East Valley Kitchen Coming To Montecito

Posted on February 22, 2023 by toddrickallen

Like many in LA, Santa Barbara is one of my preferred destinations for a quick weekend getaway. And while the restaurant scene is constantly evolving there (Hello? A wildly popular new L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele?), I’m sure that we all have our tried-and-true classics that we return to time and time again. With its romantic fireplace patio, one hidden gem that was a favorite of the graying Hollywood set for years was Italian eatery Piatti at 516A San Yisidro Rd. in Montecito’s Upper Village. Sadly, that closed down a few years ago and was replaced by a wine bistro, also now closed. Now there is an ABC application on the front announcing that a new restaurant is moving into the cozy, nostalgic space. There doesn’t seem to be much information yet on East Valley Kitchen (except this little tidbit), but I’m hoping they keep that back patio.

Cava Restaurant & Bar Closes On Coast Village Rd, Montecito Weeps…

Posted on October 15, 2021 by toddrickallen

I was shocked to discover on a recent trip to Santa Barbara that perennial favorite Cava Restaurant & Bar has closed up shop after 25 years. The elegant Mexican eatery had been an iconic presence on Coast Village Rd. in Montecito and was known for brunch and margaritas. SantaBarbara.com has the owner, Carlos López-Hollis‘ gracious goodbye and explanation, in which he cites the Thomas Fire and Pandemic as reasons. Sad…

Pickles & Swiss Bringing Premium Sandwiches From Santa Barbara To The Valley

Posted on January 17, 2020 by toddrickallen

I recently noticed plywood covering the front of one of the spaces in The Village part of Westfield Topanga & The Village in Canoga Park. Large graphics reveal that Pickles & Swiss is moving in. P&S is a premium sandwich shop with two locations in the Santa Barbara area. They feature a menu of hot and cold sandwiches, build-your-own sandwiches, panini, wraps, soup, and intriguingly, something called “pickled popcorn”.

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Ca’Dario Trattoria & Pizzeria Coming To Montecito

Posted on July 25, 2019 by toddrickallen

For those of you who take your staycations in Montecito comes this news: A popular name in Santa Barbara Italian fare is opening a branch in the Coast Village Plaza at 1187 Coast Village Road. Ca’Dario Trattoria & Pizzeria will be battling stiff competition along the already red sauce laden strip. We wish them the best of luck…

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The Hungry Cat Closes In Santa Monica, Closing In Santa Barbara As Well!

Posted on November 25, 2016 by toddrickallen

Recently, a reader pointed out to me that Santa Monica’s outlet of David Lentz’s seafood joint, The Hungry Cat appeared to be closed. When I went by to inspect last week, a note in the window stated that they were closed for renovations (frequently restaurant code for permanently closed). However, in the past week, a prominent sign announcing restaurant space available went up that lets us know that they have indeed closed. Any mention of the Santa Monica branch has been scrubbed from the website and Yelp lists it as closed. But that’s not all: The website also declares that the Santa Barbara branch will also be shutting down. They list a number of reasons including; declining business, the current economic climate, and an offer they couldn’t refuse. They will be open until Christmas. The Hollywood branch will apparently remain open.

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The Garden Bringing Beer Soon To Santa Barbara Public Market

Posted on March 31, 2016 by toddrickallen

Every now and again, I like to get out of the Westside and explore farther afield. One of the places that I occasionally check in on is the ambitious Santa Barbara Public Market. Recently things have gone the route of The Market in Santa Monica Place, with many of the original vendors closing down. Now only a smattering of shops remain open. But one courageous newcomer is attempting to buck that trend. Signs have gone up announcing that a new restaurant The Garden will be trying their luck in the old Forager’s Pantry space. According to the signs, we can expect “casual bar fare”, a large selection of craft beers, and many television screens airing global sports events.

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Trouble At Santa Barbara Public Market?

Posted on August 18, 2015 by toddrickallen

And while we’re on the subject of Santa Barbara… One of the locations of Rori’s Artisanal Creamery is in the Santa Barbara Public Market. You may remember that the anticipatory buzz was very high when SBPM first opened only last year. Well, recently I had a chance to check out its progress. Sadly, it appears that the market, often compared to San Francisco’s Ferry Building, may be having some of the difficulties that have plagued its predecessor The Market at Santa Monica Place, which is currently under redevelopment. Three of the original stores have now closed; Belcampo Meat Co., The Pasta Shoppe, and Crazy Good Bread. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery Coming Soon To Montana Ave.

Posted on August 14, 2015 by toddrickallen

With locations in Santa Barbara, it appears that popular ice cream shop Rori’s Artisanal Creamery is expanding south. Signs recently went up in the windows indicating that the LA area’s first Rori’s will be located at 910 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. No word on when the organic icy treats will be first available, and it looks like they’ve still got a way to go, but I’ll keep watching…

Toddrickallen

The Westside at Its Finest

Tag Archives: Santa Barbara