Matador opens on State

BY JOHN DICKSON
MATADOR TAPAS BAR and Latin Steakhouse at 714 State St is now open for business. Matador is in the former location of Piranha which moved to 801 State St. The menu at Matador brings together the flavors of Spain and Latin America, featuring a variety of Tapas (appetizer size plates), along with soups, salads, Brazilian Churrascaria barbequed meats, Latin Steakhouse entrées including fresh seafood and specialty desserts. Right now they are open for dinner only, Sunday -Thursday 5-10pm and Friday and Saturday nights serving until midnight. They will begin serving lunch and brunch the week of April 21st. Call 965-1307 or visit sbmatador.com

BOATHOUSE UPDATE: The "Boathouse." will soon be replacing the now-closed Brown Pelican at Hendry’s Beach. Last week I stopped by and spoke with Boathouse owner Tom White who also owns the Fishouse Restaurant. Mr. White said that there is a bet on the table that June 21st will be the opening date.
CLOSED: Reader Gary tells me that there is a sign on the door of Mesa Thai Cuisine at 1819 Cliff Dr that says they closed their doors on April 1st.

HELP THE EDC: Dine out for the Earth! On Thursday, April 17th the following restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to the Environmental Defense Center: Aldo's, Arnoldi's, Bouchon, Fresco!, Quantum, Seagrass, Sojourner, Spiritland Bistro and Zookers. Call the EDC at 963-1622 or visit EDCnet.org

TASTE OF TUESDAY: Every Tuesday at 3pm Borders Books & Music at 900 State St has an event called Taste of Tuesday. Get the latest information on new books, movies and music while you sample food & beverages from their Seattle's Best Coffee cafe.

TACO TUESDAY: Continuing today’s “Tuesday” theme, I wanted to let you know that New Baja Grill in Camino Real Marketplace offers “Taco Tuesday” from 4pm-9pm every week. Tacos are 2 for $2.50 (chicken, steak, carnitas at half the normal price), 2 for $2.99 beers (Pacifico) and $.99 sodas. Call 571-6000.

TERRIFIC TUESDAY: My final "Tuesday" item of the day: Ty Lounge at the Biltmore in Montecito has a "Terrific Tuesday" where you can enjoy drink specials and gourmet appetizers. No cover charge. Call 969-2261

CUPCAKE INVASION: Earlier this year I wrote about the fleet of cupcakeries heading to Santa Barbara. I just heard about another one and they are already up and running. Sweet Buttercup sells cupcakes and cookies on the web or over the phone and doesn't have a storefront. Standard or custom cupcakes cost $34/dozen. Half-size cupcakes are $15/dozen. Flavors include Sweet Buttercup, Vanilla Chocolate, Choco-lotta love, Choco-latte, Vanilla-latte, Banana, Red Velvet, I dream of Chocolate, Lemon Cream, Sugar & Spice and Orange Blossom. Call 967-8160 or visit SweetButtercup.com.

GRILLED CHEESE: At Pierre Lafond Bistro (516 State St) every Thursday is Grilled Cheese Sandwich Night from 4pm-7pm. Price is $14.95. Choose from the chef's selection of gourmet cheeses and add some vegetables and/or meat stuffers. They will grill it all up on an artisan bread. Includes fries or salad. Call 962-1455 or visit PierreLafond.com.

ANNA LOVES PEET: Anna's Bakery in Camino Real Marketplace now serves Peet's Coffee. The change occurred about a month ago and it has been well-received by the public. Call 968-5590.

BRADLEY OGDEN: Famed Bay Area chef Bradley Ogden, whose restaurant of the same name is at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, is partnering with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to open a restaurant at the Royal Scandinavian Inn in Solvang.

LUNCH LESSONS: On Wednesday, April 16th listen to chef & author Ann Cooper and chef & attorney Kate Adamick talk about “school food reform.” Discussions will include school wellness policies, childhood obesity, how the USDA thinks our children should be fed, and how reform can be successfully designed and implemented in our community. This free event is brought to you by s’Cool Food and sponsored by the Orfalea Fund. Reception & healthy meal is at 5:30pm, presentation at 6:30pm. Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. RSVP at 565-7550 ex 110 or online at sCoolFood.org.

ALCOHOL BAN: Rite Aid on Casitas Pass in Carpinteria has lost their alcohol permit after receiving three warnings in three years about selling alcohol to persons under 21 years of age. Rite Aid also just signed a five-year lease at 801 Linden Ave in Carpinteria. The new store will be smaller than the Casitas Pass location and will focus on its pharmacy.

John Dickson’s column appears every Tuesday in the Daily Sound. E-mail your restaurant news tips to info@SantaBarbara.com