805 Living May 2022 by 805 Living

M AY 2022

Agoura Hills

San Buenaventura

Santa Barbara

Buenatile.com

E X C L U S I V E LY AT CONEJO HARDWOODS

© 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.

Locally Focused. Globally Connected.

Westlake Village

3075 Townsgate Road, Suite 100 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.495.2000

Calabasas

4764 Park Granada, Suite 101 Calabasas, CA 91302 818.290.5599 WESTLAKE VILLAGE

BROKERAGE

Expertise, that reaches down the block and around the world.

ANNETTE BERGER

SVP/ Brokerage Manager

Channel Islands

3600 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite112B Oxnard, CA 93035 805.382.8200

WHEN FINE ART ... AND FINE APPLIANCES BECOME ONE.

THE DIFFERENCE IS GAGGENAU. EXPERIENCE IT IN CALABASAS.

STUDIO CITY

CALABASAS

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

SOUTH BAY

818.755.1111

818.880.0011

949.284.1811

310.278.0700

Fine Kitchen Appliances

Decorative Plumbing Outdoor Barbeques

# I N S P I R E D T O S E R V E

IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION. - RALPH WALDO EMERSON

R A M S E YA S P H A LT. C O M

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

T The he O O kkss G Group roup Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2021—Seth Haye Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2021—Seth Haye Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State 2021—Seth Haye Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State 2021—Seth Haye

WEALTH WEALTH MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT FOR FOR HIGH-NET-WORTH HIGH-NET-WORTH FAMILIES FAMILIES 805-494-0215 · 100 N. Westlake Blvd., Suite 200, Westlake Village, CA 91362 805-494-0215 · 100 N. Westlake Blvd., Suite 200, Westlake Village, CA 91362 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 majorBest-in-State component of a ranking algorithm thatwas includes: clientbyretention, industryand experience, of compliance records, firm nominations; Source: Forbes.com (February, 2021). Forbes Wealth Advisors ranking developed SHOOK Research is basedreview on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligenceand meetings quantitative criteria, including: assets aunder revenuealgorithm generatedthat for includes: their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion client records, objectives and risk tolerances to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, majormanagement component ofand a ranking client retention, industry experience, review because of compliance firm nominations; andvary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings arerevenue based on the opinions of SHOOK and are notisindicative of future performance or representative of any one vary, client’s quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and generated for their firms. Research, InvestmentLLC performance not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances and experience. Neither Smith reports. Barney LLC nor itsare Financial or Private WealthResearch, Advisors pay feeare to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking.ofForany more advisors rarely haveMorgan auditedStanley performance Rankings based Advisors on the opinions of SHOOK LLC aand not indicative of future performance or representative one client’s information,Neither see www.SHOOKresearch.com. experience. 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. Source: Barrons.com (March 2021). Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State as identified by Barron’s magazine, using quantitative and qualitative criteria and selected from a pool of over 4,000 nominations. the Top 1,200 Financial Advisors have a minimum of sevenby years of financial services Qualitative factorscriteria include, butselected are not from limited to, compliance Source: Barrons.comAdvisors (March in 2021). Advisors:list State-by-State as identified Barron’s magazine, usingexperience. quantitative and qualitative and a pool of over recordnominations. and philanthropic work. Investment is not alist criterion. ratingofmay not years be representative of any one client’s experience is notinclude, indicative future 4,000 Advisors in the Top 1,200performance Financial Advisors have a The minimum seven of financial services experience. Qualitativeand factors but of arethe notfinancial limited advisor’s to, compliance performance. Neither Morgan Smithperformance Barney LLC nor its aFinancial or Private Advisors pays a feeone to Barron’s in exchangeand foristhe Barron’s is afinancial registered trademark record and philanthropic work.Stanley Investment is not criterion.Advisors The rating may notWealth be representative of any client’s experience notrating. indicative of the advisor’s futureof Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All Stanley rights reserved. performance. Neither Morgan Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors pays a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 4145156 01/22 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 4145156 01/22

Contents M AY 2 0 2 2 • T H E T R AV E L I S S U E

Features 70

WELL TRAVELED

Venturing out of your everyday regimen brings fresh outlooks and experiences that heal your body, intrigue your mind, and restore your zest for life.

TUNING IN TO THE CHANNEL The waters off the coast from Point Mugu to Point Conception may be worthy of a rare designation in celebration of their cetaceans. By Joan Tapper

AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

By Erin Rottman

Take wellness to new heights and explore Costa Rica’s Talamancan foothills on horseback at Auberge Resort’s Hacienda AltaGracia. For more, turn to page 70. MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

WINER Y & VINEYARDS

OPEN 11am-5pm * FOOD MENU SERVED DAILY Nestled in an oak tree-studded 40-acre vineyard located in the heart of Santa Barbara County, Roblar reflects the spirit of Santa Ynez Valley— rustic, authentic, and bold. Our philosophy is to foster a unique visitor experience of bringing together great wine, great food, and great friends. RoblarWinery.com

Contents M AY 2 0 2 2 • T H E T R AV E L I S S U E

Departments of the 805

By Jaime Lewis and Nancy Ransohoff

Finds 47 Globe-trotting Gear

The sky’s the limit with these updated travel essentials. By Jennie Nunn

52 STYLE: Roam the Earth Galavant with functional style in the latest safari-inspired fashions. By Frances Ryan

54 TRAVEL:

Prospector’s Paradise Sister hotels in historic Nevada County celebrate the spirit of long-ago visitors who came in search of the mother lode. By Erin Rottman

Insider 60 Events In & Around

the 805

By Heidi Dvorak

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Arts & Culture 62 The Write Stuff

Soolip adds a personal touch to paper trails. By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

Upgrades 67 Inlay Interplay

To elevate any room, introduce a furnishing enhanced with this intricate form of craftsmanship. By Frances Ryan

Taste 84 FOOD: Standout Salsas

Three Central Coast cooks play with unexpected ingredients to make renditions of the popular Mexican condiment that command attention. By Jaime Lewis Photograph by Gary Moss

88 WINE: An

Elevated Exploration Slower-paced, cozy, and personalized, new tasting room experiences are creating

more meaningful connections between patrons and wineries. By Matt Kettmann

90 DINING OUT

What’s new on the restaurant scene at local resorts.

By Nancy Ransohoff

92 Where to Eat Now

104 P.S. Sketchpad Under-the-Radar Wellness Retreats By Greg Clarke

In Every Issue

18 Editor’s Note 22 Masthead 26 Behind the Scenes

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

On the Cover Francis Meadow on Wyoming’s 30,000-acre Brush Creek Ranch is a place to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate the soul. Read “Well Traveled” (page 70) for details about it and other restorative destinations. Photograph by Dan Hann Courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch

54: KAT ALVES

Pulse 41 Tracking the Beat

818-949-6120

28505 Canwood St, Agoura Hills

pacpatio.com

Price Match Guarantee | Family Owned & Operated | White Glove Delivery

CONGRATULATIONS TO SIGI & PAM FOR ACHIEVING 1.2 BILLION DOLLARS IN SALES OVER THEIR CAREERS!

It is my pleasure as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty’ Realty’s CEO and Owner to congratulate Sigi & Pam on this momentous accomplishment. accomplishment. Our entire brokerage, brokerage, staff staff,, and agents are incredibly proud of their success. success. After all, all, we we’’rere not only a team, team, we are a family. family. Their success reflects the excellence in service and business knowledge that are the core of our values. values. Their caring for their clients and the community is inspiring to us all. all. Sigi & Pam Pam,, we can’ can’t wait to see what you will accomplish next !

Sincerely, Bob Majorino Broker/Owner

Sigi & Pam | 818.879.2999 #1 North Ranch Team

Luxury Collection Specialists sigiandpam@sigiandpam.com www.sigiandpam.com Sigi CalBRE # 00589771 / Pam CalBRE # 00669728

Create a new entertaining space - Call 805-449-2840 today!

Agoura Sash & Door, Inc.

www.AgouraSash.com

Family owned since 2016...

WWW.FINNEYSCRAFTHOUSE.COM

Editor’s Note

Ready, set, go. “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it …” —Charles Dudley Warner

TRAVEL, INCLUDING DAY TRIPS, LONG WEEKENDS out of town, or an extended vacation halfway around the world, is as much about anticipation as it is about the experience. After all, doesn’t every travel adventure begin with a dream—a dream of leaving behind the routines, the patterns, the rhythms of “everyday life” and seeking out a new “here and now”? So we plan, we pack, we check our weather and traffic apps. We envision the journey and the dream keeps us going until we arrive at our destination. But the dream must start with an idea. Travel editor Erin Rottman profiles four destinations through a wellness lens (“Well Traveled,” page 70). Some are far-flung expeditions, like scaling trees in a Costa Rican jungle; others pivot toward more down-to-earth experiences in extraordinary surroundings, such as the fitness and nutrition retreats held at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Whale watching has been a favorite pastime along the Central Coast since long before “California” even existed. In her story, “Tuning in to the Channel” (page 80), Joan Tapper explains why some local waters are on the verge of receiving an international designation as a critical environment for a variety of whale species, making whale watching here an even more gratifying and significant travel activity. So, coming as news to nobody, California reigns as a top destination for travelers from all around the world. The often-touted snow-skiing and oceansurfing daily combo is definitely a thing around here. We also have wine country, historic landmarks, galleries, and museums too numerous to count. We are fortunate to live in an area that compels us to get out of our houses for a while and take advantage of activities both near and not quite as near. Until we return in June, I urge you to begin dreaming of that special travel destination, and let this issue be your inspiration.

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher GARY MOSS

edit@805living.com

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

WESTLAKE VILLAGE

BROKERAGE

Chateau Plaisance

SHERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES

The most luxurious private and opulent estate ever to come to market.

OFFERED AT $19,995,000

Broker Associate, DRE#00402231

Joan Young

M: 805.469.2278 Joan.Young@Sothebys.Realty

Cathie Messina

Realtor Associate, DRE#00893569

M: 818.335.8047 Cathie.Messina@Sothebys.Realty

Luxury Living

Bespoke furnishings customized for you.

TSG Interior Design loves the creative process, collaborating with clients and coordinating

The Sofa Guy and its TSG interior design team design and build custom furniture (pictured above) and source unique pieces including lighting, rugs, and accessories to deliver the ultimate living spaces.

many of the little details one never thought existed. We believe the “sofa” is the heart of a room, and we put our heart into everything we do. Make an appointment to visit us soon. We’ll keep the candy bowl full.

“Start with a Sofa ...end with a room”

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF, PUBLISHER, & CEO

Lynne Andujar edit@805living.com

Wo rks that in spi re w al l s

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

DESIGNER

PHOTO EDITOR

Bernard Scharf

Kathy Tomlinson

Sophie Patenaude

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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

Matt Kettmann, Jaime Lewis, Nancy Ransohoff, Joan Tapper

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

RESEARCH EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

CONSULTING EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Greg Clarke Gary Moss

Tajinder Rehal Anthony Head

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer S. Vogelbach

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

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

jennifer@805living.com, 818-427-3496 ADVERTISING DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Sophie Patenaude, sophie@805living.com OPERATIONS MANAGER

Carmen Juarez-Leiva ACCOUNTING

Lori Kantor, lori@805living.com 805 Living is published 10 times a year and is a property of 3Digit Media, LLC. 3717 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, CA 91362 © 2022 3Digit Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

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

8 05 .9 6 2 . 0 2 0 0 | W W W.C A B A N A HOME .C OM 1 1 1 S A N TA B A R B A R A S T R E E T

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to 805 Living, please visit 805living.com. Your domestic subscription includes 10 issues of 805 Living for $25.95. If you have a question about your subscription write to Circulation Department, 805 Living , 3717 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, CA 91362; or reach us via email at circulation@805living.com.

S A N TA B A R B A R A , C A 9 3 1 0 1 805 LIVING, MAY 2022

An Umbrella Like No Other T H E S A N TA B A R B A R A U M B R E L L A ®

| CRAFTED IN CALIFORNIA

santabarbaradesigns.com | 800.919.9464

PTS FURNITURE HOM E A N D OF F IC E SHOW RO OM 250 Conejo Ridge Ave. Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 805-496-4804 Mon–Sat: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun 12–4 p.m. | ptsfurniture.com

PTS FURNITURE HOM E A N D OF F IC E SHOW RO OM

250 Conejo Ridge Ave., Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 805-496-4804 Mon–Sat., 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. | ptsfurniture.com

Behind the Scenes A few of our featured contributors share their go-to travel spot in the 805 and their dream destination outside the area. Matt Kettmann “The northern San Luis Obispo Coast is always an efficient and invigorating escape,” says contributing writer Matt Kettmann (Taste/Wine, page 88), “but our family has been dreaming of Priorat and Cadaqués since March 2020, when our spring-break trip to Spain was thwarted by COVID-19.”

Tajinder Rehal

Erin Rottman “I love being on any Central Coast beach, but at the top of my bucket list is a trip to Japan,” says travel editor Erin Rottman (Finds Travel, page 54; “Well Traveled,” page 70). “I’m hoping to go in springtime to see both the blooming cherry blossoms and the sumo wrestlers competing in honbasho championships.”

KETTMANN: JOANNA KETTMANN; ROTTMAN: NATHAN BILOWN

“I love the serenity and escape from reality I experience when I’m at the Ojai Valley Inn,” says research editor Tajinder Rehal. “My dream destination would be anyplace tropical and near the beach. The soothing sound of the ocean waves never fails to calm and relax.”

“I drive up from LA to buy my furniture here. Great prices. Friendly staff .” David S.

•

Venice, CA

“This store is a true local treasure.” – Shannon M. • YELP “Unique one-of-a-kind furniture and made so well.” – Carri N. • Camarillo “Unique one-of-a kind furniture, made so well.” – Steve Thomas • Google Review Venice

Behind the Scenes Some of our featured experts share their most-beloved place to travel to in the 805 and the more far-flung location that they most dream of visiting. “SLO (aka the Five Cities region). Great food and good people. My dream destination is anywhere in Spain.” —Gabe Garcia

Rustic

Mid Century

—Holly S. Lohuis

Amish

iss our Don’t m Day Sale ial Memor % off ! 10-50 ide! Storset w e 5th - Jun May 21

“San Miguel Island in Channel Islands National Park. My dream destination is Tonga to see humpback whales.” (“Tuning in to The Channel,” page 80) marine educator, naturalist, marine biologist Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society and Island Packers Santa Barbara and Ventura oceanfutures.org and islandpackers.com

Sustainable Bamboo

Since 1976

For Your Home California Style Furnishings

Mission • Arts/Crafts • Mid-Century Modern • Amish-crafted • 50s California Casual • Rustic • Shaker • Eclectic • Lamps • Rugs • Sleep • 805 628- 4971 • 443 East Main Street • Downtown Ventura sq.ft. 16,000 historic two-story showroom • Over 75 manufacturers • We gladly deliver throughout the Central Coast and Southern California • Open 7 days a week • Take a tour: fyhfurn.com •

“The view from Dolphin Bay. Santa Barbara will be my next local exploration. Italy is my dream destination.” —Matthew D. Robinson

(Taste/Food, page 84) executive chef The Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa Pismo Beach thedolphinbay.com

“Kindred Oak Farm, Paso Robles. My dream destination is my tent in a dense forest anywhere in the world.” —Wanda Wen

(Arts & Culture, page 62) CEO Soolip chief visionnaire yogalandgame.com Westlake Village soolip.com

LOHUIS: RICHARD MURPHY, Ph D/OCEAN FUTURES SOCIETY; WEN: YVETTE ROMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Modern

California Casual

(Pulse, page 41) head chef Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars Oxnard tierrasuratherzog.com

Wine Country Living Santa Ynez Style

Patty Murphy country estates

Alisos Canyon Vineyard $6,750,000 A rare opportunity to own and enjoy a multi-faceted vineyard and residential offering. Approximately 80 acres of producing Chardonnay and Syrah vines are the backdrop for absolutely stunning building sites with sweeping views. It is located in the newly created Alisos Canyon AVA . Improvements include an Ag well producing 400 GPM and a large reservoir for frost protection.

Patty Murphy

Country Estates and Vineyards

www.pattymurphy.com patty@pattymurphy.com (805) 680-8571 pattymurphyestates

Chic Modern Farmhouse Price Upon Request Dramatic mountain views are the backdrop to this chic-designed modern farmhouse. Situated on 20+/- acres, the sanctuary offers a gathering place for family and friends. Enjoy multiple guest units, pool, sauna, and equestrian facilities. Nature lovers relax beside a small pond complete with ducks or amble along riding and walking trails through ancient oaks.

© 2022 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. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Patty Murphy DRE: 766586

ISTOCK.COM/EFENZI

Destinations for the perfect vacation.

TENAYA LODGE AT YOSEMITE

// FISH CAMP, CA

Finally, Summer While the last few years have been challenging, today, blue skies are starting to emerge. For many, it’s been far too long since they have had a real vacation. Fortunately, one of America’s most storied parks can help you make up for lost time. It would take months to enjoy every scenic hike and bicycle trail in Yosemite. So if you only have a week or long weekend to spare, here are a few things you just have to do this summer: •Go on a guided Yosemite 360 Tour and experience Yosemite Valley and other highlights. •Explore the astonishing Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which is home

to Yosemite’s largest giant sequoia grove. •You can see Yosemite Falls from numerous places around Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Falls (2,425 feet) is one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. •Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls. It’s a bit strenuous but the views are absolutely breathtaking. •Enjoy a romantic dinner on the Jackalope’s patio. Whether you’ve been to Yosemite before or always wanted to experience it, summer is an ideal time to explore the region.

AN EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPE The High Sierras are absolutely stunning in summer. This is a larger-than-life setting, filled with some of the world’s biggest trees and spectacular mountain summits. Tenaya Lodge puts you just two miles from the natural

For more information, visit tenayalodge.com.

majesty of Yosemite National Park. Here, you can explore all day in Yosemite Valley and come back to the upscale amenities awaiting at our AAA Four Diamond–rated resort. It’s time to move beyond the staycation. Set your gaze upward, toward the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Make plans now to experience Yosemite’s epic mountain views at Tenaya Lodge this summer.

SAN YSIDRO RANCH, A TY WARNER PROPERTY

// SANTA BARBARA, CA

A Legendary Hideaway Discover Santa Barbara’s only Forbes Five Star resort in the lush hillsides of Montecito overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy ultimate privacy and A-list discretion with 38 vine-covered cottages surrounded by incredibly landscaped gardens across 550 acres, each with a private gated entry, complimentary cottage-side parking equipped with EV charging stations, oversize sunken spas, outdoor rainfall showers, and four-poster canopy beds with luxurious Italian linens. Savor contemporary American cuisine in the Michelin-touted Stonehouse Restaurant, set in the 19th century citrus packing house on the historic Ranch

grounds. Executive chef Matt Johnson curates each dish with imaginative flare for local ingredients and worldlyinspiration, harvesting from the on-site organic garden for plant-based fare, as well as serving classics like tableside flambéed steak Diane and baked Alaska. Complement each complimentary dining experience with sommelier-guided wine selections from the only Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning cellar on California’s Central Coast, and handcrafted smoked cocktails under twinkle lights and lantern-lit loquat trees.

WHATEVER YOUR HEART DESIRES

Each stay at San Ysidro Ranch offers complimentary dining across five restaurants and outlets, dedicated EV charging complimentary at every cottage, exclusive products at the Salon & Spa, luxurious

For more information, visit sanysidroranch.com.

amenities, hand-selected antique furnishings, cozy fireplaces, fourposter canopy beds with fine Italian linens, outdoor rain showers, and oversize sunken spas to soak in the refined bucolic setting. The hillside heated pool sits adjacent to a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Plunge Pool Bar, and lawn games of mini golf and bocce ball looking through gnarled oak trees to the Pacific Ocean. World-renowned as Hollywood’s hideaway, the Ranch has provided peace and tranquility for relaxation and rejuvenation since 1893, all without any resort fee.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE

// WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA

Redefine What It Means to Reinvigorate As one of LA’s best destinations, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is a southern California Oasis, set between the bustle of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara’s wine country, just north of Malibu’s famous beaches. It is here that recreation, rolling hills, sandy beaches, and Southern California’s best climate meet a wealth of resort activities, wellness, and culinary experiences to relax, reconnect, renew and recharge. Once guests discover Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, they want to come back again and again. The resort-style property is set amidst

12 acres of exotic gardens, featuring a dramatic waterfall and a gorgeous adult’s only serenity pool. Additionally, the property is home to Coin & Candor, a California Brasserie. Named one of the Southland’s best by the Los Angeles Times, the restaurant features seasonal, wood-fired dishes. Inspired by the tranquil elements of Southern California’s coast, and the classic era of old-Hollywood glam, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is an idyllic getaway. For more information, visit fourseasons.com/westlake.

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE LUXURY– LIVING WELL

Located inside the AAA Five Diamond property is the Center for Health & Wellbeing. This wellness destination is dedicated to supporting guests through their personal health journeys. The

center’s accredited health experts provide a tailored approach to guests’ individual needs. Through one-one consultations, group workshops, multi-day retreats, and daily classes, guests can achieve and sustain optimum health.

LOMPOC //

A Dynamic Destination It’s a great time to hit the open road and experience the great outdoors along the 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 Space Force Base. At the heart of Lompoc is historic Old Town, with a cool vintage vibe. Stroll along the streets 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 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!

RIPE FOR ADVENTURE Hike: Lompoc’s most visited attraction, La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, features

California’s most fully restored mission its surrounded by open countryside and 25 miles of trails connecting to the back country, with many scenic overlooks along the way.

For more information, visit explorelompoc.com.

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 offers a first-rate experience where you’ll see glorious ocean, valley, and vineyard views. View a Launch: Lompoc is the best vantage point for viewing rocket launches on the West Coast. Launches don’t happen all the time, so be sure to check explorelompoc.com for news of upcoming launch events.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY //

The Place to Be The Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with its own culture, vibe, and menu of experiences. And with new offerings as well as national awards, recognition, and praise being showered onto the Santa Ynez Valley from the likes of Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Wine Enthusiast in recent months, there’s no question that the region has firmly planted itself among the country’s most sought after destinations for wine lovers and travelers alike. Yet despite the acclaim, the Santa Ynez Valley’s humble foundation has allowed it to retain, and

in many cases double down on, the signature charm, authentic character, and laid-back California Central Coast vibe upon which it has been built. With a host of new and expanded visitor offerings, the Santa Ynez Valley is living up to the lofty expectations that have been set. Among the new and notable offerings: the rebirth of a historic lodging property and the return of a defining signature event. For more information, go to visitsyv.com.

NEW AND NOTABLE A Signature Event Returns: After a two-year hiatus, one of the valley’s biggest annual events, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, returns November 3–6, 2022. Presented by Sunset magazine, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley

is an immersive fourday food, wine, and experiential event held throughout the valley’s six wine country towns. Among the event’s many highlights include classes led by Sunset experts, cooking demonstrations, and the signature long table, multicourse wine dinners. Visit tastesyv.com to learn more. Renewed Digs: Opening soon, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, an Auberge Resort, respects the history of this landmark destination while blending the simplicity of modern farmhouse design with the eclectic textures and patterns of nearby ranch life.

150 idyllic wineries. 250 boutique shops. 60 savory restaurants. 6 distinct towns. Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, just 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara. Plan your escape at VisitSYV.com

PARK HYAT T AVIARA RESORT, GOLF CLUB & SPA

// CARLSBAD, CA

Experience a Southern California Icon Make time to reconnect together at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa—Carlsbad’s only Forbes Five Star resort. Fresh from a $50 million transformation, experience natureinspired guestrooms and suites, and thoughtfully designed culinary offerings. Take in live music as you catch one of Carlsbad’s finest sunsets at Pacific Point. Experience Ponto Lago, a modern Baja kitchen featuring a stunning show kitchen and a variety of mezcals and tequilas. Dine overlooking the18th green at the clubhouse restaurant, Ember & Rye, a vintage steakhouse of sorts in collaboration with celebrity chef Richard Blais.

Enjoy 18 holes of golf at the Arnold Palmer signature–designed Aviara Golf Club, home of the LPGA JTBC Classic. Hit the virtual links at the resort’s 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. For more information, visit parkhyattaviara.com.

THE CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS:

1. Relax in the newly redesigned 327 spacious guestrooms and suites with natureinspired décor. 2. 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. 3. Let Your Culinary Fancies Take Flight. Experience Ponto Lago, a modern Baja kitchen featuring an array of tequila and mezcal, 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. 4. Hit the links at the famed Aviara Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer signature–designed golf course and home to the LPGA JTBC Classic.

5. Experience Aviara Spa offering an exceptionally rewarding retreat. The spa features 20 treatment rooms and an indoor solarium lounge.

Pulse

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

Use your library card to get a free pass to California State Parks, like Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.

OPEN BOOKS, OPEN SPACES

Thanks to a partnership between the California State Library (library.ca.gov) and California State Parks (parks.ca.gov), library cardholders can now check out a lot more than books. The California State Library Parks Pass program (checkoutcastateparks.com) allows library patrons to borrow hangtag passes that grant free entry for one vehicle into California’s 200-plus state parks. According to California State Parks Director Armando Quintero, the partnership between libraries and parks benefits everyone. “Parks and libraries have the potential to be powerful symbols and agents for California’s open spaces, inspire stewardship for the state park system, and build a healthier California,” says Quintero. —Jaime Lewis

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Pulse

LAID-BACK LINENS IN MONTECITO

Just in time for warm-weather entertaining, Heather Taylor Home (heathertaylorhome.com) has opened a pop-up outpost in the Montecito Country Mart. With a flagship store in Los Angeles, Taylor’s signature checks, ginghams, stripes, and plaids reflect California’s casual playfulness and fresh aesthetic. While her style has traveled far beyond the borders of the Golden State via creative partnerships with brands like Dôen and West Elm, Taylor’s newest retail shop in the 805 brings it all back close to home. “I grew up visiting Montecito,” says Taylor, “so opening our pop-up at the Montecito Country Mart feels particularly special. Our linens are perfect for a lifestyle that also feels elegant, which is exactly how I would describe the culture there.” —J.L.

Heather Taylor welcomes fans of her handwoven linens and other home accessories to her Montecito pop-up boutique.

A WEEK OF CULINARY DELIGHTS

In the final years of her life, Julia Child lived full-time in Montecito and advocated for Santa Barbara County’s farmers, restaurants, markets, and lifestyle. In that spirit, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (sbce.events) in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts ( juliachildfoundation.org) presents Taste of Santa Barbara (sbce.events/taste-of-santa-barbara), a celebration throughout Santa Barbara County from May 16 to 22. Events include a screening of the new documentary Julia and a discussion with the filmmakers, a panel discussion about food-system sustainability, wine tastings and panel discussions with winemakers at El Presidio in downtown Santa Barbara, farm tours, and a farmers market program. —J.L.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

At Caelesta Vineyard (caelesta.com) in Paso Robles’ Templeton Gap AVA, wine grapes have a new sister crop: The first harvest of a small amount of black Périgord truffles, a species prized for its earthy aroma and distinctive taste, recently brought a sevenyear adventure to fruition. Brian and Denise Farrell purchased the 200-acre property in 2015 with the goal of planting vines for wine production. “When we were studying our soils for planting grapes, the area that is now the truffle orchard stood apart, with a higher pH and the rare ability to hold soil moisture while also having great drainage,” says viticulturalist and winemaker Brian Farrell, Jr. “My mom’s love of cooking and truffles led us to plant the 10 acres with 2,200 trees.” The holly oak trees were inoculated with truffle spores, fingers were crossed, and the minimum five-year wait began. The Farrell’s patience paid off, and after harvesting, the fragrant fungi made appearances on menus at restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Bell’s in Los Alamos and Six Test Kitchen in Paso Robles. As the yield increases, the truffles will be available to more restaurants as well as private chefs and wine club members. —Nancy Ransohoff

In partnership with Julia Child’s foundation, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience continues the legacy of the late author and television cook in a weeklong celebration of food and drink.

FROM TOP: LINDSAY KINDELON; ISTOCK.COM/ROBY PANGY; PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION, SCHLESINGER LIBRARY, RADCLIFFE INSTITUTE, HARVARD UNIVERSITY

A TRUFFIÈRE IN TEMPLETON GAP

COOKING WITH CLASS A LIFE WELL LIVED. A LIFE WELL EARNED. Since 1998, Belmont Village has safely delivered an unparalleled senior living experience for thousands of families. Collaborations with experts from the nation’s top healthcare institutions and universities, including

COURTESY OF TIERRA SUR/HERZOG WINE CELLARS

Glean cooking techniques and wine knowledge in monthly online classes led by Gabe Garcia, head chef of Tierra Sur, and Joseph Herzog, partner and vice president of Herzog Wine Cellars.

Note to students: come hungry to this class. Gabe Garcia, acclaimed chef at the fine-dining kosher restaurant Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars (tierrasuratherzog. com) in Oxnard, hosts the Rosh Chodesh Club, a new series of free online cooking classes available on the kosher.com website. Rosh Chodesh refers to the first day of each month in the Hebrew calendar, coinciding usually with the new moon. Subscribers receive a monthly stream that allows them to cook in real time along with Garcia. He provides complete step-by-step instruction on the creation of his seasonal recipes, right down to the presentation and plating. Each show includes preparation videos and downloadable recipes for dishes such as olive oil–poached ahi tuna with eggplant caponata. “Rosh Chodesh Club is all about your kitchen and my kitchen coming together,” says Garcia. “Here we learn tips and secrets and how to create texture, balance, and flavor. We explore and demystify wine pairing, seasonality, and ingredients—and we do it all together as a club.” Subscribers receive an email each month when a new episode is released, one week before the new moon. —N.R.

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.

BelmontVillage.com/LosAngeles

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7 Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff Dedicated Alzheimer’s care | Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness ©2022 Belmont Village, L.P. | RCFE 306005563, 197609518, 197608468, 197608466, 197608467, 565802433, 198601646, 197608291

1984 Freeborn | 5 beds | 4.5 baths | Santa Rosa Valley | $2,399,000 | 1984Freeborn.com Mediterranean Villa located in gated Camelot development; this incomparable one-story residence is on an imposing acre lot with a circular drive. The home offers 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and separate office. If you have been waiting for something special, this is a spectacular home from start to finish, with a contemporary color palette displaying true quality and elegance. Built in 1996, the estate exudes classic architectural elegance from the circular rotunda grand foyer, exterior and interior columns, archways, high volume ceilings. Exterior features include swimming pool, large flat useable lot, and circular stamped drive. Natural stone and granite flooring enhance the interior foyer. The gourmet island kitchen features granite counter tops. The huge master bedroom is features his and her closets adjacent to a large workout or office. Massive family room with space for billiard table has granite fireplace and huge walk-in step-down wet bar. The 3 secondary bedrooms on north wing all have adjoining baths. Spectacular mountain views. Offered at only $2,399,000

2269 Applewoord | 6 beds | 7 baths | Santa Rosa Valley | $3,799,000 | 2269Applewood.com Details that matter. Uncompromising luxury. Approximately 10,000 square foot, custom built home located on over 2 acres at the end of an electronically gated private drive leading to a grand motor court in the exclusive Wildwood Ranch neighborhood. Unmatched amenities include 6 bedrooms, 8.5 baths and many living areas. The extra-large kitchen boasts granite counter-tops, huge eat-in kitchen with fireplace and wine bar with 2 Viking wine coolers. Stainless steel state-of-the-art appliances. In addition there is a dedicated theatre/media room and a dramatic grand formal entry with stunning wrought iron staircase accenting slab granite staircase steps leading to huge formal dining room with gleaming wood flooring. The enormous master bedroom features a dramatic balcony with staircase leading to backyard area, surround sound speaker system, two enormous walk-in closets and fireplace. Each secondary bedroom is adjacent to its own private bath and a full walk-in closet. One of the unique amenities included is a two story world class executive library/office with exquisite Brazilian cherry flooring, vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling bookshelves on the upper level, fireplace and incredible hand carved arched door. For the car enthusiasts there is a 6 car garage that is fully insulated. Rich in architectural detail, craftsmanship and exquisite appointments, this Tuscan inspired masterpiece was designed for intimate gatherings as well as large-scale entertaining. The elegant, astounding scale of this superb home resounds with the fine materials and presentation. Exterior amenities include a huge resort styled gas heated swimming pool with waterfall and slide, firepit, outdoor cabana with full bath and shower, entertainment area and outdoor kitchen with DCS stainless steel barbecue, side burner and refrigerator. There is an additional barbecue area off the kitchen area with another stainless steel DCS barbecue. For the equestrian enthusiast there is a barn and arena. Exceptional Offered at $3,799,000.

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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 with quality buyers from across the globe. Look what Rosemary’s clients are saying: ... ting like Rosemary real estate marke NO ONE knows ... ary sem e Ro NO ONE sells lik ... es like Rosemary ary! NO ONE advertis d sellers like Rosem cted to buyers an ne con is E ON NO cessful suc y an ential quality of secret that an ess new relationships, ge for I’ve found it’s no ly on t no its ability to done that business lies within ll, Rosemary has d grow them as we reminder that the is n but to maintain an liso Al eer. Rosemary r financial throughout her car service matters, he tter, community ng an bei d an r tte relationships ma ma ls ighborhood schoo rs. tte ma support of our ne s me ho clients and their advocate for her Once we u get the picture... yo nk thi on but I ly found our buyer on I could go on and t no she , ary h Rosem nections listed our home wit tising, but her con r m her steller adver lp her purchase ou he within 2 weeks fro ld cou o wh r the lende cannot “thank we n, liso provided our buyer Al ary 30 days. Rosem in not only home in less than ur professionalism m” enough for yo ry detail through eve d you and your tea an h eac buyer but seeing done was finding the right acity to get the job work ethic and ten to you for seeing ed ebt to the end. Your ind r eve ily and I are for incredible. My fam ll, home seller this through. — Ken Gi Court 11450 Highridge

by the California Legislative Woman's Caucus, awarded by the California Senate and Assembly

With Rosemary’s new app, it has never been easier to search for new listings, find out what your home is worth and what your neighbors homes are listed for, plus what has sold! And unlike Zillow and Trulia, Rosemary will NEVER sell your information! Search “ROSEMARY ALLISON” in the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE App today!

Daily News Readers Choice

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

City of Thousand Oaks presents

MOSTLY KOSHER

“OPERA LITE” WITH LEFTOVER CUTIES NEW WEST SYMPHONY

“CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’” WITH 5-STAR THEATRICALS

ALEHOUSE FIRE

KAKI KING

THE FURIOUS SEASONS

MARIACHI GARIBALDI DE JAIME CUELLAR & BALLET FOLKLORICO DE LOS ANGELES

8 FREE EVENTS OVER 4 WEEKENDS IN JUNE!

All events begin at 7PM and are FREE and open to the public. Festival seating, B. Y. O. chair and picnic! FRI, JUN 3 / NEW WEST SYMPHONY “OPERA LITE,” EL PARQUE DE LA PAZ • SAT, JUN 4 / THE FURIOUS SEASONS & BRYNN ALBANESE, STAGE COACH MUSEUM LAWN • FRI, JUN 10 / KAKI KING, CALIFORNIA MUSEUM OF ART • FRI, JUN 11 / LEFTOVER CUTIES, NORTHWOOD PARK • FRI, JUN 17 / “CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’” WITH 5-STAR THEATRICALS, SUBURBIA PARK • SAT, JUN 18 / MOVIE NIGHT: BRAVE WITH ALEHOUSE FIRE, KIMBER PARK • FRI, JUN 24 / MOSTLY KOSHER, THOUSAND OAKS COMMUNITY PARK • SAT, JUN 25 / MARIACHI GARIBALDI DE JAIME CUELLAR & BALLET FOLKLORICO DE LOS ANGELES, TRIUNFO PARK

bapacthousandoaks.com/popup

Finds

BACKGROUND: ISTOCK.COM/YEVHENII DUBINKO

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

Globe-trotting Gear THE SKY’S THE LIMIT WITH THESE UPDATED TRAVEL ESSENTIALS. By Jennie Nunn Fly calm and carry on with Bric’s “Capri” spinner ($320); Pottery Barn: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; potterybarn.com.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Finds

7 5

1. “Emery” leather travel jewelry roll ($109); Pottery Barn: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; potterybarn.com. 2. Espro ultralight travel coffee press in matte white ($50); Crate and Barrel, The Village at Topanga in Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 3. Wipeys “Jetpack” wipes set ($22 for 12); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. 4. Field Notes “Signs of Spring” notebook with debossed floral cover ($15 for a set of three); Copperfield’s, Ventura, copperfields.biz. 5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 instant camera ($180); Urban Outfitters: Thousand Oaks, The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, Canoga Park, and Malibu; urbanoutfitters.com. 6. Kikkerland “Around The World” travel bags ($20 for a set of four); World Market: The Promenade at Westlake Village, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo; worldmarket.com. 7. Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless, noise-canceling, over-the-ear headphones in midnight blue ($350); Best Buy: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Goleta, Santa Maria, and Canoga Park; bestbuy.com. 8. Heather Taylor Home “Mini Gingham” large quilted pouch ($58); Heather Taylor Home in Montecito Country Mart, heathertaylorhome.com; and Heritage Goods & Supply, Carpinteria and Solvang, heritagegoodsandsupply.com. 9. Ban.dō “Rainbow” luggage tag ($10); Paper Source: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, Woodland Hills, and Calabasas; papersource.com. 10. “Altair” sunglasses in brushed gold and teal polar ($595); Oliver Peoples in Malibu Country Mart, oliverpeoples.com. 

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

8: JUSTIN TROUNG

5555 Little Fawn Court, Westlake Village North Ranch gated 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom residence positioned mountaintop, commanding exceptional privacy and epic views. 4,500 sq. feet of abundant natural light in an expansive open plan on an intimate cul-de-sac. Bring your personal touch to make this magical estate your own, and enjoy the beauty and exclusivity this community has to offer. Price Upon Request

818-620-4901

Top 2% company wide. christybassiri.com Christy4RealEstate@gmail.com

Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. is a licensed real estate broker, and fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing and the Equal Opportunities Act. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with another broker, please disregard this ad as it is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokers.

repair + rejuvenate skin

Schedule your FREE consultation at

Talia Emery, M.D.

3723 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91362 | 24955 PCH, Suite B101, Malibu, CA 90265 | 805.497.9400

Finds Style By Frances Ryan

Roam the Earth GALAVANT WITH FUNCTIONAL STYLE IN THE LATEST SAFARI-INSPIRED FASHIONS.

1 2

6 7

1. “Heritage” linen safari dress in new bronze ($160); Banana Republic: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; bananarepublic.gap.com. 2. Patek Philippe “Calatrava 5226G” self-winding watch with white-gold case and calfskin band (price upon request); Polacheck’s Jewelers, Calabasas, polachecks.com. 3. Straw hat with leather and horse-bit band ($710); Gucci, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, gucci.com. 4. Ray-Ban “Hawkeye” polarized sunglasses ($224); Sunglass Hut, Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara, sunglasshut.com. 5. “Techbag” leather and linen shoulder bag with two coin purses on leather strap ($315); Ba&sh, Malibu Country Mart, ba-sh.com. 6. Wraparound bracelet in 18-karat yellow gold (price upon request); Silverhorn, Santa Barbara, silverhorn.com. 7. Espadrille wedge sandal in zebra-print, hair-calf leather ($140); Banana Republic: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; bananarepublic.gap.com. 8. Patch-pocket chino short ($65); J.Crew, Thousand Oaks, jcrew.com. 9. Aimee Kestenberg “Casablanca” raffia tote with ivory leather trim and whipstitched binding ($348); Nordstrom: Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; nordstrom.com. 10.Bishop + Young “Kiki” bubble-sleeve, drawstring tee ($90); Devine Supply, Santa Ynez, devinesupply.com. 

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Finds Travel By Erin Rottman

PROSPECTOR’S PARADISE Sister hotels in historic Nevada County celebrate the spirit of long-ago visitors who came in search of the mother lode.

A Grass Valley Landmark

The anchor of Grass Valley is the recently restored Holbrooke Hotel (holbrooke.com, from $191), a California Historical Landmark that began as the Golden Gate Saloon in 1852. Today’s bar area, which opens to the restaurant on one side and Main Street on the other, is full of mining town character with its wood flooring, mahogany coffered ceiling, and copper walls and backbar from the 1860s. It bills itself as the longest operating bar west of the Mississippi River, but Taco Tuesdays and cocktails like the Evergreen

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Daiquiri—a mix of St. George Terroir gin, sage-infused Dolin Blanc vermouth, Green Chartreuse liqueur, and lime—make it feel like the new hot spot. Holbrooke’s 28 rooms also contain a mix of old and new. “The vibe at the Holbrooke encapsulates much of what these walls have seen from the heyday of boom and bust,” says general manager Lunden Desmond. “The hotel’s compelling history is preserved through the thoughtfully restored details allowing you to sink into this atmosphere we often refer to as the Wild West, while the modern design elevates its charm.” Some original armoires have been restored by local craftspeople, and maps and architectural drawings were sourced from Searls Historical Library. Overall, exposed brick walls and brown leather >

The restored Holbrooke Hotel (above) celebrates its roots with modern takes on Gold Rush–era classics, like a chaise in a guest room (left) and a clawfoot tub shower in a bath (below). The Golden Gate Saloon, circa 1852, (bottom) predates the rest of the historic establishment.

KAT ALVES

alifornia’s Gold Rush started at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, but it boomed two counties north in Grass Valley. From 1850 to 1950, so much gold was extracted from the mines there that it became the richest mining town in the state. While the miners, struggling to support their families on a $12-per-day salary, lived close to work, the wealthy mine owners, bankers, and lawyers lived about five miles away in what is now called Nevada City. “They didn’t go back and forth unless they had horses,” says Pat Chesnut, director of the Searls Historical Library, the archive for the Nevada County Historical Society. “You didn’t just hop in the car and jump on the freeway.” But now we can, so a visit to the area, a little over an hour’s drive (65 miles) from Sacramento International Airport, would not be complete without stops in both.

at the ranch

Grenache · Syrah · Mourvedre · Cabernet Sauvignon · Merlot Petit Verdot · Malbec · Cabernet Franc · Viognier · Chardonnay Albarino · Sauvignon Blanc · Roussanne · Riesling & Bubbles

visit us in solvang & los olivos

800 East Highway 246, Solvang / 2890 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos

www.kaenawine.com

Chesterfield sofas contrast with white linens and marble countertops to create an updated, luxurious feel. Stay in room two to sleep where Mark Twain slept or room 18, the presidential suite that hosted mine owner Herbert Hoover. A book of trail maps for Nevada and Yuba counties is available at the front desk, but one of the most convenient areas to explore from the Holbrooke is the 856-acre Empire Mine State Historic Park, about a mile away. Pine, oak, manzanita, and fern line 14 miles of casual hiking trails. The park also contains the vacation home of San Francisco entrepreneur William Bowers Bourn, Sr., who owned the mine in the late 1800s, and the mine yard. Visitors can tour both and venture about 40 feet down the mine shaft. Back in town, the streets around the Holbrooke offer a variety of coffee shops and boutiques, like Mill and Main custom hat bar, boho home décor shop Element + Loft, and Foggy Mountain Music for instruments. End the day at the Iron Door, a former speakeasy built in the basement of the Holbrooke to hide alcohol and underground gambling. The tunnels behind the bar were used to transport gold directly to the bank next-door.

Nevada City, Victorian-Style Harking back to the origins of The National Exchange Hotel, ornate Victorian-style motifs define (from top) the bar, the exterior, guest rooms, a stairwell, a sitting area, and the restaurant’s street-side window.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

While Grass Valley is more business friendly and tolerant of growth, Nevada City, whose downtown is a designated historic district, holds stricter preservation ordinances. “There are a lot of people who have a Please check CDC and local guidelines before traveling.

lot of influence in the town who don’t want any change,” says Stuart Baker, executive director of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. One of the buildings that the community is so passionate about is The National Exchange Hotel (thenationalexchangehotel.com, from $169), dating to 1856. The modern Victorian property serves as an ideal base from which to explore both the town and the natural surroundings, like the Deer Creek Tribute Trail, along which hikers will find a 150-foot suspension bridge and swimming holes in the South Yuba River. The National Exchange’s second floor, known as the Grand Lounge, used to be the main entrance. Today, the ballroom-sized space is the heart of the hotel, framed by an expansive, u-shaped, golden-yellow couch and crowned with six round chandeliers, each with 150 bulbs and beveled mirrors that send light dancing around the ceiling. “We knew this hotel was leaning feminine, and it had to be grand,” says Doug Washington, one of the designers on the team. “You don’t get much grander than a tufted couch that’s 100 feet long and moves around a whole room.” Like the Grand Lounge, the French-inspired hotel restaurant Lola invites guests to stay awhile. The oysters with grapefruit ginger mignonette are ideal for sharing before an entrée of steak frites or Coho salmon. Each table along a central stretch of back-to-back peacock-blue banquettes has a brass light fixture that arches overhead. “The idea was to give you this feeling that these lights cocoon you,” Washington says. “We wanted it to be somewhere you might spend three hours having dinner, instead of two.” Adjacent to the restaurant is The National Bar, which, like Golden Gate Saloon at The National Exchange’s sister hotel, the Holbrooke, claims to be the longest running bar west of the Mississippi. It’s a fun sibling rivalry. And another reason to go to both. 

KAT ALVES

Finds Travel

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

THE MAKER’S SON LOS ALAMOS themakersson.com

DIS CO V ER S A N TA Y NE Z VA L L E Y Where to stay, play, sip, dine, shop in wine country.

BOB’S WELL BREAD BAKERY Bob’s Well Bread makes bread the old-fashioned way: handcrafted in small batches with the finest ingredients and baked in our custombuilt stone-deck oven. Taste what visitors and journalists are raving about—signature pain au levain and baked treats from our extensive selection of award-winning artisanal breads, croissants, and specialty pastries. We serve an imaginative all-day menu and weekly specials are served in our indoor-outdoor picturesque cafés.

ALI BECK

Located in a restored 1920s garage and gas station, the Maker’s Son embodies the rustic nature of California’s Central Coast. With brunch and dinner menus that embrace our local roots, our seasonal chef-driven offerings of elevated comfort foods, paired with local wines, brews, and handcrafted cocktails, make for the perfect dining or private gathering experience.

LOS ALAMOS & BALLARD bobswellbread.com

WINE COUNTRY DAYS WINERY PASSPORT

ROBLAR FARM SANTA YNEZ roblarfarm.com

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY winecountrydays.com

From the cool ocean breeze off the coast of Santa Barbara to the warm rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara Wine Country awaits you. Recently named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, your Wine Country Days Passport provides a wine tasting experience at 22 of the absolute best Santa Barbara wineries. Order your Wine Country Days Passport today!

LOS OLIVOS, CA Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the charming historic town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or fun-filled day. Whether you want award-winning wine tasting, fine or casual dining, great shopping, fine art and artisans, renting bicycles to take in the sights, and more—there is plenty to do in Los Olivos for the whole family!

LIZ DODDER

LOS OLIVOS losolivosca.com

Located next to Roblar Winery, our beautiful estate is home to a luxury ranch-style home with sprawling lawns, an infinity pool and hot tub, a 3-acre organic produce farm, and stunning indoor-outdoor event venues. Celebrate your nuptials, pick veggies, taste through delicious Roblar wines, and relax in bliss. Whether you’re coming to celebrate, or for a casual weekend getaway, Roblar Farm is the ultimate wine country experience.

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

DEVINE SUPPLY

REFUGIO RANCH VINEYARDS

SANTA YNEZ devinesupply.com

LOS OLIVOS refugioranch.com

JORDAN ROSE DESIGNS

Devine Supply embodies effortless California style that honors the heritage of our western state while staying up to date with modern fashion. The boutique offers a curated selection of small sustainable labels, luxury brands, and unique vintage pieces for men and women. Everything is handpicked by the Devine girls themselves, Vicki, Kat, and Sabrina. Visit us in store and online!

BUTTONWOOD FARM & WINERY SOLVANG buttonwoodwinery.com

Enjoy our award-winning wines in the charming town of Los Olivos at our tasting room built c.1912, originally as the filling station for tank cars at the southern terminus of the Pacific Coast Railroad. We’ve taken great care to preserve the structure and spirit of this slice of history. Come by for a tasting, or to share a bottle with friends and soak in the rustic atmosphere.

Buttonwood Farm & Winery is a small gem set amidst the splendor of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy a 90-minute tasting in our beautiful garden alongside our peach tree grove, or on our intimate tasting room patio, and let our team welcome you as family. We are open for outdoor tasting from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

HAMPTON INN & SUITES BY HILTON

FOXEN

BUELLTON buelltonsantaynezvalley.hamptonbyhilton.com

SANTA MARIA foxenvineyard.com

Located off the 101 Freeway in Buellton, minutes from Solvang, Santa Ynez, and Los Olivos, you will enjoy our beautiful outdoor patio and fire pits, bocce ball court, free daily hot breakfast, WiFi, and our pool. Close to many area attractions and wine tasting, stay with us and explore the Santa Ynez Valley.

HITCHING POST 2 RESTAURANT & WINERY Since 1986, owner/chef/winemaker Frank Ostini has brought you his oak-fire cuisine of steaks, seafood, and other grilled specialties, like quail and artichokes. Along with the soulful, signature Hitching Post Pinot Noirs and irresistible lunch menu that you’ll find at Hitching Post Wines’ next-door tasting room, you’re sure to enjoy this quintessential Santa Ynez Valley dining experience.

LISA THOMPSON

BUELLTON hitchingpost2.com

Owners Dick Doré and Bill Wathen have been creating wines of elegance and balance since 1985. From the beginning, Foxen’s dedication has remained the same—the creation of small production, sustainably-farmed, vineyardfocused wines using a minimalist approach to winemaking. Both Foxen and The Shack tasting rooms are open daily by reservation. Foxen is located in Santa Maria at 7600 Foxen Canyon Road (805-937-4251).

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

Where to stay, play, sip, dine, shop in wine country. ALMA ROSA WINERY SOLVANG almarosawinery.com

Founded by California wine pioneer Richard Sanford in 2005, the wines of Alma Rosa are layered, vibrant, and balanced, reflecting the special terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills. We invite you to experience our wines in our new downtown Solvang tasting room, which has a spacious courtyard and inviting indoor/outdoor space. Alma Rosa Winery is located at 1623 Mission Drive in Solvang (805-691-9395). Open daily.

DaFOE WINES LOS OLIVOS dafoewines.com

DaFoe Wines is a small family winery producing intriguing wines with minimal intervention by classic methods. Winemaker and owner, Rob DaFoe, is a Goleta native who’s been handcrafting wines from our beautiful county soils for 16 vintages. Creating collectable, and age-worthy wines, as well as vibrant, slammable beauties sure to spur discussion and good times. DaFoe produces mainly Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, concreteaged Grenache, skin-fermented Grenache Blanc, Albariño, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Also try unique blends from Attic Salt Wine Co., DaFoe’s sister label. Come enjoy a glass on the deck or a tasting inside at the bar. Private tastings are available for collectors. DaFoe Wines is located near the Flagpole in the center of town.

ARTISTE WINERY & ART GALLERY

KIM REIERSON

LOS OLIVOS artiste.com

T&T LOCAL ARTISANS ENTERPRISE LOS ALAMOS locartent.com

Visit our tasting room and gallery meant to inspire both the palate and the senses, including a professional art gallery, wine and olive oil tastings, a private wine museum, and unique retail items. Each of our wine blends are labeled with gorgeous works of art and are named after the painting that graces its bottle. From the inside to out, each bottle is truly a masterpiece.

LIQUID FARM LOS OLIVOS liquidfarm.com

The name Liquid Farm describes the authentic nature of wine (liquid from farming), and reflects our strong belief that all great wines start in the vineyard. We allow our wines to develop on their own with little intervention, resulting in well-balanced, food-friendly wines. Come try our worldclass Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rosé wines in our beautiful Los Olivos tasting room!

The former T&T Garage on Bell Street in Los Alamos has been transformed into a 5,000-square-foot gallery that houses the work of more than 60 local artists of all disciplines. The curated collection includes jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, original paintings, photography, and more. Stop by on a weekend to see local artists in action!

Insider EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805 By Heidi Dvorak The Smashing Pumpkins

May 13

May 21

PARADISE REVISITED

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS

Thomas Reynolds Gallery, Santa Barbara. For a classic case of local gal does good, check out this solo painting exhibition by former State Street waitress, UC Santa Barbara graduate, and contemporary artist Sandy Ostrau, in which she focuses on the shapes and hues of California’s coast; thomasreynolds.com.

Santa Barbara Bowl. As part of their spring tour, Rock Invasion 2, Billy Corgan, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and Jeff Schroeder revisit the group’s early 1990s–style rock and roll. Rock band Bones UK also performs; sbbowl.com.

LOTUSLAND BOOK RELEASE LUNCHEON

Though July 31 LANDSCAPE THROUGH THE EYES OF ABSTRACTION

California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks. The works of renowned artists Luciana Abait, Kim Abeles, Charles Arnoldi, Laddie John Dill, Cynthia Ona Innis, and Claudia Parducci depict landscapes in a variety of mediums; cmato.org. May 1–31 CONEJO CHALLENGE

T h ro u g h 7/ 3 1

Here’s an Idea: Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara on WHARF WEDNESDAYS. Come for live music, historic canon firings, palm readings, wine tastings, food booths, water-taxi rides, and a slew of other activities on the first Wednesday of every month throughout the summer; stearnswharf.org.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Virtual. Participate in a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, or half-marathon race to benefit the Conejo Free Clinic, which provides free medical, dental, and legal services in the community. Or elect to sponsor a runner; conejofreeclinic.org.

May 14 DENNIS QUAID LIVE

Bank of America Performing Arts Thousand Oaks. The actor who portrayed Jerry Lee Lewis in Great Balls of Fire performs songs from the film as well as his own compositions and shares stories about his life; bapacthousandoaks.org. May 14 LIVE AT THE MAHA: SAM NELSON HARRIS

Villa Creek Cellars & MAHA Estate, Paso Robles. Enjoy an intimate acoustic performance by Grammynominated Sam Nelson Harris of X Ambassadors, a wine reception, and a gourmet lunch with Clark Staub, owner of Full of Life Flatbread. The event benefits Must! Charities; villacreek.com. May 20–22

May 3–27

PASO WINE FEST

OPEN JURIED ART SHOW

Paso Robles locations. This citywide wine-centric celebration offers educational seminars, barrel tastings, artisanal food pairings, live music, winemaker dinners, and a grand tasting; pasowine.com.

Thousand Oaks Community Gallery. The Thousand Oaks Art Association exhibits works submitted from Southern California residents. Mediums include oil, watercolor, pastel, graphics, mixed media, photography, digital art, and 3D and sculptural forms; thousandoaksartassoc.org.

Lotusland, Montecito. Join honorary cochairs Jane Seymour and Anne Towbes for a lunch honoring the release of Lotusland, a new book about the inception and ongoing history of the unique collection of gardens; lotusland.org.

For more on local events, click on Calendar at 805living.com.

May 28–29 OJAI ART IN THE PARK

Libbey Park. The Ojai Art Center hosts this annual art festival showcasing a diverse mixture of works in a variety of mediums, all available for purchase. Artists are on hand to chat about their creations, and the band Dive Bar Messiahs performs; ojaiartcenter. org/artinthepark.html. June 4–5 SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL

Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks. Frolic with Norwegian elkhounds, visit an authentic Viking village and a Saami sliddastallan (community gathering), and watch Hans Christian Andersen puppet shows at this celebration of Nordic cultures; scandinavianfest.org. June 5 NEFTIN WESTLAKE MAZDA LOVE RUN

Townsgate Road. Runners and walkers can participate in a 10K, 5K, half-marathon, 1-mile fun run, or virtual run with a Doggie Dash option in this annual event that supports Senior Concerns’ Meals on Wheels Program; loverunwestlake.com. 

PAINTING: BUSTER, 2021, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, CHARLES ARNOLDI

5/13

Through May 28

Please join us for this exclusive rendezvous in the rolling hills of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country – all in support of ending homelessness!

On Saturday, June 4, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) will host A Toast to Home – an event where we will honor and celebrate the support that PATH receives from the Santa Barbara community. This event will fundraise for the life-saving services that PATH provides. All proceeds from the festival go

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 4:00-8:00 PM

TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW.

towards supportive services for our neighbor’s experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara. A Toast to Home will be held at Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez Valley, on Saturday, June 4th, 2022 and will include a silent auction, education on PATH’s programs, live music, food trucks, and more!

PATH is ending homelessness for individuals, families, and communities.

www.epath.org

Arts & Culture By Joan Tapper Photographs by Gary Moss

Everything looks good on paper at the Soolip boutique in Westlake Village: Marbled rolls from India (left) provide inspiration for gorgeous gift wraps. (Opposite, clockwise from top, right) Wanda Wen opens drawers filled with more elaborate designs; her custom invitations are truly inviting; shelves of treasures include Wen’s The Art of Gift Wrapping; and unusual and artful papyrus is made from thinly sliced radishes and eggplant.

The Write Stuff SOOLIP ADDS A PERSONAL TOUCH TO PAPER TRAILS.

or those of us who are overwhelmed by electronic communication and who miss the elegance and personal connection of a handwritten note, there is an antidote. Wanda Wen, the creative whirlwind behind Soolip (soolip.com), a stationery and lifestyle brand, has opened her Westlake Village studio to lovers of all things paper. Note cards, custom invitations and stationery, journals, paper containers, wrapping paper and embellishments, and above all, inspiration—they’re all here.

Wen traces her own appreciation for paper to her childhood. She remembers keeping cards and making family albums and even wrapping gifts for friends with brown paper, bougainvillea flowers, and raffia twine. “I thought then, wouldn’t it be great if someone could pay me to do this,” she says in an early example of an entrepreneurial bent that has fueled her career. She grew up in Grants Pass, Oregon, where her parents owned a restaurant, and got a degree in finance at the University of Southern California. She always had an interest in fashion and the arts, >

“Everyone has an artist inside themselves, a passion to do something,” says Wanda Wen. 62

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Arts & Culture though, and struggled to decide between those pursuits and business. Her solution? “I created an artistic business,” Wen says. But first, there was a career in fashion sales, marketing, and merchandising in Los Angeles and New York for brands like Perry Ellis and Stephen Sprouse. By the early 1990s, Wen was back in California, still working in fashion and commuting to San Francisco but also pursuing a new interest. “I became enamored of letterpress printing,” she says. She got her own presses, studied graphic design, and apprenticed at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. She also wanted a paper store. She found a cute, affordable storefront on Melrose Avenue, and in 1995 Soolip was born. “Soolip is my middle name,” Wen says, “and in Chinese the word is related to wisdom. Life’s destiny is to seek wisdom.” She wanted her customers to be introspective, since as she says, “everyone has an artist inside themselves, a passion to do something.” The shop had paper and took custom orders for stationery and invitations, and Wen later grew the brand to include several other lifestyle-oriented shops for paper, home goods, and children. She also inaugurated a boutique wedding fair that introduced sophisticated brides to her favorite luxury vendors for

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

“I treat paper as fashion,” Wen says. “Personal stationery, invitations, they’re a reflection of who you are.”

Soolip products for every mood and purpose (clockwise from left): Chic place mats for tabletop decor, a leaf-covered journal for thoughts of every nature, clever calling cards, and brilliantly patterned wrapping papers.

flowers, cars, and jewelry. She wrote a book called The Art of Gift Wrapping, and was a judge on the reality TV show Wrap Battle, in which America’s 10 greatest wrappers showed off their skills in an attempt to win a $50,000 grand prize. About 11 years ago, Wen opened a production studio in Westlake Village, close to her home, to produce the varied custom and corporate orders that had become the backbone of her business. After the pandemic pushed her to close her Melrose shop, she realized the studio space had other possibilities. “I set this up so that customers could come here and be inspired,” Wen says, adding, “I treat paper as fashion. Personal stationery, invitations, they’re a reflection of who you are.” And, if you’re not exactly sure of your style, there are plenty of gorgeous tactile examples to guide you. Step inside and you’ll see displays of note cards; racks of marbled papers; shelves of paper in a dizzying variety of colors, textures, and sizes; paper bags unlike anything you have in your kitchen; packets of pressed flowers; stones wrapped with delicate threads; even packets of brightly printed place mats that could set the tone for a stylish meal. Among Wen’s favorite wares are the creations from Arpa, a mill in Spain that produces linencotton paper with deckled edges in earth-inspired colors. Another go-to is the handmade white paper made in various weights and textures by Velké Losiny in the Czech Republic. “We’re all about the details,” she says, whether it’s elevating someone’s dream of a wedding invitation or boxing a corporate gift. “If you come with an idea, we can help you package it.” When she opened the studio to customers, Wen led several workshops, like those she’s held at retreats in the past on stationery making, calligraphy, and gift wrapping. And although she has no plans to repeat those immediately, the do-ityourself elements are all on hand. As it happens, Wen is also a yoga practitioner and teacher and has created a game called YogaLand that she calls a combination of Candyland, Cranium, Pictionary, and Twister, “with a dose of therapy.” Teaching the wellness practice is not really the stretch it might seem from Wen’s paper-oriented activities. “Yoga is about stepping inside yourself,” Wen says. Similarly, you can think of journaling and writing as connecting to yourself and the natural world. And why not do that on the most beautiful papers you can imagine?  MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Upgrades

Inlay Interplay

TO ELEVATE ANY ROOM, INTRODUCE A FURNISHING ENHANCED WITH THIS INTRICATE FORM OF CRAFTSMANSHIP By Frances Ryan Create a striking focal point with a pattern-embedded appointment, like the “Moroccan” desk in black and white with tapered brass legs ($1,598); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. Turn the page for more examples. MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Upgrades

1 2

5 4

1. Large mirror ($1,250); Rooms & Gardens, Santa Barbara, roomsandgardens.com. 2. “Scroll Vine” buffet with foliage motif in navy ($3,298); Anthropologie: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; anthropologie.com. 3. Alfonso Marina “Bone Cabinet II” in red cedar and primavera wood with sgraffito bone inlay marquetry, faux tortoise shell, and antique brass details ($8,155); Cabana Home, Santa Barbara, cabanahome.com. 4. Theodore Alexander “Lacey” waterfall cocktail table with sycamore, ebony, mother-of-pearl, and brass ($5,775); PTS Furniture Home and Office Showroom, Thousand Oaks, ptsfurniture.com. 5. “Pia” chair in floral mosaic with upholstered seat ($1,299); Arhaus, Thousand Oaks, arhaus.com. 6. “Rhodes” demilune console table in blue and white botanic pattern ($2,345); onekingslane.com. 7. “Arrow” tray set designed by Jamie Beckwith for Currey & Company ($1,370 for set of two); Alderman Bushé, Thousand Oaks, aldermanbusheinteriors. com. 8. Made Goods “Dustin” bed in natural bone and gray resin (from $10,850); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Well Traveled

Venturing out of your everyday regimen brings fresh outlooks and experiences that heal your body, intrigue your mind, and restore your zest for life. BY ERIN ROTTMAN

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

In Costa Rica, a guest at Hacienda AltaGracia, climbs to the top of the jungle canopy to take in the view of the Talamanca Mountains from a net hammock.

SOME PEOPLE PLAN THEIR NEXT VACATION WHILE STILL ON THE LAST ONE, AND OTHERS STRUGGLE TO BREAK FREE OF DAILY OBLIGATIONS TO CARVE OUT A GETAWAY. Traveling, though, can be a way to improve mental health, like regular exercise or eating a nutritious diet. “When we step out of our normal routine, we diversify the ways in which we think about ourselves. This is imperative for resilience,” says Westlake Village–based Julie Frumin, LMFT. “If we are only one identity—wife, employee, mom, etcetera—what happens when something goes poorly in that realm? We feel like we have nothing else. When we allow ourselves to beef up our identities, we have something to fall back on.” Traveling also promotes gratitude, Frumin says, “feeling grateful for where we are able to travel, realizing what we’re capable of when we step outside of our comfort zones, noticing how special our people are, and even seeing our home through fresh eyes upon our return.” Here are four ways to step out of your routine and take care of yourself.

Step Out of the Comfort Zone

AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

CLIMB ANY TREES LATELY? If not, it might be time to try. “Doing something like an adventure, something outside of your comfort zone, shows you how capable you really are,” Frumin says, adding that the accomplishment can promote confidence in other areas of life. What’s more, Frumin says, “You won’t know what you love if you don’t try it.” >

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Each of 50 spacious guest casitas (left) opens to a patio. Some have heated plunge pools (top) overlooking the verdant surroundings. A stay includes a complimentary tasting (above, left) of brews made from beans grown at the on-site coffee farm.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

Take a crack at the unfamiliar at the recently opened Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection in the foothills of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains (aubergeresorts.com/ altagracia). Rates include ground transportation, lodging, meals, and activities, and the resort aims to integrate culinary, wellness, and adventure pursuits into all of its programming. One option is to climb to the top of the jungle canopy. Secured with a safety harness and led by a guide, guests use a single rope and their own strength to hoist themselves to the top of the trees, where a net offers a spot to reflect on their achievement. “You’re sitting in a net hammock,” says general manager Mark Wright of the experience, “but instead of being one foot off the beach, you are 100 feet off the ground. “The reward when you’re at the top is having one of the best views in Costa Rica,” Wright says, adding that 65- and 70-year-old guests have made the climb and couldn’t believe they did it. The Roca de Nubes (Cloud Rock) sunrise hike is only two miles long but involves a strenuous 3,000-foot elevation gain. “When you get to the top, you’re quite out of breath,” says Wright, “because it’s quite steep and there’s a little scrambling section, as well.” The view extends beyond the ridgeline to the Pacific Ocean, and clouds slowly fill the valley as the sun continues to rise. On the way down, guides build a fire in a cave and cook beef and chicken kebabs wrapped in banana leaves Other activities include bird-watching hikes, horseback rides, and night walks along a network of jungle trails. Children are invited to venture out of their comfort zone in the adventure club, with a treasure hunt for ants, bugs, and termites. The critters are baked into cookies and muffins with chocolate, and the kids learn about a different protein source and survival skills, Wright says. A new children’s rope course is slated for completion by the end of the year.

AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

Relaxation comes in many forms at Hacienda AltaGracia (from top): The glass walls of Casa de Agua offer panoramic vistas for relaxing hydrotherapy treatments. Outside, a couple rappels down from a visit to the tree canopy.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Get Outside

NATURE HELPS US FEEL GOOD. “When I meet with people, one of the first things I ask is how often they move their bodies and whether they do it outside,” says Frumin. Outdoor therapy is a specialty at Brush Creek Ranch in southcentral Wyoming (brushcreekranch.com), a one-and-ahalf-hour drive (61 miles) from Laramie Regional Airport. The luxury ranch consists of three lodging options set on 30,000 acres: 1) the Lodge & Spa, the main dude ranch; 2) Magee Homestead, nine adults-only Relais & Châteaux cabins; and 3) French Creek Sportsmen’s Club, a hunting and fishing retreat for groups of 12. “You never hear the sounds of cars or trucks, just the western landscape,” says Brush Creek Ranch executive vice president Michael Williams. “All of our lodgings are different in their landscape, from towering rock croppings to aspen groves to pristine meadows. The 30,000 acres also allows us to spread out all of our guests so they really can enjoy the privacy and solitude of the ranch.” Activities include fly-fishing along a 30-plus-mile stretch of private river, horseback riding lessons in arenas and on trails, and hiking through pine, fir, spruce, and aspens in the adjacent Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. Interest in wellness has also driven Brush Creek Ranch to offer new retreats, like the upcoming Wilderness Wellness with Doug Wachob weekends in July and September. Wildlife ecologist Wachob connects guests to nature through hikes and conversations about the surrounding ecosystems and conservation. “The White family,” says Williams of ranch owners Bruce and Beth White, “wants guests to leave with keen knowledge of the ranch that they didn’t have when they

COURTESY OF BRUSH CREEK RANCH

Home on the range at Brush Creek Ranch (from top): Guided fly-fishing excursions are available by raft, drift boat, or waders. The living room in a deluxe cabin exemplifies the ranch’s American Western comfort. Spa experiences can take place in treatment rooms or an authentic Native American Tepee. (Opposite) Wranglers give horsemanship lessons and lead rides along 55 miles of trails.

arrived. There is so much to explore.” The outdoor recreation is matched by the ranch’s commitment to sustainability. The on-site farm produces Wagyu cattle for beef. A 24,000-square-foot greenhouse generates most of the fruits and vegetables, and a herd of goats supplies milk for cheese and yogurt. A separate restaurant at the farm, the Cheyenne Club, offers elevated, adults-only dining with the option for a sommelier-led tour through the cellar to choose a bottle of wine. These experiences help people strengthen their personal relationships, Williams says. “What I’ve heard from guests over and over through the years is that the appeal is not just in the outdoor experiences but also in the togetherness that they are allowed to have with their families or business associates.” MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

THREE RETREATS BEGINNING NEXT MONTH at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village (fourseasons.com/westlakevillage) commemorate the opening of its new Center for Health & Wellbeing. The three-night, four-day retreats— Sustainable Weight Loss, Optimum Performance for Fitness, and Spa & Beauty—all have a nutrition focus.. “If you go to some place with experts in their field, you’re getting the true science,” Frumin says. “It’s not about the newest keto or intermittent fasting. It’s what do our bodies really need and why?” The Four Seasons has tapped Thousand Oaks–based registered dietitian nutritionist Erika Wong to help guide guests toward their goal, whether it be disease prevention, weight loss, or relaxation. “We’re not the food police,” Wong says. “We really want people to understand what their choices are and be able to go home and do this sustainably.” To help guests achieve lasting change, the retreats include one-onone consultations, nutrition workshops, and hands-on cooking classes. Individual nutrition consultations begin before guests arrive, with questionnaires on eating habits, medical history, and lifestyle routines. After guests check in, a registered dietitian helps with customized food choices, like two or three breakfast options, or what to buy from Trader Joe’s to make meals. “We are calling out tips and tricks to make this faster and doable,” Wong says.

Feeding body and soul (from top): Erika Wong, RDN, demonstrates hacks for more nutritious eating in the wellness kitchen at the Center for Health & Wellbeing. A freshly renovated guest room at the hotel looks out onto the chapparal-covered ridges of the Santa Monica Mountains. An on-site greenhouse supplies organic herbs for oils used in the massages that take place there. (Left:) Guests go for a run on a nearby wooded trail.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

WONG: GARY MOSS; GUEST ROOM, GREENHOUSE, AND RUNNERS: COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE

(Re)learn to Eat

FROM TOP: COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE; GARY MOSS

Interactive workshops cover eating strategies, like incorporating healthy fats, fiber for immune function, and more fruits and vegetables, says Wong. She works with guests to learn their challenges, whether they are struggling with long work hours, eating in airports or different time zones, or picking off of kids’ plates. “We really want to hear from the guests and make their time with us the most valuable,” she says. Throughout the retreat, guests visit the wellness kitchen, where they don aprons and learn how to sauté with less oil, how to make flavorful vinaigrettes with less salt, and more. Then everyone enjoys the meal together. “We hear a lot of comments from guests like, ‘This is so much food,’ ” says Wong, “but then they feel full for longer. They eat well and feel full, not deprived.” Participants leave with recipes tailored to the home cook. Unlike a typical visit to a nutritionist’s office, the retreats offer the opportunity for guests to reset their eating habits while surrounded by Four Seasons–style hospitality. The hotel recently renovated its guest rooms in a California coastal–meets–Hollywood glam style manifested in natural, light blue, and golden yellow hues. Two new spa suites between a tranquility pool and meditation gardens harbor private outdoor hot tubs.

Wong harvests produce (left) grown in the Wellness Kitchen vegetable garden. While focusing on health habits at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village retreats, guests enjoy access to amenities like the expansive adults-only serenity pool (top).

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Lessons from another way of life (from top): Restorative meditation sessions turn the mind inward at Bishop’s Lodge. Adobe walls, crackling fireplaces, and Navajo textiles immerse guests in tradition. Led by a tribal leader, a drum-making course allows visitors to bring home a functional representation of Santa Fe.

Experience Another Culture

AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

TRAVELING LEADS TO ENCOUNTERS WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT. “Something that’s really good for mental health is to hear people’s stories,” Frumin says. “We hear resilience and we learn from that.” One place to gain experience with another culture is Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection (aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge), adjacent to Santa Fe National Forest and a 10-minute drive (3.8 miles) from downtown Santa Fe. The 100-room resort, which dates to the 1860s, incorporates elements of Native American customs throughout its adobe structures and its activities. In Music as Medicine, guests attend a performance by Native American flautist WalkingStar and percussionist Thunder that is designed to promote mindfulness and, therefore, healing among listeners. “The two play off of each other to create a rhythmic, transformative sound that allows you to go into an inner state of relaxation and meditation,” says Meghan Godin, Bishop’s Lodge experience curator, who draws from the locals and the landscape to create the resort’s programming. “Sound is such an influential element of healing within the Native American culture.” For a craft activity, a tribal elder teaches guests to create their own drums using natural materials, like

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

rawhide, organic lacing, and white-ash hoops. In addition to providing opportunities for guests to participate in Native American folkways, Bishop’s Lodge honors the culture throughout the resort. The works of Native American artists dominate the Horseshoe Gallery, and restored oil paintings of Pueblo life hang in the dining room. Stream Dance Spa offers custom herbal tea blends with beneficial properties, and at the time of guests’ departure they receive arrowheads blessed by the local pueblo. “Santa Fe is one of the most interesting places in the country,” Godin says, explaining that the area has a rich culture, with Spanish, Native American, and European influences. “It feels like this totally different world.” And Bishop’s Lodge, she says, “is heavily inspired by the land and its people.”  Ancient meets present day: At Bishop’s Lodge, pueblo-style architecture (above) harbors modern amenities and a contemporary take on an age-old wellness practice from yet another culture (right).

Tuning in to The Channel The waters off the coast from Point Mugu to Point Conception may be worthy of a rare designation in celebration of cetaceans. BY JOAN TAPPER

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

WHAT DO HERVEY BAY, AUSTRALIA;

The Bluff and Algoa Bay, South Africa; Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area, Spain; and Dana Point, California, have in common with the Santa Barbara Channel? Well, if a determined committee of 805-area individuals, agencies, cities, and organizations is successful, our local waters will join the other five spots as a Whale Heritage Site. The designation is a way to celebrate whales in their environment, to promote responsible and sustainable whalewatching, and to involve the community in decisions that will benefit and protect cetaceans into the future. “This is an accreditation program, and we’ve been accepted as a candidate,” says marine biologist, educator, and naturalist Holly Lohuis, who is working with Ocean Futures Society founder Jean-Michel Cousteau, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and whale-watching tour companies Condor Express and Island Packers, as well as >

Whales that migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel and beyond provide the subjects for artist Kelly Clause (kellyclause.com), whose watercolor paintings are on display in The Wonder of Whales exhibit at the Santa Barbara Maritime

Museum through July. Clockwise from opposite top: Bluesy, blue whale; Bigg’s Killer Whale; Indigo, humpback whale (reversed); Tonga, humpback whale; Southern Resident Killer Whale; and Sheila Peach, humpback whale.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

the cities of Santa Barbara and Ventura, among others, to achieve the coveted status—a process that can take up to three years. She’s hopeful, though, that it will be completed by Earth Day 2023. Why go to all the trouble? “Whales are an iconic species,” she says. “We protect the things we love, and we love what we understand.” One way to do that is to go whale-watching, and the 805 area is lucky to have tour operators in place who emphasize the importance of protecting the natural world. And by focusing on whales, she adds, “we can use them to talk about things like plastic pollution and other issues

A thrilling sight for whale watchers: a humpback whale breaching. Declaring the Santa Barbara Channel a Whale Heritage Site would further promote responsible tourism and protection of marine mammals.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

facing the ocean. This is not a matter of regulations. It’s a tool for education and community engagement.” As it happens, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (sbmm.org) is underlining the importance of whales and the roles they play with four new exhibits that opened in mid-April. A permanent exhibit called Whales Are Superheroes! illustrates how the marine mammals enrich the ocean’s diversity, health, and stability. The Wonder of Whales displays the work of artists John Baran and Kelly Clause, who exquisitely depict whales and other marine life, while Saving the Planet One C02 Molecule at a Time showcases

young artists’ drawings, paintings, and tiny sculptures of whales and other sea creatures. Finally, for a truly immersive experience, there’s A Whale of a Tale, a multimedia room that combines lifesize reproductions of art by students in kindergarten through sixth grade, heightened by evocative lighting and underwater sounds. Notes museum curator Emily Falke, together “the four exhibits are big; it’s a bang, pow piece!” Meanwhile, don’t forget that there’s a reason that the Santa Barbara Channel is a whale-watching hot

spot. Get out on the water and see these amazing creatures up close (but not too personal). The month of May offers the chance to see the last of the migrating gray whales— mostly mothers with calves—that are passing through, and the humpbacks and dolphins are here all summer. Says Jean-Michel Cousteau, “The network of World Heritage Sites will highlight places where we’ve done a good job. The ocean used to be a dumping ground, but that’s changing. I’m more and more excited about what we are doing, and I believe that the decision makers of the future will be doing much more. The key is education, education, education!” 

Whale-Watching and More There are several ways to explore the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands. The following tour operators offer various types of excursions.

The Channel Islands line up off the coast of California, inviting water sports aficionados and other adventurers.

Channel Islands Expeditions explorechannelislands.com 805-899-4925

LEFT: ISTOCK.COM/RODKAYE; RIGHT: LISHA RIABININA ON UNSPLASH

The Condor Express condorexpress.com 888-77WHALE Islands Packers Cruises islandpackers.com 805-642-1393 Santa Barbara Adventure Company sbadventureco.com 805-884-WAVE Santa Barbara Sailing Center/ Double Dolphin Cruises sbsail.com 805-962-2826

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste FOOD / WINE / DINING OUT

Standout Salsas THREE CENTRAL COAST COOKS PLAY WITH UNEXPECTED INGREDIENTS TO MAKE RENDITIONS OF THE POPULAR MEXICAN CONDIMENT THAT COMMAND ATTENTION. By Jaime Lewis Photograph by Gary Moss

e take salsa for granted in the 805. We scoop it up with tortilla chips while waiting for our meal to arrive, spoon it onto tacos and burritos, and purchase it by the liter. We eat it in lots of guises: raw and chunky pico de gallo, roasted and pureed salsa asada, homestyle, restaurant-style, mild, medium, and hot, green, red, and otherwise. The tomato-based condiment staple is like the air we breathe, the water we drink. It satisfies our expectation day in and day out. But, a few 805 cooks are flipping that script with unconventional ingredients and methods that put salsa squarely in the spotlight. Chef Matthew Robinson at Lido at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa (thedolphinbay.com) in Shell Beach, chef Greg Arnold of Mesa Verde (mesaverderestaurant.com) in Santa Barbara, and award-winning home cook Emily Falke of Santa Barbara graciously agreed to share their outside-the-box recipes for you to try at home. Salsa made with a fungus that grows only on corn? Check. Salsa made with ripe strawberries? Check. Salsa made with blueberries and smoky adobo? Check and check. Nary a tomato in sight.

SWEET, SPICY, SAVORY STRAWBERRY SALSA At the 2019 California Strawberry Festival (castrawberryfestival.org) in Oxnard, home cook and salsa enthusiast Emily Falke submitted this recipe for a complex strawberry salsa to the Berry Blast-Off Recipe Competition—and won. “My great passion is recipe developing in a creative and often unexpected way,” says Falke, who has participated in recipe contests and cook-offs for many years. “The strawberry salsa works because of its perfect balance of sweet and savory.” In the competition, Falke used the salsa to top soft tacos with fried avocado wedges and cotija cheese, but she also recommends serving it as a topping for poached eggs or as a marinade for ceviche. Makes 3 cups 2 cups fresh strawberries, stemmed, chopped fine ⅓ cup red onion, chopped fine

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

¼ 1 1 1 1 ¼ 1 1 1

cup fresh cilantro, stemmed, leaves chopped jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded, minced tablespoon fresh lime juice tablespoon fresh orange juice tablespoon white balsamic vinegar teaspoon salt teaspoon grated lemon zest teaspoon grated lime zest teaspoon grated orange zest

In a medium-sized bowl, combine strawberries, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, orange juice, white balsamic vinegar, and salt. Sprinkle with lemon, lime, and orange zest. Allow flavors to meld for 1 hour and serve.

TOMATILLO AND HUITLACOCHE SALSA WITH AVOCADO ESCABECHE Executive Chef Matthew Robinson of Lido at the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Shell Beach calls himself a “California kid,” but he spent

much of his life in New Mexico, and says that the flavors of the Southwest inspired this unique salsa. “Huitlacoche is a delicacy in Mexico,” he says of the smoky and earthy– tasting fungus that grows on corn. If you can’t find it at a good Mexican grocery, it’s available though online sources, like amazon. com. As for the escabeche, Robinson pickles avocado rather than the traditional carrots to make a hearty, piquant centerpiece for this sauce. He recommends serving the salsa and escabeche with tortilla chips, atop tacos, or anywhere you’d use a sauce like mole verde. Makes 1 quart AVOCADO ESCABECHE ¾ teaspoon black peppercorns ¾ teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted 1 jalapeño, sliced ½ yellow onion, chopped 3 tablespoons sugar 2 cups white vinegar 2 garlic cloves 3 avocados, chopped >

For her California Strawberry Festival competition–winning recipe, Sweet, Spicy, Savory Strawberry Salsa, Santa Barbara home cook Emily Falke replaces the traditional conerstone of the spicy sauce— tomatoes—with another favorite red fruit.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Taste Food TOMATILLO AND HUITLACOCHE SALSA 1 pound tomatillos ¼ onion, chopped 2 serrano peppers 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt to taste Pepper to taste ¼ cup huitlacoche, roughly chopped ¼ cup cilantro leaves Juice of 1 lime To make Avocado Escabeche: Cut a 4-inch square piece of cheesecloth and place black peppercorns and cumin seeds at the center. Tightly tie it into a sachet with kitchen string or butcher’s twine. Place jalapeño, onion, and sugar in a medium bowl. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring vinegar, garlic, and sachet to a boil, about 5 minutes. As soon as mixture boils, remove pan from heat. Pour vinegar mixture over ingredients in the bowl. Cool for 20 minutes. Add avocado, stir gently, and allow it to macerate with other ingredients for at least an hour before serving. To make Tomatillo and Huitlacoche Salsa: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Hull tomatillos and toss with onion, serranos, oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Roast mixture until it’s charred, roughly 20 minutes, checking every 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. In a food processor, pulse roasted mixture to a chunky salsa consistency. Fold in remaining ingredients and adjust seasoning as needed. To serve: Place Tomatillo and Huitlacoche Salsa in a serving bowl, and spoon Avocado Escabeche into the center. Serve with chips, tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican favorites.

BLUEBERRY CHIPOTLE SALSA In Santa Barbara, chef Greg Arnold of Mesa Verde Restaurant prepares progressive vegetarian dishes that put flavor first. “I wanted to create something in between a hot sauce and an agrodolce (a sweet-tart condiment made from fruit, vegetables,vinegar, and a sugar or honey reduction) that was hot, smoky, and sweet to go on our jackfruit tacos,” he says. By combining ripe organic blueberries and chipotle peppers in adobo, he found an ideal accompaniment to the dish. Makes about 3 cups ¼ cup yellow onion, diced 7 ounces chipotle peppers in adobo 1 pound fresh or frozen organic blueberries ½ cup water ¼ cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon kosher salt to taste

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Sauté onion in a heavy iron skillet, sweating it for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add chipotle peppers with adobo sauce and smash peppers with a spoon. Sauté for another 3 minutes. Add blueberries and water and reduce to a thick, creamy sauce. Add cilantro, apple cider vinegar, and salt and stir well. Serve. 

Taste Wine By Matt Kettmann

Elevated Exploration SLOWER-PACED, COZY, AND PERSONALIZED, NEW TASTING ROOM EXPERIENCES ARE CREATING MORE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PATRONS AND WINERIES.

hough it ushered in a challenging time for wineries across the world, the pandemic also sped up a trend in Central Coast tasting rooms to elevate their hospitality game. Instead of stand-up, speed-tasting rounds at several properties per day—which was a common style of winery exploration in the preCOVID-19 era—the pace is now slower, the seating more spacious, and the overall experience more welcoming. Apparently, consumers love these longer, comfortable visits, and so do wineries, which use the extra time to make meaningful connections with their customers—and sell more wine. That’s the driving strategy behind five tasting rooms, from the Santa Ynez Valley to Paso Robles. Located in the heart of the Edna Valley, Center

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

of Effort (centerofeffortwine.com) opened its hospitality center in Arroyo Grande just before the pandemic began. Complete with a commercial kitchen, a sprawling patio overlooking the valley, and multiple indoor tasting spaces, the setting is sleek and contemporary, and the reception is warm. “The space can be pretty intimidating, but we’re pretty fun,” says director of hospitality Kasey Helt. “People feel like they get the one-on-one attention they want.” The standard $30 tasting features two chardonnays and two pinot noirs, or there’s a vineyard tour and tasting for $65. Larger groups can book the two-hour Santa Lucia package, which includes a dedicated server and cheese boards to pair with the wines. In Paso Robles, the widely respected Booker Vineyard (bookerwines.com) entered the tasting room

ADAM ROUSE

Open to the vines, the indoor-outdoor tasting room at Booker Vineyard (left and above) offers individualized service, rather than traditional flights.

CARY WILTON

game in March 2021 with an indoor-meets-outdoor facility, where traditional flights are eschewed in favor of personalized service. “We want it to feel like you’re in your living room,” says the vineyard’s founder, Eric Jensen, who describes the space as “California modern with an organic vibe.” It includes cozy couches, blankets, and even a record player. “Spin a record, enjoy a glass of wine by the fire,” he says, “and, oh by the way, look to the right and the left, and you’re in a vineyard.” Guests are encouraged to tailor their visit, whether that means wandering the vineyard, exploring the caves, playing bocce ball, enjoying a picnic, or focusing more intently on the wines themselves. Prices range from $40 to $150 per person. On the western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley, where the Sta. Rita Hills appellation climbs into chalky cliffs near Lompoc, The Barn at The Hilt Estate (thehiltestate.com) opened in August 2021 to serve pinot noir and chardonnay from nearby Radian and Bentrock vineyards as well as Jonata’s rich red blends, grown to the east in Ballard Canyon. With pitched ceilings and a hip-yet-homey design, The Barn seats just four groups every morning and four groups each afternoon. (A group can book the entire space.) “Our hosting style is superintimate,” says The Barn’s Christine Doran, who offers two flights: the six-wine Tierra ($50), which is a great introduction to the brands; and the single vineyard–focused, seven-wine Jalama ($85). No visit is ever the same because, “We literally change the wines every single day,” says Doran, who also mixes up the ages of the wines being poured. “We are vintage-happy here.” Even wineries with traditional tasting rooms searched for more airflow and open spaces in the wake of the pandemic. Alma Rosa Winery (almarosawinery. com) previously served its Sta. Rita Hills wines in Buellton on Industrial Way, right next to the popular restaurant Industrial Eats. Last November, it moved to the new PARc Place development in the heart of Solvang, where wide doors open out onto a shaded patio. “Wine club members ask us, ‘How could you move?’ ” says Channing Jones, the winery’s directto-consumer manager. “But when they get here, they get it.” No reservations are needed for the five-wine flights ($25; $5 extra for a sparkler), and the foot traffic at the new plaza—which also includes three other tasting rooms, a gelato shop, and clothing stores—is constant. “That’s been instrumental to our success so far here,” says Jones, who serves cheese plates ($25) from the adjacent Cailloux Cheese Shop. For those seeking to get their shoes dirty, Alma Rosa now offers reservation-only tasting hikes at its Rancho

El Jabali estate in the mornings. “Those are booking like crazy,” says Jones. The boldest pandemic pivot was by Mikael and Sally Sigouin, who opened Kaena at The Ranch (kaenawine. com) in Solvang in August 2021. Unlike their small, mostly indoor tasting room in Los Olivos, The Ranch, located along Highway 246, is a primarily outdoor experience, perfect for families and picnics, with no reservations required. “We have seating for over 100 people outside,” says Sally, who oversees the grassy spread and its 100-yearold olive trees. “During the summertime, you can’t buy this kind of shade.” In between pours of his lush grenaches from Ballard Canyon and bold Bordeaux blends from the Los Olivos District, Mikael, who hails originally from Hawaii, merely observes, “It’s rad.” 

At The Barn at The Hilt Estate softly lit furniture groupings give tastings an intimate vibe, while pitched ceilings lend airy openness.

Bites and Flights Hotel Californian’s (hotelcalifornian.com) signature tasting room, The Society: State & Mason, made its debut in March, marking the



Santa Barbara hotel’s first major transformation under the ownership of Foley Entertainment Group and a new home base for the Foley Food & Wine Society. In addition to wines by the glass, two wine-tasting experiences are offered at the stylish indoor-outdoor space. The pre-set Taste of Wine Country flight ($35 per person) is a selection from the Foley Family Wines portfolio. Available to accompany the sips are shareable bites from chef Travis Watson’s menu, such as Mediterranean hummus with herbed lavash, warm pita, and crispy chickpeas. The Riviera Reserve Experience (two seatings are offered per day at $100 per person; reservations are required) features a rotating selection of wines and evolving pairings, such as Smoked Salmon Rillette With Toasted Hazelnuts and Citrus complemented with Two Sisters Chardonnay; and Smoked Bresaola With Tender Arugula, Manchego Cheese, and Black Cherry Gastrique matched with Kuleto Syrah.

Enjoy wine with light dishes, including Marinated Olives, Herbs, and Cheese (left) and Mediterranean Hummus With Herbed Lavash (above), at The Society: State & Mason tasting room.

CHEF MOVES

Destination Dishes

MENU DEBUT

Brunch by the Sea

 Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach (vesperapismobeach. com) introduces a new weekend brunch at the resort’s Somerset Grill, served every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the restaurant’s patio or inside its airy seaside dining room. Chef Frank Barajas’ à la carte Baja Coastal-inspired menu tempts with starters such as Cheese Blintz with sweet ricotta filling and orange buttermilk sauce and Seafood Pozole with clams, shrimp, halibut, heirloom hominy, and ancho guajillo broth. Items from the griddle include Tri-Tip Taco and Fried Chicken and Churros. Don’t skip the build-yourown omelet option and chef’s pastry table. If coffee and juice doesn’t float your boat, sip a craft beer, signature cocktail, or glass of local wine.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM



Mar Monte Hotel executive chef Gunnar Planter lets ingredients speak for their origins.

Mar Monte Hotel

(marmontehotel.com) in Santa Barbara welcomes executive chef Gunnar Planter to its oceanfront location. In his new role, Planter oversees the hotel’s two restaurants, Costa Kitchen & Bar (costasb. com) and the all-day poolside Café Lido, infusing the eateries’ menus with new seasonal dishes. “I’ve always been passionate about sourcing fresh, local ingredients and letting the destination inspire my cooking,” says Planter, citing exemplary new dishes including Roasted Romanesco cauliflower and (above) Handmade Squid Ink Linguini and Clams With Masala and Uni Butter Sauce. “I’m also fond of getting our guests involved and helping them discover their new favorite dish in Santa Barbara. I fully promote fun and new ideas!” Planter will soon pop the cork on a new Champagne weekend brunch, slated to launch in late spring at Costa Kitchen & Bar.

TOP GROUPING: COURTESY OF HOTEL CALIFORNIAN; BOTTOM, LEFT: COURTESY OF VESPERA RESORT ON PISMO BEACH; BOTTOM, RIGHT AND INSET: COURTESY OF MAR MONTE HOTEL

By Nancy Ransohoff

Dining Out

What ’s new on the restaurant scene at local resorts. 90

NEW DIGS

CHEF MOVES

Q&A: Adam Measurall Alisal Ranch

 Chef de cuisine Adam

Measurall has joined the culinary team at Alisal Ranch (alisalranch.com) in Solvang, overseeing the property’s River Grill and Ranch Grill. The casual eateries, located on the resort’s two private golf courses, are open to the public for breakfast and lunch. Here, he shares his thoughts about his role at the ranch.

SPECIAL EVENTS

What are some of the aspects of your job that you’re most excited about? I’m enjoying developing new menu items for the grills, including some specials served on Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. I also help out with the California Ranch Cookouts guest chef series. We have chefs Suzanne Goin and David Lentz coming on June 14. It’s awesome to be working with chefs of that caliber.

A Tasty Tribute to Art 

El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel

(belmond.com/elencanto) in Santa Barbara transforms its outdoor Fireside Patio into The Terrace Café at Night on May 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event, which celebrates the Santa Barbara Museum of Art exhibit “Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources,” features a Van Gogh–inspired menu of passed small bites and themed cocktails available for purchase. Bites include braised short-rib croquettes with house pickles and grain mustard, wine-steamed black mussels, and sunchoke soup. Chocolate lavender truffles are a sweet finishing touch. The roster of specialty cocktails includes a Belvedere vodka–based Starry Nights and a Dutch Negroni. Live entertainment featuring local talent and ocean views add to the ambience of the evening. Availability is limited; reservations are required and may be made by emailing concierge.ele@belmond.com.

Could you mention a new dish that you’ve introduced to the menu? I’ve added the Grilled Salmon Salad with GingerSesame Dressing, made with hearts of palm, tomato, cucumber, and greens. It’s hearty, but still light enough for the spring and summer months.

The El Encanto Dutch Negroni, made with genever, campari, and sweet vermouth, is one of the featured nods to Van Gogh during a special May 18 event at the hotel.

MEASURALL: COURTESY OF ALISAL RANCH; LENTZ: ALEX J. BERLINER/AB IMAGES; GOIN: JULIA STOTZ; COCKTAIL: COURTESY OF EL ENCANTO, A BELMOND HOTEL SANTA BARBARA; INTERIOR: TANVEER BADAL

Renowned culinary professionals (above) David Lentz and Suzanne Goin are guest chefs at Alisal Ranch’s June 14 California Ranch Cookout.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wine-Focused Dining  Hotel San Luis Obispo (hotelslo.com) continues its winemaker dinner series at the property’s modern steakhouse Ox + Anchor (oxandanchor.com) with Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande on May 24 and Wolff Vineyards in San Luis Obispo on June 29. Led by chef Ryan Fancher, a Central Coast native who honed his skills at renowned winecountry restaurants including Auberge du Soleil and The French Laundry, and at Per Se in New York, the dinners feature dishes that spotlight farmers market ingredients and complement winery offerings.

“Our goal with these dinners is to offer guests a deeper wine-focused dining experience in an intimate setting with some of the Central Coast’s most talented winemakers,” says Fancher. “Ox and Anchor is a terroir-driven restaurant where you come and drink the local wines paired with dishes prepared from the local farms. We really encourage the winemaker to drive the creative process on what they love to eat with each particular wine. It gets us out of our comfort zone a little bit and allows us to take some chances while delivering a perfect pairing from the winemaker’s vision.” · MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

executed dishes keep loyal followers coming back for lunch and dinner. For the evening meal, chef Salome Cervantes offers classic dishes with global influences, such as Tellicherry peppercorn–encrusted Choice Beef Filet Mignon and Slow Roasted Boar Shank in a rich demi-glace. Fresh locally sourced fish, pastas, and salads round out the menu along with housemade desserts including crème brûlée. Lunchtime offerings include soups, pastas, and salads like Zack’s Tostada, which comes with a choice of grilled shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. The wine list highlights local bottlings.

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

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. 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.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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.

NEW COAST & OLIVE 1295 Coast Village Road Montecito, 805-690-3920 coastandolive.com Californian; Entrées $20–$55 Saturday and Sunday Brunch

Located on the ground floor of the Montecito Inn, this upscale yet unstuffy spot keeps locals and hotel guests happy with its seasonal menu infused with farmer’s market ingredients. At dinner, starters like Grilled White Shrimp Salad and Tempura Cauliflower set the stage for main dish options, such as Seafood Pappardelle, Trout Almondine, and Braised Short Rib. A varied brunch menu includes a Cognac Banana Flambé Waffle, along with a roster of egg dishes, acai bowl, salads, sandwiches, burgers, fresh fish, and a market selection of oysters. An international wine list offers a broad assortment from the Central Coast. Lunch is served Monday through Friday.

COAST RANGE & VAQUERO BAR 1635 Mission Drive Solvang, 805-691-9134 coastrange.restaurant Steak & Seafood; Entrées $28–$99 Romantic

Partners, chefs, and industry veterans Anthony Carron, Lincoln Carson, and Steven Fretz collaborate with sommelier, winemaker, and James Beard Award–winner Rajat Parr at this classic steakhouse that sparkles with chef-driven creativity. Leather banquettes and custom stained-glass panels add to the ambience in the glamorous dining room, and patio seating is ample. Dinner entrées from the grill include selections like dayboat scallops, from the menu’s “Coast” section, and steak cuts, such as Japanese A5 Wagyu and Creekstone Farms Ribeye, from the “Range” section, all of which can be dressed with seven different sauces. The Vaquero Bar serves cocktails, local wine, craft beer, and a casual food menu that includes Fish & Chips made with local vermillion rock cod. For dessert, brioche doughnuts are made hot-to-order and served with brown butter glaze.

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.

COIN & CANDOR AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE 2 Dole Drive Westlake Village, 818-575-3000 coinandcandor.com Californian; Entrées $19–$49

At this breakfast, brunch, 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. At dinner, look for seafood and meats from the wood-fired grill, such as Baja California red snapper adobo, along with fresh salads, sides, and housemilled breads. Pastry chef Patrick Fahy’s creative desserts range from Oatta Cota, made with farmers market fruit and cinnamon oat crisp, to Apple Pie Souffle and 10-Layer Chocolate Cake.

Family owned for 33 years

THE GALLERY RESTAURANT 30768 Russell Ranch Road, #C Westlake Village, 818-889-1338 thegallerywestlake.com New American and Seafood; Entrées $18–$54

This sleek eatery in The Shoppes at Westlake Village strikes a comfortable balance between casual and upscale, serving a varied menu of classic dishes and updated twists with global influences. Father and son owners Moez and Karim Megji make sure there’s always something new along with mainstays such as steaks and burgers. Look for favorites such as Macadamia-Crusted Halibut with Thai peanut sauce, Oven-Roasted Seafood with yakisoba noodles, and Cajun Gumbo. The sprawling raw seafood bar includes stars like spicy tuna and fresh oysters. The restaurant is open weekdays for lunch and nightly for dinner, and happy hour is every day from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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

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

Builder of Fine Custom Homes, Remodels, & Additions in Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties 2021 SANTA BARBARA CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNER

Call to Discuss Your Upcoming Building Project 805-451-3459 | blynchconstruction@gmail.com blynchconstruction.com | LIC. 596612

Finest Excitement in 805 Land! Enjoy Humpbacks, migrating gray whales, seals, and sea lions. Bring your family or group on board!

Book Your Reservations! The Landing • 888-77WHALE • www.condorexpress.com

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

Il cortile is Italian for “the courtyard.” At this upscale restaurant at the edge of downtown Paso, the courtyard invites diners to breathe in beautiful evenings. A more intimate experience awaits inside, where diners find what the owners call contemporary Old World styling. Northern and Southern Italian dishes are the heart of executive chef and co-owner Santos MacDonal’s seasonal menu. Along with caldi (hot) and freddi (cold) antipasti, there is a section of the menu dedicated to mozzarella. Pasta, ravioli, and gnocchi have fresh, inspired flavors, hallmarks of being housemade. Secondi (main courses) cover beef, lamb, and seafood; osso bucco is particularly nice. The restaurant has a small bar area and a wine list that raises a glass to California’s Central Coast and Italy. MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

Offering a taste of Paris in Paso without the pretense, this buzzing French farm-to-table bistro focuses on sophisticated, modern cuisine in a casual, comfortable setting. Julien Asseo, chef and co-owner with his wife, Courtney, received his culinary education in France and honed his skills at Michelinstarred eateries Restaurant Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas and La Fontaine de Mars in France. Following dishes like steak tartare, escargot in puff pastry, steak frites, dayboat scallops, beef cheek Bourguignon, and Le Burger, it’s easy to say oui to crème brûlée or profiteroles for a very French ending.

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

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

MEDITERRANEO 32037 Agoura Road Westlake Village, 818-889-9105 med-rest.com Mediterranean; Entrées $16–$58 Great View, Weekend Brunch

Kyle’s Chicken House (kyleskitchen. com) in Isla Vista is now open, offering a fried chicken–focused menu with favorite sandwiches, including the OG Chicken and the Nashville Hot. Marinated for 24 hours in an herb-buttermilk brine, the chicken is hand-breaded and served on a house-made brioche bun. Want Krinkle Cut Fries with that? Owner Jay Ferro and his team give a portion of the eatery’s proceeds to the Kyle’s Kitchen Special Needs Giving Back program. The business has donated more than $200,000 to date. 94

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

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

NATE’S ON MARSH 450 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo, 805-544-4454 natesonmarsh.com Italian/Contemporary American Entrées $14–$49 Sunday Brunch

Housed in a charming colonial bungalow, Nate’s on Marsh offers fine dining, hold the pretension. Owner and San Luis Obispo native Nathan Long also presents an extensive wine list with a well-curated selection of Central Coast and Italian bottles, and a full bar. An evolving seasonal menu focuses on local ingredients. Try the Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper) with house-made chitarra pasta. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; the bar opens at 4 p.m. On Sundays, brunch includes dishes like PB&J French Toast made with Back Porch Bakery brioche bread, house-made almond butter, and berry jam and Biscuits and Gravy with house-made biscuits and sausage topped with crispy shallots.

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

A casually elegant dining room of distressed wood lit with unique light sculptures by artist Timothy J. Ferrie is a beautiful fit for Florence-born and -trained restaurateur Jacopo Falleni. The menu avoids the faddish, instead cutting a culinary swath through the Italian peninsula and islands with tradition-rich dishes that reflect Falleni’s Tuscan upbringing (gnudi with pomodoro sauce), executive chef Pamela

Ganci’s Sicilian heritage (arancini), and pasta chef Pamela Ganci’s influences from Bologna (passatelli with peas). Service is engaging and professional, while Falleni himself fills the role of sommelier and designed signature cocktails for the full bar.

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.

OLIVER’S 1198 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara, 805-969-0834 oliversofmontecito.com Plant-based; Small Plates $8–$20, Large Plates $20–$24 Great Patio

The dining room’s sleek decor complements beautiful plates of plant-based cuisine at this elegant yet relaxed spot. An adjacent bar area with a communal table opens to an expansive heated patio where even Fido is welcome. Although you won’t find dairy, meat, or eggs on executive chef Craig Riker’s imaginative menu, you won’t miss them. Enjoy the kung pao cauliflower at dinner as well as artichoke cakes or burgers made with Beyond Meat plant-based patties at lunch or dinner. Valet parking is complimentary.

ONYX AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE 2 Dole Drive Westlake Village, 818-575-3000 fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/dining Japanese; Entrées $33–$34, Sushi Rolls $10–$35 The emphasis in this sleek, contemporary restaurant is on Japanese classics. Artfully presented nigiri sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls are made to order at the sit-down sushi bar. Hot dishes include panko-crusted Jidori chicken breast with rice and katsu sauce and Chilean sea bass paired with yuzu, spinach, shimeji, shitake, and enoki mushrooms. Desserts like matcha rice pudding and traditional Japanese chiffon, with chocolate custard, are the perfect finales. Pair it all with sake from the wide array of offerings.

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.

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

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

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

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

UPDATE SAN YSIDRO RANCH 900 San Ysidro Lane Santa Barbara, 805-565-1720 sanysidroranch.com Contemporary American; Entrées $41–$130, Sunday Champagne Brunch $105 Great View, Romantic, Sunday Brunch

A spectacular setting at this historic resort combines with its award-winning restaurants and wine cellar for a memorable dining experience. Located inside a 19th-century citrus-packing house, the Stonehouse restaurant has a romantic air with white linen–covered tables set in an inviting dining room featuring woodburning fireplaces and on an ocean-view terrace. The Plow & Angel offers a similarly cozy ambience indoors and on an outdoor patio, where trees provide shade by day and glitter with twinkle lights by night. Tables at the Carriage House, based on availability, are inside enchanting cottages or on a private enclosed patio. Executive chef Matthew Johnson presents a seasonal menu with a bounty of herbs and vegetables from the on-site organic chef’s garden. The lunch menu offers dishes like Crispy Halibut Tacos, while dinner mains include options such as Steak Diane, prepared in the classic style and flambéed tableside. Sip from the renowned wine cellar’s 12,000 bottles containing varietals from around the globe. Sunday brunch at the Stonehouse includes house-made bakery items, starters, entrées, desserts, and Mumm Champagnes.

THE TAVERN AT ZACA CREEK 1297 Jonata Park Road Buellton, 805-688-2412 zaca-creek.com Brasserie; Entrées $20–$48 Sunday Brunch

Located on a carefully resurrected historic Santa Ynez Valley property, this sophisticated yet warm and welcoming tavern offers dinner, happy hour, and Sunday brunch. Acclaimed chef Cullen Campbell combines a dedication to local ingredients with French and Italian influences in menus that showcase elements like house-made pastas and beef from some of California’s premier ranches. Menus change often, but expect dinner entrées like Barbecued Winfield Farm Mangalitsa Pork Collar and Pan-Seared Salmon with grilled herbs. For Sunday brunch, get fancy with a caviar service or go southern with shrimp and grits. A remarkable selection of Santa Barbara County and imported wines, local beers, and signature and classic cocktails add to the experience. Seating is available inside or on the covered patio. Happy hour and dinner are offered Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday brunch is from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TIERRA SUR RESTAURANT AT HERZOG WINE CELLARS 3201 Camino del Sol Oxnard, 805-983-1560 tierrasuratherzog.com New American; Entrées $16–$144 (for 32-ounce rib eye for two), Buffet Brunch $65 Sunday Brunch Tucked inside Herzog’s winery and tasting room, Tierra Sur specializes in wine-friendly meals made with careful attention to detail. Executive chef Gabe Garcia maintains a local, seasonal vibe at lunch and dinner. Marinated olives and lamb bacon are made in-house. Tapas feature Wagyu sliders and a Margherita pizza with basil-cashew cheese. Watch carefully, and you may see your bone-in rib eye for two prepared on the patio’s wood-burning grill before it is served with fried kale and roasted potatoes. Desserts include frozen custards, vanillaspiced doughnuts, and a show-stopping Baked Alaska. Surrounded by the coppery glow of the walls and the burnished-wood wine rack that frames the kitchen pass-through, diners may forget they’re at a kosher restaurant in an Oxnard industrial park. The restaurant is closed on Fridays and Saturdays in observance of the Sabbath. Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is served buffet style, with carving and omelet stations and weekly specials inspired by ingredients from local farms.

Shalhoob’s @ the Market (shalhoob.com) opened in the Santa Barbara Public Market in March. The Shalhoob family has owned and operated its eponymous meat company since 1973, and now LJ Shalhoob offers a small but mighty menu that includes a single or double Shooby burger made with freshly ground hormone- and antibiotic-free, grainfed beef and topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, and house-made special sauce. Pair one with hand-cut or Shooby Fries (the house version of animal-style) and green chile cheese dip. Drink from a rotating array of beers on tap. 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

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.

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

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

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

YOICHI’S 230 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-962-6627 yoichis.com Japanese; Kaiseki $80 and $125

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

Even though locals know what they want without

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

Chef Yoichi Kawabata and his wife Mogi preside over this rare gem of a restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara that received a The Plate designation in MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

Where to Eat Now the inaugural Michelin Guide California in 2019. No surprise there, as chef Yoichi’s culinary background includes a stint at Nobu Tokyo. Traditional five- and seven-course kaiseki menus exhibit Kawabata’s skill and artistry. Choose from a carefully curated list of sakes, wines, and beers that complement the cuisine.

The new Onyx Bistro (onyxbistrocamarillo.com) in Camarillo is the creation of ownerchef Danielle Saleh, whose Middle Eastern background and love of Italian and Asian cuisine combine in a seasonal menu with global options. Look for dishes such as Asparagus Rolls, fresh green stalks wrapped in thinly sliced rib eye; grilled chicken–artichoke pesto flatbread; blackened salmon with miso orange glaze; pastas; and housemade desserts. Seating is provided indoors and on the large outdoor patio. Happy hour with a special menu and discounts on selected wines and beers is Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Catch live music on Friday and Saturday.

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, house-made tagliolini pasta with Selva prawns, and wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas. Sandwiches and sides are on the happy hour menu on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. A late-night menu is offered on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

BAR LE CÔTE 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave. Los Olivos barlecote.com Seafood; Entrées $26–$50

Daisy and Gregory Ryan, the award-winning team behind Bell’s restaurant in Los Alamos, join forces with chef Brad Mathews, their partner at this elegant yet

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

unstuffy seafood tavern. Mathews’ background includes stints at Fishing With Dynamite in Manhattan Beach and Morro Bay Oyster Company. Here, he lets the daily catch from the waters off of California, especially the Central Coast, shine in dishes such as Day Boat Scallop Crudo and Santa Barbara Sea Urchin. Emily Blackman curates a list of beer and wine from small West Coast producers and select European estates.

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.

NEW BEDDA MIA 1218 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-770-8777 beddamiasantabarbara.com Sicilian; Entrées $29–$59, Pastas $26–$36

Presenting a cozy interior decorated with photos of Sicilian scenes and a menu packed with authentic dishes, this restaurant is a love song to Sicily. Chef Alberto Morello and his wife Elaine Andersen Morello, who own and run Olio e Limone Ristorante, Olio Pizzeria, and Olio Bottega in Santa Barbara, operate this warm and welcoming eatery. Alberto’s Sicilian roots show in offerings like his twist on the traditional Sicilian Pasta alla Norma: half-sleeve pasta tubes imported from Sicily with swordfish, eggplant, tomato, and mint. Fresh seafood is a focus, but meats, including breaded pecorino-crusted lamb chops, share the spotlight. About 40 wines from Sicily, along with other Italian regions and California, make a perfect pairing.

BELL’S 406 Bell St. Los Alamos, 805-344-4609 bellsrestaurant.com French; Entrées $18–$27

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

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 onionbacon marmalade) until 3 p.m. Grab-and-go items for DIY picnics include ficelle sandwiches made with French ham, Emmentaler cheese, and housemade butter. Well Bread Wines created by Doug Margerum are available by the glass or bottle.

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

Bouchon celebrates the local, from its carefully curated wine list to the craftspeople overseeing the successful remodeling of the garden patio at the front entrance. Executive chef Greg Murphy follows suit, using farmers market ingredients in dishes like panroasted local white fish with wilted dandelion greens or a soup featuring white carrots from Tutti Frutti Farms. (Murphy’s Foodie Stroll menu includes a tour of the Tuesday farmers market followed by a 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.

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.

CORK DORK 1125 Lindero Canyon Road, #A2 Thousand Oaks, 818-532-7284 corkdorkwinebar.com Modern American; Entrées $18–$54 At this convivial restaurant and wine bar, guests explore the fruit of the vine in a sophisticated yet unstuffy atmosphere while noshing on dishes from chef Danny Amirian’s imaginative menu. With an emphasis on local ingredients, the menu changes frequently, but expect dishes such as grilled prime hanger steak, house-smoked trout on grilled toast with pickled veggies, truffle fries with a sprinkling of Manchego cheese, and crispy battered cauliflower. Sip from a list of more than 40 wines by the glass, try a curated flight of two-ounce pours, or opt for a local craft beer.

UPDATE DECKER KITCHEN 3731 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, 805-418-7746 deckerkitchen.com American Entrées $21–$49, Pizzas $17–$19 Sunday Brunch

Serving upscale food in an unpretentious atmosphere, chef-owner Graham Harris keeps the menu fresh and creative. Mainstays include his naturally leavened sourdough bread, fresh-from-the-oven pizzas, starters like Feta Mousse Toast with heirloom tomato, and entrées such as barbecued pork ribs and seared rib-eye steak. Sip a craft cocktail, a tropical drink, or smalllot wine. At Sunday brunch, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., dishes like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Chilaquiles go down easy with a Bloody Mary or mimosa.

NEW THE DUTCHESS 457 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, 805-640-7987 thedutchessojai.com Burmese-Californian & Bakery Entrées $16–$48

This all-day bakery, café, and BurmeseCalifornian restaurant is run by Ojai residents Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb, restaurateurs of the acclaimed Rustic Canyon Family of eateries in Santa Monica. Here, they partner with pastry chef Kelsey Brito, baker Kate Pepper, and chef Saw Naing, whose menu reflects his childhood in Burma. In the morning, pair a fresh-baked pastry with locally roasted Bonito coffee. Shareable plates made from locally sourced ingredients hold sway at dinner. Try the biryani, made with

organic chicken, basmati rice, and warm spices and covered in house-made puff pastry. The evolving list of South Asian– inspired desserts includes treats such as Passion Fruit Lassi Pie. Sips are marketdriven cocktails, regional craft beers, and small-production Central Coast and international wines. Sit in inviting indoor dining rooms, furnished with vintage finds and antiques, or on the vine-draped patio.

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 farmfresh 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.

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.

The Hidden Desk Bed

DESK BY DAY

COMFORTABLE BED BY NIGHT

Limited space in a bedroom? Need to turn an office into a guestroom at a moment’s notice? Problem solved! Visit us to shop the largest selection of Murphy Wallbeds in Southern California! 805 Ventura Blvd. | Oxnard, CA 805.988.9333 | comfortzonesleepgallery.com OPEN 10 am–6 pm | CLOSED Wednesday & Sunday MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

Finding a late bite in Solvang just got easier. Nathan Peitso, the new chef-owner of Sear Steakhouse (searsteakhouse.com) launches a late-night bar program on Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. After Hours at Sear Steakhouse includes a light food menu with options such as charcuterie, crostini, and cheese boards. Sip a classic cocktail or Santa Barbara County wine.

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

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

FLOR DE MAIZ 29 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, 805-869-6559 flordemaizsb.com Mexican; Entrées $14–$28

Restaurateur Carlos Luna and the team behind the Los Agaves restaurants and Santa Barbara’s Santo Mezcal delivers Oaxacan cuisine to the Santa Barbara waterfront at this rustic yet refined eatery. Lunch, dinner, and happy hour seating with ocean views is available inside or outside on two patios, one of which features a firepit. The menu is a combination of dishes that showcase traditional moles (grilled mahi-mahi with mole verde, for example) and contemporary Mexican plates. Innovative cocktails complement the food and are also perfect for sipping after dinner on the patio.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

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

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

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 $10–$18

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

UPDATE INTERMEZZO BY WINE CASK 813 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-966-9463 intermezzosb.com Modern American; Entrées $19–$52

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, Shetland Isle Salmon, and the Cask Burger. Nightly specials reflect seasonal farm-fresh picks. Sit by the fireplace or at the copper-clad bar, in the dining room hung with framed photos of O’Neill’s and Brown’s favorite punk rockers, or outside in the interior courtyard or the street-side portico.

LA BODEGA TAPAS 790 Price St. Pismo Beach, 805-295-5400 labodegapismo.com Tapas $13–$30 Live Music

Mediterranean-inspired tapas come to Pismo Beach at this intimate eatery where groups of friends, couples on dates, and beachgoers stop to share bites between sips of local wines and sangria. The creative menu of artfully presented small plates celebrates local ingredients including meats and cheeses sourced from partner creameries and natural meat purveyors. Recurring favorites on the seasonal menu include empanadas and flatbreads from the wood-fired oven. Dogs are welcome on the pooch-friendly patio, and live music ensues on Wednesdays and Sundays.

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

This neighborhood favorite occupies a historic building and a special place in the hearts of locals. The original 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.

La Paloma Café was open from 1940 until 1983; for the next 37 years it was Paradise Café. Now owned by Acme Hospitality, the restaurant offers a creative menu focused on oak-grilled meats and fish, along with seasonal produce. Chef Jeremy Tummel melds Spanish and Mexican influences in dishes such as Santa Barbara Mission Chicken with apple-and–pink peppercorn sauce and Santa Maria–Style Snake River Farm Wagyu Tri Tip. Sip a specialty margarita, local wine, or beer. Seating is offered on a two-level outdoor patio or inside the casual dining room. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday; Saturday and Sunday brunch is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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.

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

Chef Richard Pfaff brings his eye for fresh and local ingredients to a menu that echoes the creativity displayed by the art glass in Lido’s dining room. Appetizers include oysters with pink peppercorn mignonette and beef carpaccio with dijon aioli. Entrées include pasta carbonara, 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.

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.

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

Loquita is Spanish slang for a wild, fun-loving girl, but this eatery’s menu and food are seriously irreproachable. Executive chef Peter Lee sources the finest meat, fish, cheese, and produce to create

festive, communal, à la carte meals, including tapas, pintxos (small bites typically pierced with a toothpick), and signature paella dishes. Drinks autentico include sangria and Spanish-style gin and tonics. Enjoy the spacious patio with two inviting fireplaces, or try the small-bites bar named, naturally, Poquita.

UPDATE MAD & VIN 1576 Mission Drive Solvang, 805-688-3121 thelandsby.com Wine Country Cuisine; Entrées $20–$48 Saturday and Sunday Brunch

Located inside The Landsby hotel, this stylish restaurant is named for the Danish words for “food” and “wine.” The menu from chef Beto Huizar features wine country–inspired cuisine with a nod to Solvang’s heritage in dishes such as the Nordic Caesar salad, a mélange of local greens, sauteed garlic shrimp, fried sourdough croutons, and dillcaraway Caesar dressing. At dinner, the Flat Iron Steak with duck fat fries and the Cioppino, paired with selections from a primarily Santa Barbara County wine list, are standouts. Saturday and Sunday brunch presents egg dishes, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and fish and chips. In the bar, happy hour is Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and includes a menu of shareable bites.

UPDATE 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 and partner and sous chef Giana Barone serve up authentic southern Italian cuisine and warm hospitality at this bustling bistro. Dig into Neapolitan-style pizzas from an Italian wood-fired 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 prosciutto with house-made tomato jam. The bistro is open daily for lunch and dinner.

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.

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

The team behind S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez operates this rustic-chic restaurant and bar located inside the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn. Executive chef

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

NOI DUE TRATTORIA 29020 Agoura Road Agoura Hills, 818-852-7090 noiduetrattoria.com Italian; Entrées $28–$42, Pastas $15–$24

With a hospitality background that includes stints at Le Cirque in New York and Toscana in Brentwood, owner Antonio De Cicco joins forces with chef Daniele Gallo, who grew up with De Cicco outside Naples, Italy, to head up this warm, sophisticated yet unstuffy eatery. Enduring Italian favorites include pastas such as Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Eggplant Parmigiana, grilled filet mignon, and branzino. Tiramisu made tableside is a special treat. The wine list offers Californian and Italian labels, some priced at $10 a glass during happy hour.

In New Cuyama, roadside resort Cuyama Buckhorn (cuyamabuckhorn. com) re-launches its Chuckwagon BBQ series, an homage to historic events that took place during the property’s mid-century days. Offered on May 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the third Sunday of each month through October, the outdoor barbecues include a choice of Buckhorn Brisket, Santa Maria Tri-Tip, or Oak Roasted Chicken, along with Rancho Gordo Pinquito Beans, grilled seasonal vegetables, bread, and dessert. Tickets cost $30 per adult and $18 per child and are available for purchase upon arrival.

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

Strung with white lights, the charming, treeshaded 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 Lebanese-French-style 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. MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

Nate’s on Marsh (natesonmarsh. com) in San Luis Obispo debuts Sunday brunch, offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the dining room or on the garden patio. Chef Libry Darusman’s menu features classics with a twist, such as “PB&J” French Toast—pan-toasted brioche with house-made almond butter, berry jam, and honeycomb; and Eggs Benedict with mortadella or smoked salmon. Fan favorites from the dinner menu, such as the Prawn Cocktail and house burger are also available. Wash them down with champagne or sparkling wine, a brunch cocktail, or a frozé-style Aperol Freeze.

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

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

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

100

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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 pop-up appearances by visiting chefs and winemakers.

PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN GRILL 100 S. Westlake Blvd. Westlake Village, 805-373-9300 paulmartinsamericangrill.com American; Entrées $19–$52 Romantic, Saturday & Sunday Brunch

Located in The Promenade at Westlake, this sophisticated bistro-style restaurant, which has seven other locations, features an all-day menu with house specialties such as live-fire grilled steaks, panseared herb-marinated “Brick” Chicken, and Cedar Plank Steelhead Salmon. Burgers, sandwiches, and salads round out the menu. Sunday brunch includes an entrée (don’t miss the Crab Cake Benedict), organic coffee, and select cocktails for $32. Nightly happy hour in the bar offers wines and handcrafted cocktails and a menu of small plates, like Garlic Ginger Chicken, Shrimp Tacos, and Bacon and Caramelized Onion Flatbread, for $8 to $10.

PETIT VALENTIEN 1114 State St. #14 Santa Barbara, 805-966-0222 petitvalentien.com French; Entrées $20–$25 Weekend Ethiopian Brunch

Step into this cozy French bistro in La Arcada Plaza for lunch or dinner to feel transported to Paris. Candles glow, glasses clink, and the menu lists such classics as escargot and pan-seared duck breast. But there are also surprises, like the Ethiopian weekend brunch, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sunday supper with a different one-time French menu each week. Sip wines from California or France or local beers on tap. Diners are also served outdoors in the plaza.

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

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

is keeping destination diners as well as the local cowboys coming back for more.

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

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

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

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

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

Chef-owner Ricky Odbert started out offering his seasonal menus in a garage location, where he had six seats for lucky guests. He now has 12 chef’scounter seats in this intimate spot in Paso Robles’ Tin City. The unique dining experience is a 12-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons and is driven by the bounty of local farms. Expect creative dishes such as raw dry-aged California yellowtail, seasoned with Meyer lemon in plum, cucumber, and gazpacho consommé. A wine pairing option features local and imported wines, and there is a short by-theglass and bottle list. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday; reservation tickets are available online.

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.

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.

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.

WINE CASK 813 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-966-9463 winecask.com Wine Country Cuisine Entrées $28–$42; Chef’s tasting menu $75 for five courses, $95 for eight courses

Romantic Founded in 1981, the Wine Cask is pleasing palates with executive chef Jeremy Van Kralingen, a native of Hilo, Hawaii, in the kitchen. Local ingredients still inform dishes at every turn, especially in the tasting menus that feature Santa Barbara County labels in the optional wine pairings. The regular dinner menu includes Santa Barbara Channel sea bass with gremolata, duck confit with farro and strawberry sofrito, and pan-roasted rib eye with umami potatoes. Desserts echo the elegant simplicity of the restaurant: Bread pudding with bourbon-salted caramel sauce is a traditional standout, joined by newer options like lemon meringue ice-cream tart and a Nutella cheesecake with pretzel brittle. California wines are the focus of the international wine list.

Good Eats

Not too fancy, not too expensive, and a good experience all around. BOLLYWOOD INDIAN RESTAURANT #3 860 Hampshire Road Westlake Village, 805-777-7100 bollywood3.net Indian; Entrées $10–$15

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

PRINT • ONLINE • SOCIAL • MOBILE • PODCAST For advertising information, contact your sales representative or call 805-444-1228.

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

101

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

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

NEW FRESH CURRY CHEFS 33 North Lewis Road Camarillo, 805-384-8066 freshcurrychefs.com Indian; Dine-in Entrées $10–$14

Warm spice aromas beckon at this casual eatery, which serves authentic Indian dishes, including a roster of vegetarian and vegan options. Start with samosa or tandoori chicken tikka and move on to a tantalizing array of curries or a hearty rice bowl. A must-try is the Bombay Frankie Roll or “Indian burrito,” a street-food dish of curry, fresh vegetables, and chutney wrapped in just-baked naan. Husbandand-wife owners Yash and Kiran Narang also offer do-it-yourself meal kits that come with semi-prepared ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, so guests can make their own Indian feasts at home. Prepared dishes are available for takeout, too.

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 janesb.com and Jane at The Marketplace 6940 Marketplace Drive Goleta, 805-770-5388 janeatthemarketplace.com Eclectic; Entrées $9–$34

Devoted fans keep coming back for the

102

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

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

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

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 stirfry 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.

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

This retail wine shop adjoins an all-day café with seating indoors by the stone fireplace and outside on the wisteria-covered patio. Cheese plates and olives are small bites perfect for pairing with wines at the bar. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and pizza comprise the lunch menu. At night choices get a little fancier with pot roast, lamb shank, pasta, chicken, steak, and fresh fish. The wine selection from the shop (available to diners) has more than 400 labels and specializes in picks from California’s Central Coast. Now that’s fun.

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

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

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

Downstairs in the Water Court Plaza office complex, owner Pookie creates delicious Thai dishes for lunch and dinner daily. Lunch specials are a steal at $7 to $8 each. She also has a wide selection of interesting

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

This lively brewpub located in the former Santa Barbara Brewing Company space serves top-notch beers from award-winning master brewer Dave “Zambo” Szamborski as well as a satisfying sudsfriendly menu. Not your typical pub grub, offerings include banh mi flatbread, yellowtail crudo, and steak frites, along with sandwiches, tacos, salads, and appetizers like beer-battered green beans. Beer not your jam? Try a craft cocktail with house-made infusions and freshly squeezed juices. Happy hour is Sundays through Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with deals on cocktails, beers, and bites. MORE ON THE WEB: Visit 805living.com for more listings and to make quick and easy reservations at many of the restaurants listed here and on the website through Open Table.

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.

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 steak-house feel with down-home service and hearty portions of Santa Maria–style barbecue. In addition to oak-grilled steaks, the menu features ribs, quail, turkey, duck, and seafood. Sip from the Wine Spectator award-winning wine list that includes a selection of Hitching Post labels.

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

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

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

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

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (sbpolo.com) kicks off polo season on May 1, with matches every Sunday afternoon. The club’s Fieldside Grill offers a new Saturday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., served inside the dining room or on the terrace overlooking the polo fields. Look for starters like Coconut Shrimp and Ahi Tuna Poke Stack, along with salads, egg dishes, panini, and burgers. Sip from a selection of local wine and beer and craft cocktails. On Saturdays, though matches are not scheduled, you may have a front-row seat for a practice session on the field.

REUNION KITCHEN + DRINK 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara; 805-364-3366 reunionkitchen.net Modern Comfort; Entrées $15–$43, Burgers and Sandwiches $15–$23 Great Views

This buzzing ocean-view spot nestled on the lower floor of the Cabrillo Pavilion, just a few steps from the sand on East Beach, is the third location in its Orange County-based restaurant group (others are in Anaheim Hills and Laguna Beach). Soak up the views from the light, beachy dining room or expansive patio while savoring breakfast (served all day), lunch, dinner, or happy hour, which is offered Monday through Friday. For appetizers, try the Crab & Shrimp Ceviche and the Coconut Shrimp, available exclusively in Santa Barbara. Signature entrées include Rosemary’s Chicken and Biscuits. Sip a local wine, craft beer, or cocktail.

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. 

Owned by chef Michael Cherney, an alum of Las Vegas’ L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and his MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

103

P.S. Sketchpad By Greg Clarke

104

MAY 2022 / 805LIVING.COM

LEAP

into

LUXURY

with Thermador Kitchen Packages Starting Under $10k See store for details.

Agoura Hills 30621 Canwood St. 818.991.8846

Moorpark 14349 White Sage Rd. 805.222.1380

Santa Barbara 3920 State St. 805.898.9883

Oxnard 887 Ventura Blvd. 805.278.0388

www.wdcappliances.com

Torrance 20901 Hawthorne Blvd. 310.802.6380

n i f l e s r u o Y Fi nd ! h c a e B o m s Pi

Visit soon and check out our seasonal lodging specials!

Pismo Beach is truly Classic California, famous for its historic pier, miles of beautiful white sand beaches and a rich wine region only minutes away. It’s where sand, sun, sea and sky converge to create the ideal relaxing getaway. Pismo Beach’s laid back environment gives you the opportunity to rest, rejuvenate and restore. ExperiencePismoBeach.com