French Roast

The art and science of perfection

You may think nothing could be as simple as cup of coffee. But spend an hour speaking with Corey Russell, owner of the Santa Barbara Roasting Company, and you will realize that coffee is not just an art but a science. In much the same way that wine makers stalk the perfect grape, Corey starts with the perfect bean. In search of “smoky, tobacco-y, intense flavor,” Corey and his Master Roaster of fifteen years, Eusebio Galindrez, look for coffee beans that are shade-grown, handpicked, sustainable, and when possible, organic. Roasted in small batches at the Roasting Company, the beans take on different characteristics depending on the length of cooking. The final touch is to blend different beans together into the perfect cup of coffee.

The result is over forty coffees, with eight on tap daily, and the rest brewed upon request. For the “strongest, darkest, most intense coffee,” Corey recommends the State Street blend. But with a wry smile, he adds that it’s the Montecito blend that will “make you feel like a million bucks.” But really, from the Rincon Red blend to the Espresso Milano, any of their coffees will be a worthwhile sip. And if coffee isn’t your cup of tea…well, try the tea. Corey blends them himself, and from the tropical iced tea to the chai, you will be enjoying carefully curated flavors and spices.

As you can guess, this is not the work of a moment, but rather a lifetime. Corey left a career in tech in Santa Cruz to begin his own business in Santa Barbara. From selling coffee door-to-door to local businesses, he branched out to coffee carts, and finally, in

1989, started the Santa Barbara Roasting Company. From an overhauled auto-body shop on lower State Street, a Santa Barbara institution was born. Exposed brick walls and colorful murals welcome visitors to relax and widen their experience of what coffee can be.

What you might not realize is that just behind the counter wall lies the work area from which the Roasting Company’s successful wholesale business runs. Restaurants, grocery stores, and even other cafes in Santa Barbara and Ventura all carry Corey’s coffee. Just look for the distinctive image of a coffee bean reclining in a beach chair, with the slogan “Coffee tanned to perfection,” and you will begin to notice it everywhere.

Defying all odds, the Roasting Company has continued to flourish for the past 27 years. As Corey says, “Business is great and getting better all the time.” Corey’s son, Brolin, has taken an increasingly large role in the company and helped develop their newest product: Cold Brew Coffee. When you first inhale the scent of this decadent iced drink, you may swear you smell chocolate. But when you take a sip, it’s just a pure, smooth Viennese-French Roast that has been brewed for 24 hours at a cool 40 degrees. Products like this are part of the Roasting Company’s mission to give you a “truly unique, individual experience.” So stop by and try a cup! – By

Anglea Borda

321 Motor Way, Santa Barbara CA 93101

(805) 962-5213

Relais de Paris–French Brasserie

We love the zinc bar, exposed beams, big comfy banquettes and chandeliers that sparkle overhead at Relais de Paris, not to mention both outdoor patios, the front which is State Street facing and back with views of Plaza de la Guerra. We also adore the fine bistro cuisine. Menu musts include the Salade de Chevre Chaud, a lovely summer salad of farmers’ market greens, julienned green apple, thinly sliced Parmesan, grapes and chervil followed by Moules Frites - local plump mussels in a delicious “sop up” the French Normandy-style broth fashioned out of white wine, butter, onion and garlic accompanied by impossible-to-resist pommes frites (fries). The restaurant sources ingredients locally from the sea, earth and even McConnell’s ice cream down the street. Weekend brunch items range from Croque Monsieur and omelets. Harissa (a Tunisian hot pepper paste) also makes an appearance on menu items. The wine list includes a nifty mix of Old and New World French and regional wines. Desserts are superb: don’t miss the warm, runny fondant au chocolate served with ice cream and a real vanilla bean. Relais du Paris is also available for catering, weddings and other special events. Whether you sashay up to the zinc bar for their excellent happy hour (Monday – Thursday 4-6 PM), enjoy a pre-theatre or post-cinema dinner discussion over foie gras and Banyuls, a bon moment can be expected at this superb downtown salute to bistro cuisine. –LAW

Relais de Paris, 734 State Street. 805-963-6977, www.relaisdeparis-santabarbara.com

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