The Spa Is Spot-On

The Bacara Resort sort of resembles a village — admittedly a very upscale village — so it’s easy to miss all the dining options that welcome locals, too. The resort recently reopened the Spa Café as a full-service restaurant, and now the pool-view veranda and warming stone interior offer a nice spot to enjoy scrumptious, good-for-you breakfasts and lunches.

“The Spa Café’s philosophy is ‘food is life,’” says Bacara Executive Chef David Reardon. “To that end, I’ve used only the healthiest grains, all-natural meats, and other super foods to complement the spa lifestyle. When you visit a spa, you’re on a journey of wellness. The menu should be the same.” The current menu (since it’s about freshness, it will change seasonally) features no red meat, very little dairy (how can Greek yogurt in a dessert hurt anyone?), and almost no carbs (except the bread service, but even that comes with white-bean garlic spread and not butter or olive oil).

The menu will have slight, often delightful tweaks, too. For instance, the edamame dumplings — the menu doesn’t mention the kimchi they sit atop, but the zippy pickled cabbage sets off the earthier, milder flavors brilliantly. As Reardon insists, “Healthy food doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. In fact, some of the most delicious ingredients are often the healthiest.”

4·1·1 Splurge guilt-free at The Spa Café, Bacara Resort (8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta) Wednesday-Sunday for breakfast (7:00-11:30am) or lunch (11:30am-2:30pm). Call (805) 968-0100 or visit bacararesort.com/dining/spa-cafe.