jayson, gets her creative juices flowing by surveying local seasonal bounty. “Nature is often the inspiration for my menus,” Poe says, “and in Santa Barbara it’s hard to ignore. We’re surrounded by hilltop avocado groves, fields of strawberries, and an entire underwater world. There’s so much to play with!” For the brunch-in-the-park menu, just-picked sweet berries are spotlighted at the start and finish in refreshing HibiscusStrawberry Sparklers and scrumptious Mini Mixed Berry– Chamomile Tarts. Asparagus is the very taste of spring, and here it’s the star of a salad, in which it’s complemented by the salty sharpness of Pecorino and the bright flavors of fresh dill and lemon zest. Spring Market Tartines are vibrant savory showstoppers: cracked-wheat sourdough bread slathered with scallion cream cheese and >

Please pass the Spring Market Tartines—open-faced sandwiches topped with a rainbow of colorful spring veggies and beetpickled eggs. Mini Mixed Berry–Chamomile Tarts (opposite) are filled with vanilla-chamomile pastry cream, topped with crumbled shortbread and fresh blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and garnished with chamomile flowers.

topped with avocado, pickled onion, cucumber, radish, snap peas, asparagus, endive, shaved carrot, and beet-pickled eggs. Poe brines the hard-boiled eggs in a pickling mixture with fresh beets, giving the whites a pretty pink rim and a slight tangy taste. When planning picnic menus, Poe suggests keeping the following in mind: “If it’s a hot day, think about what can be out baking under the sun. Nothing too saucy or messy to handle, and go for dishes that guests can eat with one hand while holding a drink in the other.” Leza elevates events with her custom-made tables, canopies, and lace and macramé tents, along with area rugs, blankets, pillows, and other decor sourced mainly from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy. “I like to shop a variety of sources to find unique items from other parts of the world,” she says. Flowers add to the natural vibe, and Leza often turns to Alexis Ireland Florals (alexisirelandflorals. com) in Santa Barbara for organic-looking arrangements made with flowers sourced from local growers and markets. All the details come together to create a memorable celebration of the season.  80

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“Go for dishes that guests can eat with one hand while holding a drink in the other,” Poe advises.

Taste FOOD / WINE / DINING OUT

The Choux Fits THE CLASSIC SWEET PASTRY MAKES ITS MODERN-DAY MARK WITH INFUSIONS OF CREATIVE FLAVORS.

By Nancy Ransohoff Photographs by Gary Moss

ream puffs and éclairs are rising to sweet new heights of popularity. Classic, simple-to-make pate a choux (French pastry dough) is the base for both, creating irresistible pastries with airy, custard-filled centers and crispy golden exteriors. With no leavening agents in the dough, these beauties get their lift from the magic of steam, eggs, and gluten. The following recipes by local chefs put a flavorful twist on tradition with inventive fillings and icings

DARK-CHOCOLATE AND CARAMEL-HAZELNUT CREAM PUFFS From Joel Gonzalez, executive pastry chef at the Ojai Valley Inn (ojaivalleyinn.com) and The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, this recipe features a filling that calls for hazelnut praline paste, a commercially available product made with hazelnuts and sugar (not to be confused with Nutella, which includes cocoa). Makes 15 to 20 cream puffs PATE A CHOUX 1 cup water ½ cup butter 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1¼ cups flour 4 eggs DARK-CHOCOLATE AND CARAMEL-HAZELNUT FILLING 3 cups milk 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise

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4 egg yolks ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup cornstarch ½ cup 72 percent dark chocolate 2 tablespoons hazelnut praline paste ½ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts, plus more for garnish

whole puffs are preferred, poke a small hole in the bottom of each puff and pipe in filling. Alternatively, cut off the top of each puff, pipe filling into the opening of the bottom portion, and place the top of the puff on the filling. Once puffs are filled, pipe a circle on top and garnish with a hazelnut.

To make pate a choux: In a saucepan, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil. Add flour and reduce to medium heat for 1 minute while stirring. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir until it stops steaming. Add eggs one by one, stirring to incorporate each. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer pate a choux to a piping bag fitted with a ¾-inch round tip. Pipe round mounds a little more than 1 inch in diameter onto the parchmentlined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Decrease oven temperature to 350°F and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until puffs rise and are golden brown. To make filling: In a saucepan, bring milk and vanilla bean to a boil. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Temper the egg yolk mixture by very slowly straining small amounts of the hot vanilla-infused milk into it, whisking after each addition. (This prevents the yolks from cooking too fast and becoming lumpy.) Discard vanilla bean solids. Return the milk mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens. Allow mixture to boil 2 minutes while constantly whisking. Stir in the chocolate, praline paste, and hazelnuts. Transfer filling to a piping bag fitted with a ¾-inch star tip. Cream puffs can be filled two ways, depending on desired look. If

OXNARD STRAWBERRY AND GREEN TEA ÉCLAIRS Gonzalez flavors the filling and icing for these éclairs with matcha (green tea) powder, which lends an earthy note that complements the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. Makes 15 to 20 éclairs PATE A CHOUX 1 cup water ½ cup butter 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1¼ cups flour 4 eggs GREEN TEA–STRAWBERRY FILLING 3 cups milk 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise 4 egg yolks ½ cup sugar ¼ cup cornstarch 2 teaspoons matcha powder 1 cup unsweetened whipping cream, whipped 1 cup diced strawberries MATCHA-FLAVORED WHITE CHOCOLATE (OPTIONAL) 1 cup white chocolate 1 teaspoon matcha powder >

Ojai Valley Inn executive pastry chef Joel Gonzalez demonstrates two filling methods in his Dark-Chocolate and Caramel-Hazelnut Cream Puffs, stacking some for a creative presentation finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Taste Food

Pro Tips

Pate a choux may be made ahead and refrigerated for several days or frozen before baking. When ready to bake, reheat it gently in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. While baking cream puffs and éclairs, keep the oven door shut so the steam builds and the puffs puff.

about 2 teaspoons of diced strawberries. Pipe filling on top of strawberries. To make matcha-flavored white chocolate (if desired): Line tray with parchment and set aside. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate and matcha powder. Microwave mixture for 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth. Transfer melted chocolate to a pastry bag fitted with a piping tip and pipe desired shapes onto parchmentlined sheet. Allow to cool until set. Remove from parchment and set aside. Garnish éclairs with strawberry rounds, freeze-dried strawberries, and, if desired, matcha-flavored white chocolate rounds.

CARAMEL POPCORN CREAM PUFFS “My desserts at The Bear and Star are inspired by our farm and ranch,” says Taylor Eakins, pastry chef at The Bear and Star (thebearandstar.com) in Los Olivos. “We had a small harvest of heirloom popcorn from the farm last autumn that has become one of my favorite ingredients to work with. For me, this recipe takes the sweet and salty comfort of caramel corn and presents it in a refined and unexpected way.”

Oxnard Strawberry and Green Tea Éclairs

GARNISH Oxnard (or other) strawberries, sliced into rounds Freeze-dried strawberries (available at Whole Foods Market) Matcha-flavored white chocolate pieces (optional) To make pate a choux: In a saucepan, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil. Add flour and cook over medium heat for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir until it stops steaming. Add eggs one by one, stirring to incorporate each. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer pate a choux to a piping bag fitted with a ¾-inch round tip. Pipe 3x1-inch lines onto parchment-lined sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Decrease oven

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temperature to 350°F and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until éclairs rise and are golden brown. To make filling: In a saucepan, bring milk and vanilla bean to a boil. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Temper the egg yolk mixture by very slowly straining small amounts of the hot milk into it, whisking after each addition. (This prevents the yolks from cooking too fast and becoming lumpy.) Discard vanilla bean solids. Return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat until thickened. Allow mixture to boil 2 minutes while constantly whisking. Stir in matcha powder. Remove from heat and cool completely. Fold whipped cream into cooled filling mixture and transfer to a piping bag fitted with a ¾-inch star tip. Cut off ¼ of each éclair from the top and fill with

Makes 30 to 40 small cream puffs PATE A CHOUX ½ cup water ½ cup milk ½ cup butter Pinch of salt 1 cup flour 4 eggs 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon water POPCORN PASTRY CREAM 3½ cups plain popped popcorn 5 cups of milk 1½ teaspoons salt ¾ cup sugar, divided 4 tablespoons cornstarch 8 egg yolks ½ cup butter plus 2 tablespoons CARAMEL SAUCE 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1½ teaspoons corn syrup ½ cup heavy cream 6 tablespoons butter ½ teaspoon salt

To make pate a choux: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet. In a medium saucepan, bring water, milk, butter, and salt to boil. Add flour and stir over medium heat until a film coats the bottom of the pan. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a standing mixer and beat with paddle attachment until slightly cooled. Add eggs one at a time, stirring to incorporate each. Continue stirring until smooth. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip. Pipe 1-inch circles onto prepared silicone liner. Pat down any tails on the pate a choux with a wet finger. In a small bowl, combine beaten egg with water for egg wash. Brush egg wash on tops of piped circles and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and hollow. Set aside. To make popcorn pastry cream: Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set aside. In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a boil. Pour hot milk over the popped popcorn. Let steep for at least 1 hour. Strain popcorn from milk and discard popcorn. Measure popcorn-flavored milk, adding more, if needed, to make 4 cups. Stir the salt and half the sugar into the popcorn-milk. Return mixture to saucepan and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix cornstarch and remaining sugar together. Add egg yolks and use a mixer to beat until light and fluffy. Bring popcorn milk to a boil, then remove from heat. Temper the egg yolk mixture by very slowly adding small amounts of the hot popcorn milk into it, whisking after each addition. (This prevents the yolks from cooking too fast and becoming lumpy.) Return egg and milk mixture to pan and whisk continuously over mediumlow heat until it has the consistency of pudding. Add butter and stir until incorporated; strain mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Transfer pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap against surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Cool in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. To make caramel sauce: In a heavy bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup and add enough water to give the sugar the consistency of wet sand. Bring to a boil over high heat and brush down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water. Cook until sugar is a deep amber color and remove from heat. Slowly whisk in heavy cream. Add butter and salt and whisk until smooth. Strain into medium bowl and set aside. To assemble: Transfer cooled popcorn pastry cream to a piping bag outfitted with a ¼-inch round tip. Use a serrated knife to cut tops off cream puffs. Spoon caramel sauce into the bottom of each puff and pipe in popcorn pastry cream to fill. Place tops on cream puffs. Serve immediately. 

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VENTURAHARBORVILLAGE MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste Wine By David Gadd

Match Game SPRING VEGETABLES PRESENT UNIQUE WINE-PAIRING CHALLENGES.

MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

his go-to match for difficult vegetables. Brick Barn Albariño, Santa Ynez Valley

(brickbarnwineestate.com), “offers good stone fruit and lemon zest flavors that pair well with the fresh spring veggies,” he says. “The wine’s great acid adds tanginess and keeps things light and fresh.”

The 805’s seasonal bounty is a raison d’être for Santa Barbara’s The Lark (thelarksb.com), where Acme Hospitality group wine director Hayden Felice recommends the Tatomer Grüner Veltliner Meeresboden, Santa Barbara County

(tatomerwines.com), to accompany

pring on the Central Coast is the time to begin enjoying garden-sourced vegetables, but some, such as artichokes, asparagus, and the brassicas (cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and their relatives) present unique challenges when it comes to finding ideal wine matches. It seems a Ph.D. in organic chemistry is necessary to fully understand the issue, but wine science educator Deborah Parker Wong can provide some insight into what happens when certain vegetables meet the palate. Take artichokes, for example: “A tasteobliterating compound in artichokes called cynarine blocks most of the taste receptors for acid, bitterness, and salt, making anything you eat or drink taste vaguely sweet.” Parker Wong suggests light-bodied red wines to counter that effect. On the other hand, she says, “When pairing wine with brassicas or asparagus, combat their notably high levels of organosulfur compounds and methoxypyrazines with dry, aromatic white wines. Steer clear of wines with overt greenness or pungency, which will only amplify green flavors, and opt for tropical, fruitdriven, or perfumed white varietals to help mask those sulfurous aromas.” “Methoxypyrazines” may be easy for a food scientist to say, but the issue takes on a more practical get-’er-done side when you ask workaday sommeliers. At Stonehaus (the-stonehaus.com), the upscale enocentric tavern at the Westlake Village Inn, wine manager Tim Desmond opts for an aromatic Spanish varietal from Santa Barbara as

the restaurant’s crispy Brussels sprouts with medjool dates, garum, serrano pepper, sesame, and lime. “Graham Tatomer’s earth-driven grüner plays quite well with this dish,” says Felice, noting the wine’s affinity not only for the basic flavor of the vegetable (a tasty but notoriously sulfurous brassica) but also the dish’s intriguingly spicy accents. “There’s enough of grüner’s earthy vegetal character to parallel the Brussels themselves and add a complementary umami character to augment the garum sauce, while it retains enough acidity and phenolics to drive through the lime, the sweetness of the medjool dates and fish sauce, and the hint of spice coming off the serranos.” Thomas Hill Organics (thomashillorganics.com) in Paso Robles is renowned for its seasonal cuisine. Wine buyer Christine Tweedie consulted with executive chef Kurt Metzger to find the best local wine to match with the chef’s THO Spring Salad. Created especially for spring, it features baby kale, arugula, peaches, spring peas, shaved Parmesan, and a simple lime– Dijon mustard vinaigrette. “We decided that the Paix Sur Terre Kiler Grove Vineyard Ugni Blanc, Willow Creek District [paixsurterrewines.com], would be

the best wine for this dish,” says Tweedie. This Paso Robles white is “an extremely versatile white wine for pairing with food. The Ugni Blanc’s freshness and kiss of white pepper complement the snap peas and arugula and help neutralize the bitterness in the kale. The natural acidity in the wine plays perfectly with the vinaigrette.” Crisp white wines may seem like an intuitive match with most spring vegetables, but at Granada Hotel & Bistro (granadahoteland bistro.com) in downtown San Luis Obispo, front-ofhouse manager and wine buyer Ulisses Avina prefers red wines with some vegetable preparations. “Since our dishes have been designed to be stand-alones,” says Avina, “we use wine to augment the main flavors in the dish. For instance, our roasted cauliflower comes with an olive tapenade; the savory Stolo Vineyards Syrah [stolofamilyvineyards.com] has hints of rosemary and bay leaf, which made an ideal accompaniment to the dish.” For Brussels sprouts, Avina takes a similar red-wine approach. “Our Brussels sprouts are fried and accompanied by dried cherry, pickled mustard seed, and goat cheese. The dried cherry really ties in with the Chanin Wines Los Alamos Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County

[chaninwine.com], which also has a slight earth note to it, as well as tobacco and herbs.” The bottom line for Avina: “Wine and food should complement each other with neither stealing the show.”  MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste Dining Out By Victoria Woodard Harvey Photographs by Gary Moss

From Humble Beginnings INSIDE COIN & CANDOR BRASSERIE AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE, EVEN SIMPLE INGREDIENTS BECOME EXPERIENCES IN EXTRAORDINARY FLAVOR.

A striking focal point, Coin & Candor’s white marble-topped bar is set off with black and gold accents above and below.

ust beyond the lobby doors of the AAA FiveDiamond Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is the bustling, new Coin & Candor (coinandcandor.com). “This is one of the finest restaurants in design that I have been a part of,” says general manager Robert Cima, a 30-year veteran in the industry. The interior’s clean, mid-century design features natural stone floors, black accents, leather seating, plenty of glass and offset lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame alluring views of the Santa Monica Mountains. At its center is a striking oculus bar, where a bartender prepares the house cocktail, a Monkey 47 gin and tonic garnished with lavender from the outdoor gardens. In the open pastry kitchen, a baker pulls hot bread from the 450-degree ovens, as another team member torches a tray of desserts in ramekins. It’s an impressive scene, and even before the first bite of the California brasserie-style dishes,

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it’s clear this was meant to be a place for destination dining. Executive chef Jose Fernandez, a native of Barcelona, came aboard two years ago to run the hotel’s dining program, including Onyx, the popular sushi restaurant helmed by chef Masa Shimakawa that remains on site and has also been completely remodeled. The renovation period before Coin & Candor’s April debut gave Fernandez time to explore local culinary offerings and refine his own menu, showcasing regional flavors. He knows the nearby farms that provide the centerpieces of his produce-forward dishes and oversees the planting of the property’s kitchen gardens and orchards. He tells about one particular adventure when he hauled buckets of seawater from Point Dume State Beach back to the kitchen for a four-day-long process of making his own finishing salt. “It’s a process I always wanted to learn,” he says, “and I think that luxury, that attention to detail is really, really important.” >

Candid cuisine (clockwise from top left): Vadouvan butter spices up whole roasted carrots. A wine wall flanks a private dining area that looks onto the main dining room through floor-to-ceiling glass. The bartender mixes a Coin & Candor on Tonic, the house cocktail. Fish and vegetables get their stripes on the wood-fired grill. Fresh-baked sourdough loaves are made daily from house-milled grain. Handcrafted artisanal meats stand ready to tantalize on charcuterie plates. Executive chef Jose Fernandez helms the kitchen. (Center:) A criollo-chocolate ice-cream dessert arrives in dramatic style.

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Taste Dining Out The variety of techniques and flavors on Coin & Candor’s menu reflects the camaraderie between Fernandez, whose dishes exhibit his Mediterranean roots, and chef de cuisine Jesus Medina, who hails from Mexico. “We are so close to the border, it’s an influence you can’t deny,” says Fernandez, “and [Medina] is amazing.” Seemingly simple dishes have extraordinary flavor, like a starter of sliced avocado from Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark with an aioli of Santa Barbara pistachios and lemon zest and a dusting of house-made, umami-rich seaweed powder. The humble cabbage is also a surprisingly delicious dish. Wedge-cut and wood-fired to a melt-inyour-mouth softness with slightly charred edges, it’s served with peanut sauce, sweet bacon, and fresh herbs. A plate of roasted whole carrots with a light coating of vadouvan (a curry blend) butter shows the chef’s confidence in letting nature define delicious. Featured raw starters include Kumamoto oysters from Humboldt Bay with yuzu gel and heirloom tomato granita as well as the hamachi crudo, which is presented beneath a smoke-filled glass dome with smoked tomato broth, green olive, cilantro, and radish. The salad of torn zucchini flowers, tender kale, mâche lettuce, and purslane comes with chunks of California avocado and halved cherry tomatoes topped with a mound of mango-habanero sorbet to be stirred in as a chilled dressing. Made with red fife (wheat) that’s milled in-house, the fresh-baked sourdough loaf is served with organic Straus Family Creamery butter topped with salt crystals. The effect of the wood-fire oven, which is fueled with red oak, is everywhere, particularly in dishes like the whole red snapper from Baja, California. Deboned and marinated overnight in mild red adobo, the tender, flaky white fish gets a flavor punch with a side of chimichurri and is served with a bright salad of fresh herbs. Crisped skin Ōra King salmon (one of the few items not from the immediate region, it’s A starter of beets is flavored with hibiscus, blackberry, and blood orange and comes with kale chips and a dollop of creamy house-made ricotta.

A generous 10-ounce helping of wood-fire grilled red snapper makes a hearty entrée.

sourced from New Zealand) comes with a delicate sauce made from ash-cooked plantains laced with saffron. From the New Standards section of the menu, the meatballs are inspired by Medina’s grandmother. Made with dry-aged beef and San Marzano tomato sauce sweetened with fennel sofrito (a Latin base of sautéed onions, garlic, and green peppers), they’re served with house-made ricotta and grilled bread. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available in options like Thorne Family Farm tomato tartare, grilled cauliflower steak with corn mole and capers, and farro risotto with English peas and carrot-top pesto. Sometimes theatrical and always exceptional, desserts display the artistry of pastry chef Patrick Fahy, formerly of The French Laundry in Yountville and Blackbird in Chicago and a James Beard Award nominee for several years. His elegant soufflé is a party on a plate with warm salted-caramel fudge, bananas Foster ice cream, and chopped candied hazelnuts. A chocoholic’s temptation, the criollo ice cream is made from the rare Latin American cacao beans for which it is named and served in a shell of pure criollo chocolate on crème anglaise. A billowing cloud shrouds the table in vapors when the dish is presented, the result of a final touch: the freezing of chocolate mousse with liquid nitrogen. The beverage program is as well considered as everything else at Coin & Candor, with an extensive and predominantly Californian bottle list and several notable vintners (Sea Smoke pinot noir, Tyler chardonnay, and Pahlmeyer Jayson cabernet sauvignon from Napa, to name a few) by the glass. Tap offerings include Stolpman Vineyards sauvignon blanc, rosé from Liquid Farm in Happy Canyon, plus Kombucha Dog and a wide selection of local craft beers such as Patient Pilsner and Game Day Blonde from Westlake Village and Schöner Tag Hefeweizen from Moorpark. Named for Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village owner David Murdock’s rags-to-riches work ethos, which dates back to 1943 when he had exactly two coins to rub together and began his lifelong course in hospitality and entrepreneurship by boldly taking over an abandoned diner, Coin & Candor continues a legacy of hard work to make the utmost out of the humblest things around. 

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).

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

The luxe Belmond El Encanto hotel perches atop its seven-acre hilltop property with sweeping city and ocean views. Settle in on the spacious terrace or in the elegant dining room and linger over artfully presented California coastal cuisine crafted by executive chef Johan Denizot. Local ingredients shine, including herbs from the chef’s garden and cheese made from the milk of Ellie, the resort’s cow. The seasonal menu features appetizers such as halibut sashimi and mains like king crab leg in lobster-chili broth and classic New York steak with a choice of sides. The wine list includes Santa Barbara County gems and globetrotting

labels. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, although Sunday lunch is replaced with a bottomless Bellini brunch. Afternoon tea (reservations highly recommended) is served Monday through Saturday. In-the-know locals and hotel guests take in the sunset, cocktail in hand, on the terrace.

CA’ DARIO 37 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-884-9419 cadario.net 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.

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

Located at the luxurious Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Cello showcases the cuisine of executive chef Justin Picard, a veteran of kitchens in San Francisco and Aspen who has made two guest appearances at the James Beard House in New York. Look for local, seasonal ingredients (some grown on site) in his pastas, salads, flatbreads, steaks, and seafood. A serene covered patio near

Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey— and what’s better with that than a Mimosa? Join the Brunch (brunchpaso.com) bunch in Paso Robles for a Build Your Own Mimosa Flight. The festive flight ($40) includes a bottle of Pol Clement Brut Blanc de Blancs, fresh juices (orange and guava) and pineapple and strawberry lemonade, and an assortment of fresh berries. Pair with a bacon breakfast pizza or breakfast burrito and drink a toast to customizable cheers-ing! the substantial kitchen garden is a fine place for enjoying breakfast, lunch, small plates, or dinner outdoors. Cello also offers an extensive farm-to-bar cocktail menu and a wine list that includes several otherwise impossible-to-get bottles.

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 wellrounded 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 light-bite menu. For a sip of joe, Stir coffee bar, located off the lobby, is open daily from 6 a.m., offering a grab-and-go menu of baked on-site MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

The Dining Guide 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.

GIANNFRANCO’S TRATTORIA 666 Linden Ave. Carpinteria, 805-684-0720 Italian; Entrées $13–$28 Great Patio

The family of owners welcomes you here with open arms. In good weather, opt for a seat on the back patio with its garden setting. Some customers always start dinner with a glass of wine and the calamari appetizer, which comes with perfectly grilled baby squid and shrimp next to a crock of slightly spicy dipping sauce. It’s a great idea. Salads are also quite nice and take advantage of the local growers. The pastas are lightly sauced and there’s a daily fresh risotto. Meats include grassfed free-range lamb chops and rib-eye steaks as well as farm-raised chicken. Giannfranco’s is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday.

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

EDNA VALLEY PIONEERS • SINCE 1973

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

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

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

10 MIN FROM DWNTN SLO • CHAMISALVINEYARDS.COM

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Il cortile is Italian for “the courtyard.” At this upscale restaurant at the edge of downtown Paso, the courtyard invites diners to breathe in beautiful evenings. A more intimate experience awaits inside, where diners find what the owners call contemporary Old World styling. Northern and Southern Italian dishes are the heart of executive chef and co-owner Santos MacDonal’s seasonal menu. Along with caldi (hot) and freddi (cold) antipasti, there is a section of the menu dedicated to mozzarella. Pasta, ravioli, and gnocchi have fresh, inspired flavors, hallmarks

of being house-made. Secondi (main courses) cover beef, lamb, and seafood; osso bucco is particularly nice. The restaurant has a small bar area and a wine list that raises a glass to California’s Central Coast and Italy.

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

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

THE MONARCH 1295 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara, 805-869-0789 themonarchmontecito.com Entrées $24–$54 Daily Brunch

Located within the historic Montecito Inn, The Monarch offers a unique dining experience with a sumptuous interior, a full bar, and an innovative menu inspired by old world–tradition. Co-owner and executive chef Phillip Frankland Lee offers composed dishes and shared plates showcasing Central Coast ingredients. Highlights include yellowtail crudo with fried capers and papaya confit, housemade pappardelle with lamb ragout, grilled whole chermoula-marinated spot prawns, and double-cut pork chop brined in brown sugar. The kitchen’s stone and brick wood-fired hearth calls for centuries-old cooking methods, such as heating bone marrow in a metal cone to sear local abalone à la flambadou; slow-roasting beef short ribs hung fireside and sliced to order; and baking simple, delicious breads by Margarita Kallas-Lee, co-owner and pastry chef.

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, 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 three-course Beijing Duck dinner ($78 per person) is among the prixfixe, 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 Florenceborn 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 CaliforniaItalian cuisine (see separate listing). Start the evening with small bites and cocktails in the Wallace Neff

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

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

Set in a spectacular seaside location, this luxury beachside resort’s seven distinctive restaurants and bars are open to the general public as well as hotel guests. Executive chef Massimo Falsini oversees the dining destinations, which emphasize locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Caruso’s, the signature oceanfront eatery, is open daily for dinner and features alfresco seating over the sand in addition to a stylish dining room outfitted with deep blue leather booths. Menu highlights include starters such as hand-pulled burrata as well as Baja kampachi crudo, house-made pastas including the chef’s signature carbonara, uni tagliolini, and main courses such as pan-roasted petrale sole and grass-fed Watkins Ranch beef fillet. Local and international wines and traditional handcrafted signature cocktails are also offered. Malibu Farm at Miramar, the first California resort outpost of Helene Henderson’s well-regarded farm-totable restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch in a refined yet relaxed setting. Standout dishes include mini Swedish crepestyle 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.

The Dining Guide 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.

Slip into summer at the annual Rosé All Day at The Stonehaus at the Westlake Village Inn (the-stonehaus. com) on May 19 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sip more than 20 rosés from around the world, including the 2018 Stonehaus Rosé, and nosh on cheese and charcuterie plates and other small bites while enjoying live music. Tickets ($60 per person, plus tax) are available online and include six rosé tastings and a commemorative glass. À votre santé! 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

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fried kale and roasted potatoes. Desserts include frozen custards, vanilla-spiced doughnuts, and a show-stopping Baked Alaska. Surrounded by the coppery glow of the walls and the burnished-wood wine rack that frames the kitchen pass-through, diners may forget they’re at a kosher restaurant in an Oxnard industrial park. The restaurant is closed on Fridays and Saturdays in observance of the Sabbath. Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is served buffet style, with carving and omelet stations and weekly specials inspired by ingredients from local farms.

TOMA RESTAURANT & BAR 324 W. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, 805-962-0777 tomarestaurant.com Italian; Entrées $26–$38 Romantic

Located along Santa Barbara’s palm tree–lined waterfront with views of the harbor, Toma offers a romantic atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance of upscale but unstuffy, consistently top-notch food, and attentive service. Executive chef Nat Ely uses locally sourced ingredients to put his own spin on Italian and Mediterranean dishes like gnocchi with rock shrimp, rack of lamb revved up with harissa, and house-made pastas like braised beef and pork ragù lasagna. Dinner is served nightly, and there’s a full bar and wine list with local and international labels.

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

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

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

UPDATE WATER’S EDGE RESTAURANT AND BAR 1510 Anchors Way Ventura, 805-642-1200 watersedgeventura.com American; Entrées $14–$50 This aptly named bar and grill offers well-prepared plates from both land and sea in an elegant setting with views of the harbor and boats. Start with a cocktail in the piano bar and move on to dinner for starters such as Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail and pesto-stuffed mushrooms and main dishes like seared sesame seed–crusted ahi and braised short ribs. Brunch, served every Friday, Saturday, and

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

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

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

Foodie

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

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

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

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

Take a culinary cruise to Alaska at Bluewater Grill Santa Barbara (bluewatergrill.com). From May 15 through June 15, chef Jason Mazur offers his special Inside Passage seasonal menu of freshly shucked oysters on the half shell from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, along with freshly caught Alaskan halibut and cedar plank salmon. Sip a Northwest wine, soak up the harbor views, and you may want to set anchor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE BOAR DOUGH TASTING ROOM 5015 Cornell Road Agoura Hills, 818-889-2387 boardoughtastingroom.com American; Entrées $16–$28 Sunday Brunch

This cozy hidden gem is a perfect spot for dinner or a bite (or two) before or after a movie at the next-door theater. Sip from an international wine list (the friendly owners, Charles and Joanne Bruchez, are happy to help with a selection) while enjoying starters like

charcuterie and cheese boards and bacon-wrapped dates with Manchego, fresh salads, and pizzas. Entrées include sweet and spicy fried chicken breast and crispy pork belly tacos. For a treat try Blueberry Bliss, a tarte flambé showcasing the all-American berries with goat cheese, thyme, and honey. Sunday brunch features omelets and other egg dishes, waffles (banana and Nutella, anyone?), and pizzas like the Mr. Johnstone with marinated salmon (also available at dinner). Happy hour on Wednesdays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. offers half-price pizzas and $5 house wines, beers, and sangria.

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

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

Experience it ALL. HAPPY CANYON VINEYARD

PRESENTS THE

TH ANNUAL

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

POLO CLASSIC

JUNE 29 TH, 2019

SECRETARIAT DR. HAPPY CANYON, SANTA YNEZ, CA PIOCHO RANCH 1100

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MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

The Dining Guide 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.

Kicking it up a notch in Newbury Park, former Sesame Inn owners Jennifer Dong and her husband Paul Qi are now serving authentic Chinese specialties at the new Seven Spice Kitchen (sevenspicekitchen805.com). A hot-food display counter offers a combo option with one, two, or three entrées and a side for just $6 to $8 with choices such as seven spice fish, sesame chicken, and beef with jalapeños. Or order appetizers, soups, and traditional entrées like Chinese burgers or liangpi zi, steamed cold noodles with spicy sauce.

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.

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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’t-miss 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.

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.

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 oysteruni-avocado combo. Local wine and beer options are on tap. Located two doors down, The Grand Room is available for large private parties and is the setting for monthly chef dinners. Tickets go fast.

NEW 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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE MIDDLE CHILD 18 East Cota St. Santa Barbara, 805-770-5626 themiddlechildsb.com Californian; Shared Plates and Entrées $9–$16 Kid-Friendly

Elevated, seasonal dishes are the focus of chef’s chef Taylor Melonuk, formerly of The Lark in the nearby Funk Zone. The casual, loftlike venue is relaxed, with an outdoor patio, an upstairs dining area for larger groups, and a wine bar with local faves and beer on draught. Menu highlights are buttermilk fried chicken with coconut grits; white shrimp in lemongrass garlic butter on grilled bread; salads with arugula, burrata and peach as well as frisée with heirloom tomatoes and pluots; and pizzas topped with wild mushrooms and Taleggio or cured salmon, mascarpone, crispy capers, and egg.

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 MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

The Dining Guide 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.

Eye candy at Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections (exvotochocolates. com) in Ventura includes bonbons, handpainted in swirls of color and filled with spring flavors like bananas Foster with milk chocolate and a splash of rum. They’re made in-house daily, along with ice cream in new flavors like Carrot Cake, a cream-cheese icecream base spiked with chunks of carrot spice cake. Tangerine Dream sherbet, made with citrus from nearby Underwood Family Farms, lives up to its name. 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

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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.

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.

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 housemade pastas such as wild mushroom pappardelle, salmon puttanesca, and a don’t-miss grilled globeartichoke 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.

NEW TIN CANTEEN 3070 Limestone Way Paso Robles, 805-369-2787 tincanteenpaso.net

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

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

UPDATE 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-atthe-counter eatery offers a menu of street food–inspired dishes by chef Daniel Palaima, who’s now back in his native Santa Barbara after stints with culinary heavyweights Grant Achatz and Stephanie Izard. Dishes include pork belly bahn mi, crispy chicken wings with caramelized fish sauce, octopus salad with glass noodles and a Vietnamese fish sauce called nouc cham, and Vietnamese crepes with duck and shrimp confit. Beer and wine selections are from around the globe. Also on site is Monkeyshine, which serves frozen treats flavored with Asian spices and ingredients (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.

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BAZILLE AT NORDSTROM AT THE OAKS 346 W. Hillcrest Drive Thousand Oaks, 805-418-4010 restaurants.nordstrom.com New American Shared Plates $6–$11; Entrées $15–$24

1-year 3-year

BLUE TABLE 28912 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills, 818-597-2583 bluetable.net International; Entrées $8–$15 Live Music

2.4 % 2.4 % 2.55 %

APY*

Minimum deposit $1000

APY*

Minimum deposit $1000

APY*

Minimum deposit $1000

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 04/17/2019. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

Nordstrom’s second floor restaurant is a fine and semi-private place to dine between shopping forays. Previously known as Blue Stove, the space now features more natural light, a full bar, and greater emphasis on entrées over tapas. Shared plates include crisp calamari with lemongrass-sweet chili dipping sauce and maple sriracha-glazed bacon deviled eggs. Main dishes are organized under the headings of “meat” (selections include French dip on toasted Parmesan baguette), “poultry” (house-made chicken sausage with burrata), and “seafood” (crab, mango, and avocado salad).

Call or visit your local financial advisor today. Kyle W Lundberg Financial Advisor

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Located in Paso Robles’ Tin City industrial makers market, Tin Canteen offers high-end food in a laid-back setting. Tuscan-born chef Michele Gargani trained in Italy before working stints at Mélisse in Santa Monica and Enoteca Drago in Beverly Hills. Tin Canteen’s season-driven menu changes often, but expect wood-fired pizzas, pastas made in the next-door Etto Pastificio factory, and sandwiches like Mary’s fried chicken on a brioche bun. Shared plates include options like Wagyu meatballs with tomato sauce, Parmigiano, and garlic fries. Beers and eight local wines rotate on tap.

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

340 N Westlake Blvd Suite 165 Westlake Village, CA 91362 805-496-5584

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

DON’T MISS OUR UPCOMING JUNE DRINKS ISSUE AND 805 LIVING COCKTAIL WEEK JUNE 20–30, 2019.

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

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

Italian; Entrées $10–$24

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The Dining Guide 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.

Get taste buds tingling at the fourth annual Presqu’ile Winery (presquilewine.com) tri-tip cook-off on May 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take in ocean and vineyard views at the Santa Maria estate winery while barbecue bosses including Whiskey Bent, Valle Fresh, The Pairing Knife, Beachwalk BBQ, and others grill their tri-tip takes for guests and culinary judges. Tickets include all-you-can-eat tri-tip and traditional Santa Maria sides; wine, not included, is available for purchase by the glass and bottle. Tickets, $15 for club members and $25 for nonmembers, are available for purchase online or by calling the winery at 805-937-8110, ext. 103.

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 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

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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 glutenfree buffalo cauliflower tossed in yuzu sauce and chicken-and-waffle bites that come with a tangy surprise: Tabasco-braised kale. The house burger is made with a chuck, brisket, and hanger steak patty on a brioche bun (options include gluten-free buns and plant-based Impossible Burger patties). Crispy tacos, salads, and flatbread pizzas are also available. Families and other groups gravitate to the communal tables inside and on the patio. Seating is first-come, first-served at the copper bar.

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 light-filled 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.

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

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Harvest welcomes hotel guests and the public alike. The dining rooms are sleek and comfortable with natural light, and patio and garden views. Executive chef Steve Johnson, a Hyatt Regency veteran, turns up the flavor in offerings such as the grass-fed burger and Alaskan Halibut in Rosemary Butter Sauce served with summer squash and jubilee rice. The For Kids by Kids children’s menu features dishes created by Haile Thomas, host of the YouTube series Plant-Powered Haile. Furnished with fire pits and lounges, the outdoor patio is the perfect place to sample $5 cocktails and food specials during happy hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

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

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

JANE 1311 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-962-1311 and 6940 Marketplace 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 family-owned and operated group of restaurants has clearly struck a chord: Its original location was number 16 on Yelp’s list of Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2016. The mix of authentic Mexican cuisine with casual but attentive 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 top-shelf tequilas and drink specials. Diners who sit at the bar can order food there, too.

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.

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

Downstairs in the Water Court Plaza office complex, owner Pookie creates delicious Thai dishes for lunch and dinner daily. Lunch specials are a steal

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

PATH Santa Barbara Presents

the making it home tour

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 fast-casual 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.

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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.

SUSHI PLANET 951 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 114 Thousand Oaks, 805-379-9844 sushiplanet.net Japanese; Entrées $7 and up Prices vary for sushi, sashimi, and premium rolls. Tempura, bento boxes, udon, and sashimi are on the menu. But what this local chain is really known for

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The Dining Guide is its colorful and creatively named rolls. The Saint Valentine consists of crab salad, avocado, tuna, salmon, and shrimp rolled in soy paper to form a teardrop shape; they’re served in pairs, which resemble hearts. Some of the simplest preparations are also the best: You can’t go wrong with tuna tataki, a beautifully plated dish of seared tuna cut into thin pieces and topped with slivers of jalapeño; baby spinach leaves and a sweet ponzu sauce help cut the considerable heat. Beer and wine are available.

Snacks are having a moment. At The Lark (thelarksb.com) in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, belly up to the bar or communal table from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. nightly and dig into chef Jason Paluska’s new cocktail-hour snacks, including pimento cheese sliders, hush puppies with salted honey butter, duck fat–roasted pecans and peanuts with a kick of cayenne, and chicken skin cracklins with ancho chile and smoked onion dip. Six handcrafted cocktails are designed for perfect pairing.

Fun, Fun, Fun

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

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

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

Seven restaurants offer as many dining experiences at this public market-style spot in the heart of The

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Collection at RiverPark. House-roasted coffee, avocado toast, and gluten-free muffins help jumpstart the day at Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, while The Blend Superfood Bar serves smoothies, juices, and acai bowls made with local berries and honey. Other order-at-the-counter options include Love Pho, Taqueria el Tapatio, and PokeCeviche, specializing in build-your-own Hawaiian poke bowls and chefcurated 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 craft-beer bar Bottle & Pint serves local brews and ciders on tap and by the bottle and can; wines are available by the glass. Fun artwork, inventive communal seating areas, and two retail shops add to the vibe.

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, Neapolitan-style 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 is served Fridays to Sundays, and dinner is served nightly; 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 rollup 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 apricotcashew 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.

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.

HITCHING POST 2 406 E. Highway 246 Buellton, 805-688-0676 hitchingpost2.com Steak House; Entrées $26–$56

A fan favorite since its star turn in the 2004 movie Sideways, Hitching Post 2 radiates a western-style steak-house feel with down-home service and hearty portions of Santa Maria–style barbecue. In addition to oak-grilled steaks, the menu features ribs, quail, turkey, duck, and seafood. Sip from the Wine Spectator award-winning wine list that includes a selection of Hitching Post labels.

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

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

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

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.  MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

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P.S. Sketchpad By Greg Clarke

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MAY 2019 / 805LIVING.COM

805 Living May 2019

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