When I hit adulthood I lost interest in taking vacations to places like dull yet undeniably pleasant Santa Barbara. That was until I had a baby, and I suddenly understood quite clearly why when we were kids my parents tossed us in the car and we'd head up the coast to spend weekends at the beloved Miramar.
(I became, however, alarmed by the number of friends who have recently gone on cruises or to Club Med. But I have no need to worry; one-stop-shopping ease and kid-amenable vacation destinations don't necessarily change people. More often it's about grandparents footing the bill.)
After H's hellacious work schedule finally came to a close we needed to chill, hard. Or so we thought. Vacations in mellow spots with baby aren't relaxing as they once were. Also, on this week's Top Chef Padma Lakshmi's description of Santa Barbara as "probably the most romantic destination in California" doesn't apply in the same way either. Still, we actually enjoyed ourselves a' plenty, and even extended the stay a night to better enjoy the divine historic hotel and have breakfast on the outdoor patio overlooking the ocean and Channel Islands.
In addition to the obligatory stop at La Super Rica, we checked out a couple other well-regarded spots. Lucky's is the place to be seen in the Montecito scene, whatever that is. It was mostly upper crust locals eating incredibly expensive steak hoping Oprah or Ellen would show up that night. Fortunately the New York steak was super seared on the outside with a buttery interior, with a side of chunky winey mushrooms.
Bouchon was recommended as the Lucques of Santa Barabara. The seasonality, local focus, and intensity of the food certainly remind me of it, even if the restaurant 90 mies north could use some tips from Lucques's decorator. At this time of year the menu was filled with root vegetables, mushrooms, and rich proteins. Highlights included the poche chaude, a delicious filo pocket filled with ricotta di bufala and mixed vegetables. Perfect for a chilly December night. We also loved the signature duck breast with awesome sweet succotash, and ocean trout, which I'd never had before. The pinkish orange color looks like salmon, but the flavor wasn't as fishy and texture a bit firmer.
Instead of beach going and hiking, we spent a whole day up in Santa Ynez area. We came back with our max of two cases plus a few bottles. For those interested, here's a quick recap of the wineries we visited.
Zaca Mesa: Rhone style wines abound here, of which Z Cuvee is a favorite versatile blend. The plucky young fellow working the tasting room had an amazing ability to keep track of where all the customers were in their tastings, and plus a shit load of enthusiasm to boot.
Rancho Sisquoc: Further up the Foxen Canyon Trail and not entirely worth the schlep since it felt like we were in the car all damn day. But it's a very picturesque spot, and we wound up with merlot, of all things. The tasting room has a funky rustic vibe, ala Foxen's room, which we'll have to hit next time.
Rusack: We had to get some Rusack pinot having drunk it at Bouchon. Under better weather conditions the tasting room and outdoor benches that are perched above a small valley makes a perfect picnic spot.
Beckmen: We like them because Cut serves one of their syrahs at a fair price, and they were cool with letting us change James's diaper on the floor.
Kalyra: Fun vibe but not best wines by any stretch. We came away with their chardonnay and sauv. blanc dessert wine. Best known as Sandra Oh's character's workplace in Sideways.
Santa Barbara Winery: Nice space and peeps, and fun to be able to keep on tasting the following day with our friend Bo. Yet wines pale in comparison to those bottled under owner Pierre Lafond's eponymous label.
The food at Los Olivos Cafe was unremarkable, but service friendly and wine shop's selection great. If only more restaurants had such a gentle markup on bottles. Cheers to that!
And to S.B. showing us a lovely time and allowing us to relax a bit.
cool trip and write up. Where'd you stash the infant during your trips to these high end restaurants. How'd they react if you brought the little tyke with you?
AC
Posted by: adrienne | January 25, 2007 at 11:14 AM
He either slept or behaved well enough while we were out. With a few exceptions of times when it's obviously inappropriate (L'Orangerie, *very* loud Golden Globes viewing party with little to no seating, etc.), he comes with us just about everywhere. I want him to get used to people and being out in the world, rather than be a cocooned baby. It also helps that I'm completely disorganized about having him on any sort of schedule. :)
Posted by: Jess | January 26, 2007 at 02:19 PM