The SB Post

SBIFF DAY 2: Friday, January 27th

SCREENED: Friday night marked one of the most anticipated of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival: the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award. This year, the esteemed honor went to The Help's Viola Davis just days after her Oscar nomination was announced. The event took place at the Arlington Theatre on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Also in attendance was Davis' costar, the fiery Octavia Spencer. Much like their on-screen dynamic, Davis was quiet, reserved and humbled in accepting her award, while Spencer complemented with a much louder personality.

SAVORED: I couldn't resist the famed, authentic Italian flavors at Ca'Dario, especially with its special Film Feast offer. To wit, the Santa Barbara staple eatery won the Santa Barbara Independent's Best of Readers' Poll seven years in a row so taking advantage of the restaurant's Film Feast menu deal was a no brainer. Featuring both a lunch ($25/person) and dinner ($35/person) special, which includes a choice of one salad, one pasta, one glass of wine or coffee with biscotti, I opted for the Ravioli al Burro e Salvia-"pasta pillows" filled with spinach and ricotta, brown butter and sage sauce. ‘Nuff said.

SPOTTED: As if catching a glimpse of the elegant Viola wasn't enough, another Hollywood heavyweight was out and about in Santa Barbara on Friday night. An outsider no more, Parks and Rec front-man and Santa Barbara spokesman, Rob Lowe, dazzled at the Filmmaker Happy Hour. More to come as the Festival continues!