Tag archives: outdoor dining

The Coast Village Road War Just Got Hotter
By Bob Hazard   |   September 13, 2022

Hours after last week’s Montecito Journal went to press, the war between the restaurants and the retailers over the future of Coast Village Road (CVR) got hotter.  Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse expressed his written opinion regarding his long-term commitment to the continuation of parklets on CVR. At the same time, CVR retailer Kevin Frank, […]

Pedestrian-only Areas in Germany
By Montecito Journal   |   August 23, 2022

I saw a letter by Jeffrey Harding about CVR and removing the parklets. He just wants it to go back to the way it was – this is a mistake in my opinion. I am from Germany originally and know of the commercial value of pedestrian-only areas. Check out some images of this small city […]

Feasting Al Fresco: Plan an Unforgettable Picnic
By Claudia Schou   |   August 16, 2022

Picture yourself on a cool summer evening sitting on a Mexican blanket listening to the sound of waves rushing across the sand. There’s a divine spread laid out, guests are lounging on oversized pillows and nibbling on homespun delicacies such as shredded chicken and bean taquitos and grapefruit, avocado, and walnut salad. There are a […]

With Statewide Lifting of Stay-at-Home Order, Outdoor Dining Finally Returns to Santa Barbara County
By Nick Schou   |   February 4, 2021

Just a day after California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the end of a months-long, statewide stay-at-home order, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department officially allowed outdoor dining to take effect at exactly 8 am on Tuesday, January 26. According to First District Supervisor Das Williams, he first heard word of the coming news over […]

Letters to the Editor
By Montecito Journal   |   January 14, 2021

Comic Relief For the funniest line ever to appear in the Journal, the Oscar goes to:  “As of press time, Jesus Christ was unavailable for comment due to commitments elsewhere.” LOL, LOL, LOL! Thanks Nick, I needed that. LeeAnn MorganMontecito Identifying Dangerous Mask Deniers How will public health officials, ambulance drivers, and the TSA distinguish […]

Letters to the Editor
By Montecito Journal   |   December 24, 2020

The Governor Who Stole Christmas The Board of Supervisors approved sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom at last Tuesday’s meeting. I was elated to hear Adams and Lavagnino lead a stronger pushback with the idea of keeping our County evaluated separately. However, Santa Barbara County needs to take even a stronger stand with a […]

Over a Hundred Protest in Support of Outdoor Dining on Coast Village Road
By Nick Schou   |   December 24, 2020

More than one hundred Montecito and Santa Barbara residents gathered at noon on Saturday, December 12 in front of Tre Lune Ristorante to protest California Governor Gavin Newsom’s ban on outdoor dining in several Southern California counties including Santa Barbara. Although Newsom’s order aims to help local hospitals avoid an unmanageable spike in COVID-19 patients […]

Summerland’s Outdoor Eats
By Claudia Schou   |   December 10, 2020

With City officials urging a Safer at Home order aiming to slow the spread of the coronavirus, now more than ever is the time to support local businesses. Indoor dining is banned for the time being, and as we move into the winter months, dining outdoors is not ideal. But Summerland, a sleepy seaside community, […]

Fall’s Outdoor Feasts and Epicurean Classes
By Claudia Schou   |   October 21, 2020

In Santa Barbara, complying with evolving health guidelines and ensuring guests’ safety has been a challenge that restaurateurs, winemakers, and hoteliers have faced with energy and creativity. Perfecting the outdoor dining experience with new furnishings and socially distanced seating and alcoves for privacy are part of today’s operation. Outside areas, sidewalks, gardens, and parking lots […]

Convivo – A World of Flavor in Every Bite
By Claudia Schou   |   September 10, 2020

For those who want to venture outside their usual comfort zone, Convivo allows diners to expand their cuisine horizons far beyond the expected. The Italian fusion eatery nestled on the ocean side of Santa Barbara Inn offers traditional Italian fare married to exotic, rustic world cuisine. Sesame flat breads, seven-hour veal Bolognese served on house-made […]

Stonehouse Honored for Outdoor Dining
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   August 27, 2020

Last week, the Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch was honored in an article by the Michelin Guide, marking it as one of 11 “Must-See” outdoor dining venues in the United States. With restaurants across the country forced to make the most of outdoor dining venues given the ongoing pandemic, the article makes note of nearly […]

Little Dom’s Opens New Seafood Concept in Carpinteria
By Claudia Schou   |   August 13, 2020

Step inside Little Dom’s Seafood’s newly opened Carpinteria location and be transported back to a time in the mid-20th century when red faux leather booths were en vogue and portraits of famous Italian patrons were displayed on walls like badges of honor. Back then, neighborhood restaurants serving traditional Italian American fare were indies, not part […]

San Ysidro Ranch Opens Three Outdoor Restaurants to Public
By Steven Libowitz   |   August 6, 2020

Warner said he had kept the San Ysidro Ranch open throughout the pandemic because the 41-cottage property is well suited for social distancing. The only time the hotel has been closed since Warner purchased it in 2000, was in the aftermath of the January 8, 2018 mudslides, which destroyed half the property. Unlike his other […]

SB Event Co.: Setting the Stage for Custom Dining
By Claudia Schou   |   July 30, 2020

Uneasy about dining outdoors in public? Bring the chef to your home for an intimate social distance gathering with loved ones On a recent sunny afternoon, Chas Escalante, SB Event Co.’s co-founder and chef, takes a tape measure in hand to assess spacing for a backyard barbecue at a home perched atop the Riviera. Just […]

Mesa Burger Opens on Coast Village Road
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   July 23, 2020

Popular Santa Barbara eatery Mesa Burger has made its long-awaited debut on Coast Village Road, officially opening for business on Tuesday, July 21. “It’s been a long time coming,” said owner Chris Chiarappa when we stopped by the restaurant a few weeks before the opening, as Chiarappa was busy building a parklet to accommodate social […]

Village Eateries Pivot Again
By Claudia Schou   |   July 16, 2020

No indoor dining? No problem! Local eateries pivot to al fresco service – Montecito style French bistro tables, olive trees, and soft breezes stirring lavender blossoms. These days, dining is a moveable feast as restaurants pivot, creating stunning al fresco settings. A state mandate to curb a surge in COVID-19 called for the immediate closure […]