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We're taking the Surfliner from San Diego to Santa Barbara tomorrow to have lunch at the Enterprise Restruant, using the Free Companion Fare Coupon I got at Applebees's today, I might add.
Anyone know anything about this seafood restruant?
Also, what is the typical food perk in Business Class for a late afternoon ride on the Surfliner?
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I will be taking Amtrak to SBA on May 20. Is the Enterprise restaurant within walking distance of the station? I am also interested in a report on the food.
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I was told by the reservations person at Amtrak it is in the same complex and it was confirmed by the server who took my reservation at the Enterprise.
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I don't know what they mean by complex (the station stands alone) but the restaurant is about a 2 minute walk east along State St., essentially above Hwy 101.
Posts: 326 | From: San Antonio Texas USA | Registered: Dec 2003
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What is the companionfare coupon? How did you get it? I will be in Santa Barbara this summer with a friend and traveling there on train but already have my tickets; do you think I can get the coupons anyway?
In my pre-trip investigation re Santa Barbara, I thought Enterprise sounded pretty good for fresh fish at reasonable prices; and it's supposed to offer chowder and salad with entrees at no extra charge. Other restaurants I wrote down because they sounded good and not super expensive, based on my investigations, are Palace Grill (said to have fabulous bread pudding), El Bajio, La Super-Rica, Montecito Cafe, Longboards, Aja, Brophy Brothers, Shalhoob's Deli, La Tolteca, Tupelo Junction, Via Maestro 42, Zen Yai Thai, and Fresno Cafe & Bakery
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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During my weekend in early March I looked at Enterprise and opted not to dine there. I did enjoy the following:
I found some comfortable appealing places to eat including the original and sole-remaining Sambo's (largely a locals hangout with good-looking servers clad in t-shirts, shorts and thongs, the Natural Café on State St.which reminded me of Shangdygaffs on Polkstrasse in the 70's, Esau's Café (also on State St.), a greasy spoon on the site since the 30's and which must have the only mechanical cash register in the state, and El Rincon Arteno (one or 2 blocks south of State St. on I-can't-remember-the-name-of-the-st.), full of latino locals scarfing down great bowls of tamale soup for breakfast.
There is also an interesting 70's flavor coffee house called Reds (not named after the movie, I'll bet!) which is across State St. from the train station and west of 101.
I hope you have fun; I did!
Posts: 326 | From: San Antonio Texas USA | Registered: Dec 2003
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Saturday Afternoon Surfliner Business Class Food Service included:
Wine, Corn Chips, Salsa, Crackers, Cheese Spread, Dried Fruit, Sweet Mystery Super-Colossal High Corn Syrup 'Power Bar' and a MINT all organized in an average TV Remote Control Sized Plastic Bag.
quote:Originally posted by espeefoamer: I will be taking Amtrak to SBA on May 20. Is the Enterprise restaurant within walking distance of the station? I am also interested in a report on the food.
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I would have responded sooner but am now in Houston on my way back to SBA after an INCREDIBLE transatlantic crossing on the Celebrity Constellation to Le Havre and London. We spent three nights in London about three minutes walk from Victoria Station, rode the "Tube" everywhere and the Docklands Light Railway down to Greenwich. We rode the Gatwick Express to LGW yesterday.
All of the suggestions for food in Santa Barbara were good although Via Maestra 42 (the owner's address in Italy!) is quite a distance from downtown and the station. If you want a view with your meal I'd suggest Longboard's on the wharf or, if you're looking for a good cheap breakfast on a weekday you can't beat the "2-2-2" special at Moby Dick, also on the wharf. I don't think it's on the menu. Two eggs, two bacon, two great hotcakes for $2.22. No substitutions and does not include drink or tip.
If you have a car or take the city bus or a cab try "Harry's Plaza Cafe" in Loreto Plaza (also home to Via Maestra 41). It's a local institution and has a wonderful collection of photos and other stuff on the walls. I always have the Omaha. It's usually sliced tri-tip (sometimes prime rib) with a salad and fries. They also have what I might describe as lethal adult beverages!
Our new favorite is "Savoy Truffle", a upscale deli on west Ortega Street. Extra points if you can tell where the name comes from.
That's it for now. Time to pack up one last time and head to the airport.
Frank in, for now, hot and muggy Houston.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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quote:Originally posted by espeefoamer: I will be taking Amtrak to SBA on May 20. Is the Enterprise restaurant within walking distance of the station? I am also interested in a report on the food.
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Frank - most of us in the "over 50" category DO recognize the name "Savoy Truffle" from the Beatles tune on the "white" album!! (one of the 2 whole Beatles albums I actually own!!)
--Rich in "cloudy and warm" Florida
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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You win! I didn't make the connection the first time I went in but the second time I noticed the framed album cover by the front door. The words are great, too. The song was originally written about Eric Clapton's love of sweets and his notoriously bad teeth!
Back to food, The Original Enterprise Fish Company used to be real favorite of ours and it is about a three minute walk from the station up State Street.
Brophy Brothers is good but very noisy inside. The outside tables can be difficult to get. Chuck's of Hawaii has taken over the downstairs restaurant in the old Naval Reserve building closeby. It also houses the Maritime Museum, which is worth a look. The East Beach (Cabrillo) Bathhouse restaurant is also good. They only serve, I think, breakfast and lunch. Right on the beach. Very casual. Just walk East (back towards LA) along Cabrillo Blvd. and you'll find it on your right.
Frank in cloudy, foggy SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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