Montecito Pivot
by Megan Waldrep
Imagine Artful Things, Inc.
“B
efore we got our website up and running, customers were calling and asking if they could do a virtual shopping tour. It was amazing,” Billie Vrtiak, owner of the Imagine Artful Things boutique in the Upper Village said. “We’ve also received emails from numerous customers saying they’re thinking about us and how much they miss shopping at Imagine and are looking forward to being back in the store. It has been really inspiring.” In one month, Imagine went from no web presence to a “window shoppable” website that debuted on April 27. “To keep our personal cus-
Imagine Artful Things, Inc. 1470 East Valley Road (805) 695-0220 info@imaginartfulthings.com www.imagineartfulthings.com
tomer contact, we chose not to sell on-line but rather showcase selected items,” Billie said. “The shopper can then create a cart and call or email the store directly with their selections. We are offering both curbside service and free local delivery.” Free shipping is available for orders over two hundred dollars. Hop on the website to discover playful pieces such as giant hamburger and corn stools, food candles emulating Italian cuisine such as wheeled cheese and a plate of homemade spaghetti, or a Chinese checker table that could double as a place to set a cock-
it's All About the Service
DANA ZERTUCHE 805.403.5520 ·
dana@danazertuche.com
Pre-order Bree’Osh’s bread and sourdough kit, which includes a starter, then pop online to download the recipe and start baking the French way
Bree‘Osh
Imagine the pillow talk you could have with John Lennon or Jerry Garcia
Up your quarantine game with this high-end Chinese checker table
tail. Curated scarves, patterned socks, and lightweight summer ensembles are up for grabs as well as a collection of twisted iron candleholders to perk up the dinner table. “I don’t think I can name any one item that is the most (popular), but the most exciting thing is that our wonderful community has been so supportive,” Billie said. “We are surrounded by terrific people for whom we are profoundly grateful.”
Shopping on Bree’osh Artisan Bakery’s online store is comparable to gazing through the glass case at the café. Baked delicacies such as a ham and cheese, pain au chocolat, almond, and plain croissants are ready both for online orders and pick-ups. And while you’re at it, add the Kouign Amann to your virtual cart. It’s a traditional pastry from Brittany, France, “made with brioche dough laminated with brown sugar (and) baked in a buttered, sugared mold until caramelization.” You sold yet? We can thank owners Pierre and Nelly Henry for Bree’Osh. The French couple nestled in Montecito after years of scouting the perfect spot. With them, they brought their love of butter – Pierre is from Brittany, France which is famous for its butter, buckwheat crepes, shortbread cookies known as Le Sablé Breton, and the aforementioned sweet and buttery brioche Le Kouign Amann. Pierre is a banker-turned-baker (he dropped the “n”) as well as pastry chef who studied at Ferrandi, the school for culinary arts in Paris and trained under notable names in the industry including one-star Michelin chef, Cyril Lignac. Pierre and Nelly, along with their dedicated staff, bake daily while trading jokes and smiles, keeping the mood of the café as light as their coveted croissants. Hours have varied during quarantine, with the bakery now opening at seven in the morning until noon. Post-quarantine, a few things to look forward to are hands-on classes
Order boxes of pastries, like the mini-croissant box that offers three mini plain, chocolate, and almond croissants per person
from the masters themselves. In the past, they’ve taught the art of making homemade baguettes, quiche, brioche, and croissants that are “too pretty to eat… until you taste one, that is!” Can’t wait? Make sure to pre-order the bread and sourdough kit, which includes organic flour mix, yeast, and sourdough starter to make a traditional loaf at home with your fellow hunker downers. Bree’Osh Artisan Bakery 1150 Coast Village Road E (805) 969-2500 www.breeosh.com
•MJ
LORI CL ARIDGE BOWLES 805.452.3884 ·
CALRE#01465425
lori@loribowles.com
CALRE#01961570
www.MONTECITO.associates Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.
20 MONTECITO JOURNAL
“I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early.” – Charles Lamb
14 – 21 May 2020
