Santa Barbara gets even more exclusive with Tydes and chef Pilar Sanchez
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It was a no-brainer.
Noted chef Pilar Sanchez had closed her acclaimed restaurant in Napa and returned to her hometown of Santa Barbara. And Executive Chef Martin Frost was looking for a new chef for the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club and its two restaurants, the Coral Cafe and the newly opened Tydes Restaurant and Bar, all part of the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara. What’s more, Frost and Sanchez are longtime friends.
So it’s not exactly a surprise that Sanchez got the job, and has since unveiled a menu that starts with a Mediterranean bent and folds in French, Italian, Spanish and Moroccan influences. That it will change with the seasons, and revolve around local wines and fresh seafood, is a given. She’s also working with local purveyors for custom-ordered breads and cheeses. Just a few menu highlights: lamb chops grilled “Cephalonia style” with lemon and oregano, chicken tagine and milk-braised pork tenderloin. Dessert offerings include honey and almond baklava with lemon olive oil ice cream and Manchego.
But don’t pick up the phone to make reservations just yet...
Tydes is only open to resort guests and the club’s roughly 500 members. In other words, the price of admission begins at $550 per night, which is the ‘rack rate’ cost of a room at the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara. (In case you are wondering, Coral Casino membership is considerably more expensive, as it starts at $250,000.)
What you get for your money, though, is -- dare we say it -- an exclusive 180-degree view of the California coastline. Tydes seats up to 150 people. The new restaurant was part of owner Ty Warner’s three-year-long, $65-million restoration of the Coral Casino. (It was led by architect Peter Marino.)
Of course, by this point, you are asking: Where are the pictures? Spokeswoman Gena Downey said there just hasn’t been time for a formal photo shoot before last week’s opening, but expects one in the near future. We’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, we’ll let the news release describe it, and we’ll make do with a few photos below of the view from the club as well as an artist’s rendering of Tydes’ bar:
‘Tydes capitalizes on the beauty of its inimitable setting with expansively proportioned sliding glass doors that invite the outdoors inside, making the separation between the two virtually seamless and ensuring stunning views from every seat. Inner atrium seating naturally connects the dining room to the sky above, while an alluring perimeter terrace sits directly over the water, inviting diners to soak up the ocean views or enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars. A separate, private room located just off the main restaurant floor offers a picturesque dining area for members.’
Poolside at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.
Another view of the pool -- and the cabanas.
Artist’s rendering of the bar at Tydes Restaurant and Bar.
Photo credits: Four Season Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara.