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At the Center of Santa Barbara’s Cultural Conversation | www.VoiceSB.com
February 7, 2020
Harbor VOICE Superbowl Sunday: A Day at the Beach By Sigrid Toye, Special to VOICE
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Photos by Sigrid Toye
HE AFTERNOON WAS SO BEAUTIFUL on Super Bowl Sunday, I decided to visit the Shoreline Cafe on Leadbetter Beach during a period of guaranteed absolute quiet throughout the city - football fans were MIA glued to their TV, munching on Hot Wings, and knocking back a Cold One... basically off the streets. With an unmistakeable and ideal location situated right on the sand, one of the Shoreline’s many benefits is a spectacular view, access to the parking lot, and a full bar! Now how welcoming is that? The sun was beginning its decent as General Manager, Cameron Pyles, was kind enough to sit down with me to tell me a little about the restaurant. “This is our 23rd year,” he stated proudly, “and our owner, Steve Marsh, offers a menu of California and Baja style cuisine with lots of choices for a variety of tastes.” All day beach favorites include calamari, ceviche, fish and chips, and a selection of juicy burgers Cameron Pyles (including a vegan burger for the faint of heart). The seafood choices are, with few exceptions, from local waters. Should the temperature drop, a warm seafood soup or a clam chowder bread bowl are always ready for a quick warm up. For the early morning risers among us, breakfast is also available with everything from traditional favorites to Baja specials. To top it off, if I had wanted to grab take-out for the Super Bowl fans at my house, there’s a snack bar at the front of the restaurant. Now I’d say that’s full service! The Shoreline Cafe opened its doors in 1997 under the ownership of a trio of well know Santa Barbara restauranteurs, including Randy Rowse, Kevin Boss, and Steve Marsh. Over the years, ownership eventually landed in the hands of Marsh who continues to expand and improve the menu and the facility. “Steve often took trips to Baja,” noted Pyles, “which definitely adds zest to our California style cuisine.” As he escorted me to the newest patio expansion and bar extending to the sand with a separate section devoted to beach chairs for relaxation and cocktails, he added with a chuckle, “Although we have a full bar, believe it or not, Corona is still our best seller.” The beach chairs and the ambiance of the late afternoon made me want to order one myself! Although a native of Santa Barbara, Pyles found his way to Los Angeles where he was employed in the hospitality business developing restaurants. “Steve is a family friend and although I wasn’t in any way dissatisfied in L.A., he convinced me to come back to Santa Barbara as a manager,” Pyles noted. He is hoping to continue at the Shoreline Cafe learning from Marsh and to become increasingly involved. He related that it is Santa Barbara residents who sustain the restaurant, some coming in three to four times a week, though during the summer months the eatery attracts out of town visitors and tourists. Its proximity to the harbor and the fact that it is one of the few dining spots directly on the sand, accessible to the beach, makes it a popular location. And as it states on the menu, “Life is better at the beach… right on Leadbetter Beach, Shoreline Cafe is the perfect place...”
Sigrid Toye volunteers for the Breakwater Flag Project. She is on the board of directors of the Maritime Museum and participates in Yacht Club activities. An educational/behavior therapist, Sigrid holds a Ph.D in clinical psychology. She loves all things creative, including her two grown children who are working artists. Send Harbor tips to: Itssigrid@gmail.com
Eagles Nest Ocean Views Santa Barbara’s Premiere Ocean View Apartments
• Every apartment has outstanding ocean views with the very best island and sunset views in town. • 31 one bedroom apartments, each with granite counter tops and a magnificent view. • Recently updated on a dead end street with a reserved parking spot for each unit. • Only six blocks to the ocean and on a bluff top with mild ocean breezes year round. All the top floor units have high beamed ceilings and no steps, so easy access for all ages. • With 10 furnished apartments, there is short term as well as long term flexibility in rental agreements. • See the best of Santa Barbara from this park-like setting.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call John at 805-451-4551.
JOHN R. WHITEHURST Property Manager/Owner
805-451-4551 • www.SBOceanViewRentals.com
Home Realty & Investment
DRE#01050144
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 11:30am Registration • 12pm Program Begins
La Pacifica Ballroom Terrace
1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
To RSVP Please Call 805-965-3023 or email Sammi@SBChamber.org
