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There are tacos, and then there are tacos. And tacos are coming to Santa Barbara.

Taqueria La Unica is headed to 3771 State St. The restaurant will sell Mexican street tacos.

“The tacos you’ve been dreaming about your whole life, COMING SOON,” the company posted this week on Instagram.

The restaurant is owned by Carlos Luna and the Los Agaves Restaurant Group.

Mexican tacos are typically grilled with a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, steak or pork, or vegetables and placed on small corn or flour tortillas, topped with onions, cilantro or other condiments.

Taqueria La Unica will replace the former Dunkin’ Donuts, which lasted a few years at the spot but never really caught on.

It’s unclear when the restaurant will open, but the sign on the building is up, and the interior is renovated and appears ready to go.

“We’re getting excited to welcome you to Taqueria La Unica,” the company said on Instagram.

The new restaurant is the latest from the Los Agaves Restaurant Group, which includes the South Coast’s Flor de Maiz and Santo Mezcal.

Fresco Cafe Offers Beer & Wine

Fresco Cafe recently completed a move from the Five Points Shopping Center to 23 E. Canon Perdido St. in the historic El Centro Building, next to the iconic Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara.

Owner Mark Bouillard moved the restaurant in August 2022 after the shopping center owner raised the rent to $21,000 a month.

Brouillard, a former pastry chef, known for his one-of-a-kind pastries and other desserts, found a local property owner in Jason Jaeger and made the move to the new location.

Now, Brouillard told Noozhawk, Fresco Cafe has its beer and wine license at the new location, which will give people another reason to attend the restaurant.

Fresco Cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

Pascucci Celebrates 30 Years

Iconic Italian restaurant Pascucci in Santa Barbara is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

“We want to thank Santa Barbara for supporting our establishment for three decades, as a treasured local Italian restaurant, serving quality, regionally sourced food items, with friendly service, at a fair price,” Laura Knight, the restaurant’s owner, said in a statement to Noozhawk. “Our customers have enjoyed Pascucci’s fresh, house-made dishes, everything is homemade, including all of our sauces, dressings, and desserts, and local wine list, and full bar for 30 years.”

The restaurant, at 509 State St., is offering a 30×30 promotion, with “the Top 30 selling items for 30% off of lunch and dinner, every day, all day, for 2 weeks, March 2-16, 2023.”

Los Arroyos Celebrates 24 Years

Mexican food restaurant Los Arroyos is not far behind Pascucci, celebrating its 24th anniversary this year.

“Hard to believe it has been 24 years since we opened our doors down on Figueroa Street,” the restaurant said in an Instagram post. “How many of you remember the little hole in the wall we started in? Come celebrate with us this weekend!!! March 4th.”

The restaurant is at 14 W. Figueroa St. in Santa Barbara.

New Salon in Lompoc

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the opening of the PCH Street Salon.

The chamber will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. March 17 at 117 South H St.

The salon will hosting a family-oriented event from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring a video game truck, live music, raffles, and vendors, according to a news release.

“This brand-new salon is located in the heart of downtown and is the perfect spot to get your hair done for any occasion,” the press release states. “Whether you’re in need of a haircut, color or styling, PCH Street Salon has got you covered.”

Best Craft Cocktails

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce recently gave out awards for best craft cocktails.

The 2023 Judges’ Choice winner was Guava Mojito from Cubanissimo Café. The 2023 People’s Choice winner was Luke’s Wild West Bourbon Berry from Cool Hand Luke’s.

The month-long campaign was part of the chamber’s annual Restaurant Month campaign to celebrate culinary culture and craft cocktails.

“The handmade and flavorful cocktails found at participating establishments represented both the region’s history and culture, as well as the restaurant’s style,” according to a news release from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.