September 27, 2026|by Erik Torkells
••• C. asked for an update on the restaurant coming to the new mixed-use building at 4745 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria. Developer Justin Klentner says that it’ll be called Rincon General Bodega and Wine Bar, operated by restaurateurs who have been mentioned in the Michelin Guide, with counter service during the day and table service at night. They’re shooting for year end. (The photo is a few months old.)
••• The Ellwood has rethought its model: “We’ve completely reworked our menus. We’ve invested heavily in creating a more approachable and affordable experience while still delivering the food, hospitality, and setting that make The Ellwood special. We’re launching new dishes, new favorites, and a completely new frozen cocktail experience” called the Goletarita. Here’s the new lunch and dinner menu.
••• Glendale’s Mini Kabob is returning to Na Na Thai for another collaboration on October 6.
••• The eagerly anticipated Restaurant at Edna outside San Luis Obispo, with Jeremy Fox at the helm, opens November 5.
••• St. Bibiana is expanding into the space next door (19 W. Ortega Street): “We are so excited to announce we will soon have a larger dining area and beer and wine selection. That means we can guarantee a table for you and leave the delivery apps out of it. We do construction on our off days and have been slowly chipping away at this project.”
••• The Independent profiled Vic’s Wine Bar. As is often the case with the newspaper’s restaurant profiles, a free meal appears to have been involved.
••• Ditto for the Independent‘s profile of Ojai Mountain Farm.
••• From the White Buffalo Land Trust: “On Saturday, October 10, we’ll open the gates of our 1,000-acre Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Jalama Canyon Ranch for our annual Fall Open House & Ranch Cookout. The day offers a chance to explore the ranch, meet the people and partners behind the work, and experience regenerative agriculture firsthand through interactive stations focused on soil, water, biodiversity, habitat, conservation, and more. The day will also feature a ranch cookout with Chef Pierre Tremblay, and live music from Salty Strings.” The open house is free; the cookout is $25 with advance registration required.
••• Tap Thai in Goleta is closing, and Jeannine’s will expand into the space. —Restaurant Guy
••• Alma Fonda Fina rebranded as Tacos Alma—or Alma Tacos, depending on which sign you’re looking at—aligning it more closely with the Corazón family in spirit, if not yet in name.
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Dining and Cooking