The team behind popular restaurant Barbareño is back to bless your taste buds.

Chef Julian Martinez and Jesse Gaddy will open Bistro Amasa on Friday at the historic Upham Hotel in Santa Barbara.

“The menu takes inspiration from the Upham’s storied past and the spirit of Santa Barbara itself. Martinez reimagines classic and nostalgic dishes with an emphasis on the highest-quality ingredients and refined, contemporary technique,” the team said in a statement.

Martinez is the executive chef and co-owner of Barbareño, at 205 W. Canon Perdido St. in Santa Barbara. The restaurant is recognized in the Michelin Guide.

The menu includes a variety of high-end, exclusive menu items, such as steak tartare (Snake River Farms wagyu, mustard yolk, dry-aged tallow, pickled cabbage, crostini), oysters amasa (charcoal grilled with herb jus, buerre blanc, nori crumb, pernod), gnocchi ’n’ cheese (aged cheddar, taleggio, comte, parmigiano reggiano, garlic bread crumbs, chives), according to a news release.

There’s also “a modern meatloaf” (spiced lamb and beef, mole rojo, lime yogurt, pickled shallot). The dish pays homage to Louie’s, the beloved restaurant that existed prior.

The restaurant space is designed by Katie Labourdette-Martinez and Olivia Wahler of Hearth Homes Interiors.

“The interior glows with soft light and the tactile richness of natural materials. It’s an atmosphere of quiet intimacy that carries thoughtfully onto the wraparound porch,” according to a news release. “It’s a place for unhurried meals, thoughtful details, and connection, where guests can linger and share something memorable, whether it’s a celebration or simply a weeknight well spent.”

The Upham Hotel was built in 1871 and is the oldest continuously operating hotel in California, according to a news release.

The restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

Beth Olson of Visit Santa Barbara Honored

Beth Olson, director of sales at Visit Santa Barbara, has been recognized with Smart Meetings’ Catalyst Award.

The award celebrates the “visionaries, innovators and connectors who define excellence across the profession,” according to a Brooke Holland, the public relations manager for Visit Santa Barbara.

It highlights individuals who foster connection, see potential where others see barriers, and shape challenges into catalysts for growth and connection, Holland said.

“Being recognized with a 2025 Catalyst Award is a huge honor personally and professionally because the award acknowledges people who not only drive results, but more importantly uplift teams, inspire creativity and strengthen communities,” Olson said. “I’m honored to be nominated as somebody who elevates our industry and makes our community a better place. I love working in an industry that fosters connection and collaboration.”

Olson was honored in the Amplitude Award category, which celebrates destination leaders who advance the industry. Olson has served as director of sales at Visit Santa Barbara since 2019.

Gold’s Gym Has New Owners

EōS Fitness has acquired 23 Gold’s Gyms in Southern California, including three in Santa Barbara and Goleta.

“While this acquisition accelerates our expansion in a highly competitive real estate market, we are especially grateful to Angel and Willy Banos, the founders of this Southern California franchise, for their vision and diligence in building these gyms and maintaining such high standards of operation over the last three decades,” EōS Fitness CEO Rich Drengberg said in a statement. “It’s this foundation that is one of the ways we can extend the premium fitness experience EōS Fitness is known for to a broader audience while enhancing access for existing members.”

EōS opened its doors in Southern California with five locations in 2015 and plans to open 250 gyms by 2030. EōS plans to retain 100% of the franchise’s gym-level teams, bringing more than 1,000 new employees to the EōS family, according to a news release.

Manifattura Opens

Manifattura has opened on the 400 block of State Street in Santa Barbara.

Owner and sommelier Andrea Girardello and owner and executive chef Brian Dodero are the team behind the new Italian restaurant at 413 State St.

It’s the second restaurant for the duo, who also opened Aperitivo at 7 W. Haley St. The two met when the worked at the Coral Casino.

Girardello grew up in Milan, Italy, and Dodero in Santa Barbara.

Its menu can be found here.