On the Menu

March 31, 2010

Right Side Up

By Evan Wagstaff

New restaurants have been popping up along Pardall Road this year, with Dogtown and Chino's first to offer a new flavor to Isla Vista's gourmets.

March 3, 2010

Coffee Talk

By Rebecca Horrigan

Coffeehouses emerged in London in the 1650s and were known as "penny universities" due to the price of the coffee and their pivotal role as a public space for the dissemination of new ideas. Here, people from all differe...

February 24, 2010

Farmers Markets

By Nadia Ismail

As the pale light of a rising sun sweeps over Santa Barbara's downtown, local farm owners set up tents boasting rows of succulent fruits, vibrantly colored vegetables, assortments of homemade jams, jars of freshly presse...

February 17, 2010

Chinese New Year

By Maane Khatchatourian

Nestled in the corner of a shopping center in a remote area in downtown Santa Barbara, Shang Hai is a lucky find. Despite its remote location, the small, family-owned restaurant has attracted locals for the past 26 years...

February 10, 2010

Going Greek!

By Rebecca Horrigan

Tucked away in a strip mall and almost entirely eclipsed by a Sizzler, the location is not exactly Santorini, but the authentic Mediterranean fare, friendly service and warm atmosphere of Mediterra Café might just w...

February 3, 2010

All Thai’d Up

By Ben Bradley

Let's start with some chicken satay. Delicious, tender and smoky, smothered in peanut sauce. Shall we proceed to some steamed rice, maybe some piping hot lemongrass and coconut soup? Pad Thai? Yes, please. It's a classic...

January 27, 2010

Chino’s Rock & Tacos

By Kelcey Blessing Reporter

From nightly menu specials to a light, social atmosphere, Chino's Rock & Tacos is I.V.'s newest hot spot for food and fun.

January 20, 2010

Here’s Lookin’ at You Kid

By John Greely

In the cold winter months there is nothing better to cheer up a starving college student than a tall beer and a heaping platter of hot food. And while we all love Natty and takeout or an all-you-can-eat platter of wings ...

January 13, 2010

Come On, Get Healthy!

By Ben Bradley

It's a new year, and that means you've probably made a lot of resolutions you won't keep. On the Menu is here to help you stick to one of them with a selection of the most ecclectic and health-conscious eateries around....

January 6, 2010

Good Morning, Sunshine

By Nathan Houle

As any Isla Vista resident knows, waking up in less than perfect shape is just a consequence of life by the beach. Whether you spent your night strutting down Del Playa Drive, barhopping down the streets of downtown Sant...

November 25, 2009

The Art of Giving Thanks

By Rachel Mattovich

While Thanksgiving is recognized as a time of appreciation and generosity, it can be unimaginably difficult to find a restaurant-crafted Thanksgiving dinner that is truly worth being grateful for. More than 40 dining est...

November 18, 2009

Fresco Cafe North

By Rebecca Horrigan

Fresco Café fully lives up to its name, and exceeds freshpectations -- from the organic and local ingredients, to the delicious dishes and desserts made from scratch every day, to the exuberant energy of the welcomi...

November 4, 2009

The Flavors of India

By Maane Khatchatourian

As I stepped foot into the Taj Café, I was automatically transported to a different world. The traditional Indian music, portrait paintings and elephant figurines added to the ambiance of the exotic setting.

October 28, 2009

Anatomy of a Pumpkin Pie

By Nadia Ismail

Pumpkin Pie Filling: 2 cups mashed, cooked pie pumpkin 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk 2 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teasp...

October 21, 2009

Romanti-Ezer

By Opinion Editor

Love Mexican food, but ready to stray from the Freebird's following? Whether you are looking for a delectable and affordable lunch, dinner or late night snack, Romanti-Ezer is sure to satisfy any craving with their stunn...

October 7, 2009

New Kids on the Block

By Rebecca Horrigan

In a world where frozen yogurt shops are growing as omnipresent as Starbucks, it takes a gem like Sweet Alley to make you remember why frozen yogurt became so popular in the first place.