Bluewater Grill is evaluating the future of its Santa Barbara waterfront restaurant, the company confirmed in a written statement to the News-Press. The location is being positioned as a leasehold opportunity.
Director of Operations Chris Rock said the evaluation is driven by operational considerations, citing the restaurant’s distance from Bluewater Grill’s core locations.
Rock said the restaurant will continue operating in the interim, with the company planning to exit the Santa Barbara market once the leasehold is sold. The timing of that transition will depend on interest in the opportunity, and he noted there is still significant time remaining on the lease.
No firm closing date has been announced. The restaurant is currently listed for sublease by commercial brokerage Lee & Associates.
Sunstone opening Montecito tasting room
Sunstone Winery is opening a tasting room at 1294 Coast Village Road, in the former Folded Hills space, which closed its doors in November.
Renovations are underway, and the organic winery is targeting a March opening, according to CEO and co-owner Djamila Cabugos. The Montecito location marks Sunstone’s first tasting room outside its Santa Ynez Valley estate.
A specific opening date has not yet been announced.
Oku seeks expansion of liquor license to include Happy Cat Eats
A California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control public notice posted at Happy Cat Eats reflects an application to expand Oku’s liquor license to cover the neighboring restaurant, the company confirmed.
Oku and Happy Cat Eats operate under the same ownership through Third Wave Hospitality Group. According to the company, the filing does not indicate a change in ownership or day-to-day operations and reflects an administrative update to expand the licensed premises to include the adjacent restaurant.
Ritz-Carlton Bacara launches Michelin Chef Series
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is launching a new Michelin Chef Series, beginning March 6–8 with a weekend of dining events featuring Michelin-starred Chef Miguel Navarro.
Navarro, executive chef of Es Fum at The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, will collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Executive Chef Roberto Riveros Leyton on a series of experiences that include a welcome reception, a signature tasting dinner at Lulio, and an ocean-view brunch. The programming will highlight Navarro’s Mediterranean approach alongside coastal California influences.
The Bacara Signature Chef Series is a new culinary initiative designed to bring acclaimed global chefs to the Santa Barbara resort for immersive, destination-driven dining experiences.
Pasta Santina opens Carpinteria production facility
Pasta Santina has opened a brick-and-mortar operation in Carpinteria, marking the launch of a local fresh pasta manufacturing business with retail and regional distribution components.
Based at 4185 Carpinteria Avenue, Suite 5, the operation includes on-site pasta production and packaging, a public-facing storefront, and distribution throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, founder Sergio Chierego confirmed to the News-Press. The organization also sells its products online.
Pasta Santina soft-opened in January and officially opened to the public on Feb. 17.
Los Altos on Milpas closing Sunday
Los Altos Mexican Restaurant will permanently close its Milpas Street location at 318 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara, on Sunday, Feb. 22, the business confirmed.
In a statement posted on social media, the restaurant cited unforeseen circumstances as the reason for the closure after several years in operation.
Los Altos will continue operating its Goleta location.
Riviera Bar closed
Riviera Bar has closed, with its last night of service held Feb. 14, according to a statement posted by the owners on social media.
The downtown Santa Barbara bar, which opened in 2021, announced the closure with a message thanking staff, customers, and purveyors for their support since opening post-pandemic.
Owners Kevin and Gwynn Boss declined to provide additional comment to the News-Press beyond the social media post.
