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Answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Is the wine, mineral water and Peets coffee for us? Yes
What are the cat’s names?
Floyd is the white and latte one. Franny is the little orange tabby. Earl is the rather fat, thoroughly neurotic, handsome, spectacular, amazing one. (Yes. I am a little partial.)
How long have you had Sycamore Cottage?
We bought this house on June 10th 1995. We had our first guests in July of that year. We had never planned on being Innkeepers. The first years of Sycamore Cottage were like an extended episode of Fawlty Towers. But it was so much fun. We have great stories. Then one day my brother in law Robert came for a visit from New York, re-fell in love with Santa Barbara and decided to stay. We had a family commune for four years. He left in March of 2007 and we decided to re-open the cottage.
Who are you guys anyway?
I am an inter-faith celebrant. I do weddings, baby blessings, memorial services and spiritual counseling for people of all faiths. It is the best job in the world. I am also a short story writer. David is a screen writer (He wrote Wild America, conveniently located next to the DVD player), a book writer (He wrote The Katurran Odyssey –conveniently located on the coffee table) and he is also a real estate agent (If you just won the lottery and want to buy a house in Santa Barbara talk to David). He is also the local ambassador for “cord-arounds”. Just ask him.
Where should we eat?
The Blue Agave- Our friends Neal & Gabi own it. Sit upstairs in a blue velvet booth, sip a martini and don’t miss the quesadillas appetizer and the Longurian fish stew.
Opal – Our friends Tina, Ron and Richard run this wonderful eclectic restaurant next to the historic Arlington theatre. Excellent service and a wide range of consciously prepared food.
The Hungry Cat - A recent addition to Santa Barbara from the same owner of the LA restaurant. The fresh fruit drinks are amazing and the food is memorable.
La Super-Rica Taqueria – The best Mexican food in town
The Palace Grill - Delicious, fun, upscale but casual Cajun fare.
Elements - Sit across from the courthouse and enjoy the view. The jerk chicken is delicious and so is everything else.
Via Maestro 46- Our neighborhood Italian restaurant. Tell Renato that we sent you. Great for lunch or dinner, and you can walk there.
Where is a good coffee house?
We call it “The Church of Peets”. Just around the corner. Also, Vices & Spices. Both great.
What if I decide to trip on the way down to the cottage at night?
Bad idea. We have lights, both the solar kind and the old fashioned electrical kind. There is also a flashlight on the gate. Watch out for uneven bricks. The gophers team up and play this game of dislodging bricks just to mess with you, so please watch your step.
If I am in the mood, can I work in the garden?
Yes. This tradition was started by a South African couple. We encourage it.
When is check-in and check-out time?
Check-in is generally at 3:00. Check-out generally at noon. We try to be flexible.
But where is the Sycamore Tree?
Good question. It got so big that we had to cut it down. We planted the beautiful eastern red-bud in its place, but “Red-bud Cottage” just didn’t sound right. We are thinking about planting another sycamore tree, but can’t quite figure out where. Any suggestions?
What sort of decadence is available at the cottage?
Massage, private Yoga, customized personal retreat, pretty much anything. If you want a violinist or a classical guitarist serenading you, or the cottage covered in lavender bouquets…. If there is something you’ve always dreamed of, ask. (I would pick a tenor singing me to sleep with La Boheme or a cellist playing the Bach Cello Suites. It’s all possible).
If I decide to venture out of the cottage, what is there to do?
Great hiking, the beach, the Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, the Mission, the Courthouse, bike rides (we have a tandem), a Classic Limo tour, wine tasting, golf, tennis, theatre, jazz, good bookstores, picnics in the park, …lots more.
Make yourself at home. Don’t hesitate to call us.
Saral & David 687-7055
PS. Please write your comments in the journal and your address in the book. Thanks!
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