Santa Barbara, California
This entry was posted on 10/25/2009 9:52 AM and is filed under Out of Town Destinations.
Labor Day Weekend found us on the West Coast in this charming city up the coast north of LA --
bouchon -- our favorite by far; great atmosphere, including patio dining; we enjoyed a wonderful heirloom tomato stack (with various varietals, fried green tomatos, and goat cheese), crab cakes, and better than average seared foie gras; the only disappointment was a veal shank that was little but fat and that was quickly removed by the waitstaff; friendly, efficient service
Downey's -- top-rated in Zagat but not our favorite; simply decorated, somewhat formal dining room; uncharacteristically, we had trouble finding something to order on this menu; started with marinated mussels that needed more seasoning (after commenting to the server of this fact, the service noticeably deteriorated); duck and fish entrees were nicely prepared but nothing special; did not like the wine recommended by the server
La Super-Rica Taqueria -- very hyped, very casual, inexpensive Mexican spot, supposedly a favorite of Julia Child; large variety of a la carte tacos and other small dishes; everything was freshly prepared from a tiny kitchen; we enjoyed chiles con queso, chorizo con queso, beef and pork tacos; very good homemade salsas; we understand there can be long lines
Opal -- found ourselves on State Street (the main drag in town) and dined at this busy, popular restaurant; lively atmosphere; food was slightly above average; had a pesto bay scallop salad and pizza
