805 Living Winter 2023

Source: Forbes.com (August 2022) Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors ranking awarded in 2022. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 3/31/21-3/31/22. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC to obtain or use the rating. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not a iliated with SHOOK Research or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com.

©2022 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 5242922 12/22

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

JOURNEY EUROPE NEW PLACES. NEW SPACES.

INTRODUCING OUR MOST EXCITING SEASON IN EUROPE.

For our 2024/2025 Europe season, we’re excited to introduce so much that’s new from the best cruise line sailing there. We have seven award-winning ships including three of our amazing Celebrity Edge ® Series ships, featuring our newest ship, Celebrity Ascent SM. For the first time, we’re excited to have our revolutionary Edge ® Series ship, Celebrity Apex ®, sailing from London (Southampton) for a full season. Plus, find even more exciting itineraries and must-see places for every world traveler. With seven departure ports across Europe and itineraries ranging from 4 to 14 nights, you’re sure to find the perfect sailing to satisfy your wanderlust. Book now with our current offer!

CONTACT

YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR OR VISIT CELEBRITY.COM SCAN

By Jaime Lewis, Erin Rottman, and Nancy Ransohoff

Upgrades

53 Natural Splendor

Bring the colors, shapes, and textures of the garden indoors to create a peaceful bathing sanctuary.

By Frances Ryan

Taste

76 FOOD: Chicory—A New Leaf?

84 DINING OUT

Firmly Planted Mediterranean-inspired dishes take center stage at a new elevated vegan restaurant in Calabasas.

By Nancy Ransohoff

Photographs by Gary Moss

87 Where to Eat Now

By

Nunn

Use bitter greens from the chicory family in soups, salads, and sautés to support the digestive and immune systems.

By Nancy Ransohoff

Photograph by Gary Moss

P.S. Sketchpad

96 Next-gen Wellness & Fitness Tech

By Greg Clarke

Ryan

Rottman

80 SPIRITS:

Historical Heat

Local twists on the hot toddy are a welcome winter warm up. By Gabe

Saglie

By Heidi Dvorak

888.778.LUXE

Run, Rabbit, Run!

ACCORDING TO THE CHINESE HOROSCOPE, 2004 was the Year of the Monkey, which is a zodiac animal symbolizing strong working abilities and intelligence. It was also the year when 805 Living debuted, and I remember how much I expected the content of this magazine to reflect those qualities.

Nineteen years later, 805 Living continues to thrive. It’s now the Year of the Rabbit, and despite the fact that I don’t put much faith in such mysticisms, I am excited for what the rabbit represents, especially elegance and beauty. It’s also considered to be the luckiest of the zodiac animals—and who couldn’t use a little extra luck?

I’ll take all the good luck I can get, but I’m not sitting around waiting for the stars to align in my favor, especially when it comes to this magazine. We’re bounding ahead this year with another ambitious slate of stories, written by some of the most dedicated contributors around. You could say they are our “long ears,” able to gather information that is then put together in an elegant package with world-class photography, illustration, and design.

Personally, I like how quick rabbits are, able to dart from one point to the next with ease. Publishing a magazine can require that same agility. For example, in this Winter issue we showcase “A Quest for Rest” (page 56), about the importance of recovery between workouts, and “Soul Searching” (page 64) on a transformational form of collage; and while you’re enjoying those stories, we’re already hard at work on March’s Restaurant issue and beginning to gather together pieces for April’s Home & Garden issue. Like a blur of bunnies racing around the Central Coast, we’re uncovering curious details and exciting events and meeting interesting personalities to feature in stories we’ll publish throughout the year.

We at 805 Living wish you the best of luck in the year ahead, but just like the rabbit, we know it’ll take some hard work to get where we want to be and achieve what we know we can accomplish. Ready, set, go!

Lynne Andujar Editor in Chief & Publisher edit@805living.com

Kaleidoscope of Style

We love the creative process, collaborating with clients and coordinating many of the little details that make all the difference.

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”

EDITOR IN CHIEF, PUBLISHER, & CEO

Lynne Andujar edit@805living.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bernard Scharf

DESIGNER

Sophie Patenaude

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

Greg Clarke

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Elizabeth Messina, Gary Moss

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathy Tomlinson

PHOTO EDITOR

Gary Moss

photo@805living.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Diane Hart, Jaime Lewis, Nancy Ransohoff, Gabe Saglie, Joan Tapper, Victoria Woodard Harvey

RESEARCH EDITOR

Tajinder Rehal

CONSULTING EDITOR

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

© 2023 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.

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.

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Behind the Scenes

Diane Hart

“I have become devoted to hiking on mountain trails,” says contributing writer Diane Hart, author of “A Quest for Rest,” on page 56. “Enjoying nature’s beauty and fresh air at every switchback enhances my peace of mind and sense of calmness. And the discovery of trails once traveled by Native Americans connects me to the past.”

Valerie Moore-Altavilla

“I have found great pleasure in experiencing live music at the Ventura Music Hall,” says Valerie Moore-Altavilla, a social worker and art therapist at Moore Healing Art Therapy in Ventura, whose work is the topic of “Soul Searching” on page 64. “It’s an evening that fills my heart and soul.”

Elizabeth

Messina

“I have recently renewed my love affair with the sea,” says contributing photographer Elizabeth Messina. “We are so blessed to live near the ocean. My favorite is foggy mornings with my dogs at my heels, running through the sand and jumping in the waves.” Messina’s images appear on the front cover and throughout the “805 Weddings Resource Guide 2023” on page 68.

“I recently discovered hot yoga classes with infrared heat,” says Emmaline Rasmussen, R.D., of the Center for Health & Wellbeing at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. “It’s similar to an infrared sauna but not quite as hot.” Rasmussen is also quoted in Taste/Food on page 76.

We asked some of our contributors and featured individuals what new local wellness activity they’ve discovered recently. Here are their replies.

HART: JERRY KINDELA; MOORE-ALTAVILLA: HARMONY MOON PHOTOGRAPHY; RASMUSSEN: JON HILLENBRAND

Emmaline Rasmussen

Everything we do revolves around you. In fact, we’re committed to advancing equality, celebrating diversity, and doing all we can to shape a more connected world. With your values and our experience, we can create a holistic plan that’s uniquely positioned for your success.

Wells Fargo Wealth Management 2829 Townsgate Rd., Fl. 2, Westlake Village, CA 91361 805-777-8375

Wells Fargo Wealth Management 118 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805-564-2876

wellsfargoprivatebank.com

Member FDIC. NMLSR ID 399801. WCR-0421-00164 IHA-B24181

Behind the Scenes

On The Cover: A couple takes a nuptial stroll through a field of eucalyptus and French lavender on the grounds of Montecito’s San Ysidro Ranch. For our guide to local eventplanning resources, see page 68.

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, last-minute getaway ideas, and little extras—like food and wine tips—to help you get through the month. Insiders will also receive special offers, contest news, event invitations, and more. Subscribe at 805living.com.

Photograph by Elizabeth Messina; Event Planner: Lisa Vorce; Dress: Valentino

2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise systemof BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company,a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do

Whether you’re downsizing or just refreshing the look of your space, DeFrens consignment showroom is ready to find a buyer for items that no longer fit in.

P ulse

TRACKING THE BEAT OF THE 805

A NEW HOME FOR DECOR

Cleaning out a living space can be a poignant experience. So often furnishings and decorative elements have sentimental value and connections to loved ones. Westlake Village Realtor Isabelle Muller-Gupta hopes to make it a bit easier to move to a new residence or do a New Year’s or spring cleaning with DeFrens (defrens.us), a consignment showroom for indoor and outdoor furniture and home décor that she and business partners Michelle Simaneck and Fatiha Demijohn recently opened. >

“It’s emotional to let go of things you’re attached to,” Muller-Gupta says. She notes that people who use her consignment service are relieved to know that a piece they’ve treasured won’t end up in a dump. “They feel that it’s not gone away,” she says. “It’s going to pass to people who will appreciate what it is.”

Sellers send pictures to DeFrens to learn if items are salable, deliver the items to the showroom, and receive half of the net sale. Large items may be picked up at the owner’s expense.

—Erin Rottman

RANCH REVAMP

A historic 212-acre property in Buellton is getting a new lease on life. Vega Vineyard & Farm (vegavineyardandfarm.com) debuted in October with an updated winery and family-friendly tasting room, a freshly planted organic farm, and a farmstand. New owners and hospitality veterans Karen and Jimmy Loizides named the property (which was previously home to Mosby Winery & Vineyards) to honor its history as the 1853-era Rancho La Vega.

A culinary program includes private events and farm-to-table dining headed up by chef Erik Thurman. Menus highlight produce from the property’s farm and pair well with Vega Vineyard offerings from winemaker Steve Clifton. “Vega is, in itself, a creation of imagination,” says Thurman. “And imagine what we can do with the agricultural products coming off of this land—what we can offer our guests.”

SMOOTHIE SIDEKICK

Prompted by the loss of two friends and a family member to cancer, entrepreneur Steven Abbey of Santa Barbara set out to create a new dietary supplement. “It was very hard for them to get real nutrition in a healthy form,” Abbey says. After three years of development, Abbey has launched SOS Nutrients (sosnutrients.com), a plant-based powder intended for use in smoothies.

Derived from whole foods rather than synthetics, it contains organic elements, like iodine from three types of Icelandic kelp, zinc from guava leaf extract, as well as a blend of seven mushrooms. “Now you’re talking about a smoothie that’s really covering things that are missing from a lot of people’s diets,” says Abbey of beverages augmented with his product, which contains no added flavorings or sweeteners. He recommends mixing it into typical blends of plant-based milk, greens, berries, and nut butters. (Order with the code 805LIVING20 through February to receive 20% off.) —E.R.

At the new Vega Vineyard & Farm (left), chef Erik Thurman (below) transforms farm ingredients into dishes like Deviled Farm Eggs and Blue Crab (bottom) to pair with wines by longtime local winemaker Steven Clifton.

Menu items are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily. Charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and bar snacks are offered until the 6 p.m. closing time. The selection varies, but recent examples of Thurman’s creations include appetizers like house-made Cavatelli Cacio e Pepe and Lamb Meatballs with Chickpea Tomato Sauce and Feta-Mint Tzatziki as well as shared plates like House-cured Salmon Flatbread. Check the website for updated hours and offerings.

—Nancy Ransohoff

DeFrens owners (from left) Fatiha Demijohn, Michelle Simanek, and Isabelle Muller-Gupta convene amid their displays of consigned home decor.

LOCAL MEAT AND MORE

In 2016, former restaurant owners Grace and Jensen Lorenzen launched The Larder Meat Co. (lardermeatco.com), a San Luis Obispo–based service that brings local pasture-raised meat and wild seafood to subscribers’ doors. Now, they’ve expanded with the Larder Market, a downtown San Luis Obispo brick-and-mortar shop that carries à la carte meats and seafoods as well as pantry items, like proprietary spice blends, rubs, hand-forged knives, butcher blocks from John Boos, cookware, cookbooks, gifts, and more.

Made by small-batch artisans, every product in the shop is sourced from within the U.S. and used by the Lorenzens daily in their home.

“Grace and I have a shared core belief,” says Jensen, “the same belief that created Larder Meat Co.—buying local matters.” 

—Jaime Lewis

The Lorenzen family adds to their local meat and wild seafood delivery subscription service with a new store in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Finds

Earth-Friendly Kitchen

By Jennie Nunn

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

1. Cotton canvas grocery tote with vegan leather straps and base ($70); Williams Sonoma: Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; williams-sonoma.com. 2. Stasher reusable silicone sandwich bag in coral ($10); Target: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles; target.com. 3. Socco Designs Swedish “Tofino” reusable dishcloth ($7); Heritage Goods and Supply, Carpinteria, heritagegoodsandsupply.com. 4. Black+Blum stainless steel sandwich box with fork and silicone strap in ocean ($38); Heritage Goods and Supply, Carpinteria, heritagegoodsandsupply.com. 5. W&P Porter utensil set in mint ($16); Los Olivos General Store, Los Olivos, losolivosgeneralstore.com. 6. Bamboozle composter made from biodegradable bamboo in terra-cotta ($40); Findings Market, Ventura, findingsmarket.myshopify.com. 7. Marley’s Monsters “Bento Bag Bundle” ($38 for set of three); Diani Boutique, Santa Barbara, dianiboutique.com. 8. Bee Kitchen beeswax “Pink Flowers” food wraps ($24 for pack of three); The Refill Shoppe, Ventura, therefillshoppe.com. 

Finds Style

By Frances Ryan

Give’ Em the Boot

KEEP TOES TOASTY AND DRY WHEREVER WINTER TAKES THEM IN THIS WEATHER-RESISTANT FOOTWEAR.

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

1. “Vanetta” in mushroom ($170); Cougar, cougarshoes.com. 2. Marc Fisher “Izzie” in black ($249); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; nordstrom.com. 3. Sorel “Out N About III Conquest” in chalk/sea salt ($145); Free People, Malibu, freepeople.com. 4. “Miller Lug Hiker” in new ivory/perfect black ($488); toryburch.com. 5. Loro Piana “Ben Nevis” in fossil wood ($2,950); Nordstrom, Thousand Oaks and Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; nordstrom.com. 6. Ugg “Raincloud Lace Suede” in chestnut ($175); Deckers Brand Showcase, Goleta, ugg.com. 7. Montelliana 1965 “Camelia” in pearl white ($495); Neiman Marcus, Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, neimanmarcus.com. 8. Sorel waterproof “Joan of Arctic Next” in velvet tan/chalk ($220); Free People, Malibu, freepeople.com.

Finds Travel

By Erin Rottman

Quieting the Mind in Carlsbad

Whatever happens is meant to happen. This is what Julia Brodska explains when beginning to lead a regression hypnotherapy session, in which she strives to take people to different stages of consciousness to help them overcome addiction, deal with trauma, or find purpose. If there are loud voices outside or if someone accidentally walks into the room, she gently explains, that’s okay.

Brodska has taken her company Best Life-ing to Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad (omnihotels.com/hotels/ san-diego-la-costa), where she offers everything from single treatments to fully customizable multiday retreats for individuals and groups (bestlifeing.com, single-day retreats from $1,888). Best Life-ing draws from about five dozen teachers, coaches, and healers who offer yoga, reiki, meditation, and more.

“The biggest lesson a lot of the time is that we’re always finding our way within,” says Brodska, who is open about how she overcame her own challenges with addiction and depression. “And no matter what the challenge is, the answer is always silence the mind, get into that place of peace.”

Before personalized retreats, coaches conduct a discovery call to hear what participants are interested in and what they’d like to achieve. Common goals include learning to relax or rejuvenating after intense periods of work, dealing with grief, beginning a spiritual practice, and just getting pampered.

When customizing a retreat, coaches carefully assess personality types. “Different healers are going to be more inspiring to different personalities, so we look at it with a holistic approach,” Brodska says, adding that regression hypnotherapy would not be recommended for someone who is not open to it or considers it “weird.”

Best Life-ing’s offerings combine with Omni La Costa’s spa services and amenities to create a luxurious wellness experience. The spa includes an oversize hot tub, a dry sauna and steam room, and a relaxation room. Outside are a pool and café surrounded by gardens. Full-day retreats typically include one or two spa services, like a body scrub, massage, or facial, along with one or two Best Life-ing sessions.

Brodska hopes that people leave feeling fulfilled and equipped with “tools and resources to continue on after the retreat is finished,” she says. One recent regression hypnotherapy session did not end with a dramatic breakthrough but served instead as a deep meditation— a reminder that sometimes you already know the answer but just need to quiet the mind to hear it. >

At La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Best Life-ing coaches lead mind-clearing activities, like meditation and regression hypnotherapy. Combine these with soothing treatments at the resort’s spa and a relaxing dip in the edge pool, reserved for guests 21 and over.

Get Away Nearby

Billing itself as the only all-suite oceanfront resort in Southern California, Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton in Oxnard (zacharidunes. com, from $250) expects to be a community gathering spot as much as a vacation destination. The Spanish hacienda-style hotel has tapped chef Damien Giliberti (formerly of Santa Barbara’s Finch & Fork restaurant) to head its dining venue, Ox & Ocean, which offers shareable plates, steak, seafood, and locally sourced produce.

Hidden Carmel V

isitors driving through Carmel might miss the new Villa Mara (villamaracarmel.com, from $550), a 16-room, 21-and-over hotel that’s part of The Leading Hotels of the World but looks like a beautiful home overlooking the ocean. “No one really knew about this little hotel sitting out in this neighborhood,” says owner Dev Patel. “You’re south of town. You’re surrounded by homes, so there’s no other commercial assets around you,” he says. “If you walk 200 feet, you hit the beach. If you walk another 200 feet, you hit this Frank Lloyd Wright house that hangs over the water.”

Having grown up mostly in his parents’ motel in southern Oregon and renting a room for the first time at age 7, Patel knows something about hospitality. When Villa Mara opened, he spent the first couple of months getting to know guests by helping with their bags and serving complimentary Clase Azul tequila and Flowers pinot noir. Team members prefer to offer a drink and a tour of the sitting areas and firepits before taking a credit card.

Rooms, all decorated differently, feature tranquil palettes of dusty pink, sage green, or coastal blue; bathrooms feel homey with rain showers and heated floors; and large windows let in natural light. For a 500-square-foot stand-alone space with a private yard, book Jeffers Cottage.

Catching the Wave on Oahu

Learning to surf can be intimidating, from the unpredictability of wind conditions to the competition for space on popular wave breaks. Helping to eliminate the pressure, Wai Kai Wave (waikai.com), a deepwater wave–making facility, opens in February within Hoakalei Resort in Honolulu’s Ewa Beach.

Another spot for visitors and locals alike is the central courtyard that overlooks the ocean. My favorite thing to do is to hang out by Dune’s Pyre, which is our firepit at the resort, during sunset,” says general manager Ben Ly. “Every day it’s different. Some days it’s purple. Last week it was an orange-ish shot across the sky.”

“Young or old, skilled or not, it’s a place where people can just come and have a fun time,” says retail development director Larry Caster. The 100-foot-wide adjustable wave, designed in collaboration with X Games gold medal surfer Shane Beschen, can be split into three sections, accommodating beginning, intermediate, and advanced surfers. Beginners can book lessons with an integrated handrail for stability, while experienced surfers can work on advanced aerial tricks.

The wave is part of a development that includes a 52-acre lagoon, in which visitors can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, and rent cabanas. A variety of dining options and the Camp Kai kids club are available as well. 

JOIN NOW AND RECEIVE UNLIMITED FULL-BODY CIRCUIT TRAINING WITH + AN INSULATED WATER BOTTLE

All Killer B x Swell workout classes are booked in advance and complimentary to you as a member in our club.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS START HERE

Santa Barbara Athletic Club is a premier, full-service fitness hub that fosters and empowers healthy people in order to build healthy communities. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, we are inspired by the natural environment that surrounds us and encourage our members to live a healthy lifestyle in and out of the club.

SANTA BARBARA ATHLETIC CLUB

520 CASTILLO STREET | 805.966.6147

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5800 CATHEDRAL OAKS ROAD | 805.964.7762

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Insider

EVENTS IN & AROUND THE 805

By H eidi D vorak

Through April 30

STORYTELLING: NATIVE PEOPLE THROUGH

THE LENS OF EDWARD S. CURTIS

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Take in the iconography of Indigenous peoples living in Western regions from the Mexican border to Alaskan shores. The photographer’s images are somewhat controversial as many believe they are more staged than natural; sbnature.org.

February 1

VOICES OF MISSISSIPPI

Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo. This multimedia event celebrates the music, art, and storytelling traditions of Mississippi and features live musical performances integrated with film, audio recordings, rare photographs, and performances by musicians Bobby Rush, Shardé Thomas, and Luther and Cody Dickinson; pacslo.org.

February 4

NUN RUN

La Reina High School and Middle School, Thousand Oaks. Get in the habit of helping the Sisters of Notre Dame Life & Ministry Fund, by competing in a 1 miler or a 5K race. The organization provides educational and social outreach around the world; nun.run.

February 10

OVATION JAZZ SERIES: ARTURO SANDOVAL

Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara. The worldclass trumpeter performs highlights from his newest album, Rhythm & Soul, which features traditional Cuban son, Brazilian bossa nova and samba, and Caribbean soca; lobero.org.

February 10–March 12

RING OF FIRE—THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH

Here’s an Idea:

Don’t let nature’s gifts pass you by. You’ve got until the end of February to visit the PISMO STATE BEACH MONARCH BUTTERFLY GROVE, where you can treat your eyes to the sight of thousands of winged beauties clustering in towering eucalyptus and Monterey cypress trees. Recordings narrated by state park interpreters are available; parks.ca.gov.

San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre. A multitalented cast tells the tale of the Man in Black, from rowdiness to redemption, straight from his songbook. The show includes more than two dozen classic hits, including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and “Folsom Prison Blues”; slorep.org.

February 17–19

GEM FAIRE

Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara. Shiny, sparkly, and glittery treasures can

be unearthed at this dazzling showcase of precious and semiprecious gemstones, crystals, and beads. Craft vendors are on hand for sizing, repairs, jewelry cleaning, tools and supplies; gemfaire.com.

February 23

H.M.S. PINAFORE

Pepperdine University, Malibu. Gilbert and Sullivan fans should revel in this performance of a show that marked the duo’s first hit, as presented by the Flora L. Thornton Opera Program and the Pepperdine University Orchestra; arts.pepperdine.edu.

February 23–26

BLENDFEST ON THE COAST

San Simeon and Cambria locations. Experience a taste of Paso Robles wine country at this vino-centric celebration that includes winemaker dinners, coastal excursions, a blending seminar and a grand tasting with 40-plus varietals; pasowine.com.

February 24–26

MATT RIFE

Levity Live, Oxnard. This baby-faced standup comedian has been performing since age 15, and he still exudes a youthful appeal and naivete at the ripe-old age of 27. With a charming demeanor and a razor-sharp wit, his performance appeals to audiences of all stripes; improv.com.

February 25

JOHN TESH

The Canyon, Agoura Hills. Get ready to be taken on a unique journey by a pianist and vocalist who tells the inspirational story of his life through music and spoken word; wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.

March 5

CHICAGO

Bank of America Performing Arts Center

Thousand Oaks. Fifty-six years and 37 albums later, this legendary pop group is still making music, but better than ever. This concert should be like a nostalgic Saturday in the park; bapacthousandoaks.com. 

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

The Dickinson Brothers

ONLY ALL-SUITE BEACHFRONT RESORT Discover CALIFORNIA’S

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, the newest addition to Hilton’s Curio Collection is recently renovated and ready for your next beach getaway. Located on the idyllic Mandalay Beach, Ventura County’s best kept secret, we offer spacious suites with separate living rooms, incredible dining and unique resort amenities and experiences. Every stay includes free rentals from Henry’s Sundries and Gear Rental, stocked with surfboards, beach essentials, board games and more. Here, suites meet the salty ocean. Savor the moments at Zachari Dunes.

Forever starts

Upgrades

Natural Splendor

BRING THE COLORS, SHAPES, AND TEXTURES OF THE GARDEN INDOORS TO CREATE A PEACEFUL BATHING SANCTUARY.

By Frances Ryan

Upgrades

1. Bedrosians Tile & Stone “Casablanca” 5x5-inch matte ceramic tile in torres ($11 per square foot); TileCo: Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo; tilecodist.com. 2. Faux potted jade plant ($60); Crate and Barrel, The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 3. Palecek “Shasta” stone-cast tree stump table/stool ($969); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com. 4. “Avalon 62” freestanding NativeStone (concrete and natural jute fiber) soaking tub in earth ($8,990); Native Trails, San Luis Obispo, nativetrails.com. 5. Kallista “Pure Paletta” freestanding bath faucet in polished nickel by Laura Kirar ($4,765); WDC Kitchen and Bath Center: Agoura Hills, Moorpark, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara; wdcappliances.com.

6. Palecek “Kenis” braided rattan mirror in gray wash ($2,664); The Sofa Guy, Thousand Oaks, thesofaguy.com.

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

7. “La Jolla” basket in white (from $98); Serena & Lily; serenaandlily.com. 8. Kallista “Pure Paletta” towel ring in polished nickel by Laura Kirar ($520); WDC Kitchen and Bath Center: Agoura Hills, Moorpark, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara; wdcappliances.com. 9. Kronos Ceramiche “Terra Crea” tile in corda (background, from $8 per square foot), pomice mosaic tessere (left vertical strip, $16 per square foot), and pomice spakko (right vertical strip, $10 per square foot). Kronos Ceramiche “Les Bois” tile in Slavonia (horizontal strip, from $8 per square foot); Buena Tile + Stone: Agoura Hills, Ventura, and Santa Barbara, buenatile.com. 10. Organic Turkish cotton bath towels in duck green ($120 for set of six); Crate and Barrel, The Village at Topanga, Woodland Hills, crateandbarrel.com. 

When ramping up your fitness goals this year, be sure to plan time for recovery.

BY DIANE HART

It’s that time again. The start of a new year has become a signal that the time has come to renew your commitment to staying fit. And here in the 805 area, there are plenty of fitness-promoting activities to choose from year-round. But, no matter which exercise pursuit you prefer, one critical element can easily be overlooked as New Year’s resolutions kick regimens into high gear: rest.

To avoid raising your risk of injury, both the body and the mind need time to recover, says Carrie Hastings, Psy.D., a sports psychologist who works with the Los Angeles Rams. “Allowing restful periods facilitates mental recovery and helps prevent burnout,” Hastings says. The key is to vary your fitness routine and give yourself at least one day of rest or active recovery each week. Here are eight rest-day options to try.

1. Hiking

All you need to hit the trail is a good pair of hiking shoes, some sunscreen, and enough water to keep you well hydrated. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, group hikes, in particular, are growing in popularity. “Not only is hiking a great workout physically—building cardiovascular and muscle endurance as well as bone density—but many consider it a form of meditation,” says Jacob Miller, lead exercise physiologist and fitness supervisor at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village (fourseasons.com/ westlakevillage). Outdoor activity has been shown to reduce stress and boost mental well-being, he notes.

Group hikes have the added benefit of offering social connection, as well. “When participating in a guided hike, a bond is created between members of the group as they experience the sounds, scents, sights, challenges, and ultimately, the same accomplishment,” says Miller. The hotel’s Center for Health and Wellbeing offers guided hikes through trails in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains regularly.

Farther north, guides at the Ojai Valley Inn (ojaivalleyinn.com) lead hikes in the Topatopa Mountains for groups of two to six. Those who’d like to recharge on their own can also enjoy any easy hike along the scenic 9-mile Ojai Valley Trail (ventura.org/ parks-department/ojai-valley-trail-venturaojai).

At Montecito’s San Ysidro Ranch (sanysidroranch. com/spa), interested guests are given maps and descriptions for the 17 miles of nearby trails, which feature hot springs and waterfalls, says spa manager Angela Mirli. And, in the 900-acre Pismo Preserve (lcslo.org/pismopreserve ), operated by the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo, 11 miles of trails along scenic woodlands and ocean vistas await.

2. Breathwork

Slow, controlled breathing shifts your body and mind into resting mode. “One of the most important concepts in total wellness is relaxation,” says Hastings. “Breathing exercises are the foundation for relaxation. Once mastered, they can be paired with other tactics, such as positive self-talk and imagery. When practiced regularly, results include enhanced confidence and an increased ability to focus.” Breathwork can also help relieve stress and improve sleep, and promising research has linked it to improved mental focus, a positive outlook, and reduced anxiety.

For Jacqui Burge, owner and founder of Ojai’s Move Sanctuary (movesanctuary.com) yoga studio, breathwork is one of the best—and fastest—ways to relax. She advocates a simple take-it-anywhere exercise: Quickly inhale twice through the nostrils, pause, then slowly exhale through the mouth. “Do >

The soothing tones of sound bath meditation focus participants’ attention inward.

that three times, and your nervous system immediately relaxes,” Burge says, adding that it’s particularly helpful when preparing for a big meeting or stressful situation. For reducing stress, lowering anxiety, and inducing relaxation, she recommends classes that combine breathwork with guided meditation.

3. Meditation

“Harmonious functioning of the body and mind can be difficult to achieve,” says Hastings. Meditation and other mindful tools can help you get to your goals.” At the Center for Health and Wellbeing in Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, sound bath meditation classes are among the mindfulness-based offerings. Relying on a variety of percussion instruments, like gongs, bowls, and sticks, they’re designed to help participants concentrate their attention on a series of calming tones.

Evolving science appears to support the notion that both meditation and pleasing sounds can be beneficial. According to the results of a 2017 research review published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Cognitive Behavior, for instance, studies have shown that meditation can have positive effects on physical health as well as stress. And calming music has been found to be an effective tool in quieting the mind and relaxing muscles, while upbeat rhythms promote positive thoughts and feelings.

4. Yoga

Yoga has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including reduced stress, enhanced sleep, improved balance and flexibility, and elevated mood. A study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests that when practiced regularly, yoga even improves brain health.

At Santa Barbara’s Beach Yoga (santabarbara beachyoga.com) daily classes are offered in the sand from sunrise to sunset—accompanied by sound via wireless headphones. At Equinox Westlake Village (equinox.com/clubs/southern-california/the-valley/ westlakevillage) Vinyasa yoga classes combine breath and movement in flowing sequences.

5. Swimming

Swimming can rev metabolism, lower blood pressure, raise spirits, and promote joint health, while improving strength and muscle tone. It can also leave participants feeling relaxed and energized. Try a local class through the U.S. Masters Swimming (usms.org) organization, or take the plunge on your own at a local public pool.

In Thousand Oaks, California Lutheran University’s Samuelson Aquatic Center (callutheran.edu) accepts lane reservations for hour-long lap-swimming in its outdoor facility. And, in San Luis Obispo, the San Luis >

Obispo Swim Center (slocity.org), open year-round, offers public swimming hours in an Olympic-size pool as well as a warm-water therapy pool that’s a great way to soothe muscles or relieve arthritic pain. Check universities and municipal pools near you for aquatic classes and lap swimming availability.

6. Tai Chi

The mind-body practice of tai chi, which originated in China as a martial art, is often described as “meditation in motion” and has been linked to better wellness overall. A gentle exercise, it helps maintain strength, flexibility, and balance and improves focus through a series of 24 low-impact, slow-motion movements, done without pause, while breathing deeply and naturally.

It’s the connection of the breath to the body that provides a sense of well-being, says tai chi and dance instructor Stella Matsuda, founding director of the Alleluia Dance Theater (alleluiadancetheater.org) in Moorpark. Recent research has shown that tai chi’s weight-bearing nature may slow the rate of bone density loss among older individuals. Tai chi classes are available in most communities through parks and recreation departments, universities and colleges, or fitness centers.

7. Stretching

Everyday activities like sitting hunched over a computer can result in tighter, shorter muscles that may be more prone to injury. But daily stretching can lengthen muscles and improve flexibility, and new research in the Journal of Physiology shows that stretching regularly may even improve arterial

suppleness and blood flow, reducing the risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

To boost the benefits, stretching classes are increasingly incorporating tools, like pliable sticks and foam rollers. A pliable 6- to 7-foot mobility stick, for instance, reportedly helps users leverage their body weight to achieve greater improvements in their range of motion and posture. Equinox Westlake Village (equinox.com/clubs/southerncalifornia/the-valley/westlakevillage) uses them in its Best Ever Stretch, a unique 45-minute class that simultaneously activates and stretches muscles. Participants leave feeling taller and more energized, says Equinox program leader Amy Malloy. The gym also offers a 20-minute “reboot” stretching class, that relies on foam rollers to enhance flexibility.

8. Massage

Perhaps the most obvious route to recovery between workouts, massage comes in many forms. At Montecito’s recently refurbished San Ysidro Ranch Salon & Spa (sanysidroranch.com/spa), sessions featuring reiki, shiatsu, Swedish, and hot stone styles, among others, take place in a picturesque cottage surrounded by 550 acres of lush countryside.

In Santa Barbara, at Majorelle, the spa at Hotel Californian (hotelcalifornian.com), director Meagan Johnson recommends the Chakra Meditation massage as the perfect antidote for a busy life. “In the highstress, fast-paced digital world we live in today, we wanted to create a treatment that allows guests to completely unplug,” Johnson says. The treatment incorporates guided meditation as gentle reflexology is performed on the head, neck, hands, and feet. 

An intuitive collage process can lead to self-discovery.

BY JOAN TAPPER

t’s no secret that January is traditionally a time for reflection and renewal, with the onset of a new year turning our thoughts inward, through meditation, perhaps, or with a list of resolutions. If you’re seeking a lesser-known avenue for self-discovery, however, consider the practice of SoulCollage (soulcollage.com), founded by psychotherapist Seena B. Frost in the 1980s. The process involves picking out images intuitively—from magazines, for example—and gluing them onto card stock, then using phrases such as “I am one who…” to speak from within the picture, not about it.

“The imagery on the cards

taps into memories and our own inner wisdom,” says Valerie Moore-Altavilla, a social worker, art therapist, and SoulCollage facilitator based in Ventura (moorehealingarttherapy. com). In this way we “articulate and put words to feelings and emotions held deep inside at a cellular level. It’s a powerful process”—creative and transformational—“that helps us explore, learn about, and heal ourselves.”

Frost, who developed these concepts in her work with women’s groups in northern California and after studying the works of Carl Jung and James Hillman, among others, passed away in 2016. But her >

After attending a SoulCollage workshop, collage artist Anne Luther has continued to add to her “deck” of cards (opposite and above) and uses her reactions to the images to think through issues.

method has become a global phenomenon with a robust and active online community— offering resources, videos, supplies, and information—as well as in-person facilitators and classes. Workshop participants encounter a huge array of colorful images, choose those that have some visceral appeal, and collage them onto stiff mat boards, each 5 by 8 inches. Images should not overlap onto the back, and there should not be any words on the cards.

“You’re tuning out the rational brain,” says Moore-Altavilla about the constraints, “and connecting with the senses.” The resulting cards form a “deck” that eventually consists of four “suits” named Committee (parts of one’s personality), Community (supporters of one’s personal story), Council (spiritual guides), and Companions (animal helpers that reflect seven chakras, or energy centers). Cards in any of these suits may be “shadowed,” indicating that some part of one’s being is out of balance.

Trying to divide one’s cards into the four suits can be overwhelming at first, MooreAltavilla acknowledges, so that step can come later. What’s most important, she says, is the journaling that takes place as part of the process. Workshop participants may break into groups of three, and each person speaks from their cards, as a second person takes notes and reads them back, while the third person acts as an observer. Hearing one’s words or phrases repeated often leads to deeper understanding of feelings that have been pent up. The process “makes meaning of transitions and gives voice to fears, happiness, or distress,” she adds.

This is not art therapy, MooreAltavilla notes. Nor is it like

tarot reading in which the cards have some inherent meaning that may pertain to one’s future. Instead, in this practice, “the answers are all within us,” she says. “We have the wisdom. We just need help in getting it out.”

The impact of specific cards may change over time, as one probes their meaning or works through the issues the cards raise. “Each card represents parts of us,” says MooreAltavilla, “but we’re fluid and constantly changing.”

Some who have tried SoulCollage go on to adapt it to their own more personalized journey. Artist and marriage and family therapist Karen Lehrer, for one, had heard about the practice decades ago and did facilitator training in 2014 as part of her continuing education. Though skeptical at first, she says, “I fell in love with it.” When she concluded the methodology was not exactly for her, she concentrated on the overall process as an exercise for self-discovery. “Now I just love doing the cards, and I love the cards themselves,” she says.

Half a dozen years ago, Lehrer introduced the practice to collage artist Anne Luther, who took a class in it at Santa Barbara City College and then explored it on her own, continuing to add to her collection of cards over time. “You can get magazines and flip through,” Luther says. “When something stops you, you tear it out. You want an image that speaks to you. Later you use intuition to put them together. You’re not doing it consciously.”

She sometimes uses her cards to explore a question that’s on her mind. “You think about how the images relate to the issue,” Luther explains. “The card helps you think it through. It’s not mystical. It’s a tool that helps with self-actualization.”

“The imagery on the cards taps into memories and our own inner wisdom,” says Valerie Moore - Altavilla. “It’s a powerful process that helps us explore, learn about, and heal ourselves.”

Artist and marriage and family therapist Karen Lehrer created the cards above and opposite, top. Workshop participants make collages from varied arrays of printed images, then probe their meaning by speaking from within the picture, not about it.

The meaning of someone’s collaged image may alter or diminish over time, notes Valerie Moore-Altavilla, a social worker, art therapist, and SoulCollage facilitator who produced the card below. “Each card represents parts of us,” she says, “but we’re fluid and constantly changing.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELIZABETH MESSINA

Beauty

Brit Tarr Hair and Makeup Simi Valley, brittarr.com

Cheek to Cheek Artistry Westlake Village, bookcheektocheek.com

Cheveux Extensions Santa Barbara, cheveuxextensions.com

Janet Villa Hair + Makeup Solvang, janetvilla.com

La Rouge Salon & Beauty Bar Ventura, larougeartistry.com

Rhonda Johnson Bridal Makeup and Hair Cambria, bridalmakeupandhair.com

Rhythm & Hair at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village fourseasons.com/westlakevillage

Team Hair & Makeup Santa Barbara, teamhairandmakeupservice.com

Bridal Wear

Bella Bridal Couture Thousand Oaks, bellabridalcouture.com

The Bridal Collection Thousand Oaks, tobridalcollection.com

Ever After Bridal Boutique Moorpark, ea-bridal.com

To Have & To Hold Bridal Salon and Boutique San Luis Obispo, tohaveandtoholdbridalsalon.com

Cakes/Desserts/ Favors

Alessia Patisserie & Cafe Santa Barbara, alessiapatisserie.com

Bread Basket Cake Company Camarillo, breadbasketcake.com

The Cakery Atascadero, slocakery.com

Christine’s Cake Creations Paso Robles, christinescakecreations.com

805 Weddings Resource Guide 2023

Crushcakes & Cafe

Santa Barbara, Goleta, crushcakes.com

Enjoy Cupcakes

Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, enjoycupcakes.com

Frost It Cakery

Thousand Oaks, frostitcakery.com

Jessica Foster Confections Santa Barbara, jessicafosterconfections.com

Léle Pâtisserie Santa Barbara, lelepatisserie.com

Lilac Patisserie Santa Barbara, lilacpatisserie.com

Sugar Lab Bake Shop Ventura, sugarlabbakeshop.com

Sweet Arleen’s Westlake Village, sweetarleens.com

Caterers

805 Beverage Catering (bar service)

Thousand Oaks, 805beveragecatering.com

Catering Connection Santa Barbara, cateringconnect.com

Chef Debby Thousand Oaks, chefdebby.com

Command Performance Catering Group & Event Production Moorpark, cpcatering.com

Copper and Crystal (bar service) San Luis Obispo, copperandcrystal.com

DJ’s California Catering Ventura, djscatering.com

Duo Catering & Events Santa Barbara, duoevents.com

Field to Table Catering & Events Nipomo, fttevents.com

Justine’s Private Cuisine

Thousand Oaks, justinesprivatecuisine.com

La Dolce Los Olivos, Instagram @ladolce_catering

Liquid Cult Santa Barbara, liquidcult.com

New West Catering Buellton, newwestcatering.com

Omni Catering Carpinteria, omnicateringsb.com

Poe & Co. Santa Barbara, poe-and-co.com

Pure Joy Catering Santa Barbara, purejoycatering.com

Rock Chef Rolls Westlake Village, rockchefrolls.com

Seasons Catering Ventura, seasonscateringca.com

Simply Cocktails Santa Barbara, simplycocktailssb.com

Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars Oxnard, tierrasuratherzog.com

Dance Instruction

Arthur Murray

Dance Centers

Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Canoga Park, arthurmurray.com

The Wedding Dancer Santa Barbara, theweddingdancer.com

Event Planners & Designers

Alegria by Design Santa Barbara, alegriabydesign.com

Bella Vita Events Westlake Village, bellavitaevents.com

Hive Santa Barbara, hiveeventssb.com

Onyx + Redwood Santa Barbara, onyxandredwood.com

Churchill House Events

Westlake Village, churchill-intl.com

Exquisite Events Westlake Village, exquisevents.com >

Imagine Weddings and Special Events Santa Barbara, imaginesb.com

Joy Proctor Design Santa Barbara, joyproctor.com

Karson Butler Events San Luis Obispo, karsonbutlerevents.com

La Fleur Weddings & Events Santa Ynez, lafleurweddings.com

Lisa Vorce Co Los Angeles, lisavorce.com

Merryl Brown Events Montecito, merrylbrown.com

Rani Hoover Inspired Weddings & Events Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, ranihoover.com

Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events sbwinecountryevents.com

Tyler Speier Events Santa Barbara, tylerspeier.com

Vanessa Noël Events San Luis Obispo, vanessanoelevents.com

Wild Heart Events Santa Barbara, wildheartevents.com

Wheat and Honey Events Simi Valley, wheatandhoneyeents.com

Florists

Adornments Flowers & Finery San Luis Obispo, adornmentsflowers.com

Alexis Ireland Florals Santa Barbara, alexisirelandflorals.com

Camellia Floral & Landscape Design Santa Barbara, camelliadesignsb.com

Ella & Louie Flowers Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, ellaandlouie.com

EmmaRose Floral Santa Barbara, emmarosefloral.com

The English Garden Westlake Village, theenglishgarden.com

Floret Floral Agoura Hills, floret-floral.myshopify.com

Foriver Floral Santa Barbara, foriverfloral.com

Hogue & Co. Floral & Event Design Montecito, hoguefloral.com

Idlewild Floral & Event Design Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, idlewildfloral.com

Jenn Sanchez Oxnard, jennchez.com

Joy Proctor Design Santa Barbara, joyproctor.com

Knot Just Flowers Ventura, knotjustflowersdesign.com

Mindy Rice Floral & Event Design Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, mindyrice.com

Renae’s Bouquet Santa Ynez, renaesbouquet.com

Unique Floral Designs Simi Valley, uniquefloraldesigns.com

Velvet Blooms Ventura, velvetblooms.com

Westlake Florist Westlake Village, westlakeflowers.com

Wild Poppy Floral Design Ballard, wildpoppyfloraldesign.com

XO Bloom Westlake Village, xobloom.com

Jewelers

Baxter Moerman Jewelry San Luis Obispo, baxtermoerman.com

Cartier Canoga Park, cartier.com

Kirk Jewelers Westlake Village, kirkjewelers.com

Lady Face Jewelers by Patille Agoura Hills, ladyfacejewelers.com

Polacheck’s Jewelers

Calabasas, polachecks.com

Rock Star Couture Jewelry Westlake Village, rockstarcouturejewelry.com

Silverhorn Santa Barbara, silverhorn.com

Tiffany & Co. Canoga Park, tiffany.com

Van Gundy Diamonds Camarillo, vangundys.com

Locations–Country Clubs

Calabasas Country Club calabasasgolf.com

Montecito Club montecitoclub1918.com

Moorpark Country Club moorparkgolf.com

North Ranch Country Club Westlake Village, northranchcc.org

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Carpinteria, sbpolo.com

Sherwood Country Club Thousand Oaks, sherwoodcc.com

Spanish Hills Club Camarillo, spanishhillscc.com

Wood Ranch Golf Club Simi Valley, woodranchgc.com

Locations–Hotels/ Resorts/Inns

Alisal Ranch Solvang, alisal.com

Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles, allegrettovineyardresort.com

The Ballard Inn Ballard, ballardinn.com

Belmond El Encanto Santa Barbara, belmond.com/elencanto

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club Malibu, calamigosguestranch.com

Canary, a Kimpton Hotel Santa Barbara, canarysantabarbara.com

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa Pismo Beach, thedolphinbay.com

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village fourseasons.com/westlakevillage

Hotel Californian Santa Barbara, thehotelcalifornian.com

Hotel Cerro San Luis Obispo, hotelcerro.com

Hyatt Regency Westlake Westlake Village, westlake.hyatt.com

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern Auberge Resorts Collection Los Olivos, aubergeresorts.com/ matteistavern >

Inn at Morro Bay innatmorrobay.com

Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach, theinnatthepier.com

Ojai Valley Inn ojaivalleyinn.com

The Palm Garden Hotel Thousand Oaks, palmgardenhotel.com

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara, ritzcarlton.com/santabarbara

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Montecito rosewoodhotels.com/en/ miramar-beach-montecito

San Ysidro Ranch Santa Barbara, sanysidroranch.com

SeaVenture Beach Hotel & Restaurant Pismo Beach, seaventure.com

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

San Luis Obispo, sycamoresprings.com

Vespera Resort at Pismo Beach vesperapismobeach.com

Westlake Village Inn & Spa westlakevillageinn.com

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach Oxnard, zacharidunes.com

Locations

Wineries/Vineyards

Bodega Los Alamos bodegalosalamos.com

Brave & Maiden Santa Ynez, braveandmaiden.com

Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard

Solvang, buttonwoodwinery.com

Ca’ Del Grevino Vineyard and Estate Santa Maria, grevino.com

Eberle Winery Paso Robles, eberlewinery.com

Edna Valley Vineyard San Luis Obispo, ednavalleyvineyard.com

Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard Los Olivos, fessparker.com

Firestone Vineyard Los Olivos, fessparker.com

Gainey Vineyard Santa Ynez, gaineyvineyard.com

Grassini Family Vineyards Santa Ynez, grassinifamilyvineyards.com

Greengate Ranch & Vineyard San Luis Obispo, greengateweddings.com

HammerSky Vineyards

Paso Robles, hammersky.com

Herzog Wine Cellars Oxnard, herzogwine.com

Mizel Estate

Hidden Valley, mizelestate.com

Niner Wine Estates Paso Robles, ninerwine.com

Opolo Vineyards Paso Robles, opolo.com

Peachy Canyon Winery Templeton, peachycanyon.com

Petros Winery Los Olivos, petrosbrand.com

Presqu’ile Vineyard & Winery

Santa Maria, presquilewine.com

Rava Wines + Events Paso Robles, ravawines.com

Refugio Ranch Vineyards

Santa Ynez, refugioranch.com

Robert Hall Winery Paso Robles, roberthallwinery.com

Roblar Farm

Santa Ynez, roblarwinery.com/roblar-farm

Roblar Winery & Vineyards

Santa Ynez, roblarwinery.com

Saddlerock Ranch

Malibu, saddlerock-ranch.com

Sanford Winery & Vineyards

Lompoc, sanfordwinery.com

SummerWood Winery & Inn

Paso Robles, summerwoodwine.com

Sunstone Vineyards, Winery & Villa

Santa Ynez, sunstonewinery.com

Tooth & Nail Winery

Paso Robles, toothandnailwinery.com

Vega Vineyard & Farm Buellton, vegavineyardandfarm.com

Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery

Paso Robles, vinarobles.com

Zaca Creek Ranch Santa Ynez, zacacreekranch.com

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards Los Olivos, zacamesa.com/weddings

Locations–

Other Venues

The Ballard Inn Ballard, ballardinn.com

The Buellhouse at Zaca Creek Buellton, zaca-creek.com/the-buell-house

Country Meadow Ranch Somis, countrymeadowranch.com

The Fillmore on Central Fillmore, thefillmoreoncentral.com

Flying Caballos Ranch San Luis Obispo, flyingcaballos.com

Granada Theatre Santa Barbara, granadasb.org

Hartley Botanica Somis, hartleybotanica.com

Kindred Oak Farm Paso Robles, kindredoakfarm.com

La Lomita Ranch

San Luis Obispo, lalomitaranch.com

Limoneira Co. Santa Paula, limoneira.com

The Maker’s Son Los Alamos, themakersson.com

Maravilla Gardens Camarillo, mgardens.com >

MOXI The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation Santa Barbara, moxi.org

The Narrative Loft Santa Barbara, thenarrativeloft.com

The Ojai Ranch House theranchhouse.com

Quail Ranch Simi Valley, quailranchevents.com

Rancho de las Palmas Moorpark, ranchodelaspalmas.com

Santa Barbara Historical Museum sbhistorical.org

Santa Barbara Zoo sbzoo.org

Spreafico Farms San Luis Obispo, spreaficofarms.com

Trinity Episcopal Church Santa Barbara, trinitysb.org/life-events

The White Barn Edna Valley San Luis Obispo, ednavalleywhitebarn.com

Valley & Villa Montecito, valleyandvilla.com

Ventura Botanical Gardens Ventura, venturabotanicalgardens.com

Party/Tent Rentals, DJs, & Event Production

Amigo Party Rentals, Inc. Ventura, amigopartyrentals.com

Backdrop Boutique SB Santa Barbara, backdropboutiquesb.com

Bella Vista Designs Santa Barbara, bellavistadesigns.com

Blush Fine Linens San Luis Obispo, blushfinelinens.com

Bright Event Rentals Santa Barbara, bright.com

Bruce Barrios Productions Ventura, brucebarrios.com

DJ Darla Bea Santa Barbara, djdarlabea.com

Elan Event Rentals

Santa Barbara, elaneventrentals.com

Event Staff Solutions

Ventura, eventstaffsolutions.net

Fold Santa Barbara, foldsantabarbara.com

Gypset Events

Malibu, gypsetevent.com

La Tavola Fine Linen Rental Santa Barbara, latavolalinen.com

Otis + Pearl Vintage Rentals

Ventura, otisandpearl.com

Scott Topper Productions Santa Barbara, scotttopperproductions.com

Scout Rental Co. Templeton, scoutrentalco.com

Spark Creative Events

Santa Barbara, sparkcreativeevents.com

805 Weddings Resource Guide 2023

Tap Truck (vintage craft beer truck) Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, taptruckcentralcoast.com

The Tent Merchant Santa Barbara, thetentmerchant.com

Theoni Collection Santa Barbara, theonicollection.com

Town & Country Event Rentals Santa Barbara, townandcountryeventrentals.com

Photography/ Video

Albany Katz Ventura, albanykatz.com

B Studios Santa Barbara, bstudios.org

Bessy the Foto Bus Arroyo Grande, bessythefotobus.com

Cameron Ingalls Photography San Luis Obispo, cameroningalls.com

Cara Robbins Studio Santa Barbara, cararobbinsstudio.com

Elizabeth Messina Santa Barbara, elizabethmessina.com

Isabel Lawrence Photographers Oxnard, isabellawrence.com

James & Jess Photography Santa Barbara, jamesandjess.com

Jeff Newsom Photographer San Luis Obispo, jeffnewsom.com

Jenny Quicksall Photography Thousand Oaks, jennyquicksall.com

Jeremy Foster Films Santa Barbara, jeremyfosterfilms.com

Jillian Rose Photography Solvang, jillianrosephotography.com

Jocelyn and Spencer Santa Barbara, jocelynandspencer.com

Joel Serrato Photographer Solvang, joelserrato.com

Jose Villa Photographer Solvang, josevilla.com

Kacie Jean Photography

Santa Barbara, kaciejeanphotography.com

Katie Moos Photography Santa Barbara, katiemoos.com

Kendall Ann Photography

Thousand Oaks, kendallannphoto.com

Meg Sorel Photography

Santa Barbara, megansorel.com

Mi Belle Photographers Westlake Village, mibelleinc.com

Michael + Anna Costa Photography

Santa Barbara, michaelandannacosta.com

Michelle Warren Photography San Luis Obispo, mwfoto.com

Shutter Bus Co. Ventura, shutterbusco.com

Susan Bordelon Photography Agoura Hills, susanbordelon.com

Top Shot Photo Booth Simi Valley, topshotphotobooth.com

Wild Whim Design + Photography

Thousand Oaks, wildwhimphotography.com

Yvonne Goll Photography San Luis Obispo, yvonnegollphotography.com

Stationery

Emily Rose Papers Simi Valley, emilyrosepapers.com

Fla-de-Dahs Agoura Hills, fladedahs.com

Folio Press & Paperie Santa Barbara, foliopressandpaperie.com

The Giving Ink Solvang, thegivingink.com

Farm to Paper Santa Barbara, letterperfectsantabarbara.com

Soolip Westlake Village, soolip.com 

FOOD / SPIRITS / DINING OUT

A New Leaf?

USE BITTER GREENS FROM THE CHICORY FAMILY IN SOUPS, SALADS, AND SAUTÉS TO SUPPORT THE DIGESTIVE AND IMMUNE SYSTEMS.

By Nancy Ransohoff Photograph by Gary Moss

Although the mention of chicory may bring to mind a caffeine-free coffee substitute made from the root of the chicory plant, leafy greens in the chicory family have familiar names, like endive, escarole, frisée, and radicchio. Known for their slightly bitter flavor, they are, for the most part, a colorful and sturdy bunch that hold their own in salads, soups, and sautés.

In addition to being an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, these versatile veggies are rich in prebiotics, compounds that support digestive health by stimulating the growth of probiotics, the good bacteria in the gut. Studies have shown that prebiotics have many healthpromoting effects, including strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“The prebiotic benefit comes from carbohydrate molecules that are food for probiotics,” says Emmaline Rasmussen, a registered dietitian at the Center for Health & Wellbeing, located inside Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. “Prebiotics act as fuel to spark the health benefits of probiotics.”

A variety of leafy chicories can be found in farmers’ markets during the cooler months and are generally available in grocery stores throughout the year, making them an easy dietary addition. Get started with these healthful recipes from Rasmussen and executive chef Jesus Medina of Coin & Candor at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village (fourseasons.com).

COIN & CANDOR CHICORY SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE, WALNUT GRANOLA, PEAR, AND GRAPEFRUIT

In this colorful and satisfying salad, Coin & Candor executive chef Jesus Medina combines crunchy, fresh radicchio (also known as red chicory), endive, and butter lettuce with naturally sweet pears, tart grapefruit sections, and tangy mustard vinaigrette. Blue cheese lends a creamy element, and a walnut granola adds smoky, nutty crunch. “The fresh herbs are a complement,” says Medina, “to refresh the palate.”

Serves 6 to 8

WALNUT GRANOLA

½ cup toasted walnuts

½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1 tablespoon salt

¼ cup chopped parsley

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

¼ cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons agave

¼ cup champagne vinegar  Juice of ½ lemon

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

½ cup olive oil

SALAD

1 head endive

1 head radicchio (red chicory)

½ head butter lettuce

1 pear, cored and thinly sliced lengthwise

1 whole pink grapefruit, peeled and segmented to remove pith  Mustard Vinaigrette to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup blue cheese crumbles

¼ cup Walnut Granola

1 teaspoon grapefruit zest

1 sprig fresh mint

1 sprig fresh dill

To make the Walnut Granola: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Set aside.

To make the Mustard Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients, except olive oil. Continue whisking while slowly adding olive oil until ingredients emulsify. Set aside.

To compose the salad: Rinse and dry endive, radicchio, and butter lettuce. Tear leaves into bite-size pieces and combine in a large salad bowl. Add pear and grapefruit, drizzle with vinaigrette, and season with salt and pepper. Add blue cheese crumbles and ¼ cup Walnut Granola, and toss. Sprinkle with grapefruit zest, and garnish with fresh mint and dill. Serve on chilled plates. >

The Coin & Candor Chicory Salad With Blue Cheese, Walnut Granola, Pear, and Grapefruit features two varieties of the chicory species: endive and radicchio.

A native of Europe, common chicory is grown commercially in the U.S. to produce a coffee substitute from its roots. Its prebiotic-rich leaves, like those of its more readily available cousins, can be used in salads and other dishes that call for greens.

medium-low heat for 30 seconds to a minute, being careful not to burn garlic. Add salt and, if desired, red pepper flakes. Add chicory greens and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and, if desired, additional red pepper flakes.

WHITE BEAN AND CHICORY GREEN SOUP

“Despite being a Chicago native, I still feel cold sometimes in California winters!” says Emmaline Rasmussen. “Soups have always been a winter favorite, and I love how versatile they are. All you need to have on hand are a few staples, like broth, onions, beans, greens, and whatever veggies in the fridge need to be used up.” This hearty soup provides loads of fiber, vitamin C, and minerals, and is a great way to warm up when temperatures drop. Serve it with crusty whole-grain bread or seeded crackers.

Serves 6 to 10

1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2½ cups cooked cannellini beans (about two 15-ounce cans)

1 quart low-sodium broth (preferably chicken bone broth or, for a vegan version, low-sodium vegetable broth)

1 cup filtered water

1 bay leaf

2½ cups chopped chicory greens or escarole

Salt to taste

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

¼ cup chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

SAUTEED CHICORY GREENS

While traveling through Italy, Emmaline Rasmussen noticed that several traditional restaurants offered sautéed chicory greens, a natural digestive aid, as a side dish. “Enjoying the greens alongside some Italian favorites left me feeling energized rather than sluggish after even my indulgent meals,” she says. The experience inspired her to create this recipe.

If you can’t find chicory greens or escarole, dandelion greens (also a good source of prebiotics) are a great substitute. You can add crumbled feta or (for a vegan version) almond milk ricotta to this dish, which can also be used as an omelet filling or as a stand-in for spinach in spanakopita.

Serves 3

1 bunch chicory greens or escarole

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 small cloves garlic, chopped

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish (optional) Lemon wedges, for garnish

Rinse greens well, dry, and chop into 2- to 3-inch pieces. Using a microwave or a pot on the stove fitted with a steamer insert and filled with a couple inches of water, steam greens for a few minutes until just tender (steaming retains the most nutrients); set aside.

In a skillet, warm olive oil and garlic over

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish

In a large pot over medium-low heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 2 more minutes. Add beans, broth, water, and bay leaf. Slowly bring to a boil. Stir in chicory greens, salt, pepper, and if desired, red pepper flakes. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Add parsley and additional salt and pepper to taste; simmer for a few more minutes. Serve garnished with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkling of shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. 

Taste Spirits

By Gabe Saglie

Historical Heat

LOCAL TWISTS ON THE HOT TODDY ARE A WELCOME WINTER WARM UP.

The hot toddy, dating at least to the mid-18th century— becomes a comfort sipper of choice this time of year—with a nostalgic buzz delivered toasty and warm. Customarily made with liquor (often whiskey), hot water, tea, and lemon, the traditional tipple is getting creative spins at some restaurants and bars across the 805. Grab a favorite cardigan and cozy up to the bar.

THE SAN YSIDRO RANCH HOT TODDY

San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito

“The use of ingredients grown on the property takes our toddy to the next level,” says San Ysidro Ranch (sanysidroranch.com) food and beverage director Marcus Baker, “bringing the aroma of citrus and winter spices into this warm cocktail.” He crafts it with proprietary honey and Meyer lemons from trees on site, along with fragrant spices and a combination of Japanese whisky and New England rye.

Makes 1 toddy

1 ounce Hibiki Harmony whisky

1 ounce WhistlePig PiggyBack 6-year Rye

½ ounce honey

¾ ounce fresh Meyer lemon juice

2 dashes of orange bitters

3 ounces boiling water

Whole nutmeg, for garnish

2 cinnamon sticks, for garnish

1 lemon wheel, for garnish

Combine whisky, rye, honey, lemon juice, bitters, and boiling water in a mug. Grate nutmeg and cinnamon stick over the top. Garnish with lemon wheel and 1 cinnamon stick. If desired, use a culinary torch to scorch the exposed end of cinnamon stick and let it smoke to release aromatics.

THE HOT GIN APPLE TODDY

Prosperous Penny at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village

David Fleisher, bar manager at Prosperous Penny in Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village (fourseasons.com/westlakevillage), recommends preparing and serving this drink in a temperature-

controlled Ember mug to ensure “it never gets cold!” He described it as “a concoction of deep flavor, imbued with all the balanced complexity of Hendrick’s Gin and Harney & Sons signature teas.”

Makes 1 toddy

12 ounces boiling water

1 ounce Hendrick’s Gin

1 ounce Applejack

¾ ounce lemon juice

2 ounces chamomile tea

¾ ounce Earl Grey honey syrup

Combine all ingredients in a mug. Stir and enjoy.

A FISTFUL OF TODDIES

Nella Kitchen & Bar, Los Olivos

This is typically a seasonal concoction, “or, really, something we serve any time someone asks for

A burning cinnamon stick garnish lends a smoky aroma to the San Ysidro Ranch Hot Toddy.

something along the lines of a hot toddy,” says head barman Chris Hewes of Nella Kitchen & Bar (nellakitchen.com). “It’s a play on the spaghetti western film, Fistful of Dollars.” A dollop of vegan foam makes this drink extra special.

Makes 1 toddy

1.5 ounces The Real McCoy 12-year Rum

¾ ounce Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao

1 ounce lemon juice

¼ ounce Amaro Nonino

2-3 dashes Black walnut bitters

4-5 ounces hot water

4 ounces St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur

4 ounces Blackberry liqueur

Dash of warming spices, like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and cardamom

5 drops Ms. Better’s Bitters Miraculous Foamer (vegan)

Add rum, crème de cacao, lemon juice, amaro, and bitters directly to the glass or a cocktail shaker. Add a little bit of hot water and heat with a cappuccino frother, or just add a little bit of hot (almost boiling) water to heat toddy.

For the foam, combine St-Germain, blackberry liqueur, spice, Miraculous Foamer, and an ice cube in a cocktail shaker and shake until foamy. Top toddy with foam.

FIERY HOT TODDY

Marisol at The Cliffs Hotel & Spa, Pismo Beach

This cocktail “warms you from the inside,” says Kristine O’Connor, bartender at The Cliffs Hotel & Spa (cliffshotelandspa.com). “It has a kick of fun and tastes like vacation!”

Makes 1 toddy

1 cup hot water

2 ounces Fireball Cinnamon Whisky

Juice of half a lemon

Honey to taste

Lemon slice, for garnish

Cinnamon stick, for garnish

To a glass, add hot water, lemon juice, whisky, and honey; stir. Garnish with lemon slice and cinnamon stick.

CHAMOMILE HOT TODDY

Finch & Fork at Kimpton Canary Hotel, Santa Barbara

For this soothing drink, Jazz Moralez, beverage director at Finch & Fork (finchandforkrestauramt.com), the flagship restaurant of downtown Santa Barbara’s Kimpton Canary hotel, suggests giving the simple syrup a punch of flavor. “I like to add in a cinnamon stick or lemon peel,” he says.

Makes 1 toddy

3 ounces hot water

1 ounce Finch & Fork Chamomile Honey Syrup (recipe follows)

3 drops Scrappy’s Black Lemon Bitters

1.5 ounces Buffalo Trace bourbon or rye Whole star anise pod, for garnish Grated nutmeg, for garnish

Combine hot water and honey syrup in a mug. Add lemon bitters and bourbon or rye and stir. Garnish with a whole star anise and grate a nutmeg over the top.

FINCH & FORK CHAMOMILE HONEY SYRUP

Makes about 16 ounces

2 chamomile tea bags

8 ounces hot water

8 ounces honey

In a 1-quart container, steep tea bags in hot water to make a concentrated tea. Add honey and stir. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Makes enough syrup for about 16 Chamomile Hot Toddies.

CHAMPURRADO

La Paloma Café, Santa Barbara

This drink from Jorge Báez, bartender at La Paloma Café (lapalomasb.com), is a spiked version of a traditional Mexican hot beverage that is thickened with corn flour and flavored with chocolate. Báez makes his from scratch by simmering a mixture of oat milk, blue corn flour, Twenty-four Blackbirds Chocolates fresh-roasted cocoa blend, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), cinnamon, achiote, and other spices until thick, He finishes the infusion with flower essence and orange peel before straining it and adding whisky.

Makes 4 drinks

32 ounces oat milk

6 ounces cone piloncillo

1 teaspoon powdered organic cocoa

1 teaspoon corn flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground star anise

1 teaspoon ground cloves

Pinch of achiote

Orange peel (about 1 square inch)

2 drops edible diluted jasmine oil or jasmine extract, available at amazon.com

2 drops edible diluted rose oil or rose extract

8 ounces Abasolo Whisky

Marigold sugar (equal parts powdered dehydrated marigold flowers and powdered sugar), for garnish, optional Maria cookie, for garnish

In a small pan over low heat, combine oat milk, piloncillo, cocoa, corn flour, cinnamon, allspice, star anise, cloves, and achiote. Simmer until thick and hot. Remove from heat and add orange peel and jasmine and rose flavorings. Stir in whisky, and serve in a clay mug garnished with marigold sugar and a Marie cookie.

THE

GARDEN TODDY

Brasserie SLO at Hotel Cerro, San Luis Obispo

This comforting cocktail is inspired by the year-round edible garden at the Hotel Cerro (hotelcerro.com), where fruits, herbs, and microgreens are grown in raised beds that are surrounded by sofas for guests’ enjoyment. The bourbon is enhanced with burnt butter, and the simple syrup adds flavor and complexity. The recipe for the simple syrup follows. >

A Fistful of Toddies at Nella Kitchen & Bar

La Paloma Café’s Champurrado

TOP: MAX LEMPER-TABATSKY; BRI BURKETT

Taste Spirits

Makes 1 toddy

2 tablespoons butter

2 ounces Rod & Hammer Bourbon Whiskey

1 ounce Cerro Garden Simple Syrup (recipe follows)

½ ounce Meyer lemon juice

4 ounces hot water

Fresh anise hyssop, for garnish Singed Rosemary, for garnish Dehydrated lemon wheel, for garnish

Cook butter until it’s slightly charred, then combine with bourbon; refrigerate until butter resolidifies, then strain off. Set aside blackbuttered bourbon.

To a mug add black-buttered bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice, and top off with hot water. Garnish with fresh anise hyssop, singed rosemary, and dehydrated lemon wheel.

CERRO GARDEN SIMPLE SYRUP

Makes about 6 cups

1 quart hot water

2 black tea bags

2 cups wildflower honey

2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns

1 cup anise hyssop

In a 2-quart container, combine water, black tea, anise hyssop, and black peppercorns. Steep until cool. Stir in honey. Makes enough syrup for about 45 The Garden Toddies. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

CRACKLING YULE

The Alchemists’ Garden, Paso Robles

Instead of using a mug, the barkeeps at

The Alchemists’ Garden (alchemistsgarden.com) serve hot toddies in a bowl. The herbs in this recipe are meant to counteract the chill of winter, and The Alchemists’ Garden’s extraction of them plays a key role in the flavors. This one comes from the creative mind of co-owner Tony Bennett.

Makes 1 toddy

12 ounces boiling water, divided

1 bag herbal tea of your choice

2 ounces chamomile-infused Sazerac Rye

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

½ ounce ginger syrup

½ ounce honey syrup

Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Warm a small bowl with 8 ounces boiling water, dump, and then refill with 4 ounces more, about halfway. Add tea bag, rye, lemon juice, ginger syrup, and honey syrup. Place bowl on a plate and use a culinary torch to light cinnamon stick for aromatics. Place cinnamon stick on the plate beside the toddy. 

Hotel Cerro’s The Garden Toddy

Crackling Yule at The Alchemists’ Garden

Our wine tours are rich and full, with a hint of bespoke, and a lovely, lingering finish.

Destination Vine offers private, customized wine tours and adventures in Santa Barbara’s celebrated wine country. We provide access to high quality, private, small-production estate wineries for a unique and exclusive experience. We also offer fun expeditions including hot air ballooning, horseback riding through the vineyards, and wine-blending workshops. A Destination Vine wine tour is truly one that will linger long after it’s finished.

Taste Dining Out

By Nancy Ransohoff Photographs by Gary Moss

Firmly Planted

MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED DISHES TAKE CENTER STAGE AT A NEW ELEVATED VEGAN RESTAURANT IN CALABASAS.

The Calabasas dining scene has branched out with the recent opening of Crossroads Kitchen (crossroadscalabasas.com).

Located in The Commons at Calabasas shopping center, the third and largest location of the plant-based fine dining eatery, expands on the original in Los Angeles and an outpost in Las Vegas.

True to its name, the restaurant is a crossroads, where vegans, omnivores, and curious carnivores can come together and savor a refined, artfully presented, and satisfying dinner, lunch, or weekend brunch, with no animal products on the menu. “We like to say it truly is a place for everyone,” says founder and chef Tal Ronnen, who is joined by executive chef Job Servin, former sous chef at Crossroads Kitchen Los Angeles. “Everyone will find something on the menu that they love.”

Ronnen, who was born in Israel, came to the United States when he was 8 years old and continued to spend summers in Israel with family. His menus reflect the Middle Eastern flavors he grew up with, along with Italian and French influences.

A graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York (now the Institute of Culinary Education), Ronnen relishes sharing his long-held passion for plantbased eating. “We create dishes that are familiar to people that they would not expect to have in a plant-based environment,” he says. “Our core guests are not necessarily vegetarians or vegans. They’re people who really love food—and surprisingly, a lot are carnivores who don’t expect to like it. They’re excited to eat some vegetables in a form that they enjoy.”

Among the appetizers on the seasonal dinner menu are two dishes that are specific to the Calabasas and Las Vegas locations. The restaurant’s take on foie gras is made with porcini mushrooms and roasted chestnuts, surrounded by cabernet demi-glace and slices of grapes, and served with grilled sourdough. A vegan version of caviar is made from kelp and >

A large image of rocker Mick Jagger in action sets the tone in the Crossroads Kitchen bar (top). Executive chef Job Servin and founder-chef Tal Ronnen (right) create vegan renditions of dishes that traditionally contain animal products.

A simulation of foie gras is made from porcini mushrooms and roasted chestnuts.

served atop house-made French onion dip alongside gaufrette potato chips.

House-made pastas include a signature spaghetti carbonara with an origin story that illustrates Ronnen’s inventive culinary approach. “We were making a yellow tomato hollandaise with tomato puree for our brunch,” he says, “and it has such a beautiful kind of yolky, velvety texture. We encapsulated it in algae for the ‘sac,’ turning it into a ‘yolk’ that provides that sort of luxurious topping to the carbonara.”

Pizzas are made with 72-hour-fermented dough and cashew cheese, in options ranging from Black Mission Fig with arugula, bleu cheese, and balsamic glaze to Truffle Mushroom Bianca topped with a blend of shimeji, button, and king oyster mushrooms and fresh thyme, truffle salt, and olive oil.

Additional standouts on the dinner menu include the Eggplant Filet, featuring slices of the vegetable that have been dehydrated for a few days to create a steaklike texture and reconstituted in a beet ponzu marinade. Accompanied by chanterelles in a vegan bordelaise sauce and creamy mashed potatoes, it makes for a soulwarming winter dish.

Imaginative desserts are beautiful to look at and a joy to eat. The Pear is a luscious medley of cinnamon pecan sponge cake, pear mousse, pecan crumble, and port sorbet, while The Chocolate Caramel Bar is a layered strip of chocolate sponge cake and caramel chocolate streusel, coated in chocolate, topped with whipped caramel ganache, and served in a puddle of caramel sauce.

A robust mixology program includes a full bar and signature sips, such as the Blackberry Fields, made with Ford’s Gin, elderflower liqueur, muddled blackberries, and basil. A varied wine list balances tried-and-true favorites with new varietals chosen to complement the menus, and a selection of bottled and draft beers is also available.

The restaurant’s interior is elegant yet comfortable, with dramatic light fixtures dangling above deep-red vegan-leather banquettes and white-clothed tables with upholstered chairs. An oversized black-and-white image of The Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger playfully presides over the 12-seat bar while a rock ’n’ roll playlist contributes to the upbeat vibe. Classic rock photos by renowned photographer Neil Zlozower carry on the theme. Outdoor seating is available on the spacious heated patio, and a 20-seat glass-enclosed private dining room is unique to the Calabasas location.

Some signature dishes remain year-round, while a new winter menu debuted in early January. “That’s when the good citrus and root vegetables come in,” says Ronnen. “Expect to see some new dishes with those ingredients. We always like to challenge ourselves.” 

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.

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.

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.

UPDATE FIRST & OAK

409 First St. Solvang, 805-688-1703

firstandoak.com

Contemporary; Entrées $32–$56

Located within the Mirabelle Inn, a four-star boutique hotel in downtown Solvang, this restaurant, helmed by culinary director Chris Flint and executive chef Javier Ramirez, has received the Michelin Plate designation multiple times. A five-course, prixfixe menu is available, and seasonal, classically prepared dishes may include options like Confit Duck Wings; Pan Seared Scallops with Baby Turnips; Maitake Mushroom and Black Truffle Dashi; Filet of Beef with Smoked Celery Root, Miso, and Slow Cooked Onions; and Chocolate Mousse with Chantilly Cream, Honeycomb Crumble, and a sprinkle of bee pollen. Libations from an extensive wine list include Coqueliquot, the owner’s own wine label from the eponymous winery located nearby in Santa Ynez Wine country.

The Black Sheep Brasserie (blacksheepsb.com) recently reopened about a block from its previous location in the former site of Venus in Furs on West Cota Street in Santa Barbara. Co-owners Ruben Perez, general manager, and Jake Reimer, chef, present dishes like Santa Barbara rock crab beignets with classic rémoulade, updated classic coq au vin, and Bavette Steak with Parisian sauce and handcut french fries. A four-course plantbased tasting menu is offered daily.

HEMINGWAY’S STEAKHOUSE

1234 Park St. Paso Robles, 805-369-2094 ehsteaks.com

Entrées $35–$75

This restaurant’s elevated steakhouse fare and 1920s-era elegance evoke the spirit of the late American author who is its namesake. Cuts of locally grown USDA prime beef, wild game, and American Wagyu are aged via an on-site wet-anddry system, then seared at 1,500-plus degrees and served with sauces like shallot whiskey glaze and bleu cheese demi-glace. Sauteed spinach with smoked cheese and shallots, and herbed polenta cakes are among the à la carte sides that may accompany grilled lobster tail, skewered Gulf shrimp, or the fish of the day. A double-tiered seafood tower and inspired signature cocktails are fitting classics served amid the dark wood, chandeliers, and black and gold decor.

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.

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 Michelin-starred 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.

Just in time to get folks off to a healthful start this year, ready-togo single meals prepared by Emme Gaffney of San Luis Obispo–based salad company The Good Chop (thegoodchop.com) are available at farmers markets in Baywood-Los Osos, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo, as well as for home delivery in the area via Harvestly. The customizable bowls of farmfresh veggies come ready to shake and serve in clear biodegradable containers, with dressings, like green goddess and creamy garliconion, on the side and optional add-ons, such as roasted chicken, spice-rubbed grilled tri-tip, or baked lemon-pepper tofu. As part of the business’ zero-waste program, kitchen scraps go to nearby animal farms.

LUCKY’S

1279 Coast Village Road

Montecito, 805-565-7540

luckys-steakhouse.com and 3835 Cross Creek Road, Ste 18 Malibu, 310-317-0099

luckysmalibu.com

Steak House; Entrées $16–$69

Saturday and 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

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.

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 Florenceborn and -trained restaurateur Jacopo Falleni. The menu avoids the faddish, instead cutting a culinary swath through the Italian peninsula and islands with tradition-rich dishes that reflect Falleni’s Tuscan upbringing ( gnudi with pomodoro sauce), executive chef 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.

UPDATE ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH

1759 South Jameson Lane Montecito, 805-900-8388

rosewoodhotels.com/en/ miramar-beach-montecito

Californian, Italian, Japanese; Entrées $19–$50

Set in a spectacular seaside location, this beachside resort welcomes the general public to five distinctive dining and cocktail venues overseen by director of culinary operations Massimo Falsini and director of food and beverage Yannick Augy. The oceanfront Caruso’s serves Italian–inflected California coastal cuisine for dinner daily alfresco or in a stylish dining room outfitted with blue leather booths. Menu highlights include starters, such as the hand-pulled burrata with grilled peaches, and entrées, like the Channel Islands white seabass in sweet corn broth and the Carbonara with Ibérico de bellota (acornfed) ham. Ama, named after Japan’s traditional seafood-harvesting free divers, features Japanese cuisine under master sushi chef Kentaro Ikuta. Prix-fixe sashimi is sourced from local waters and Tokyo partners, and full omakase dinners with rare sake offerings are available. The Revere Room, open all-day, serves dishes with an emphasis on hyper-locality, such as Sausage & Roasted Butternut Squash and Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin & Charred Pear. Enjoy cocktails, light bites, and salads at Miramar Beach Bar and drinks at the The Manor Bar.

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 wood-burning fireplaces and on an oceanview 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.

UPDATE SEAR STEAKHOUSE

478 4th Place

Solvang, 805-245-9564

searsteakhouse.com

Steakhouse; Entrées $29–$155 (shareable)

Living up to its name, this restaurant and bar owned by farmer and chef Nathan Peitso serves up expertly prepared steaks and sides. A seasonal menu includes ingredients sourced from Santa Ynez Valley farms and the Peitso family’s Southern California–based Kenter Canyon Farms. Steaks range from a filet mignon center cut to a shareable tomahawk. Pork chops, lamb, and fresh seafood dishes are also on the menu. The same high standards apply to the beverage program, which features a locally focused wine list and inventive cocktails. A separate menu is devoted exclusively to martinis.

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

TRA DI NOI RISTORANTE

3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite 8A Malibu, 310-456-0169

tradinoimalibu.com

Italian; Entrées $18–$36, Market Price for Some Seafood

Sunday Brunch

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

THE VICTOR

3631 Sagunto St. Santa Ynez, 805-695-2999

thevictor.us

Entrées $24–$110

Weekend brunch

A sister restaurant to The Landsby hotel’s Mad & Vin in nearby Solvang, The Victor is located next door to the Santa Ynez Inn. Food and beverage manager Jenna Isaacs brings sommelier expertise, and executive chef Beto Huizar delivers local-centric, livefire dishes like Santa Maria Tri-Tip Frites with tomato béarnaise sauce, Grilled Lobster with lardon-loaded baked potato, and Stuffed Pasilla Pepper with smoked wild mushrooms. Starters include Kobe Beef Tartare on housemade potato chips with capers, chives, and quail egg; and Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with charred green onion, yuzu sauce, fennel, and pickled peppers.

Foodie

BAR LE CÔTE

2375 Alamo Pintado Ave. Los Olivos barlecote.com

Seafood; Entrées $26–$50

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

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 Frenchinspired 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

DESK BY DAY COMFORTABLE BED BY NIGHT

Cuisine that shines regardless of decor, service, ambience, or even views.

Where to Eat Now

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.

BOUCHON

9 W. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-730-1160 bouchonsantabarbara.com

Wine Country Cuisine; Entrées $26–$38

Romantic

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

First & Oak (firstandoak.com) restaurant in Solvang welcomes new culinary director Chris Flint to its kitchen team. With a career that has included stints at three Michelin-starred eateries, Flint is a fitting addition to First & Oak, a three-time recipient of the Michelin Plate designation for its seasonal, classically prepared dishes by executive chef Javier Ramirez. Guests can enjoy menu selections à la carte or combine them in a five-course, prix fixe meal.

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.

UPDATE THE DUTCHESS

457 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, 805-640-7987 thedutchessojai.com

Burmese-Californian; Entrées $18–$43 Live Music, Sunday Brunch

This all-day bakery, café, and nighttime Burmese restaurant showcases the talents of pastry chefpartner Kelsey Brito and chef-partner Saw Naing. Grab an early morning Passionfruit Cream Cheese Danish or Samosa Hand Pie, or sit down for daytime dishes like Croque Madame with smoked ham and white cheddar or a Burmese Fried Chicken Sandwich. Dinner standouts are a whole fried branzino for sharing, the Lamb Biryani topped with puff pastry, and the Coconut Chickpea Curry with Everett’s Farm braised greens and jasmine rice. Drink offerings include cocktails, mocktails, regional craft beers, and small production Central Coast and international wines. Catering is also available.

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.

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 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 oakgrilled 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

Weekend Brunch

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.

Le Hérisson (herissoncafe.com) French Japanese café and patisserie is now open five days a week in Simi Valley. Executive pastry chef and owner Mineko Ito delivers creative treats, such as lemon cream-cheese pies, mango-custard croissants with toasted coconut, matcha financiers (French-style almond cakes), and classic almond tuile, as well as savory pastry-wrapped kielbasa with jalapeños, and the “Popeye” Danish with egg, bacon, and spinach. Hot drinks, like hōjicha (Japanese green tea) and roasted green tea latte, make a perfect accompaniment to a chocolate banana croissant.

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

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 dill-caraway

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.

MESA VERDE

1919 Cliff Drive Santa Barbara, 805-963-4474 mesaverderestaurant.com

Vegetarian; Entrées $9–$16

Chef Greg Arnold is not a fan of the term “vegetarian.” It makes food sound bland and boring, he believes, and what he calls his “plant-based” menu is anything but. A magician in the kitchen, he uses kale, mushrooms, lentils, and just about everything else that grows from the soil to create dishes that pop off the plate. Tacos with black beans, blueberry chipotle salsa, and heirloom tomato are a colorful symphony of acidic and sweet flavors. Flatbread pizza is a specialty, and many dishes are perfect for sharing. Vegan chef Chris Rayman contributes fine desserts, house-made vegan cheese, and gluten-free pizza crust to the seasonal menu. Eat inside or on the patio, which is great for people watching in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood. Open for smoothies, cold-pressed juices, herbal teas, and coffee in the morning.

MOODY ROOSTER

2900 Agoura Road

Westlake Village, 805-370-3131

moodyroosterwlv.com

New American; Entrées $13–$30

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

Where to Eat Now

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.

Now in its third year, The Daisy (thedaisyrestaurant.com) in Santa Barbara continues to dish up fresh green salads and signature meze plates all day and hearty entrées, like golden chicken and housesmoked spare ribs, in the evening. A new on-site marketplace offers freshly made spreads and home pantry goods, such as house-smoked trout dip, tzatziki and labneh (soft Middle Eastern cheese), Moroccan spiced pickled carrots, and green goddess dressing. Also available for purchase are dry goods, like candied pecans with honey and sea salt and a dukkah spice blend with pistachio, cumin, and coconut.

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 housemade 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.

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.

NEW OX BONE RAMEN

30869 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Westlake Village, 805-532-7396 oxboneramen.com

Japanese; Entrées $18–$34

First popularized at sister restaurant E+Mon in Westlake Village, the ramen at this sleek eatery combines owner Hidetoshi “Teddy” Seike’s nostalgia for the traditional noodle dish of his native Fukuoka, Japan, with techniques perfected by two-time Michelin star–awarded chef Koji Miyamoto. The unique broths are made with premium ingredients: beef bone marrow and oxtail, chicken and fresh nutrient-rich vegetables, or shitake mushrooms and kombu seaweed. The noodles are fresh, and selections from a wide array of toppings, such as arugula, wood ear mushrooms, and ajitama (marinated, soft-boiled egg), customize each bowl. Also on the menu are Japanese fried chicken and original bites, like Asian Nachos with ground pork and chiles, Crispy rice with Italian-truffle guacamole, Maitake Mushroom Tempura with cumin salt, and Spicy Braised Brisket Bao Buns. Dessert options include Fuji Apple Crumble à la mode and coconut rice pudding made from premium Matsuri rice.

PARADISE PANTRY

218 and 222 E. Main St. Ventura, 805-641-9440 paradisepantry.com

Rustic; Entrées $9–$22

Sunday Brunch

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

UPDATE PICO LOS ALAMOS

458 Bell St. Los Alamos, 805-344-1122

picolosalamos.com

New American Shared Plates and Entrées $14–$16

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 farmerdriven dinner menu by chef Cameron Ingle is based on family-style sharing and changes frequently. Featured dishes might include options like Finley Farms roasted carrots with coriander yogurt and marcona almonds, whole roasted branzino with salsa verde and sautéed spinach, and grass-fed Santa Carota rib-eye steak with red wine sauce and farm greens. 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.

ROBLAR WINERY

3010 Roblar Ave.

Santa Ynez, 805-686-2603

roblarwinery.com

Californian; Lunch Entrées $18–$28

Great Views, Sunday Brunch

The tasting room at this 40-acre estate vineyard offers seasonal lunch and brunch menus from chef Peter Cham with a focus on fresh produce from the property’s farm. Try the prosciutto grilled cheese sandwich with onion marmalade at lunch, offered Monday through Thursday. Birds and Bubbles buttermilk fried chicken, served with rotating side dishes and Roblar’s sparkling wine, is a Thursday special. A “full farm” menu, offered Friday and Saturday, includes smoked salmon deviled eggs, fresh salads, and wood-fired pizzas. Brunch is served on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Online reservations, with a wine tasting option, are encouraged.

RORY’S PLACE

139 East Ojai Ave.

Ojai

rorysplaceojai.com

American; Entrées $18–$36

This cozy establishment owned by sisters Rory and Meave McAuliffe exudes playfulness in its fare, from a little gems salad with persimmon, cured egg, and bread crumbs to a lemon meringue pie dessert with guava jelly. Menus are seasonal, but dishes may include options like roasted half-chicken with woodfired escarole, hanger steak, and pasta with sea urchin. Ciders, beers, and wines are chosen with accompaniment in mind.

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

Small-batch distillery Rambling Spirits (drinkramblingspirits.com) in the San Luis Obispo Public Market at Bonetti Ranch recently celebrated its inaugural production. Aptly named Rustic Gin, the spirit’s flavor profile is designed to be approachable, say its crafters, who dialed down the juniper and doubled down on citrus notes. To accompany it during tastings, owners Ariette Armella and Jon Carpenter offer a selection of affordable small plates, like tri-tip skewers prepared with Lebanese toum (an oil and garlic–based condiment), bacon-wrapped dates finished on live fire, and local Cattaneo Brothers linguica-and-apple honey sausage with house-made sauces. Next up in their production portfolio is a Winter Spice Gin with aromas of cinnamon and ginger.

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.

NEW SECRET BAO

1201 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 805-259-3226 secretbaosb.com

New Asian; Dinner Entrées $17–$29

This eatery’s elevated, fast-casual lunch and dinner dishes reflect the culinary heritage and experience of husband-and-wife owners Peter Lee and Felicia Medina. Among the standouts are dim sum–style gyoza and signature bao bun sandwiches filled with Korean fried chicken or tempura shrimp. Mains include selections like Momma Lee’s Kalbi (grilled Korean beef short ribs), Cumin Lamb Biang Biang Rice Noodles, and Hope Ranch Mussels in yellow curry broth. Open for lunch and dinner, the establishment features a bright, open dining room and an outdoor patio. Wine and sake are available.

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 $22–$59

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 Friday through Sunday.

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.

Good Eats

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

Francine Chalme Meyberg

Luxury Property Specialist with 31 years of experience.

818-987-7653

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23647 Calabasas Road, 91362

Serving the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County.

“There is no place like home.”

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More than 50 years experience serving collectors, dealers, museums, and the general public.

For online consultation, please send images of your pieces to RandyStromsoe@gmail.com

All work is performed in our California Central Coast studio.

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Not too fancy, not too expensive, and a good experience all around.

Where to Eat Now

fried calamari, prosciutto, and burrata, along with house-made 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 caffeine scene in the town of Santa Ynez continues to grow with the recent addition of Queen Cup Coffee (queencupcoffee.com), a designated safe space for the LGBTQ+ community that shares its back-of-house space with neighboring deli/caterer Lucky Hen Larder. Husband-and-wife owners of the new coffee shop Alyce and Skyler Barrick are proud to announce the release of their first private label roasts: BDE (or Big Drip Energy) and Under Pressure, a robust espresso roast. More custom roasts are in the works.

NEW CORAZÓN COMEDOR

29 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, 805-679-5397

corazoncomedor.com

Traditional and New-style Mexican Entrées $11–$20

A less casual counterpart to chef Ramon Velazquez’s other restaurant—the nearby counter-service Corazón Cocina—this table-service dining establishment in the Santa Barbara Arts and Theater District serves Mexican street food and home-style dishes. Look for blue corn–tortilla quesadillas; guisados (stews) featuring pork, beef short rib, Swiss chard, or rajas con queso (poblano chile strips with cheese); and tamales made by Mama Imelda filled with pork, chicken, or seasonal vegetables. Libations include aguas frescas, specialty hot chocolates, Mexican beer, and Margerum and select wines from Mexico. Assorted margaritas and a Mexican Mojito serve as cornerstones of the cocktail menu.

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.

UPDATE FINNEY’S CRAFTHOUSE

982 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 2 Westlake Village, 805-230-9950 and 580 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo 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

Happy Hour, Kid-Friendly

Consistent and satisfying eats, craft cocktails, 30 brews on tap, and California wines by the glass or bottle define the success of this gastropub by local restaurateur Gregory Finefrock. Lively atmospheres and dependable service augment a well-honed menu served at all locations, while fun distinctions, like a Skee-Ball alley and photo booth in San Luis Obispo, add to the mix. Traditional bar food goes next-level in chef Eric BosRau’s Nashville hot wings and Yuzu Buffalo wings; crispy Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with prime rib and fontina; Fried Chicken and Waffle Bites with sriracha-maple butter; and Mini Lobster Rolls with Tabasco aioli on a soft Hawaiian bun. Dough is made daily for pinsa-style pizzas, which are topped with barbecued chicken, corn or prosciutto, and arugula with spicy honey. Tacos come filled with grilled or crispy mahi mahi and Kahlua Pork Carnitas with kimchi dressing. Lighter fare takes shape in options like Moroccan Salad with mixed greens, dried cherries, feta, chickpeas, and quinoa.

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 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 Piccata 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 MOMOTARO RAMEN

1803 Spring St. Paso Robles, 805-538-3876 eatmomotaroramen.com

Ramen; Entrées $16–$17

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

PONY ESPRESSO

3558 Sagunto St.

Santa Ynez, 805-691-9187

pony-espresso-106136.square.site

Eclectic Italian; Entrées $10–$22

Alberto Battaglini’s cozy, hip café serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 8 p.m., dinner. The day starts with gorgeous morning pastries from Alessia Patisserie and pancakes with strawberry cream (or ask for the secret tiramisu-style stack). All-day grazing options include: freshly baked Italian focaccia with pesto and locally farmed tomatoes; Mexican street tacos—try the pulpo (octopus) or slow-roasted pork carnitas varieties; and a daily menu of tapas, fresh crudos, and ceviche sourced from local fishermen and the Santa Barbara Fish Market. Look for daily specials, such as chicken cacciatore with porcini mushrooms and potato puree, served with fine Italian wines specially selected by Battaglini.

RAMEN KOTORI

1618 Copenhagen Dr. Solvang, 805-691-9672

ramenkotori.com

Japanese, Ramen; Entrées $7–$16

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

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.

VIVA LA PASTA

525 Country Club Drive

Simi Valley, 805-522-4249

vivalapastasimivalley.com

Italian; Entrées $10–$35

Great Patio

The enticing aroma of sautéing garlic welcomes diners to this popular Italian eatery. Tino Divito, who has logged more than 50 years in the restaurant business and owns the spot with his wife, Maria, knows what his customers want. They come for lunch and dinner to tuck into pastas, like lasagna and manicotti, and house favorites, such as osso bucco, rack of lamb, chicken parmigiana, and veal piccata. Main dishes also include seafood and steaks, pizzas, calzones, and panini. Sauces are house-made, and bread is baked fresh daily.

Fun, Fun, Fun

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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.

AUGIE’S

700 State St. Santa Barbara, 805-664-0516 augiessb.com

Californian Mexican; Entrées $12–$69 Weekend Brunch

Distinguished by a striking corner buildout by architect Jeff Shelton featuring tiled archways into a streetside patio, Augie’s is a fitting counterpart to the Johnson family’s tequila company. Enjoy one of several Mexican beers on tap or sip a craft cocktail made with one of a collection of premium agave spirits that includes house brands Augie’s and Firebreak tequilas. Chef de cuisine Eduardo Gonzalez and his team turn out original dishes, such as Sopa Azteca, a tortilla soup made with a guajillo chili base; roasted bone marrow with hoja santa (Mexican pepperleaf) chimichurri; and a trio of mole sauces on tender pork medallions with blue corn tortillas. An option to build your own four-course prix fixe menu is priced to encourage exploration. Top off the meal with crispy churros to dip in warm caramel and chocolate sauces or the flan-like jericalla with rompope (Mexican eggnog), presented in a balloon-like sugar sphere.

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 THE CLIFFDIVER

720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, 805-370-1585 thecliffdiver.com

Mexican; Entrées $13–$20

Owner Ivan Torres serves up inspired Mexican fare, including favorites from the original Malibu location (now closed), like ahi poke tostadas and tacos filled with fresh mahi-mahi, lobster, or gringo-style ground beef, cheese, and lettuce. Look for the Hamachi (yellowtail) crudo with orange aguachile (like ceviche made with orange juice and chiles) or the Surf & Turf Burrito with steak and shrimp. The vibe is casual, and the drinks are made with fresh ingredients by mixologist Rafael Quintana. Try the table-service mimosas served by the pitcher for weekend brunch.

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.

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, 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.

MARGERUM TASTING ROOM

19 E. Mason St. Santa Barbara, 805-845-8435

margerumwines.com

Light Bites $11–$32

Go Fish Sushi Bar (gofishsushibar.com) of Simi Valley is bringing its premium sushi and Japanese/American-style dishes to an additional location in the new Santal apartment complex in Thousand Oaks this spring. Expect the same superfresh cut rolls, hand rolls, and standout Sashimi Carpaccio platters as well as items from the “fully cooked” section of the menu, like the Red Bull roll: seared filet mignon and shrimp tempura with crab and avocado in sweet and spicy sauce.

This stylish spot at the edge of the Funk Zone provides a menu of bar bites to accompany Margerum & Barden wines. Seating is available in the lounge, at the bar, in an upstairs loft, and on an outdoor patio. The nibbles highlight local purveyors, including Santa Barbara Smokehouse salmon in a garden salad and Rori’s Margerum Amaro ice cream in an adults-only dessert. Also available are cheese and charcuterie boards, Duck Toast With Cherry Mostarda, Rosemary Ham Panini, and a create-your-own pizza with a cauliflower crust alternative and toppings like prosciutto, spicy Tasso ham, and fresh arugula. Wines are sold by the glass, bottle or case, with special pricing for Margerum wine club members.

PEASANTS FEAST

487 Atterdag Road

Solvang, 805-686-4555

peasantsfeast.com

Seasonal Comfort Food

Entrées and Sandwiches $14–$18

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

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. 

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