Out & About: Carpinteria

When a town calls itself the “home of the world’s safest beach,” you expect it to be laidback. And yes, Carpinteria – even the name soothes – offers no shortage of calm waters and peaceful strides along sandy shores. But the town, roughly 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, is also home to much more – from the Santa Barbara Polo Club to the seals and sea lions found nearby Carpinteria Bluffs. And if you have always wanted to know what the world’s largest vat of guacamole looks like, the California Avocado Festival happens every October. If waiting until autumn for guacamole isn’t for you, here are some other suggestions for how to spend a day or weekend exploring the sights and surf of Carpinteria. Safety is almost certainly guaranteed.

MORNING

Carpinteria State Beach

Although an ideal spot for camping and swimming, the real draw of this mile-long state beach is the seafaring animals who call it home. In addition to the sea lions and seals – and possibly a passing whale – there are tidepools filled with starfish, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins, among others. One note if you’re thinking about tagging along with a four-legged friend: dogs are not allowed on the beach, but they are permitted in the picnic area.

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary

While spotting birds and other wildlife, follow the hiking trails to the open park space with its stunning views north to the Santa Ynez Mountains and south to the Channel Islands. From here, you can look down on the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, the habitat for almost 100 adult seals who birth their pups on the shoreline. The sanctuary is a protected space and off-limits to people. But from above, you can quietly observe. Remember to bring binoculars.

Tar Pits Beach

Less than a mile from the seal sanctuary, you can find this aptly-named slice of shoreline. Once mined for the asphalt that drains out from a natural lake, this area of Carpinteria State Beach has been transformed into a destination for both hikers and surfers.

Shop in downtown Carpinteria

After a morning wandering through nature, why not spend time exploring Linden Avenue, the shopping hub of downtown Carpinteria? Only a few blocks from the state beach, it’s lined with century-old palm trees and vintage shops. One tourist stop is Robitaille’s Candies, famed for its Presidential Mints (because they have been favorites of past American presidents). It also offers the opportunity to watch the candy makers at work thanks to a glassed-in kitchen.

AFTERNOON

Stop for a Bite

If you feel like having lunch after a morning spent hiking and shopping, Linden Avenue has plenty of options, including this 50-year-old hamburger stand. The Spot does serve a range of menu options – from a shrimp burrito to clam chowder – but really, it’s about the classic, no-frills burger, as simple as beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and Thousand Island dressing.

Carpinteria Valley Museum of History

For those interested in more than what Carpinteria looks like now, this historical museum offers a detailed gaze into its past. Exhibits deal the three significant cultures that have called the area home over the centuries: the Chumash Indians, the Mexican and Spanish settlers, and the immigrant and American pioneers. Exhibits are open every afternoon Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club

Located on Foothill Road in Carpinteria, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club has been described as the town’s best-kept secret. Starting in April and running through December, the public is invited to attend the polo game that happens every Sunday afternoon. You don’t have to be a club member. On Fridays, spectators can partake in Happy Hour in the grandstands.

Whale Watching

Nearly 30 different species of whales and dolphins travel through the Santa Barbara Channel every year, meaning there is never a bad time to go spotting one of these gentle marine giants. Long-running area tour companies include The Condor Express which carries as many as 120 passengers on its catamaran, and Sunset Kidd, which takes visitors sailing on a 41-foot yacht.

Summerland Winery

It wouldn’t be a California sojourn without wine tasting. And Carpinteria and the surrounding area do not disappoint. Located in the seaside town that bears its name, Summerland Winery provides a tasting room where you can sample its Central Coast collection. For dog lovers, the winery encourages you to bring your furry companion along to join the pack.

EVENING

Little Dom’s Seafood

Carpinteria isn’t as far from Los Feliz as you might think. Warner Ebbink and chef Brandon Boudet, who own and run Little Dom’s in Los Angeles, opened Little Dom’s Seafood in Carpinteria earlier this year. As you’d expect, the menu offers Italian seafood along with the coastal culinary vibe that comes with being this close to the Pacific.

The Alcazar Theatre

While it maintains its movie house façade, the Alcazar Theatre, which opened in 1928, has emerged as much more than a venue for films (although there are those – from current releases to such Hollywood classics as Singing in the Rain). A center of performing arts for Carpinteria, also stages concerts, live comedy, and live theatre, depending on the day or evening.

March 5, 2020March 5, 2020

Valley Eats: Soup

Any time of year is soup weather. So while a cold day in Southern California conjures thoughts of staying warm with a piping hot bowl, don’t dismiss the power of ramen or matzo balls or chowder just because temperatures are rising. Armed with bread and an abundance of spices, a single spoonful can make for one satisfying slurp. Here are some of the best around the Valley.

San Fernando Valley

Art’s Delicatessen & Restaurant

12224 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604

This classic deli, with its corned beef sandwiches, doesn’t skimp on the soup: from chicken noodle and chicken broth to bean and barley and cabbage to the beef borscht and chili con carne. But, of course, all soups should only be sampled after the mighty matzo ball.

Kai Ramen

15030 Ventura Boulevard, No. 23, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

For ramen lovers in Sherman Oaks, this eatery is the go-to stop for such favorite dishes as the Spicy Chicken (yellow noodles, home-made meat, flavored egg, scallion, baby bakchoi and crispy onion), the signature Kai’s White (skinny noodle with garlic butter and pork belly) and the Popeye Ramen (spinach noodle, with tofu, spring mix, tofu, flavored egg and red onions).

Soup Goddess

4001 W Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505

Have a bowl without the guilt. The vegan and gluten-free selections here include the Broccoli Cheddah (broccoli, carrots, onions and celery with sautéed leeks, garlic and chili flakes), the Mushroom Heaven (with portabella, naturally) and, to underscore its healthiness, the Cabbage Fit Soup (cabbage with green beans, Brussel sprouts, thyme and ginger). In the mood for something that sounds not quite so stern? How about the Watermelon Gazpacho, with seedless watermelon, grape vine tomatoes, English cucumber, green onion, jalapeño, garlic and lime?

Conejo Valley

The Gourmet Soup Kitchen

23229 Saticoy Street, West Hills, CA 91304

This vegetarian eatery boasts a menu of more than 30 soups, aimed at pleasing even the pickiest of palettes. Among those which merit serious consideration: the African Peanut (yams, carrots, onions and other vegetables, along with ginger, garlic, organic lite peanut butter and lite coconut milk), the Carrot Ginger (with a touch of sherry and sea salt) and the Spicy Six Bean (with peppers, spices and garbanzo as well as white, pinto and black beans).

Taiyo Ramen

2310 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

This shop in Thousand Oaks knows its ramen. So why not choose one of their specialty dishes: the Tokyo Tsukemen (soft dry noodles and fish-based dipping sauce with pork, egg, lime, roasted garlic and green onions), the Seafood Paitan Ramen (shrimp and calamari with scallop, fish cake, cabbage and sole fish) or the Yakisoba Noodles (Japanese-style stir fried noodles, vegetables and either chicken or tofu). They also offer a vegan ramen with vegan noodles and broth. If you feel like cooling down afterward, bobas include a matcha green tea.

SoLé SoupS

1772B E Avenida De Los Arboles Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Fusing a modern attitude to old-world recipes, this eatery stresses it wants to make healthy eating fun, swift and convenient. The menu can vary, but featured selections can range from zucchini to turkey meatball in red sauce to chicken and barley to a yellow split pea with curry.

Santa Clarita Valley

Umaichi Ramen

26877 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Declaring that ramen is Japanese soul food, this modern restaurant serves up Japanese noodle soups alongside Asian-style buns, beer and sake. Ramen variations include the Cold Noodle with Creamy Sesame Dressing, the Spicy Shoyu Ramen and the Green Vegetarian Ramen.

Masa Ramen

27051 Mcbean Parkway, Suite 101, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Hoping to introduce ramen feasters to new iterations of the dish, their menu includes the Mabo (a spicy Mabo sauce mixed with beef, green onion and shredded chili peppers), the Miso (chashu pork and white fish cake with green onion, corn, bamboo, nori, egg and bean sprouts) and the Curry (an egg combined with corn or green onion as well as chicken).

Paik’s Noodle

28124 Newhall Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Drop by this eatery if you feel in the mood for do-it-yourself Asian hot pot – from the Jjamppong (Korean noodles swimming with squid, pork and vegetables in spices) to the Jajangmyeon (noodles simmered in black bean sauce) to the Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour sauce with fried pork). The Bokkeummyeon consists of sit-fried noodles with seafood, vegetables and pork.

March 4, 2020

LA Eats: Soups

Any time of year is soup weather. So while a cold day in Southern California often conjures thoughts of battling back chills with a piping hot bowl of soup, don’t dismiss the appeal of ramen, matzo balls or chowder just because the mercury is on the rise. Armed with bread and a range of flavors, a spoonful of soup can make for one satisfying slurp. If you’re inclined, here are some of the best bowls of goodness around Los Angeles and the Westside.

Hangari Kalguksu

3470 W 6th Street Suite 9 10, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Kal-guk-su – or hand-cut noodle soup – is the order of the day at this well-liked Korean restaurant. Try it plain or with clam or with kimchi, clam and bean sprout. If that’s not to your liking, consider the oyster soup with rice and seaweed.

Factor’s Famous Deli

9420 W Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Factor’s has been at the same location on Pico Boulevard since 1948. Expect a welcoming, family atmosphere – after all the Markowitz family has owned and operated this delicatessen since 1969. While we’ll always show up for the matzo ball when we’re in the mood for heartiness, don’t discount the deliciousness of the tortilla soup or homemade turkey chili.

Silverlake Ramen

2927 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This Japanese noodle bar declares they are “obsessed with ramen.” But there’s also no rush. Start with the seaweed salad, for example, before moving onto the classic tonkatsu, with your pick of protein (pork, chicken or tofu) in succulent broth thickened with bean sprouts, spinach, green onion, black garlic oil and egg. For non-meat-eaters, they offer a vegetable broth with bean sprouts, mushroom and tofu.

Connie & Ted’s

8171 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046

No matter what style of clam chowder you prefer, you won’t be disappointed by Jo’s Wicked Good Chowda’ at this seafood restaurant. That’s because they offer all three popular kinds of chowda’: the Rhode Island (a light broth that’s heavy on vegetables like celery and carrots), the New England (thick and creamy with potatoes, onion and clams) and the Manhattan (tomatoes with clams, pork and herbs). All three are made with salt pork.

Petit Trois

718 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

This French bistro cuisine offers plenty of Parisian delights, but even up against the steak tartare and escargots, the French onion soup is an exquisite destination all its own, thanks to the fusion of caramelized onions with melted gruyère and emmental cheeses.

Ramen Hood

317 S Broadway, Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Despite the animal-free menu – including a jaw-droppingly realistic vegan egg that will have you wondering how they made the chicken, it came from – Top Chef season two winner Ilan Hall’s ramen stand has no shortage of carnivorous fans. How do they do it? According to the eatery, the broth is kelp and shiitake mushrooms, combined with roasted sunflower seeds and white miso. As for the egg, it’s pure alchemy: GMO-free soy milk, gelled with the seaweed extract agar with a yolk that consists of nutritional yeast, back salt and sodium alginate. That hardly describes the process, but when the result is this convincing, does it matter?

February 27, 2020February 28, 2020

Valley Weekend Events: February 29 – March 1

Conejo

Travel to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, listen to a symphony of dreams or explore our changing world with award-winning filmmaker Andy Mann. Whether you’re in the mood for the classics or a hike into nature, there’s plenty going on this weekend in the Conejo Valley.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Nat Geo Live – Andy Mann: From Summit to Sea

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Andy Mann has documented our planet for more than a decade. A diver, arctic explorer and rock climber, Mann’s captivating images of our world and its wildlife as they experience rapid, disturbing upheavals have amassed him a following of more than 400,000 on Instagram. For ticket information, go HERE.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

New West Symphony presents: Dreams

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Dreams is part of a two-concert series remembering the Holocaust, showcasing music that acted as a beacon of hope during one of humanity’s darkest periods. Originally written for a children’s opera competition in 1938, Brundibár (Czech for “bumblebee”) was composed by Hans Krása in a concentration camp. The program also features Felix Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For more details, go HERE.

STEAM Expo

Santa Susana High School, 3570 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA

STEAM stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics” – all of which are ready to be explored at this fifth annual event. Expect more than 40 booths, which this year also includes a health fair. The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details, go HERE.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2020

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Starring Daniel Tiger, O the Owl, Miss Elaina, Katerina Kittycat and Prince Wednesday, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: Neighbor Day carries audience members of all ages along on an interactive journey to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe in this live production. Expect new songs as well as favorites from the animated series, which was inspired by Mister Rogers Neighborhood. For ticket information, go HERE.

Sunday Hike in Malibu

The Ranch at Solstice Canyon, 26025 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA

Pack a power bar and head for the hills. For professionals seeking a retreat from their urban lifestyle – if only for a few hours – this could prove a welcome escape to nature. This hike is led by fitness pros, so along with a little exercise, you might also pick up a tip or two for improved health and nutrition. For details, go HERE.

San Fernando Valley

Celebrate the life and legacy of Billie Holiday, take a little off the top for a good cause or check out a taping with Roseanne’s former sitcom family. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter or a new stage production, there’s plenty going on this weekend in the San Fernando Valley.