More Good Stuff From Santa Barbara

Being from L.A. and now living in the SF bay area, we drive between the two frequently. And we always make sure to pull off in Santa Barbara for a bite at La Super-Rica on Milpas at Alphonse. It's not much to look at, but the constant line out the door confirms its awesome goodness.



Stop in for homemade tamales, fresh guacamole, and the best tacos anywhere. My son's favorite is No. 16, Super-Rica Especial, Roasted pasilla chile with cheese, marinated pork and fresh, homemade tortillas.


Don't expect to rush in and out of here. Plan to wait about twenty minutes in line and another twenty to get your food. Order the guacamole. You can have that right away and eat it while you wait.


Tortillas are in constant production at La Super-Rica.


No. 16, Super-Rica Especial with chicken. One of the reasons the Beastie Boys, and probably plenty of others, stop here on their way to play the Santa Barbara Bowl.


Walk it off with a stroll on the pier and the boardwalk.


Moments after this picture was taken, this guy started screaming at another person with a camera. I guess he's protecting a proprietary sandcastle building secret.


Cruising north on highway 101.


On my way into the bathroom at a Shell station in Buellton, a stranger in a red pick up asked if I liked jalapeños. What? Dude, get a better line. When I came out, he handed me a bag full of the most gorgeous peppers and a tip on how to cook them—stuff with cheese and chicken, wrap with bacon and put them on the grill. He didn't steer me wrong. Great stuff.


A nice way to end the summer.

Pimp My Celestial Oneness

This is one superbad shag parlor. The artist/inhabitant known as One Feather has been working on transforming his 1976 Dodge Sportsman home from nondescript utility vehicle to cosmic wonderbus of love and harmony for the last 13 years. And he's done a hell of a job.


He spends his days in the parking lot in front of the beach boardwalk in Santa Barbara spreading a message of unity, love and peace to all who stop and gawk. Looking is free, but if you want to take a photo, a monetary offering is encouraged. This is how he makes his living. I had no cash on me, but he was kind enough to let me take photos anyway. I told him I’d find an ATM and come back later with a few bucks to keep his hempmobile humming.


If you get a chance, stop by and see it in person and meet the man behind the mobile masterpiece. It’s a 3D tapestry of tiny objects, toys, textures, words and color. Definitely worth a few bucks to take it all in. I am sure karma is coming to get me because we got busy and I never made it back with the cash. Sorry, dude. I will stop by next time I’m in SB. Promise. Cause seriously, this is cool.