Wexler’s Perfect Pastrami and More Comes to Santa Barbara Public Market

 

Even though owner Mike Kassar has been tasting his Wexler’s pastrami for 10 years — they originally opened in Los Angeles’s Grand Central Market in 2014 — when executive chef and partner Chris Requena cuts him a slice to sample at their just-opened Santa Barbara location, his eyes bulge out with delight. His involuntary expression of pleasure makes clear why he wears a sweatshirt that reads “I am my own happiness dealer” across its back. 

 Kassar, New York born and bred but a West Coaster for 20 years, relishes bringing deli “back to its roots, by providing craftsmanship, quality, and tradition.” And now bringing deli to the Santa Barbara Public Market. Kassar has always loved Santa Barbara — he and his wife were married here — and admires the “warmth of the community, and how the area is appreciative of good food.”

Care to read the rest then do so at the Independent's site.

Corazón Cocina Gets Its Just Desserts

(photo: Paul Wellman)

While you or I might find nothing wrong with the Foodie Award–winning Corazón Cocina, Eileen Randall did have an issue with Chef Ramón Velazquez’s delightful spot in the Santa Barbara Public Market: no dessert. She’s been a fan for years — her partner used to scold her for going to Velazquez’s original pop-up at Three Pickles every week, as it busted their budget — and always told Velazquez that the one thing he needed was sweets.

Want to read the rest then do so at the Independent's site.

Unicorn Wines to Kick Cancer

When word hit the Santa Barbara sommelier community that one of their own, Misty Jackson, who currently works at Les Marchands, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, they knew they wanted to do something to help. Jenny Mitchum Rosner, somm and assistant wine director at Wine + Beer, said at first people thought they’d have a special study session where they would donate money. But then she suggested, “Why don’t we open it up to the entire community?”

Want to read the rest then do so at the Independent's site.

Or buy tickets immediately for the event at Nightout.

Next Stop the Pasta Shoppe

“Fresh pasta versus box pasta — the difference is night and day,” says Diane Harding, owner of The Pasta Shoppe (38 W. Victoria St., [805] 770-3668, thepastashoppellc.com) in the Santa Barbara Public Market. “People come in and buy our pasta from Corona del Mar, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, and all say, ‘You have to open something by us!’”

Want to read the rest then do so at the Indy's site.