805 Living May 2021 by 805 Living

M AY 202 1

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© 2021 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty.

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Semi Annual Sale

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Morgan Stanley is proud to congratulate

Seth Haye

Named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors Ranked #10 – State of California, Los Angeles Area Being named to Forbes’ 2021 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list is a testament to your experience, professionalism and dedication to your clients. Thank you for the work you do each day and for carrying forward the culture of excellence at our firm. The Oaks Group at Morgan Stanley Seth Haye Managing Director Senior Portfolio Management Director Financial Advisor 100 N. Westlake Blvd., Suite 200 Westlake Village, CA 91362 805- 494-0215 seth.haye@morganstanley.com http://www.morganstanleyfa.com/ theoaksgroup

Source: Forbes.com (February, 2021). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of 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 because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and 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, see www.SHOOKresearch.com. © 2021 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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Contents M AY 2 0 2 1 • O U T D O O R L I V I N G

Features 62

BOTANICAL ART

At Taft Gardens, nature’s masterpieces inspire the works of others.

Fresh furnishings for life alfresco. By Frances Ryan and Carmen Juarez-Leiva

GARY MOSS

By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gar y Moss

BACKYARD BLISS

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Through a new artist-in-residence program, Ojai’s Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve serves as the muse for creative works. For details, see page 62.

Contents M AY 2 0 2 1 • O U T D O O R L I V I N G

54 Departments of the 805

By Leslie Dinaberg, Nancy Ransohoff, and Erin Rottman

Finds 49 New Picnic Classics

Pack these clever accessories for a fun and carefree open-air meal. By Jennie Nunn

52 STYLE: True-blue Navy

This year more than ever, the reliable perennial favorite outranks seasonal fads. By Frances Ryan

54 TRAVEL

Coconut Craze Local chefs take the tropical flavor to new levels in a range of recipes that call for it in multiple forms.

Boozy Botanicals Central Coast distillers draw flavor from nature’s bounty. By Alex Ward

Visit Us Online!

82 DINING OUT:

805living.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Spotify, Apple, Google, and YouTube keyword: 805Living

What’s new on the local restaurant scene

By Nancy Ransohoff

Insider 58 Events In & Around

P.S. Sketchpad 96 Snoutdoor Living

Upgrades 60 Pillow Happy

Bolster outdoor living spaces with cushy pops of personality. By Frances Ryan

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

80 SPIRITS:

84 Where to Eat Now

the 805

By Jaime Lewis

By Erin Rottman

By Heidi Dvorak

Taste 76 FOOD:

Pets’ design contributions to backyard spaces By Greg Clarke

In Every Issue

18 Editor’s Note 22 Masthead 26 Behind the Scenes

Check out our website for the free digital version of 805 Living (smartphone- and tablet-compatible, it’s also on issuu.com). Tune in to our free Spotify playlists (keyword: 805 Living) and 805 Living Eats podcasts available on Apple, Google, and Spotify (keyword: 805 Living Eats). Become an 805 Living Insider! Sign up to receive “The Insider,” our free mid-month newsletter that provides additional suggestions for local events and activities, lastminute getaway ideas, and little extras—like food and wine tips—to help you get through the month. Insiders will also receive special offers, contest news, event invitations, and more. Subscribe at 805living.com.

On the Cover As a resident artist at the Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve in Ojai, Cassandra C. Jones gathers specimens that will serve as subjects for the creation of her remix works. For more on the preserve and some of Jones’ latest pieces, see “Botanical Art,” on page 62. Photograph by Gary Moss

54: COURTESY OF KAIMANA BEACH HOTEL

Pulse 43 Tracking the Beat

FIND OUT MORE

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Editor’s Note

Me: Feeling Grateful I THINK WE ALL WANT OR NEED A LITTLE LIFT right about now. Personally, I value spending time outside more than ever. It’s been my lift lately. I’ve done a bit of backyarding, upgrading elements of the space, planting a variety of shrubs, a cool strawberry tree, and a small herb garden. I’ve also begun reconnecting with some grand outdoor destinations, like Lotusland (lotusland.org) in Montecito. It’s one of the world’s top gardens, right in our backyard, and the exotic plant collections and other extraordinary surprises are worthy of a visit whenever there’s a need to refresh the spirit. When I returned in late March, this phenomenal property had recently been enlivened with the addition of a Japanese garden. After all these years, I am still amazed and energized by the fact that these places exist in our region and are here for everyone to enjoy. And I love finding new ones, like the Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve. (How did I not know about this Ojai gem until now?) My husband and I recently enjoyed an afternoon there, scouting for what would become our cover story (“Botanical Art” on page 62), and we were so delighted to be outside, exploring the gardens, and enjoying the first blooms of spring. I think contributing writer Joan Tapper and photo editor Gary Moss captured the place beautifully, and I was especially enthralled by the thoughtful environmental focus of resident artist Cassandra Jones’ work. This issue celebrates how good it feels to be outside, and I hope it inspires you to take advantage of all the public gardens and preserves and the vast network of hiking trails surrounding us. They’re always there to give you a lift.

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher

GARY MOSS

edit@805living.com

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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EDITOR IN CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Lynne Andujar

edit@805living.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bernard Scharf EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathy Tomlinson DESIGNER

I s it art o r di ni n g ?

Sophie Patenaude PHOTO EDITOR

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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

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

Greg Clarke RESEARCH EDITOR

Tajinder Rehal CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Gary Moss CONSULTING EDITOR

Anthony Head

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

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805 LIVING, MAY 2021

TAKE A SEAT. ENJOY THE WINE.

ENGAGE THE SENSES.

JUST STEPS AWAY FROM THE OCEAN visit our downtown Santa Barbara tasting room to experience wines produced from the finest vineyards on the Central Coast. Enjoy wine flights, chocolate and wine pairings, and light fare on our expansive outdoor patio. Reservations recommended. Visit jwilkes.com. 805-318-6680 | jwilkes.com 35 State Street, Suite B | Santa Barbara

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer S. Vogelbach

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

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Diane Dreyer

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

Amra Neal

Architects, attorneys, automotive, beauty, dining, education, entertainment, financial/banking, fitness, food and beverage, health, home builders, landscape, nonprofit organizations, senior living, travel amra@805living.com 310-924-2631

ALL OTHER ADVERTISING QUERIES

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ADVERTISING DESIGN & PRODUCTION

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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

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ESTABLISHED 2004

805 LIVING, MAY 2021

Samantha Keeping A FULL-SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL DESIGN AND RENOVATION

www.keepinginteriors.com

805.563.6307

@keeping_interiors

Behind the Scenes Spring has sprung, and the weather is wonderful. We asked our featured contributors to tell us about the best outdoor place in the 805 area that they’ve spent time in lately. Jaime Lewis “Our family has been enjoying the Bluff Trail at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria,” says Jaime Lewis (Taste/ Food, page 76). “We like to explore tide pools and sit on the driftwood benches and spy otters, whales, and seals in the water.”

Alex Ward

“Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara,” says Alex Ward (Taste/Spirits, page 80). “Watching my dog Nina chase birds and splash about in the water is a soulnourishing experience.”

“Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa has a beautiful courtyard with benches and a nearby creek. I love finding little islands of tranquility like this in the middle of urban centers,” says travel editor Erin Rottman (Pulse, page 43, and Finds/Travel, page 54).

LEWIS: JEREMY BALL; ROTTMAN: NATHAN BILOW

Erin Rottman

Something’s Brewing Over Here...

AMERICAN TAVERN WESTLAKE VILLAGE | SANTA BARBARA | VENTURA | SAN LUIS OBISPO COMING SOON: PORTER RANCH, BURBANK, ORANGE COUNTY

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We asked our featured experts to share their favorite outdoor spot in the 805.

We gladly deliver throughout the Central Coast and Southern California

“I like walking along the Ojai Bike Path to watch the sunset over the Santa Ynez Mountains.” —Cassandra C. Jones

(“Botanical Art,” page 62) artist Ojai cassandracjones.com

“The Ojai Valley Land Conservatory’s Ventura River Preserve has a great spring showing of many native wildflowers.” —Craig R. Carey

(Pulse, page 43) teacher, author Ventura craigrcarey.net

“I love enjoying coffee outdoors at Field Day Coffee in San Luis Obispo or Hidden Kitchen restaurant in Cayucos.” —Caitlin Quirk

(Taste/Food, page 76) pastry chef Hotel San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo hotel-slo.com

“Any morning you can find me at the grass patch across the street from the last East Beach volleyball court listening to the lions roar at the Santa Barbara Zoo.” —Beau Lawrence

(Pulse, page 43) President and founder Ace Rivington Santa Barbara acerivington.com

JONES: MARC ALT; CAREY: LINTON F. CLARKE; QUIRK: COURTESY OF HOTEL SAN LUIS OBISPO; LAWRENCE: ZACK HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Memorial Day Sale

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME? THE MARKET IS MOVING FAST, AND THE TIME TO SELL IS NOW!

CALL ROSEMARY TODAY AND SHE CAN HELP YOU GET THE HIGHEST SALES PRICE! Call or Text:

805.479.7653

Rosemary can give you advice on improvements that will highlight your home’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers. Although the structure itself is often the deciding factor, many steps must be taken to enhance your home’s features and increase the likelihood of it selling faster.

Innately understanding the finer points of caring for clients with high net worth, and even higher expectations, Rosemary utilizes multimedia print and digital internet advertising to masterfully unite sellers of the finest homes in Ventura County with quality buyers from across the globe.

LET ROSEMARY HELP PUT A SOLD SIGN ON YOUR HOME!

WORK WITH ROSEMARY ALLISON TODAY!

VOTED “WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2020” BY ASSEMBLYWOMAN JACQUI IRWIN AND VOTED “BEST” VENTURA COUNTY AGENT YEAR AFTER YEAR!

Voted Readers Choice BEST Real Estate Agent for 2020

Voted Readers Choice BEST Real Estate Agent for 2019

Voted Readers Choice BEST Real Estate Agent for 2018

Voted Readers Choice FAVORITE Real Estate Agent for 2017

Voted Readers Choice FAVORITE Real Estate Agent for 2016

Voted Readers Choice FAVORITE Real Estate Agent for 2015

Voted Readers Choice FAVORITE Real Estate Agent for 2014

805.479.7653

rosemaryallison@aol.com www.callrosemary.com CalRE #00545184 Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Cal RE Lic .#00545184.

EXPLORE THE NEW PASEO NUEVO

and our collection of local, regional and national retailers and restaurants Open 11am to 7pm Daily PaseoNuevoShopping.com

@ShopPaseoNuevo

651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara CA 93101

ADVERTISMENT

The Great Escape

COURTESY OF OJAI VALLEY INN

Destinations for the perfect vacation.

Ojai Valley Inn guest taking a moment to celebrate pure relaxation and the breathtaking views of the Topatopa mountain range.

OJAI VALLEY INN // OJAI

Escape to Ojai Like Never Before Spring brings sunny days and the sweet smell of citrus to the Ojai Valley. It also ushers in a fresh bounty of happy gatherings and sublime escape at the newly refreshed Ojai Valley Inn. Along with a stunning setting and welcoming hospitality, this legendary 220-acre oak-studded retreat has recently taken its unique offerings to a new level of luxury, including the grand reopening of the award-winning Spa Ojai, following $3 million in enhancements for more private and seamless indulgence. For an inspirational stay, the Inn’s luxuriously renewed Wallace Neff

guestrooms and suites honor history with modernity, while rejuvenated 900-square-foot Paseo Villas perfect modern comfort and curation, steps from the Spa Village. While you’re soaking in the Ojai sun, the resort invites you to find your moment amid seven original dining outlets, four sparkling pools, The Farmhouse’s famed epicurean events, the world-class golf course, and endless outdoor pursuits— from hikes and horseback riding to the Artist Cottage & Apothecary, and immersive beekeeping experience. For more information, visit ojaivalleyinn.com.

MAY EVENTS AT THE FARMHOUSE

The Art of Macarons: Join the Inn’s pastry team as you master the art of making the perfect French macaron, from start to finish. Fresh Pasta Making: Roll up your sleeves and learn to twist, roll, and shape your own handmade pasta with the Inn’s culinary team. California Wine & Cheese Workshop: Savor a sommelierguided class of some of the Inn’s favorite California cheeses, paired beautifully alongside a selection of the state’s top wines. Chocolate Truffle Workshop: Learn the history and basic techniques used to make hand-rolled truffles, featuring ganaches, jams, and the secret inclusions that make these treats so decadent. Artisan Pizza & Mozzarella: Savor each slice of your creation as the Inn’s culinary team guides you through the art of hand-pulled mozzarella and making pizza dough from scratch.

Take time to revel in the joy of travel, share magical moments with loved ones, and discover new adventures at Ojai’s beloved 220-acre retreat— just a short drive away. Rejuvenate at our reimagined Spa Ojai following a yearlong transformation to enrich your wellness journey. Delight your palate with epic culinary experiences at The Farmhouse and sublime outdoor dining on our breathtaking open-air terrace. And find sanctuary in our new collection of luxury private villas and fully refreshed guestrooms. Our serene mountain valley setting welcomes you to celebrate every moment of Ojai’s rare spirit.

844.497.9357 OjaiValleyInn.com

TENAYA LODGE AT YOSEMITE // FISH CAMP, CA

It’s Go Time in Yosemite This Summer A better time is finally in front of us—and so is your best summer. Plan your perfect getaway in the sun at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Whether you’ve been to Yosemite before or always wanted to experience it, now’s the time.

Home to massive waterfalls and 200-foottall giant sequoias, there’s no place on Earth like Yosemite—and summer is the perfect time to visit. Explore world-famous destinations like Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and more.

In Yosemite, you’ll embark on a getaway your family and friends will never forget. Explore the wonders of the Sierra region at nearby Tenaya Lodge, which is located just two miles from Yosemite National Park. The full-service resort offers 75 acres of outdoor recreation and accommodations, from Four Diamond lodge rooms to twobedroom Explorer Cabins.

Gather your family and friends and make up for lost time, creating the summer moment you’ve definitely earned in this one-of-a-kind, natural setting. Book your Yosemite escape at Tenaya Lodge today.

SPECIAL PLACES, SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS. During this global pandemic, Tenaya Lodge offers guests something unique: a pristine natural location for its resort and twobedroom Explorer Cabins far away from urban centers. Along with a program that is aimed at maintaining an environment that helps keep guests and employees safe.

For more information, visit tenayalodge.com.

A comprehensive initiative across all Delaware North Parks & Resorts properties, Rest Assured™ seeks to slow the spread of COVID-19. Tenaya Lodge has reengineered its operating procedures to minimize contact risk and bolstered hygiene protocols to exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “We’re committed to delivering a safe and secure hospitality environment for our associates and guests,” said Dan Lyle, general manager of Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.

GO TIME. SUMMER SOARS IN YOSEMITE Summer is back in a big way in Yosemite, and now is the time to plan an epic Sierra escape to explore Yosemite National Park. Tenaya Lodge puts you just two miles from the park, which helps to make the most of your time. Experience one-of-a-kind Yosemite from our full-service resort and make this the summer you’re looking back on years from now.

Book your adventure.

TenayaLodge.com | (888) 514-2167 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623

PISMO BEACH

Celebrating Pismo with Relaxation and Adventure Thousands of years ago, the Central Coast was home to the Chumash Nation, who depended heavily on the ocean. To fish, they built plank canoes from driftwood and a tar-like substance they called Pis mu. The area in San Luis Obispo County became known as Pismo Beach, and this year the city pays homage to its original inhabitants as it celebrates the 75th anniversary of its incorporation. Convenient to both northern and southern California, Pismo attracts visitors who enjoy relaxing at its white sandy beaches, historic renovated pier, beachfront hotels, and its boutique Shell Beach community with shops and cafes,

WHY NOT STAY AT THE BEACH

as well as those seeking adventure. For the latter, expansive sand dunes beg to be explored on foot, horse, or ATV; the Pacific Ocean offers surfing, kayaking, and kiteboarding; and the 900-acre Pismo Preserve is the place for hiking and mountain biking. Downtown Pismo Beach also provides an ideal base to explore the Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande, and Avila Valley wine regions, all just half an hour away. Cheers to Pismo Beach’s 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee!

Directly on the beach and a short walk from downtown, SeaVenture Beach Hotel & Restaurant (seaventure.com) offers a weeknight birthday or anniversary celebration package that includes a bottle of wine or champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and rose petals scattered in a King Deluxe guest room.

For more information, visit experiencepismobeach.com.

Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach (sandcastlehotel onthebeach.com) features The Deck, a beachfront bar and bistro with a sunrise menu for breakfast and sunset menu for afternoon and evening cocktails and small plates. Try the charcuterie board with artisan cheeses from Central Coast Creamery and the popular barbacoa nachos. The Dia Feliz Spa at The Cliffs (cliffshotelandspa. com) offers plenty of pampering with its relaxation lounge, foot soak room, dry sauna, and outdoor pool and hot tub. Any treatment can be made into a couples experience, including the signature Cliffs Therapeutic massage, with hydrating coconut oil, heated herbal packs, and private steam room.

Dream it. Find it. Love it! Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is located half way between Los Angeles and the Bay Area and is famous for its miles of beautiful white sand beaches, great accommodations and a rich wine region, only minutes away. Come visit Pismo Beach and try surfing, kayaking, exploring the dunes and our wonderful dining opportunities.

ExperiencePismoBeach.com

COIN & CANDOR // FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE

A Culinary Destination Coin & Candor, known for its woodfired dishes, jubilantly reopens after a challenging year and welcomes the return of 805 foodies and first-time culinary enthusiasts, while Chef Jesus Medina and his team celebrate the California brasserie turning two. To make up for its 2020 missed celebration, the lively neighborhood gathering place pays tribute to distinct details that make it a community favorite and a leading contender for one of LA’s best-emerging restaurants.

Honoring his past and present roots, Chef Jesus draws his inspiration from his upbringing and experiences working in kitchens worldwide. Driven daily by seasonal produce available from local farms and its on-site garden, the menu reflects a Southern California state of mind. For more information, visit coinandcandor.com.

INGREDIENTS FOR AUTHENTICITY Stoke the flame Passion and craftsmanship are at the center of all involved in Coin & Candor. This thoughtful approach goes into elevating the flavor profiles of more than 80 percent of the menu’s dishes prepared on the wood-burning grill, including the signature Baja Red Snapper served with adobo and chimichurri. Celebrate the sea The tiniest of treasures offer the biggest delights. The California brasserie househarvests salt weekly with saltwater sourced straight from the sea in Malibu. Prioritize Pastry Chef Patrick Fahy is no stranger to the spotlight after spending time on the pastry team at the acclaimed French Laundry in Napa Valley. Now, at the helm of Coin & Candor’s pastry program, he creates in the guest-facing guild station. Not to be missed—the warm red-fife sourdough bread, milled in-house and baked at 450 degrees daily. Come as you are Dressed up for a date night or dressed for comfort from the gym, Coin & Candor encourages guests to come dressed in what feels best to enjoy the sun-kissed views from the sprawling outdoor patio dining (voted best outdoor dining in LA) or the lively indoor space under the bar’s oculus.

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

(81 8) 575 -304 4

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

COINANDCANDOR .COM

@COINANDCANDOR

LOMPOC

Surprising Discoveries, Unexpected Beauty Now that Spring is in full bloom and we’re ready to put so much indoor time behind us, it’s a great time to hit the open road and experience the great outdoors on the Central Coast. It’s easy—just follow the trail of wildflowers along Highway 1 until you land in Lompoc.

Lompoc offers off-the-beaten path adventures and space to explore inspiring works of art, outstanding wines, California history, and even rocket launches from nearby Vandenberg Air Force Base. At the heart of Lompoc is historic Old Town, with a cool vintage vibe. Stroll along the streets and alleyways to view the impressive collection of more than 30 Lompoc murals.

Follow the Lompoc Wine Trail along route 246 for spectacular vistas and estate wineries around every bend. Or discover your next favorite wine right here in town at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, where it’s an easy walk between nearly 20 boutique wineries. Before heading home, detour to Jalama Beach, just outside of Lompoc, where the coastline views are second to none. Lompoc offers a variety of accommodations to suit your style and budget, so spend a few days and make Lompoc the base camp for your Central Coast travels! For more information, visit explorelompoc.com.

RIPE FOR ADVENTURE HIKE Lompoc’s most visited attraction is La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, featuring California’s most fully restored mission. It’s surrounded by open countryside and 25 miles of trails connecting to the backcountry, leading through a mix of chaparral and oak to many scenic overlooks along the way. JUMP If you’ve always wanted to take the leap, there’s no better place to experience the exhilaration of your first jump than in Lompoc. Boasting the highest tandem jump in Southern California, Skydive Santa Barbara in Lompoc offers a firstrate experience where

you’ll see glorious ocean, valley, and vineyard views. VIEW A LAUNCH Did you know that Lompoc is the best vantage point for viewing rocket launches on the West Coast? Launches don’t happen all the time, of course, so be sure to check ExploreLompoc.com for news of upcoming launch events.

PARK HYATT AVIARA RESORT, GOLF CLUB & SPA // CARLSBAD, CA

A New Era of Luxury Awaits Be the first to experience Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa’s dramatic $50 million transformation. Revel in the coastal lifestyle at our new pools or let expansive outdoor lawns be the backdrop for your next big event. Dramatic enhancements include a newly conceived grand lobby and reimagined culinary offerings. Experience Ponto Lago, a Baja-inspired restaurant featuring a stunning show kitchen, or dine overlooking the 18th green at the new clubhouse restaurant, Ember & Rye, a vintage steakhouse in collaboration with celebrity Chef Richard Blais. Hit the links at the famed Arnold Palmer signature

designed coastal golf course, Aviara Golf Club, home to the LPGA Kia Classic. The resort also features two Topgolf Swing Suites, an immersive social experience offering guests of all ages access to a premier lounge while enjoying casual fare, refreshing beverages, and lively music. The Topgolf Swing Suite delivers a one-of-a-kind simulation that is fun for golf enthusiasts and non-golfers alike. Immerse yourself in more than 200 lush acres offering plenty of space to breathe. Book your luxury staycation today.

EXPERIENCE A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ICON Relax in one of 327 newly redesigned, spacious guestrooms and suites with natureinspired décor.

For more information, visit parkhyattaviara.com. Start the Day with a Walk along the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail which runs parallel to the Aviara Golf Course and one of the few remaining tidal wetlands in Southern California. Let Your Culinary Fancies Take Flight. Begin the day with a Baja-inspired breakfast at Ponto Lago, dine overlooking the 18th green at Ember & Rye, or lounge poolside at Waters’ Edge. End the day at Pacific Point for a view of Carlsbad’s finest sunsets. Hit the Links at the famed Aviara Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer signature-designed golf course and home to the LPGA Kia Classic. Experience Aviara Spa offering an exceptionally rewarding retreat, 20 treatment rooms, and an indoor solarium lounge.

Pulse

COURTESY OF THE INN AT MATTEI’S TAVERN, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

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

Renderings depict plans for this year’s transformation of Los Olivos’ one-time stagecoach stop, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, into an Auberge Resort.

A HISTORIC REAWAKENING AHEAD IN LOS OLIVOS

Built in 1886 as a stagecoach stop in Los Olivos, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern (aubergeresorts.com/matteistavern) is set to reopen at the end of this year as an Auberge Resort with 67 cottage-style rooms and membership opportunities for locals. “What makes it so special is the history,” says general manager Dave Elcon. “It’s always been a place where people meet, create memories, and break bread, so it’s really cherished in the community.” Owned by Brian and Shamra Strange of Strange Family Vineyards in Lompoc, the property features a mix of historic restoration and new construction and encompasses stand-alone suites along Alamo Pintado Creek and an event barn. A pool is framed by mature olive trees, and a new deck off the tavern offers outdoor dining. —Erin Rottman MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Pulse

A GROWTH EXPERIENCE

Gather Garden Co. (gathergardenco.com) is the new name of the retailer previously known as Gather Urban Agriculture in Paso Market Walk in Paso Robles. Owner Laura Morgan continues to share her passion for plants with an expansion of her outdoor nursery into the shopping and dining destination’s indoor space. Inside, behind expansive glass doors, Morgan offers houseplants, air plants, succulents, terrariums, fairy gardens, cut flowers, vases and vessels, wall gardens, seeds, herbs, and hand tools. An arrangement bar for create-your-own cactus and succulent gardens, fairy gardens, cut flowers, and terrariums is offered on a rotating basis, along with classes. “My hope is that our plants and product offerings in both our outdoor nursery and now the indoor space inspire visitors to take a part of the Paso Market Walk’s garden experience home to their own gardens and personal spaces,” says Morgan. —Nancy Ransohoff

NEW NATURE TO NURTURE

Getting back to nature in the 805 area recently got even easier with the establishment of Harmon Canyon (venturalandtrust.org), a new 2,100-plus-acre preserve owned by the Ventura Land Trust. “Harmon Canyon offers beautiful scenery, spectacular views, and a trail system for both hiking and biking found nowhere else,” says Ventura Land Trust executive director Derek Poultney. “And it’s available to the public for free in Ventura.” State grants combined with a generous donation from the previous landowners funded the purchase of the WalkerHearne Ranch for the preserve, which features hills and canyons, oak groves, streams, and vistas of the coastline and Channel Islands National Park. “Community contributions allow the Ventura Land Trust to manage and provide public access to the property, restore wildlife habitat, and support our popular environmental education programs: Ventura Wild and Once Upon a Watershed,” says Poultney. Dogs on leashes are also welcome.

There’s a new way to fly over water. A recent innovation in water sports that carries riders above the surface, a Fliteboard is a half-sized surfboard mounted atop a mini hydrofoil powered by an electric motor. “The most exciting thing about this sport is the weightless feeling of flight above water,” says Danny “Rad” Farahirad, founder of Just Ride Los Angeles ( justridela.com), which offers Fliteboard lessons at Point Dume State Beach. “No previous experience is required,” Farahirad says. “We’ve gotten people as young as 13 and as old as 77 flying during their first session. It’s much easier and safer than it looks.” A private lesson includes use of a board, helmet, and a life vest. —L.D.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Just Ride Los Angeles founder Danny Farahirad (above, right) offers Fliteboard lessons at Point Dume State Beach.

Hikers hit the trail at the new Harmon Canyon preserve.

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

FROM TOP: COURTESY OF GATHER GARDEN CO.; ANDREW AGCAOILI; ANDREW AGCAOILI; @VISIT VENTURA

TRAVELING OVERSEAS

Pulse

ON THE TRAILS In his updated guide to

High fashion resort wear hits the beach in Montecito this summer with the debut of the Dior brand’s first pop-up in the U.S., Dioriviera (dior.com/en_us/womens-fashion/dioriviera), featuring a capsule collection by Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri at Rosewood Miramar Beach (rosewoodhotels.com/en/ miramar-beach-montecito) resort. Plays on the fashion company’s signature patterns—from toile de Jouy to the Dior oblique motif—embellish the line of women’s ready-to-wear garments, leather goods, shoes, and accessories in punchy chartreuse and raspberry, says resort manager Rick Fidel. “A parasol, a hammock, beach games, and fans,” are also available, he says, “alongside a series of decorative objects, stationery, cushions, and placemats.” The pop-up runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. “We are thrilled to partner with a like-minded and esteemed brand to bring this special experience to Montecito this summer,” says Fidel. —L.D. Watch for a pop-up Dior store on the grounds of Rosewood Miramar Beach this summer offering signature garments, gear, and accessories.

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

(Wilderness Press, 2021, wildernesspress.com) Craig R. Carey provides nearly 100 of his personally tested routes for day trips, weekend excursions, and backcountry treks on the lush trails of the Los Padres National Forest. The forest “has always been a place for me to hit that reset button,” says the Ventura County native. In addition to the routes, Carey’s book includes maps, GPS coordinates, descriptions of terrain, flora, and fauna, attractions, and charts detailing the distances and dog- and child-friendliness of each trail. —L.D.

BUNGALOWS: COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH; UMBRELLA, FAN, BOTTLE, SURFBOARD: BY DIOR

FINE FASHION POPS UP IN MONTECITO

Hiking & Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura

A LIFE WELL LIVED. A LIFE WELL EARNED. Since 1998, Belmont Village has safely delivered an unparalleled senior Sales of Ace Rivington clothing store owner Beau Lawrence’s SB Monster Tour Tee benefit Santa Barbara–area restaurants and bars.

ZACK HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

GRATUITEES

Looking for a way to support Santa Barbara bars and restaurants, Beau Lawrence, owner of Ace Rivington (acerivington.com) clothing store, created the SB Monster Tour Tee, a 100 percent–cotton t-shirt with an illustration of a monster printed on the front and a list of the date-night hot spots in the city that Lawrence and his wife Yasmin have enjoyed on the back. For each t-shirt sold, Lawrence will donate $10 to what he considers a tip-sharing pool that will be divided among the establishments on the list. “The idea is that the monster is waking up as things are opening up, and it’s time to have some fun and come alive again,” says Lawrence. “It’s also about wanting to come up with a creative way of supporting local bars and restaurants.” Recognizing longtime favorites, such as The Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant and Harry’s Plaza Cafe, as well as newer venues, like Venus in Furs bar and bottle shop and Yona Redz taqueria, the tees are available at the Ace Rivington website and store in Santa Barbara’s historic La Arcada Plaza.  —L.D.

living experience for thousands of families. Collaborations with experts from the nation’s top healthcare institutions and universities, including UCLA and USC, have established our national leadership in demonstrably effective cognitive health and wellness programs. Combining the highest levels of hospitality and care, our communities make life worth living.

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

New Picnic Classics PACK THESE CLEVER ACCESSORIES FOR A FUN AND CAREFREE OPEN-AIR MEAL. By Jennie Nunn

Vera for Anthropologie picnic travel croquet set ($58); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com.

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds 1

1. Piatnik “America’s Beautiful National Parks” playing cards featuring vintage posters ($8); General Store Paso Robles, generalstorepr.com. 2. Picnic Time “Brie” cheese cutting board and tools set in rubberwood ($22); Target: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; target.com.

3. Resol “The Lounger” folding rattan beach chair ($225); Whiskey x Leather, Santa Barbara, whiskeyleather.com, and resolbeach.com.

4. Corkcicle Rifle Paper Co. “Lively Floral” insulated stemless wine glass in cream ($30); Bristol Farms, Santa Barbara and Woodland Hills, bristolfarms.com; and corkcicle.com.

5. Pablo Designs “Uma” portable sound lantern ($299 small; $479 large); Anthroplogie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. 6. Kikkerland “Suitcase” portable bbq in red ($84); Lincoln Market & Deli, San Luis Obispo, lincolnmarketanddeli.com, and kikkerland.com.

7. “Tribal” single-use wood cutlery ($8); Lincoln Market & Deli, San Luis Obispo, lincolnmarketanddeli.com, and kikkerland.com. 8. Olli Ella “Rattan Big Luggy” ($140); Fig Curated Living, Ojai, figojai.com; and Onederchild, Solvang, facebook.com/ onederchild.

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

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

9. Business & Pleasure Co. “Premium” cooler bag in vintage stripe yellow ($79); Upstairs at Pierre LaFond, Santa Barbara, shopupstairs.com. 10. “Rimini” towel in denim/navy ($38); Riviera Towel Company, Santa Barbara, rivieratowel.com. 

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

Finds Style By Frances Ryan

7 6

9 8 10

True-blue Navy THIS YEAR MORE THAN EVER, THE RELIABLE PERENNIAL FAVORITE OUTRANKS SEASONAL FADS. 1. Ippolita “Luce” topaz, mother-of-pearl, rock crystal, and onyx necklace set in 18-karat gold (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers, Calabasas, polachecks.com. 2. “Claire” calfskin sandal with aged gold-plated “Roulis” buckle ($950); hermes.com. 3. “Celeste” embroidered linen caftan ($458); toryburch.com. 4. Re/Done upcycled bandana mask ($30); Elyse Walker, Calabasas, elysewalker.com. 5. Cartier “Santos-Dumont” watch ($3,900); Polacheck’s, Calabasas, polachecks.com. 6. Short-sleeve knit polo sweater ($228); katespade.com. 7. Kin The Label “Josie” panama surf hat ($198); Angel, Montecito, wendyfoster.com/ angelmontecito. 8. Liberty London “Marlborough” Iphis-print tote ($595); Neiman Marcus at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com. 9. SeaVees “Legend Sneaker Classic” ($75); SeaVees, Santa Barbara, seavees.com. 10. “Dreamy” short-sleeve pajama top and short set ($80); J.Crew, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; jcrew.com. 

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Uncover discounts on a mortgage with a Citi relationship See how choosing Citi can pay off. Call today. Adam Hollinger Home Lending Officer 805-341-0637 adam.hollinger@citi.com citi.com/adamhollinger NMLS# 371753 When you bank with Citi and choose a Citi® mortgage, you get: • Mortgage discounts with Relationship Pricing1 • Dedicated support every step of the way • Decades of industry experience finding mortgage solutions

Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, products and services are subject to change. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Certain restrictions may apply on all programs. Offer cannot be combined with any other mortgage offer. This offer contains information about U.S. domestic financial services provided by Citibank, N.A. and is intended for use domestically in the U.S. 1 A Citibank deposit account and automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank personal deposit account using automated drafting will be required to receive Citibank mortgage Relationship Pricing. Ask a Mortgage Representative for details on eligible balances and the qualifying closing cost credit or rate discount. Availability of the Citibank mortgage Relationship Pricing for Citibank account holders is subject to change without notice. © 2021 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.

352501 - 805 Living Magazine - Campbell.indd 1

wood fire grilled salmon

english peas, chickpeas & fava beans

2/22/2021 4:44:31 PM

Flourish

herb salad lemon vinaigrette

fennel butter cauliflower florets

Finds Travel By Erin Rottman

A NEW BEAT ON THE SUNSET STRIP

At the new Pendry West Hollywood hotel (from top): the L.A. skyline huddles on the horizon in a view from the rooftop pool; an illuminated sculpture by British/American artist Anthony James presides over the lobby; and glamorous guest-room design takes cues from ocean waves and sunny skies.

WITHDRAW TO WAIKIKI EAST

Fun and colorful island-happy style welcomes guests in the lobby of Waikiki’s revamped Kaimana Beach Hotel.

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Escape Waikiki’s crowds by heading to the eastern end, where Kaimana Beach Hotel (kaimana.com, from $199) has transformed into a modern boho hangout in a more residential setting. “If there’s a locals’ beach in Waikiki, Kaimana Beach is it,” says general manager Ha’aheo Zablan, who was born on Oahu and has been going to that beach with his family for as long as he can remember. “It’s a lot more serene.” Standouts of the 122-room hotel include: an open-air lobby with 18-foot-high ceilings and palm trees; an in-house surf school led by longboard surfing champion Kai Sallas; and Hau Tree restaurant, where diners are serenaded by ocean waves. Zablan says the outdoor spaces on the property remind him of the lanai at his grandmother’s house. “It just feels very inviting, very comfortable, and very warm,” he says, “which are qualities that we gravitate to culturally.”

RIGHT GROUPING: CHRISTIAN HORAN PHOTOGRAPHY; BOTTOM, LEFT: COURTESY OF KAIMANA BEACH HOTEL

usic history lives on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and North Olive Drive, the former home of the House of Blues. Etta James, Eric Clapton, Prince, and Johnny Cash were among the legends who performed there, and the club joined venues like the Roxy and Whisky A Go-Go in attracting revelers to the Sunset Strip in the 1990s and 2000s. The new Pendry West Hollywood (pendry.com/west-hollywood, from $395), which opened last month, draws on the past not only as a 149-room hotel but also as a high-end entertainment experience, complete with a live music venue, a two-lane bowling alley, a screening room, a private social club (for members only), and a spa. “The programming we have under one roof is spectacular,” says general manager David Hoffman. Guests walk past a mesmerizing Anthony James sculpture of geometric light immediately into Hollywood glam, checking in at a desk flanked with sueded fringe and topped with white onyx. Rooms feature mirrored armoires, leopard-print chairs, and sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, Sunset Boulevard, or Los Angeles. The view may be best, though, from the rooftop pool, where vistas span from downtown L.A. to the beach. An outdoor bar adjacent to the pool serves daytime drinks as well as late-night snacks and cocktails. Dining options are led by culinary legend Wolfgang Puck, who jokes that the Pendry is not a hotel. “We call it restaurants with rooms,” he says with a laugh. On the rooftop next to the pool, the signature restaurant Merois offers Japanese-, Southeast Asian–, and French-influenced creations. The more casual Ospero has an all-day menu featuring Puck’s classic salads, pastas, and wood-fired pizzas as well as a grab-and-go pastry counter in the morning. Ospero has an entrance off Sunset Boulevard as does the live music venue, an intimate lounge with seating for 75. It pays homage to the storied location but will have none of the sticky floors or kitschy design typical of the House of Blues. Its understated interior shifts attention to the music. “No other hotel has it,” Hoffman says. “I’m hoping to see some big names sneak in every now and then.”

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Finds Travel

OCEANFRONT IN ENCINITAS

erched on the coastal bluffs of North County, San Diego, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas (alilahotels.com/

An ocean panorama is on display in the living room of the Grandview Suite at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.

VENTURE OUTSIDE IN NAPA VALLEY

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection Napa Valley (aubergeresorts.com/ solage, from $1,099 per night) in Calistoga has completed a $30 million redesign focusing on openair living. All guest rooms have been renovated, and 11 new suites open to private patios. An upgraded pool features lounge seating and private cabanas, and a new restaurant, PicoBar, serves a menu inspired by Mexican flavors and local ingredients. Signature offerings at PicoBar include Cowgirl Creamery queso tostadas; house-made tortillas; whipped avocado, pistachio, and kale dip; and a wide assortment of tequilas. Outside by the firepits, guests can arrange for a s’mores night or a tasting of whiskeys aged in wine-country barrels. 

The design of newly refurbished accommodations at Solana, Auberge Resorts Collection Napa Valley (above) favors clean lines and natural materials for an airy feel. Cabanas (right) are more like private lounges that open to the upgraded pool.

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Please check CDC and local guidelines before traveling.

TOP: COURTESY OF ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT ENCINITAS; BOTTOM LEFT AND RIGHT: COURTESY OF SOLAGE, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

marea-beach-resort-encinitas, from $639) brings understated luxury to the laid-back surf town with its oceanfront pool, spa, and steps connecting the hotel and the beach. Blending into the surrounding landscape, the property honors the land-ocean connection with wood walls shaped to mirror the bluffs as well as light polished concrete stenciled with an organic pattern reminiscent of kelp forests and sea life. “The use of black-stained wood in contrast with the organic plaster walls is really all about drama and comfort being fused together,” says interior designer Mark Zeff. Alila plans to offer mezcal tastings, surf retreats, and behind-the-scenes events at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club this summer, depending on health and safety guidelines, says general manager Benjamin Thiele.

Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak

Through May 24

May 12

May 20–23

BROKEN NATURE

WHEN THEY CALL YOU A TERRORIST: A BLACK LIVES MATTER DIALOGUE

PASO ROBLES WINE FESTIVAL

Patrisse Cullors

5/12

May 1–28 CIRCLE OF COMPASSION

May 15

Virtual and Santa Barbara Fine Art Gallery. This special fundraising art exhibition presented by the Oak Group benefits The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and return birds, reptiles, and small mammals to the wild; santabarbarafineart.com.

A FAERY HUNT SHOW AND SPRING FAIRY PARTY

May 1–July 25 ERIN HANSON: COLORS OF CALIFORNIA

5 / 1 –7/ 2 5

Santa Paula Museum of Art. California’s diverse landscapes in locales such as Ventura County, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, and Monterey County are spotlighted in this exhibit that underscores the artist’s signature style of oil painting known as open expressionism; santapaulaartmuseum.org. May 10–June 6 ARTSREACH: TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE

6/5

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Virtual. Organizer and educator Patrisse Cullors, cofounder and executive director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, discusses her book When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir and the state of racism, as part of the UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures series; artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Virtual. Learning at home can be fun for kids through this enjoyable, instructional series that focuses on new languages, cultures, and adventures as Pepperdine alumni tell stories about their experiences traveling abroad; arts.pepperdine.edu.

Virtual. Kids can honor spring’s arrival with fairies, a gnome, a talking eggplant, talking flowers, a magical unicorn, and the King of Fairyland in “Auntie Angelica’s Fairy Garden,” a recorded musical performance that takes place in an enchanted garden. Afterward, there’s an interactive party with music, games, and storytelling; afaeryhunt.com. May 16 BAKING FOR ANGELS

Virtual. Join Angels Foster Care founder and Recipes Bakery & Gifts owner Meichelle Arntz in the kitchen for an instructional class on how to make monkey bread. Proceeds benefit the Angels Foster Care Lionheart Legacy Fund, which provides services for infants and toddlers with complex medical or behavioral needs; angelsfostercare.org.

Paso Robles locations. While the traditional big blowout events aren’t taking place, 150-plus wineries are offering individual tasting experiences within the outdoor areas of their restaurants and tasting rooms during this citywide celebration of everything vino; pasowine.com. May 29 RSVP XXVI: AN ELECTRONIC MUSIC SHOWCASE

Virtual. Plug in to new works for electroacoustic media produced by Cal Poly sound design students. The program includes grooves, soundscapes, and experimental music for laptop ensemble, electronic instruments, and interactive computers; pacslo.org. June 5 MAKING IT HOME TOUR

Virtual. Tour the homes of PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) supporters and watch decor and design workshops while indulging in home-delivered food and wine packages, all to help raise money for the organization. 805 Living is an event sponsor; epath.org. June 5 TOMMY EMMANUEL

Virtual. The acoustic guitar legend plays his multidimensional arrangements as part of The Muse Hour, co-sponsored by Cal Poly Arts, followed by a live, moderated question-andanswer session with the artist; calpolyarts.org. 

PORTRAIT: DANA WASHINGTON; PAINTING: EUCALYPTUS AT MALIBU, 2013, OIL ON CANVAS, ERIN HANSON

Art Center Morro Bay. Art can communicate volumes about serious issues that face the planet and present solutions on how to heal them. This exhibit addresses socioeconomic, political, and environmental challenges through textile, encaustic, mixed media, oil, watercolor, acrylic, and photography; artcentermorrobay.org.

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Upgrades By Frances Ryan

Pillow Happy

BOLSTER OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES WITH CUSHY POPS OF PERSONALITY.

1. Elaine Smith Sunbrella “Trilogy Indigo” ($165); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. 2. Elaine Smith Sunbrella “Ikat Diamond Onyx” ($175); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. 3. Kim Salmela “Arlo” in aqua/terra-cotta ($139); onekingslane.com. 4. Sunbrella “Kofi” square cover from the Dayo collection by Kerry Joyce ($150); RH, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara, rh.com. 5. Kim Salmela “Remi” in gold leopard ($119); kimsalmela.com. 6. Sunbrella “Kuba Cloth Maze” square cover in black/gray ($250); RH, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara, rh.com. 7. Elaine Smith Sunbrella “Celestina Midnight” ($149); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. 8. Sunbrella “African Mud Cloth Box & Arrow” square cover ($220); RH, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara, rh.com. 9. Hollywood at Home by Peter Dunham “Mombasa” in sky ($245); hollywoodathome.com. 

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Sun, sand and surf. We'll supply the rest.

Shop.VisitVenturaCA.com

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@VisitVentura

Artist in wonderland: Cassandra C. Jones (opposite) gathers inspiration at Ojai’s Taft Gardens, where she transforms the shapes, colors, and textures of horticultural exuberance into photo collaged creations like the one below.

At Taft Gardens, nature’s masterpieces inspire the works of others. BY JOAN TAPPER PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MOSS

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Strolling through the Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve (taftgardens.org) in Ojai with artist Cassandra C. Jones is nothing like taking a conventional horticultural tour.

Here, tucked away in Santa Ana Canyon, are 15 curated acres of South African and Australian plants in blooming profusion. What Jones sees and describes, though, is an otherworldly collection of nature’s whimsy: seedpods that resemble Muppet mouths; blossoms that look like jellyfish, feathers, and stars; trees with faces; and flowers with the texture of soft plastic toys. She knows the plants’ real names, of course, and her walks are purposeful and serious. Jones has been working in the gardens for several months, as an artist-in-residence, under a new program that she helped develop and that meshes spectacularly with the nonprofit garden’s interest in enlightening visitors through art and beauty. An Ojai resident, Jones first visited the garden about six years ago and had harbored a desire to do a serious art project there ever since. But there was never time—until COVID-19 struck. Last year Jones sat down and wrote a proposal asking for access to the garden for three months, ideally spanning a couple of seasons. Her concept coincided with ideas that the nonprofit Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF)—the steward for the Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve—had been entertaining. They created an arts council, and the residency was born.

THE GARDENS’ ROOTS

The story behind the gardens goes back to the 1970s, when John Taft, an environmentalist and preservationist, acquired land—covered in chaparral—in the canyon. Taft had a passion for the place, and in 1981 he founded the CEF. Four years later, after the devastating Wheeler Fire cleared the land, Taft brought South African landscape architect Laurence Nicklin to Ojai to develop a garden dedicated to

Paths wind through the Mediterranean-climate gardens, which showcase specimens from South Africa and Australia (above). The 15 acres of plantings were the longtime project of environmentalist John Taft (left).

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A palette of botanical specimens (clockwise from top left): artichoke agave, aloe flowers, grevillea, leucospermum. A walk produces a basket of blooms (opposite), which seem especially profuse in late spring.

South African plants. Jo O’Connell, an expert in Australian horticulture, helped shape an additional section. Throughout the 1990s the CEF partnered with other nonprofits for a range of educational and arts programs; then in 2001, John Taft shifted his efforts to establishing a conservation center in Montana. Today his granddaughter, Jaide Whitman, is president and CEO of the organization overseeing the Ojai gardens and preserve, which encompasses 264 acres including the cultivated Mediterranean-climate 66

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sections, some infrastructure, and open space. We have “incredible botanical specimens,” says Whitman. “This is an experiential and spiritual place.”

WELCOME GUESTS

The gardens are open to a restricted number of visitors, by reservation only, and the lack of crowds enhances the tranquil and restorative experience. “Our core offering is a self-guided tour,” says Whitman, which meanders through the aloe and

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Jones uses images of darts and billiard balls (left and right) to evoke natural flowers and tendrils that mimic the fronds, pods, and blossoms she collects from around her residency studio. The Rings of Time (opposite), an interactive and educational installation, awaits visitors near the garden entrance.

South African gardens, the Australian garden, toward the art studio with its own small rock garden, and past impressive agave cacti. “There are also special guided events, and we’re working with nature therapists to develop walks that provide a therapeutic experience.” Statuary and benches invite visitors to sit and savor the surroundings. “As for the residency,” Whitman adds, “Cassandra has paved the way. It’s a natural for us.” For her part, Jones says, “I had a solid focus of what I wanted to do, which was something with an environmentalist bent that doesn’t feel like a lecture.” Inspired by the surrounding horticulture, she’s been working in her signature photo-collage style, combining familiar images—of billiard balls or darts, for example—in ways that evoke something quite different, like a cactus. In the airy art studio she’s in four days a week are tables with finds from her walks: seedpods from banksia trees; blossoms from the many varieties of leucospermum, also known as pincushion protea; and spider flowers of the grevillea species. “Nothing I’m making is representational,” she says. “It feels like the plant but isn’t exactly it.” The impetus for her project came after the Thomas Fire, which burned hundreds of homes in the area. Jones and her family quickly evacuated, “and when we came back,” she remembers, “there was a layer of ash. All our modern technology went up in smoke and rained down on the valley.” Ash from such wildfires contains nanoplastics and other toxic elements that don’t break down. “It dusted Ojai and is taken up by plants. We’re infusing our nature with us.” That realization is reflected in Jones’s images of benign plastic objects like beach balls or Mylar balloons transformed into greenery. “I’m trying to draw people in with beauty,” she says of her perspective-altering art. · An exhibit of Cassandra Jones’ work will take place at Taft Gardens on May 29. Nature’s art is also there, on permanent glorious display.

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FRESH FURNISHINGS FOR LIFE ALFRESCO. BY FRANCES RYAN AND CARMEN JUAREZ-LEIVA

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

FROM TOP: © SHANNON ASTON/STOCKSY UNITED; © GARY PARKER/STOCKSY UNITED

Backyard Bliss

ouble Decker umbrella with watermelon canopy featuring a keyhole-style valance with white binding ($4,375); Santa Barbara Designs, Oxnard, santabarbaradesigns.com.

rto SD-Malta-HB 8x8-inch, hand-glazed, water-friendly tile ($33 per tile); Buena Tile + Stone: Agoura Hills, Ventura, Santa Barbara, buenatile.com.

lfa Allegro countertop pizza oven ($3,799); Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design, thousandoaksfiresideanddesign.com.

ade Goods Aurora sofa in brown faux rattan ($6,100); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com.

CHAIR: © ETHNICRAFT; VASE: SEASONAL LIVING

easonal Living Arafura ceramic small vase ($720); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com.

loster Deco bird feeder ($790); gloster.com.

thnicraft Bok teak outdoor dining chair designed by Alain van Havre ($809); Beautiful Mess Home & Garden, Agoura Hills, abeautifulmesshome.com. MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

ade Goods Lukas whimsical mirror in dark gray reinforced concrete ($1,050); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com.

easonal Living Ashlar Ceramic Artisan series stool/accent table ($780); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com.

ormations Fontaine fountain (price upon request); through the trade, including Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome. com; and Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com.

eatsail Cantilever disc infrared heater ($7,330); RH, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara; rh.com.

ee Industries Lido outdoor chaise (starting at $2,800); PTS Furniture Home & Office Showroom, Thousand Oaks, ptsfurniture.com.

ormations Verano chaise (price upon request); through the trade, including Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com; and Designs of the Interior, Westlake Village, interiordesignwestlake.com.

STOOL/ACCENT TABLE: SEASONAL LIVING

alecek Palermo 24-inch outdoor counter stool in espresso ($1,478); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com.

ade Goods Evander pendant in navy faux rattan ($1,050); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com.

ermob USA Lorette folding chair ($190); Fig Curated Living, Ojai, figojai.com.

ummer Classics Home Malibu barrel chair ($1,679); Aldik Home, Van Nuys, aldikhome.com.

rown Jordan 20Twenty sofa designed by Richard Frinier in fusion meadow (price upon request); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com.

eak Camp stool in Perennials gingham sunflower fabric ($298); serenaandlily.com.

alden outdoor wood and powder-coated metal bar cart ($429); westelm.com.

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ash & Albert Mali indoor/outdoor rug in black (starting at $102); annieselke.com/c/dashandalbert.

ade Goods Dunley outdoor daybed in light natural faux wicker ($5,800); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com.

alamazoo Shokunin Kamado grill ($5,995); Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design, thousandoaksfiresideanddesign.com.

entury Furniture Tangier cocktail ottoman (price upon request); Alderman Bushé Interiors, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbusheinteriors.com.

amptons outdoor daybed in weathered fawn ($7,699); Arhaus, Thousand Oaks, arhaus.com.

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

LAMP: SEASONAL LIVING; GRILL: KALAMAZOO OUTDOOR GOURMET

easonal Living Inda ribbon ceramic, cordless, outdoor, LED table lamp ($860); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com.

hopstix handwoven side chair designed by Paola Navone for Janus et Cie in aubergine ($1,298); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com.

nthology Water Colors Sea Breeze water-friendly tile ($17 per square foot); Tileco: Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo; tilecodist.com.

eso pingpong table ($16,250); Elevate Customs, Canoga Park, elevatecustoms.com.

ent rattan lanterns ($128–$148); serenaandlily.com.

rift teak and iron nesting coffee table ($679 for a pair); Habitat Home & Garden, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo; habitathomeandgarden.com.

ane Venture Hemingway Islands sofa ($4,720); Pacific Patio Furniture, Agoura Hills, pacpatio.com. ·

Taste FOOD / SPIRITS / DINING OUT

Coconut Craze

LOCAL CHEFS TAKE THE TROPICAL FLAVOR TO NEW LEVELS IN A RANGE OF RECIPES THAT CALL FOR IT IN MULTIPLE FORMS.

By Jaime Lewis

magine the delight of the first person to taste a coconut, most likely fallen from a tree and cracked on impact to expose the white flesh within. Subtly sweet, nutty, and seductively aromatic, the coconut’s interior must have seemed as precious and unusual as a pearl locked inside an oyster. Phenomenally versatile, the coconut is actually rather common these days, thanks to a recent upsurge in its popularity stemming in part from the use of its milk as a nondairy alternative and its flour as a gluten-free option. The coconut products industry—including goods made from every part of the fruit, from coconut oil and milk to coconut sugar and flour and even coils of coconut rope made from the fibers of its scruffy exterior—was valued at $11.5 billion in 2018, according to one industry analysis firm. In the kitchen, the best coconut recipes layer different parts of the tropical staple for a more-is-more approach. Take the Vegan Coconut Thai Tea Ice Cream by pastry chef Caitlin Quirk

VEGAN COCONUT THAI TEA ICE CREAM

⅛ teaspoon salt 1 cup toasted coconut

“Coconut is an amazing ingredient for vegan pastries because the fat content makes it the perfect alternative for cream and butter, and in the case of ice cream, also eggs,” says pastry chef Caitlin Quirk of Hotel San Luis Obispo. “All of my vegan ice creams actually maintain a more stable, desirable, and scoopable texture than my non-vegan ice creams do.” Quirk developed this recipe with her travels to Thailand in mind. “Thai iced tea is one of my favorite beverages,” she says. “It is always refreshing, so I thought it would translate nicely to an ice cream.”

Place teabags in a medium saucepan. Add coconut milk, sugar, vanilla bean paste, and salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain into a heatproof container and refrigerate until chilled. When strained coconut milk has chilled, follow ice cream-maker directions to freeze ice cream. Serve topped with a sprinkling of toasted coconut.

Makes 2 quarts 5 Thai Iced Tea bags (Quirk prefers Wangderm brand, available at World Market or amazon.com) 4 13.5-ounce cans coconut milk 2¼ cups granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

of Hotel San Luis Obispo’s (hotel-slo.com) Ox + Anchor and Piadina restaurants. Quirk uses coconut milk for the base of her ice cream and tops the end result with toasted coconut. At Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen (finneyscrafthouse.com) locations in Westlake Village, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, executive chef Eric BosRau’s Crispy Coconut Shrimp With Citrus-Chili Sauce appetizer is created by dredging shrimp through a coconut-flour mixture, dunking it in a coconut-milk batter, and repeating those steps before coating it in shredded unsweetened coconut. Meanwhile, pastry chef Libby Ryan of Just Baked Cake Studio & Bakery (justbakedslo.com) in Paso Robles’ Paso Market Walk also applies the flavor in triplicate, via coconut milk, shredded coconut, and coconut extract, to her Coconut Creme Cake with Coconut–Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting. Each of these local chefs has graciously shared their recipe here for 805-area coconut fans to try at home.

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

COCONUT CREME CAKE WITH COCONUT–CREAM CHEESE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING In this cake from Libby Ryan at Just Baked in Paso Robles three layers are held together with rich Coconut–Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting. Chef’s tip: be sure to grease both the pans and the parchment

paper for seamless release. Ryan also recommends using an icing spatula to apply the frosting and a bench scraper to smooth the sides of the cake. Serves 12 to 16 ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (plus extra for greasing the pans and parchment paper) 2½ cups sifted cake flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1⅔ cups granulated sugar 5 large egg whites, at room temperature ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon coconut extract 1 cup canned coconut milk, at room temperature 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut >

Taste Food COCONUT–CREAM CHEESE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1 8-ounce block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature 5 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons canned coconut milk ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon coconut extract ⅛ teaspoon salt TOPPING 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut To make cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch round pans with butter, line them with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper with butter. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Add ¾ cup butter and granulated sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Using stand mixer or a handheld mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat butter and sugar together on mediumhigh speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in egg whites. Add sour cream and vanilla and coconut extracts and beat until combined; mixture will look curdled at this point. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl as needed. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add cake flour mixture and coconut milk. Beat on low speed until combined, then add shredded coconut. Whisk by hand to eliminate any lumps at the bottom of the bowl. Batter will be slightly thick. Pour batter evenly into prepared cake pans. You can weigh them to ensure accuracy, if desired. Bake for 21 to 23 minutes or until the cakes are done. If a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean, it is done. Transfer cakes from oven to a wire rack and cool completely in pans. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling. To make Coconut–Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting: Combine butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Using stand mixer or a handheld mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment beat butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. With mixer running on low, add confectioners’ sugar, coconut milk, vanilla and coconut extracts, and salt. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Add more confectioners’ sugar

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if the consistency seems too thin; if it’s too thick, add more coconut milk. Taste it, and if it’s too sweet, add an extra pinch of salt. When ready to assemble cake, use a large serrated knife to slice a thin layer off the top of each layer to create a flat surface. Save trimmings to make into cake pops or crumble over ice cream. Place 1 cake layer on a stand, turntable, or serving plate. Spread the top evenly with about 1½ cups of frosting. Top with second cake layer and cover the top evenly with another 1½ cups of frosting. Top with third cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of three-layer cake. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and apply to sides. Refrigerate cake for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Place any leftover cake in a sealed container or cover it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

CRISPY COCONUT SHRIMP WITH CITRUS-CHILI SAUCE Once all the ingredients are in place, this flavorful dish comes together quickly. Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen executive chef Eric BosRau flavors his shrimp with coconut three ways before frying, air frying, or baking it. He serves the resulting golden-brown coconut-coated shrimp with a bright, sweet-and-spicy chili sauce. His formula for the sauce makes 1 quart. Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Makes 24 shrimp GLUTEN-FREE COCONUT FLOUR MIX 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 cup cornstarch 1 cup rice flour 1 cup coconut flour GLUTEN-FREE COCONUT BATTER ½ cup water ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk 1 egg CITRUS-CHILI SAUCE 1 32-ounce bottle Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce (available in Asian markets) 4 tablespoons sriracha 3 tablespoons ketchup 1 5-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained 1 teaspoon citric acid (available in the canning aisle of most supermarkets) 3 tablespoons yuzu juice (available at amazon.com)

SHRIMP 24 16- to 20-per pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail-on 1 pound unsweetened shredded coconut Kosher salt GARNISH Micro cilantro, chopped parsley, or shaved green onions To make Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Mix: In the bowl of a powerful blender (such as a Vitamix) combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Blend into a fine powder. Transfer to a large stainless steel bowl and add cornstarch, rice flour, and coconut flour. Blend until thoroughly combined. Set aside. To make Gluten-Free Coconut Batter: Add water, coconut milk, and egg to the bowl of a blender. Blend at low speed while slowly adding 1 cup Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Mix through the opening in the lid until the mixture becomes a thick slurry. Set aside. To make Citrus-Chili Sauce: In a blender, add all sauce ingredients. Blend for 3 minutes, until thoroughly combined. To make shrimp: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. Defrost shrimp in refrigerator or under cold, running water. Set up a breading station with pans containing the 4 main components: shrimp, 1½ cups Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Mix, Gluten-Free Coconut Batter, and shredded coconut. Holding a shrimp by the tail, dredge it through Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Mix until completely coated. Next, dip it in Gluten-Free Coconut Batter to completely cover, letting excess batter drip off. Dredge same shrimp through flour mix and batter a second time, then coat battered shrimp in shredded coconut, using your other hand to press coconut onto shrimp. Mixing batter often throughout the dredging process, bread all shrimp and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, grouped in rows of 6. Preheat fryer to 325°F; if using an air fryer or oven, preheat to 425°F. Cook breaded shrimp until golden brown: about 6 to 8 minutes in fryer or 8 to 10 minutes in air fryer or 10 to 12 minutes in oven. When shrimp are cooked, place them in a small mixing bowl and toss lightly with a pinch of kosher salt. Place a dipping bowl of Citrus-Chili Sauce in the center of a serving plate. Ladle a spoonful of Citrus-Chili Sauce around it, and arrange Crispy Coconut Shrimp on plate. Garnish with micro cilantro, chopped parsley, or shaved green onions. ·

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Taste Spirits By Alex Ward

Boozy Botanicals

pring has arrived on the Central Coast. And throughout the area, distilleries are making fine use of the season’s bounty by infusing their spirits with flavorful botanicals. Harvested from the region’s fertile soil, fresh herbs and produce contribute a true taste of local terroir. So raise a glass to the verdant farmlands, innovative craftspeople, and unique offerings of this distinctive, sun-kissed stretch of California. Bottled in Paso Robles, Red Soles Stillhouse Absinthe Verte ($58, redsolesstillhouse.com) follows an 18th-century Swiss recipe and features the “holy trinity” of wormwood, anise, and fennel. These essential flavors are built upon a base of fine California brandy and supplemented with medicinal and culinary herbs, including lemon balm, peppermint, and angelica

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root. “What’s distinctive about our version,” says owner Randy Phillips, “is the combination of herbs we use and the smooth, straightforward power of the final product. We think Ernest Hemingway would have enjoyed it in his champagne.” Distilled at 120 proof, this spirit would be well served by the ritual of la louche: slowly diluting the absinthe with cold water, allowing its herbal essence to come to the forefront and its emerald hue to turn cloudy green. Re:Find Distillery Cucumber Flavored Vodka ($44, refinddistillery.com) is made with cucumbers grown seasonally on a family farm in Arroyo Grande. Picked at the height of ripeness, the crop is juiced on the day it’s harvested, and the juice is added to the vodka’s final distillation. Bottled without carbon filtration, this allnatural vodka pours vibrant and clean. “Using fresh, ripe, local cucumbers is critical to the popularity of our

COURTESY OF VENTURA SPIRITS

CENTRAL COAST DISTILLERS DRAW FLAVOR FROM NATURE’S BOUNTY.

cucumber-flavored vodka,” says distiller Alex Villicana. “It helps us achieve a vibrancy and authenticity that no other cucumber-flavored vodka on the market has. We like to call it ‘boozy spa water.’” Black Market Spirits Throw Back Fernet ($30, blackmarketspirits.com) puts a Central Coast spin on a niche digestif with an avid cult following. Throw Back Fernet is flavored with more than 20 ingredients, including citrus peel sourced from Ojai farmland and cacao nibs from Santa Barbara artisan chocolatier Twenty-Four Blackbirds. Many fernets exhibit a strongly herbaceous, medicinal quality that can be an acquired taste, but Throw Back Fernet’s subtle minty sweetness makes for a far more accessible alternative. “Throw Back Fernet is crafted to be a more approachable style due to its softer overall profile,” says distiller Ian Cutler, “but it still retains all the traditional flavors longtime fernet drinkers are looking for.” Ventura Spirits Limoncello ($30, venturaspirits.com) is a bright, boozy liqueur loaded with citrus flavor. Using relatively low amounts of sugar, this local take

on the Italian tradition allows the fruit to take center stage, showing none of the cloying sweetness of its mass-market counterparts. Locally sourced from Ojai’s Finch Farms, the lemons are juiced and distilled to an essence that is used to cut the spirit down to bottle proof. With lemons being one of the top three crops grown in Ventura County, “it is an absolute no-brainer for someone to be producing limoncello here,” says cofounder James Greenspun, “and we feel like ours does an excellent job of representing Ventura and the incredible lemons we grow here.” Another Italian-style spirit made in the 805, Goleta Red Distillery GoletAmaro ($30, goletared. com) is a deliciously bittersweet herbal liqueur. GoletAmaro’s panoply of botanicals, including cinchona, quassia bark, and local grapefruit zest, provides a pleasing bitterness that is balanced by notes of chocolate, rose, and artemisia. Though it can be added to a variety of hot and cold cocktails, the GoletAmaro shines when served neat as a traditional digestif. “It’s quite nice sipped after a heavy dinner to settle your tummy,” advises distiller Michael Craig. ·

Toast the Season

MIX UP SOME FRESH, SPRINGTIME COCKTAILS WITH THESE RECIPES SHOWCASING LOCAL BOTANICAL SPIRITS.

LIMON COLLINS Makes 1 cocktail 1½ ounces Ventura Spirits Limoncello 1½ ounces vodka or gin 1 ounce lemon juice 2 ounces club soda Lemon slice, for garnish Mint sprig, for garnish Combine limoncello, vodka or gin, and lemon juice in a mixing glass and stir. Pour over ice in a Collins glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon slice and a mint sprig. Recipe adapted with permission from Ventura Spirits

DRAGON FLOWER

THE BLACKBERRY BEES KNEES

Makes 1 cocktail ¾ ounce Red Soles Absinthe Verte ¾ ounce dry vermouth ¾ ounce Benedictine liqueur Dash of mint bitters Mint sprig, for garnish

Makes 1 cocktail 6 blackberries, reserve 1 for garnish 1½ ounces Re:Find Cucumber Flavored Vodka ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice ¾ ounce honey 1 pasteurized egg white

Combine absinthe verte, vermouth, Benedictine liqueur, mint bitters, and ice in a shaker and shake vigorously. Serve over a large ice cube with a mint sprig garnish. Recipe adapted with permission from Red Soles Stillhouse

Muddle blackberries in the bottom of a shaker, then dry shake. Add vodka, lemon juice, honey, and egg white to the shaker along with ice. Shake until chilled. Fine strain. Garnish with a blackberry. Recipe adapted with permission from Re:Find Distillery

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

A Revered Experience In Montecito,

Rosewood Miramar Beach

(rosewoodhotels.com) recently opened The Revere Room, a new dining venue helmed by executive chef Massimo Falsini. Named in a nod to prolific Los Angeles architect Paul Revere Williams, whose work influenced several of the resort’s design details, the restaurant encompasses an elegant dining room and a large patio with garden views. Menus blend local bounty with international flavors in dishes such as the breakfast avocado toast, which enhances Carpinteria avocados with manchamantel mole, a spicy-sweet Oaxacan sauce flavored with chiles, charred pineapple, and cinnamon. “One of the things I love about Santa Barbara is the seasonality and access to all these incredible ingredients,” says Falsini, who visits the downtown Santa Barbara farmers’ market every Saturday. “And what I like to cook reflects the melting pot that is California.” On the dinner menu, large plates range from quinoa or tofu bowls to grilled fish, burgers, chops, and steaks. The restaurant offers dinner daily, breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and brunch on weekends.

SPECIAL EVENTS

An Exclusive Dinner by an Industry Icon  The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn

(ojaivalleyinn.com) culinary event venue continues its Guest Chef Dinner series with meals created by James Beard award-winning chefrestaurateur Jon Yao on May 27 and renowned Los Angeles chefrestaurateur Neal Fraser on July 4. Reservations are available online, and guests will be seated exclusively with their party. Events sell out quickly. Check the calendar at the website.

COMING THIS MONTH

New Beachside Eats  Costa Kitchen & Bar, the signature restaurant at the fresh-faced Mar Monte Hotel (marmontehotel.com) in Santa Barbara, is poised for its May 13 debut. The newly renovated and rebranded hotel opened in August as a Hyatt property. Headed up by executive chef Nathan Lingle, the oceanfront eatery serves Cal-Mediterranean cuisine, drawing inspiration from coastal Italy, with a focus on Central Coast ingredients. Look for signature dishes, such as Santa Barbara Halibut Crudo, Whole Roasted Branzino With Green-Olive Salsa Verde, and Santa Barbara Uni With House-made Angel Hair Pasta. Seating is available in the chic dining room, at the cocktail bar, and on the ocean-facing outdoor terrace.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH; OJAI VALLEY INN; COURTESY OF MAR MONTE HOTEL

By Nancy Ransohoff

Dining Out

What ’s n ew o n th e lo c al re s ta ura nt sce n e. 82

JUST OPENED

A Visionary Eatery CHEF MOVES

Q&A: Bruno Lopez

El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara Pacific prompted me to incorporate more fresh, locally sourced fish in the hotel restaurant menus. And being central in the wine community allows us to introduce local wines to our guests and curate incomparable wine-dinner experiences.

CHEF AND DISHES: EL ENCANTO, A BELMOND HOTEL, SANTA BARBARA; COCKTAIL: JACOPO FALLENI

 Executive chef Bruno Lopez took charge of the food and beverage program at Santa Barbara’s El Encanto (belmond.com) in February. Here, he shares his thoughts about his craft and his move to the 805. Having apprenticed in Paris and worked in Dubai and in other California locations, what do you appreciate about the 805 area? I see similarities between Santa Barbara’s American Riviera and the French Riviera. The sweeping views of the

What was your inspiration for the new menus? The well-connected community of farms and vendors in this area. I know that wellness is at the forefront of Californians’ minds and wanted to stay on trend with the dishes, which include an array of vegetarian and vegan options. Soon, I’ll incorporate ingredients grown in the hotel’s recently planted chef’s garden. How would you describe your culinary approach? It’s all about celebrating the main ingredient. You want to let it shine. My French techniques help elevate a dish by providing a balance of flavor, color, and texture.

 Jeff Olsson, co-owner of Buellton’s Industrial Eats, introduces the new Eye on I (theeyeoni.com) in Lompoc. With chef and manager Heather Hovey, who has worked with Olsson at both Industrial Eats and his New West catering company, the restaurateur dishes out pizza from a wood-burning oven and memorable dishes from handwritten butcher paper menus posted on the wall behind the order counter. Based on ingredients sourced from nearby farms and purveyors, menus change often but might include dishes such as a koji-marinated fried chicken sandwich, bo ssäm (Korean-style pork belly) buns, and fresh salads and pickle plates. The food is “definitely international and ingredientdriven,” says Olsson. “Heather is a big fermenter and makes great kimchi, so you’ll see that on the menus.” Expect music and events on the spacious back patio around the firepit. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. and currently welcomes diners to bring their own wine with no corkage fee.

MUST-TRY COCKTAILS

Raise an Artichoke to May  At Nonna (nonna. restaurant) in Westlake Village this month, owner and inventive mixologist Jacopo Falleni, offers The Artichoke, a celebration of artichoke season in a glass. The Italian twist on a Negroni is made with gin, Cynar (an amaro, or Italian digestif, made with herbs and artichokes), Campari, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, and housemade chestnut bitters. The amber-hued result is served in a glass nestled amid the

spiky green leaves of a fresh artichoke (depending on artichoke availability). “I use a lot of ingredients from the kitchen in my cocktails,” says Falleni. “The flavors that create good pairing on a plate often make for good pairing in a cocktail.” ·

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Fine Dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Located at the luxurious Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Cello features local, seasonal ingredients (some grown on site) in pastas, salads, flatbreads, steaks, and seafood. A serene covered patio near the substantial kitchen garden is a fine place for enjoying breakfast, lunch, small plates, or dinner outdoors. Cello also offers an extensive farm-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 oldfashioned supper club, The Chase Restaurant and Lounge has offered enduring Italian favorites along with American steaks, chops, and seafood, since 1979, proving that the classics never lose their appeal. Sparkling garlands of tiny white lights, white tablecloths, a marble-inlaid bar, tip-top service, and Frank Sinatra in the background set the scene for traditional, satisfying meals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LA DOLCE VITA 1901 740 S. B St. Oxnard, 805-486-6878 ladolcevita1901.com Mediterranean; Entrées $11–Market Price for Steaks and Seafood Romantic, Great Views, Live Music

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

Offering a taste of Paris in Paso without the pretense, this buzzing French farm-to-table bistro focuses on sophisticated, modern cuisine in a casual, comfortable setting. Julien Asseo, chef and co-owner with his wife, Courtney, received his culinary

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

DON’T MISS THE UPCOMING

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

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

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

In the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, the new Ó’t Bistro (Instagram @ot.bistro) serves Asian fusion comfort food with a spotlight on Vietnamese specialties. Owner Johnny Quan offers a lunch and dinner menu that includes options like House Garlic Noodles With Crispy Chicken Wings, a Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with fried tofu, shrimp, or grilled pork, and Lomo Saltado with rib eye steak, an Asian take on the Peruvian dish. Sip Vietnamese iced coffee or lychee lemonade. The bistro is open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. MEDITERRANEO 32037 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-889-9105 med-rest.com Mediterranean; Entrées $16–$58 Great View, Weekend Brunch

Recently reopened after a major makeover, this favorite of locals and hotel guests retains an elegant yet comfortable vibe. Located on the 17-acre property of the Westlake Village Inn, the all-new design includes an expansive bar for sipping craft cocktails and international wines. Executive chef Lisa Biondi has reimagined the menus to include bright Mediterranean dishes such as salatim, seasonal Israeli salads and spreads like street corn with lemon, yogurt, feta, and a punch of Aleppo pepper, at lunch and dinner. Dinner

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entrées include old favorites like classic prime steaks and house-made pastas, along with lamb sirloin souvlaki and grilled whole branzino. Weekend brunch options include Benedicts, shakshuka, pancakes, and waffles. Patios offer views of the lake or vineyard.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 barrelaged cocktails and a menu of grilled flatbreads, beer-battered halibut and chips, and grilled New York steak with cognac Bordelaise sauce. Upstairs, The Stonehouse dining room gleams with copper and burnished wood and has a sheltered terrace with views of Montecito, the ocean, and Channel Islands. Seating is also available on outdoor patios below, furnished with a fireplace and fountain and flanked by loquat trees. At lunch, served Mondays through Saturdays, a warm salad of kale grown on the premises, house-smoked bacon, and dates is topped with a poached egg. A three-course market menu also emphasizes local ingredients. Served from 6 p.m. daily, the dinner menu includes seared scallops with braised oxtail, sweet corn puree, and black garlic vinaigrette and Steak Diane prepared in the classic style—flambéed tableside. The list of wines and spirits is varied and deep; the wine selection garnered the 2018 Wine Spectator Grand Award. Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes starters, entrées, desserts, and free-flowing Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne.

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

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

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

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

TRA DI NOI RISTORANTE 3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite 8A Malibu, 310-456-0169 tradinoimalibu.com Italian; Entrées $18–$36; Market Price for Some Seafood Sunday Brunch

Even though locals know what they want without opening a menu, the kitchen at this restaurant in the Malibu Country Mart can still impress the rest of us with its handmade pastas, shaved truffles, grass-fed beef, local olive oil, and salads made with produce from Malibu’s Thorn Family Farm. The spaghetti carbonara manages to be both low fat and

delicious, and the seasonal specials are a treat. The well-curated wine list matches the food and offers prime selections for sipping on the patio.

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

the making it home tour

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.

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 Road, Suite 111 Westlake Village, 818-865-0095 zinwestlake.com Eclectic; Entrées $15–$42 Great View, Romantic

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

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Lindero Country Club 5719 Lake Lindero Dr., Agoura Hills MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now

Foodie

Cuisine that shines regardless of decor, service, ambience, or even views. 101 NORTH EATERY & BAR 30760 Russell Ranch Road, 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, housemade tagliolini pasta with Selva prawns, and woodfired, 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.

Lucky Penny (luckypennysb. com) pizzeria in Santa Barbara celebrates National Lucky Penny Day on May 23 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with drink specials, decorations, prizes, and (from noon to 3 p.m.) live music. Drink specials include a buy-one-get-one-for-a-penny deal on the Funk Zone Frosé, frozen rosé featuring local Notary Public wine. Look for the same bargain on bottled wine. Guess how many pennies line the restaurant wall for a prize and purchase raffle tickets to win gift cards while munching on wood-fired pizza, salads, and panini. 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.

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

Located in Whizin Market Square, Basta is the real Italian deal, serving authentic scratch-made dishes, including pasta and wood-fired pizzas for lunch and dinner. Helmed by Florence-native chef Saverio Posarelli and wife Devon Wolf, the bustling eatery features a menu of tradition-rich dishes that reflect Posarelli’s Tuscan roots, such as the Tagliatelli With Wild Mushrooms and Black Truffle Sauce, as well as grilled steaks and fresh fish. Other standouts include the Wagyu Beef Burger, Grilled Spanish Octopus Salad, and Basta’s take on ramen, Tagliolini in Brodo.

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

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

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

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

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 and Bob’s Well Bread Bakery at the Ballard Store 2449 Baseline Ave., Ste. 101 Ballard, 805-691-9549 bobswellbread.com European; Pastries and Breads $1.50–$20, Entrées $7–$13

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

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

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

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

Known for its upscale food and unpretentious neighborhood-hangout feel, Decker Kitchen is the creation of chef-owner Graham Harris, who keeps the menu fresh and creative. Menu highlights include Harris’ naturally leavened sourdough bread, fresh-from-the-oven pizzas, starters such as Feta Mousse Toast with heirloom tomato, and entrées including barbecued pork ribs and seared rib-eye steak. Sip a craft cocktail or smalllot wine and nosh small bites on the patio Thursdays through Saturdays until midnight. Takeout is available.

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

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

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.

EMBERMILL 1031 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-456-1212 embermillsb.com Caribbean/Californian; Entrées $21–$32

When chef Harold Welch opened his restaurant, foodies who knew him from his stints at restaurants including Santa Barbara’s now-closed Citronelle and his World Cuisine Express catering company leaped for joy. The Barbados-born chef offers lunch and dinner with weekly specials and favorites such as Classic Jerk Chicken, Barbados Fried Red Snapper, and Curried Tempeh & Vegetable Stir Fry. Dishes from the Italian wood-burning oven such as Mussels & Clams with a coconut-ginger broth round out the menu. Housed in a historic building, the restaurant has a casual European feel with a lovely outdoor patio where steel drum music (Thursday through Sunday) adds to the ambience.

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

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

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

The artisanal bakery and café is brought to you by the masterminds behind The Lark, Lucky Penny, and Loquita in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. The address says Anacapa Street, but walk in from Helena Avenue for the quickest access to Dart Coffee drinks and croissants, scones, cookies, and other pastries made with seasonal ingredients. Open daily, the bakery serves breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., when don’tmiss items include Green Eggs & Ham made with spicy green harissa and grits topped with a fried egg. The lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers salads and sandwiches, plus specials like Nashville Hot Chicken served with house-made pickles. The bakery’s rustic patio is shared by its neighbor, the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, which offers curated tasting flights and wines by the glass and bottle.

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

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

HOTEL SAN LUIS OBISPO 877 Palm St. San Luis Obispo, 805-235-0700 hotel-slo.com Various Cuisines; Entrées $13–$46

Chef Ryan Fancher, who brings a culinary pedigree that includes a stint at Napa Valley’s French Laundry, oversees the dining options at this modern urban resort, which has a playful vibe. A contemporary spin on a classic steak house, Ox + Anchor sets an elegant yet approachable tone for dinner. Large sliding glass walls in the stylish dining room open to a covered alfresco terrace. In addition to signature steaks and seafood, the menu features shared plates like Crispy Crab Cake and Goat Cheese Croquettes. Central Coast wines take the stage on the thoughtfully curated wine list. The bright, casual Piadina offers a fresh California take on Italian cuisine based around the wood-fired oven for all-day service. Adult libations and light bites are served at The Rooftop Terrace and High Bar amid lush planted greenery and a bocce court with views of the rolling hills.

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

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

The team from Bell’s (bellsrestaurant. com) restaurant in Los Alamos has partnered with Tyler Winery (tylerwinery.com) in a series of lunches to benefit Feed the Valley, a charity working with the Santa Barbara Foundation that uses independent restaurants impacted by COVID-19 as a resource to reduce food insecurity in the Santa Ynez Valley. The three-course prix-fixe lunches, held at Tyler Winery’s Mae Estate in Lompoc, are paired with a selection of single-vineyard wines. Tickets are $85 per person (tax included), and all proceeds go to Feed the Valley. This month’s dates are May 14 and 28. Seating is by reservation only via the Tyler Winery page at exploretock.com. INTERMEZZO BY WINE CASK 813 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-966-9463 intermezzosb.com Modern American; Entrées $19–$29

Located in the historic El Paseo, Intermezzo is the casually stylish sister restaurant to the long-beloved Wine Cask. A collaboration between proprietor John O’Neill and executive chef Josh Brown, the eatery features modern American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Favorites include Spicy Capicola Pizza, Faroe Island Salmon, and the Cask Burger. Nightly specials reflect seasonal farm-fresh picks. Sit by the fireplace or at the bar and sip signature cocktails and wines from Santa Barbara County and around the globe. A Mezzo-A-Go-Go take-out menu is also available.

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.

LE PETIT CAFÉ & BAKERY 1591 Spinnaker Drive Ventura, 805-642-1191 lepetitcafebakery.com French-Californian; Dinner Entrées $12–$34 Great View

This combination bakery and café brings a charming touch of France to Ventura Harbor Village. Sit inside the cozy dining room or on the harbor patio to soak up the views. House-made European pastries and desserts are a specialty; the twice-baked almond croissant is always a good idea. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m., offering omelets and other egg dishes, MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now crepes, and quiches. The lunch menu includes soups, salads, and sandwiches such as Croque Monsieur and Madame. House specialties include Channel Island Seafood Stew made with local sea bass and mussels, and duck confit. A selection of international and draft beers and French and California wines is also offered. The establishment is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday; reservations are recommended.

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

Chef Richard Pfaff brings his eye for fresh and local ingredients to a menu that echoes the creativity displayed by the art glass in Lido’s dining room. Appetizers include oysters with pink peppercorn mignonette and beef carpaccio with dijon aioli. Entrées include pasta carbonara, house-made burgers, and a generous rib eye with herbed porcini butter. The Chef’s Tasting Menu offers five courses for $75 ($100 with wine pairings). A daily affair, brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. features a three-course plated option with bottomless mimosas as well as à la carte dishes.

At the new Sanders & Sons Gelateria (sandersandsonsgelato.com) in Ojai, owner Sanders Marvin brings the authentic Italian treat to his scoop shop with his family working alongside. Trained in the art of gelato making in Bologna, Marvin produces his gelato fresh daily from a scratch-made base that includes Straus Family Creamery organic milk. He also uses local, organic fruit, when possible. Among this month’s specials are: Pixie Had a Moment, made with organic Ojai Pixie tangerines; Raspberry Chocolate Chip; and Cardamom, Saffron, and Rose. Dairy-free offerings include Stracciatella, Bartlett Pear, and Cheeky Chocolate, made with Valrhona and Guittard chocolate. LITTLE DOM’S SEAFOOD 686 Linden Ave. Carpinteria, 805-749-7400 ldseafood.com Seafood, Italian; Entrées $23–$28, Pizza $14–$19 Open for dinner, Little Dom’s is the latest culinary venture from Los Angeles restaurateur Warner Ebbink and executive chef Brandon Boudet. Leather booths, a restored wooden bar, and a raw bar create a comfortable old-school ambience. The seafood-forward menu focuses on local fish and includes pizzas from the wood-burning oven, handmade pastas, and Italian classics like chicken Parmesan. Guests get things started with appetizers like chilled, Creolestyle, boiled shrimp and Santa Barbara live uni, and sip local wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.

MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOVO RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 726 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, 805-543-3986 novorestaurant.com Global; Entrées $16–$32 Sunday Brunch

Novo’s full-service bar and lounge area fronts the busy downtown, beckoning passersby to peek inside. Walk through the lounge to the back of the restaurant and a different Novo presents itself: a multilevel wood patio that backs up to San Luis Obispo Creek. It’s a serene setting livened by the hum of diners’ conversations and crickets. Like its sister restaurant, the nearby Luna Red, Novo offers global cuisine and local ingredients. Executive chef Michael Avila presides over a menu that includes sought-after Southeast Asian and Indian curries and fresh avocado-shrimp spring rolls. Calling out gluten-free and vegan menu items is a nice touch as is identifying teas by caffeine level. Central California and international wines and spirits accent the menu. Late night on Fridays and Saturdays, a DJ fills the lounge with music.

OJAI RÔTIE 469 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, 805-798-9227 ojairotie.com French-Lebanese; Entrées $14–$30

Strung with white lights, the charming, tree-shaded patio at this casual counter-service spot makes every meal feel like a picnic. Serving dinner and weekend lunch, owners and veteran chefs Claud Mann and Lorenzo “Larry” Nicola focus on French-Lebanesestyle free-range rotisserie chicken, fresh-baked organic sourdough bread, and farmers’ market-driven side dishes, such as caramelized cauliflower and tabbouleh salad. Other offerings include chicken sandwiches, inventive salads, and house-made chocolate-chunk cookies and brownies. At the Winebox, a small stand-alone structure, patrons can order beer and wine from a wine list curated by sommelier Emily Johnston, which highlights vintages from Santa Barbara, Ojai, and selected regions in France.

UPDATE OLIO E LIMONE RISTORANTE AND OLIO BOTTEGA 11 W. Victoria St., Suites 17-18 Santa Barbara, 805-899-2699, Ext. 1 olicucina.com Italian; Restaurant Entrées $20–$42; Bottega $4–$12

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. Next door, Olio Bottega, a casual breakfast, lunch, snack, and retail spot, feels like a quick trip to Italy. Breakfast items include scrambled egg dishes, sweet and savory Italian croissants, and espresso drinks. Among lunch offerings are hot Italian street food specialties and grab-and-go sandwiches, like the panini on house-made olive-oil focaccia. Don’t miss the dolci (desserts), such as the cannolo, a crispy, tube-shaped Sicilian pastry shell filled with chocolate chip–studded sheep’s-milk ricotta cream. Italian gourmet products, meats, and cheeses are available to take home, along with bottled cocktails, beer, and wine.

OLIVELLA 905 Country Club Road Ojai, 805-646-1111 ojaivalleyinn.com

California-Italian Entrées $37–$65 (a three-course experience is $90 or $150 with wine pairings; four-course experience is $110 or $180 with wine pairings) Romantic, Great Views

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

PARADISE PANTRY 218 and 222 E. Main St. Ventura, 805-641-9440 paradisepantry.com Rustic; Entrées $9–$22 Sunday Brunch

This combination café, wine shop, and cheese store occupies adjoining storefronts in Ventura’s historic downtown. Both spaces feature original brick walls and delightfully creaky wood floors. While 218 E. Main St. is devoted to wine sales and cheese and charcuterie displays, 222 offers wine tasting and soups, salads, cheese plates, and pâté samplers. Panini-style sandwiches include the Italiano, packed with arugula and truffle cheese and wrapped in prosciutto. (That’s right: The meat is on the outside.) Named for chef and co-owner Kelly Briglio, Kel’s Killer Mac is made with a new over-the-top combination of ingredients each week. (Gluten-free options are available.) Typically scheduled once a month, Sunday brunch features such dishes as Kel’s crab cakes with Meyer lemon crème fraîche, and French toast made with cinnamon brioche. Join the email list for news of upcoming popup appearances by visiting chefs and winemakers.

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

The farm-to-table movement never looked as elegant as it does at this bistro-style restaurant, which also has locations in Irvine, Roseville, El Segundo, San Mateo, and Mountain View. Tortillas and infused vodkas are just two of the items made in-house to augment the menu showcasing organic produce and artisanal ingredients. The kale Caesar salad features wild white anchovies, mesquite-grilled salmon is served with a chilled salad of quinoa and bulgur wheat, and natural meats are used for burgers, steaks, chops, and “brick” chicken (flattened and cooked evenly under the weight of a brick). Weekend brunch service starts with freshly baked millet drop biscuits and honey butter before moving on to your choice of entrée. Three-course dinner specials include prime rib on Sundays and fried chicken on Tuesdays.Available daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Taste of Paul Martin’s menu offers small plates, burgers, and signature cocktails from $5 to $13.

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

The spirit of a one-stop general store lives on in the historic town of Los Alamos, the northern gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley. The outstanding chef-driven, locally sourced dinner menu from executive chef John Wayne Formica changes frequently but offers dishes like local crudo, grilled octopus, house-made pastas, smoked

pork chop, and dry-aged rib-eye steak. Charcuterie and cheese platters are a mainstay. Pair the fare with a signature cocktail, beer, or wine from the well-curated list spotlighting small-scale vintners, which earned Pico “Top 100 Wine Restaurant” recognition from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The spacious, refurbished building is also the tasting room of Lane Tanner and Will Henry’s Lumen Wines of Santa Maria. Upscale but down home, Pico is keeping destination diners as well as the local cowboys coming back for more.

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

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

SLATE BISTRO & CRAFT BAR 4850 Santa Rosa Road Camarillo, 805-388-9888 theslatebistro.com Global; Entrées $18–$35

This locals’ favorite has top-notch food and elegant decor, provides friendly service, and exhibits plenty of attention to detail. Craft cocktails, like the Clean Slate, are creative and meticulously made. Starters include fresh sushi, salads, house-made soups, and fried calamari. Entrées lean toward flavor-packed dishes such as New York Steak with peppercorn sauce, Crispy Chicken with chardonnay-bacon gravy, and Grilled Salmon with sun-dried-tomato chimichurri. Don’t miss the macaroni and cheese side dish. Two romantically lit patios have fireplaces and heat lamps. Happy hour features deals on appetizers like smokedpork tacos, beer, wine, and draft cocktails.

MIKE WALLEN LIC. #0711471

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

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

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

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

Patio Cushions Mobile Service Easy, Convenient, Affordable

805 796 3112 Serving Ventura and Santa Barbara counties

p a t iopr i nc e s s de s i g n .c om MAY 2021 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

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

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

The new Fierce Ave BBQ (Instagram @fierceavebbq) in Newbury Park serves up Korean-style barbecue for lunch and dinner. Come hungry and order a combo, available in three sizes, for top-quality meat in generous portions, grilled at your table. Try the Prime Boneless Short Rib or American Wagyu Beef Zabuton butcher’s cut, and don’t pass up the Cheese Corn and an egg grilled beside the meat. Other choices include Honey Chicken and Crispy Shrimp.

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

There’s no passport required for dining at this cozy neighborhood Italian eatery, where every visit is an experience that transports its loyal customers across the pond. Named after the address where owner Renato Moiso grew up in northern Italy, it’s a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or

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an afternoon pick-me-up of espresso and pastry or gelato. Handmade pastas include Linguine con Gamberoni made with tiger shrimp, Penne alla Bolognese, and vegetarian lasagna. Grilled fish, chicken, and steaks get the authentic Italian treatment, naturalmente. Sip a Moscato d’Asti Nivole and nibble a Tartufo al Cioccolato to top off the trip.

Good Eats

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

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.

BRENT’S DELI 2799 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, 805-557-1882 brentsdeli.com Deli; Entrées $6–$20 Kid-Friendly

For amazingly good Reuben sandwiches on rye bread piled high with pastrami or corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, you can’t beat this slick deli. The booths are cushy and roomy, leaving space for your tummy to expand as you down a four-layer slice of chocolate cake or a plate full of stuffed cabbage rolls. A separate bar also offers the full menu. The patio out back allows for even more seating. A counter up front expedites take-out orders. Brent’s Deli is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

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

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

CASA NOSTRA RISTORANTE 717 Lakefield Road, Unit H Westlake Village, 805-495-0053 casanostralake.com Italian; Entrées and Pastas $16–$29 Great Patio

It’s apt that casa nostra translates to “our house,” as diners are well taken care of in the cozy, relaxed

setting and lovely outdoor patio of this hidden gem. Couples, families, and groups of friends soak up the warm hospitality while nibbling antipasti including fried calamari, prosciutto, and burrata, along with housemade pastas. For secondi, classics like chicken piccata and osso buco are highlights, but look for daily specials such as braised lamb shank and papardelle with porcini and truffles. Choose from an extensive list of Italian and California wines. For dessert, the tiramisu is a standout.

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.

EMPTY BOWL GOURMET NOODLE BAR 38 W. Victoria St., #109 Santa Barbara, 805-335-2426 emptybowlnoodle.com Thai; Entrées $12–$19

At this bustling Santa Barbara Public Market eatery co-owned by Jerry Lee and Emre Balli, chef and co-owner Nui Pannak turns out authentic regional noodle bowls, specialty small plates, and handmade dumplings inspired by the cuisines of Thailand and Taiwan. Don’t-miss items include Mama’s HandWrapped Jiaozi Potstickers; Northern Thailand Curry Noodle (Khao Soi) soup made with chicken from Shelton’s Poultry; and Hangover Noodle with red jalapeno pepper, Thai chiles, and fresh garlic. Choose a pairing from a selection of wines and beers.

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

The “craft beer spoken here” neon sign in the dining room doesn’t quite say it all at this casual but polished gastropub owned by Greg Finefrock, an 805 local whose childhood nickname inspired the restaurant’s moniker. In addition to the 30 brews on tap, you’ll find craft cocktails, California wines by the glass and bottle, and a fun atmosphere and menu that has something for everyone. With variations in decor between locations (look for the skee-ball machine and photo booth in San Luis Obispo), the menu remains the same. Shareable appetizers include gluten-free buffalo cauliflower tossed in yuzu sauce and chicken-and waffle bites that come with a tangy surprise: Tabasco-braised kale. The house burger is made with a chuck, brisket, and hanger steak patty on a brioche bun (options include gluten-free buns and plant-based Impossible Burger patties). Crispy tacos, salads, and flatbread pizzas are also available. Seating is first-come, first-served at the copper bar.

NEW FRONTSIDE CAFE 1070 E. Front St. Ventura, 805-628-9566 frontsidecafe.com Californian; Breakfast and Lunch Entrées $12–$15

the mix and is open for lunch and weekend brunch as well as dinner. A bar anchors a large, open gathering space that adjoins a covered, heated patio, while a smaller, quieter room offers more intimate dining.

This friendly blocks-from-the-beach café brings a taste of Australia to town and gives it a coastal Californian spin, serving breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Owners and husband-wife team Joel and Charne Huff are hospitality industry veterans; Ventura native Joel has enjoyed a 30-year career in fine dining. He keeps the menu simple and adds specials daily. All-day favorites include the Brekkie Roll, Frontside Burger, and Aussie Meat Pie. For breakfast, house-made pastries and breads include the popular toasted banana bread with salted brown-butter cream-cheese spread. The Chicken Katsu Sandwich is a star on the lunch menu. An upscale coffee program features Ventura-based Beacon coffee.

NEW LIMEÑA PERUVIAN EATERY 2388 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, 805-371-1370 limenaeatery.com Peruvian; Entrées $12–$19

THE HATCH ROTISSERIE & BAR 835 13th St. Paso Robles, 805-221-5727 hatchpasorobles.com American; Entrées $18–$35

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

Housed in a historic brick-walled building, this popular comfort food venue is also known for its well-made craft cocktails and friendly service. A lively atmosphere prevails as locals and visitors mingle, sharing the Hot Skillet Cornbread or, when in season, a steamed and grilled Castroville Artichoke while perusing the menu. Though the offerings change seasonally, the wood-fired Rotisserie Chicken is a mainstay, while it lasts. Daily specials include Fried Chicken on Monday and Tuesday, served with housemade hot sauce, black-pepper honey, and smokedbacon potato salad. Standout entrées on the simple menu are the Hatch Burger, Seared Salmon, and Beef Short Rib. For dessert, don’t miss the individual-sized pies. The Hatch opens nightly at 4:30 p.m.

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

This breakfast and lunch establishment serves a unique blend of American and southern Italian fare every day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with both sides of the menu available all day. Owner Alessandro Tromba honors his family’s Italian heritage in dishes like Maicho’s Morning Carbonara and Molise Eggs Benedict with prosciutto and pancetta. Linger with a Mimosa, sangria, glass of wine, Peroni on draught, or espresso drink. Rounding out the menu are fresh salads and deli and hot sandwiches, including eggplant parmigiana. You won’t be sorry if you try the Torta della Nonna.

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

Lots of interesting main dishes, salads, sandwiches, and burgers are set down at lunchtime on small wooden and marble tables in the 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. The airy, singlelevel Goleta location in The Marketplace offers a similar menu, but adds oak-fired brick-oven pizzas to

For authentic Peruvian specialties served with pride, look no further than this friendly, family-owned café. Sit in the cheerful dining room or outside on the patio and enjoy entrées such as Polo a la Brasa rotisserie chicken and Lomo Saltado Plate, a traditional beef stir-fry dish. Appetizers include ceviche made with fresh halibut and Peruvian corn and Tamal de Pollo con Salsa Criolla, chicken tamales made in banana leaves and topped with red-onion salad. Sip wine and beer from Peru and Argentina or a pisco sour.

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

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

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

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

Downstairs in the Water Court Plaza office complex, owner Pookie creates delicious Thai dishes for lunch and dinner daily. Lunch specials are a steal at $7 to $8 each. She also has a wide selection of interesting salads like the Outrageous Beef Salad with a spicy lime dressing and the proteinrich 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.

The new 4 Eggs & Pizza (4eggsnpizza. com) restaurant in Santa Barbara’s Victoria Court stands out for its varied menu and international flavors. On the breakfast menu, co-owners Ron and Jade Fairbanks offer traditional egg dishes, along with pho and a banh mi sandwich. Lunch items include carnitas tacos with an optional add-on of Turkish bulgur and salad. Housemade sourdough-crust pizzas are a specialty. Indoor and outdoor courtyard seating, takeout, and delivery are available. The eatery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

This neighborhood California bistro and bar in The Commons at Calabasas adds a third location to the popular Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades eateries. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Porta Via offers an airy, colorful indoor dining room and a spacious patio. The menu spotlights locally sourced produce, meat and poultry, and sustainable seafood. Breakfast and brunch highlights include Huevos Rancheros and Grand Marnier French Toast, and lunch and dinner stars are the Organic Kale & Quinoa Salad, Grilled Ōra King Salmon, and Grilled Skirt Steak.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matty’s Hot Chicken (mattyshotchickensb.com) pops up this month on May 23 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Goodland Kitchen in Goleta. Pre-order online at least a week in advance for pick up. Limited walk-ins are offered on a first-come, first-served basis during set hours (follow @ mattyshotchicken on Instagram for updates). Look for four varieties of hot fried chicken sandwiches with four heat levels ($12), sides, and drinks. Get ’em while they’re hot! THE THIRD DEGREE 1803 Spring St., #6 Paso Robles, 805-238-3929 thirddegreegrill.com American; Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads $13–$16 Kid-Friendly Owner Jody Storsteen developed a loyal following during her 17 years running Berry Hill Bistro in Paso Robles. Now she’s back with a fresh take on American comfort food made from local ingredients. This counter-service eatery joins a variety of familyowned food purveyors and retail establishments inside the Paso Market Walk. Menu hits include made-to-order gourmet burgers and signature cold and hot sandwiches—such as the Turkey Ortega, made with house-roasted turkey—as well as scratchmade soups, fresh salads, and rotisserie chicken dishes. Seating is provided inside the Paso Market Walk and in the tree-shaded outdoor courtyard.

YOUR CHOICE RESTAURANT 3404 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-569-3730 yourchoicerestaurant.com Thai; Entrées $13–$24

This neighborhood favorite was opened by husband and wife Aungkoon and Sukanya Sukavivatanachai

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in 1989. Their son Piti and his wife, Kathy Dao, took up the baton in 2012 and continue to offer original family recipes along with some new additions, such as deep-fried chicken wings in honey-sriracha sauce or chili-tamarind fish sauce. Main dishes such as the Panang curry and Spicy Drunken Noodles never disappoint. Orders can be customized for extra spiciness using a 1-to-5 scale. Piti also developed the restaurant’s Thai-inspired Creaminal small-batch ice cream brand, which features flavors like Thai Tea Oreo and Vietnamese Coffee Mud Pie.

Fun, Fun, Fun

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

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

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

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

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

First-timers to Bettina may think they’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up in Italy. At this bustling, cozy neighborhood restaurant patrons sip a Venetian spritz or Negroni and nosh on naturally leavened, 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 and dinner are served daily; online orders are available for pick up.

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

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

NEW BURNIN’ MOUTH NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN 550 Collection Blvd., #180 Oxnard, 805-485-1288 burninmouth.com Hot Chicken Sandwiches; Entrées $13–$14

This casual eatery located inside The Annex Food Hall at The Collection at RiverPark serves up a fresh take on classic Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, along with menu items that incorporate the style of sweet and savory Korean fried chicken. Try the signature Bang Bang chicken sando, served with fries, pickles, coleslaw, and comeback sauce (a mildly spicy mayo). Choose your sandwich spice level to get it just right. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plenty of outdoor seating is available in The Annex’s common area.

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

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

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

Patrons at The Cave conduct their own tastings via Enomatic machines, which dispense 1-, 3- and 5-ounce pours at the push of a button. Executive chef Alex Montoya’s creative, wine-friendly menu of shareable small plates changes on the first Tuesday of each month. Look for combinations like 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.

FARFALLA TRATTORIA 160 Promenade Way Westlake Village, 805-497-2283 farfallawestlakevillage.com Italian; Entrées $13–$30

The dark and sexy environs evoke both romance and fun, aided by a classical guitarist playing in the lounge area on Friday and Saturday nights. Excellent Italian fare from chef-owner Santino Coccia includes an extensive list of cheeses and a full-blown fresh mozzarella bar. Salads are created as either starters or main courses. The pasta list is long and has many interesting choices. Pizza, plus seafood like cioppino and branzino, and plenty of meats will satisfy most appetites.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LITTLE CALF CREAMERY & CAFE 652 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks, 805-497-2000 Burgers, Ice Cream; Entrées $4–$11 LITTLE CALF SCOOP SHOP 3980 Thousand Oaks Blvd., #2 Westlake Village, 805-917-6855 Ice Cream, Desserts littlecalfcreamery.com

The family-friendly cafe is a lunch, dinner, and sweet-treat favorite, serving top-notch burgers and sandwiches, fresh salads, and dreamy house-made ice cream. Try the standout West Coaster burger with Gruyère cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo, or the Turkey Brie Melt sandwich. Look for seasonal and signature ice cream flavors such as Milk and Cookies, Lavender Blueberry, and Vanilla Berry Crisp. The scoop shop serves icecream sandwiches, drinks, and scoops as well as freshly baked desserts like mini pies, bread pudding, cookies, and brownies. Both locations offer custom birthday cakes, mud pies, and sundae kits with all the fixings.

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 housemade 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.

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

Owned by chef Michael Cherney, an alum of Las Vegas’ L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and his wife Sarah, a hospitality pro, this family-friendly restaurant focuses on scratch-made food from local ingredients. Menu stars like Solvang Hot Chicken sandwich, The Grotto Smash Burger, Local Rock Fish Tacos, and family meals such as Whole Fried Free-Range Chicken are served in the casual earth-

toned dining room, on the outdoor patio, and for takeout. Reina’s Ice Cream by the Scoop, made by the Cherneys’ daughter, is a must.

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

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

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

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

TARANTULA HILL BREWING CO. 244 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, 805-538-1191 tarantulahillbrewingco.com American-Mexican/Pizza; Entrées $11–$18

The first craft brewery in Thousand Oaks, this establishment was an instant hit with locals for its high-quality craft beer, suds-friendly artisan food, and easy hangout vibe. Sippers sit in the airy, familyfriendly indoor space or on the spacious patio, where Fido is welcome. A menu of bites, sandwiches, salads, tacos, burritos, wood-fired organic pizza, and ice cream made in-house with locally sourced organic ingredients is served for lunch and dinner. Try The Fun Guy pizza with mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and assorted mushrooms. Quaff from a variety of beers, ales, ciders, and wines.

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

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

MORE ON THE WEB: Visit 805living.com for more listings and to make quick and easy reservations at many of the restaurants listed here and on the website through Open Table.

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