Bistro Amasa, part 2

A salad came out and it was good. Then, some of the most unique "croquettes" I have ever eaten. It was clear that the food here was highly innovative and mostly healthy in that very Californian way. The portions were light and my appetite was stimulated for more.

Bistro Amasa

First, a little bit of history. When we came here on our honeymoon in 2015, the restaurant at the Upham was called Louie's Bistro, and we sat outside at a table like the above. Toward the end of 2025 it was replaced by Bistro Amasa. The named honors the hotel's 1871 founder, Amasa Lincoln. Rumor has it he was a distant cousin of Abraham Lincoln. Also historic is the fact that this was the first time we dined inside.

 

Happy Hour sans cheese

The Upham has a nice lobby where in the evening they serve complimentary wine. I was surprised there was no cheese or crackers or anything else to accompany it. I know that alcohol is bad, but this is wine country, so why not go all the way and serve crackers and cheese like they did up in Sonoma? I must say though that it was the last best-tasting pinot grigio I've ever had, and given the cost of wine these days was worth it.

Jacaranda Suite

Among the outbuildings at the Upham Hotel was the Jacaranda Suite, where we stayed that night. It was comfortable and spacious and even had a private patio. The bedroom was a touch plain, but worked.

Upham Hotel

Built in 1871, the famous Upham Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Santa Barbara. We've seen it many times and dined there a few times, but this was the first time we actually stayed there. It was great because, as I suspected, there is a whole world beyond the main building featuring gardens and outbuildings. It's a nice world - you just don't see it from the street.

Dart garden - the books

Dart garden, part 2