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
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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.”
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Set Sail
Touted as the largest luxury sailing catamaran on the West Coast, the CHANNEL CAT draws all manner of revelers for lavish sails out of Santa Barbara.
Written by Danielle Torres | Photographs by Tegall Studios, Blake Bronstad, Ali Beck Photography
Touted as the largest luxury sailing catamaran on the West Coast, the CHANNEL CAT draws all manner of revelers for lavish sails out of Santa Barbara. The pearly white 85-foot vessel, which accommodates as many as 140 guests, boasts equally stunning interiors, thanks to Daryl Stegall of Stegall Studios. Owners Jen and Skip Abed recently tapped the Santa Barbara–based designer to create a “coastal, yet sophisticated vibe,” says Stegall, inspired by the surroundings. Neutral-toned custom furnishings, seagrass tables by Jamie Young, wingback chairs from Palecek, Bernhardt rattan swivel chairs, and rope furniture from Azzurro Living outfit the spacious seating areas. Brass detailing adds a touch of sophistication to textured and natural elements. “From the bow to the salon to the stern, all the design elements are seamless, giving us the flexibility to arrange the areas as is best suited for our guests,” says Jen Abed. channelcatcharters.com
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Basque in It
Tara Penke and her husband, Jaime Riesco, spent more than 20 years living in Barcelona—and still own a restaurant, Picnic, there—so it’s no surprise that their unassuming new Santa Barbara spot, GALA, is heavily influenced by coastal Spain.
Coastal Spain influences a hot new eatery
Arched shelving, banquettes, and vintage photos of 1950s Santa Barbara from the owner’s grandfather round out the decor at Gala, a charming new spot on Anacapa Street.
Written by Caitlin White | Photographs by Sara Prince
Tara Penke and her husband, Jaime Riesco, spent more than 20 years living in Barcelona—and still own a restaurant, Picnic, there—so it’s no surprise that their unassuming new Santa Barbara spot, GALA, is heavily influenced by coastal Spain. Jaime helms the kitchen and Tara handles the front of house at this mom-and-pop restaurant. For Penke, born and raised in Santa Barbara, it’s a return home, whereas Riesco was born in Santiago, Chile, and bears traces of that country’s heritage in his one-man kitchen.
A recent menu offers Spanish pintxos, like mixed olives, gildas (green peppers and olives wrapped in an anchovy and threaded on a toothpick), raw oysters, and shrimp croquettes, along with flatbread and grilled vegetables. Fried zucchini blossoms and burrata round out the plentiful starters, and larger dishes venture into more luxe offerings like duck confit, steak with bone marrow, mushroom risotto, and a smash burger. Additional sides such as watermelon and heirloom-tomato salad, leafy greens with herbs, or french fries are available, too, as is a $6 chance to buy your neighboring table a glass of sparkling cava, or the $8 option to buy the kitchen a beer.
“For co-owner Tara Penke, born and raised in Santa Barbara, it’s a return home from Barcelona.”
These tongue-in-cheek menu items are proof of the casual, community-focused environment Penke and Riesco are looking to create. Eager to bring their own style to the former Low Pigeon café space, the couple tapped Kevin Moore Architect, Casey Geeb Interior Design, and Southwest Construction for the renovations. They’ve added inlaid shelves and light wood accents, creating a sunny dining room that flows between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
With a wine list that encompasses Spanish picks and local favorites and a robust cocktail menu, plenty of guests gather for a glass of something cold and a nibble. It’s even better for a full-on dinner with multiple courses—brunch is coming soon—but be sure to round any visit out with a slice of Basque cheesecake. 705 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, galasb.com. c.w.
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Easy Living
Set on three terraced levels with manicured gardens and ocean views, HOME CRUSH’s new Summerland showroom is a statement in coastal luxury.
Portia dining chairs, $789 each, Bowman table, $1,999, and Heatsail outdoor lamp, $5,497
Written by Danielle DiMeglio | Photography by Sara Prince
Set on three terraced levels with manicured gardens and ocean views, HOME CRUSH’s new Summerland showroom is a statement in coastal luxury. Oyster-shell-encrusted birdbaths, neutral-toned woven chairs, and sleek Belgian outdoor heat lamps round out the alfresco vignettes curated by Montecito-based Aimee Miller (a California residential designer for more than 20 years). “Walking up through the trumpet trees, visitors can see different designs and furnishings as they ascend to the top terraces,” she says of the quarter-acre venue. The interactive lifestyle and outdoor center—or “deconstructed store” as she describes it—is an extension of Home Crush’s downtown Santa Barbara shop and design studio. Find everything from padded picnic blankets from Germany and linen beach towels from Rome to herb-scented citronella candles and textured outdoor pillows. “Everything a visitor sees or touches is available with interior and exterior design services, as well as Smart Home Integration by California Smart Homes,” says Miller. (Think single-touch systems for lighting, music, and more.) 2500 Lillie Ave., Summerland, 805-837-8836, home-crush.com.
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Gimme Shelter
What started about 10 years ago as a quest to create the ideal camp blanket has resulted in four rental cabins in Joshua Tree, an online home-goods shop, and, more recently, the opening of the first CAMPOVER store in Los Alamos.
Campover's modern essentials
Written by Anna Ferguson-Sparks | Photography by Jessica Sample
What started about 10 years ago as a quest to create the ideal camp blanket has resulted in four rental cabins in Joshua Tree, an online home-goods shop, and, more recently, the opening of the first CAMPOVER store in Los Alamos. Consciously sourced, handcrafted housewares and “modern shelter supplies” line the shelves in the retail space that reflects the company’s utilitarian-design ethos and approach to hospitality. Coming soon: An expanded array of online offerings—including proprietary Campover products—and a handful of Campover-renovated Central Coast accommodations. 235B Centennial St., Los Alamos, campover.com.
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Farm to Your Table
Elder Flat Farm, the 102-acre property organically farmed by Carla Malloy, has famously supplied many of the region’s best restaurants.
Written by Anna Ferguson-Sparks | Photography by Jessica Sample
Elder Flat Farm, the 102-acre property organically farmed by Carla Malloy, has famously supplied many of the region’s best restaurants. It now offers its goods to home cooks at the ELDER FLAT FARM SHOP in Los Alamos. Open Thursday through Sunday, the farm store displays Elder Flat’s bounty of organic produce and flowers and farm-fresh eggs along with curated collections of artisanal products and provisions. The venue also hosts live music and other events, including classes on cheese-and-charcuterie-board styling, “how-tos” on raising chickens, and canning workshops. 325 Bell St., Los Alamos, elderflatfarm.com.
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I Walk the Wine
An active wine-tasting experience awaits those who embark on the new hiking tours at renowned ALMA ROSA WINERY.
Written by Anna Ferguson-Sparks | Photography by Jessica Sample
An active wine-tasting experience awaits those who embark on the new hiking tours at renowned ALMA ROSA WINERY. The appointment-only hikes traverse the historic El Jabali estate, a 628-acre property in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. The two tours—Caracol Hike ($75 per person) and Attente Hike ($95 per person)—vary in duration and intensity and showcase different sides of the estate, rewarding adventurers with spectacular mountain and valley views plus glasses of wine, followed by a private wine tasting and cheese plate at Alma Rosa’s ranch house. Alma Rosa will offer a similar hiking excursion on July 23, during its third annual Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction fund-raising walk to benefit both One Mind and the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara. almarosawinery.com.
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Immortal Femmes
Angela Perko is fascinated by precious objects, and her recent series of paintings focuses on ancient female fertility figures.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Angela Perko is fascinated by precious objects, and her recent series of paintings focuses on ancient female fertility figures. Perko’s paintings are always packed with quiet symbolism and deep layers of meaning; and while her new works acknowledge that women have been constantly reproduced as objects over time—from Paleolithic venus figurines to plastic Barbie dolls—the females showcased here were revered as powerful fertility symbols. At the same time, Perko has juxtaposed these symbols with carefully chosen background visuals that resonate with present day concerns, a dialogue-sparking device inspired by artist Kehinde Wiley’s dramatic Equestrian Portrait of Prince Tommaso of Savoy-Carignan (2015) displayed at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Perko’s striking portrait of a prehistoric Japanese Dogū figurine, which floats on a background of bright red polka dots, is a direct reference to feminist artist Yayoi Kusama of Japan—known internationally for her commandingly beautiful and obsessive installations—who frequently employs a similar polka dot pattern in her art. Using a 10-by-10-inch square format, Perko’s exquisite figurine paintings are small but mighty. They are on view, along with other works by the artist, July 29 through September 26 at Sullivan Goss - An American Gallery. Don’t miss the opening August 4 (5 to 8 pm). 11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805-730-1460; sullivangoss.com.