Buy Local – Now More Important Than Ever

From 1/29/09

Originally at http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=17039

Buy Local – now more important than ever
By Mike Shinn

With the economy in its current state, we are seeing more and more local business leave our fine city. What’s worse, we’re left only with large chain businesses to replace them and little choice or variety. This is the same variety and spice that makes Santa Barbara such a great place to live. Last weekend I saw packed rooms and lines at the counters of Pinkberry, Chipotle and Melting Pot. Yet we continue to see award winning restaurants closing for good like Matador and JR’s BBQ. I would like to put out a challenge to edhat readers: eat local when possible and review your restaurants! These reviews at places like santabarbara.com and tripadvisor.com are used by locals and tourists alike. If we eat there, they will stay.

In the spirit of this challenge, I offer several reviews of some of my favorites that you may not have tried:

Backyard Bowl: 331 Motor Way, Santa Barbara next to Santa Barbara Roasting Company

Imagine eating a bowl of ice-cream except that it’s healthy and doesn’t weigh you down. That’s got a backyard bowl. Delicious and thicker than a smoothie. Great flavor options from this new favorite. Try it once and you’ll be hooked. My personal favorite: Island Bowl

Plaza Deli: 140 S Hope Ave #5 in the LaCumbre Plaza next to Pizza Mizza

Fantastic deli sandwiches without the inflated prices seen almost everywhere else. The menu has been revised in recent months to include fun new items like the BadaBing spicy chicken sandwich. Take a look at the soda selection – unmatched by any other restaurant in town.

European Deli: 149 N Fairview Ave next to Orchard Supply Hardware in Goleta

Everything on the menu is delicious. You just can’t find authentic German food like this anywhere. Last week I had the lunch special of rouladen, potato dumplings, potato salad and red cabbage and left a happy, stuffed man.

Kahuna Grill: 7010 Market Place Dr in the Camino Real Marketplace or their new location next to the Paseo Nuevo theater.

If a pineapple milkshake with a chilidog doesn’t appeal to you, check out their other, healthier options. Delicious Hawaiian burgers and fries at decent prices.