Maple & Marisella

To the Ritz-Carlton Bacara for a pre-opening bash for its new oceanside eatery Marisella, which replaces Angel Oak.

Chef and partner Danny Grant of Chicago’s Maple Hospitality Group calls the establishment, which opens this week, one that “creates dining experiences.”

The company also has restaurants in Miami, Florida, and Dallas, Texas.

Grant says his menu will offer local and seasonal seafood, handmade pasta, and wood-fired meats in the newly decorated Mediterranean-inspired nosheteria.

“This truly is a dream come true,” he says of the venture.

Among the 200 guests were travel writer Bill and Barbara Tomicki, winemaker Doug Margerum, and Santa Barbara Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez.