The SB Post

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.