Is the Santa Barbara dining scene about to undergo a significant transformation, or is it just another rumor circulating through the coastal whispers? The fate of Oliver's, the vegan restaurant at 1198 Coast Village Road, is sealed, and the space will soon be occupied by a new culinary venture, promising a fresh chapter for the Montecito community.
The saga began in May 2012, when whispers indicated Peabodys Restaurant, a long-standing establishment, would close its doors, paving the way for Olivers. The ambitious project, spearheaded by cellular phone pioneer Craig McCaw, aimed to redefine the dining experience with a plant-based focus. However, the journey to opening was lengthy, shrouded in anticipation, and punctuated by the inevitable delays that often accompany ambitious projects. A buzz recently arose that Olivers was finally on the cusp of opening. Then came the news. The vegan restaurant, once hailed as a beacon of innovative cuisine, is closing its doors. The announcement was shared via social media, confirming the end of an era and leaving diners and food enthusiasts alike to contemplate the evolving landscape of Montecito's culinary offerings.
The location, at 1198 Coast Village Road, holds a unique place in the culinary narrative of Santa Barbara. The buildings history, from the era of Peabodys to the anticipated arrival of Oliver's, and now its next incarnation, reflects the dynamic nature of the restaurant industry. The very structure has become a symbol of change, of the constant ebb and flow of trends, tastes, and ownership.
The man who is taking over the space, Warner Ebbink of Little Dom's Seafood in Carpinteria, has been a chef for many years, and is taking ownership at the end of the month. He is currently working on finalizing the design and overall concept for the new restaurant, but this is just the beginning of the next chapter. While the details of the new concept remain under wraps, the anticipation surrounding the opening will continue to build. The restaurant scene in Santa Barbara is always evolving, and these changes are an important part of it.
The upcoming transition at the 1198 Coast Village Road location also underscores the dedication and passion of individuals like Manny Juan, a Santa Barbara local who has been at the helm of Oliver's. His journey, which includes early aspirations of becoming a chef, reflects the commitment of those in the industry.
| Name: | Manny Juan |
| Profession: | Chef, Restaurateur |
| Known For: | Leading the vegan culinary experience at Oliver's in Montecito. |
| Early Life & Background: | Destined to become a chef, and whose father, Obdulio Juan, came to Santa Barbara from Texas with aspirations of cooking and worked at Joe's Cafe. |
| Career Highlights: | Pioneering vegan cuisine in Montecito, building a successful restaurant, and shaping the local culinary scene. |
| Restaurant: | Oliver's, 1198 Coast Village Road, Montecito, CA 93108 (formerly). |
| Culinary Style: | Vegan cuisine, with an emphasis on innovative and flavorful plant-based dishes. |
| Inspiration: | His father's culinary ambition, the desire to create innovative and tasty vegan options. |
| Current Status: | Oliver's, the vegan restaurant, has been sold and will be taken over by a new restaurant. |
| References: | Santa Barbara City Government |
The restaurant, once located at 1198 Coast Village Road, has been the site of constant evolution over the years. This location, once occupied by Peabody's, was later intended to become Oliver's. The space has been a constant in a changing landscape. With the transition from Olivers to a new establishment led by Warner Ebbink, the space is likely to continue its legacy as a dynamic player in Santa Barbara's culinary scene.
The new venture will offer an opportunity to redefine the dining experience. The change brings with it not only a shift in culinary focus but also the promise of introducing new flavors and styles to the local community. The restaurant will also be incorporating the bar, with hours extended until midnight. Free valet service will be offered, adding an element of convenience for the restaurant's patrons. The introduction of future lunch plans is also expected. The new restaurant promises to inject fresh energy and innovation into the local dining landscape.
The dining scene in Santa Barbara is always evolving, with new restaurants popping up each month, each vying for a spot on the city's culinary map. Whether you're a seasoned local looking for the next big find or a visitor eager to discover the hottest spots, there is something for everyone. Places like Carusos at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel (1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA 93108) are a true indication of the level of excellence in Santa Barbara.
The legacy of Oliver's, with its emphasis on vegan cuisine, will leave its mark on Santa Barbara's culinary history. The impact of the new restaurant, with Warner Ebbink at its helm, remains to be seen, the change in the space at 1198 Coast Village Road marks a pivotal moment in the story of Santa Barbara's food scene.
