tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29044031656682698352024-03-14T00:13:01.889-07:00Size 10Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-2239950059362404852011-08-10T16:56:00.000-07:002011-08-10T16:56:54.775-07:00Warbler 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 foundRhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-37898816460497670092011-08-09T17:49:00.000-07:002011-08-09T17:51:57.424-07:00Carlitos 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 passionRhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-45784388029388282182011-08-05T10:50:00.000-07:002011-08-05T10:50:26.509-07:00The 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 alsoRhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-48602914058192665602011-08-03T17:23:00.000-07:002011-08-04T15:55:44.926-07:00Santa 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. Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-52355063051817608472011-07-31T14:28:00.000-07:002011-07-31T14:28:14.750-07:00Waiting 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-87548802783047373872011-07-28T22:39:00.000-07:002011-07-28T22:42:34.132-07:00Santa 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 aRhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-38392782250340741482011-07-25T18:41:00.000-07:002011-07-25T18:41:26.471-07:00State 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-65189948561346853212011-07-21T01:53:00.000-07:002011-07-21T01:53:43.416-07:00Back in the day: Bobby Caldwell - What you won't do for loveListening to smooth jazz tracks late night. solo. Can you blame me?Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-69779882781655082342011-07-19T16:17:00.000-07:002011-07-19T16:17:37.188-07:00Chinatown's finest: R&G LoungeI 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-63090483122196247872011-07-14T19:32:00.000-07:002011-07-14T19:38:33.111-07:00Reggae 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-53694681593502125942011-07-14T16:58:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:58:12.127-07:00Santa 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-48792752331203073352011-07-08T14:52:00.000-07:002011-07-08T14:55:44.448-07:00Reggae 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 MargaritasRhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-58154600325259685622011-07-06T20:47:00.000-07:002011-07-06T20:47:03.245-07:004th 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-83416036336523064802011-06-13T20:27:00.000-07:002011-07-06T17:40:22.066-07:00Momma 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-35525917200235866722011-06-06T20:24:00.000-07:002011-06-06T21:01:56.102-07:00Happy 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-30496708387705548812011-05-25T17:51:00.000-07:002011-05-25T20:40:06.045-07:00Norton'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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-52129465246076377722011-05-10T12:04:00.000-07:002011-05-15T01:16:01.122-07:00Saigon 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-7573387651056508742011-04-22T14:35:00.000-07:002011-04-22T15:20:10.528-07:00Santa Barbara Eats: Tony Ray'sSince 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 afternoonRhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-5818108159804042712011-04-18T15:45:00.000-07:002011-04-18T16:43:42.052-07:00Santa Barbara Happy Hour: The BoathouseOn 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-31286580950723597052011-04-12T10:54:00.000-07:002011-04-12T11:04:14.057-07:00South Coast DeliAbout 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 Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-61848064060890995522011-04-06T13:11:00.000-07:002011-04-06T14:02:19.922-07:00Double-dredged fried chickenFollow these steps for a basic recipe to great fried chicken:Ingredients:FlourGarlic SaltPepper1 egg2 lbs legs and thighsCanola 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, Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-35375317971618733812010-08-14T20:46:00.000-07:002010-08-15T02:21:55.723-07:00The Waiting gameI’ve been doing the long distance thing. For the last two months, we’ve been trying to keep it together over the phone and through letters in the mail.I know I’m old fashioned. And no, I don’t think chivalry is dead. Shit, it’s pretty much my whole game plan.But with one month left on the wait, she told me she wants a break.People tell me she’s found another and I should do the same.She says she Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-22758276937081413552010-08-04T14:38:00.000-07:002010-08-04T19:55:56.722-07:00Sombreros..Don't leave Mexico without 'em A timeline of me and my brother's 15-hour Mexican adventure10:12 p.m. Arrive in Santa Monica.10:13 Headed toward the border.12:15 Just crossed the border. Doing the patriotic thing by drinking Sam Adam’s – summer ale.1247 a.m. Our first $20 goes toward paying the police off for peeing in public. Wish I could just pay the police off in America. Welcome to Mexico.2:00 a.m. Arrive at some club in Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-1657538146338613462010-06-26T12:54:00.000-07:002010-06-28T18:01:52.313-07:00Maui: The people. The places. The food. A soundslide of my recent vacation back home on Maui.Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904403165668269835.post-27856923679321947872010-05-09T23:26:00.000-07:002010-05-09T23:45:27.369-07:00Happy Mother's Day! By the way, who's my father?People tell me I'm still stuck in the 90's.Call me old fashioned, but I'd probably be carrying around a clunky CD player if I wasn't given an iPod; probably still be carrying around a pager if they still made 'em. If someone else didn't open me up a Facebook page, social networking would be done - in person - on Friday and Saturday night.I knew I had it right the first time.I recently found out Rhys Alvaradohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475255051059091097noreply@blogger.com4