Chaplin's
Love of a Good Steak Lives on at Montecito Inn
By FBWorld Team
Chaplin
opened the Montecito Inn in 1928 to accommodate his Hollywood
friends and associates during his years working with Flying
A Studios in the Santa Barbara area. The hotel guest list was
a "Who's Who" of Hollywood's Golden Age film stars,
including Norma Shearer, Janet Gaynor, Wallace Beery, Carole
Lombard, Gilbert Roland, Warner Baxter, Marion Davies, Conrad
Nagel, and Lon Chaney, Sr., just to name a few.
The
story of this renowned jewel box property begins In 1928 when
Chaplin and some associates joined forces to build it. Over
the years is has had several owners, gone through many changes
that have left their mark on its history to date, but the January
9th flood, following the Thomas fire in Montecito was a truly
major catastrophe for the historic boutique hotel. The community
shock, total disruption of business, major cleanup and rejuvenation
to the property for a return to business as usual status was
long and difficult, but the entire community of Montecito seems
to be experiencing hope, recovery, and renewal. Shopkeepers
I spoke with including Amanda of Viva Oliva said they are anticipating
busy days ahead for the upcoming holiday season and new year.
Montecito Inn The Monarch Chefs
Philip Frankland Lee & Margarita Kallas-Lee
Upon
entering the hotel lobby guests are instantly attracted to the
original 1927 Otis elevator that travels to the upper hotel
floors. The award-winning suites include graceful domes, crafted
ceiling coves, arched windows, French doors, and hand painted
designs - all complementing the inn's existing Mediterranean
motif and charm. The original Tower Suite, with its upstairs
bedroom, downstairs sitting room, and a spectacular view of
the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains, continues to be
a romantic favorite.
Chaplin's Martini
The
boutique hotel is now home to The Monarch, a new restaurant
where Chefs Philip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee are
at the helm of innovative dining area and bar. Their menu offers
superb meat, fowl, seafood and vegetarian plates spotlighting
fresh produce straight from the farm. Their unique meat and
fowl preparations, cooked in the open oven, offer an end result
of 'melt in your mouth' exceptional entrees. It is a known fact
that Chaplin loved a good steak and visited Musso & Frank
in Hollywood often, where today they still have a table named
for him. Needless to say, the steak at The Monarch is outstanding
coming off the open grill, as is the duck, and I'm sure Charlie
would approve. From appetizer to dessert it is all excellent
at The Monarch!
Steak from the Open Oven
A
secluded private pool with a jacuzzi sits at the rear of the
hotel, where guest can relax at the end of the day or following
a workout in the fully equipped gym, and for guests who enjoy
walking the Butterfly Beach, which is located a few blocks away,
can be an exceptional way to start or end a day, or to share
a beach picnic. Guests are also welcome to book a treatment
with Mobile Massage to enjoy in their room. Another sweet surprise
for guests is the light breakfast that is served just off the
lobby each morning, along with your favorite newspaper. Breakfast
is complete with coffee, tea, fresh juice, freshly baked pastries,
fruit, and yogurt. I so enjoyed the kind parking attendants
who cheerfully kept my car available for short trips during
my visit. The entire staff is so helpful.
Charlie Chaplin Poster
If
you are a lover of exotic plants and trees you will find the
37 acre grounds of Lotusland, a botanic non-profit garden that
opened in 1993 quite fascinating. It is located seven minutes
away by car from the Montectio Inn and is beyond anyone's wildest
dream of plant fantasy. Madame Ganna Walaska, a wealthy resident
in Montecito, created this wonderland for lotus, cactus and
other exquisite plant life, and she enjoyed her years living
in a mansion that remains on the property. Please note there
are no pets allowed, and that no food is allowed on the grounds
so it might be wise to have a meal before you go. For reservations
or information please visit www.Lotusland.com.
Montecito Inn Hotel
Shopping
on Coast Village Road, which in 1927 was the only major highway
between Los Angeles and San Francisco, has become quite a shopping
destination featuring shops like Allora by Laura, Viva Oliva,
Angel, Whiskey & Leather, Liquor & Wine Grotto and many
more. The Rodeo Drive style road offers a chic but casual approach
to personal and gift shopping. A bevy of dining venues can be
found along the road, including Lucky's Restaurant, Los Arroyos
take-out Mexican, Olive's and more. For those with a taste for
authentic French flavors, there is the newly opened Renaud's
Bistro and Patisserie.
The
fun experience of a staycation at this nostalgia-filled hotel
is solidly felt during a visit to Chaplin's Martini Bar, where
a collection of historic cocktails can be savored along with
sensational small plates before or after dinner. I found it
hard to hold back a smile when imagining the good times that
were had by Charlie and his collection of Hollywood royalty
while at this hotel in the day. I'm inclined to agree with Chaplin
who said: "A day without laughter, is a day wasted."
The
Montecito Inn certainly not only offers the quaint elegance
and attentive service of the 1920s but also offers state-of-the-art
modern conveniences to be found in the finest contemporary hotels
throughout the world. It's the perfect get-a-way to laugh a
little in a destination that is considered by many to be one
of the most beautiful vacation areas in America! For reservation
information call 805-969-7854 or visit: www.montecitoinn.com.
Montecito
Inn
1295 Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, California
www.montecitoinn.com
By Bonnie Carroll
About Bonnie Carroll
Bonnie Carroll has been a food/travel/lifestyle writer since
1983. She is the founder & publisher of Bonnie Carroll's
Life Bites News - www.lifebitesnews.com,
does travel and food reporting on KZSB1290 radio, and contributes
to a variety of national and international travel/lifestyle
publications. Her first children's book C.C. Charles was published
in 2002 and she is currently working on a second book. Contact
her at Contact her at writebc@aol.com.