Fruits of the Sea
A roundup of Santa Barbara’s best spots to enjoy oysters
A roundup of Santa Barbara’s best spots to enjoy oysters
A top-tier oyster bar is step one in a revamp already under way at Moby Dick Restaurant.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Photographs - Lark: Haley Garces
The just-opened OYSTER BAR inside Moby Dick Restaurant is phase one of a comprehensive overhaul of the Stearns Wharf landmark. The former banquet room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, showcases sweeping Santa Barbara Channel views, along with six varieties of oysters from both coasts, including nearby Hope Ranch. Says CEO Karl Hutterer, “Oysters provide you with a sense of something fresh and delicious and something straight out of the sea.” They are on the lunch and dinner menus daily. 220 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, mobydicksb.com
WE WANT THE FUNK This eclectic Funk Zone hangout serves fresh oysters on the half shell, as well as wood-fired oysters with a sake-soy glaze. The So Shuckin’ Good pairs wood-fired oysters with parmesan, garlic, and cayenne pepper and adds toasted flatbread for dipping. 210 Gray Ave., Santa Barbara,
wewantthefunksb.com
THE LARK Chef Jason Paluska got addicted to oysters at age 5. Today he serves Eagle Rock Pacific oysters, his favorite, with a cucumber-lime granita for acidity and a borage flower “that actually tastes like an oyster and cucumber. It’s wild, and I love it.” 131 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, thelarksb.com
BROPHY BROS. The wide-open harbor vistas here reel in the regulars, as do the oysters, served fresh on the half shell or with cucumber-lime relish. Oysters also appear on the Cold Combo, along with crab, shrimp, and ceviche. 119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, brophybros.com
KANALOA SEAFOOD MARKET The company, which is renowned for its sustainability practices, sells fresh oysters at its downtown Santa Barbara location or delivers them. The kitchen offers selections of classic and premium oysters daily on its open-air patio. 715 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, kanaloaseafood.com
BROAD STREET OYSTER CO. The downtown Santa Barbara iteration of this beloved California restaurant offers a rotating selection of oysters for dining in, pickup, or delivery. The Seafood Tower comes with a dozen oysters, along with fresh uni, shrimp, caviar, and several sauces. 418 State St., Santa Barbara, broadstreetoyster.com
See the story in our digital edition
Garden Glory
When the lotuses bloom at Ganna Walska Lotusland, it’s a signal that the annual gala fundraiser for the world-renowned horticultural treasure is at hand.
Lotusland’s Annual Gala Raises a Million
Lotusland Celebrates
Written by Joan Tapper
Photographs by Isaac Hernandez, David Mendoza III
When the lotuses bloom at Ganna Walska Lotusland, it’s a signal that the annual gala fundraiser for the world-renowned horticultural treasure is at hand. And the signature flowers were certainly putting on a show for the 500 guests who came to celebrate The Way of the Lotus on Saturday, July 19, and the 30th year of the garden’s opening to the public.
The cause is important: raising funds to support Lotusland’s care and operation, its sustainability programs, and, crucially, the conservation of rare and threatened plants. But it’s also a lively, colorful event with a crowd that enjoys the atmospheric installations and performances, the delicious food and drink, the fast-paced auction of one-of-a-kind items, and, of course, the extraordinary surroundings. Merryl Brown Events (with its eponymous longtime patron and this year's cochair) hit it out of the park once again.
Those were on view as guests sipped lotus-themed cocktails and followed a winding path through some of Lotusland’s most iconic corners: the Japanese Garden, where dancers from Luminario Ballet performed on a platform in the lake; the Lotus Pond, where sitarist Esha Shrivastava provided the perfect soundscape; and the exhibit of Grounded Works Inspired by, Connected to, and Reclaimed from Lotusland, which showcased the work of 17 artists who incorporated parts of the venerable trees that had fallen over the winter.
The reception on the Great Lawn provided the opportunity to admire not only the extraordinary silent auction items—a custom longboard in the gala’s colors, anyone?—but also the garden-themed finery of the guests. As event cochair and garden trustee Lisa Wolf noted, “Lotusland’s incredible followers make this elegant garden event a delight to attend and to support every July.”
During the alfresco three-course dinner, catered by Duo and paired with wines by Antica Terra, actor and Montecito resident Jane Lynch proved a sparkling emcee, introducing special guests like restaurateur Alice Waters, whose ultimate farm-to-table experience and dinner at her Chez Panisse restaurant was just one of the incredible experiences on offer at the live auction. Other possibilities? A bespoke Paris tour and sojourn in Champagne, a dinner with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and a visit to Bruce Meyer’s personal garage, and a Daniel Boulud-prepared dinner at Tiffany’s Landmark Club, among others. In all, the event raised more than $900,000 for the garden—funds that “will significantly contribute to the growth and sustainability of our garden programs,” said event co-chair and garden trustee Ashley Adelson.
“We were thrilled to celebrate our most successful Lotusland event yet!” added executive director Rebecca Anderson. “The incredible support and generosity of our patrons will sustain this beautiful garden all year long.”
See our digital edition
¡Viva la!
Marking a century of civic celebrations, this year’s Fiesta opens with an evening of music and dance…
Marking a century of civic celebrations, this year’s Fiesta opens with an evening of music and dance at the Old Mission and continues with the oldest equestrian parade in the country, a children’s parade, performances, and confetti-lined streets. sbfiesta.org
See the story in our digital edition
Sun Worshipper
Like most California photographers, Blue Gabor has spent considerable time in the sun, taxing her skin for the sake of art.
Creature Soleil founder Blue Gabor
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Photographs by Blue Gabor
Like most California photographers, Blue Gabor has spent considerable time in the sun, taxing her skin for the sake of art. But unlike most shutterbugs, she cultivated a skin-care line to counteract the sun’s damage. Calling on her background in herbalism, time in New York in the beauty industry, and culinary training in France, Gabor created CREATURE SOLEIL for fellow sun worshippers.
“This is something I felt my skin needed and wants to drink it up, sometimes more than a lotion or an oil,” says Gabor, who calls herself a product junkie. After trying internal vitamins, she became curious about delivering the same effect to the skin, spending two years mixing different combinations of ingredients to target building the skin’s natural glutathione and natural moisturizing factors, the two elements she says are responsible for healthy-looking skin.
“This is something I felt my skin needed and wants to drink it up, sometimes more than a lotion or an oil”
“I researched the smallest, most potent actives that were water soluble and stable and came up with a unique product that is neither a bath milk nor a serum but a mix of both,” she says. “There are no oils in the two initial products. They work more as hydrators with brightening and strengthening aspects. It’s basically a daily vitamin applied to your skin with warm water.” She uses Sun Milk Bath daily in the bathtub or as a powder-to-milk serum in the shower or sauna. The result is a new kind of glow that’s worry-free and easy to worship. creaturesoleil.com
See the story in our digital edition
Gwyneth’s Goods
The goop founder shares her Montecito must-haves
The Goop founder shares her Montecito must-haves
The Goop store is at Rosewood Miramar.
All available at goop.com.
See the story in our digital edition
Family Wisdom
Esmé Marshall and daughter Rachel “Ray” Roberts put the “super” in model and mothering as they share memories and advice
Esmé Marshall and daughter Rachel “Ray” Roberts put the “super” in model and mothering as they share memories and advice
Photographs by Sophie Kuller
Esmé: What insights or wisdom of mine do you feel you have most benefited from?
Ray: You taught me that having fun is important, connecting with strangers is soul food, and staying positive is invaluable. And to listen to music and groove whenever you can.
Esmé: Can you share a memorable job or travel experience?
Ray: Shooting the cover of American Vogue together when I was 12 with Annie Leibovitz. Condé Nast flew us—first class, hot fudge sundaes and all—and we traveled with my brother Hayden, who was just a baby at the time.
Esmé: You balance so much and have such deep relationships. How do you do it?
Ray: By staying grounded and saying no to things when I need to, having healthy boundaries. Then putting my relationships first, like my husband and my girlfriends. The sisterhood of motherhood is crucial for my sanity. And my family ties are just sacred. I feel having strong, connected relationships is what keeps us healthy. If you and your family have strong bonds with people you love and trust, everything else falls into place and thrives. Community is my secret.
Esmé: What’s on your bucket list?
Ray: Go deeper into my spirituality. Restore my 1983 Mercedes station wagon to top form. Become a better surfer. Give back and be of service. Start dancing ballet again. And sleep—sleep would be nice.
Ray: What was your favorite part of raising children?
Esmé: Instilling the notion that life comes in sets of waves; always surf with grace.
Ray: What advice do you have for your children when it comes to parenting?
Esmé: Parenting is the toughest job we have. Keep an even keel and always have a good sense of humor. Here’s a favorite T-shirt saying I saw recently: “You can’t scare me, I have two daughters!
Ray: What was the most iconic fashion moment in your career?
Esmé: Meeting Cary Grant after an amazing Ralph Lauren show in Manhattan and him telling me I reminded him of Audrey Hepburn. I have always adored her portrayal of Truman Capote’s Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and felt a deep affinity with the character.
Ray: Is there one incredible outfit you can share from your many shoots or a walk down the runway?
Esmé: Not one look, but I was honored to work in the ateliers of great icons of fashion—Ralph Lauren, Michael Vollbracht, Calvin Klein, Thierry Mugler, Kenzo Takada, Claude Montana, Bill Blass, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, and Perry Ellis, to name a few. Fashion in the ‘80s was just an amazing adventure!
Ray: What are you looking forward to?
Esmé: Future journeys with my four amazing children and filling our buckets with unconditional love and hermit crabs found on beach walks with my grandchildren.
See the story in our digital edition
Maja’s Magic
Like a moth to a flame, Maja Smith has always been drawn to beautiful things. And she’s seen plenty of them all over the world, leading her to become an expert at sourcing unique objects for the home.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photographs by Sara Prince
Like a moth to a flame, Maja Smith has always been drawn to beautiful things. And she’s seen plenty of them all over the world, leading her to become an expert at sourcing unique objects for the home. This talent for the hunt ultimately turned into a vocation, and her online store, FOUND BY MAJA, offers a wide variety of exquisite items culled from around the globe. (There’s also a brick-and-mortar location in San Francisco.)
Smith’s first foray into selling her finds occurred after college, when she had a small kiosk (later a store) at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, selling tabletop items imported from Mexico City. But love intervened, and Smith relocated to New York City to be with her future husband. Marriage and the birth of twins ensued, followed by a move to Japan. “In Tokyo, I was able to continue my love of travel and my appreciation for all things aesthetic, beautiful, and artisanal,” she says. “It definitely helped shape my design appreciation.”
Along the way, Smith’s treasure-hunting habit morphed into an interior design business, as friends and clients encouraged her to bring her finds into their homes and curate their environments. After moving to San Francisco with her family, she began hosting trunk shows at her home. “I couldn’t always find what I was looking for, so I would travel to find gorgeous rugs and beautiful accessories and pieces, and I would always bring back more than I needed for a project,” she says. “So I had this small cache of things.” Thus, Found by Maja was born.
Smith and her family recently purchased a home in Santa Barbara. “Ever since going to school here, I knew I would come back,” she says. “It’s a small cottage, and I’m excited to fill it with all my found things.” And to entertain: “I love to have a dinner party.” To that end, Smith relies on her grandmother’s centuries-old Swedish silver as a starting point, and she “layers” her table with vintage linens from Marché aux Puces in Paris, Terre Mêlée plates, Murano glassware, vases and candlesticks by Davide Fuin, and vintage French coupes. She recommends the same to her customers: “People are excited to have something they can layer on top of their wedding china, alongside their grandmother’s crystal, something handed down. I encourage people to layer their table and to connect all those things.”
Smith still travels as much as ever, averaging four buying trips per year. And she’s purposeful in her acquisitions: “I try to buy as much as possible from women, from small artisans,” she says. “Most of it is handmade, most of it is hand-painted, and most of it is done by women.” foundbymaja.com
Maja's Must-Haves for Entertaining
MY GRANDMOTHERʹS SILVER
MONOGRAMMED LINENS (best found at Marché aux Puces in Paris; look for your initials)
MURANO GLASSWARE
FRESH FLOWERS in different-size vases (French and Italian opaline, ceramic, silver ice buckets)
CAVIAR ON POTATO CHIPS
BAR CART STOCKED WITH FRENCH CHAMPAGNE (serve in vintage French coupes)
See the story in our digital edition
Pure Gold
The beginnings were modest, but the spirit of creativity was there from the start: On the summer solstice in 1974, artist and mime Michael Gonzales got a couple of friends to sashay up State Street in honor of his birthday.
A giant face float makes its way along State Street in the 1986 parade.
Written by Joan Tapper
Photographs by Nell Campbell
Jodi De Marcos designed the first Solstice Parade poster in 1978,
The beginnings were modest, but the spirit of creativity was there from the start: On the summer solstice in 1974, artist and mime Michael Gonzales got a couple of friends to sashay up State Street in honor of his birthday. They ended up at the library lawn, where a few musicians and dancers and some intrigued passersby joined the fun. How that little parade has grown—to 1,000 imaginatively costumed participants, gargantuan puppets, elaborate floats, and plenty of art and music over three days this year, from June 21 to 23. The parade will make its way up Santa Barbara Street at noon on that Saturday, with entries that evoke the theme—Flights of Fancy—while adhering to the rules: no motorized vehicles, no live animals, no signs or logos. In honor of the golden anniversary, the SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM has opened Here Comes the Sun: Celebrating 50 Years of Solstice (on view until June 28), with evocative photos, masks, banners, oral histories, and five decades of posters inviting everyone to Santa Barbara’s biggest and best party. sbhistorical.org
See the story in our digital edition
Heading South
Explore Ventura’s flourishing surfing, arts, and culinary scenes.
Explore Ventura’s flourishing surfing, arts, and culinary scenes
Main Street serves as the bustling hub of downtown Ventura, home to an eclectic mix of vintage shops, theaters, art galleries, and restaurants.
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photographs by Jessica Sample
Nestled between Carpinteria and Malibu, Ventura is a laid-back surf town known for its unpretentious vibe and small-town feel. Once a sleepy coastal enclave, it has recently evolved into a vibrant destination with an influx of inviting restaurants, unique boutiques, and artsy neighborhoods that enhance its creative, community-driven spirit.
Frontside Cafe offers a relaxed setting for breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast is a must at FRONTSIDE CAFE, located just a short walk from the beach. Here, husband-and-wife duo Joel and Charne Huff blend the flavors of her native Australia with his deep Ventura County roots. “After our last visit to Australia, we were inspired to bring the Australia café–coffee scene back to California,” says Charne. “We wanted to offer a place where the community could get an upscale coffee and a great breakfast or lunch made with local ingredients.” The chic, minimalist space is bright and airy, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a postsurf coffee and bite. The food menu, although selective, showcases a delightful fusion of Australian and Californian cuisine, including favorites like the Full Aussie Breakfast with eggs, bacon, and smashed potatoes, and the Smashed Avocado Toast, piled high with avocado, pickled veggies, and dukkah. 1070 E. Front St., Ventura, frontsidecafe.com
“Ventura’s cultural appeal is undeniable, but a visit wouldn’t be complete without a visit downtown.”
A short distance away along the coastline, the VENTURA PIER AND PROMENADE provides an excellent spot for taking a leisurely morning stroll and watching surfers. Surfing is ingrained in Ventura’s identity, and the number of surfers in the water on any given day proves the city’s surf culture is alive and well. A great place to catch some of the action is C Street, an area beyond the Ventura Pier at California Street; this spot is known for having one of the highest numbers of surfable days on the West Coast. This popular surf site becomes particularly lively during September’s annual C Street Classic, a celebrated surf-and-skate contest—now in its 38th year—that draws talented up-and-comers as well as water legends. cstreetclassic.com
Nearby, between Surfers’ Point and the Ventura Amtrak Station, the VENTURA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS is a versatile venue for entertainment and cultural festivities throughout the year, and it’s especially bustling during the summer months. From June 28 to 30, the fairgrounds will welcome the X Games (xgames.com), bringing world-class athletes and extreme sports pros to showcase their skills in skateboarding, BMX biking, and Moto X. From July 31 to August 11, the annual Ventura County Fair (venturacountyfair.org) returns, captivating people of all ages with its array of games, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and rodeo events.
Ventura’s coastal appeal is undeniable, but a visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring Main Street downtown. Lined with architectural gems that house everything from vintage shops and eclectic art galleries to chic bars and eateries, this pedestrian-friendly district is a vibrant community hub.
owner Thom Hill
After founding the Ventura-based lifestyle brand Iron & Resin, Thom Hill brought his passion for adventure and well-crafted goods to Main Street with the opening of THE IRON & RESIN GARAGE in 2012. Located in a century-old building with exposed brick and a roll-up garage door, the store offers a collection of goods that reflect Hill’s lifestyle and experiences, including durable outerwear and an eclectic mix of goods, like knives, books, camping gear, and barware. “Iron & Resin is really a mash-up of all the things I’m into,” says Hill. “I believe in owning fewer quality items that last a lifetime, and that’s the philosophy I hope this store embodies.” 324 E. Main St., Ventura, ironandresin.com
Discover thoughtful treasures from local artisans and independent designers at FINDINGS MARKET, a retail destination for women, men, and kids. Inside, you’ll find Ventura’s only candle bar, DUSK, which offers a collection of hand-dipped candles, crystals, handmade jewelry, and fully customizable glass candles that are poured to order. Also downtown is the newly opened FINDINGS FLEA, which is redefining the antique shopping experience. Housed in a 1907 brick building with exposed beams, this modern antique collective showcases unusual wares and vintage finds curated by more than a dozen collectors from along the California coast. Rotating events, vintage markets, and food pop-ups on the large outdoor patio enhance its community-centric essence. 27 S. Oak St., Ventura; 33 S. Palm St., Ventura, findingsmarket.com; @Findingsflea
Rumfish y Vino’s Creole Sea Bass paired with an orange-and-jalapeño margarita.
Not far away, RUMFISH Y VINO provides a delicious respite from the bustle of shopping. After finding success with the original Rumfish y Vino in Belize, in 2016 Pamela and John Solomon opened their second location in downtown Ventura, just off Main Street. “When we opened Rumfish in Belize in 2008, we infused it with a little SoCal flair. This time, we’ve brought a touch of Belize to SoCal,” Pamela says. “We like to say it offers vacation vibes, no passport required.” True to their word, the space exudes a relaxed, carefree atmosphere, and the lunch, dinner, and beverage menus lean heavily into the seafood and tropical themes—think Caribbean fish stew, fish tacos, conch fritters, rum punch, and a best-selling orange-and-jalapeño-infused margarita. 34 N. Palm St., Ventura, rumfishyvinoventura.com
If Korean street food is more your speed for lunch, head across town to MATNA 1631, situated within the Victoria Village Shopping Center. Although it’s new to Ventura’s dining scene, the casual counter-service restaurant has already turned heads for its Korean-style ramen, kimbap, and fried chicken—all made in house. 1435 S. Victoria Ave., Ste. E, Ventura, matna1631.com
Back downtown, a half mile off Main Street, is BELL ARTS FACTORY. Established in 2006, this nonprofit, community-based arts center is a beacon of culture and creativity, providing a supportive space for local and multicultural artists to flourish. In addition to rotating art exhibitions and First Friday art shows, Bell Arts Factory hosts a diverse range of activities, including youth art classes, Aztec dance, artist-led workshops, and yoga classes. 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, bellartsfactory.org
Next door, INDOEK seamlessly integrates Ventura’s rich artistic pursuits with its iconic surf culture. This chic gallery showcases coastal-inspired art, books, and other merchandise, along with a curated lineup of programming and events aimed at elevating the traditional aesthetic of the surfing lifestyle. 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, indoek.com
After exploring Ventura’s diverse boutiques and galleries, recharge with dinner and drinks downtown. Kick off the evening with happy hour at MODEL CITIZEN. Situated inside a century-old building, the space highlights a casually cool, minimalist design featuring white-oak booths, rose-gold mirrors, and eye-catching curves. “We really wanted Model Citizen to be reminiscent of one’s favorite neighborhood restaurant/bistro in any respective larger city but with a focus on the amazing seasonal produce available, almost literally, in our backyard here in Ventura,” says Derek Ulrich, who co-owns Model Citizen and Prospect Coffee Roasters with his brother, Blake. Although the food menu changes frequently, staple dishes include the Ricotta Fritters—a happy hour hit—and dinner favorites such as the Roasted Rainbow Carrots with labneh, brown butter, and Ojai Pixies, and the Yellowtail Crudo topped with preserved lemon, pistachios, capers, and chiles. 70 S. Oak St., Ventura, modelcitizenvta.com
The interior of Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust, the historic building on Main Street.
Italian cocktails are the specialty at BANK OF ITALY COCKTAIL TRUST, from Good Lion Hospitality. Located inside the Bank of Italy building, the venue features a French-Italian Art Deco design that creates a sophisticated ambiance, and the cocktails draw inspiration from the Central Coast and the coastal regions of central and southern Italy. Complementing the diverse beverage list is a food menu of Asian-inspired offerings by Sama Sama Kitchen. “Asian food is not the first thing folks think of in accompanying Italian-style cocktails, but it works surprisingly well,” says Brandon Ristaino, who co-owns the bar with his wife, Misty Orman Ristaino. “The high acid, pleasant bitterness, carbonation, and complexity of the Bank cocktails trade at an equal or contrasting volume to the food offerings.” 394 E. Main St., Ste. A, Ventura, bankofitalycocktails.com
The innovative Ristainos also own STRANGE BEAST next door, a contemporary cocktail Izakaya named after the mythical creatures of Japanese folklore, known as kaiju. “Inspired by the drinking dens of Tokyo,” explains Orman Ristaino, the space features a dark, moody ambiance, offset by pops of color and a striking wall of graphic pop art. The popular late-night spot offers an eclectic menu of punchy cocktails, sake, and shareable small plates like hand rolls and wings, crafted by the culinary team at Sama Sama Kitchen. Later this summer, the couple plan to broaden their creative ventures in Ventura with the debut of JAGUAR MOON, a tequila and mezcal bar developed in collaboration with Chef Ramon Velazquez of Santa Barbara’s Corazon Cocina. 394 E. Main St., Ste. B, Ventura, strangebeastbar.com
Also enhancing Ventura’s late-night scene is THE MAJESTIC VENTURA THEATER, which stands as a prominent fixture in the heart of downtown. Built in the 1920s and featuring the era’s popular Mission-style architecture, this lively concert venue hosts an eclectic lineup of musical performers spanning all genres of music, from punk and reggae to jazz and classic rock. Directly across the street, THE SEWER–SANS SOUCI, a divey cocktail lounge, is an ideal place to unwind with a postshow nightcap, enjoyed alongside more live music or karaoke. 26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura, venturatheater.net; 21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura, @sanssouci_vta
When it’s time to call it a night, the HOTEL SAN BUENA is conveniently located just a short stroll away. This 32-room boutique hotel, originally built in 1928 in a Spanish Revival style, beautifully marries historic charm with modern conveniences, featuring well-appointed rooms and suites and scenic city and ocean views. 11 S. Ash St., Ventura, hotelsanbuena.com
Regardless of how you spend your time in Ventura, no doubt you will leave with a newfound appreciation for its down-to-earth atmosphere, creative authenticity, and community spirit. “The laid-back vibe and hometown feel set Ventura apart from the beach towns south of us,” says Hill.
Adds Orman Ristaino, “Ventura is a really cool place, with vibrancy, diversity, energy, and natural beauty. But most noticeable is that folks here are really passionate about their community. It’s the people that make Ventura so special.”
See the story in our digital edition
Join the Club
Michael Haber, owner of White Caps Beach Club, describes his new venture as a place to eat, play, and stay, where “everyone’s a member.”
A white 1963 Jeep Willy Wagon is the mascot of sorts of the White Caps Beach Club. Naturally, it’s topped off with a Dewey Weber longboard.
Written by Caitlin White
Photographs by Gray Malin
Michael Haber, owner of WHITE CAPS BEACH CLUB, describes his new venture as a place to eat, play, and stay, where “everyone’s a member.” A native New Yorker who was destined to be a West Coast transplant, Haber made a name for himself as a photographer before getting into the hospitality game by investing in properties in and around Summerland and Carpinteria. The latest is his just-opened beach club, which is located on a half acre next to the Nugget on Lillie Avenue in Summerland.
Anchored by a vintage-trailer-turned-restaurant serving lobster rolls (with fresh seafood from Maine) and other fare, the place has plenty of room for guests to spread out, enjoy a glass of wine or two, play some backgammon, and listen to live music. The terraced hillside hints at opportunities for future amenities like a stage, a movie screen, and a private banquet space. “I wanted to create the same energy I grew up with,” Haber says. “People don’t have to buy a lot; they can just enjoy and hang out, play backgammon, and listen to some Frank Sinatra.”
Legendary surfer and board shaper Renny Yater in the 1960s
The club officially opened in late May, and Haber plans to begin a local membership system with perks like an automatic discount on purchases and monthly special wine tastings.
At the top of the hill, three short-term rentals—named Sail, Surf, and Sand, all of which have ocean views—cap off the project. Each suite has a separate bedroom, living room, and kitchen areas for guests. The middle unit, Surf, includes two queen beds, while Sand’s railroad-style layout accommodates a kitchen, a tiny office, a king bed, an outdoor deck with two seating areas, and an adjoining fire pit. But underneath it all, an East Coast influence is still evident.
“I was one of the first people to shoot and stay at the Surf Lodge in Montauk,” Haber says. “I always said, ‘One day I’d love to emulate that on the West Coast.’ And now I am.” @whitecapsbeachclub
See the story in our digital edition
Côte de Santa Barbara
The award-winning illustrator and graphic designer created the opener to this issue’s features section.
Peter Horjus, Côte de Santa Barbara, mixed media.
Peter Horjus
The award-winning illustrator and graphic designer who created the opener to this issue’s features section has merged his illustration and design work into large-scale paintings that combine his love for simple imagery, unique texture, and a nod to his favorite era—the 1940s. His clients include Saks Fifth Avenue, the US Open, Coca-Cola, Herman Miller, SC Johnson, and The New York Times. peterhorjus.com @peterhorjusart
SB MUST DOS
Running along the beautiful beaches like Butterfly and Hendry’s
Sketching ideas early in the morning at Handlebar Coffee at the marina
Trying out delicious appetizers at The Honor Bar.
See the story in our digital edition
Casino Royale
The Coral is back—and it’s brighter and better than ever.
The Coral is back—and it’s brighter and better than ever
Photographer Gray Malin takes his poolside POV above deck.
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Photographs by Gray Malin, David Mendoza III
CORAL CASINO in Montecito is back after a four-year hiatus. During its pandemic-induced closure, owner Ty Warner put considerable thought and $108 million into renovations. Designed in 1937 by Gardner Dailey of San Francisco, the Moderne–Art Deco private club was a magnet for Hollywood stars, filmmakers, musicians, and authors. For decades, members lounged on its sandy “beach” or jumped from the high dive (both gone), and the scenic social hot spot hosted murder-mystery parties, fashion shows, and, of course, photo shoots.
“The historic Olympic Pool within the surf setting is a defining element of the club.”
The property has long been a favorite for photographers like Hal Boucher, who captured numerous celebrities there. He passed in 2020, and lifestyle photographer Gray Malin arguably stepped in as house photographer, first in 2017 when he shot synchronized swimmers and vintage balloons, and again this spring with a new breed of models: dogs, flamingos, and giraffes.
“It felt surreal to reenter such a special place after so many seasons have passed,” Malin says. “Few places in the world are as timeless as the Coral Casino. Whether it’s 1937 or 2024, a photograph in front of the clock tower—with Butterfly Beach in the background—is as ageless as ever.”
The photogenic striped awnings and iconic cabanas are still here (just crisper and costlier), and every corner of the club has been similarly upgraded. Architects Peter Marino and Barry Winick streamlined the landmark’s glamour.
“The historic Olympic Pool within the serene surf setting is a defining element of the club. We focused on elevating it with luxurious amenities, starting with the glass ocean-edge spa, the Coral Cafe, the enlarged Fins Surf Bar, and the whimsical improvements to the cabanas,” Winick says.
Pups plunge in the Olympic pool.
Upgrades include an oceanfront cold plunge; California’s largest glass spa, with seating for up to 25 and custom jets and lights; and the “Sandbox,” with 16 chaises sunk into sand imported from Malibu. Fitness stars Or Kahlon and Peter Park offer sculpting and training, respectively, and culinary legend Thomas Keller will soon be taking over the Tydes restaurant. For Warner, who has owned the property since 2000, it’s all in an effort to position the club to be the best. “What is unchangeable through modernizations is the club culture,” he says. “The casino is a time capsule of both social and architectural history, a place anyone would feel lucky to set foot in, and that will never change.” 1281 Channel Dr., Santa Barbara, coralcasinobeachclub.com
See the story in our digital edition
An Afternoon of Garden Delights
Lotusland Acknowledges Three Decades of Horticultural Achievement.
Lotusland Acknowledges Three Decades of Horticultural Achievement
Written by Joan Tapper | Photography by Elizabeth Messina and Isaac Hernandez
It was truly a celebration of “Where the Wild Things Grow” on Saturday, July 22, when Ganna Walska Lotusland opened its grounds to patrons of its annual fundraising gala, sponsored by Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley, in memory of Marjorie Reeds McNeely, with co-chairs Joseph Marek, Ashley Adelson, Caroline Thompson, and Merryl Brown. This year the always glittering and sold-out event not only marked the 30th anniversary of public access to the world-renowned garden but also paid homage to the living collection of rare and endangered plant species on the property.
Guests began their afternoon with a stroll through the gardens, pausing along the way to strike a pose for photographer Kim Reierson, listen to the sounds of Tingsha in the Japanese Garden, marvel at Eros Biox of LA Stilt Circus, enjoy a tarot card reading by Mary Wessely, and choose seeds from the plant collection to take home.
There were botanical elixirs to sip, cocktails by The Flair Project, wine by Presqu’ile Winery, and hors d’oeuvres by Duo Catering, which also provided the gourmet al fresco dinner, with wine pairings by Antica Terra, on the Great Lawn.
After dinner, guest auctioneer Geoff Green, of the Foundation for City College—with special appearances by James Brayton Hall of the Garden Conservancy and August Bernstein of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel—led spirited bidding for six spectacular items, Among the prizes were a VIP Las Vegas Experience with Katy Perry, a one-of-a-kind jeweled pendant from Silverhorn, and an opportunity to design your own garden pergola or greenhouse with acclaimed architecture firm Shubin Donaldson.
Of course, there were other treasures growing all around, an ongoing botanical tribute to the vision and generosity of the garden’s founder, Ganna Walska herself.
Family Hours
When envisioning a sophisticated members-only club, teepee-filled playrooms and applesauce happy.
Written by Danielle Torres | Photographs by Blake Bronstad
When envisioning a sophisticated members-only club, teepee-filled playrooms and applesauce happy hours are probably not top of mind. But for Santa Barbara–based entrepreneur Erin Kanaley, the concept is one and the same. After countless less-than-relaxing outings with her young twin boys, Kanaley sought to create a space where parents can unwind and kids are free to play and explore. The result is bungalo805, Santa Barbara’s new private gathering space, which offers everything from a stylish café and bar to a media room, play pen, kitchen, and art lab. Rotating pop-in classes offer a broad range of activities, spanning family cooking workshops, music courses, fitness workouts, language lessons, storytelling, and much more. Chair massages and chiropractic adjustments are also on the menu. Kanaley sums up the concept best: “It is great for coworking, arts and crafts with your littles, a glass of wine and snack, pop-in classes, or chilling in the Boobie Lounge while cleaning your jewelry and snagging a foot massage.” Clearly, something for everyone. 28 W. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, bungalo805.com
Clockwise from top: The Play Pen keeps young ones happily corralled; nursing parents can enjoy stylish comfort in The Boobie Lounge; a glass of wine is the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon of play; The Media Room provides entertainment for all.
See the story in our digital edition
Not Just Red
When it comes to flowers, the rose always takes first place. Having one named in your honor is an accolade reserved for the lucky few.
The view from Rose Story Farm.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
When it comes to flowers, the rose always takes first place. Having one named in your honor is an accolade reserved for the lucky few. (Julia Child’s rose is butter yellow and reportedly smells like licorice.) THE COLOR OF ROSES (Ten Speed Press, $35) celebrates the queen of flowers in glorious detail. Written by Danielle Dall’Armi Hahn, a Great Rosarian of the World, and chockablock with photos by Victoria Pearson, the new book is a delightful compendium of 300 varieties organized by color.
For more than 20 years, Hahn has helmed Rose Story Farm in Carpinteria. Her book focuses primarily on roses hybridized after 1867 and offers invaluable advice about planning a rose garden and choosing varieties. The lush photographs are left unretouched on purpose, enabling readers to see the blooms as they actually exist in nature. As Hahn says, “Perfection has no place in a garden.” Available at Chaucer’s Books.
Reprinted with permission from The Color of Roses by Danielle Dall’Armi Hahn, copyright © 2023. Photographs copyright © 2023 Victoria Pearson. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.
See the story in our digital edition
Color Forms
When Lissa Zwahlen needed space where she could create, she found it in Montecito.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell | Photographs by Sara Prince
When Lissa Zwahlen needed space where she could create, she found it in Montecito. Now the always inventive AQUARIUS COCKTAIL designer has shaped her 300-square-foot workroom into a boutique, complete with garments in the bold hues that define her unique women’s collections.
Along the coral-colored wall behind her worktable are racks of her latest introductions, including voluminous striped tops with ribbons, taffeta skirts, and tunics, alongside essentials such as her washed-silk T-shirts, pants, and skirts. There are also reworked vintage pieces like polos with brocade puff sleeves and army pants with tuxedo stripes. A midcentury Heywood-Wakefield dresser, an aluminum coatrack, acid yellow shelves, and bamboo chairs round out the space where the designer—a force behind Roxy, with a long career creating for Quiksilver, Gotcha, and other California brands—spends her days dreaming up the small-run designs made in downtown Los Angeles. 1152-2 Coast Village Rd., Montecito; open Friday through Monday, appointments suggested: info@aquariuscocktail.com, aqcclothing.com
See the story in our digital edition
Botanical Blends
Loria Stern is known for using pressed or powdered flowers in her pioneering recipes.
Stern in the kitchen.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell | Photographs by Laurie Frankel, Lindy Lin (Portrait)
Loria Stern is known for using pressed or powdered flowers in her pioneering recipes. Her new book, EAT YOUR FLOWERS (HarperCollins, $45), is filled with stunning visuals that bring nature’s colors into culinary presentations in bold new ways. Stern credits her Ojai childhood with sparking her awareness of plants and the living world. A college course on edible and medicinal plants—which included hikes through Montecito and Santa Barbara among edible wildflowers—was equally formative.
In her hands, freeze-dried raspberries change a cake’s hue without artificial coloring, and vegetables and leafy plants like spinach are vital components in beautiful food presentations. Stalks and roots—particularly turmeric, ginger, carrots, radishes, and beets—also make their way into Stern’s creations, adding color, flavor, and health benefits to dishes or plate pairings. “My go-to sweet colorant dust is raspberry or beet powder. For savory foods, I love using turmeric,” she says. Available at Chaucer's Books.
See the story in our digital edition
The Garden Path
Allie Chandler and Alvaro Rojas didn’t have to think hard to come up with a name for their new venue.
The open-air venue includes an enclosed sitting area with a cabinet repurposed as a mobile bar and a cute pantry hung with dried flowers and stocked with local treats like Pacific Pickles and Twenty-Four Blackbirds chocolates.
Written by Joan Tapper | Photographs by Sara Prince
Allie Chandler and Alvaro Rojas didn’t have to think hard to come up with a name for their new venue. THE HIDDEN GARDEN is literally that—a rustic chic venue tucked behind the Vintage Fox antique shop on Chapala. It’s perfect for cocktail mixers, small birthday parties, corporate happy hours, or baby showers, as well as pop-up dining, says Chandler, who launched Slate catering six years ago, working with Rojas, the restaurateur behind Milk and Honey.
With wooden tables, bistro chairs, and a mobile bar, “this is a very customizable space,” says Chandler. “It’s something we had on our radar, but it had to be the right fit.” 609 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, sbhiddengarden.com
See the story in our digital edition
City Stay
Located directly on State Street, this building from the 1920s has been transformed by Anacapa Architecture into the drift Santa Barbara, a serene modernist escape.
Housed in a historic 1920s building, the 45-room hotel is located right on the State Street promenade.
Written by Caitlin White | Photographs by Sara Prince
Located directly on State Street, this building from the 1920s has been transformed by Anacapa Architecture into the DRIFT Santa Barbara, a serene modernist escape. With interior details built out of wood reclaimed from the building’s original structure, cool natural-toned linens, gold fixtures, and customized toiletries, the minimalist bedrooms (most of which are queen-size rooms) in this 45-key hostelry are particularly good for solo travelers. A couple of rooms feature a slightly larger footprint with king beds, and the top-floor penthouse comes with a kitchen and a balcony seating area with a firepit, perfect for hosting an in-town soirée or booking a luxurious staycation.
With no formal front desk and a digital concierge, Drift’s hospitality style is understated and technology forward. The property comes with dual food and beverage offerings on the ground floor: Dawn, a daytime coffee shop with elaborate espresso and tea drinks; and Dusk, a mezcal bar with plenty of boozy options as well as coastal-influenced bites. 524 State St., Santa Barbara, 855-721-2658, drifthotels.co
See the story in our digital edition
Making Waves
Matt Titone, founder of lifestyle brand Indoek, is giving surf aficionados another reason to head to Ventura.
Surf Shacks turns to shared studio space
Reef-encrusted fins from Mark Cunningham’s installation.
Written by Danielle Torres | Photographs by Ryder Alves (found poster, window), Scott Soens (adler, cunningham, fins, gallery view, olarte), Matt Titone (opening)
“Our space will serve as an art gallery, a shared studio, and a place to gather and host events.”
Matt Titone, founder of lifestyle brand Indoek, is giving surf aficionados another reason to head to Ventura. After years of publishing Surf Shacks books, zines, and beach-town guides, the platform is diving into its newest foray with its first physical space, INDOEK GALLERY. “Our new space will serve as an art gallery, a shared studio, and a place to gather, inspire, and host events with like-minded creative folks,” says Oxnard-based Titone, who also cofounded design studio ITAL/C.
Indoek kicked off in January with a group show that included 26 local artists; later it debuted Found, a collection of art using materials from the Southern California coast and the Hawaiian Islands. This June the gallery will display works from Santa Barbara photographer Will Adler and mixed-media artist Ty Williams. Between shows, Titone is “playing with the idea of a curated surfboard swap of vintage boards by local shapers, and an artist print sale.” 432 N. Ventura Ave., Studio 30, Ventura, indoek.com