Tag Archives: Seasons Publishing Group

Local Dish: Islands Restaurants Sails to Santa Barbara

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Islands Hawaiian Burger, courtesy photo.

Islands Hawaiian Burger, courtesy photo.

Family-friendly and surf-inspired, the new Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks is a great fit for La Cumbre Plaza (3825 State St.). Probably best known for specialty burgers, fresh cut fries and tropical drinks, we tried Islands out recently and it didn’t disappoint.

The 4,900 square-foot restaurant (formerly occupied by Marmalade) features an open layout, beach-vibe décor, including surfboard-inspired booths, and a large outdoor patio area, equipped with heaters and a cozy communal fire table.

The expansive menu emphasizes burgers, including the classic Big Wave (your basic burger ingredients), the Hawaiian (topped with fresh grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce and Swiss cheese), and the spicy Kilauea (a Jalapeño & black pepper crusted burger with pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato and Island Reds, which are fried onion strings), among others, along with tacos, bowls, fresh salads and fresh-cut Island Fries.

Islands Big Wave, courtesy photo.

Islands Big Wave, courtesy photo.

In the mood for something sweet? Don’t miss the Kona Pie, made with mocha almond fudge ice cream & cookie crust topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, roasted almonds and a cherry on top!

Islands Kona Pie, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Islands Kona Pie, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

I can also vouch for the tropical drink selection. Mojitos, Mai Tai’s, Long Island Ice Tea’s, Margaritas, they’ve got it all, as well as locally sourced wine and beer. They have happy hour weekdays from 3-6:30 p.m., with discounted offers on sliders, nachos, beer, wine and cocktails, as well  an all-day happy hour in the bar area as part of March Madness basketball games, in addition to all-day happy hour for Women’s NCAA games for the Final Four (March 30 & April 1). 

Islands Mojito, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Islands Mojito, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

“We’re incredibly proud to open our first restaurant in Santa Barbara, an iconic beach city that resonates with our own coastal culture and origins,” says Michael Smith, president of Islands Restaurants. “We look forward to being a part of this close knit community and offering a spot for visitors to grab great food and drinks with family and friends.”

It’s right in our neighborhood. Perhaps we’ll see you there.

Islands Taco and Onion Rings, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Islands Taco and Onion Rings, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Photo courtesy Islands.

Photo courtesy Islands.

Islands Cheddar Fries, courtesy photo.

Islands Cheddar Fries, courtesy photo.

Islands Hula Burger with Island Reds, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Islands Hula Burger with Island Reds, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 22, 2018.

Bonnie Raitt

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Bonnie Raitt, courtesy photo.

Bonnie Raitt, courtesy photo.

Legendary singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt brings her unique style to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 23.

A 10-time Grammy Award winner, Raitt is no stranger to a number prestigious lists, including Rolling Stone’s lists of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time and 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Some of her greatest, chart-topping hits include “Something to Talk About,” “A Thing Called Love” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

Joining her for the evening will be the New Orleans-based funk and R&B musician Jon Cleary. He is an accomplished pianist as well as a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter.

Tickets for all events are available at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Club Indulge or online at www.chumashcasino.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 20, 2018.

Poetry Benefit for La Casa de Maria

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To benefit restoration efforts at La Casa de Maria following the Thomas Mudslide, Poets Enid Osborn, Paul Willis, David Starkey, Chryss Yost, Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, Perie Longo, Laure-Anne Bosselaar, Gudrun Bortman, Lois Brown Klein, John Ridland, Christopher Buckley and Nancy Lee will read.

Bob Sedivy will play Japanese flute.

The event takes place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, at Unitarian Society, 1535 Santa Barbara St. 

—Leslie Dinaberg 

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 15, 2018.

Delineations at MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

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Charlie Patton, “The Woman and The Veil,” oil on canvas.

Charlie Patton, “The Woman and The Veil,” oil on canvas.

Opening March 16, DELINEATIONS at MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery (132 Santa Barbara St.) features four Santa Barbara based artists: Jo Merit, Douglas Dafoe, Katarzyna Kociomyk and Charlie Patton and is curated by Jan Ziegler. 

“The delineated characteristics of Jo Merit’s paintings and the fine craftmanship of Douglas Dafoe’s geometric wood wall sculptures drive the title of the show,” writes Ziegler. “Complementing their precise line work, we have Katarzyna Kociomyk’s lush boats at rest on the water and Charlie Patton’s large and small expressive paintings.”

Join the artists for the reception on Friday, March 16, from 5-8 p.m. The artists will speak about their work at 6 p.m.

The show remains on view through May 13. 

—Leslie Dinaberg

Charlie Patton, “Misty Copeland Two Slippers,” oil on canvas.

Charlie Patton, “Misty Copeland Two Slippers,” oil on canvas.

Jo Merit, “At The Dark End Of The Street,” acrylic on canvas.

Jo Merit, “At The Dark End Of The Street,” acrylic on canvas.

Katarzyna Kociomyk, “Cast In Bronze,” oil on canvas.

Katarzyna Kociomyk, “Cast In Bronze,” oil on canvas.

Douglas Dafoe, “untitled,” wood with copper paint.

Douglas Dafoe, “untitled,” wood with copper paint.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 16, 2018.

Marian Crostic: Sea Change

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Tidal Impressions #2 by Marian Crostic.

Tidal Impressions #2 by Marian Crostic.

Come to The Waterline in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone (120 Santa Barbara St.) on Friday night to check out Sea Change by Marian Crostic, a special event hosted by wall space creative for the Funk Zone Art Walk.

“We are a world in flux. In this consistent state of change, finding a path to calm is almost impossible. It takes effort to keeping ourselves upright and moving forward, while this drift and unknowingness takes all our energy. We all feel now as if in constant motion both physically and emotionally. For Marian Crostic, finding that peace comes at the waters edge,” states event organizer Crista Dix.

Tidal Impressions #1 by Marian Crostic.

Tidal Impressions #1 by Marian Crostic.

Crostic’s series is an abstract vision of the waters edge, the organic connection between liquid and solid. This high contrast work belies its softness, with striking emphasis on the graphic and non-linear patterns in nature.

Marian Crostic made the career change from the fashion world to photography over a decade ago. Turning her creativity from fabrics towards imagery, this group of photographs fundamentally started taking shape and vision on her morning walks along Venice Beach. Meditative in nature the series is about importance of seeing ones own environment with a present, reflective and introspective eye.

Come from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday March 16 for an informal talk with Crostic about this beautiful work.

For more information about Sea Change, wall space creative and Marian Crostic or to see a portfolio of works please contact wall space gallery at 805/232-5428 or gallery@wallspacecreative.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 14, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Spyglass Bistro & Bar

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Courtesy Spyglass Bistro & Bar.

Courtesy Spyglass Bistro & Bar.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg 

It’s always fun to find great cocktail spots in unexpected places and Spyglass Bistro & Bar definitely fits the bill.  This modern rooftop bistro bar offers lunch, craft cocktails and small bites, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Goleta, Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Surprisingly, this unexpectedly hip gem sits atop the new Hilton Garden Inn, right in the heart of Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot, etc.

Spyglass Bistro & Bar cocktail. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Spyglass Martini at Spyglass Bistro & Bar. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Featuring creative shared plates from Executive Chef Michael Blackwell (formerly of the Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch and Montecito Country Club) to be enjoyed in cozy fireplace groupings under the stars, this is a lovely spot to enjoy right now and even lovelier once it gets a little warmer.

The cocktail menu includes the Spyglass Martini, made with absolut elyx—a premium, copper crafted vodka—and goat cheese stuffed castelvetrano olives (yum!), and it comes it a very cool copper martini glass, something I’ve never seen before. Like a Moscow Mule, the cool cup is part of the fun of this drink, and it doesn’t disappoint!

Spyglass Bistro & Bar cocktail. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Pinas Y Pinas cocktail at Spyglass Bistro & Bar. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Local favorite Cutler’s Vodka is featured on the cocktail menu and in the High Solstice, made with Cutler’s Vodka  and pedro ximenez sherry, briottet peche de vigne, lemon and angostura bitters. I also liked the Jalisco Sunshine, made with olmeca altos tequila plata, grapefruit, line, agave and cilantro; the Whiskey Blues, made with Redemption rye, lemon, blueberry, honey and laphroaig spritz; and something called the Passion Flower, with cyrano armagnac, st. germain, lime, passionfruit, agave and pico sea salt.

Spyglass has a daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. which includes $2 off specialty cocktails and beers, as well as discount “samplers” which are $15 and include wine or a cocktail and your choice of sliders, fish tacos or pork wing confit (which is delicious).

The view of Spyglass Bar & Bistro, photo by Dan Levin.

The view from Spyglass Bar & Bistro, photo by Dan Levin.

The restaurant is located at 6878 Hollister Ave., on the rooftop of the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta. Live music is often scheduled on weekends. Check their Facebook Page for updates. For example, coming up soon they have a fun St. Patrick’s Day party scheduled from 2-10 p.m. on March 17. 

Spyglass Bistro & Bar cocktail. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Spyglass Bistro & Bar Jaliscso Sunshine cocktail. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

We’ll be back soon, and hope to see you there. Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Courtesy Spyglass Bistro & Bar.

Courtesy Spyglass Bistro & Bar.

Spyglass Bistro & Bar. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Spyglass Bistro & Bar. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

 

Spyglass Bistro & Bar cocktail. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Spyglass Bistro & Bar Whiskey Blues cocktail. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

 

Spyglass Bistro & Bar. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Spyglass Bistro & Bar. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 9, 2018.

Local Dish: Bibi Ji

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Bibi Ji interior, photo by Collin Dewell.

Bibi Ji interior, photo by Collin Dewell.

By Leslie Dinaberg

An innovative take on Indian food paired with locally made wines and locally sourced seafood with Australian influences all adds up to what is easily one of the most exciting new restaurants to hit downtown Santa Barbara in a long, long time!  

Bibi Ji, the new restaurant from James Beard Award-winning sommelier Rajat Parr (who also makes his own wine labels—Domaine de la Cote and Sandhi—nearby in Lompoc) and acclaimed Chef Jessi Singh (who’s been lauded for his inventive “unauthentic” Indian cooking at the popular Babu Ji restaurants in San Francisco, Manhattan and Melbourne) opened this month at 734 State St., a beautiful location across from Paseo Nuevo with an outdoor courtyard overlooking De La Guerra Plaza.

Bibi Ji Coconut Curry with Shrimp, courtesy photo.

Bibi Ji Coconut Curry with Shrimp, courtesy photo.

The name Bibi Ji—an Indian term of endearment for women in the family—pays tribute to the formative women in both Singh and Parr’s lives who cultivated their love for food and hospitality. 

Drawing from his Australian and Indian roots, Chef Singh (who now lives in Santa Barbara) has created a menu featuring his self-proclaimed “unauthentic take” on many traditional American seafood dishes, with a strong focus on using local Santa Barbara purveyors. With the Santa Barbara Farmers Market just steps away, Singh is excited to change his menu regularly depending on what’s available in the market that week.

Currently on the menu are SB UNI Biryani, made with local sea urchin and fried rice—a dish so beautiful plated it looks like a mythical sea creature; Local Oysters with green mango pickle butter (from famed Santa Barbara fish monger Stephanie Mutz); delicious Hope Ranch Black Mussels in a curry broth; and melt-in-your-mouth Aussie Lamb Chops with mint and dill raita and apricot chutney.

Bibi Ji interior, photo by Collin Dewell.

Bibi Ji interior, photo by Collin Dewell.

We also enjoyed a zesty array of “unauthentic curries,” such as Beef Korma with beef short rib, curry leaves, cashew and hearty shiitake mushrooms; Unauthentic CTM, Chef Singh’s delicious riff on chicken tikka masala; Coconut Curry with turmeric and mustard seeds and pink shrimp, a dish I’m still dreaming about, even though I normally am not a coconut lover; Chana Masala, with chickpea, dry pomegranate and green mango powder; Punjabi Kadhi, with fenugreek and turmeric yogurt curry; and Bibi Ji Daal, with ginger, garlic and tomatoes.

Bibi Ji's SB UNI Biryani, courtesy photo.

Bibi Ji’s SB UNI Biryani, courtesy photo.

Favorite dishes from Singh’s Babu Ji restaurants in New York and San Francisco are also on the menu, like Mr. Tso’s Cauliflower, Indo-Chinese style cauliflower in a tomato & chili sauce, and Gol Gappa, delicious tangy crispy stuffed shells.

The Chef’s Tasting Menu—offering a variety of favorite appetizers, curries, naan, rice and dessert for $50 per person—is an excellent way to savor a variety of these exciting flavors without having to make a lot of decisions.

Crudo from Bibi Ji, courtesy photo.

Crudo from Bibi Ji, courtesy photo.

In addition to a “serve yourself” assortment of beers which made my husband’s heart sing, Bibi Ji’s carefully curated wine offerings are designed to complement the playful menu. The wines focus on highlighting organic, biodynamic and natural wines from artisanal producers in Europe, Australia and Santa Barbara. At the moment, producers include Gonon, Jean Michel Stephane, Allemand, Metras, Laporte and Richard Leroy, with varietals ranging from Gamay and Syrah to Riesling and Chenin Blanc, which pair well with the spices in many of the dishes.

Nearly all of the wines at the restaurant will also be available at Bibi Ji’s bottle shop, which is located inside the restaurant and offers an esoteric collection of more than 100 bottles.

Bibi Ji patio, photo by Collin Dewell.

Bibi Ji patio, photo by Collin Dewell.

The inviting interior, designed by Chef Singh, features a 40-seat dining room with exposed brick, high ceilings adorned with hanging golden chandeliers and a skylight that brings natural light into the space. A brown leather banquette spans along one side of the restaurant, and on the other side is the 15-seat bar. Pops of color come from red-cushioned dining chairs and bar stools, as well as from the vibrant Indian artwork that decorates the walls. Empty wine bottles, sourced from Parr’s personal collection, are showcased throughout the restaurant.

Bibi Ji is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit bibijisb.com or call 805/560-6845.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 2, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Happy Anniversary to Firestone Walker Barrelworks Wild Ales

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Courtesy Firestone Walker.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg 

It’s sure to be a wild party this weekend when Firestone Walker’s Wild Ale Facility in Buellton marks its fifth anniversary with a “Feral One” release party on Saturday, March 3.

Time flies when you’re behaving wildly. “It seems like just yesterday that we made this big bet on what had long been a pet project,” says Jeffers Richardson, director of Barrelworks. “In the five years since opening Barrelworks, we’ve really grown into our home and taken our wild ale machinations to an entirely new level.”

The five year milestone is being marked by a party that features the release of Feral One Batch #5. Feral One Batch #1 was Barrelworks’ inaugural bottled beer release. They describe Batch #5 as “an unruly blend of six vintage base beers that were reclaimed from the barrel stacks and artfully combined to create a mouthwatering marvel.”

Courtesy Firestone Walker.

Courtesy Firestone Walker.

Barrelworks was established in 2013 after Firestone Walker’s wild ale program outgrew the main brewery in Paso Robles. It has since become known as a “cathedral of barrels” that produces an acclaimed variety of sour beers and hybrid ales under the watchful eyes of Richardson and Master Blender Jim Crooks.

The festivities take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at Firestone Walker Barrelworks (620 McMurray Rd., Buellton). Tickets include pre-purchased bottles of Feral One Batch #5; a “pig plate” to build your own tacos or sliders (pig roasted on site); live music by The Ragged Jubilee; tastings of rare wild ales and barrel-aged beers; plus light bites while supplies last and a one-time 25% savings card good for merchandise and beer purchases (with exception of Feral One) that day.

Ticket Options:

  • $75 – includes three (3) bottles of Feral One & food plate
  • $125 – includes six (6) bottles of Feral One & food plate
  • $225 includes – 12 bottles of Feral One & food plate

    Courtesy Firestone Walker.

    Courtesy Firestone Walker.

For more details and to purchase tickets for event, click here. Check out Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine‘s spring 2017 story, “Where the Wild Brews Are,” here.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 2, 2018.

Web Exclusive: Rock N Roll Tequila Recipes

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Photo courtesy Rock N Roll Tequila.

Photo courtesy Rock N Roll Tequila.

Read our interview with Rock N Roll Tequila founder and Santa Barbara local Andy Herbst in the spring issue of Santa Barbara Seasons.

Meanwhile here are some of Herbst’s favorite ways to imbibe.

ROCK ‘N’ RITA (Rock N Roll Platinum Tequila)

Forget the sugar, sugar. This Rita gets her sweetness straight from tequila’s agave heart.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 lime slices or wedges
  • 2 oz. Platinum Tequila
  • 1 tablespoon agave syrup (nectar)
  • 2 oz. cup fresh lime juice

DIRECTIONS: Rub 1 lime slice over half the rim of an Old Fashioned glass (if you prefer your Margarita on the rocks) or a coupe glass (if you prefer it up). Combine tequila, agave syrup, and juice in a cocktail shaker; fill with ice and shake well. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with second lime slice.

AMPED MOJITO (Rock N Roll Platinum Cristalino)

Are you ready to party? This refreshing twist of a beauty will help get you there.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 oz. Cristalino Tequila
  • Big handful of fresh mint leaves
  • 1 ½ limes, quartered
  • 1 oz. simple syrup
  • Soda water
  • Sprigs of mint for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Place ice cubes, mint leaves, tequila and simple syrup in the blender or cocktail shaker. Squeeze in the juice from the limes and divide the limes between each glass. Blend or shake until well combines. Divide between the glasses and top with soda water and sprigs of mint.

Go Man Go (Rock N Roll Mango Tequila)

One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready…

INGREDIENTS

  • 5oz. Mango Tequila

DIRECTIONS: Serve loud and chilled

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 1, 2018.

Sugaray Rayford Headlines SB Blues Society 41st Birthday Show

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Sugaray Rayford, photo by Jeffrey Sipress.

Sugaray Rayford, photo by Jeffrey Sipress.

Santa Barbara Blues Society (SBBS) celebrates its 41st. birthday with a gala show on Saturday, March 3 at the Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St.

Featured performers are dynamic singer Sugaray Rayford and his seven-piece band.  Rayford has been nominated for eight Blues Music Awards from the Blues Foundation.  His last appearance for the SBBS, four years ago, drew a large crowd that filled the dance floor and sent him off with a standing ovation.

Opening for him is Santa Barbara’s own youth blues band, East Valley Road, recently back from representing the SBBS at the International Blues Challenge’s youth division.

Doors open at 7 p.m.; East Valley Road will play from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.; Rayford and his band will play two long sets, starting at 8 p.m., with an intermission.

Tickets are available  at www.SBBlues.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 1, 2018.