On the Menu

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.

November 3, 2022

Why ratatouille is more than just a dish

By Luc Le

Luc Le puts the recipe at the center of one of Pixar's greatest films to the test.

November 3, 2022

Life, death and biscuits: Navigating grief through food

By Katherine McCabe

Katherine McCabe shares a personal essay about the value of food and family connections.

October 27, 2022

Perfect Pumpkin Fall Fudge

By Haydin Zogaric

There’s nothing that screams “fall” more than melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin spice fudge!

October 27, 2022

Ain’t No Challaback Girl: Chocolate-Pumpkin Babkallah

By Joey Sable

This pumpkin chocolate babkallah will be the best dessert you’ll eat during this autumnal equinox!

October 20, 2022

Quite a catch: the Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival

By Kyra Karatsu, Grace Zhang

All things seafood and maritime, the free community event showcased the ocean’s freshest ingredients.

October 20, 2022

Chicken Adobo: A Filipino chicken stew

By Max Yim

This recipe is my attempt at recreating my lolo’s chicken adobo and is easy and simple to make, as well as being warm and hearty, perfect for the fall and winter.

October 14, 2022

New Restaurants, Notable Closures and Food News in and Around I.V.

By Stephanie Gerson

Santa Barbara’s food scene is unique and ever changing; here's a roundup of some recent news!

October 14, 2022

Kick off Soup Season with a Cozy Bowl of Broccoli Soup

By Abigail Monti

The next time you finish a long day of classes and bike rides in the cold, warm yourself up with a cozy blanket and a cup of broccoli soup!

October 14, 2022

Oyster Mushroom Faux Chicken Tenders

By Chace Duma

If you’re looking to reduce your meat intake, add this recipe to your “quick weeknight dinners” list or just do something with that bunch of oyster mushrooms you bought at the farmers market because of how pretty t...

October 7, 2022

Two refreshing mocktail recipes and a discussion about the nonalcoholic beverage market

By Stephanie Gerson

From alcohol-free beer to premixed mocktails, skipping out on alcohol can still be fun, flavorful and accessible.