Santa Barbara: Stunningly Romantic
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Even if you haven't seen the wine-obsessed movie Sideways, you may have heard by now that the small towns north of the city claim some of the nation's best wineries. Most of the action is in or around the communities of Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Buellton, and Solvang (which is also known for its somewhat kitschy Danish architecture, crafts shops, and restaurants), and you can easily spend a day - or several - touring the countryside and sampling vintages at area wineries. Some favorite wineries in this region known for its pinot noirs, petite syrahs, and chardonnays are Firestone, Gainey, Lafond, and Sanford. For a map and information on specific wineries and their hours, contact the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association.

And after all that wine-tasting, it's entirely appropriate to sample some of Santa Barbara's exceptional cuisine. One of the city's true gustatory hot spots, Sevilla is a slick and sexy restaurant serving up Latin Fusion tapas - try the steak tips with Roquefort and chimmichurri vinaigrette or the Rioja wine-braised veal cheeks with tomato risotto and garlic-saffron oil. Bouchon serves superb Cal-inspired French fare in a romantic, warmly lighted downtown dining room. Feast on smoked and seared pear-glazed wild salmon with tarragon-and-vanilla-scented lentils, or Dijon-crusted rack of venison with port-fresh cherry demiglace.

Another great bet is the Wine Cask, a rarefied dining room set across a shaded courtyard from the esteemed Wine Cask Store. Diners sample fine pinot noirs and grigios alongside stellar regional American fare like red-and-yellow-watermelon salad with crispy prosciutto, Humbolt Fog goat cheese, baby greens, and a white balsamic reduction. There's another branch in Los Olivos, in the Wine Country. Nearby Downey's is a small, softly lit, art-filled eatery where contemporary American food is the daily offering. A typically enticing entree is local lobster and sea bass ragout with chanterelles, flageolet beans, tomatoes, and bacon. Arigato Sushi serves super-fresh and creative sushi inside an airy and attractive space on State Street.

A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with a light menu and a cheerful arbored terrace, Paradise Cafe serves omelets, soups, salads, and creative sandwiches. The simply named Roy is one of the city's great bargains, offering an inexpensive three-course prix-fixe of modern Californian and Italian dishes, such as grilled lamb chops glazed with honey and cumin. Sojourner Cafe, the city's lesbian (and to a lesser extent gay male) central, has great natural foods, rich desserts, and fine coffees - but come here as much to mingle and meet locals as to munch on great food. The Natural Cafe and Juice Bar is a great spot for huge and healthful salads, tasty fish tacos, veggie burgers, and other great food - there's also a nice selection of wines and microbrewed beers. The late doyenne of gourmet cooking Julia Child was a devotee of La Super-Rica Taqueria, an unprepossessing Mexican joint that serves excellent, if perhaps a bit overrated, steak tacos and the like.
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