Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone just got even more hip.
Try gluten-free, with real fruit, and all-natural honey. No preservatives or additives. Just deliciousness in the Funk Zone, at 210 Gray Ave.
“The High Seas Mead taproom is truly one of a kind — not just in Santa Barbara, but along the entire California coast,” husband-and-wife owners Austin and Anne Corrigan said. “We’re proud to be the only meadery and cidery in Santa Barbara, and the only taproom in the Funk Zone dedicated entirely to non-beer, non-wine alternatives.”
The meads and ciders are brewed locally by Corrigan. He and his wife founded the company and wear all the hats, including branding and marketing, along with support from their friends and family.
The brand stretches from California to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
They said they long dreamed about having a dedicated High Seas Mead taproom in the Funk Zone. Corrigan began making mead in his garage.
“The goal was to always have a dedicated ‘meading’ place where friends, new and old, could enjoy High Seas Mead and Single Fin Cider simultaneously,” Austin Corrigan said. “The Funk Zone was always where we wanted to make this space home for High Seas Mead — for good people and good times, and sips that hit just right.”
They opened the taproom in May.
The room features a rotating tap list and mix-and-match flights, and “boozy slushies” keep things playful and customizable. The venue also hosts local food pop-ups, live music and community events. Visitors also are likely to come across the resident shop dog, Finn.
In addition to the mead, High Seas also offers Single Fin Cider — “a crisp, clean and crushable cider crafted with organic, gluten-free ingredients.”
Corrigan said it was born out of a desire for something more approachable and refreshing than what was on the market.
“It’s light, unfiltered and intentionally made to be enjoyed anywhere — from sea to summit,” Corrigan said. “What started as our signature original has since grown into a full lineup of taproom-exclusive riffs that experiment off the base we love, while still staying true to the easy-drinking, better-for-you ethos.”
It was launched two years ago as the laid-back sister brand to High Seas Mead.
“Our offerings are organic, gluten-free and crafted with health-conscious, better-for-you seekers in mind — perfect for those who want something refreshing and natural without compromising on flavor,” Corrigan said.
The taproom hours are from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday and from noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
El Encanto Hotel Sold
One of the owners of dating app Tinder has purchased Santa Barbara’s El Encanto Hotel.
Belmond sold the property to Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen, and his brother, Tyler, for $82.2 million.
“The hotel is now officially under the stewardship of El Encanto SB LLC, a Californian business owned by Cannon Commercial, a real estate management company with local expertise,” Belmond said in a statement to Noozhawk.
The new owners plan to spend $40 million to upgrade the hotel, which currently has rooms that rent for $1,000 a night, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Times also reported that the Mateens have recently purchased high-profile properties at several Southern California locations.
Santa Maria Bank Shows Growth
Community Bank of Santa Maria released its second-quarter earnings report, which showed an increase in loans and deposits, according to a news release.
Net loans were $282.8 million as of June 30, a 10% increase from the period a year prior. Total deposits were $365.5 million, a 2.4% increase from a year ago. Total assets were $417.8 million as of June 30.
Janet Silveria, president and chief executive officer of Community Bancorp of Santa Maria, parent company of Community Bank of Santa Maria, said she was satisfied with the company’s performance.
“We are pleased with the growth in both loans and deposits this quarter and are especially pleased to report strong earnings growth,” Silveria said.
She added that the company recognized one-time bank-owned life insurance income of about $315,000 during the quarter.
“We believe the bank is poised for continued robust earnings in future quarters,” Silveria said.
Corazón Cocina Opens in Ventura
Chef Ramón Velázquez has opened a new location of Corazón Cocina.
The restaurant, at 278 E. Main St. in Ventura, is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant with “an innovative and traditional take on Mexican food,” according to a news release.
According to a news release, Corazón Cocina in Ventura will feature a similar menu to its sister locations, along with new dishes, which include Ribeye Chicharron with mozzarella, quesillo, ribeye, chorizo, pasilla and homemade flour tortillas; Tartara de Atun with tuna tartare, avocado, burn habanero and crema serrano ponzu; and the Sweet Potato Taco with farmer’s market sweet potato, almond arbol salsa, salsa cruda, queso fresco and pickled onions.
The new Ventura location also has a full bar with drinks.
The Santa Barbara restaurant is located at 38 W. Victoria St., Suite 122.