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.