Santa Barbara: Brunch at Loquita

 

I was recently in Santa Barbara for my birthday and checked out Loquita for brunch. I had heard great things about this Spanish-style restaurant for their gin and tonics and tapas.

One of the drinks I tried was the Spritz. This one was made with gin, Campari and Yellow Chartreuse. It’s probably the booziest spritz I ever had. A definite winner for brunch. I tend to like Campari more than Aperol anyway so this was right in my wheelhouse.

Spritz – Broker’s gin, Campari, Yellow Chartreuse, sparkling

 

You can’t have tapas without getting potatoes brava. It’s just one of those must-eats. Loquita’s version is topped with whisper thin slices of delicious jamon serrano. Ham and potatoes make a beautiful combination.

 

I was pretty torn about getting the fried chicken or the shrimp and grits which I realize neither seem particularly Spanish. We ultimately ended up with the fried chicken and it had the best buttery mashed potatoes. If I were go to back, I’d get the shrimp and grits too with the chorizo.

 

 

We also got the tortilla Espanola. This was my favorite dish. It was topped with wonderful hen of the woods and king trumpet mushrooms. This is an egg dish I can get behind in the mornings.

 

 

For our next round of drinks, I went with the Monte Perdido gin and tonic. There were a few I wanted to try but this sounded the most refreshing for a hot day. My friend had the sangria which went well with our meal.

Sangria roja – Tempranillo, Torres orange brandy, lemon, all spice

Monte Perdido – London dry gin, fino sherry, Genepy de Alps, Indian tonic, thyme

 

I’m in the savory camp for breakfast and brunch. But I don’t mind getting a sweet breakfast for dessert. The dense Spanish toast was a great way to end our meal.

Sadly, this was one of the last weekends brunch was available at Loquita. I highly recommend going for dinner and getting all those great drinks.

Loquita

202 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101  —  (805) 880-3380

 

© The Minty  2017