Warbler Records and Goods

The hippy guy that sold me my new record player is the ish!
I've been meaning to buy me a record player for the last few months... The guy who helped me out made my purchase easy and threw in a free record with my purchase. Warbler Records offers knowledgeable service at good prices. I'm not too familiar with many record stores, but they've even got reggae and Hawaiian albums.
I think I've found my new hobby - and it has a lot to do with stores like this.

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina

If you're willing to shell out a little more dinero for your better-than-average mexican fair, give Carlitos the green light.
Two tacos'll cost you $17, and a cocktail $10-12. But it's all pretty good.
The portions here are huge. Their rock shrimp tacos were bomb. Lightly breaded and served with papaya salsa, the fillings overflowed each tortilla.
Their chili passion martini - a blend of passion fruit pulp, vodka and chili flakes - was the perfect blend of tang and spice.
Two cocktails and an two entrees cost my friend and I $75. A costly price for a light buzz. But I digress..
Carlito's hosts prbably some of the bigger and better patio seating on town. If you're looking to make lunch/dinner reservations for two, request the table outside nearest to State Street. It's the best seat in the house.

The Blue Owl at Zen Yai

This place serves the best tri-tip sandwich I've ever had. And who knew it'd come from a thai restaurant? The oyster aioli, smothered on the perfectly toasted brioche roll adds a slightly fishy element to the sandwich - but it works. And it works well. A few leaves of fresh basil and match stick carrots also compliment the sandwich.
At Blue Owl, the tri-tip fried rice topped with an egg is also a good call.
Although the portions are small for the price, the two things I've had (fried rice $10, tri tip sandwich $8) are worth every penny. You also have to take into consideration that this is one of SB's few late night options. Otherwise, you're stuck with Mad Dogs or Jack in the Crack.
Hours: 11:30 - 2:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Delivery Available?!?

Santa Barbara Happy Hour: The Hungry Cat

From the first sip of my Happy Hour cocktail, the first thought that came to mind: A good drink doesn't have to be a stiff one.
Our server recommended the Greyhound proper, a standard for the Hungry Cat's comers and goers. My greyhound was perfectly proportioned - complete with Plymouth Vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, garnished with a sliver of candied grapefruit.
This place screams quality. Fresh ingredients. Sophistication. Our $1.50 Fanny Bay oysters tasted as if they came straight from the ocean. The horseradish, freshly grated. Something tells me they make their cocktail sauce on the spot as well.
The cured arctic char was a good choice. The cured char, toasted pistachios, and honey yogurt added contemporary touch to plain ol' grilled Naan and yogurt.
The feel of the Hungry Cat strikes a modern pose. From their menu, to their style of service, to the dark stained furniture. The type of place where the artsy folk like to congregate. And in my case, the perfect place to catch up with great company.


Happy hour runs from 3-6p.m. daily. Half off all cocktails, drafts, and cocktail of the day. $1.50 oyster of the day.

Waiting on the famous

Waited on David Crosby's table last night of Crosby, Stills and Nash. Their hit "Just a song before I go," is one of my all-time favorites. According to Wikipedia, the song was written by Graham Nash in Hawaii as a means of killing some time before leaving the house. The opening line came from his friend who told him "Why don't you just write a song before you go?"
False rumors say that the song was written about a girlfriend of one of the band members. He successfully boarded the plane but his girlfriend - who was holding his stash - was arrested.

For more background on the song: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_a_Song_Before_I_Go

Santa Barbara Eats: Shang Hai Chinese Restaurant

When you're craving Kung Pao, chow fun or orange chicken, who better to trust than the original Chinese spot in Santa Barbara?
For the last 30 years, the little, yet classy hole in the wall has been satisfying SB locs with everything your inner asian desires.
Owner Evette took over her fathers business some 27 years ago so he could focus on his work in the kitchen.
Shang Hai, nestled next to a laundromat and a liquor store in an upper Milpas plaza, isn't what you'd assume it to be from the outside. This place is actually pretty nice. Nice pleather booths, nice 80s inspired watercolor art, good service.
Actually, my server smiled so much I don't think I saw the whites of her eyes.
On my two trips to Shang Hai, I enjoyed the beef chow fun, Kung Pao scallops, and every American's favorite (drum roll please): orange chicken.
All were exceptional. Especially the their chow fun, which was highlighted by it's thinner-than-most noodles. Shang Hai also hosts a great vegetarian menu (created because Evette is a vegetarian) and a lunch special menu that'll cost you less than $10. Their fried rice game needs some work though. Besides that, this is the spot to hit when your inner china man (or woman) is craving.
Day in and day out, Evette,50, and her father Kent, 70, still serve up the same Chinese food they have for more than 30 years.
"I once told my father, maybe we can retire together. So wait for me," Evette said smiling.

State Street hot dog stands

Has anyone else noticed the Tijuana-esque food stands on State Street? On my latest downtown crawl, smoke from these portable grills - which serve nothing but hot dogs - flooded just about every club I was in. Still no idea if these hot dog stands are legitimate, but if so, they could very well corner the late-night-bite market. Definitely a step down for classy Santa Barbara. Took one bite of my dog then threw it away.

Back in the day: Bobby Caldwell - What you won't do for love

Listening to smooth jazz tracks late night. solo. Can you blame me?

Chinatown's finest: R&G Lounge

I don’t think I’ve ever been to a Chinese restaurant as fancy as R and J Lounge.
When my friend Mary and I – on the prowl for San Fran’s best Chinese (Yelp! handy) – stepped onto the corner of the lounge, I assumed we were going to some home style Chinese hole in the wall.
Welcomed at the front door and taken downstairs, like mob bosses to a gambling hall, I was surprised at how well-kept the restaurant was. The granite countertops, wooden carvings and 80’s style mirrors that stretch around the restaurant gave the place a high-end feel.
Mary and I decided to dive into some local crustacean, bbq pork and one of the “Chef’s Favorites”, a smoked salmon and avocado egg roll.
The bbq pork was a bit tough, but the soft shell crab made up for the hog’s mishap.
The whole soft shell crab, fried with a thin coating of garlic lemon batter demanded a little elbow grease to enjoy, but was worth every shell-spewing bite. The best part of the $38 delight - the butter of the crab, which was fried to perfection. (Note: I’m drooling about it as I’m writing this.)
Though the wait staff was not so engaged in my conversation and a decent meal will cost you more than a typical Chinese restaurant (an arm and a crab leg in my case), the food is well worth the trip.

Reggae Wednesday's Revisited: 1twotree

For the last three years, my boy Jeffa and his group 1twotree have been plugging the Santa Barbara scene with the best reggae music in town. Hands down.
On what's likely to be my last visit to Sandbar's Reggae Wednesday, I had to come check out 1twotree perform live before my move to San Francisco.
"We'll be up there soon," Mr. Vegas said after the show.
1twotree keeps crowds skankin' with a flurry of original hits like "Downtown", "Troy's song" and "Run" and also perform hit covers from UB40, Fiji and Pepper.
When not working with 1twotree, drummer Antoine Richardson and bassist/vocalist Gavin Thompson work alongside Andrew Bees of the internationally acclaimed Reggae group Black Uhuru.
Though the band resides in Santa Barbara, their musical diversity stems everywhere from the Hawaiian Islands, to the South American coast, to the shores of New Jersey.
For nothing but soulful, pure, unfiltered reggae, 1twotree gives it to you live and direct - from the roots up.

Check them out at 1twotree.com for new releases, bios and tour information.

Santa Barbara Happy Hour: Bistro 1111

Since I've moved into my new apartment on East Beach, I've been nothing but smiles.
I'm footsteps away from the beach, footsteps away from the park - and I've recently discovered that I'm footsteps from a great happy hour.
Bistro 1111 at the Hotel Miramonte hosts a DAILY happy hour (7 days a week!) from 4-7 p.m. which includes 2 for $5 domestic bottles, $5 wines by the glass, $5 appetizers and wanna-be rum runners.
Overlooking East Beach, Bistro 1111 anchors the East Beach Happy Hour scene because it's the only one! The most enjoyable part of my time there had to have been the fresh pilsner glasses for each beer. Unlike most places who do 2-for-1's and give you both beers at once, our bartender Coleen gave me each of my domestic bottles one at a time, with a fresh chilled glass.
Bistro 1111 also serves their bar menu until 11 p.m. on weekdays and until 12 a.m. on the weekends - a new option besides Jack in the Box for anyone looking for a late night bite on the East side.

Reggae Wednesdays at the Sandbar

Did I ever tell you about the time some chick dumped me at a Pepper concert to this song? Haven't heard the song live since then. This group, (named who knows what) performed a decent cover. Sandbar Santa Barbara hosts reggae Wednesdays featuring live entertainment from local and distant reggae/ska acts.

$3 Heinekens
2 for 1 Margaritas

4th of July Santa Barbara Style

It's been a long time since I've had the 4th off. Since it may be the last time I get to feel extra proud to be an American in Santa Barbara, I figured I'd go all out like I always do. When it comes to celebrating Independence day in SB, the locals prefer the Endless Summer Bar and Grill. Perched in the corner of the Santa Barbara Harbor, my friends and I enjoyed great drinks and an incredible view of the night's fireworks.

7:03 p.m. After a couple Firestone Pale Ales - a staple for Santa Barbarans - I decided to delve into my hobby of sampling restaurant's specialty drinks. The cucumber jalapeno margarita, which left a nice hint of spice on my lips, was a nice way to kick start the evening. The Planter's Punch, a blend of Myer's dark rums grapefruit and polynesian juices, was a disguising refreshing prior to wine toasting.

7:59 p.m. Our party decides that throwing popcorn into Derek's mouth is the best way to pass the time.

8:30 p.m. My room mate, co-worker and friend saved a bottle of our chef's wine, the Cecchini Bianco, a blend of Tocai, Malvasia and Arneis for the night's festivities. The refreshing white, Italian blend makes for the perfect summer wine.

9:05 p.m. Fireworks!

9:43 p.m. On our stumble to Longboard's Bar and Grill on the pier, my friends and I were blessed to come across the Olive Street Truck. Winner of The Santa Barbara Independent's Summer Grill Off, Liz Bradley and her pork bahn mi sandwich left my taste buds in awe. The sweet, spicy, smoky, pulled pork served on a roll with fresh cucumber is proof that good, pardon me, great food can be found after hours and on wheels.

9:50 p.m. We arrive at Longboard's Grill and Bar for a few Mean Tai's. This blend of six different rums, almond liquer and pineapple juice is one bad motha.

1:15 a.m. Catch a late night cab to Statemynt to meet up with my hombres for a few shots of Tequila.

1:30 a.m. Still proud to be an American.

Momma Donna's

I've found my new favorite spot for a late night bite.
Dishing out an array of your good ol' American bar eats, Momma Donna takes drunk food to the next level.
Momma's eclectic decor of brightly colored walls, hanging african tribal masks and chinese checkers boards also give the restaurant a comfortable, homey feeling. Momma's miscellaneous furnishings go even further with table tops covered in a collage of timeless newspaper and magazine cut-outs of Lennon and post WWII headlines that shout "PEACE" and "THE WAR IS OVER".
"Around here, anything goes," Donna said.
Her menu is simple. Whether or not I'm drunk, simple is better.
"I'm not trying to sell people on the details," Donna said. "I'm not looking to draw a snobby crowd," Donna said. "Once people start criticizing my food, that's where we have problems."
The everyday customer or late-night prowler would probably have no idea that she hand carmalizes bacon, allows her burger buns to proof (rise) for 20 hours and even uses free-range beef in all of her burgers. Most of the produce used in her dishes are also local.
On my visit, I ordered the PBJ Burger. The sweet bun, thick cut bacon, patty and a healthy dose of PBJ actually works. I returned the next day for her other house special, the Hawaiian Loco Moco. Coming from Hawaii while being a State Street regular, Momma Donna's couldn't be more convenient. I was meant for this place.

While sipping on my Hemp Ale, to match my irie mood, I enjoyed Donna's tableside company, which is just as good as her food. After enjoying my burger and a brew, I left the place with the peace of mind that reminds me of getting off the phone after a good talk with family, or even dinner at my mom's house.
(My mom would probably get mad if she read this).

Happy Hour: Enterprise Fish Company

For the last couple months, I'd been waiting to review Enterprise Fish Company's Happy Hour.
My friends have praised it. For years, local polls have claimed it as No. 1. I mean, who could complain about $1 Fanny Bay oysters on the half shell, $4.50 20 oz. drafts, and $3.50 well cocktails? But on this particular afternoon it seemed like somebody, or just about everybody working there suffered from a bad case of the Mondays.
I arrived alone, fifteen minutes before Sour Hour started, to a bartender with the attitude of a beer maid better suited to work at a grungy sports bar in Oakland.
An acquaintance of mine, invited me a while back to join them for their appetizer and drink specials, and I promised I would. Waiting for my friends to arrive, I politely asked the bartender if she was working. She bluntly responded by saying "I don't keep track of people's schedules."
After my company arrived, we were rushed into ordering our drinks when we were some of the only diners in the restaurant. After our drinks arrived, we waited for nearly ten minutes to place our food order only to notice our server stuffing her face in the back station.
On the other tangent, the more enjoyable one, our plump, sweet dozen of Fanny Bays arrived ice cold, the way oysters ought to be served. Their "traditional" Ahi poke, which consisted of cubed Ahi served under caramalized red onions and shredded cabbage was unlike any kind of poke I've had. Coming from the islands, the caramalized red onion twist was a nice substitute for raw Maui Onions which are normally used.
The spicy fried calamari and the Kobe beef sliders were also exceptional.
When our food arrived, I began shooting photos and taking notes of our meal. My problem: that's when decent service arrived as well.
The manager, who delivered and presented the food himself came back a few minutes later to see if we were enjoying our food. Textbook service. But his one flaw: The manager with the Carolina blue tie didn't stop at any other table to ask if they were also delighted with their meal. I Guess checking on tables at this place only happens when things go wrong.. What had been done had been done. I'd been snobbed by the bartender. Rushed at a time when I could have probably heard a pin drop in the dining room. Then sucked up to after the staff had noticed I was doing something official.
As an honest food critic, who's normally easy to please, I expect no special treatment. Just looking to be treated like everyone else. If I weren't taking pictures, or taking notes, would I be treated with the same respect? I doubt it. At a place like this, which has been awarded "Best Happy Hour" by the Santa Barbara Independent numerous times, it's hard to believe that their wait staff had anything to do with the nomination. The food here definitely overshadows the service.
Nearing the end of our meal, my friend arrived for her shift. She was sweet. But she always is. Definitely a shining star amongst a dull constellation.

Norton's Deli

Pastrami sandwiches might just be the death of me. If so, I'd rather die eating at Norton's. This greasy, heart attack served on a toasted roll is Norton's pastrami and cheese sandwich. Smothered in onions, smeared with a chipotle mayo and coated in Jack cheese, Norton's pastrami is sure to wipe out even the gnarliest of hangovers. Located at 16 West Figueroa, Norton's is serving up the BEST DAMN PASTRAMI IN TOWN. Hands down. No other deli in Santa Barbara stands a chance. Maybe it's because Nortons fries it's pastrami on the griddle. Maybe it's because no other sandwich shop in town does. Whatever the reason, this is the spot that hits the spot.

Although a sandwich, some fries and a drink might cost you an arm, a leg, and your gut ($13) it's well worth the trip. So roll in, and perhaps bring someone to roll you out.

Saigon Vietnamese In-and-Out

As a local restaurant waiter, I have the privilege of serving many of our town’s locals. The owner of Saigon Vietnamese In-and-Out comes in to my restaurant often, so I figured I’d return the favor when I was itchin’ for some Asian.
Red-eyed and still hung over from the night prior, I ordered the Iced coffee to wake me from my mid-day daze. When our waiter, Ling, brought me a rocks glass with it’s own personal coffee strainer, I sat confused. The Vietnamese iced coffee was unlike anything I’ve ever had.
“How does this thing work?” I said, pointing.
“Patience,” she replied.
The bitter grind, strained into the sweet condensed milk was an eye-opening concoction of two extremes. With one of those every morning, I’d have no trouble waking up.
When our food was served, Ling went even further with the dining adages – she taught us everything from how to wrap our egg rolls to how we toss our noodles. The vermicelli, that is...
Then it hit me. We were talking to the all-knowing, all-powerful guru of Viet fare. This meal was meant to be. I was the student, and she, my master (pardon me for the raunchiness, I can’t help it).
Everyone enjoyed the shrimp hot pot, except me, because I don’t care for sweet and sour soup. Nor do I care for sweet and sour candies, or MARGARITAS (except when it’s Margy Monday and they’re only a buck).
My lemongrass beef ($7), served over a mountain of jasmine rice, was simple, yet satisfying.
My friend Lindsey’s chicken, coated in a sea of peanut curry served over rice noodles was rich and full of flavor.
Our meal overall was good, considering it was something different. Just about every dish served to us came along with a side of fresh lettuce, mint and cilantro, which is popular in Vietnamese cuisine. That’s a good thing for me, considering that I’m a meat and potatoes kinda guy.
Saigon’s lunch specials could get you out of the place for under $10. For a healthy alternative to Asian dining, Vietnamese food is what you ought to do, and Saigon Café is where you ought to go. And if you’re not familiar with how to eat your egg roll, or in my case, how patience is key to iced coffee, it’s all right. Ling will be there to guide you.

Santa Barbara Eats: Tony Ray's

Since my friend began managing downtown's newest mexican restaurant, he hasn’t quit calling me to come in.
Being the good friend that I am (or at least think I am), I decided to give into his hype.
Tony Ray's, tucked away behind the State Street clamor, took me nearly twenty minutes to find, but in the end was worth the hassle.
My friend and I chose to sit outside on this overcast Tuesday afternoon, mostly because the dribbling water of the patio's fountain – complete with plastic roses and hibiscus buoyed among its three tiers - was almost therapeutic.
The restaurant's menu serves up your every day Mexican food, stuff you can find at just about every other taqueria or cantina in California. And like most other Mexican restaurants reaching out to their American counterpart, you find your burgers, steaks and chicken tenders served alongside fried papas.
Munching on my chicken burrito, but more so picking at my friends steak fajitas, I recognized that there’s a lot to appreciate from this hole in the wall.
No. 1: the patio seating hosts a great view of the Riviera and De La Guerra Plaza; a popular hangout for Santa Barbara’s homeless, but I digress.
No. 2: The place is kind of a secret. With no front entrance to State Street, you’d never imagine a restaurant ever existed here.
No. 3: This sit down lunch, complete with ice tea and more chips and salsa than you can handle, came to about $20. Nothing on this menu costs more than $10, except for the filet mignon, $24.
Tony Ray's also holds karaoke night on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Hosting a full bar that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the hole in the wall tries, and is worth giving a try. So if and when you go in, ask for Rony. Tell him I sent you.

Price: >$10

Santa Barbara Happy Hour: The Boathouse

On a bright afternoon last Sunday, some friends and I hit up happy hour at the Boat House Restaurant. Nestled in front of Hendry's Beach, known by dog owners as the watering hole for their furry friends, the Boathouse restaurant is everything a Sunday afternoon at the bar should be.

This is happy hour heaven. And if you call that a mai tai, well, I'll have another.
The Blackberry Mai Tai, one of the Boathouse's specialty drinks, is one definitely worth trying. My friend Lindsey and I agreed that the muttled blackberry twist on this tropical concoction has forever changed the way we Mai Tai. And you thought a Mai Tai was just a bunch of rum hiding behind pineapple juice? So did I.

Their happy hour appetizers are just as good. Some of the favorites are the steamed manila clams served in a white wine broth with diced Linguica (a form of Portugese pork cured sausage). We also enjoyed the sesame-seared ahi, served over crispy won tons, island slaw and a citrus soy sauce.

This place definitely captures the Santa Barbara beach boy lifestyle to its fullest. I mean, what better than watching surfers get shacked on the small shoulders of Hendry Beach's shore break while diving into some good convo over happy-hour-priced drinks and pupus? Not much.

All tips on this particular Sunday were donated to Andre Balbeiri, a good friend of the Shellfish Co., who suffered from a snowboarding accident in the earlier months and lost his leg. Balbeiri arrived just after sunset and was welcomed with a round of applause.

Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. Sunday through Friday.

$3 Drafts: Pacifico, Sunshine Wheat, Firestone Double Barrel Ale, Bud Light
$5 Well cocktails: Definitely try the Blood Orange Margarita and the Blackberry Mai Tai
$7.95 Appetizers: Sesame Seared Ahi, Steamed Manila Clams, Fried Calamari and more

Service:★ ★ ★ ★
Food/Drink:★ ★ ★ ★.5
Setting: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

(All out of 5)

South Coast Deli

About every other week, I hit up my favorite sandwich spot in town. And it's not just because my boy Chris manages the joint and I get a fat hook up whenever I step into the spot. These sandwiches are good - real good. With an ever-changing menu, South Coast keeps the classics around while incorporating the new like the Buffalo Chicken sandwich, which I ordered. My sandwich, served on a toasted roll, smothered in that tangy sauce with a bright orange tinge, was, eh, so-so. I've definitely ordered better. My friend ordered the chicken ceasar sammy, served on pillowy sourdough. I ended up devouring her leftovers. Located a block off State street, South Coast's streetside outdoor seating makes for the perfect place to get lunch on a sunny day. And it's worthy to note that each sandwich, or "sammy" as they call it, is served with a dum dum lollipop.
Serving fresh baked cookies, pastas and casseroles and voted "Best Sandwich" by the Santa Barbara Independent since 2000 or so, South Coast is definitely keeping up the tradition.
Some other favorites of mine: The Dark Horse Pastrami and the Chicken Pesto sammy.

"Saving Santa Barbara from lame sandwiches since 1991."

Located at 1436 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara or 185 South Patterson Ave, Goleta

Food: ★ ★ ★.5 (out of 4)
Service: ★ ★ ★ (out of 4)

Double-dredged fried chicken

Follow these steps for a basic recipe to great fried chicken:

Ingredients:

Flour
Garlic Salt
Pepper
1 egg
2 lbs legs and thighs
Canola oil

-First, pull chicken from fridge and let sit until poultry reaches room temperature.
-Pour two cups flour in a separate bowl.
-In another bowl, beat 1 egg.
-Once chicken reaches room temp., season with garlic salt and pepper.
-After seasoning, dredge chicken in flour, then egg wash, then back into flour.
-Heat about 1"-1.5" Canola oil in a pan over Med/Hi heat.
-Begin frying.
-Flip frequently until skin is golden brown on all sides.
-For best results, finish chicken in the oven for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.

Other pointers:

Keep it southern with nothin' but Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce.
For an asian twist, serve with Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce.

Also, don't fry chicken, or anything at that, without a shirt. Shit hurts!