Jambalaya and...

Dining Out

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., 805-8994694

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 805898-2628, 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.

Breakwater Restaurant. Enjoy the comfortable large patio overlooking the historic, scenic Santa Barbara Harbor. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 7 AM. Award winning clam chowder, nightly specials, fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches, salads and a kid’s menu for your little mariners. At the scenic Santa Barbara Harbor, 107 Harbor Way. 805-965-1557. sbbreakwater.com.

Ca’ Dario. Fine Italian dining with extensive Italian wine list. Excellent seafood and authentic cuisine. [LD] $$, (B&W) 37 E. Victoria, 884-9419.

Chuck’s of Hawaii. 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 BoatCaught 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. 805-225-4488

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, 9670066.

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) 687-6444. BLD $$

Dargan’s Irish Pub. SB’s only authentic Irish bar and restaurant with a tradition that has spanned three generation. Featuring the best in Irish fare, full bar and numerous beers on tap. In the heart of old town, this cozy atmosphere features full lunch and dinner with room for private parties, billiards and darts. Open Daily from 11:30. 18 E. Ortega, 805-568-0702. www. darganssb.com

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.

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)

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

Dining Out

Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm. [BrLD] $$ (FB). 512 State Street, 805-9653363. 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

Jane Restaurant. Located 2 doors down from the Arlington Theatre, Jane offers American Bistro food in a beautiful old Spanish building with 2 story fireplace. Fresh Fish, Burgers, Great Salads and entrees including Lamb Chops, Steaks, Veal Scllopini & Chicken Picatta. Fresh hamburger buns and desserts are all homemade on the premises daily. Closed Sunday 1311 State Street 805-962-1311.

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.

Max’s. Sensational breakfast haunt in San Roque for over 30 years. Also features Italian scratch made offering at dinner. 3514 State St. 805-8989121. BLD $$

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 bar-salumi 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 9635000.

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.

Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro. Specializing in a wide selection of authentic French pastries. [BL] $ (B&W), 3315 State St Santa Barbara, 805-5692400, and in Arlington Plaza. www.renaudsbakery.com.

Roy. Voted best late night dining spot in town. Bistro style Americana cuisine featuring steaks, seafood, chicken, salads, full bar and a great wine list. Dinner from 6pm till midnight daily. [D] $$, (FB) 7 West Carrillo, 966-5636.

Sambo’s. The original on the beach! Serving up the classic dining experience. [BLD] $, (B&W) 216 W. Cabrillo Blvd. 965-3269

Santa Barbara Fishouse. Great locally caught fresh fish prepared in a casual fun atmosphere. Terrific happy hour. Right across from East Beach. [LD], $$, FB. 101 East Cabrillo Blvd. 966-2112.

SB Shellfish Co. The freshest seafood, lobster, crab and shellfish found anywhere. Enjoy a local wine or beer with the view of the Pacific at the end of Stearns Warf. 805-966-6676 www.shellfishco.com $$(LD).

Scarlett Begonia. “Scarlett Begonia will always strive to have interesting, thoughtful food. Menus change weekly with an innovative fresh look at breakfast and lunch and dinner. Dinner and cocktail hour is offered Tuesday thru Saturday nights from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, with breakfast and lunch running 9am-2pm Tuesday thru Sunday. It is our goal to provide Santa Barbara with a restaurant that showcases progressive modern food, using sustainable, organic, high quality ingredients coupled with innovative cooking to be one of the most foodcentric restaurants around.” 11 W. Victoria St. #10 $$, 805-770-2143 all major credit cards accepted.

Via Maestra 42. Traditional Italian flavors come together in this deli/shop/café on upper State Street. Serving panini, insalate, antipasti, formaggi, salumi, dolci, caffè and delectable gelatos. [BLD] $$, 3343 State Street, 569-6522.

Wine Cask. Located in the historic El Paseo in heart of downtown makes for a beautiful fine dining experience. Wine tasting with wide array of local wines, full bar and private dining available. www.winecask.com 805-966-9463. 814 Anacapa St. $$ (LD).

Zen Yai. Experience a new era of Thai cuisine, blending traditional dishes with a California nouveau flair. [LD] $$, (B&W) 425 State Street, 957-1193.

Santa Ynez Valley

Restaurant Marcella. At Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn, Chef Ron Stewart’s dedication to using the finest and freshest ingredients and extensive wine list translates into the food and wine pairing options being nearly endless. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, (805) 688-7788 Willows at the Chumash Casino. Featuring a distinctive menu of prime steaks and seafood served in an elegantly appointed setting. [D] $$$ (FB). 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, 805-686-0855.

B=breakfast

Br=brunch

L=lunch

D=dinner

$=entrees under $15

$$=$15-$25

$$$=over $25

FB=Full Bar

B&W=Beer & Wine

VENUES & PRIVATE DINING

CHUCK’S WATERFRONT GRILL AND THE ENDLESS SUMMER BAR~CAFE

You could be the hero for having your party in a worldclass setting, right by the boats while sipping a cool MaiTai and nibbling on calamari. Chuck’s Waterfront Grill and The Endless Summer bar-café are located on the Santa Barbara Harbor overlooking the boats docked right outside. Just off the 101 freeway and close to all the major hotels, with 2 covered patios (Lanais) upstairs at The Endless Summer bar-cafe, each with a capacity up to 50 guests. The entire Endless Summer can be rented for a capacity up to 185. Chuck’s Waterfront Grill is available for smaller groups up to 24 people. Reservations must be made in advance. Call (805) 564-1200. 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara. chuckswaterfrontgrillc

CORK ROOM AT BOUCHON The Cork room is a private dining room for groups of up to 20 guests. Corporate and private parties are welcome. You will find an excellent array of wine country cuisine paired with local Santa Barbara wines for truly wonderful and unique dining experience. 9 West Victoria St., 805-703-1160, bouchonsantabarbara.com

CUCINA ROOM AT OLIO E LIMONE The Cucina Room is the ideal venue for your group of up to 40 people. Perfect for business dinners and life events when you desire the exclusivity and privacy of your very own Olio e Limone dining experience. Enter and you will find an attentive service staff, beautifully set table and complimentary printed menus. We have created five dinner menus named after some of our favorite Italian wine regions to help in the decision-making process. A luncheon menu is also available for lunchtime events. Private dining is also available at the Terrazza Room at Olio Pizzeria for up to 22 guests. 11 & 17 West Victoria Street, 805-8992699, olioelimone.com

DARGAN’S IRISH PUB Dargan’s provides an authentic Irish ambiance combined with friendly service and outstanding food. We offer both buffet style or sit-down service for a variety of special occasions, including, receptions, rehearsal dinners, business gatherings, birthdays, graduations, and fundraisers to name a few. The poolroom area can be sectioned off from the main bar and rented for private affairs and provides a relaxed atmosphere accommodating up to 170 people (100 seated). It includes a private cozy bar, four large pool tables and a jukebox. The room also offers an excellent speaker system and five HD TVs connectable to computers are perfect for wedding videos or company sales presentations. To set up a consultation to discuss space availability, room rates, and food options, call 805-5680702 or email at info@darganssb.com

EVENTS BY STELLA MARE’S Events by Stella Mare’s, a full service private restaurant, is centrally located in uptown Santa Barbara near historic State Street, with beautiful views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The décor is French Provencial meets Santa Barbara style, typifying the term “casual elegance”. Events by Stella Mare’s is the perfect setting for rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, as well as corporate seminars, holiday celebrations, luncheon and dinner events from 40-300 guests. With three versatile rooms, a full service bar, an outdoor terrace, and majestic views, Events by Stella Mare’s can be used for intimate social gatherings or meetings or large-scale events. 3302 McCaw Avenue, Santa Barbara, (805) 969-3415, stellamares.com

LOUIE’S AT THE UPHAM HOTEL Louie’s features two elegant rooms, one for large groups of up to 50 people and the other for smaller parties of six to 15. Custom menus are available with the emphasis being on California cuisine using the freshest available produce and local wines. The setting is inside the historic Upham Hotel which offers state of the art audio visual equipment for all levels of social and corporate presentations. For more information call 805-963-7003 or visit www.louiessb.com.

OPAL RESTAURANT AND BAR Opal Restaurant and Bar can accommodate in-house parties from 10-120, and we have extensive experience in serving corporate functions, birthdays, wedding rehearsal dinners or wedding celebrations, weekly luncheons, and private parties of all sorts. Whether it is an on-site banquet or off-site catering, our highly effective system of service enables us to handle all events from the most casual birthday bash to the most exacting and formal affair, with a smooth and flawless style that anticipates every situation and creates a great experience for you and your guests. 1325 State Street, Santa Barbara, (805) 966-9676, opalrestaurantandbar.com

ROOSTERFISH ROOM AT SEAGRASS The Roosterfish Room is designed to provide a memorable private restaurant experience. Comfortably accommodating up to 22 guests this room offers it’s own private heating, air conditioning and music controls, providing guests with the ultimate in comfort. A streamlined version of the Seagrass dinner menu is exceptional, and gives a restaurant-quality experience in a private environment. 30 East Ortega St., 805-963-1012, www.seagrassrestaurant.com

Catering

PURE JOY CATERING, INC.

Pure Joy offers full service catering for the Santa Barbara Tri-County Areas. Flawless event planning, friendly service and unbelievably delicious handmade fare— Pure Joy will bring your vision to life. 111 East Haley Street, Santa Barbara, (805) 963-5766, purejoycatering.com

16.71 OCEAN VI EW ACRES

Rare Opportunity. Compelling ocean & mountain views in Montecito.

$17,150,000 | Barbara Koutnik 805.565.8811 | www.BarbaraKoutnik.com

MONTECITO HACIENDA

“Las Casadas’’ an estate as majestic as its name. 5 BEDROOMS, 8.5 BATHROOMS

$12,950,000 | Barbara Koutnik & Susan Conger 805.565.8811 | 805.565.8838

MONTECITO PROVENCE VILLA

Located on approx. 1.39 lushly landscaped acres. 5 BEDROOMS, 6.5 BATHROOMS

$7,100,000 | Susan Conger & Barbara Koutnik 805.565.8838 | 805.565.8811

Hope Ranch Treasure

In one of the most sought-after Hope Ranch locations. 6 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHROOMS $3,470,000 | Victor Plana 805.895.0591 | www.VictorPlana.com

MONTECITO BY THE SEA

Inviting and rarely available ground floor unit. 3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHROOMS

$2,295,000 | Victor Plana 805.895.0591 | www.VictorPlana.com

Stunning Panoramic Views

Spacious knoll-top home with sparkling pool & spa. 4 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHROOMS $1,765,000 | Victor Plana 805.895.0591 | www.VictorPlana.com

Stunning Ocean Views

Impeccably remodeled home meticiously maintained. 3 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS

$1,625,000 | Ryan Strehlow 805.705.8877

DESIRABLE .88 ACRES LAND

Gently sloping land w/magnificent views. Set of plans incl. hard work is done, dry wells, septic water meter. $995,000 | Betsy Jones Zwick 805.452.5501 | www.BetsyZwick.com

Luxury El Escorial Condos

Rarely available, top floor, ocean view. 1 BEDROOM, 1 BATHROOM $585,000 | Bob Oliver & Karin Holloway 805.965.0863 | www.SBBeachHomes.com