The SB Post

Santa Barbara Welcomes Boutique Hotel Indigo to the Funk Zone

Hotel Indigo's positioning statement is, "In the Heart of Art." It's true in both the new, boutique hotel's location in Santa Barbara's contemporary cultural center of the Funk Zone, as well as what one experiences upon entering this modern, thoughtful hotel. During a recent visit, I got to explore a bit further and learned that Hotel Indigo exceeds its promise of, "...blending historic splendor with the architectural sophistication of modern design and offers environmentally-friendly, artful lodging."

Conveniently located near downtown, the Amtrak station and Stearns Wharf, Hotel Indigo's 41 intimate guest rooms offer visitors the combined experience of an intimate hotel setting close to everything downtown has to offer. The lobby welcomes with clean lines, natural light, eco-friendly accents and, most importantly, friendly staff. Beyond that, the first thing I noticed was the exceptional and fresh art installations featured throughout the building. As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, it was important that the property embrace the local aesthetic-in this case, art. The hotel houses the CAF Satellite @ Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara, curated by the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, which provides exhibitions of thought-provoking artworks and site-specific, commissioned installations by local artists. The featured pieces are incorporated throughout the property and will rotate yearly.

Rooms featured modern, warm color schemes. Of the 41 guest rooms, 13 offer private outdoor gardens and 14 have views of the Riviera and mountains or urban scenes dotted by palm trees. Additionally, guests can enjoy an art library, business center, boardroom that seats eight to ten comfortably, free WiFi and car free discounts. Hotel Indigo is also a pet-friendly property and utilizes many environmentally-friendly efforts.
In time, a restaurant and bar are expected to open within the property, only adding to Hotel Indigo's unique charm and hospitality. If you're looking for a hip, inviting, boutique hotel with a fresh perspective, Hotel Indigo is sure to please.

Looking for Endless Summer this Spring Break? Head to Santa Barbara

It's easy to fall into that endless summer groove in Santa Barbara, and I'm not just talking about the consistent 70-degree late winter temps and sunny skies--although the mild climes certainly don't hurt. More than the weather, I'm referring to those classic feelings of summer; action-packed days spent in the ocean or nearby mountains followed by lingering evenings downtown where patio seating and good service are par for the course. Those five-star memories you simply don't want to end, so you stretch them out as long as possible. Maybe you follow up your Santa Ynez wine tour with some live music at the Granada Theatre or perhaps you complement a day exploring the Channel Islands with an evening of fresh farm-to-table coastal cuisine while you take in views of a harbor sunset. Whatever your mid-summer night's dream, Santa Barbara most likely has it, ready and waiting for you, this spring. Here are some ideas and imagery to get you inspired for this year's spring break, Santa Barbara-style. 

Photo: J. Sinclair 

1. Pick the perfect place to stay: Whether it's road tripping with your tent in tow, cozying up at a local B&B or retreating to a full-service luxury resort, you and your budget will be comfortable at one of Santa Barbara's many hotel and hideaway options.

2. Line up the activities: They say it takes a lifetime to experience all of Santa Barbara and maybe they're right, but be it spontaneous decision making or diligent pre-planning, you'll want to pack in as much as possible during your time here. Choose from a wide variety of outdoor recreation, family-friendly activity, arts and cultural events, guided tours or visit one of the area's many pristine beaches and parks.

Photo: J. Sinclair 

3. Enjoy a festival or event: Spring means celebration in Santa Barbara. From celebrating Earth Day in its home town to tasting the best of the area's viticulture during the Vintners Festival, it's a prime time to coincide your travel with a local fête.

Photo: J. Sinclair 

4. Wine and Dine: And we don't mean in the traditional grab-a-bite-and-a-brew sort of way. There's a reason the most famous movie about wine ever made was made here. Just as Miles and Jack showed us in Sideways, Santa Barbara wineries are as inviting in flavor and quality as they are in vintner personality. Couple your favorite chardonnay or pinot with a plate of locavore gastronomy. With the access to locally-sourced, fresh produce, seafood and quality meats year-round, Santa Barbara's culinary scene is not to miss.

5. Get the insider scoop: In addition to free travel guides to both help you plan your trip as well as make the most of it while you're here, there are many other resources you can access that will provide you with the local insight, news, events and information to ensure your Santa Barbara getaway is all-time. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ or view the new Santa Barbara video short series, sure to put you in that mid-summer mindset.

Cold Springs Tavern: Making the Most of a Santa Barbara Sunday

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who would argue the relaxing benefits of a three-day weekend. Although many traveled for the 72-hour break, I opted to stick around and enjoy a little Santa Barbara staycation. It was time well spent, filled with trail runs in the gorgeous surrounding hills, beautiful sunsets along the PCH, a little bit of surf and some sun soaking, but perhaps the highlight was a visit to Cold Springs Tavern on Sunday afternoon.

For those who don't know it, this historic spot is located about eight miles northeast of Santa Barbara just off of Highway 154. Cold Springs has a long-standing history-beginning as a stagecoach stop in 1886-and has operated as a restaurant/tavern continuously since 1941. The saloon-style ambiance offers guests a glimpse into the past with many of the original structures still standing, a wood-burning fire roaring within the bar most days and log cabins and buildings covered in moss and vine from over 100 years of providing food and shelter to many a visitor looking for a hot meal, a cold drink and a great time.

Every Sunday afternoon, Cold Springs gives guests one more reason to stop in: the famous tri-tip steak sandwiches and live music. The Sunday scene at Cold Springs is a classic one, a fun mix of all ages and walks of life. From bikers to celebrities to families finishing up the weekend, everyone is there to enjoy the unique setting, filled with live music from local folk, bluegrass and rock bands, and savory steak sandwiches. For $9, enjoy a hearty (and I mean really hearty) tri-tip sandwich, served up fresh from the grill with the option of condiments at the sauce table. Leave the nice weekend wear at home and opt for clothes that can take the occasional barbeque sauce stain and smoky-air smell-all well worth a weekend end at one of the area's classic stops.

A Long-Weekend Itinerary for Santa Barbara and the South Coast

Perhaps the only thing better than a weekend is a three-day weekend. One extra day for that full-system reboot. Another 24 hours to wind down before you gear up for the week ahead (bonus: now a short week at that!). When it comes to three days of workless bliss, we can't think of a better place to spend them than in Santa Barbara and along the South Coast of central California. If you're visiting from out of the area, make sure to take advantage of a local hotel or hideaway special offer. Of course, there's never quite enough time to fit in everything The American Riviera® has to offer, so we wanted to give you a little something to get you on your way; a roadmap to making the most of your long-weekend. Enjoy!

Day 1 - Friday Evening: Assuming you can say hasta la vista to the office when the clock strikes 5:00, we recommend starting the weekend with a happy hour. Santa Barbara offers a variety of nightlife, whether it be sipping a glass of wine from one of the renowned area wineries, enjoying some locally crafted microbrew or toying with a tasty cocktail from one of SB's talented mixologists, your Friday night happy hour is sure to roll into a happy evening.

Day 2 - Saturday: Head to the Santa Barbara Downtown Farmers Market on the corner of Santa Barbara and Cota Streets. The year-round, sunny coastal climate nurtures a variety of fresh farm-stand produce. Local farmers, bakers and artisans offer row upon row of delicious, locally-sourced treats-the perfect way to start your SB day. After that, it's time for a little fun in the sun! Santa Barbara's outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. Whether you're looking to do some stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, sea kayaking or play a round of golf, The American Riviera® won't disappoint. Plan for at least a half-day of outdoor recreation while you're here! All of that activity is sure to leave you craving some of the best of California coastal cuisine. Choose your flavor at one of the many area restaurants, cafes, food trucks or fish'n chips shops! Once re-energized, check out Santa Barbara's calendar of events, where you'll find today's offerings of theatre performances, life music, museum exhibits and more.

Day 3 - Sunday: After grabbing a breakfast bite, it's time to do some different exploring: the varietal kind. California's Central Coast is home to myriad wineries, which are known to produce exceptional wines in a variety of categories. Paul Giamatti got the Oscar nod, but it was arguably the beautiful backroad scenery and mom-and-pop wineries that stole the show in Sideways, which is reason aplenty to take a self-guided tour of the movie's wine destinations. Lompoc's Wine Ghetto region was recently the subject of an enthusiastic Los Angeles Times article touting both the potency of the area's grapes and its winemaking talent. And of course, you can always choose to ditch the car and take off on foot, exploring the Urban Wine Trail-tasting rooms for local wineries all within blocks of each other in downtown Santa Barbara. Should your tasting take you beyond the county line, it's worth heading to Cold Springs Tavern-an 1860s stagecoach stop located on highway 154 on the San Marcos Pass about 20 minutes outside of Santa Barbara. Sunday afternoons feature live folk and bluegrass music and fresh-grilled tri-tip steak sandwiches. If you find yourself in the Santa Ynez area, stop into the Danish community of Solvang for some authentic European flavor.

Day 4 - Monday: Your final day of the weekend doesn't mean you need to put on the brakes. Instead, we recommend hopping in the car and going for a coastal drive, visiting the quaint coastal communities that make up the gorgeous South Coast. From Santa Barbara, head north to Goleta for some more outdoor adventure, including fishing, surfing, wildlife spotting and hiking. Hop in the car and head back down the beautiful coastal Highway 101 to Carpinteria, a classic, small beach town rife with beautiful beaches, boutique shops and yummy cafés, many of which offer dishes featuring the area's famous avocados. Should time permit, we suggest finishing off the day with a cruise through Summerland for a stroll along Lillie Avenue where you're sure to find unique antiques. Finally, finish the day with a delicious meal at one of Montecito's many savory restaurants.

As the sun sets on your long weekend, relax, reflect and reboot for the week ahead. As many will tell you, there are few places that will reenergize just as much as relax you as the South Coast.

Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone: A Storied Locale with Contemporary Flavor

You've probably driven by the Funk Zone-or maybe even through it-not knowing you were in the midst of one of Santa Barbara's newest revitalizations. On a recent Friday, I ventured down to the district to take advantage of two things: a gorgeous 70-degree January afternoon and the traditional gyros served at Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant only on, you guessed it, Fridays. (Sidenote: I'm particular to the favorite Greek dish, but this quaint fine foods market is worth hitting up Monday through Saturday for a fresh sandwich, boxed lunch or assortment of unique wines and cheeses.) What I saw was not a scene the name would imply, but instead, the furthest thing from it. Local artists created masterpieces of public art. Others wandered into local wineries, such as Kunin and Municipal Winemakers, for an afternoon tasting on a warm winter day. People chatted on storefront steps as they soaked up the sun. It was obvious that the Funk Zone is fast becoming one of SB's hot spots, even when not coupled with a seventy-degree day.

Located between the Pacific Ocean and the 101, the Funk Zone got its name years ago for being just that: a somewhat desolate section of downtown that had all but been forgotten. But in recent years, the area has undergone a slow but steady facelift, catering to Santa Barbara's roots with winemakers taking up shop, entrepreneurs opening new doors and longtime locals refurbishing the historic buildings, which now house an eclectic mix of stores, restaurants and other contemporary culture.

The area doesn't have a funk so much as it has a vibe. The New York Times thinks so, too. A recent NYT Travel feature highlights the new Funk Zone flavors-all of which offer a fun paradox of modern trade housed in historic architecture. Aged warehouses and forgotten scuba stores are now flush with winemakers, surfboard shapers, textile shops and inviting eateries. The article will get you excited to visit, but the vibrancy of the Funk Zone is what is sure to keep you coming back for some of Santa Barbara's truest colors.

Santa Barbara’s Chocolate Makers Expecting a Sweet Valentine’s Day

Here's an interesting fact: Valentine's Day chocolate sales go up when the holiday falls mid-week, as is predicted will happen tomorrow, February 14th, when Santa Barbara chocolatiers are getting ready for best-year-ever sales. The mid-week date makes a long weekend getaway or expensive dinner out harder to justify for many sweethearts so instead, they turn to the one thing that is guaranteed to make almost any date happy: chocolate.

The February 10th edition of the Pacific Coast Business Times features Santa Barbara's growing chocolate maker market, which is quickly becoming recognized as one of the country's best, joining the ranks of New York, Chicago and San Francisco. Additionally, premier chocolate is often sourced organically and sustainably-a guilt-free reason to enjoy an otherwise guilty pleasure.

This year, forget the diamonds and expensive bouquet and instead consider visiting one of Santa Barbara's local chocolate makers, such as Chocolate Maya, Chocolats du CaliBressan and Jessica Foster Confections in Santa Barbara and The Chocolate Gallery in Goleta. Nothing makes Valentine's Day quite as sweet as a box of hand-made, fair-trade, high quality box of chocolates.

Day 11: Sunday, February 5th

Guest bloggers, Noelle and Jen, share some of their Film Feast and Film Fest favorites from the weekend's events!

Screened: We arrived to a very full house at The Arlington on Friday night; everyone was arching to get a good look to see which celeb would grace red carpet for the Virtuoso Award. This was one of the most anticipated events at the Fest as it brought together a handful of seasoned and up-and-coming actors and actresses. Before each interview, several clips were shown that displayed each actor's recent work. I had only seen a few of the films, including The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Bridesmaids, but the short clips made me want to hit the theaters to see the rest. I was particularly moved by the clip from A Better Life with Demian Bichir. I hadn't heard of the film previously, but I could tell that it was a powerful movie and I definitely want to watch it in its entirety.

Savored: We selected Cadiz, the new Mediterranean restaurant on State Street, to enjoy a Film Feast bite before spending an evening among stars at the Film Festival. The restaurant was quiet upon arrival, but picked up quickly and was soon filled with laughter from fellow diners and delicious aromas. There were two options for the Film Feast menu at Cadiz so my dining partner and I opted to order both options and share (I love sharing!). We started out with the Riviera Salad which was decorated with bell pepper, haricot vert, green olives, frisee, and drizzled with a light red wine vinaigrette. With it, we enjoyed their Roasted Chestnut soup with golden raisins, olives and pistachios. It was quite savory and had a nice texture and crunch with the olives and pistachios, overall very delicious! The second course was a yummy Grana Padano Risotto that was just as colorful and flavorful on the plate as it was in my mouth. It had flavors of pumpkin and sage and was rich, creamy and hearty. The entrée was beautiful and every tasty bite of the dish was validated by the presentation. The second entrée we shared was the Local White Sea bass with lentils, sun chokes, green olives and tarragons with an heirloom carrot reduction. It was beautifully presented and extremely well balanced. The Sea bass was perfectly grilled with a flavorful crust. The accompaniments paired beautifully and had a great variety of flavor and texture. The sparkling glass of champagne (included in the Film Feast menu) was a perfect complement to the meal and cleansed our palettes before the final course...drum roll...dessert. The server brought out the Crème Brûlée, which can be described in two words: simply amazing. Under the caramelized crust was a sweet, tangy and creamy center. The dessert was accented with juicy berries and a buttery cookie. Ahhh...perfection. The flavors were perfectly married and I enjoyed every last bite. Although extremely satisfied, we were presented with the Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse with Passion Fruit Compote. Another unique offering with a refreshing tang to it. Alas, we would be too full for popcorn at the Arlington!

Spotted: The honorees of the Virtuoso Award were in attendance, including Demián Bichir, Rooney Mara, Patton Oswalt, Andy Serkis and Shailene Woodley. Unfortunately, Melissa McCarthy could not attend due to laryngitis. A low "awww" swept over the crowd upon this announcement. I have to admit I was disappointed because I was eager to see her and hear what funny and sharp remarks she would make during the interview. Demian was charming and his thick accent made his words seem even richer. Rooney was beautiful and soft spoken but blushed and smiled at a few questions and I was surprised to see that she had a very pronounced dimple in her cheek. I suppose it was because her dark character in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo never smiled. Although I loved her in the film, it was refreshing to see a different side of her in person. Patton Oswalt was hilarious and kept the crowd laughing throughout the interview. Prompted by a funny crack that Patton made during his interview, Andy Serkis entered through the Arlington stage door and came out the other side shirtless! The crowd roared and I don't know if they were more surprised at how quickly he de-shirted, or how he sat through the entire interview sans top. He was charming however and very comfortable on stage (clearly). The final interview was Shailene Woodley and she was captivating. Although a young actress, she was self assured and handled the interview like a seasoned pro. All in all it was a wonderful night that didn't disappoint.

DAY 10: Saturday, February 4th

Screened: As I made my way to the Lobero Theatre on one of those glorious, sunny, 72 degree February afternoons not unusual to Santa Barbara, I must admit I felt slightly guilty about spending two hours inside a dark movie theater. That quickly passed, however, as soon as I stepped inside. The Lobero Theatre is California's oldest, continuously operating theatre, rebuilt in 1924 and recognized as a state and city landmark. Ironically, I was there to see a special screening of The Artist, a (mostly) silent, black and white film starring Cinema Vanguard Award honorees Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival wound down. Nominated for several Oscars, The Artist follows the relationship of two movie stars from the late 1920s silent film era into the 1930s world of "talkies." I had to wonder whether a full length silent film could hold my interest, but I was pleasantly surprised. What fun! It's brilliantly shot, the acting is superb (John Goodman is also memorable in a supporting role, and the most adorable Jack Russell Terrier I've ever seen steals the show!) and it's set to an incredible score. Taking in a movie so uniquely steeped in history in the setting of the Lobero made it all the more entertaining, as I imagined the hundreds of Lobero moviegoers who might have enjoyed an identical experience many decades ago during Hollywood's glittering golden age.

Savored: It's hard to resist taking advantage of the city's Film Feast offerings, but last night I headed to check out Cielito, one of Santa Barbara's newest restaurants located on State Street in La Arcada Court. Cielito offers mostly tapas-style authentic Mexican and South American cuisine, as well as a raw bar. The large, two-level space is thoughtfully designed; warm woods and leathers are punctuated by pops of color, with cozy seating inside, small intimate vignettes upstairs, and a sexy outdoor terrace. Attention has been paid to detail and there are a lot of cute, original touches. The restaurant and bar were buzzing with a nicely sophisticated crowd of fest goers. Most of Cielito's dishes are a perfect size to share, so to start, my dining companion and I enjoyed the Ceviche Peruana: a delicious medley of sea bass, aji amarillo pepper, red onion, red jalapeno pepper, cucumber, ginger and sweet potato, served with tortilla and plantain chips. For my main course, I chose the Tamal de Requeson y Acelgas, two flavorful, soft mini corn tamales with fresh Ricotta, Swiss chard, thick cream and tomatillo. The bar offers some enticing signature cocktails made with craft ice, along with a nice selection of tequilas and wines by the glass. But you can't go wrong with the house margarita, a perfectly balanced pleaser made simply with freshly squeezed lime juice, a splash of agave nectar and Tres Agaves blanco tequila. Una mas por favor!

Spotted: Santa Barbara silver screen legend Kirk Douglas, wife Ann and family enjoying dinner in the main dining room at Cielito, the second spotting of the day for my dining companion, who had found herself lunching next to "The Artist" himself - Jean Dujardin - earlier in the day at Tydes at the Four Seasons Biltmore.

DAY 6: Tuesday, January 31st

SCREENED: Last night's film, Splinters, was another great addition to the world of both independent documentary and surf culture. The movie premiered at the Arlington Theatre to a full house, perhaps because the film was a) fantastic and b) directed, produced, filmed and edited by Santa Barbara native, Adam Pesce. Splinters follows the budding local surf culture of Papua New Guinea. The film was a unique variation on the standard socio-cultural documentary as well as the typical action sports film in its exploration of the impacts of surfing on local tribal communities as their budding surf stars take to the waves in the hopes of finding new opportunities through sport. A great story arch, wonderful characters and impeccable editing made the film a winner. In the Q and A following the film, Adam confided that he had no real film experience before heading to the small island country. He landed in "PNG" with two cameras, hundreds of tapes, a few surfboards and a vow to return with a film. The result is a truly engaging look at a variety of topics told through the eyes and hearts of some of surfing's most loyal constituents. I highly recommend it.

SAVORED: I must say, my wallet is loving all of these Film Feast deals. My waistline, not so much. Maybe it was the fact that I was screening a surf film that had me craving some true wharf food. Mac's Fish & Chip Shop provided with a cup of old school English clam chowder, some legitimate fish and chips and a glass of Santa Barbara winery wine. It was the perfect way to wind down a beautiful Santa Barbara winter day and gear up for 95 minutes of cinematic surf.

SPOTTED: Last night's celebrity sighting might not mean that much to most, but to a select few, it was a pretty big deal. To both introduce the film and follow it up with some Q&A with Adam, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival pleasantly surprised again by bringing Shaun Tomson on stage. The former World Surfing Champion, bestselling author, inspirational speaker, environmentalist and filmmaker completed a fulfilling evening of surf culture.

DAY 5: Monday, January 30th

SCREENED: Monday night of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrated another one of Hollywood's finest at the Arlington Theatre with the presentation of the American Riviera Award to a man who continues to keep the industry on its toes year after year with extraordinary film making: Martin Scorsese. "Marty" accepted the award, humbly, but then went on to show off his chatty side, offering up insider nuggets, such as his long-standing friendship with Robert De Niro, how his 12-year old daughter suggested he make Hugo, "But only if you make it in 3-D, Dad!" and some of his favorite filmmaking moments. The ceremony included video snippets of his acclaimed career and gave insight into his NYC upbringing-a cornerstone element to many of his greatest films.

SAVORED: If you're craving authentic south-of-the-border flavor, like I was last night, Santa Barbara is a melting pot of culinary goodness. I opted for Blue Agave's special tasting menu, which starts with a Caesar salad then moves onto steak tacos with oaxacan style chimichurri sauce. Sirloin steak with carmelized rajas, wrapped in home-made tortillas and more of the delicious oaxacan style chimichurri sauce, served with poblano chile, rice and black beans. Finish the meal with some southwestern style churros with whipped cinnamon cream. All of this for just $32/person means that reservations are recommended. The secret is definitely out about this Film Feast favorite find!

SPOTTED: Of course, Marty was the celeb sighting highlight of the evening. Santa Barbara is wonderfully unique as a film festival hosting destination this way. Locals get to as up-close and personal to the star-studded action as the Hollywood execs and box office stars do and the result is an inclusive, inviting film festival atmosphere. For example, Sir Ben Kingsely presented the award to the Hollywood great, which made not so much for a show of star-studded ego, but instead a genuine recognition of one friend's accomplishments by another in a room full of like-minded folks who were really all there for the same reason: a love of good film.