Brummis — The German Taste

BY JOHN DICKSON
3130 State Street, the former location of El Caballo, is now the home of “Brummis – The German Taste,” a new restaurant that had its grand opening last Friday. Brummis is owned by Ela and Veronika Brumm who moved here recently from Germany. I interviewed Ela Brumm last week and she said that she visited many cities throughout California before deciding on Santa Barbara because of the nice people who live here and the under representation of traditional German cuisine on the South Coast.

The restaurant menus are elegantly designed and include pictures of famous locations throughout Germany. Brumm suggests you try the Schnitzel (with sauces) and the German Bratwurst (with sauerkraut). Other popular items on the menu include Schnitzel Burger, German Potato Salad, Berliner Currywurst, Sauerbraten, Rouladen and Spaetzle & Kloesse. Daily specials are available for $6. A complete menu is available online in the SantaBarbara.com Restaurant Guide. Restaurant hours are Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free parking is available at the rear of the restaurant. For more information call 687-5916.

PINKBERRY OPENING DOWNTOWN: In this column on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 the Rumor Machine popped out a message indicating that frozen yogurt phenomenon Pinkberry was planning to open at 742 State Street, the former home of Jamba Juice. I am happy to report that the rumor is true. Reader Angela tells me that the windows at that address are now lined with promo posters for Pinkberry. Pinkberry has dozens of locations in Southern California and Manhattan.

VIVA LA FIESTA: As always this time of year, there are a lot of Old Spanish Days events going on this week. This Saturday, August 2, enjoy the 57th annual Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon at Alameda Park. All you can eat for $6. Net proceeds go to Kiwanis charities and youth activities. I’ll be there on the line helping dish out thousands of pancakes to the general public. Come on by and let The Restaurant Guy serve you breakfast!

CHAD’S: I attended a packed house at Chad’s on Chapala last Saturday night to celebrate the final days of the ever-popular eatery. Without a doubt Chad’s is going out at the top of its game. Many people have sent me emails (and even called me at 1-800-SANTABARBARA) inquiring about what will happen to the historic building at 625 Chapala Street after Chad & Co close their doors. I have been informed that it has been sold to Jodi House (also known as the Brain Injury Association of Santa Barbara). I have been a supporter of Jodi House for years and am happy to hear they have a permanent home! For more information about Jodi House call 563-2882 or visit BIAofSantaBarbara.org.

KC KO’D: Smokin Jacks Kansas City BBQ at 3807 Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria has closed its doors for good. There is a large new sign on the building that reads “The Pita Inn.” The reference to “Pita” sounds foodish to me and, in fact, makes me hungry for one right now. I’ll conduct an investigation to find out if Jack & Co is being replaced by a restaurant or a hotel. Stay tuned!

NEW CONSTRUCTION: Working its way through the Goleta City Council right now is a proposal to build a new hotel (“Rincon Palms”) and restaurant on the three acre lot immediately north-east of the Storke Road/Hollister Avenue intersection. In nearby Isla Vista construction is about to begin on a new boardwalk along Pardall Road that will potentially be frontage for a series of new cafes.
PASCUCCI LUNCH SPECIALS: For the first time in their 15 year history, Pascucci at 729 State Street has introduced lunch specials. I received the following email from Pascucci owner Laura Knight:
“Hi John, We just started a LUNCH SPECIAL (first time ever, in 15 years) and so far, within the first 2 days, it’s been overwhelmingly popular, over 100 customers ordered this, has tallied almost 50% of our lunch sales!!! Most of our lunch business is local business people, shoppers, and retail employees, and most of those customers don’t want to take leftovers with them (Dinner crowd, much more likely to take food home) so we started this week-day lunch special:
• Choice of Caesar salad OR organic mixed green salad (with choice of home-made dressing)
• Plus: Choice of half lasagna OR half chicken picatta with fettuccine alfredo
• Plus: Choice of soft drink OR Mango Iced Tea (free refills)
All this for a mere 9.95!!! (same price as lasagna or chicken picatta ala carte)
This has been great, many customers would rather have the salad and beverage than the other half of the lasagna or chicken picatta that they know they really shouldn’t eat, or will not eat to be thrown away and wasted!!!”- Laura Knight, Pascucci

NEW AT MATADOR: Matador Restaurant at 714 State Street has several new offerings just in time for Fiesta. The restaurant has introduced the Matador Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Enjoy three Tapas for $15, $3 Sangria, $3 beer, and discounted pitchers of Sangria. Kicking Off Old Spanish Days in style: Live Flamenco dancers and Flamenco guitar Thursday, July 31st and Saturday, August 2nd from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. New Weekend Tapas Hours: Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Tapas Tuesday: first three Tapas ordered for $15.00 all day. Sangria Sunday: half price Sangria all day. For more information call 965-1307 or visit sbmatador.com

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