New Year’s Eve at Maggie’s, located across State Street from the historic Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, was a night for locals and visitors to remember. The new upscale restaurant and bar became the pre-show dinner venue of choice for many attending the annual Santa Barbara Symphony New Year’s Eve Pop Concert, featuring guest conductor Bob Bernhardt, pianist Natasha Kislenko and tenor Tim King along with the talented symphony of musicians.

Maggie’s Crab Cake & Tuna Tartar Appetizer

Maggie’s co-owners Margaret and Barry Shulman along with Executive Chef Guillaume Sabbadin (with a curriculum vitae that includes work with French Master Chef Alain Girard and the Chef Helen An of Crustacean in Beverly Hills), welcomed guest to enjoy a delicious signature cocktail with a French inspired Prix Fixe dinner and a complimentary midnight champagne toast, followed by dancing on the patio to Live Urban Jazz with Little Al and The Infidels. Parties of six guests were escorted to the restaurant by a complimentary limousine. The duck, beet salad, esgargot, lobster bisque and everything I sampled were outstanding. The wine list is wonderful and includes selections from France, Italy, Spain and a variety of fine California options. 

Maggie’s co-owners Barry and Margaret Shulman and Executive Chef Guillaume Sabbadin

According to bar manager/mixologist Andre Boshoff “the crab cake and tuna tartar appetizer with a signature emerald gimlet martini was a favorite selections of the night.” Maggie’s serves lunch and dinner.  For information visit www.maggiesatstateanda.com.
 
By Bonnie Carroll