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It’s getting hot inside the Santa Barbara Public Market.
Matty’s Hot Chicken is now open five days a week inside the downtown square.
“We do very simple food here, but the preparation is very heavy,” manager Adam Abrams said. “I think that shows in the final product, whether it’s a sandwich, a leg quarter, tenders or the whole wings we serve.”
The restaurant, nestled snug in the back corner of the building, had opened as a pop-up but expanded in April.
The food is inspired by Southern cooking, places such as New Orleans, Charleston, Savannah and Nashville.
Abrams said the Public Market is a great match for the company.
“I like the exposure to a larger demographic of Santa Barbara,” Abrams said. “We’re getting busier, which is good. What makes the product special is we take a grassroots approach to fried chicken. We source as much locally as possible.”
The chicken is sourced from Rocky Canyon Farms in Atascadero, and the chilis come from Ormonde Farms in Arroyo Grande. The produce is used from the local Roots Farms and Givens Farms. The bacon comes from Compart Farms, and it’s cured and smoked by Priedite Barbecue, Abrams said.
“Our focus is to bring an organic, locavore approach to fast casual fried chicken,” Abrams said, “while keeping as much money in the community to support the community I’ve been a part of my whole life.”
The restaurant is open from noon to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to sellout, Thursday through Monday.
Augie’s Hires New Chef
One of Santa Barbara’s most anticipated restaurants and bars announced the hiring of a chef.
Augie’s of Santa Barbara, at the corner of State and Ortega streets, has hired Chef de Cuisine Eduardo Gonzalez.
“My passion for food was born from my maternal grandfather, a chef/owner in Guadalajara, Jalisco,” Gonzalez said. “His stories put the love for cooking in me, and my experience as a restaurant owner and a culinary team leader at local Santa Barbara five-star properties such as Hillstone Group, Four Seasons and Caruso’s have fueled my passion and love for cooking.
“Cooking at home with my wife, Janeth, and 3-year-old daughter, Yamileth, are the best moments. I love to prepare chilaquiles for Yamileth and my wife’s favorite, tortilla soup. I love the Augie’s project because I can show the fabulous flavors of Mexico with a great service experience.”
Augie’s intends to create a fabulous dining experience.
“You’ll find an amazing selection of agave spirits, modern takes on great cocktails, superb service and a fun vibe,” Augie’s owner Berkeley Johnson said. “We knew we needed a chef that could absolutely wow our guests with fabulous flavors and presentation. We are so grateful to have found Santa Barbara native Eduardo Gonzalez.”
The Augie’s mission is to deliver “exceptional authentic healthy, fresh and local Mexican cuisine and beverages, with a high degree of approachable service, in a space that is uniquely part of the experience.”
It is set to open in August.
Shoes of Brazil Opening
Havaianas is having a grand opening at 4 p.m. Friday inside Paseo Nuevo.
Havaianas are the original flip-flops from Brazil since 1962, according to a news release.
There are more than 200 designs and styles of flip-flops, and sandals are available for women, men, kids and babies. People can also customize sandals. Havaianas also has sunglasses, bags, mini-gas and towels to complement a day at the beach or pool, according to a news release.
Guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments, Brazilian sweets, discounts and a special gift with their purchase.
Rams Super Bowl Trophy
The richest prize in professional football is coming to Paseo Nuevo.
No, not MVP wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
The Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy is coming to Paseo Nuevo from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The event is part of a Super Bowl trophy tour to get an up-close look at the championship prize.
The Los Angeles Rams have ownership of the trophy, after the team beat the Cincinnati Bengals in this year’s Super Bowl.
Roscoe’s Opening in Santa Maria
Roscoe’s Kitchen is “opening soon” in Santa Maria, according to a news release.
The Southern-flavored restaurant, 229 Town Center West, is opening later this month, and will serve breakfast skillets, omelets, pancakes, homemade chili, fried chicken, greens, macaroni and cheese, fried catfish, burgers and fries.
The restaurant describes itself as, “Roscoe’s Kitchen where Southern hospitality meets the California vibe, opening soon.”
For more information, call Roscoe’s Kitchen 805.623.8866.
— Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.