Stephanie Gerson

March 21, 2024

Letter from the Editor: lessons in food writing and growth

By Stephanie Gerson

On the Menu Co-Editor Stephanie Gerson reflects on her time writing for the Nexus and the lessons learned along the way.

March 7, 2024

New restaurants, notable closures and food news in and around I.V. 

By Stephanie Gerson

Some new and old eateries are closing shop, while others are hosting community events and offering student discounts. 

February 22, 2024

Food-focused events and initiatives to celebrate Black History in and around I.V.

By Stephanie Gerson

From soul food and live performances to cultural activities and limited-time food fundraisers, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate and uplift Black culture and community in Santa Barbara this month and all year lo...

January 25, 2024

Kimchi fries, wonton soup and more: Alumni-owned Asian fusion restaurant ASIA 101 serves up cozy dishes to keep you warm all winter

By Stephanie Gerson

At ASIA 101, Mojo Teahouse’s fried favorites are back along with a limited menu of noodle soups and rice dishes.

December 26, 2023

A year of I.V. food news

By Stephanie Gerson

Amidst some departures of beloved I.V. establishments, several new restaurants arrived — some alumni-owned, others with preexisting locations in Santa Barbara County — expanding the selection of dining options for st...

November 16, 2023

A guide to navigating Trader Joe’s fall and winter seasonal specialties

By Stephanie Gerson

Whether you’re a dedicated Trader Joe’s customer who finds joy in trying their latest creations or just enjoy the foods traditionally eaten around the holidays, this guide will give you a few ideas on how to incorpor...

November 9, 2023

Fad or flop: Is Crumbl Cookies worth the hype?

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti

Does Crumbl Cookies live up to the hype? We didn’t think so.

November 2, 2023

Where to find Pan de Muerto in Santa Barbara to celebrate Día de Los Muertos

By Stephanie Gerson, Kendra Martinez

The tradition of eating pan de muerto is not only accompanied by a centuries-long history, but is also an essential part of celebrating Day of the Dead.

October 12, 2023

Buena Onda brings a piece of Argentina to Santa Barbara with community events and hand crafted empanadas

By Stephanie Gerson

The family-owned business specializes in empanada varieties that stay true to the flavors of Argentina while also acknowledging the California palate.

October 5, 2023

Goleta Lemon Festival celebrates its 30th year of lemony eats and activities for all

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti

After a day of eating lemony treats, here is what the On the Menu staff deemed worth the try.

October 5, 2023

Third annual Burrito Week offers $8 burritos from 21 Santa Barbara County establishments

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti, Mari Villalpando-Ortega

The Santa Barbara Independent has invited 21 establishments in Santa Barbara in the past two years to participate in their annual Burrito Week, offering special burritos and familiar favorites at a discounted price.

September 29, 2023

Nuevos restaurantes, cierres notables y noticias de comida en y alrededor de I.V.

By Stephanie Gerson, La Vista Editor

Durante los meses del verano, la escena culinaria en el condado de Santa Bárbara ha sido testigo de cambios drásticos – la pérdida del icónico restaurante Pho Bistro, la inauguración del primer mini salón de comi...

September 24, 2023

Take advantage of California fig season with this fall salad

By Stephanie Gerson

Salads have a reputation for being boring and unsatisfying, but this variation, packed with a variety of fresh and cooked ingredients, challenges that assumption.

August 31, 2023

New restaurants, notable closures and food news in and around I.V.

By Stephanie Gerson

During the summer months, the food scene in Santa Barbara County has witnessed drastic changes — the loss of longtime Isla Vista eatery Pho Bistro, the opening of Isla Vista’s first mini food hall and announcements o...

July 27, 2023

Aperol spritzes fit for a summertime soirée

By Stephanie Gerson

This mild, sparkling cocktail with slightly bitter and floral flavor notes is the drink of the summer.

July 14, 2023

Nuevos restaurantes, eventos locales y noticias gastronómicas en y los alrededores de I.V.

By Stephanie Gerson, Meenakshi Manoj

Desde la apertura de una nueva café en Isla Vista hasta demostraciones de cocina gratuitas de Salud y Bienestar de UC Santa Bárbara y la migración de una Goleta emergente en el centro, la escena gastronómica de Santa...