lauren
By Lauren Bray, edhat staff
There’s more news and updates happening in our local food and beverage world so let’s hop to it.
Neighborhood Bar & Grill Shuts its Doors
Known for moderately priced pints, college nights, and almost every drinking game imaginable, it appears The Neighborhood Bar & Grill is no more.
Affectionately called, “The Hood,” this was the perfect spot to grab a beer, order buffalo chicken wings, and watch whatever sportsball match your heart desired for the past 15+ years.
Their website is blank with the text “CLOSED” in the tab, social media pages could not be found, and an edhat reader reportedly chatted with a former employee who confirmed it’s been shut down. We’re unclear if it’s for good or temporarily, but either way the times are a’ changin.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Revisited
(courtesy)
In my last post I reported that we received a tip that Guy Fieri was here to film an episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives at a local hot spot. Although, the business owner contacted us and asked for it to be removed until they could formally announce it, per the rules of the show.
So, we did. And now we know of at least three local restaurants where Guy and his red Camaro filmed last week. But until we get the green light, they will not be announced.
Although, you can guess in the comment section.
The Food Network Show has been to Santa Barbara before filming at Lito’s on Haley Street, the now closed Mac’s Fish n Chips, Savoy Cafe & Deli, and Norton’s Pastrami and Deli.
La Lieff Wines Opens New Funk Zone Tasting Room
La Lieff Tasting Room (courtesy)
La Lieff Wines is scheduled to open a Tasting Room on November 11 in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone at 210 Gray Avenue, next to the soon-to-be opened We Want the Funk restaurant.
The female-led wine venture is headed by propietor Gretchen Lieff and features winemakers Kris Curran of D’Alfonso-Curran Wines, Sally Sigouin of Kaena Wines and Lauren Rava of Rava Wines.
They will also release a new lineup of wines, including two styles of Grenache Rosé, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Grenache, a Syrah and Valkerie, and a Grenache-Syrah Blend. All of La Lieff wines are made from Estate Grapes grown at Alamo Creek Ranch, along the southern edge of San Luis Obispo County.
“This year’s releases are our most exciting. We’ve expanded our varietals and are making Rosés in two different styles, offering tasters a dynamic side-by-side comparison experience,” said Gretchen Lieff, who has been making wines for years under the brand names Lieff, Monlieff, and Rumination.
The Funk Zone tasting room will feature wine flights and wines by the glass, along with a variety of local gift items and ongoing special events on topics from wellness to wine education. More information can be found at LaLieffWines.com.
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele to Open Soon’ish
(courtesy photo)
The “world-renowned Neapolitan pizzeria” opened its first U.S. location in Hollywood in 2019 and they’re scheduled to open their Santa Barbara location before the end of the year. It’ll be at 1031 State Street, the former home of Aldo’s and Embermill. The latter we reported left the property due to the landlord raising rent from $8,000 to $14,000 per month.
According to their website, “The restaurant’s authentic Neapolitan pizza is made using the same centuries-old recipe, techniques, and Italian imported ingredients at its origin restaurant in Naples, established in 1870. Head Pizzaiolo Michele Rubini helms the famed pizzeria, that also serves many Italian and Mediterranean specialties.”
Rumor has it, the Italian location is the same pizzeria from Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir “Eat. Pray. Love.”
Althought an official grand opening has yet to be announced, their Instagram page posted a staff training photo on October 2.
Pop-Up Kin Bakeshop Launches Kickstarter to Find Permanent Space
The geniuses behind Kin Bakeshop, makers of the Hokkaido brioche and mochi donuts, have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help make the transition from pop-up to storefront.
They opened in 2020 inside Your Choice Thai Restaurant on Upper State as the only bakery in town making mochi donuts, a Hokkaido brioche (Japanese milk bread inspired brioche donut), or Einspänner drinks (varying styles of coffee drinks with hot espresso topped with cool whipped cream).
After gaining a cult following and nearly selling out with each pop-up, the owners are hoping to raise $50,000 to help open their new spot in the Turnpike Shopping Center. Until they open, which is hopeful soon, their pop ups have paused.
Follow them on instagram for more: instagram.com/kinbakeshop/
Chicken & Waffle Shop Coming to Paseo Nuevo?
Bruxie chicke and waffles (courtesy photo)
There hasn’t been an official annoucement yet but the Southern California chain Bruxie has leased space in downtown Santa Barbara’s Paseo Nuevo.
The former home of Pizza Rev at 12 W. De La Guerra St. was leased sometime between July through September of this year.
Their menu looks like it’ll give Chick-Fil-A a run for its money with waffle sandwiches, waffle fries, fried chicken salads, and more.
IHOP Opens its Doors in Goleta
IHOP in Goleta (edhat reader photo)
Now colleges students don’t have to travel all the way to Turnpike for their discount breakfast. The International House of Pancakes (IHOP to regulars) has opened its doors at 7127 Hollister Avenue in the same shopping center as the DMV and Albertson’s, the former location of Baja Fresh and Itsuki.
As most of you know, its former Turnpike home at 4765 Calle Real will soon be another Chick-fil-A restaurant. Cool.
