Tag Archives: Santa Barbara County

Local Lowdown: Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine Opens in La Arcada

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Buratta + Heirloom Tomato at Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine, courtesy photo.

Buratta + Heirloom Tomato at Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine, courtesy photo.

“Our goal is to be an Italian pub, no white linen, but a white linen level Italian dining experience without the white linen,” is how owner Brendan Searls (of Viva!, Dargan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, and Pizza Mizza fame) describes his newest restaurant venture. He and his wife Kourtney decided to open Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine (“Mizza”) when a prime location with a State Street front patio became available in the historic La Arcada Plaza, which is also home to their Mexican restaurant Viva!

“This part of town is going through a renaissance, and this was a unique opportunity that doesn’t come up very often,” says Searls. The newly renovated restaurant space—formerly home to La Arcada Bistro and Barcliff and Bair before that—features handmade artisan pizzas, handmade pastas, salads and a selection of carefully selected house specialties using local fresh produce, locally caught fresh fish, free-range chicken and Harris Ranch CAB meats.

Tagliatelle + Mussels at Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine, courtesy photo.

Tagliatelle + Mussels at Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine, courtesy photo.

Mizza is “ideally situated in the 1100 block of State Street, with beautiful patios on both sides of the restaurant,” says Searls. “We will be striving to provide Santa Barbara with a reasonably priced but a casually excellent dining experience.”

With 80 outdoor patio seats and full bar service available, Mizza is sure to be a popular spot on warm summer afternoons and evenings. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner service daily, with brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays. Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine opened on June 1, and plans for a wine bar are also in the works for later in the summer.

Arugula + Prosciutto Pizza at Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine, courtesy photo.

Arugula + Prosciutto Pizza at Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine, courtesy photo.

Mizza Artisan Pizza and Italian Cuisine, 1112 State St., Santa Barbara, at the entrance to the beautiful La Arcada Plaza.

—Leslie Dinaberg

This story was originally published in the 2018 summer issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Local Dish: Finch & Fork Welcomes New Chef

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Finch & Fork Executive Sous Chef Peter Cham, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork Executive Sous Chef Peter Cham, courtesy photo.

Santa Barbara native Peter Cham recently took over the kitchen at Finch & Fork, when longtime Executive Chef James Siao left to expand his culinary horizons overseas at one of Kimpton’s international properties. Lucky for us, Cham has served as Siao’s right-hand-man for more than two years, and is eagerly up to the challenge of taking over the culinary helm at the Canary Hotel’s signature restaurant.

Finch & Fork's Salmon, with preparation, which included beluga lentils, asparagus, pancetta, green peppercorn hollandaise, capers and baby turnip, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s Salmon, with preparation, which included beluga lentils, asparagus, pancetta, green peppercorn hollandaise, capers and baby turnip, courtesy photo.

If our recent meal is any indication, Cham is more than up to the task. We put ourselves in his capable hands and sampled an excellent array of flavors, including delicious Blistered Shishito Peppers with charred lime aioli, crispy quinoa; Cauliflower with romesco, hazelnut dukkah and lemon (even my “vegetable adverse” husband liked these flavors); and a mouthwatering preparation of Burrata & Spring Peas with preserved lemon, pickled shallots, mint, tangerine, sunflower seeds and grilled artisan bread that I’m still dreaming about. Not only was this dish perfectly balanced, a portion of its proceeds are even donated to No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit movement of teachers, chefs, community leaders, parents, lawmakers and CEOs with a shared belief: no kid in America should go hungry.

Finch & Fork's Burrata & Spring Peas with preserved lemon, pickled shallots, mint, tangerine, sunflower seeds and grilled artisan bread, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s Burrata & Spring Peas with preserved lemon, pickled shallots, mint, tangerine, sunflower seeds and grilled artisan bread, courtesy photo.

Also on the No Kid Hungry donation menu is a melt-in-your-mouth Short Rib with parsnip purée, radish, gremolata and dandelion greens. We also really enjoyed the unusual Salmon preparation, which included beluga lentils, asparagus, pancetta, green peppercorn hollandaise, capers and baby turnip.

Finch & Fork's Short Rib with parsnip purée, radish, gremolata and dandelion greens, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s Short Rib with parsnip purée, radish, gremolata and dandelion greens, courtesy photo.

Other highlights on Cham’s most recent dinner menu include Fresh Ricotta Cavatelli with house made sausage ragout, braised Tuscan kale, crème fraiche, fennel pollen and parmigiana; Kanpachi Crudo with avocado and cilantro crema, pickled pearl onions, jicama, yuzu and jalapeño; and Sea Scallops with gold beet relish, grapefruit, chorizo vinaigrette and sliced avocado.

Finch & Fork's Cauliflower with romesco, hazelnut dukkah and lemon, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s Cauliflower with romesco, hazelnut dukkah and lemon, courtesy photo.

A culinary grad from City College of San Francisco, Cham has worked and staged at some of San Francisco’s most notable restaurants, including Radius, Coi, Quince and Fifth Floor.

“There’s no better chef to take over the kitchen at Finch & Fork,” says James Siao. “Chef Cham is a natural leader who is extremely talented and passionate about what he does. He has always been invested in Finch & Fork and Santa Barbara’s community.”

Cham returned to Santa Barbara from the Bay Area in 2015, where he took post at the popular Hungry Cat before calling Finch & Fork his home. He says he plans to stay true to the high quality menus we’ve come to enjoy at Finch & Fork—”seasonally driven dishes served in simple, unfussy presentations with a touch of whimsy.”

Finch & Fork’s cocktail, The Drive Home, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s cocktail, The Drive Home, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s cocktail, Rattle and Hum, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s cocktail, Rattle and Hum, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s Fire Roasted Milk Shake is a great way to top off your meal, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork’s Fire Roasted Milk Shake is a great way to top off your meal, courtesy photo.

Finch & Fork, Canary Hotel, 31 West Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, 805/879-9100. For more information, click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on June 6, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Belvedere Vodka’s New Ginger Zest Flavor

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Ginger Zest Spritz, courtesy Belvedere.

Ginger Zest Spritz, courtesy Belvedere.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Belvedere Vodka‘s new Ginger Zest flavor recently hit the shelves and it’s perfect for the warmer days of late spring and summer. A delicious and refreshing blend of tangy ginger and juicy spring lemon with a touch of grapefruit, it works well in a wide variety of drinks.

Belvedere’s distinctive, time-intensive maceration process ensures its Dankowskie Gold rye vodka is imbued with real spices and fruit, reinforcing its 100% natural, no sugar added and non-GMO Polish Rye philosophy. Ginger Zest is created by extracting fragrant oils from pure ginger, spring lemons and grapefruit that have been immersed in Belvedere Vodka. The result is a delicious, smooth liquid of uncompromising quality and character, infused with notes of ginger spice and balanced with zesty citrus.

The vodka’s delicious with a simple splash of tonic and lime or grapefruit juice.

Belvedere Polish Mule, courtesy Belvedere.

Belvedere Polish Mule, courtesy Belvedere.

“For something even better, Chef and wellness expert Candice Kumai, embracing the roots inherited from her Polish father, partnered with Belvedere to create dishes that paired with the following Ginger Zest signature cocktails.”

Polish Mule 

Belvedere's new ginger zest vodka, courtesy photo.

Belvedere’s new ginger zest vodka, courtesy photo.

2 oz Belvedere Ginger Zest

.5 oz Lime Juice

.25 oz Simple Syrup

5 oz Ginger Beer

3-4 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

Whip, shake, dump and top with soda. Garnish with lime wheel.

 

Ginger Zest Spritz

1 oz Belvedere Ginger Zest 

.75 oz Lime Juice

.5 oz Honey Syrup

4 oz Soda Water

Build in spritz glass. Garnish with ginger and lime slices.

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 believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com.

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

10 West Gallery: The Nature of Things

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Ben Riddering "Whorl," reclaimed wood from the fires, 58 x 16 x 35 tall, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Ben Riddering “Whorl,” reclaimed wood from the fires, 58 x 16 x 35 tall, on view at 10 West Gallery.

The Nature of Things opens on Thursday, May 31, at 10 West Gallery in downtown Santa Barbara.

On view until June 25, with an artist’s reception on Thursday, June 7, from 5-8 p.m., this exhibit features work from guest artist Ben Riddering, who shows his large abstract sculptures, made from the unburned hearts of trees lost to wildfire. Also on view is work by guest artist Lynn Brown, who shows embellished/repurposed masks from around the world. Guest artist Jim McKinniss shows black and white photography of a surreal nature.

Lynn Cunningham Brown, "VaVaVaVoom," vintage Balinese hand-carved wood mask embellished with studs, Swarovski crystals, tacks, weasel fur, glitter, Chinese rooster and jungle cock feathers, 10x7x4 inches, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Lynn Cunningham Brown, “VaVaVaVoom,” vintage Balinese hand-carved wood mask embellished with studs, Swarovski crystals, tacks, weasel fur, glitter, Chinese rooster and jungle cock feathers, 10x7x4 inches, on view at 10 West Gallery.

In addition, the exhibition includes work by 10 West members Penny Arntz, Rick Doehring, Maria Miller, Lisa Pedersen and Iben G. Vestergaard.

10 West artwork can be seen at www.10westgallery.com and the gallery (including participating guest artists) is also represented on the international web site: www.artsy.net/10-west-gallery.

Brad Nuorala, "Urban Life," acrylic on canvas, 50" x 42" on view at 10 West Gallery.

Brad Nuorala, “Urban Life,” acrylic on canvas, 50″ x 42″ on view at 10 West Gallery.

Iben Vestergaard, "Cross Section," 48x36, silicate and mixed media on canvas, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Iben Vestergaard, “Cross Section,” 48×36, silicate and mixed media on canvas, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Penny Arntz, "Filament," acrylic on panel, 24 x 24, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Penny Arntz, “Filament,” acrylic on panel, 24 x 24, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Maria Miller, "Escaping the Present Moment," limited edition digital collage 1/5, archival pigment inks on fine art paper, 30x20 inches, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Maria Miller, “Escaping the Present Moment,” limited edition digital collage 1/5, archival pigment inks on fine art paper, 30×20 inches, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Closed Tuesdays, the gallery (10 W. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805/770-7711) is open daily from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and from noon-5 p.m. on Sundays.  

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on May 30, 2018.

Brian Culbertson

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Brian Culbertson, courtesy photo.

Brian Culbertson, courtesy photo.

Brian Culbertson brings his Colors of Love Tour to the Lobero Theatre on Wednesday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m.

With love, romance and his recent 20th wedding anniversary serving as his inspiration, Jazz and R & B Pianist Culbertson crafted 13 new songs that were released as Colors of Love on Valentine’s Day. The seduction begins with the first single, the amorous title track, which is a sensual R&B groove illuminated by lyrical acoustic piano melodies typical of the collection’s contents.

A nearly three-month-long U.S. concert tour will bring “Colors of Love” to life in a vivid theatrical production, incorporating video elements in a major way.

The Lobero Theatre is located at 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lobero.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on May 27, 2018.

Compañía Nacional de Danza

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Compañía Nacional de Danza, photo by Jesús Vallinas.

Compañía Nacional de Danza, photo by Jesús Vallinas.

The illustrious Compañía Nacional de Danza (CND), Spain’s national dance company, returns to Santa Barbara with a work that is a statement of its compelling artistic direction. Presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures for two nights—March 6-7, both at 8 p.m. at The Granada Theatre (1214 State St.)—Johan Inger’s Carmen is a visionary retelling of mythic and universal elements of passion and violence.

This contemporary presentation of Carmen, a classic opera first performed in 1875, had its debut in 2015 and won the coveted Benois de la Danse prize for choreography in 2016. It tells the tale through the eyes of a child, with its heroine a courageous and modern woman, the mountains of Ronda reimagined as poor suburbs, the military now senior executives and the bullfighter recast as a movie star.

This Santa Barbara premiere marks one of only three cities in the U.S. presenting this magnificent story ballet.

Compañía Nacional de Danza, photo by Jesús Vallinas.

Compañía Nacional de Danza, photo by Jesús Vallinas.

When Inger was asked to create a new version of Carmen, himself being Swedish and Carmen a piece with a strong Spanish nature, he faced a challenge. But it was also a great opportunity. He strips tale to its most fundamental themes, introducing the perspective of a child to reveal the universal appeal of the story.

“There is a certain mystery within this character,” explains Inger. “It could be any kid; it could be Don José when he was a boy, and it could be a young Michaela or Carmen and José’s unborn child. It could even be ourselves, with our very first goodness wounded due to a violent experience that, though brief, has had a negative impact in our lives and our ability to interact with others forever.”

For tickets and more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures at 805/893-3535 or visit ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu, or contact The Granada Theatre at 805/899-2222 or granadasb.org.

In addition to the performances on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the company also presents, in collaboration with Gustafson Dance, a Community Dance Class with Compañía Nacional de Danza on Monday, March 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Gustafson Dance, 2285 Las Positas Rd. Observers are welcome. Call 805/563-3262 to register. 

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

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Nicola Benedetti, courtesy CAMA.

Nicola Benedetti, courtesy CAMA.

CAMA’s International Series presents Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment on Tuesday, February 13, at 8 p.m. at The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.

The program includes: Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No.4 in B-flat Major, Op.60 (1806) and Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61 (1806).

For the past 30 years, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment has shocked, changed and mesmerized the music world by reinventing the orchestra. Working with several principal artists, not just one conductor, and performing repertoire from a variety of eras on period-specific instruments, the London-based ensemble stands for excellence, diversity and exploration. It has become the toast of the European touring circuit with annual performances at London’s most prominent arts centers including the Southbank Centre, BBC Proms and Glyndebourne.

Nicola Benedetti is one of the most sought after violinists of her generation. Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on February 10, 2018.

PuppetPalooza Kick-Off Fundraiser

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Come play with the puppets this weekend when PuppetPalooza Central—Museum and Theatre  celebrates their opening with a fundraiser extravaganza on Saturday, January 27, from 4-7 p.m. in Paseo Nuevo.

The festivities  honor Santa Barbara’s beloved anchorman John Palminteri and the KEYT News Channel 3 team for going above and beyond with their coverage of the Thomas Fire and aftermath in Santa Barbara County. A special  “John Palminteri Puppet” will perform live with “The Palm.”

The Muppets will headline the Puppetpalooza Festival on Mar. 2 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre. Courtesy photo.

The Muppets will headline the Puppetpalooza Festival on Mar. 2 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre. Courtesy photo.

Guests also will enjoy a showcase of the puppetry attractions coming to PuppetPalooza, as well as live performances, and and light bites and beverages.

“We hope our joyous festival filled with music, puppets, families and fun can bring renewed hope and laughter to our entire community after a winter season that has been difficult for everyone and tragic for too many,” states festival creator Mitchell Kriegman. “Honoring those in our community who have been reporting about our tireless first responders and informing all of us about these pressing events seemed like the best way to kick off our festival.”

Featured at the fundraiser, and on display throughout the season at PuppetPalooza Central, is noted puppeteer—and Vice Chair and Director of Dance of the UCSB Theater and Dance Department—Christina McCarthy and her handcrafted puppets. 

The Paseo Nuevo headquarters also features the regional debut screenings of Handmade Puppet Dreams presented by Heather Henson, the daughter of legendary puppeteer Jim Henson. Handmade Puppet Dreams is a traveling film series that promotes independent artists exploring their handmade craft specifically for the screen. 

Fundraiser tickets are $25 and are available for purchase online here or at PuppetPalooza Central in Paseo Nuevo (301 Paseo Nuevo). For more information, visit puppetpaloozasb.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 25, 2018.

Local Dish: Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week

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Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week returns Jan. 21-27 to showcase wine country restaurants at once-a-year prices.  Back for the eighth consecutive year, Restaurant Week features three-course meals prepared by the Valley’s most creative chefs for just $20.18 Foodies can savor a rare value to celebrate the food and wine pairings that have made this region a gem in California Wine Country.

Representing each of the Santa Ynez Valley’s six distinct communities, 26 restaurants—ranging from the region’s emerging establishments to long-time favorites—will participate in Restaurant Week this year. The list includes a Puerto Rican-inspired menu at Industrial Eats in Buellton, which is donating 100% of the proceeds to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

This year’s list of participating restaurants includes:

RESTAURANTS
Ballard

The Ballard Inn & Gathering Table, 2436 Baseline Ave., 800/638-2466

Buellton

 

Bottlest Winery Bar & Bistro, Bottle Branding photo.

Bottlest Winery Bar & Bistro, Bottle Branding photo.

Bottlest Winery Bar & Bistro, 35 Industrial Way, 805/686-4742

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.,45 Industrial Way, 805/694-2252

Firestone Walker Brewing Co., 620 McMurray Rd., 805/697-4777

Hitching Post II, 406 E. Hwy 246, 805/688-0676

Industrial Eats, 181 Industrial Way, 805/688-8807

Los Alamos

Bob’s Well Bread Bakery, 550 Bell St., 805/344-3000

Plenty on Bell, 508 Bell St., 805/344-3020

Valle Fresh, 380 Bell St., 805/865-2282

The Bear and Star, photo by Grey Crawford.

The Bear and Star, photo by Grey Crawford.

Los Olivos

The Bear and Star, 2860 Grand Ave., 805/6861359

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, 2879 Grand Ave., 805/688-7265

The romantic S.Y. Kitchen Firepit at Night , Photo by Rocco Ceselin.

The romantic S.Y. Kitchen Firepit at Night , Photo by Rocco Ceselin.

Santa Ynez

The Lucky Hen Larder, 1095 Meadowvale Rd., 805/691-9448

S.Y. Kitchen, 1110 Faraday St., 805/691-9794

The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto St., 805/688-2886

Trattoria Grappolo, 3687 Sagunto St., 805/688-6899

Solvang

Cecco Ristorante, 475 1st St., 805/688-8880

First & Oak, 409 1st St., 805/688-1703

Fresco Valley Café, 442 Atterdag Rd., 805/688-8857

Leonardo’s Ristorante, 632 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805/686-0846

Mad & Vin at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., 805/688-3121

Petros Kafe, 487 Atterdag Rd., 805/686-5455

Root 246, 420 Alisal Rd., 805/686-8681

Santa Ynez Café, 606 Alamo Pintado Rd. #1, Solvang, 805/688-3543

Solvang Brewing Co., 1547 Mission Dr., 805/688-2337

Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie, 1555 Mission Dr., 805/691-9444

The Ridge, 1618 Copenhagen Dr., 805/325-9820

For the latest updates on Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week, including menus and dining hours, visit www.DineSYV.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Cocktail Corner: Toasting the New Year

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Local favorite band King Bee performs at Dargan's on New Year's Eve, courtesy photo.

Local favorite band King Bee performs at Dargan’s on New Year’s Eve, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to the New Year!  By Leslie Dinaberg

There’s no shortage of great ways to ring in the New Year in Santa Barbara County! Here are a few options to start 2018 off in style:

King Bee at Dargan’s, courtesy photo.

King Bee Dance Party at Dargan’s

One of my favorite local bands, King Bee, performs a rare New Year’s Eve at Dargan’s. They’ll have a full menu available, including a champagne toast and a filet and shrimp special, as well as loads of dancing and loads of fun! This is a ticket-only event ($10), with limited dinner seating.

Dargan’s is located at 18. E. Ortega St. in downtown Santa Barbara. For more information, click here.

The Bear and Star, photo by Grey Crawford.

The Bear and Star, photo by Grey Crawford.

The Bear and Star’s Jazzy Celebration

The Bear and Star, Los Olivos’ hot new restaurant, which has been quickly embraced by food lovers for Chef John Cox‘s inspired, refined ranch cuisine, celebrates New Year’s Eve with a lively jazz quartet reminiscent of bygone days and a five-course menu.

Begin the evening with a flute of complimentary Fesstivity Rosé Sparkling Wine and Sunny Side Quail Egg, Black River Caviar and Tater Tot; followed by a Spicy Winter Greens with Smoked Lamb Bacon, Caramelized Apple and Pomegranate Vinaigrette; then a course of Shrimp & Grits with Santa Barbara Spot Prawn and Stone Ground Grits. The main course is a Petite Wagyu Filet with Cast Iron Sunchoke Hash, Brussels Sprouts and Bone Marrow Bordelaise. Top off the evening with Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake with Fuyu Persimmon and Speculose. Pricing for the prix-fix New Year’s Eve Dinner is $95 per person, with optional pairings by General Manager and Sommelier Robert Williams offered at $50 per guest.

For reservations, call The Bear and Star (2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos) at 805/688-7788 or visit OpenTable.com

Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

New Year’s Eve 1920s Countdown Party at the Goodland

Party like its 1920 at Goleta’s Goodland and Outpost restaurant’s 1920s inspired countdown party! Wear your best flapper dress or pinstripe suit  and get into the speakeasy spirit. General admission tickets are $10, which gets you access to Goodbar and a champagne toast at midnight. VIP tickets are $20, which includes access to Goodbar and an exclusive speakeasy with a specialty welcome cocktail, passed appetizers specially a live jazz band and DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight.

The Goodland is located at 5650 Calle Real, Goleta. For tickets, go to https://nightout.com/events/new-years-eve-countdown-party/tickets.

DJ Darla Bea, courtesy photo.

DJ Darla Bea will spin into the wee hours on the rooftop at the Canary, courtesy photo.

Get Glitzed & Glammed Then Get Down at Finch & Fork and the Canary this New Year’s Eve

Kick off the New Year in style with dinner at Finch & Fork, where Executive Chef James Siao prepares a tasteful a la carte menu with specials set to festive décor and served with a champagne toast. Guests can also ring in the New Year by taking part in Finch & Fork’s New Year’s Eve tradition, where from 11 p.m.-midnight they’ll be serving complimentary passed bites and offering a midnight toast. Reservations: 805/879-9100

After dinner, head to the Canary’s rooftop for spectacular views and, starting at 9 p.m., the Canary’s Glitz, Glam & Get Down rooftop celebration, which includes a welcome cocktail, midnight toast and sweet bites from Finch & Fork. DJ Darla Bea will be spinning and setting the tone for the New Year! Tickets to the Glitz, Glam & Get Down party at Canary are $110, and can be purchased at NightOut.com.

 The Canary and Finch & Fork are located in downtown Santa Barbara at 31 West Carrillo St. Call 805/879-9100 for reservations.

Champagne, courtesy S.Y. Kitchen.

Champagne, courtesy S.Y. Kitchen.

Ring in the New Year at S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez 

In dedication to the rich provisions found in the Central Coast, Chef Luca Crestanelli and his brother, Sous Chef Francesco, have planned a bountiful and elegant dinner to celebrate New Year’s Eve. 

In addition to S.Y. Kitchen’s dinner menu, start the evening off with a platter of freshly-shucked Kumamoto Oysters with Mignonette; or a Dungeness Crab Salad with Frisée, Mushroom, Green Apple and Pomegranate. For the Pasta course, try Francesco’s hand-made Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Oxtail Ragout and Pecorino Romano. Main courses include fresh Wood-Fired Roasted Orata with Saffron-Braised Fennel, Tomato Confit and Roasted Castelvetrano Olives; and a tender Wood-Oven Grilled Delmonico Steak with Porcini Mushrooms, Polenta and Black Truffles. Finish the evening with an extraordinary Italian Tortino al Cioccolato crafted by Francesco Crestanelli.

Optional wine suggestions by Sommelier Bingo Wathen are also available by the glass or bottle, featuring Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut; Araldica Barbaresco 2014; and Ronco del Gelso Pinot Grigio 2015. The holiday menu items are offered à la carte and are meant to be enjoyed alongside other seasonal offerings and signature dishes from S.Y. Kitchen’s dinner menu.

S.Y. Kitchen is located at 1110 Faraday St. in Santa Ynez.  For reservations, call 805/691-9794. 

Chumash Casino Resort New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring The Boogie Knights and The Spazmatics

Fill your New Year’s Eve with flashbacks from the 1970s and ’80s as you dance the night—and the year—away at the Chumash Casino.

The party kicks off at 9 p.m. in the Samala Showroom and is free for all Club Indulge members. The Boogie Knights were originally formed in 1992 as a Halloween gag in Los Angeles. Almost overnight, the group took the live music scene by storm. Complete with choreography, polyester, afros and bell bottoms, The Boogie Knights have been proclaimed “The greatest disco revival show in the world.” You can expect to hear covers from Disco sensations such as Heatwave, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, The Bee Gees, Kool and the Gang, the Village People, Rick James and Earth, Wind and Fire.

When The Spazmatics take the stage, you’ll find yourself feeling right back in the 1980s. Complete with skinny ties, brylcreem hair, and horn-rimmed glasses, The Spazmatics deliver the ultimate new wave ‘80s show. The band specializes in music from favorites such as Duran Duran, Men at Work, The Knack, Thomas Dolby, Men Without Hats and Devo.

The Chumash Casino is located  at 3400 Hwy. 246 in Santa Ynez, Tickets for all events are available at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Club Indulge or online at www.chumashcasino.com. 

For even more New Year’s Eve celebration ideas, Visit Santa Barbara has compiled a great list. Go here to to get the scoop!

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 December 22, 2017.