...Need I say more? Okay, I probably do because 'so good' could allude to all sorts of foods and things. Last night I went out to dinner with a few good friends. Downtown Santa Barbara has all sorts of dining possibilities but we decided on SpiritLand Bistro on East Victoria St. I had heard about this place months ago but it's hidden off of State St, nestled in between Spanish style apartments, and somehow it always alluded me. But last night a friend suggested we go and I could not have been more excited.
Spiritland Bistro prides itself on being 95% organic and buys the majority of its produce from the fantastic Santa Barbara farmer's market. However, since it is global cuisine it must import some things that are not available at a local level. The restuarant is adorable- cozy, intimate, and simple. There is a mix of freshness and relaxation in the air that suggests the need to take the time to sit down, relax, and embrace the cuisine.
As it happened one of my friends used to go to school with the daughter of the woman who owns the restaurant. Score! an in!
The menu was fantastic- everything sounded excellent and our waitress was so knowledgeable about the menu (owner's daughter). We casually grilled her with questions about the menu which ranged from macademian crusted sea bass to raw vegetarian lasagna. There were also multiple drink options that spanned the spectrum from elixirs to fruit martinis. I was in heaven. Fresh, local food. Multiple vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free options. Basically hippie heaven. I mean, come on, the logo even has an Ohm sign in it. The chef is from Sri Lanka and studied culinary arts in France and was a genius. I had the Caribbean curried sweet potato soup which was amazing. The other girls had Tuscan Primavera and Fusilli Rice Pasta, Hawaiian Nut Crusted Sea Bass, and a Caesar Salad. Everything was delicious. The Sea Bass was so buttery and rich and perfectly cooked. It was a satisfying meal but not over powering. Not heavy, leaving us with that disgustingly full feeling but rich and delectable and perfect.
Plus we had an in remember? There was a reason I told you that. As our waitress cleared our plates she asked if we were in a rush or we had time for dessert because she would like to bring out a few things for us to try. Well of course no one can resist free dessert.
She brought out wildflower honey lavender creme brule, dark chocolate macadamian truffles with coconut, and dark chocolate beet flourless cake with vanilla ice cream and a beet reduction. O my goodness. Orgasmic! I took a bite of the truffle and thought I died and went to heaven. It's amazing what good quality chocolate can do for you. We slowly devoured the entire dessert plate- cherrishing the tastes, textures, scents. Letting each bite linger in our mouths. The truffles melted upon touching your tongue, the creme brule was so smooth so light so irresistable, the cake was rich and moist and gooey... honestly, I could go on forever describing the perfection of these desserts.
We sat in the resturant for almost three hours embracing our meal, our food, and our company. Needless to say, the night was a success.
-Caroline
Spiritland Bistro prides itself on being 95% organic and buys the majority of its produce from the fantastic Santa Barbara farmer's market. However, since it is global cuisine it must import some things that are not available at a local level. The restuarant is adorable- cozy, intimate, and simple. There is a mix of freshness and relaxation in the air that suggests the need to take the time to sit down, relax, and embrace the cuisine.
As it happened one of my friends used to go to school with the daughter of the woman who owns the restaurant. Score! an in!
The menu was fantastic- everything sounded excellent and our waitress was so knowledgeable about the menu (owner's daughter). We casually grilled her with questions about the menu which ranged from macademian crusted sea bass to raw vegetarian lasagna. There were also multiple drink options that spanned the spectrum from elixirs to fruit martinis. I was in heaven. Fresh, local food. Multiple vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free options. Basically hippie heaven. I mean, come on, the logo even has an Ohm sign in it. The chef is from Sri Lanka and studied culinary arts in France and was a genius. I had the Caribbean curried sweet potato soup which was amazing. The other girls had Tuscan Primavera and Fusilli Rice Pasta, Hawaiian Nut Crusted Sea Bass, and a Caesar Salad. Everything was delicious. The Sea Bass was so buttery and rich and perfectly cooked. It was a satisfying meal but not over powering. Not heavy, leaving us with that disgustingly full feeling but rich and delectable and perfect.
Plus we had an in remember? There was a reason I told you that. As our waitress cleared our plates she asked if we were in a rush or we had time for dessert because she would like to bring out a few things for us to try. Well of course no one can resist free dessert.
She brought out wildflower honey lavender creme brule, dark chocolate macadamian truffles with coconut, and dark chocolate beet flourless cake with vanilla ice cream and a beet reduction. O my goodness. Orgasmic! I took a bite of the truffle and thought I died and went to heaven. It's amazing what good quality chocolate can do for you. We slowly devoured the entire dessert plate- cherrishing the tastes, textures, scents. Letting each bite linger in our mouths. The truffles melted upon touching your tongue, the creme brule was so smooth so light so irresistable, the cake was rich and moist and gooey... honestly, I could go on forever describing the perfection of these desserts.
We sat in the resturant for almost three hours embracing our meal, our food, and our company. Needless to say, the night was a success.
-Caroline
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