GOOD EATS
BY Chef Robert Andres Olivares
A night in Santa Barbara
Last night some friends and I went out to Santa Barbara for the day. We walked around State Street checking out the sites having a few laughs. We made our first stop at Johnny's Rib Shack to have a few drinks and some Ribs. My cousin and I shared the Combo plate with Spare Ribs, Beef Ribs, Hot Links, Hush Puppies and chili cheese fries. I have to say if your ever in the area stop by or if you have time to take a drive it is worth it. The ribs were messy but moist and tender, the hush puppies where crisp on the outside and warm in the inside. The Hot links and the Chili fires were tremendous and washed down well with a few cold Caronas.
Our next stop Santa Barbara Brewing Company. There we were greeted by a beautiful waitress with a great smile. She was warm and friendly and made us feel at home. She was busy but still gave us terrific attention and that's something that's going to make me revisit again and again.
I started off with a Grim Reaper 9.7% alcohol ... It is a Dark Ale and usually I stick to the lighter stuff but I would gladly return for this drink it has a great flavor for those of you who like a full bodied beer.
Next I moved To a Santa Barbara Blonde 5.5% alcohol I truly enjoyed this beer and after the Reaper this light ale was a great complement. Although next time I go I intend to try some of the food there it looked great.
Since we arrived there late I was only able to have two drinks so from there it was on to The Study Hall, the Study hall fit the low profile place that we were looking for it wasn't too packed and my cousin and I were able to enjoy or Tecates and a nice game of pool. I had fun on the town its a great place to chill with your boys or even with your lady you would just have to change Johnny's Ribs to a place that is a lil more romantic. So next time your read to hit the road for some fun stop in SB and live, eat, drink and enjoy