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The world premiere of the documentary on the history of ‘Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens’ is titled: “Grasshopper for Grandpa” is set for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival! Showing Thurs., February 5th & Fri. 6th @4:30pm at the Lobero Theatre. Come see it! Directed by Casey McGarry, Produced by Milo Wolf, Maureen McFadden & Casey McGarry, Edited by Eric Pritchard, Music by Nate Birkey, Film poster by Jenny Fine. (runs about 30 minutes). For additional information visit: www.sbiff.org.
Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens
Grasshopper for Grandpa is a film about Jimmy’s a celebrated, hometown neighborhood bar and an adjoining Chinese restaurant that is the sole remaining landmark of Old Chinatown, Santa Barbara. Today it is the home of Three Pickles, and the PICKLE ROOM lounge features egg rolls and classic cocktails.
When Jimmy Chung opened this restaurant in Santa Barbara in 1936, he served American Chinese food. Chop suey, steaks, burgers, and such were some early favorites. There was other comfort food, typical Cantonese dishes such as won ton soup and noodle soups. According to local writer Matt Kettmann “It was a joy to observe patrons slurping up a giant bowl of steaming noodles on a cold night.” Kettmann penned a story in 2006 when Jimmy’s closed sharing his personal experiences of Jimmy’s which described the generosity and devotion of the Chung family as being their legacy to the community of Santa Barbara.
“Grasshopper for Grampa” Film Poster
Today Bob and Clay Lovejoy, owners of Three Pickles, which opened several years ago in the historic Jimmy’s location at 126 E. Canon Perdido Street, have become known for their delicious catering and lunch menus, including their authentic Chicago style Italian beef sandwich, which quickly became a favorite of Chicago transplants.
According to Clay “This Italian beef sandwich keeps diners coming back for more and said the creation of their unique sandwich all started on a trip to Chicago to visit his best friend’s girl who was in college. This is where they discovered Al’s #1 Italian Beef Sandwiches, a mid-west favorite that later became the inspiration for their own Three Pickles delicious sandwich served with three pickles. The popular lunch haunt has an extensive menu that includes everything from deli favorites to healthy salads and soups, paired with wine, beer and soft drinks.
Clat Lovejoy with Pickle Jar
Customers of Three Pickles, as well as locals who have great family memories of Jimmy’s, are looking forward to the world premiere of “Grasshopper for Grandpa.” For restaurant hours and menu selection visit: www.threepickles.com.
By Bonnie Carroll
