This is one Hot Cookie

By JOHN DICKSON

I visit many restauants. And delis. And markets. And coffee shops. It's part of my “job.” A few months ago I started to notice that a lot the places I visit served cookies. Not long after that discovery I had a new revelation: most of these desserts are made by the same company: Hotcookie.com. While munching on one of these tasty treats at a downtown restaurant recently I asked the owner about Hotcookie.com and he quickly praised them. He said he loves them, the public loves them and that the lady who sells them is wonderful.

Santa Barbara resident Christina Gumpert (founder of the company) migrated to Santa Barbara from Sun Valley, California and decided to start a business that sells instant happiness. Why cookies? "Because you can't eat flowers," Gumpert says. To guarantee freshness of their cookies, they bake them the same day they're ordered. Cookies are hand delivered for Santa Barbara residents and sent via USPS for all other orders. In the near future Hotcookie.com will be opening a storefront at 2018 Cliff Drive on the Mesa, next to Albertsons. For more information call 564-2397 or visit (of course) hotcookie.com.

NEW MONTECITO SUSHI? A job advertisement appeared on Craigslist on September 18th that reads: "Sushi Chef (Montecito, CA) - New sushi restaurant seeking an experienced sushi chef. Must have prior Japanese/sushi restaurant experience. Be a part of this new concept. Please send resume for consideration." Seeing that Tsunami in Montecito closed recently perhaps that will be the address of this "new concept?" Thanks to reader Colette for the tip.

CAFÉ SHELL: Shelley Shoemaker celebrated her two year anniversary as the owner of Barcliff & Bair (1112 State Street) last Thursday night by throwing a big party. While being served hors d’oeuvres and champagne cocktails during the packed event, I found out that Barcliff & Bair has been given a new name, “Café Shell,” that will be phased in over the coming weeks. Partygoers were also given a preview of a unique offering that will be available on the third Thursday of the month at Café Shell: “Breakfast for Dinner.” During the party we were treated to blueberry pancakes, eggs, sausage, strawberries and orange juice. This evening breakfast buffet concept works really well, I must add.

AVO FEST: The 22nd annual California Avocado Festival begins this week on Linden Avenue in Carpinteria. Festivities start Friday 4-9 p.m. then continue Saturday (10 a.m. - 9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.). Enjoy 30 avo-food booths, an arts & craft fair, live entertainment on three stages, the world's largest vat of guacamole, and avocado ice cream. For more information visit avofest.com.

RUMOR MACHINE: There is a rumor circulating around town that a local landmark restaurant on the waterfront has been purchased by the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. I called the manager of the landmark, the owner of the landmark and Bubba Gump. They all denied it. In fact Bubba Gump said they aren’t opening any new restaurant in the country for at least a year.

DINNER AND MOVIE: Pierre Lafond Bistro at 516 State Street is having a special promotion during the month of October: Sunday thru Wednesday after 5 p.m. you receive a free movie pass with your dinner entree. The movie pass is for any Metropolitan Theatre - valid till 12/31/08. Reservations are required (call 962-1455). Pierre Lafond Bistro is also partnering with KLITE. Listen to Gary and Katherine for "Date Nite" give-a-ways. Enter on the KLITE website. They will be giving out free dinners at Pierre Lafond that includes the movie pass.

CARL’S STARTS CONSTRUCTION: This just in from reader Sara: "Looks like Carl’s Jr. in Carpinteria is finally making some progress. The inside of the building (old Denny’s?) has been gutted, and there is an official ‘coming soon’ sign outside. Hooray, something new!" The building located on Carpinteria Avenue, and visible from the freeway, used to be a Coco's Restaurant & Bakery.

REMODELING: People have been asking me if Dish Cafe on Calle Real in Goleta is closed. Well, yes and no. I stopped by Dish last week and saw that there is a sign on the front that says they are remodeling. A glance inside reveals that they are replacing pipes under the foundation. I don't know yet when they will reopen.

SWEET BUTTERCUP: I attended the grand opening of Sweet Buttercup last Saturday at 2611 De La Vina Street. They had such a huge turnout (causing them to run out of cupcakes) that they will have an encore grand opening this Saturday, October 4th (4-6 p.m.). I suspect that they ran out of cupcakes in part because I ate far more than my fair share. At this Saturday's event complimentary coffee and milk will again be provided. For more information call 967-8160 or visit sweetbuttercup.com.

OFF TOPIC: In this column on February 12th, during the final days of CompUSA in Camino Real Marketplace, I mentioned that representatives of Best Buy were seen visiting the building. I am happy to report that Best Buy’s arrival was approved last week by Steve Chase, Goleta’s planning and environmental services director. The building will be expanded by nearly 8,000 sq. ft. and go before the Design Review Board on October 28th.? Speaking of Camino Real Marketplace, Costco has launched their Christmas collection even though it is still September. I remember the days when I was shocked to see the Holiday Spirit arrive just before Halloween. I predict that in the near future Seasons Greetings will begin on Labor Day.

John Dickson’s column appears every Tuesday in the Daily Sound. E-mail your restaurant news tips to info@SantaBarbara.com

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