Los Altos Restaurant is opening a new location in Old Town Goleta. Stephanie Gerson / Daily Nexus

From the opening of a new coffee shop in Isla Vista to free cooking demonstrations from UC Santa Barbara’s Health & Wellness and a Goleta pop-up’s migration downtown, Santa Barbara’s food scene continues to grow and evolve. 

Los Altos Restaurant is opening its second location in Old Town Goleta

Several Santa Barbara restaurants have chosen to open second locations in Old Town Goleta, including Oat Bakery and now Los Altos Restaurant. Renovations are nearly complete at Los Altos Restaurant’s second location on 5892 Hollister Ave. Their menu includes traditional dishes such as sopes, tortas and tacos as well as daily specials; prices range from $9.50 for items such as tostadas, to $35 for a seafood plate complete with octopus, shrimp, oyster and calamari. While an opening date has not yet been set, diners can enjoy Mexican fare at their original location on 318 N Milpas St. 

Goodland Waffles & Melts opens downtown

After hosting several pop-ups at Goleta establishments during the past few months, Noozhawk reported that Goodland Waffles & Melts has found its permanent home at the Mosaic Locale on 1131 State St. Goodland Waffles & Melts sells both sweet and savory waffle creations, such as the Dirty Chai waffle with chai-spiced mousse and espresso maple syrup, as well as grilled cheese varieties including the Mosaic Melt, a grilled sandwich with pesto chicken, mozzarella, cheddar and red pepper spread. Prices for waffles and melts range from $10 to $14. Despite now operating at the Mosaic Locale, Goodland Waffles & Melts continues to host pop-ups, which are announced on their Instagram, at Goleta’s Old Town Coffee and Draughtsmen Aleworks.

KOZY Craft Coffee is opening in mid-May and hiring baristas

KOZY Craft Coffee’s website announced that their grand opening will occur on May 19. Their menu includes classic coffee and tea drinks as well as an extensive pastry menu. According to flyers posted around UCSB and Isla Vista, KOZY Craft Coffee is now hiring experienced baristas for their Isla Vista coffee shop on 6560 Pardall Rd. To apply, send a resume to contact@kozycraftcoffee.com. 

UCSB Health & Wellness launches “UCSB Feed Your Future Cookbook”

UCSB’s Health & Wellness recently shared the “UCSB Feed Your Future Cookbook,” a free online cookbook created by UCSB student and UCSB Health & Wellness Food, Nutrition, Basic Skills & Health Equity intern Tait Salzman. The cookbook shares low-cook and no-cook recipes as well as a section dedicated to outlining available basic needs resources for students who might be experiencing food insecurity. The cookbook can be accessed and downloaded for use via the UCSB Health & Wellness website.

UCSB Health & Wellness to host Camping Cooking event

Join UCSB’s Health & Wellness on May 4 from 12:30 – 2 p.m in the Student Resource Building’s Multipurpose Room to learn how to fuel up in an eco-friendly manner when camping. The event will include cooking demonstrations and tastings of chickpea salad and vegetarian tacos. No cooking or camping experience is required to participate in the event. Participants can register for free on Shoreline.

Sunkissed Pantry to host Chocolate Truffle and Wine Pairing Workshop 

Zero waste essentials and refill shop Sunkissed Pantry announced on their Instagram that the store will be hosting a Chocolate Truffle and Wine Pairing Workshop at their storefront on 31 E Canon Perdido St on May 6 from 3-5 p.m. This all-inclusive event will feature truffles made by raw vegan chef Dana Crowley and corresponding wine pairings presented by Wine Cult Club. With a higher ticket price point of $88 per person, this class would make for a thoughtful birthday or anniversary gift. Reserve your spot on the Sunkissed Pantry website.

A version of this article appeared on p. 12 of the May 4, 2023 version of the Daily Nexus.

Stephanie Gerson

Stephanie Gerson is a fourth-year Art History major and On the Menu Co-Editor. She can usually be found taking long walks, wandering about museums or grocery shopping.