Cosmetic Laser: A magic Wand

By cyntHia grancourt

As the Aesthetic Industry grows exponentially in it’s sophisticated sorcery, Cosmetic Laser is taking the lead as the most promising and most advanced of all treatment options available. By now you’ve heard whisperings in the news regarding all the multi-faceted uses for lasers such as advanced weaponry in our military and scientific applications such as nuclear fusion, but lasers have a powerful capacity to heal and restore as well as destroy. Lasers are used for eye surgery and general surgery, restoring hair loss, tooth whitening, and our focus here, aesthetic applications.

Laser has come a long way since it’s invention in 1958 and the advancements and implications for cosmetic uses are staggering. Take three of the topof-the-line lasers, for instance, available now by Cynosure, the Precision TX, the RevLite SI and the elite mPX. Between these three systems, you can even your skin tone and correct your complexion with the Yag laser or IPL, remove your tattoos, tighten your skin, remove brown spots and remove body hair from, well, anywhere. You can also do a LazerLift neck lift purely with lasers, no scalpels, with no scarring and minimal downtime! With one fell swoop, one can “wave the magic wand” with laser and see a tremendous improvement and result with an almost photoshop effect. The wizards of aesthetic wonder have worked diligently to provide us with state-of-the-art solutions to our aesthetic challenges in a safe, quick, easy and virtually painless way. dr. Griffin, medical director of The G Spa, Santa Barbara, uses all three of these Cynosure lasers in her practice and notes, “We have been admirably impressed with the results, speed and versatility of these three lasers. While I acquired the Revlite SI principally for tattoo removal, we have found it to do a remarkable job at skin rejuvenation and tightening, an effect we were not expecting!”

As a child, watching the sci-fi black and white movies on Saturday morning, such as “War of the World’s”, it seemed incredulous to me in my child’s mind to fathom that lasers would actually become such an integral part of our everyday life with so many uses ranging from medical to military to scientific to commercial. But it’s true! The future has firmly arrived and just in time (for me at least!). We can be thankful for the multiplicity of ways that lasers serve us all and as far as beauty is concerned, Cosmetic Laser truly is the magic wand.

Cynthia Grancourt, Freelance Health & beauty writer and Marketing Director of The G Spa, Santa Barbara.

Professionally Connected

The Ocean Room and Terrace at Stella Mare in Montecito. A beautiful, private room opening onto an outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing with friends during a cocktail hour. Maximum capacity is 30.

C Arpinteria

Garden market. offering very tasty sandwiches, salads, smoothies and casual fare. open Monday–Sunday 10am-3pm. [l] $ (BW) 3811 Santa claus lane (805) 745-5505

Sly’s. James Sly, formerly of lucky’s in Montecito, is back to cooking the finest steaks anywhere. Sly’s is open daily for dinner from 5 pm, features a full bar and extended wine list. (lD) $$ (FB). Reservations are suggested. 686 linden Ave. 805-684-6666.

mONTECITO

CAVA. experience the bold flavors of Spain, Mexico and latin America in a romantic garden setting in the village of Montecito. Happy Hour 4-6, Weekend Brunch from 8am. [BlD] $$, (FB) 1212 coast village Road, 969-8500.

Lucky’s. Montecito’s only premium steakhouse. Great wine list and martini selections. Great weekend brunch served 9am-3pm. [BrD] $$$, (FB) 1279 coast village Road, 565-7540. The montecito Café. eclectic menu with great service. Desserts to die for! open Daily from 11:30 (lD) $$ (FB) 1295 coast village Rd. 805-9693392.

Stella mare’s. overlooking the Bird Refuge in Santa Barbara…a glass greenhouse, sofas by the fire, casual French décor and traditional French country cuisine. Full bar and extensive American & French wine list, great private rooms for your event needs and live Jazz on Wednesdays. closed on Mondays $$ [lDBr] (FB) 50 los Patos Way. 969-6705. (cafe Stella is located at 3302 Mccaw Ave, on upper State Street in Santa Barbara. www.stellamares. com)

The Stonehouse. located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, The Stonehouse features a relax- ing lounge with full bar service and a separate dining room with crackling fireplace and creekside views. open for dinner from 6-10 p.m. daily.[D] $$$ (FB) 900 San Ysidro lane (805) 565-1700. Tre Lune. one of the more popular eateries on coast village Rd in Montecito. Fine italian cuisine, amazing wine list, house made pastas, seafood, patio seating and full bar. open breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1151 coast village Road. 805-9692646. $$ (BlD)

Santa Barbara

Aldo’s Italian Ristorante. Since 1986. experience lunch in the sun or dine by candle light in their enchanting courtyard. Friendly servers deliver fresh italian specialties and creative dishes with a california flair. [lD] $,B&W. 1031 State St., 9636687.www.sbaldos.com.

Arlington Tavern offers the best of both worlds, an elevated dining experience and a relaxed bar atmosphere. chef, Ron True creates his own version of contemporary American cuisine using only the best local ingredients he can get his hands on. local Black cod, Fried chicken, House Smoked and Grilled New York Strip Steak are just some of the items you can find on the dinner menu and the locally grown and grass fed ground beef from Rancho San Julian Ranch makes the Tavern Burger something to keep coming back for. each item on the menu has been carefully thought through to compliment and pair with a selection of either beer or wine chosen by Partner, Diego Barbieri. open daily for dinner 5pm – late night, happy hour 4pm-7pm. Private dining available. 21 W. victoria Street. 805.770.2626

Blue Agave. elegantly decorated two-story restaurant with a famous bar noted for its excellent martinis, mojitos, inventive cocktails and a wide range of tequilas and mescals served by a joyous staff. Blue Agave was voted by locals repeatedly the Most Romantic Restaurant in Santa Barbara. [BrD] $$ (FB)20 e cota St., 805-899-4694

Boathouse. The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach is the newest venture of the owners of the Santa Barbara Shellfish company, which began on Stearn’s Wharf in 1980, and the Santa Barbara Fishouse. enjoy stunning views and great seafood from a family run business that knows their fish! [BlD] $ (FB). 2981 cliff Drive 805-898-2628, www. sbfishhouse.com/boathouse

Bouchon. Restaurateur Mitchell Sjerven hosts the city’s first Wine country cuisine restaurant with more than 50 Santa Barbara and central coast wines offered by the glass to compliment bouchon’s “ingredient driven” and seasonal fresh menu. Wine Spectator Award of excellence wine list features exclusively californian selections, paired with cuisine that is “creative without being over the top...”” (Wine Spectator, July 1999). Fresh channel island seafood, Santa Ynez and ojai valley game, and local farmer’s market produce predominate. outdoor dining is available year-round on the heated, covered garden patio. Ask about private dining in the intimate cork Room where up to 20 guests can be seated at the Grand Table. open for dinner nightly from 5:30pm, reservations recommended. [D] $$$, (B&W) 9 W. victoria, 730-1160.

Bucatini. The finest in italian cuisine. Wood-fires pizzas, steaks, chops, seafood and artisanal gelato. enjoy lunch or dinner on the heated patio. 436 State St. 805-957-4177. www.bucatini.com $$ (lD).

Ca’ Dario. Fine italian dining with extensive italian wine list. excellent seafood and authentic cuisine. [lD] $$, (B&W) 37 e. victoria, 884-9419.

Cajun Kitchen. Serving some of the best cajun specialty breakfasts in town for over 20 years. [Bl] $, (BW) 1924 De la vina, Santa Barbara 687-8062; 6831 A. Hollister Ave, Goleta 571-1517; 901 chapala St., 965-1004; 865 linden, carpinteria 684-6010.

Chuck’s of Hawaii. A local favorite celebrating 36 years of excellence serving award-winning steaks, wines and seafood to Santa Barbarans and their guests. chuck’s has been voted Best Steak in Santa Barbara and is the recipient of the Award of excellence from The Wine Spectator annually since 1989. They also feature a nightly selection of fresh fish, from old favorites like Alaskan halibut and grilled salmon to ahi tuna (grilled medium rare). Dinner is served weekdays from 5:30 to 11pm, and until 11:30pm weekends. Full cocktail bar, featuring Firestone-Walker Double Barrel Ale on draft. Reservations welcome. [D] $$, (FB) 3888 State, 687-4417.

Chuck’s Waterfront Grill. chuck’s of Hawaii has expanded to a second location at chuck’s Waterfront Grill; by the boats at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Same great food and service you already love...in a setting that makes going out to dinner feel like a little vacation. Featuring Prime Grade Top Sirloin Steaks. “chuck’s Style” Fresh Alaskan Halibut, Garlic Grilled Day Boat-caught King Prawns , Grilled Sea Scallops, King crab legs, and Australian lobster Tail. [lD] $$, (FB) 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, 564-1200 Cielito. Beautifully appointed interiors, expansive heated patio, private dining areas and a full bar accent a thoroughly authentic Mexican culinary experience. located in the heart la Arcada, downtown. 1114 State St. 805225-4488

Cold Spring Tavern. 100 years of tradition with true American cuisine only 15 minutes from Santa Barbara. Featuring the cuisine of chef Moises Bernal with selections of game and hearty entrées. Full bar & weekend breakfast. [lD] $$, (FB) 5995 Stagecoach Road, 967-0066.

Crocodile Restaurant at Lemon Tree Inn. one of the best neighborhood destination eateries in SB featuring great steaks, salads and cocktails, full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. 2819 State St, Santa Barbara, (805) 6876444. BlD $$

Downey’s. chef John Downey has been serving Santa Barbara’s finest cuisine since the restaurant opened in 1982. clearly defined tastes using the finest foods available and artful yet simple presentation have earned Downey’s top honors in the Zagat Survey for the past sixteen consecutive years. The dining room is in the capable hands of liz Downey who will be happy to guide you through the mostly california wine list with a proud bias towards the extensive Santa Barbara county selections. Dinner served Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30pm. [D] $$$, (B&W) Reservations: 966-5006, 1305 State St., www.downeyssb.com

Endless Summer Bar-Cafe. Just upstairs from chuck’s Waterfront Grill, this surf-inspired bar-cafe offers great harbor views. Featuring tasty burgers, fish tacos, fresh salads, popcorn shrimp, and “Pau Hana” (“Work is Done”) Happy Hour, with food and drink specials like the endless Summer Blonde Ale. Feel like a steak? chuck’s Waterfront menu is also available after 5 p.m. large groups are welcome, and should call ahead for reservations at 564-4666. [lD]. $, (FB) 113 Harbor Way, Second Floor, 564-1200.

Enterprise Fish Co. A variety of shellfish hors d’oeuvres is served at the oyster bar, and the dining room offers a selection of fresh seafood grilled over mesquite. Full bar. [lD] $$, (FB) 225 State, 962.3313, enterprisefishco.com.

Fishouse. on the water on cabrillo at the gate to the Funk Zone downtown. Sensational seafood, daily full cocktail and bar food happy hour, and patio seating. 101 east cabrillo Blvd. 805-966-2112. www.fishouse.com $$ (lD)

The Harbor Restaurant. The Harbor is one of Santa Barbara’s finest restaurants, where fresh fish and steaks are specially prepared and served in an elegant maritime interior with stunning views of the harbor. [BrlD]. $$, (FB) 210 Stearns Wharf, 963-3311.

Harry’s. Santa Barbara’s traditional locals restaurant. Steak, seafood, sandwiches and salads served in a family atmosphere. excellent wine list and full bar. Banquet facilites available. open daily for lunch and dinner. [lD] $, (FB) 3313-B State Street, 687-2800.

Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood. Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood is elegant and timeless, featuring U.S.D.A. prime Midwestern corn fed beef, charbroiled over their mesquite grill. Try the “cowboy cut”–Holdren’s signature steak—a 20 oz. Prime bone-in rib chop served over spicy onion rings. Their fresh seafood selections include Bacon Wrapped BBQ Tiger Prawns, seared Hawaiian Ahi, and a shrimp Scampi like no other. Holdren’s offers an extensive wine and martini list and outdoor seating.. open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m., and for dinner from 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday for dinner from 4:00 p.m. Now offering Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm. [BrlD] $$

Dining Out

(FB). 512 State Street, 805-965-3363. in Goleta6920 Marketplace Dr. 805-685-8900

Hollister Brewing Company. Featuring hand-crafted beers made on premise and an innovative, fresh menu. open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. [lD] $ (FB), 6980 Marketplace Dr., Goleta,968-2810, Hollisterbrewco.com

Julienne. A progressive American restaurant serving fresh seasonal food. Serving Dinner Wednesday–Sunday 5pm to 10pm. Reservations Accepted. [D] $$ (BW) 138 e canon Perdido Street 805-845-6488 meun Fan Thai Cafe. Traditional Thai cuisine home cooked to perfection. Great take out and dine in on the Mesa next to lazy acres. (lD) open daily from 11:30. 1819 cliff Dr. 805-882-9244.

Longboard’s Grill. Upstairs from the Harbor Restaurant is an active, noisy bar & grill with a big Tv, a surfer’s attitude and 360-degree views of the city & water. [lD] $$, (FB) 210 Stearns Wharf, 963-3311.

Louie’s. celebrate the taste of a Santa Barbara tradition in the historic Upham Hotel. Delicious california bistro fare in a wonderful downtown setting. [lD] $$, (B&W) 1404 De la vina at Sola. 963-7003.

The Natural Café. The Natural cafe is known for their homemade soups, hearty salads, delicious sandwiches, vegetarian entrees, pasta, chicken and seafood dishes, as well as a complete juice bar, microbrewed beers and local wines. [lD] $ (B&W), www.thenaturalcafe.com [lD] $, (B&W). Three locations in Santa Barbara: 508 State, 962-9494; 361 Hitchcock, 563-1163; 5892 Hollister, 692-2363. For other locations out of town see their website for details.

Olio e Limone Ristorante and Olio Pizzeria. (“oil and lemon” in italian) Husband-wife team Alberto and elaine Morello rely on the integrity of their ingredients and the quality of preparation to offer Santa Barbara creative, authentic Zagat-rated italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with european hospitality. visible in the ristorante through a glass wall is the dining room’s focal point, the wine cellar, which represents their 250-plus selection award-winning wine list. Private Dining in the cucina Room is available for up to 40 guests. Pizza barsalumi bar-wine bar-full bar next door at olio Pizzeria, with private dining for up to 22 guests in the Terrazza Room and up to 32 guests in the Taverna Room. olio pizzeria is open daily from 11:30am – close, including Sunday lunch. For a look at the current menus go to www.oliopizzeria.com [lD] $$, (FB) 17 West victoria Street, 805-899-2699.

Opal. A local’s favorite, opal fuses creative influences from around the world with American Regional touches: from chile-crusted Filet Mignon, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas from their wood burning pizza oven, fresh baked Breads, deliciously imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts. Sophisticated yet comfortable, opal radiates a warm, friendly atmosphere. Full bar, award winning wine list, private room for parties up to 60. 1325 State St., 966-9676. [lD] $$ (FB) open Daily for lunch and Dinner.

The Palace Grill. The Palace is a contemporary American grill, with a lively, high-energy atmosphere, and fun, spontaneous events. Featuring fine grilled steaks and fresh seafood, delicious pastas, and select American Regional specialties, like Blackened crawfish-stuffed Filet Mignon, and louisiana Bread Pudding Soufflé. cajun Martinis, unique beers, and a well selected wine list. Their unique “team Service” voted the Best in Town the last 16 years in a row. Rave reviews in Gourmet Magazine, Gault-Millau Travel Guide, Zagat, and Sunset Magazine. “Best on the West coast” according to los Angeles Magazine. open 7 days: lunch 11:30am to 3pm; evenings from 5:30. [lD] $$, B&W. 8 e cota 963-5000.

Paradise Cafe. Santa Barbara’s favorite dining patio. Fresh fish, steaks, chops, chicken and their famous oak-grilled burger. Start with a drink at the street level bar, and work your way up. open seven days a week. [BlD] $ FB. 702 Anacapa Street, 962-4416.

Pierre Lafond Bistro. A local favorite since 1993, Pierre