On the Menu

Right Side Up

March 31, 2010 by

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.
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Coffee Talk

March 3, 2010 by

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, peo...
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Farmers Markets

February 24, 2010 by

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, ja...
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Chinese New Year

February 17, 2010 by

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 f...
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Going Greek!

February 10, 2010 by

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 Ca...
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All Thai’d Up

February 3, 2010 by

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, pl...
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Chino’s Rock & Tacos

January 27, 2010 by

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

January 20, 2010 by

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-e...
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Come On, Get Healthy!

January 13, 2010 by

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-consci...
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Good Morning, Sunshine

January 6, 2010 by

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 stre...
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The Art of Giving Thanks

November 25, 2009 by

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. Mor...
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Fresco Cafe North

November 18, 2009 by

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 e...
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The Flavors of India

November 4, 2009 by

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 exo...
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Anatomy of a Pumpkin Pie

October 28, 2009 by

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 gro...
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Romanti-Ezer

October 21, 2009 by

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 crav...
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