Archive for the 'Santa Barbara' Category
The Palms
The Palms
701 Linden Ave, Carpinteria
Phone: (805) 684-3811
Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
Operating continuously since 1908 in the sleepy beach town of Carpinteria, The Palms has been a local favorite for generations. The salads and side dishes are reliably good, but the focus here is on the steaks. Uniquely, customers cook their own steaks (a tradition reflected in the very fair pricing). Offering numerous cuts of steak, chicken, and fish, all of top quality, carnivores will delight in the DIY aspect. Don’t worry if you don’t consider yourself a chef: “We’ll Cook For You” options are also available. The massive salad bar is also a winner, and you can’t beat the pricing.Â
Bella Vista at the Biltmore
by Spencer Alcorn
Bella Vista at the Biltmore
1260 Channel Dr, Montecito
Phone: (805) 969-2261
Though located in a chain hotel (albeit a luxurious one), Bella Vista’s brunch is a Santa Barbara one-off. Varied seasonally and for holidays, the prix-fixe Sunday brunch buffet remains constant in one particular: its surpassing excellence. From the fresh oysters on the half-shell to the extensive carving stations and made-to-order egg bar, all the luxe brunch standbys are here. Also presented are such innovative choices as a wide range of sushis and sashimis, cheese plates, finger sandwiches, an extensive selection of local salads, and a tempting array of desserts. The staff pampers without hovering, and the surf crashes outside. Perfect.
Elements
by Spencer Alcorn
Elements Restaurant & Bar
129 E. Anapamu St, Santa Barbara
One generally doesn’t associate a county courthouse with romantic experiences. Low-key weddings and Elements Restaurant and Bar are the exceptions. Competing with a view of the famous Sunken Gardens and floodlit façade of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse by night is a tough job, but chef and owner Paul Becking is up to it. The view takes a distinct back seat to such eclectic menu choices as a Spanish-style Kobe Beef Burger and Cinnamon Duck Confit, and Smoked Buffalo Carpaccio. Arrive early and enjoy a cheese plate with wine or signature cocktails in the intimate bar.
Citronelle
by Celeste Johansson
CITRONELLE 901 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 963-0111Â
Citronelle, the premiere French restaurant in Santa Barbara, boasts two world acclaimed chefs, Michel Richard and Felicien Cueff. Enjoy the magnificent ocean view and award-winning French cuisine, like Asparagus Crusted Chicken, or Grilled Seabass and Chocolate Truffle Surprise. You won’t be disappointed by the excellent reputation of this establishment.
Sage & Onion
by SAGE & ONION
34 E. Ortega St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-1012
The Sage & Onion is one of the few restaurants in Santa Barbara to style itself as “American” cuisine, and while it is true that some of its dishes are typically American, all of the food is so exquisite that you will feel like you are in another world. Dishes such as Orange Honey Roasted Duck Breast with potato turnip gratin and yellow foot chanterelles will make you want to feast, but save room for the Steamed Meyer Lemon Sponge cake in roasted almond cream, or you will never forgive yourself.
Acapulco
ACAPULCO
1114 State St., Santa Barbara, CA, 93110
(805) 963-3469
Located in the center of one of Santa Barbara’s most luxurious shopping “centros,” this Spanish/ Mexican restaurant serves up beautifully crafted plates of wholesome fare. Acapulco’s spacious outdoor seating centers around a beautifully sculptured fountain in the middle of a courtyard and is the envy of those walking by. A perfect setting for Brunch, and for any special occasion, Acapulco is a Santa Barbara classic.