On the Menu

October 12, 2023

Spice Up Your Life with these Red Chili Fries!

By Pihu Jain

My favorite comfort dish, weaponized by my mother to win my affection every chance she gets, are red chili fries.

October 12, 2023

Buena Onda brings a piece of Argentina to Santa Barbara with community events and hand crafted empanadas

By Stephanie Gerson

The family-owned business specializes in empanada varieties that stay true to the flavors of Argentina while also acknowledging the California palate.

October 5, 2023

Goleta Lemon Festival celebrates its 30th year of lemony eats and activities for all

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti

After a day of eating lemony treats, here is what the On the Menu staff deemed worth the try.

October 5, 2023

Third annual Burrito Week offers $8 burritos from 21 Santa Barbara County establishments

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti, Mari Villalpando-Ortega

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 discounted price.

September 24, 2023

Take advantage of California fig season with this fall salad

By Stephanie Gerson

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

September 14, 2023

Welcome fall with apple cinnamon rolls

By Abigail Monti

Not only do these rolls taste amazing, but your whole house will smell like a Bath & Body Works apple spice candle.

August 31, 2023

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

By Stephanie Gerson

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 and announcements o...

August 24, 2023

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

By Amitha Bhat

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 the bounds of the ci...

August 24, 2023

Ranking UCSB’s most vegetarian-friendly dining halls

By Pihu Jain

Pihu Jain reflects on her freshman dining hall experiences in an effort to determine which UCSB dining hall is the best for vegetarians.

July 27, 2023

Aperol spritzes fit for a summertime soirée

By Stephanie Gerson

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

July 20, 2023

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

By Abigail Monti

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 believed to return to this...