It’s a rough life – enjoying good food, good celebrating, good(ish) soccer and more in Santa Barbara, and the fun just keeps on coming…
The day after my sis’ graduation we woke up bright and early to go on a hike. Our friend took us on the Cold Springs Trail in Montecito. The fact that we managed to escape without any poison ivy (I was a tank-top and shorts wearing daredevil idiot) was a semi-miracle. It was a fun, leisurely 1 1/2 hour hike with great views.
Afterwards we lunched it up at The Natural Cafe (on State Street). The Natural Cafe is one of my favorite spots in SB. It has tons of options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters, too (and good options at that!). In fact, I could probably eat here every day for a month straight and I still wouldn’t be bored.
After hemming and hawing over the menu for a few decades too long, I finally made up my mind (but I wish I could have tried about 6 different things, so I’ll have to go back again). In the end I went with a fairly boring (but tasty) choice and ordered the veggie burger with added avocado, and blue corn tortilla chips on the side.
I also subbed hummus instead of the mayo/aioli whatever that was supposed to come on it. Holler.
Kyle and Nick both got burritos (one Baja, one Buddha). The Baja had chicken, rice, black beans, and salsa; whereas the Buddha was vegetarian.
They both looked great – massively stuffed and topped with melted cheese, a scoop of avocado and sour cream.
Here’s one of the main reasons I love The Natural Cafe, though:
Take a look at that heavenly condiment bar! In addition to the usual suspects, they have Bragg’s liquid aminos, multiple kinds of hot sauce, and Annie’s BBQ sauce. EFF. YES.
The Natural Cafe has several locations, but they haven’t made their way to Santa Monica yet. Maybe soon?
After lunch, Kyle and I grabbed some iced coffees from Le ‘Bux and continued our tour de cali. On to Santa Monica (our future home)!
sounds like you’ve definitely been living a rough life! and the Natural Cafe looks great. I’ve been loving Better Life Cuisine here in SaMo lately; have you tried it?
I love Santa Barbara!!! Next time I go I’ll have to go there, that condiment bar is legit!
Hummus-slathered veggie burgers=God’s gift to the planet.
I can’t believe you’re so close to me now!!! Gahhh we must feast it up on delicious hummus and whole food’s hot bar salads as soon as possible!
Pretty please??
Ps that veggie burger…and restaurant look bomb! I love those places that have all the good condiments, hahah
Pps, you’d be so proud/dying over this meal–ordered a falafel burger at this med. restaurant for dinner tonight, that came in a whole wheat bun with tahini sauce, sprouts, salsa and tomatoes. SO GOOOOOOOD.
There’s no Natural Cafes down in Santa Monica, but there’s a bunch of them right over the hill. Highly recommend the natural salad with tofu dill dressing, and add tofu. And while you’re over there, check out the Follow Your Heart store.
In Santa Monica, you have the always reliable Real Food Daily 🙂 Rumor has it The Veggie Grill is also looking to open a location there too.
Aa
I love the Natural Cafe! I always eat there when I visit my friends who go to school up there. Santa Barbara is the best
Yum!! EarthFare has a condiment spread like that….basically the southeast’s version of WF. Organic ketchup is enough to get my mouth watering.
Glad to hear you’ve been catching some of the soccer. I did a whole post devoted to the eye candy that is our men’s team. 😛
Dude! Braggs!!! Pretty impressive.
When you move, we’re going here.
That place is in SLO, too! I’ve been dying to go there 🙂
Don’t you feel like you’re in heaven when you go to a restaurant that has exactly what you love?
yes yes yes…i think they are expanding to most of the southern california area. good news for you and me 🙂
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