Shintori Sushi Factory, Santa BarbaraTwo weeks ago I spoke at Santa Barbara City College where Brianna Denison went to college. I rarely think of reliving or altering the past but I could definitely see myself in Santa Barbara as an 18 year old freshman . It's quaint, quiet and absolutely gorgeous. The ocean has a calm force over the landscape and the people who inhabit it. You live by the ocean and the sun dictates your days. For those who love and are inspired by their physical landscape Santa Barbara is almost a throwback to simpler times.
David made the trip with me and we stayed at some odd hotel stuck in the 70s (Tripadvisor you have finally let me down) The reviews said it's natural landscape was gorgeous; no need to stay at a resort! I'll give it points for being clean and the staff congenial but it was straight up shaggadelic without the discso: bubble font, lucite and swirly pattenered carpets with indoor waterfalls and concrete stairs. The natural landscape is actually a swamp you had to cross over to get to the pool and their much talked about breakfast which what much ado about nothing but some cereal, pastries and coffee. groovy.
We found a great sushi place that we ate at um, three times. Overpriced but I expected most restaurants to be in SB. I loved the paper lanterns that were signed by all the patrons. They also had an affinity for chocolate. I appreciate that too. Obviously.
A few wrong turns led us through swirling roads reminding me of my hometown- particularly Shippan and views of the quiet and calm ocean. Santa Monica is too crowded, Malibu is better but still so populated, Venice is a circus. Santa Barbara is the type of ocean I know - where the waves roll in and out and people come and go - leaving time behind.
