Lucky's - Montecito, CA

Who doesn't love Lucky Brand Jeans? They are relaxed, comfortable and always last a really long time. So the owners of the jean company must know really good food too, because they also own this restaurant in fabulous Montecito.

I have never tried Abalone in my life and so Scott ordered us a plate to split to get our appetites revved up. Breaded and then pan fried, these babies were exactly what I thought they would taste like. Fantastic, a luxurious treat from the sea. I am happy to have experienced this food first!

Whenever I see Burrata on the menu I go crazy, I am literally addicted to the creamy cheese, luscious cheese and peppery arugula. Melissa Good taste usually orders soup, I am getting so green in my old age! 

Scott ordered a filet and i love how they stuck the wooden stick in to say, it is "exactly" how you requested it to be! How kitschy. But, it truly was a beautiful cut of meat, fired to perfection. 

Homegirl ordered Sand Dabs, I have had them here before and enjoyed them. This time not as much, not sure why they just seemed a little blah. A little bit of salt and another slug of my cocktail made them taste better though. 

We ordered Potato Skins of the side to accompany of meal. The chive sour cream and crunchy potatoes were a lovely treat. Almost like potato chips! 

I love lucky's because it is dark, masculine and everything is black and white. It is sexy and cool, and makes you feel like you have gone back in time. I researched the restaurant group and they also own: Tre Lune, Joe's Cafe, Bucatini, D'Angelo Cafe, The Jean Shop and new jean company - Civilianaire! They are quite busy!

The Nugget - Summerland, CA

Just off the 101 heading South after you go through Santa Barbara you will come to a quaint little beach town called, Summerland. There is an old school, eclectic place with quite the following, welcome The Nugget. The booths are always reserved for dinner so expect to sit at a table, I guess they have quite the following.

I have been on a French Dip kick so I ordered another one just to see how it would measure up to the the one I had at the Odyssey in Paso Robles. This one did not compare. Meat a little more chewy, cooked to well rather than my favorite medium. The jus tasted like celery salt which is not bad, but not my favorite. The fries were very tasty though, tasted as if they may have been double fried. 

The access is good if you have a horse trailer, just park down the road and hike back up to the restaurant. I will return for the charm and for the Calamari Piccata I saw on the menu, it sounded delicious.

Cava - Montecito, CA

I have been to Cava before this visit. It left a bad impression on me because of the outrageous bill we racked up just on a few appetizers, and a round of two of drinks. We wasted about a Benjamin on what seemed like so little. So, Cava - in my mind - was a bit pricey. Not a lot is open on a Monday night in Montecito, but Cava is so we found ourselves there after a surf board purchase.

Mango Margarita and Crayons to decorate my side of the table... Don't mind if I do! 

The Sea Bass Special was so good. It didn't have a delicious sauce to go with it, just a simple mango salsa. It was one of those meals you eat where you walk away feeling proud of yourself for eating so healthy. I felt like I was an athlete in training or a Hollywood starlit eating to fit into my next designer gown. I was impressed with Cava this go round, I wouldn't mind a return visit.

Sakana Sushi Bar - Montecito, CA

This is not the first time I tried to eat at this restaurant, last September we pulled in on a Sunday and it was closed. That forced us to eat at Cava, down the road, and drop $80 on appetizers and drinks! Oh my! This time, we ate chowder and sipped a brewskie down the road and then sushi was just what the doctor ordered.

Not feeling like filling up on a delicious Japanese beer, we selected a mini bottle of Steele Pinot Noir. Not bad, it was doable. Something to remember.

How does a Crunchy Lobster Roll sound? I think this is one of the better rolls I have had. I know I just reviewed a sushi joint last week but this far surpasses it. The lobster was tender, the tempura light but the sauces - oh my. So spicy yet flavorful. One roll was enough to share. $40 and we were out the door. What a lovely experience the menu is huge and I cannot wait to return and try another specialty roll.

Los Arroyos - Montecito, CA

I have dined in Montecito a couple of times. The first time it was at the famous, Lucky's. What is better than Lucky's? Pretty much nothing in my opinion. But, I have also been to Cava. That was an expensive experience - even just appetizers and a drink will set you back almost a Benjamin. And now I have dined at Los Arroyos.

Just across the street you find this fun little adobe. The cute patio, stylish decor and a menu full of delicious items just beckoned us in.

They know how to get the party started! Complimentary guacamole, spicy salsa on top and mild pictured on the bottom. The "spicy" wasn't so spicy, in fact it was just right. Mixed with the guacamole it really became something special. The mild was pretty much watered down ketchup.
That is my BRIGHT red Pork Pozole. It was delicious. I topped it with cilantro, cabbage and squeezed in a little lime after I took the photo. The pork was very tender. The hominy is just so filling, I couldn't finish it all.

Scott ordered the Chiliques, which is basically eggs and tortilla chips cooked together with a green chile sauce on top. A little cheese and pico de gallo on top is what finished off the food mountain. Refried beans, potatoes and a generous portion rounded the dish. He ate it all, said it was delicious and claimed to be "stuffed." And that my friends equals success when dining at a Mexican restaurant! Ole Ole!!