It’s Thursday night, and the sky is illuminated with scattered stars, the ideal date night backdrop. Hand in hand we approach Sama Sama, Santa Barbara’s own dash of exotic spice. Good fortune is clearly on our side, as we get led to the back patio — a coveted spot. An exposed brick wall covered in vines is reminiscent of SoHo, while string lights mimic the sky, adding an air of romanticism to the trendy spot.
The restaurant is full and energy is booming — from laughter at the communal table, to the flames jumping in the exposed kitchen (upping the cool-factor). This is not a unique occurrence. Every time I have dined, or attempted to dine, at Sama it’s been packed. The allure is obvious. Sama stands out against the array of Santa Barbara’s fusion and classic dining spots. Co-owners and friends, Tyler and Ryan, wanted to liven up Santa Barbara’s palette, so they brought a taste of Indonesia back from Bali. The menu is a reflection of the colorful and rich blend of cultures found in the alluring destination, making for an out of the ordinary dining experience -and it’s certainly an experience.
Everyone knows that the key to a good time anywhere, is the company and something about this particular spot attracts the best energy. Aside from the tropical origins of the cuisine drawing in curious guests, Sama continuously keeps the crowd on their toes with an ever-changing variety of pop-ups, featuring everything from local chefs with their own foreign dishes, yoga-brunch, and even British bands. Bringing in both young trendsetters, and foodies of all ages to revel in the dining adventure. In keeping with its on-trend essence, the Chefs pride themselves in taking advantage of the local farms, delivering the best of the best in fresh and concisely grown products.
Our waitress drops off our mixologist crafted drinks, and my dreamy state is interrupted by the gentle bite of Bourbon. The Alamo, whose fresh blueberry & blackberry mix mimics the deep-fruity hints of the liquor, draws me in (and I do not drink Bourbon, so this is an impressive feat). I’m so enthralled in my cocktail I miss the arrival of our starter, the Eggplant Balado. Garlic peanuts and micro herbs add a light crisp to what must me cotton candy parading around as stir-fried eggplant, as it melts in mouth, much like my favorite childhood dessert. Next, we dig into our salad, and it’s anything but basic. Equipped with vibrant carrots & beets, quail egg, cabbage, bok choy, the salad is hardy and light all at once — its crispy tempe-tofu toping adds just the right amount of ringing crunch, ensuring a party in your mouth.
Aside from word-of-mouth bringing in new customers, devout diners return for the classic, family-style favorites, the tacos & wings. The roasted pork-shoulder tacos arrive in chic trio form, and I can tell things are about to get messy. Crunchy tempura shells replace the typical corn option, holding within their embrace, pork so perfectly done, that it might just beat out a couple top Mexican joints… As the jidori wings arrive, I lose my inhibition, giving up socially accepted manners. I’m unapologetically digging in. Although the dish is meant for sharing, the decadently sweet and spicy sauce has triggered some deadly sins (greed and gluttony), and the planned 50–50 split takes a drastic turn to 70–30. I would say “I’m sorry,” but these bad boys are simply irresistible.
Cocktail number two makes its appearance. The Ojai Rancho boasts a unique blend of capurro pisco and mezcal, reminding me of Spain. While local Ojai tangerine and sage accents work to bring the drink back to local relevance. With just the right amount of sugary-citrus to sour liquor ratio, the drink is a winner, and an excellence refresher. Tyler, the co-owner and chef, brings out our entrée: sea bass, smoked in banana leaf, which wrapped around the supple fish like an emerald blanket. Removing the leafy curtain unveils the star of the show. In spite of the many flavors, the bass remains in the spotlight, while coconut curry flavors redolent of Thai cuisine playfully mix with lemongrass kaffir and Serrano chilies, creating an unexpected harmony. Of course, I use the opportunity to pick Tyler’s brain. Turns out, “Sama Sama” means “You’re Welcome” in Indonesian, a fitting name for a dining experience that is certain to blow your mind.
The abundance of flavors, smells, and charming staging has me in a full-filled daze. Just when I think it is time to muster up some energy and get ready to go, we get another surprise, dessert (aka the most important part of any meal). It’s the Pavlova, a beloved Indo treat. A crispy meringue cloud is gently covered in a homemade whipped cream blanket, sprinkled with fresh berries. This is an absolute must try at Sama. Following dessert I find myself in an unavoidable food coma, and I could not be happier about it.
It is said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — well, the way to mine is through a killer restaurant, and I’m in love… with it all. The beautiful night, memorable dishes and cocktails, whose various notes still echo on my pleasantly surprised palette, and the company, it was everything, and then some.
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