Pascucci

Pascucci

Santa Barbara, CA

Located in downtown Santa Barbara, this popular Italian restaurant on State street offers reasonably priced lunches.   We got lucky and was seated by the window where we can people watch. 

Excellent Garlic Bread

with the right amount of parmesan cheese and garlic butter toasted on fresh baguette

Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp

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Insalata Mista

Organic mixed greens, yellow bell peppers, cucumber, vine-ripened tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onions, & feta cheese tossed in a garlic-lemon-mint dressing

To end our meal and begin our day with a smooth cup of cappuccino.

Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

Presentation: ★★★☆☆

The French Press

The French Press

Santa Barbara, CA

A cute little shop serving up Verve Coffee Roaster's beans from a La Marzocco machine.  It crafts some of the riches coffee and espresso drinks in town!

The French Press has an exclusive agreement with Verve Coffee Roasters

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Small tables line the long, lean space.

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Fresh beans ground to order with the best equipment, homemade whipped cream, and artful latte craftsmanship that kept many coffee lovers waiting patiently in line for their drink. 

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Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

Presentation: ★★★☆☆

Bouchon

Bouchon

Santa Barbara, CA

Awarded by Wine Spectator magazine's "Award of Excellence"

Bouchon is an enchanting place that captures the atmosphere of the local Santa Barbara - relaxing and casual.  

Foie Gras - Pan-Seared ‘Sweet’

Scallop Trio

This trio of scallops presented were so fresh and big that it needs its own picture. 

red lentil ‘risotto’

applewood smoked bacon

tomato relish + basil cream

smoked scallop + pancetta

heirloom tomato

fresh avocado

white polenta + corn pudding 

watercress salad

prosciutto chi

We asked the wine connoisseur to recommend local wine to pair with our dishes.

Grilled Wagyu New York Steak (Medium-Rare)

Pt. Reyes bleu cheese potato croquette with shitake mushrooms, 

Tutti Frutti Farms roasted tomatoes & sauce bordelaise

It was tender, however, I couldn't tell the "Wagyu" part of it.  Overall, it was still a good piece of steak.

Maple-Glazed California Duck Breast & Confit of Thigh (Medium)

 succotash of sweet corn, fava beans, applewood-smoked bacon and

Windrose Farms butternut squash, port-thyme demiglace

By the time we got out of the restaurant, the crowd was gone at 10:30pm.  It was one great dining experience with my gf.  The staff was extremely knowledgeable.  They described every dish and all its elements of creation and its origination similar to a high end fine dining restaurant.  The wine that was recommended to us balanced well with our food.  The atmosphere was beautiful and food was exquisite. 

Food: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★☆

Ambiance: ★★★★☆
Presentation: ★★★☆☆