On the Menu

February 2, 2023

Social media chefs are cooking up a storm

By Zoë Lo

Whether or not viewers at home actually follow through with these chef's recipes, though, doesn’t matter — some are perfectly content with leaving it up to the experts. 

February 2, 2023

Kuy Teav: A Cambodian noodle soup that will warm your heart

By Max Yim

Cozy up with a bowl of kuy teav, a Khmer noodle soup resembling Vietnamese pho, but distinct enough to be its own separate dish.

January 26, 2023

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

By Chace Duma, Stephanie Gerson

The Daily Nexus On the Menu Team wants to ring in the new year by highlighting some recent changes in Santa Barbara’s restaurant scene.

January 26, 2023

(Olive Garden copycat) Chicken gnocchi soup: The ultimate rainy day recipe

By Abigail Monti

Made in one pot in under an hour, this recipe takes less time than driving to the nearest Olive Garden in Oxnard!

January 19, 2023

The best things I ate in 2022

By Stephanie Gerson

Stephanie shares her favorite meals from Santa Barbara restaurants in 2022.

January 19, 2023

Potato Kugel: Not your typical casserole

By Joey Sable

This potato kugel is practically a latke recipe but baked in a dish, creating a crisp exterior with a smooth and creamy interior texture.

December 23, 2022

Christmas chai latte: recreating the classic Dutch Bros holiday drink

By Pihu Jain

A recipe inspired by the "Christmas Morning" drink from Dutch Bros.

December 10, 2022

Spread holiday cheer with this nonalcoholic cranberry pomegranate spritz

By Stephanie Gerson

Destress during the holidays with this festive and flavorful mocktail!

December 2, 2022

A Hainanese Chicken Friendsgiving

By Max Yim

A somewhat nontraditional Friendsgiving, an introspective view on my journey making Hainanese Chicken, and how food brings people together.

November 24, 2022

Salmon Wellington: A terrific turkey alternative

By Joey Sable

I sought to make a Thanksgiving main dish that incorporates complex flavors and is everything turkey is not: something with moistness and rich flavor that still feels ceremonious and special without needing to tend to it...

November 17, 2022

Persimmon and plum crumble: a foolproof fall dessert

By Stephanie Gerson

Stand out at the Thanksgiving dessert table with this melt-in-your-mouth fall treat!

November 17, 2022

So you got invited to friendsgiving…

By Chace Duma

You got invited to a Friendsgiving. Great! Only one issue: You don’t know how to cook. We're here to help with a few easy-to-make ideas to bring to a potluck!

November 17, 2022

How mashed potatoes became a smash hit: A brief history

By Pihu Jain

This beloved Thanksgiving side dish has origins that can be traced back 10,000 years ago to the Andes Mountain region.

November 10, 2022

“Medium Raw:” A Memoir by Anthony Bourdain

By Max Yim

“Medium Raw” gives the reader an insightful and mature perspective of the industry while still maintaining the brutal honesty and vividity that makes his writing so engaging.

November 10, 2022

Spice up your breakfast rotation with shakshuka!

By Abigail Monti

There’s nothing homier than the lively, sweet aroma of this gorgeous dish.

November 10, 2022

The flavor is: Naan Stop

By Pihu Jain

Pihu Jain finds a taste of home at Isla Vista's Naan Stop.