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Local Specialties
Santa Barbara offers the best of the best, from gourmet olives to rich truffles. Check out this itinerary for some suggestions on the most beloved local products. (If you're visiting Santa Barbara...you just might want to consider packing an extra suitcase!)
- Like an Olive in That? Add some zip to your martini with an olive from Santa Barbara Olive Company. The company makes a full line of olive products, including salty savory orbs hand-stuffed with everything from jalapeños to California blanched almonds; herb-infused and certified organic extra-virgin oils; pasta sauces; and zingy salsas. Info: 800.624.4896 or sbolive.com.
- Crazy for Crustaceans: The locally harvested, briny-sweet ridgeback shrimp is actually a prawn, but let's not quibble. A quick sauté or boil is all it takes to sail to seafood heaven (available October - June). And it may not have a pretty name - or claws - but the spiny lobster has firm, sweet meat similar to that of its cold-water cousin-only much, much better (available October-March). Info: Santa Barbara Fish Market, 805.965.9564, sbfish.com; Santa Barbara Farmers Market, 805.962.5354, sbfarmersmarket.org; Santa Barbara Shellfish Co., 805.966.6676, sbfishhouse.com
- Knee-numbing Chocolate: Bet you can't eat just one. Irresistible chocolate creations from around the world and from local chocolatiers are lovingly displayed at the diminutive Chocolate Maya. Whether it's decadent dark chocolate or creamy milk, infused with lime or thyme, these luscious artisanal bars, truffles and bonbons are a natural indulgence. Info: 805.965.5956 or chocolatemaya.com.
- Nuts About Oil: How could anything with so many health benefits taste so delicious? La Nogalera 100-percent premium walnut oil is cholesterol-free and antioxidant-rich, but all we know is that it tastes nutty-good. Terrific for dipping bread, dressing salads, drizzling over grilled fish and tossing with pasta or steamed veggies, this liquid luxury can be found at specialty food markets, wine-tasting rooms and farmers markets. Info: 805.245.9457 or lanogalerawalnutoil.com.
- Fast, Fresh & Healthful: A cool new concept in town, Backyard Bowls serves up tangy sweet, healthful bowls of fresh fruits (and some veggies), including tropical ingredients such as acai-an antioxidant-rich berry grown in Brazil-which is blended with other fruits and vegetables and topped with granola and honey. Or sip a smoothie (try the Tropical Ginger) and you're fueled for an action-packed afternoon. Info: 805.845.5379 or backyardbowls.com.
- Vino-licious: Santa Barbara County boasts the perfect climate and topography for thriving wine grapes. Mountain ranges that run east to west (instead of north to south along the coast) allow for ocean breezes to cool grapes during late afternoons and evenings after long, sunny days. Although over 60 grape varieties grow in these picturesque valleys, the big three are chardonnay, syrah and pinot noir. Info: 805.688.0881 or go to sbcountywines.com.
- Go Global: A different sort of tasting room lies in the heart of wine country. Global Gardens offers olive oils for tasting (for a small fee) or purchase, along with other gourmet foods and gifts from around the globe. Among the extra-virgin varieties are some made from Global Gardens' own olive trees. Info: 805.693.1600.
Author: Nancy Ransohoff
