a taste of the mediterranean in santa barbara

we're surrounded by spanish elements in santa barbara. architecture, rich history...fiesta. cadiz is a province in spain and now a restaurant in town. my husband and i recently had a rare date night and were lucky enough to spend it at cadiz. a friend of ours who moonlights as a server, enticed me with some photos taken of the interior and boy are we thankful she did! no sign outside, just a menu at the entrance. two hostesses graciously accommodated our wishes for seating location. the interior felt european, not in a quaint-historic-hole-in-the-wall sort of way, but more in an ancient-stone-high-ceiling-cool-on-a-summer-day-but-warm-and-inviting-at-night, sort of environment. the bar was full of couples eating and drinking and since we were there early only a few tables were taken scattered around the interior and exterior of the restaurant....and in true santa barbara fashion we ran into dear acquaintances - a pleasant surprise.

we started with oysters on the half shell, which were fresh and delicious

enjoyed a crab salad with cilantro and a mango coulis

followed by wild boar ribs, over polenta and a fig reduction

i can't forget the drink i ordered. woohee it was tasty! bourbon, burnt orange and another deelish ingredient that i can't remember, oops (it was that good!)

here are a couple of photos i captured. this taste of the mediterranean in our backyard is definitely recommended and will be a place we return to. (one more nod to spain).