Virtuoso Life - January/February 2009 - (Page 48) QUICK ESCAPE AS TEMPTING AS IT WAS TO JUST RELAX Local Wisdom: Malcom McDowell Actor Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, O Lucky Man!, Heroes) lives nearby in Ojai and is a big fan of the Santa Barbara area. Here are some of his favorite weekend spots. Café Luna “It’s a hole in the wall, but serves pastries and coffee drinks in the morning that are quite addictive.” 2354 Lillie Avenue, Summerland; 805/695-8780. Just Folk McDowell deems this one of the best folk art shops in California for traditional Americana as well as “outsider art” from folk cultures around the world. 2346 Lillie Avenue, Summerland; 805/969-7118. Ellen’s Danish Pancake House “They have the absolutely finest pancakes outside of Denmark. Rolled with applesauce or strawberries, my god, they’re fantastic!” 272 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton; 805/688-5312. Bouchon’s winecountry cuisine. SANTA BARBARA DREAMING Rest and refuel with a side of California sunshine. STAY Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara A recent $240 million renovation restored classic 207-room resort on Butterfly Beach to its original splendor. Guests can escape to the new 10,000-square-foot spa – try the Sunset Sanctuary, four therapeutic hours in a spa suite followed by a three-course sunset dinner – or relax at the Coral Casino and Cabana Club. The concierge can secure tee times at the exclusive Montecito Country Club. Doubles from $550, including breakfast. San Ysidro Ranch This landmark in the Montecito foothills offers 41 cottages and suites tucked along tree-lined paths, most with stone fireplaces and private patios featuring hot tubs and outdoor rain showers. If the elegant Stonehouse restaurant is serving juniperdusted venison loin with cabernet-braised red cabbage, order it. Doubles from $615, including breakfast and a $50 dining credit. La Super-Rica Taqueria Always a line out the door and not much to look at, this Julia Child-endorsed taqueria is well worth the wait for fresh corn tortillas, marinated pork, and the must-try posole. 622 N. Milpas Street; 805/963-4940. Bouchon Located in downtown Santa Barbara, Bouchon presents an intimate, casual setting that opens to gardens on warm evenings. Menu highlights include a wonderful bourbon-and-maple-glazed duck and a smoked and roasted rack of lamb. Save room for the hot molten lava chocolate cake. 9 W. Victoria Street; 805/730-1160. EAT Tydes at Coral Casino Overlooking Butterfly Beach, the newly renovated Coral Casino features stunning sunsets, a strong local wine list, and an excellent filet of beef with olive oil mashed potatoes and Tuscan kale. 1260 Channel Drive; 805/969-2261. 48 VIRTUOSO LIFE
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