Two New Spots Revive Montecito’s Stuffy Dining Scene

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As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for both virtual and real-life adventures, I must say these new additions to Montecito have truly elevated the gaming experience of dining out in this otherwise tranquil town. The grandeur and sophistication brought by Lion’s Tale and Bar Lou transport me straight into an immersive role-playing game, where I am a jetsetter sipping on pre-frozen martinis in the iconic lobby lounge of London or enjoying a cozy meal at a carefully refurbished craftsman restaurant. The attention to detail, from the lived-in decor to the locally sourced ingredients, creates an authentic and captivating atmosphere that rivals any high-end gaming setting I’ve encountered.

And let me tell you, the quest for the perfect dining experience in Montecito just got a whole lot more challenging – but in the best way possible! The only downside is that now I may need to invest in a new character with a bigger budget to fully enjoy these culinary escapades.

On a lighter note, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of my avatar, clad in armor and wielding a sword, casually sipping a dry martini or tucking into some spaghettini with sea urchin lobes. Now that would be a sight to behold!

Montecito is recognized more for wealth rather than fashion, but two recent establishments – a restaurant and a cocktail bar, located at opposite ends of Coast Village Road – are introducing urban drive to this traditionally conservative small town.

The Lion’s Tale, a bar by a duo of spouses who run various cocktail-centric spots in Santa Barbara, is nestled within the vintage Montecito Inn, originally established by Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle. It draws inspiration from the renowned lobby lounges of London, specifically The Connaught and The Savoy. You can count on your dry martini staying icy cold as it’s prepared ahead, diluted, and frozen in advance. The bar’s signature take on the lion’s tail cocktail offers a contemporary twist, with co-owner Brandon Ristaino describing it as “a tribute to modern London, featuring a blend of curry-infused scotch from New Britannia.

As a gaming enthusiast, I recently discovered an exciting new addition to my favorite dining spots – Bar Lou! It’s nestled in a beautifully restored craftsman that exudes a nostalgic charm, thanks to its strategic renovation and warm lighting. The interior, especially the numerous leather booths and other details, have been tastefully aged by a seasoned Hollywood set designer, giving it an instant patina of lived-in coziness.

Chef Brandon Boudet draws inspiration from the South of France in a unique way, blending local produce from nearby Montecito farms and suppliers, as well as the region’s long-standing nickname “The American Riviera.” This results in dishes like fresh spaghettini adorned with locally harvested sea urchin or fish such as halibut and branzino served with an amandine preparation.

Operating partner Warner Ebbink remarks that every aspect of this location is carefully planned, he and Boudet are now concentrating on a concept from Oaxaca, which will be available at Hotel El Roblar in Ojai shortly, a historic accommodation undergoing renovation by Eric Goode, a renowned figure in the hospitality industry who has also produced documentaries like ‘Tiger King’ and ‘Chimp Crazy’. Ebbink believes that Montecito is worthy of this development.

As a long-time reader and lover of entertainment news, I can confidently say that The Hollywood Reporter is one of my go-to sources for all things showbiz. In fact, I eagerly await each new issue, and the January 3rd edition did not disappoint! If you’re interested in keeping up with the latest happenings in Tinseltown, I highly recommend subscribing to this magazine. Trust me, it’s a must-have for any entertainment enthusiast like myself.

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2025-01-04 22:25