Staffing Issue Forces Santa Barbara’s Acclaimed Silver Bough to Close For Now

The waiting game

Santa Barbara’s ultra-luxe tasting menu restaurant the Silver Bough has been down for weeks, owing to a staffing issue at the Montecito property. Reached by phone, chef/owner and former Top Chef contestant Phillip Frankland Lee tells Eater that his previous kitchen lead there was unable to continue, and that he is looking to find a replacement as soon as possible in order to get the $550 meal service back up and running. The restaurant opened in January with plans to become one of the most well-regarded restaurants anywhere in California, while pulling in luxury ingredients from the Central Coast’s seafood, wine, and produce purveyors.

Moving on

Toddrickallen is all over the changing Westwood food scene, with likely closures for both House of Meatballs and Ike’s, the once-popular sandwich shop export from the Bay Area.

Listen up

Chef Ludo is on Richard’s Famous Food Podcast this week, talking about all sorts of things — including the cornichons, pickling, and drinking in France.

Collaboration time

Found Oyster is popping up at Konbi tomorrow in Echo Park. The daytime event kicks off at 11 a.m., with chef Ari Kolender serving up the forthcoming restaurant’s lobster roll.

Doing well

Celebrated chef Shawn Pham from Fiona (and prior to that Simbal in Little Tokyo) has a new gig running the kitchen at Highland Park Brewery. He and the team are taking things slow, with plans to roll out new menu items over time at the Chinatown craft beer location.

Giving back

AbilityFirst’s fall food festival is back tomorrow in Pasadena. The Sip & Savor event features food from Bone Kettle, El Cholo, Celestino, and more, with proceeds going to charity, of course.

The party scene

DJ and all-around food personality Them Jeans is popping up with Burgerlords on Monday, September 30 in Highland Park, doing a limited menu of all vegan fare including sliders, fries, salad, and a shake. Tote bag included, naturally.