Hot Spots opens Saturday(1)
REOPENING in their original location at 36 State Street, the hugely popular Hot Spots coffee shop makes a triumphant return this Saturday, March 14th. Hot Spots was one of the busiest 24/7 coffee shops in all of Santa Barbara when they closed in January 2005 to make room for the “La Entrada” redevelopment project. The hours will initially be 5am – 2am and then in a couple of weeks Hot Spots will transition to a 24/7 schedule. Hot Spots is run by locals Eric & Kristin Hamor who were born and raised in Santa Barbara.
Hot Spots will include coffee from Caribbean Coffee, pastries from Debbie’s Delights, bagels from I.V. Bagel Company, sandwiches,Yerba Mate teas and more. The Santa Barbara Hot Spots free hotel reservation service will also return and there will be a touch screen kiosk that gives you lots of local information, including bus routes. A free Wi-Fi hotspot will be available in addition to several Internet computers for rent by the minute. The popular Hot Spots outdoor patio also returns to its former glory.
The return of Hot Spots marks the beginning of the restoration of the entire neighborhood into a clean, vibrant area. In addition to the extensive interior remodel, Hot Spots built a new roof, fixed the exterior lighting, replaced windows that had been covered with graffiti and have given the building a fresh coat of paint. Neighboring business Wheel Fun Rentals has reopened their bike rental service.
"We are ecstatic to be at the beach again and are thankful for all the local support we have been getting," said owner Eric Hamor.
MARCELLA CLOSES: Reader Tony let me know that Restaurant Marcella at 2860 Grand Ave in Los Olivos has closed. The eatery was inside Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn & Spa. I called the Inn and they told me that Marcella will be replaced by “Petros Kafe,” a Greek/Mediterranean restaurant that opens in May.
CHINA EXPRESS OPENS: The Pavilion Garden that closed last month at 414 N. Milpas Street has returned as “China Express.” The eatery, owned by China Pavilion, no longer has a buffet but instead uses a concept similar to Panda Express where the food is out on display and you just tell the server which items you want. ? General Manager Ryan Yoshinaga sent me a message about the new restaurant: “Just wanted to tell you that Pavilion Garden has now reopened as China Express and has changed the concept to more of a fast food restaurant. You can do a combo plate or a simple rice bowl. The Appetizers are made fresh per order and we are also available to do a family pack meal. Same chefs, same recipes, same great food, but in a different style of service”
LIVE CULTURE OPENS: Live Culture Lounge has opened at 11 W. De La Guerra in Paseo Nuevo in the location formerly occupied by Pierre Lafond. Here is a description of the eatery from their web site liveculturelounge.com:? “Live Culture Frozen Yogurt Lounge, Cafe & Wine Bar is the vision of three Santa Barbarans who want to share their love of: life, live music, art, specialty foods and good company in a comfortable yet stimulating environment. Most of all we are creating a gathering place for our friends, family, like-minded locals and out of town visitors to relax and take in all that a nice meal and/or treat in a beautiful surrounding has to offer. We are dedicated to giving back to the community and will host charitable events for local & global causes. A community seating area with Wi-Fi access will be provided to encourage community and social development. We look forward to incorporating you into Our Culture!”
