{"id":7896,"date":"2017-05-24T19:27:15","date_gmt":"2017-05-25T02:27:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=7896"},"modified":"2017-05-24T11:29:45","modified_gmt":"2017-05-24T18:29:45","slug":"local-dish-the-gathering-table-at-ballard-inn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=7896","title":{"rendered":"Local Dish: The Gathering Table at Ballard Inn"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"The

The new interior of the Gathering Table at Ballard Inn, photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Gathering Table at Ballard Inn<\/a>\u00a0is the\u00a0new restaurant concept from Chef Budi Kazali<\/a>, who has owned the property with his wife Chris Kazali\u00a0since 2004.<\/p>\n

Ballard Inn<\/a> has always been highly regarded for its romantic ambiance and award-winning cuisine, but the new restaurant and decor offers a much more\u00a0fun, casual and inviting experience. Rather than a special occasion place, it feels like a more welcoming spot to gather over incredible food that\u2019s meant to be shared.<\/p>\n

“M<\/span>odern farmhouse ambiance with Colonial influence” is how the team describes the new look\u2014designed by local interior designer Heather Saarloos\u2014and it’s pretty accurate. \u00a0As Budi explains,\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019re lucky that Ballard Inn has been a much-loved luxury destination over the years, but we felt it was time to introduce a new level of sophistication to our atmosphere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The

The Gathering Table at Ballard Inn photo by Tenley Fohl Photography.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Inn\u2019s 15 guest rooms, which have undergone various updates throughout the years, will also receive a refresh to convey a sense of continuity throughout the entire space.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a warm and inviting atmosphere, a long communal table and a menu featuring shared plates, The Gathering Table is \u201cmeant to be a gathering place for locals and visitors, a fun and inviting place to gather over incredible food,\u201d says Chris.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chef Budi Kazali, whose cuisine has been featured in such notable publications as Food and Wine<\/em> and The Wine Spectator<\/em>, and is also well known for his local TV show, The Inn Crowd<\/em>, has created a menu that features a large variety of creative shared plates and signature dishes highlighting local, seasonal produce and seafood. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur new restaurant\u2019s menu is much more comprehensive than before,\u201d shares Chris. \u201cThe concept of The Gathering Table has allowed Budi to be more creative with his food.\u201d Adds Budi, \u201cThe food is flavorful, seasonal and unique and there\u2019s truly something for everyone.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The

The Gathering Table at Ballard Inn, photos by Leslie Dinaberg.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0An artistic melding of\u00a0Asian, French\u00a0and California wine country cuisine, the new menu features a delicious selection of seasonal, locally sourced produce, seafood and meats. We sampled a wide array of dishes, all tasty. Particular favorites were Hamachi<\/strong> made with avocado and soy-yuzu vinaigrette; Sesame Caesar Salad<\/strong>; Hope Ranch Mussels<\/strong> with chorizo and garlic toast;\u00a0Pork & Shrimp Shumai<\/strong>\u00a0with ginger vinegar sauce and\u00a0Marinated Hanger Steak<\/strong>\u00a0with spicy charred Brussels sprouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe look forward to sharing our space with our community in hopes we can offer a place for locals and visitors to gather and enjoy the bounty of the area. We\u2019re happy that our renovations will further enhance Ballard Inn as an exceptional destination in Santa Barbara\u2019s wine country,\u201d says Budi.<\/span><\/p>\n

Built in 1985, Ballard Inn is located t 2436 Baseline Ave. in the historic township of Ballard, just 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara near Solvang. \u00a0To learn more about Ballard Inn & The Gathering Table, please visit\u00a0ballardinn.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2014Leslie Dinaberg<\/p>\n

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons<\/em><\/a> on May 23, 2017.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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