Inspired by the elegance of the Italian Riviera – a landscape reminiscent of Bacara’s breathtaking setting along the Gaviota Coast – the resort is pleased to reopen its beachside restaurant, The Bistro.

Led by Chef de Cuisine Chris Turano, who earned the prestigious role after competing on Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, the new restaurant blends flavors of Italy with the finest locally-sourced ingredients.

Rich in fragrant olive oil and local vegetables, menu highlights offer traditional Italian dishes, such as pastas and brick-oven flatbreads, complemented by lighter, coastal cuisine. Signatures include Veal Milanese, Santa Barbara Cioppino, Rigatoni with Italian Fennel Sausage, and Brick Oven Roasted Sea Bass.

“The Bistro celebrates the art of Italian dining with gusto,” said Kathleen Cochran, general manager of Bacara Resort & Spa. “Our goal is to serve food with love; we want our guests to feel like they’re dining al fresco at a warm and inviting villa in Italy.”

After an extensive renovation, the new dining room incorporates hints of Santa Barbara’s beautiful panorama. Traditional elements such as chiseled ironwork, upholstered panels and Moorish archways help to create a fresh, modern aesthetic. Like California, the new look represents a measure of balance and contrasts: Old World while modern, spacious while intimate and understated while luxurious.

Diners can relax indoors or out on a spacious oceanfront patio while savoring time-tested family recipes by Chef Turano. Taking the helm of an Italian restaurant is a natural progression for Turano, who grew up cooking Italian cuisine with his Sicilian-born father. “My approach is to keep food simple and let the ingredients speak for themselves, especially when you have California’s bounty at your fingertips,” said Turano.

Prior to joining Bacara, Turano served as executive chef of Chicago Firehouse Restaurant and the Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago. In addition to formal training at College of DuPage in Illinois, Turano’s impressive background includes a stint under famed Chef Ted Cizma, Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chef of 2001.

Chef Chris Turano will offer special menu items inspired by his experience on the Food Network. The Bistro is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made at (855) 817-9782 or www.bacararesort.com.

About Bacara Resort & Spa:

Nestled on the bluff and beaches of the Gaviota coast between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, Bacara offers relaxed luxury and incomparable natural beauty. The resort features 360 lavish guestrooms and suites, each with a private balcony overlooking breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean or flower-filled gardens. Additional features include a four-story spa, a state-of-the-art wellness center, three zero-edge saline swimming pools, four restaurants and lounges, a 12,000-bottle Wine Cellar & Tasting Room and direct access to Santa Barbara’s beautiful wine country. Guestroom rates start at $299 a night. For reservations or more information, please call (855) 817-9782 or visit www.bacararesort.com.

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