Olio Crudo Bar
WHEN TUESDAY CALLS FOR A GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Olio Crudo is one of my favorite jewels of an indulgence in downtown Santa Barbara. Intimate and chic, this fabulous bar and eatery serves the most glorious small bites in a relaxing and elegant atmosphere. I once had the best time here with a dear friend on a spontaneous Tuesday night when we were both craving a little pattern interrupt. Turns out, Olio Crudo was just the place.
When you’re successfully growing a business, so often the pattern becomes work, work and more work. Well trust me, all work and no play makes for a very boring Queen. Wherever you’re at in your business growth, sometimes it’s great to grab a girlfriend, get (a little) dressed up, and treat yourselves. You never know when a random Tuesday night out can be transformed into something meaningful.
The menu at Olio Crudo Bar draws inspiration from the Italian Coast, where seaside eateries specialize in a delicacy known as “crudo.” The Italian word for “raw,” crudo is all about the simple preparation of raw fish and meat, sliced thin and played up with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of salt.
Offering a more global, contemporary take on the traditional style, the chef incorporates flavors like white soy sauce, spicy ginger vinaigrette, pink grapefruit and smoked almonds. The raw dishes are delicate and sophisticated, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients and thoughtfully-sourced meats. Smartly, the bar also offers a selection of cooked (or as the menu calls it, cotto) options like roasted pork ribs, Mediterranean octopus and ricotta dumplings. It all works for a fabulous small-plates dinner, but you’ll also love stopping here for an early evening cocktail meeting or a nightcap after a movie, complete with gourmet snacks.
