A star from the first day

Chef Mario and the tradition of the Chase

Try to imagine showing up at your dishwashing shift thinking it will be the normal day working all things Hobart, and suddenly you’re being handed an apron and a chef knife and told to get on the line and start prepping for lunch. That’s pretty much the story of how Chase Restaurant Chef Mario Rodriguez got his start in the business. 36 years later, he’s still the Chef and the backbone behind the tradition of the Chase.

“I’d only been working there for a few weeks,” remembers Mario of that day in 1979 when Chase founder, Joe Caligiuri, gave him the nod. “I didn’t even know how to turn on the stoves let alone prepare meals for a crowded restaurant. Joe helped me with everything…the sauces, the seasoning, timing… everything.” Over the years Mario has developed his own unique style, but says he stays true to the original East Coast, New York Italian flavors that founded the popular eatery, and that most of the items on the menu have been the same for nearly 40 years. The Manhattan style fish chowder recently won first place in the creative division at the Santa Barbara Chowder Festival.

Mario enjoys making simple food done well. Among his favorite dishes is the house signature, chicken picatta with fresh garlic, lemon and capers and a side of fettuccini Alfredo, notably the most decedent in town. Also on the favorites list is the veal Parmesan with fresh vegetables, spaghetti Carbonara, baked salmon and a bone-in rib eye steak that just nails it. “We buy the best steak available and cook it simple…olive oil, salt and pepper then finish it in the oven. It’s what the customers want…it’s what they expect.” says Mario. The cioppino, which features generous amounts of fresh mussels, clams, local snapper, shrimp and calamari, is also a long-standing local’s favorite.

Current owner, George Moreno says Chef Mario is the key to the ongoing success of the restaurant because he keeps the taste experience consistent. “The regulars are never disappointed which is why they keep coming back,” says Moreno. “It makes my job easier, especially when I buy the wine to pair with the flavors. I buy the best meats and fish available and I can depend on the taste to be a spot on in every dish. It’s how we can keep a customer for 30 years, and of course they bring family and friends, too.” Moreno says he tries to keep the wine list and the specialty cocktails both drinkable and affordable. “Competing in the restaurant industry has never been more challenging,” he says. “Customers shouldn’t have to think twice when they look at the price. The Chef and I work very hard to make sure they have a great experience every time they sit down.”—Raymond

Bloom

The Chase is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11am. 1012 State Street, 8059654351.

As cozy as it comes

Quaint and romantic, Stella Mare’s is a modern French-Californian restaurant with timeless elegance set in Montecito. The original 1872 structure located across from the Andreé Clark Bird Refuge is surrounded by an old-fashioned picket fence and boasts an outdoor patio compete with fire pit and string lights. Inside, the multiple dining rooms include a lofty enclosed greenhouse wrapped with windows and a crackling wood-burning fireplace that is the perfect spot to cozy up and enjoy a cocktail from the full bar. Enjoy live jazz on Wednesdays in the greenhouse as well. When the sun goes down, dancing candles reflect off the glass walls, illuminating the room in a warm dreamy glow. Crisp white linens, sharp white plates, woven breadbaskets, and floral decor make this shabby chic interior the ideal setting for a delicious heart-warming meal. Executive Chef Roth Ironside creates a wonderfully tender Braised Beef Short Rib using Stella Mare’s signature Merlot that develops into an irresistible merlot jus. This dish is made for two with creamy smooth parsnips and garlic-braised rapini all topped with a crispy parsnip nest. To balance the richness of this dish, pair with a red wine such as Justin, Isosceles. A warm red apple crepe, drizzled with Meyer rum sauce and accompanied by fresh raspberries and crème anglaise, is garnished with whipped cream and mint for the final desert course. Toast the end of this memorable meal with a glass of Domaine de Coyeyx Muscat and relax in the charming ambiance of this treasured restaurant.

–By Jacquelyn De Longe

Louie’s is a hidden gem

offering creative and up-to-date Californian cuisine with spot-on service. Its bistro-like space is located inside the 130-year-old Hotel Upham, and reflects the charm and tradition of its Victorian location, with a jazzy, comfortable feel all its own. The romantic atmosphere can be experienced dining cozily inside or outside on an old-fashioned heated verandah. Choice selections from the well-stocked wine bar are served with extraordinary fresh seafood, pastas, filet mignon and a changing menu of specialties.

Food 26

Decor 21

Service 25

Cost $47