Can we all agree on something? We travel for food first and foremost. Sure, the sites, resorts, beaches, and people are just as amazing but, if you’re like me, you travel to taste a place. I mean, that’s why you’re here on Salt & Wind Travel in the first place, right? Because, like us, you’re always in search of the best meal a place has to offer and how to recreate it back home.
My recent trip to Santa Barbara had me so smitten that I was ready to move there by the end of my visit. It’s an amazing place not only for the quaint city itself but also because just over the hill is the Santa Barbara wine region.
Each mile of the Santa Ynez Valley has a different gem to uncover, from family farms to world-class wineries and quaint towns. If you head up Highway 154, you must stop by Cold Spring Tavern or Hitching Post 2 for some California BBQ. And you’ll want to make time for wine and beer tastings everywhere, from classic places like Fess Parker to boutique wines at Storm and craft brews at Figueroa Mountain Brewery.
One of my favorite things about traveling is when you think you’ve got a place figured out, and it surprises you. I thought I had the Santa Ynez Valley figured out until this trip. Unlike Napa, Sonoma, or France, Santa Barbara’s wine country is more laidback — one part outdoors-y, one part Central Coast ranching, and a big pinch of chic.
And nothing proves that more than the teeny town of Santa Ynez. Its downtown looks like a freeze-frame from an old Western movie with old-timey facades, but there are also cute boutiques and great restaurants.
One such restaurant is S.Y. Kitchen. Started by the crew who have Toscana in Los Angeles, SY Kitchen is based on Italian food but makes the most of its setting’s food and culture. I’m celebrating them with our friends at TripAdvisor in honor of their upcoming Travelers’ Choice Awards.
They served us twists on classics like an octopus version of a Nicoise salad and a perfectly balanced daiquiri, but also some unique treats like a Basil-Pomegranate Margarita, a Beet and Burrata Carpaccio, and this Fusilli alla Salsiccia.
When I returned home, I had to recreate it with homemade pasta, spicy sausage, and some smoked cheese. So, here is my take: Pasta with Tomato Sugo, Sausage, and Smoked Cheese. But, tell me, what meal has you swooning? Have you tried to recreate it?
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California-Inspired Recipes
Want to get a taste of the Golden State at home? Cook up these recipes inspired by the Golden State:
California Wine Country Travel Guide
If you’re inspired to explore more about this iconic region, our California Wine Country Travel Guide offers everything you need to plan your visit. Discover the best wineries, restaurants, and experiences that showcase the beauty and bounty of California wine country.
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