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Archives for May 2015

Funk Zone Time!

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

2nd Saturday Art Walk – Funk Zone

If you’re in Santa Barbara on the Second Saturday of the month, make sure to find your way to the Funk Zone.  Every month over 20 artists open their studios and galleries to the public from 1-5 pm.  Many venues in the Funk Zone feature live music, and there are plenty of wineries to check out too!

Start early if you want to see them all!

My first stop was The Arts Fund Gallery.  They featured multiple artists inside, as well as outside.  They also had live music, a food truck and free tastings from Jun Brewery.

Funk Zone Tasting, Jun Brewery, Santa Barbara by Julie Miche
Jun Brewery Tasting

This is not beer my friends! It is a craft fermented probiotic drink. It’s brewed with Raw Organic Honey and Jasmine. It does have a light alcohol content, so if you’re a lightweight, watch out… Kidding! Joking aside, it was a tasty alternative drink, and quite refreshing on a hot day. And, I’m pretty sure it’s good for you too! You can schedule a tasting by going on their website.

Next I stopped was over to check out the art of Stafford Taylor. I absolutely love his art and will provide a link to his website soon.

The artwork of Stafford Taylor, funk zone, Santa Barbara, CA by Julie Miche
Stafford Taylor and His Art

Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery was next on the list. This place is super cool. It is an actual working bronze foundry, which you are able to tour. The art is an eclectic mix. You can find metal and glass sculptures, paintings, photography, and more. Don’t forget to stop by the wine bar to try some local Fox Wine!

Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery, Funk Zone, Santa Barbara Day Trip by Julie Miche
Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery

As I was walking to the next studio, I came across a truck parked on Yanonali Street & Santa Barbara St. At first, I thought it was some sort of food truck. I decided to investigate, and was surprised to find handcrafted treasures from local artisans and designers inside. How fabulous… Mobile Art! You can find The Habitat Factory in the Funk Zone on 2nd Saturdays or check out their website for more info.

2nd Saturday, Santa Barabara, Art, The Habitat Factory by Julie Miche
The Habitat Factory

I should have started earlier! I was running out of time, and hadn’t even been to half of the studios! I managed to squeeze one more in before it all ended. I was drawn in by a pair of cowboy boots that had been converted to roller skates. There they sat promising more of the unexpected inside. In I walked to find the sculpture and assemblage art of Dan Levin. He refers to his art as Objects Of Curiosity, and that they are! Finished pieces coexist among a fascinating array of random objects.

Santa Barbara, art, Dan Levin by Julie Miche
Dan Levin’s Art

Last but not least, I headed over to Seven. A girl’s got to eat… and ok have a beer too! They also are a part of 2nd Saturday, so I figured I could see some art as well.
The Pulled Pork Sliders, Parmesan Truffle Fries and a beer were the perfect way to end the Art Walk!

Seven in Santa Barbara, Art, Food by Julie Miche
Outside at Seven


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Looking for more to do in Santa Barbara?

Check out some of my favorite recommendations!

Things To Do In Santa Barbara


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Filed Under: California, Santa Barbara Tagged With: 2nd Saturday Art Walk, Art Galleries in Santa Barbara, Assemblage Art, California, California Tourism, Day trip in Santa Barbara, Funk Zone Art, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Tourism in California, travel, Wine

Grand Central Market Los Angeles

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Los Angeles Grand Central Market

I discovered the Grand Central Market, while hunting for parking in the Los Angeles Jewelry District.  Driving by, I wondered why I had never heard about this hidden gem in downtown LA.  It just cried out “Park your car and come on in”!  So, after shopping, I did just that. I wandered over to Broadway to check it out.

This is a market that got it right!  It has a history dating back to 1917 and has been operating since then… Once again, how did I not know of it’s existence?

It encompasses 30,000 square feet, and is filled with a crazy amount of food choices. I circled three times before deciding what I wanted! It has a little bit of everything… Multiple restaurants, fresh produce, bulk grains, desserts, fresh juice, coffee, and even a liquor selection.

You can find moles, dried beans, rice, and specialty products at Chiles Secos  or try Valeria’s for an extensive selection of Latin dry goods.   Fresh seasonal produce and vegetable are available at La Casa Verde, Sun’s, or Torres Produce.  The restaurant choices are diverse… Kababs, Chinese, Hawaiian BBQ, Oysters, Salvadorean and more!  The prices are ridiculous… As in really good!

I had such a hard time choosing!  The debate was between Bento Ya Japanese Cuisine, Kabab & More, or Sarita’s Pupuseria.  I ended up going with Bento Ya Japanese Cuisine.  It was hard to pass up Grilled Teriyaki Chicken for just $5.75!  It was a decent amount of food for the price, and tasted good too!

I guess I will have to find a few more reasons to hit downtown LA.  How else am I going to be able to try all the other options that I could only gaze at?

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Los Angeles Day Trip to Grand Central Market by Julie Miche travel blogger
Entry to Grand Central Market
Los Angeles Day Trip to Grand Central Market by Julie Miche Travel Blogger
Lot’s of Produce Choices!
Day trip to Los Angeles Grand Central Market by Julie Miche travel blogger
Fish Anyone?
Market in Los Angeles
So Many Choices!

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Filed Under: California, Los Angeles Tagged With: California Tourism, Day trip to Los Angeles, Food, Grand Central Market, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Restaurants, Tourism in California, travel

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