2 minute read
Summer Dining
22 Great Choices From Local Kitchens
Nothing beats dining out on a summer’s evening. It could be with a group of friends kicked back on one of the many patios. Maybe an intimate table with that special someone…even by yourself on those nights you’re just too exhausted to cook at home. The days are long and carefree, the menus are alive with seafood, sun ripened local fruit, fresh herbs and the smoky flavors of fresh meats cooking on the grill. It all adds up to the perfect Santa Barbara dining experience. The choices are many…here is a brief sampling:
Scarlett Begonia
Wild King Salmon
Served with saltwater potatoes, sea beans and crème d’amandes. 805770-2143.
Paloma
Chile en Nogada
Paloma’s signature dish! The classic chile en Nogada is originally from the state of Puebla Mexico. Stuffed pasilla pepper with special ground beef picadillo, walnuts, and fruits. Topped with a delicious creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. Served with a side of rice. 805-681-0766.
Palace Grill
All The Best Platter Includes: blackened salmon topped with crawfish tails and Hollandaise sauce, spicy crawfish etouffee, soft shell crab and Caribbean coconut shrimp, and... Louisiana bread pudding soufflé with whiskey cream sauce. 805-963-5000.
Jane
Jane’s popular fish stew on the dinner menu: Assorted seasonal fresh shellfish, fish, vegetables, ginger & coconut milk. Mixed seafood and vegetable stew, assorted fresh fish & shellfish, snow peas, new potatoes, jalapeño, fresh ginger & coconut cream. 805-9621311.
LOUIE’S AT THE UPHAM
Shrimp and Scallop Cakes
Light and fresh, this is a perfect starter dish. Made fresh each day and pan sautéed for an elegant crust. 805-963-7003.
SLY’S
Jumbo Shrimp
Cocktail
A classic summer dish featuring huge U-7 shrimp, freshly grated horseradish, lemon wedge and red cocktail sauce. Perfect! 805-884-9419.
Olio E Limone
Panzanella Salad
Prepared with vine ripened tomatoes, bite size pieces of Italian bread, cucumbers, red onions and fresh basil, then finished with olive oil and vinegar. 805-899-2699.
HOLDREN’S STEAKHOUSE
The signature
14-ounce prime filet Served with grilled vegetable and a spring of rosemary and a glass of Carr Pinot Noir. Enough said. 805-965-3363.
Opal
Phyllo Wrapped Tiger Prawns
The prawns are a favorite among regulars and are served with house made coconut curry sauce and citrus for just the right balance. Pairs great with Tercero’s The Outlier, 2012. 805-966-9676.
Bouchon
Confit of pork belly
With potato crisps, tomato-basil gastrique, dressed arugula, poached duck egg Margerum M5 2012. 805-730-1160.
DOWNEY’S
Mesquite-seared Ahi
With mango-cucumber salsa and grilled asparagus. Demure Roussanne from the Central Coast 2012 is a great pair. 805-966-5006.
Wine Cask
Grilled local sea bass
With ratatouille, saffron potatoes, sauce bouillabaisse paired with Margerum
Sauvignon Blanch
Sybarite from Happy Canyon AVA. 805-9669463.
Stella Mare
Mussels and Fries
Black mussels sautéed in a cream sauce with local herbs and then served with a crust of bread. Stella Artois beer is a great pair. (805) 969-6705
Caf Stella Bistro
Lamb Sliders
With arugula and house dressing served on a miniature brioche bun. 805-569-7698.
Paradise Caf
Huevos Valenuela
An ode to the famed Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenuela, this dish borrows a bit from a classes huevos rancheros, but features scrambled eggs black beans, avocado, cheese and salsa. 8056-9624416.
Crocodile At The Lemon Tree Inn
Ktistina’s Rosemary
Chicken
Roasted with olive oil and fresh rosemary from the house farm, then fanned out over garlic mash and grilled local vegetables. Pairs well with Qupe Syrah 2012. 805-687-6444.
Bill Boyd
Breakwater Restaurant
Steak & Shrimp combo
10-ounce choice pub steak with crisp coconut shrimp, choice of vegies and rice or potato de jour. (805) 965-1557
Ca Dario
Costata alla
Fiorentina
16-ounce rib eye steak, seared and grilled, then served with stewed white beans and sage. Perfect with local Pino Noir. 805-884-9419.
CHUCK’S WATERFRONT GRILL
The Rincon Burger
One of several signature burgers on the menu featuring half pound grilled Angus beef topped with sharp cheddar cheese and red onions. Great with a cold brew, of course. 805-564-1200.
Fishouse
Sesame Wonton
Crusted Mahi Mahi
Hawaiian mahi mahi rolled in sesame seeds and crispy wontons, served with pineapplefried rice and sautéed seasonal vegetables, topped with roasted red pepper beurre blanc. 805-966-2112.
LUCKY’S STEAKHOUSE
Pepper Steak with Cognac
Best paired with a Summerland Winery Pino Noir and a side of spinach and skinny onion rings. 805-5657540.
cOmpiled By leslie a . WestBrOOk