Last month I broke the news that Elubia’s Kitchen at 325 Rutherford Street in Goleta, is opening a second location at 6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Pueblo Pollo, Checo’s Mexican restaurant, Mojo, 805 Kabob, Lovin Oven Mediterranean Bakery & Cafe, Cafe Int’L, and others. Elubia’s Kitchen is a restaurant/catering business owned by Elubia and Ruben Orozco that provides Latin American food. I am happy to report they are now open. “This is our first brick and mortar store so we’ve been telling people on social media that we’re in Isla Vista, says Ruben Orozco. “We offer great plates with Latin American cuisines from different parts of Central America and Latin America. Our most popular plates are Pupusas, Nachos, Garnachas, and Dobladitas, and our entire menu is gluten-free.” Visit elubiaskitchen.com

Reader Cris S. passed me a message from Goodland BBQ which opened at 5725 Hollister Avenue in Goleta in March 2022, in the former long-time home of Alphie’s:

Dear BBQ Lovers
We’re excited to announce that our beloved Goodland BBQ business is up for sale, along with the opportunity to take over the lease! We welcome any reasonable offers, as we are eager to find the right buyer. With low rent and a turn-key operation, this is a fantastic chance to dive into the BBQ world. We’re committed to being here until we strike a deal, so let’s make A deal and make it happen! I will make It easy for you..
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Leave me a message.
ask for Tom
805-869-1950

Last July I broke the news that Takashi Ramen is coming to 7060 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, next to Smart & Final, in the former home of Pickles & Swiss. Today I received a press-release from the restaurant that says they arrive this month:

Takashi Ramen Unveils New Location in Goleta, California: Grand Opening on February 28th

Takashi Ramen, the premier destination for authentic Japanese ramen, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Goleta, California. The much-anticipated event will take place on February 28th, 2025, welcoming ramen enthusiasts and food lovers to experience a taste of Japan right in their neighborhood.

Takashi Ramen has built a reputation for its rich, savory broths, hand-crafted noodles, and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The new Goleta location will feature a diverse menu showcasing the restaurant’s signature ramen bowls, as well as a variety of appetizers, rice dishes, and unique desserts.

“We are excited to bring Takashi Ramen to the vibrant community of Goleta,” said Chef Natacha founder and owner of Takashi Ramen. “Our passion for authentic Japanese cuisine and commitment to quality will provide our guests with an exceptional dining experience. We can’t wait to share our love of ramen with everyone in Goleta.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Takashi Ramen will offer special promotions, including 10% off with any purchase on opening day and giveaways and prizes throughout the day

The new Takashi Ramen location is conveniently situated at 7060 Hollister Ave Suite 102, Goleta, CA 93117, near the Smart and Final supermarket. Doors will open at 11:00 AM, and the festivities will continue until 9:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the special promotions and to secure their spot in the ramen-loving crowd.

For more information about Takashi Ramen and the grand opening event, please visit our website at www.takashiramengoleta.com or follow us on Instagram at @Takashi8Ramen.

About Takashi Ramen: Takashi Ramen is a new concept founded by Chef Natacha in 2024 with a mission to bring authentic Japanese ramen to food enthusiasts on the Central Coast, along with Cagami Ramen our restaurant in Camarillo we are committed to quality and passion for culinary excellence. Takashi Ramen will become a beloved destination for ramen lovers everywhere.

This just in from reader Primetime:

“Danny Jimenez of Lito’s fame in Santa Barbara has passed away at 92. Lito’s is a long standing, locally owned Mexican restaurant with traditional recipes and a bustling in person or on line, grab and go lunch service. The Pozole was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network.”

Lito’s at 514 East Haley Street is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara offering traditional food with family recipes dating back more than 40 years.

Zen Yai Thai Cuisine, inside the Filipino Community Building at 425 State Street, closed last weekend after decades in business. Renovations have begun to create the future home of a new restaurant that will also serve Thai cuisine.

Last September I wrote that Yona Redz closed at 532 State Street and planned to move next to their Santa Playa Mariscos restaurant at 1230 State Street near the Granada Theatre. A “coming soon” sign at the future home of Yona Redz has been posted on the front of the business for months. Sources tell me that Yona Redz might have canceled plans and may transfer the lease to another restaurant to open in the space. As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.

In 1969, Roger and Carol Duncan scraped enough money together to open “Rusty’s Roast Beef” in Isla Vista at the corner of Embarcadero Del Norte and Pardall Road, where Dublin’s Sports Grill is now. Before their restaurant journey began, Roger was a produce manager in a local grocery store & Carol was busy teaching at Foothill Elementary & caring for their two young girls. Exploring their new home town of Santa Barbara, they found that there was no pizza place to take their kids and Rusty’s Pizza was born. They set their sights on creating a restaurant that served the highest quality pizza with great service and tons of family fun for the community, replacing their roast beef concept. Eventually the new pizza business expanded across the South Coast (plus Bakersfield) and the original Isla Vista location closed.

While riding my bike along Pardall Road recently, I found a clue that suggests a return to their roots might be in the works. A parking sign was recently updated at 6583 Pardall Road, just a block away from Rusty’s founding location, and the former home Rockfire Grill, Rincon Brewery, and Giovanni’s Pizza. The sign now says parking is reserved for Rusty’s Pizza.

Hi Restaurant Guy,

We will be making heart-shaped pizzas all week long Tuesday, February 11 thru Sunday, February 16.

Erin K.
Santa Barbara Pizza House
515 State Street

Reader IMissRexOfSB says that Takashi Ramen, coming soon to 7060 Hollister Avenue, the former home of Pickles & Swiss Deli, has posted their menu on the window and sent me a photo of it.

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce is presenting a special week-long event: a seven-day celebration of dining and beverage artistry in conjunction with the restaurant owners of the Lompoc Valley. Lompoc Restaurant Week is scheduled for February 17- 23 and will present a lineup of discounted dining options at participating restaurants and tasting rooms – a prix-fixe meal, a two-for-one dining option, a special event or wine/beer flight with pairings – all for $20.25 plus tax and tip. Visit lompoc.com.

Last summer I stopped by Yetz’s Bagels at 901 Embarcadero Del Mar Ste. 103 in Isla Vista and spoke with owner Daniel “Yetz” Dunietz who told me about the history and future of his business. He had recently closed his Dank Bowl Kitchen at that address and transitioned to bagels which he now ships to restaurants around town. He said at the time that he was looking for a second location in Goleta and now I am told he found one. Dunietz hopes to open his new eatery by the end of 2025 at 250 Storke Road, in a space that became available when Lucky Coin Laundry downsized.

Moby Dick Restaurant CEO Karl Hutterer let me know that his eatery has started a special dinner series called the Captain’s Table that are fun culinary events that also feature opportunities to learn about our local environments, the sustenance we get from them, and how to turn these great gifts from nature into good tasting food. The inaugural event, “Spiny Lobster Night,” will take place on February 18, at 6 p.m. and features the prized catch of the Santa Barbara Channel. Your evening includes: Tales from the Sea with Victoria Voss, veteran commercial fisher; Fascinating Lobster Lore from marine expert Dr. Kim Selkoe; Live Cooking Demonstration by Chef Scott Howard; Curated Wine Pairings by Sandhi Wines, Sta. Rita Hills; and a Three-Course prix fixe Feast celebrating our local spiny lobster. The cost is $80 per person, all-inclusive. Reservations and pre-payment required. Visit mobydicksb.com/about-us. Under “select an occasion” choose “Special Occasion.” Space is limited for this intimate dining experience.

Mission City Sandwich Shop, brought to you by lovers of all things sandwich, Paige and Nate Simandle, opens Thursday, February 13 at 1826 Cliff Drive Ste. A, the former home of Sweeties Ice Cream Shop. “We’ve lived in Santa Barbara County for over 40 years and are so blessed to be able to open our humble little Mom and Pop sandwich shop in such a beautiful, unique, and diverse place,” says Nate. “Our shop is all about fun, creative and quality sandwiches, as well as a safe and welcoming space with smiles and friendly service. Mission City Sandwich Shop is more than an amazing sandwich experience, it’s a place where strangers become neighbors. We’re so excited to meet you and share our passion for food and community.” Sandwich prices are around $15 and the menu include 11 varieties, a build-your-own option, three salad offerings, and a kids’ menu. All sandwiches come with a Claussen pickle spear and a Tootsie Pop. The eatery is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  View the menu.

Here is a message to you from reader Rip:

Hi John,

Just wanted to let you know that the FLIR Cafe [at 6769 Hollister Avenue in Goleta] has re-opened under new management. White Caps Beach Club is now running the cafe (whitecapsbeachclub.com). It’s open weekdays from 8 am to 1 pm for breakfast and lunch. Food is really good. It’s at the Teledyne-FLIR Building by Target Goleta, but is open to the public during that time. You can even order their breakfast items for lunch. Say hi to Enrique the manager. Really friendly guy. If there’s something you don’t see on the menu, he’s happy to try to work with you on that. They even on occasions serve a really good lobster roll. Even if it’s not on the menu, Enrique might be able to make it for you.

– Rip

Executive Chef Jason Paluska and his team at The Lark, 131 Anacapa Street , are offering a memorable evening of Southern hospitality with Southern Goods, a special dinner on Thursday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m. For one night only, The Lark’s signature communal dining experience transforms into a “soulful celebration of the South.” Guests will gather around the table to enjoy a curated menu that fuses the flavors of Chef Paluska’s Southern roots and culinary influences from the Gulf of Mexico with the fresh, coastal bounty of Santa Barbara. Pricing is $95 per guest, menu only; beverages additional. Reservations can be made at resy.com.

Today I received a message from Antonio Gerli, General Manager of The Ellwood restaurant coming to Goleta Beach, in the former home of Beachside Bar-Cafe, who tells me that the seaside dining destination hopes to open next week but does not yet have an exact day planned.

UPDATE: On Thursday, February 6, I mentioned on my radio show (Thursdays, 8:15 a.m., KLITE 101.7) that The Ellwood is opening next week and the station quickly received a call from listener Leo who said that the restaurant had a soft opening the previous day (February 5). Leo said that he enjoyed a nice meal and that the restaurant looks amazing. So The Ellwood might be open in some capacity but not officially.

Watch a video walk-thru of the South Coast’s newest restaurant.

Reader Steve C. tells me that Angel Oak restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara closed in January. I spoke to the Bacara and they said a new restaurant operated by a third party will replace it. Angel Oak opened in June 2016.

Good morning John,

I wanted to give you a few February updates for Padaro Beach Grill. For Valentine’s Day we will be offering 2 Prime Burgers or Veggie Burgers with cheese, 2 fries or side salads, 2 sodas with free refills, and a large fudge brownie to split for $29.95. We are also adding a BLT to our menu with 6 slices of center cut smoked bacon, fresh tomatoes, green leaf lettuce and mayonnaise on toasted sourdough for $10.25. Lastly, we are adding Tot-chos to our specials menu for $9.95, which includes a big plate of crunchy tater tots, topped with melted shredded cheese, black beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole. Diced tri-tip and grilled chicken may be added for additional charge.

Owner, Will Ransone

You know Valentine’s Day is near when round pizzas suddenly become scarce. Rusty’s Pizza is ready to deliver some serious love to your favorite valentine February 11-14. Their heart-shaped pizza is outlined with pepperoni and your choice of 2 toppings. Made from a large size pizza for $30.95, they are available online at rustyspizza.com or by calling 805-564-1111.

Sushi Bar 29 at 1134 Chapala Street now offers a discounted lunch special menu from 11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Monday to Friday. Included are Salmon Fried Rice, Beef Bowl ($13), Chicken Bowl, Chicken Veggie Bowl & Yaki Udon each ($12). All lunch specials are good for dine-in and take-out. Visit sushibar29.com

Local icon Pascucci, which has been a mainstay of the downtown restaurant scene since the early 1990s, is saying goodbye with an open letter to the Santa Barbara community.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that Pascucci Restaurant, a local favorite for 31 years, will close its doors mid-March, 2025,” says owner Laura Knight. “After 5 years at our current location of 509 State Street, we are losing our lease. We’ve had the honor of serving the Santa Barbara Community for decades. We began this adventure in a tiny spot (only 7 tables) in Paseo Nuevo where we spent our first 4 and 1/2 years. Next, we moved to a bigger location in Paseo Nuevo where we stayed for 21 years. In the much larger space, we were able to add several more tables and a full bar. When that lease expired 5 years ago, we moved to 509 State Street. Through all of these changes, we’ve consistently served good food, at a fair price, in a warm and friendly environment. Everything we make is fresh, homemade, and locally sourced, from Shalhoob Meat Company, to Kanaloa Seafoods, Santa Barbara Roasting Company, Jordano’s, and others. We are and have always been a local small business supporting other local small businesses.

“We’ve had customers tell us that they came to us on a first date, then they brought their kids in, who are now adults and bringing their own kids in. We’ve hosted countless celebrations, team dinners, girls’ night out, family gatherings, and meals shared by good friends. We will miss all of it-and YOU. As a proud sponsor of our beloved Summer Solstice parade and celebration, after 23 years of hosting our annual dine-out for Solstice fundraiser, we will very much miss this event, and I know our community will too…Please keep supporting our beloved parade! Be sure to come in over the next few weeks and enjoy a final meal with us. Our staff (some of whom have been with us for 20+ years) looks forward to continuing to serve you through mid-March (we are still working on the exact date with the new landlord). Sincerely, Laura Knight and staff”

The Restaurant Guy received this message from SB Black Culture House Community:

We wanted to reach out to you and let you know we are bringing back Santa Barbara Black Culture House for Black History Month this February. It took us a bit to confirm, but we will be returning to Soul Bites Restaurants [at 423 State Street] on Saturdays from 1PM to 4PM. We are still locking down our schedule and we will be sending it out shortly.

We are also presenting a special event in partnership with Chaucer’s Books on Sunday, February 23 at 3PM. Darrell will be doing a talk about his book, “33 1/3 – The Isley Brothers: 3+3.” And Sally will be displaying her photos of Black music icons for the entire month of February.

We appreciate the support you have given us over the years, and we hope to see you down at our events this February!

Darrell and Sally

Here is an update from Rosewood Miramar Beach at  1759 S Jameson Lane in Montecito:

On Thursday January 30, Rosewood Miramar Beach, the Forbes Triple Five Star resort in Montecito, California, is thrilled to host chef Earl Aguilar of Michelin-recognized Sushi
Note Omakase Beverly Hills as the first guest in its new collaborative chef series at AMA Sushi, the property’s Michelin-recognized edomae-style restaurant. Under the direction of chef Scott Yonamine, AMA Sushi’s exclusive dinner with Sushi Note Omakase is the first installment of the series, where renowned California-based sushi chefs are invited to the property to participate in a creative culinary exchange for a one night-only omakase experience.

Offering only two seatings for the 13-seat omakase bar, the evening will showcase Chef Yonamine and Chef Aguilar’s Michelin-lauded techniques and perspectives on the craft of sushi making as they alternate on making courses. With six courses total, the menu exemplifies a blend of tradition and innovation, ranging from an A5 Wagyu Bite to expertly made Chutoro (medium fatty tuna), and Hirame (olive flounder) cured in kombu (kelp) leaves; Tachiuo (beltfish)  grilled with Mentaiko (cured pollack roe); local Santa Barbara Uni,  and more (menu highlights below). Additionally, as an add-on, the omakase experience will also feature Sushi Note’s acclaimed wine pairings.

To make a reservation, visit sevenrooms.com

Hi Restaurant Guy,

My son and I dined at Finch and Fork recently. Everything we ordered was beautifully presented and delicious. We tried the deviled eggs and hamachi crudo for appetizers and the fried chicken Tuesday night special for my son and I tried the catch of the day which was a lovely halibut with a curry sauce. The dish had greens and sweet potato cubes in the sauce. The halibut was perfectly cooked and delicious. I haven’t seen many write ups for this restaurant but it’s worth a shout out. They have specials every night throughout the week. Mondays locals get a 20% discount on the bill. I would like to see them more busy but then it was a Tuesday evening.

– Susie

Hi John,

We are proud to announce that we are offering a new way to experience Barbareño through an 8-course tasting menu crafted by Chef Julian Martinez. This tasting features a curated menu of Barbareño’s best, with an optional wine pairing available. Space is limited, and reservations booked 24 hours in advance are required. We will still be offering our regular menu at the majority of our tables. Guests can visit our website www.barbareno.com to learn more and book their reservation.

Thanks, John! I hope all is well in the New Year!

Best,

Jesse Gaddy
General Manager | Owner
Barbareño Restaurant

Reader Harley let me know that Vons Chicken, which opened at 955 Embarcadero del Mar in Isla Vista in July 2022, has closed. Replacing the Korean eatery is a new outlet for Old Town Coffee & Roasters. The java joint’s flagship location is in Old Town Goleta which opened at 5877 Hollister Avenue in August 2018. Visit oldtowncoffee.com.

Photo by reader Harley

Big T’s Deli has opened in the Santa Barbara Public Market. “Specializing in traditional deli sandwiches, each creation is stacked high with the freshest ingredients, all nestled between slices of bread baked daily,” says the business. “Complementing the menu are our freshly made bagels, available every day and served with a delightful array of toppings. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that elevate the classic deli experience to new heights.”

Hello John,

Friday, January 31, will be the last day we serve at the Public Market. This is mainly due to rising costs. We had an incredible 5+ years serving the best food and getting to know our customers through it all. We opened 8.5 months before Covid changed our lives, and it was a great learning experience. We want to thank all our customers and our amazing staff.

We hope that this will a big building block towards serving more sustainable, delicious foods in the Santa Barbara area and beyond.

We would also like to inform everyone that we will be returning to our roots by opening Haas’s Fine Ice Cream, adjacent to Little Alex’s at Five Points. The shop will be back at its original space, where my Dad opened in 1982. We plan on opening soon.

Cheers,

Far Rahimian

We have some friends coming for a visit that used to live in Santa Barbara. We want to have a fine quiet dinner. Do you have any recommendations?
– Andy

Last July I wrote that Santa Barbara staple Judge For Yourself Café, at 1218 Santa Barbara Street, had a for-sale sign in the window even though the restaurant was still open. I called the business at the time and was told that the restaurant has been for sale but there have been no buyers. I have now received an update from management that the restaurant has closed permanently. “Thank you for all your patronage over 3 decades,” says the owners. “Due to unforeseen circumstances we will no longer be open. We will miss serving this community. A big thank you for all the love and support. – The Judge Crew”

Pacific Pickle Works of Santa Barbara, which makes pickled vegetables, condiments and drink mixers, will launch two new pickle products at the upcoming Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas. This event is hosted by the Specialty Food Association. “We’re constantly inspired by global culinary traditions and our customers’ evolving tastes,” said Bradley Bennett, Founder of Pacific Pickle Works. “These two new products reflect our commitment to innovation and quality, bringing unique flavors to the table while staying true to our core values of creating great tasting products with clean and natural ingredients.”

“Kimchi Meets Pickle” is pickle chips that is a fusion of kimchi flavors and classic pickling with a vegan-friendly twist on a traditional Korean staple. Featuring extra thick cut cucumber slices alongside a mix of daikon radish, carrot and onion, this pickle mix is seasoned with coarse gochugaru chili flakes, chopped garlic, and ginger. In place of traditional fish sauce, Pacific Pickle Works uses liquid aminos to create a umami flavor while keeping the product vegan. As with all Pacific Pickle Works products, Kimchi Meets Pickle will be vegan, kosher, Non-GMO Project Verified, and shelf-stable.

“Pickled In Pink” is sliced red onion with jalapeño & habanero and features thinly sliced red onions pickled with a touch of spice from fresh jalapeño and habanero. These pickled onions helps enhance tacos, sandwiches, salads or any dish in need of an oniony kick.

While attending a pre-opening event recently at The Ellwood, coming soon to the former home of the Beachside Bar-Cafe at Goleta Beach, I was told that the opening day would be January 22. Reader Chompee McGillicutty says that the opening has been moved to the end of the month.

Watch a video walk-thru of the South Coast’s newest restaurant.

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced a special week-long event: a seven-day celebration of dining and beverage artistry in conjunction with the restaurant owners of the Lompoc Valley. Lompoc Restaurant Week is scheduled for Monday, February 17, through Sunday, February 23, 2025. Lompoc Restaurant Week will present a lineup of discounted dining options at participating restaurants and tasting rooms – a prix-fixe meal, a two-for-one dining option, a special event or wine/beer flight with pairings – all for $20.25 plus tax and tip.

Establishments and food trucks interested in participating in the week-long event can register online at lompoc.om. Business registration is open through February 7th and is free for Chamber members and $35 for nonmembers. For more information, call the Lompoc Valley Chamber at (805) 736-4567.

The Breakwater Restaurant at 107 Harbor Way, which came under new ownership last year, is closing for a few months to implement planned changes. “Looks like we will be closing the Breakwater after this weekend for our renovations” says new owner Dudley Michael.  “We were going to stay open until we go our permits but the harbor is starting their demo and construction of the dive monument directly in front of us on Tuesday…so we figured now is a good time before the jackhammers start :). We hope to be reopened with a new look…and more importantly new bathrooms in the spring ”

Reader Tony W. tells me that Masala Spice has opened at 1919 Cliff Drive, the former home of Mesa Verde restaurant which closed last July after ten years in business. This will be a second location for Masala Spice which opened in January 2019 at 5796 Calle Real in Goleta. “Instead of the voluminous list of Indian dishes on the Calle real menu, this Indian menu is pretty limited,” says Tony. “But they’ve added a pasta menu, a pizza menu and a taco menu. We’re not sure what the thought process was that produced this odd fusion of foods that already exist in abundance here in SB – and friends who’ve tried it are equally perplexed.”

Reader Primetime tells me that Elubia’s Kitchen at 325 Rutherford Street in Goleta, is opening a second location at 6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Pueblo Pollo, Checo’s Mexican restaurant, Mojo, 805 Kabob, Lovin Oven Mediterranean Bakery & Cafe, Cafe Int’L, and others. Elubia’s Kitchen is a restaurant/catering business owned by Elubia and Ruben Orozco that provides Latin American food. Elubia is from Asuncion Mita Jutiapa, Guatemala, and she learned to cook as a young girl. After coming to the U.S. about 25 years ago, she began to sell food to family and friends in Santa Barbara. Husband Ruben grew up and attended school in Santa Barbara and worked at his aunt’s restaurant in Isla Vista (Lupita’s Restaurant).

“Elubias kitchen started in 2019 offering catering and doing Santa Barbara events like Old Spanish Days,” says Ruben Orozco. “We got a food trailer in 2022. Every dish on our Menu is Gluten Free & Nut Free. We also have Vegan Option. Our food is Latin American Cuisine. Plates from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexican. Our most popular plates: Pupusas, Garnachas, Street Tacos, Baleadas, Burritos, Potato Taquitos, Tamales, Sopes.”

I am told that the new Isla Vista outlet for Elubia’s Kitchen should open in a month or two.

6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista in 2016 when it was 805 Kabob

Mother Dough Bagels has opened at 604 Santa Barbara Street, the former home of Australian coffee house Recipes Bakery & Gifts which closed last year after a dozen years in business. “We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who came out for our soft opening last Saturday,” says the business. “Seeing the community show up in such an incredible way—some of you waiting HOURS in line—left us speechless. Your support means the world to us, and we feel so lucky to be part of this community.”
Courtesy

Reader Steven V. tells me that Poke Waves at 4791 Calle Real in Noleta (near the old IHOP, which is becoming a Chick-fil-A) has a new offering:  sushi by the piece or pound. Poke Waves was founded by Shu Du in August 2023 and offers build-your-own bowls, with a base that includes mixed greens or rice or half-and-half, with proteins including tuna, salmon, shrimp, and more.

The Ellwood restaurant and bar is scheduled to open January 22 at Goleta Beach, replacing the iconic Beachside Bar-Cafe. Here is a video walk-thru taken during a pre-opening event.

https://youtu.be/4E4AO9HlbGE