Full Plate
A fresh seafood spread at Bar Le Côte.
Ones to watch in Santa Ynez Valley’s booming dining scene
Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef” Daisy Ryan pairs with culinary partner chef Brad Mathews, at Bar Le Côte, the newest venture from the much-lauded Companion Hospitality restaurant group. Opening early summer in Los Olivos, the stylish seafood tavern founded by the award-winning team behind Bell’s in Los Alamos serves up dishes reminiscent of Europe’s coastal cuisine. 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, BARLECOTE.COM.
Bone-in tomahawks and lobster-whipped potatoes shine at Solvang’s Sear Steakhouse, where the restaurant’s proprietary farm-sourced ingredients include components for Alberto Battaglini’s delicious cocktails. 478 4th Place, Solvang, 805-245-9564, SEARSTEAKHOUSE.COM.
On weekends the one-year-old peasants FEAST has been featuring limited-edition cake creations from the Central Coast’s Golden Opal Baking: stunning, multilayered confections crafted with local produce, often adorned with locally sourced, edible flowers. 487 Atterdag Rd., Solvang, 805-686-4555, PEASANTSFEAST.COM.
Alessio Carnevale—of S.Y. Kitchen and Nella Kitchen & Bar front-of-house fame—opens his first brick-and-mortar Italian gelato shop, Via Gelateria, in Solvang this summer. @VALLEYCRAFTGELATO.
Celebrated chefs Anthony Carron, Lincoln Carson, and Steven Fretz partnered with Hillary Calhoun and wine-world rock star Rajat Parr on Solvang’s Coast Range & Vaquero Bar, now offering elevated all-day dining and bar menus, sophisticated evening steakhouse fare, and classic drinks from general manager and mixologist Joseph Sabato. 1635 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-691-9134, COASTRANGE.RESTAURANT.
Refresh with summery sips at Solvang’s V Lounge, which overlooks the Vinland Hotel’s outdoor pool. The bar’s seasonally appropriate craft cocktails include the likes of a “Sunshine Valley,” “Lemonade Stand,” and “Blackberry Smash.” 1455 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-2018, VINLANDHOTELANDLOUNGE.COM.
In Santa Ynez the S.Y. Kitchen has been enhanced for the season with an outdoor courtyard, while its Los Olivos sibling, Nella Kitchen & Bar shakes things up with famed Los Angeles barman—and now resident—Chris Hewes. 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez, 805-691-9794, SYKITCHEN.COM; 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-686-1359, NELLAKITCHEN.COM.
New Buellton brasserie The Tavern at Zaca Creek welcomes James Beard House alum chef Cullen Campbell; his decadent dinner and brunch menus include crudo and caviar, buttered rock crab, Wagyu burgers, and grilled bone marrow, as well as house-made Wagyu pastrami. 1297 Jonata Park Rd., Buellton, 805-688-2412, ZACA-CREEK.COM.
The Santa Ynez Sausage Company at Buellton’s Sideways Inn offers alfresco dining on house-made sausage sandwiches such as “The Dogfather” (sweet Italian pork sausage) or the mushroom-and-lentil “Southwestern Veggie.” Sides include homemade pickles, plus hand-cut Belgian fries with dipping-sauce options like truffle parmesan aioli or scallion pesto. 114 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805.688.8448, HIGHWAYWESTVACATIONS.COM.
Written by Anna Ferguson-Sparks
Photographs by Nella, Sara Prince; Coast Range/Vaquero Bar, Jeremy Ball, Bottle Branding; Bar le Côte, Sara Prince; Zaca Creek, Michelle Ramirez Photography.
