On the Menu

Foraging for wild blackberries and spooky stories

October 26, 2023 by

Regardless of folktales, the blackberry season is an indicator that autumn is coming, if not already here.
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Bowltober: Dank Bowl Kitchen offers discount to celebrate 10th Anniversary

October 26, 2023 by

In a clever celebratory and promotional scheme, Dank Bowl Kitchen released a $10 deal for all bowls in the month of October, also known as Bowltober, to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. 
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Food bank finds: black bean salsa

October 19, 2023 by

No matter what you choose to include, this tangy and hearty recipe makes for a great snack or meal. 
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Brewing 101: A beginner’s guide to the perfect cup of coffee

October 19, 2023 by

Your coffee should be something that doesn’t stress you out. Here, we answer everything you need to know about the basics of coffee.
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Spice Up Your Life with these Red Chili Fries!

October 12, 2023 by

My favorite comfort dish, weaponized by my mother to win my affection every chance she gets, are red chili fries.
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Buena Onda brings a piece of Argentina to Santa Barbara with community events and hand crafted empanadas

October 12, 2023 by

The family-owned business specializes in empanada varieties that stay true to the flavors of Argentina while also acknowledging the California palate.
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Goleta Lemon Festival celebrates its 30th year of lemony eats and activities for all

October 5, 2023 by and

After a day of eating lemony treats, here is what the On the Menu staff deemed worth the try.
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Third annual Burrito Week offers $8 burritos from 21 Santa Barbara County establishments

October 5, 2023 by , and

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 di...
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Take advantage of California fig season with this fall salad

September 24, 2023 by

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

September 14, 2023 by

Not only do these rolls taste amazing, but your whole house will smell like a Bath & Body Works apple spice candle.
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New restaurants, notable closures and food news in and around I.V.

August 31, 2023 by

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...
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A third-year’s guide to the best IV restaurants

August 24, 2023 by

As a proud resident of Isla Vista for the last two years, I’m happy to say that I have consumed meals from a substantial number of restaurants in the area. What’s a student to do when confined to ...
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Ranking UCSB’s most vegetarian-friendly dining halls

August 24, 2023 by

Pihu Jain reflects on her freshman dining hall experiences in an effort to determine which UCSB dining hall is the best for vegetarians.
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Aperol spritzes fit for a summertime soirée

July 27, 2023 by

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

Post-pandemic Obon festivals bring Japanese culture, food and celebration to communities

July 20, 2023 by

For over 500 years, Japanese culture has celebrated the annual Buddhist holiday of Obon (お盆). During the traditionally three-day event, participants honor their ancestors, whose spirits are believ...
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