I was planning to visit MOCA around lunch time, so I thought I’d find a nice place for a relaxing lunch. A variety of items I read online led me to conclude that Patinette Cafe at MOCA would be the perfect choice. Wow, was I wrong!

I read that Patinette Cafe is the smaller, less expensive offspring of the upscale Patina restaurant located at the Disney Concert Hall. And, it was located right on the museum property. Sounded like a perfect place for lunch.

Reality check: Patinette Cafe is a tiny space located under the stairs that lead to the main entrance of MOCA. It’s a glass display case with some pastas and pre-made sandwiches. The top of the display case is cluttered with small baskets of cookies, potato chips, candy bars. Behind the cash resister is a glass front refrigerator with canned and bottled beverages. The “cafe” is barely more than a snack bar!

I was running late that day, so I got a sandwich (very ordinary) and a Snapple for about $13.00. Later, when I was leaving the museum, I noticed a Koo Koo Roo right across the street—I wish I would have noticed it earlier!

I was impressed with Wine Cask from the moment I stepped in the door. The high, coffered ceiling, authentic 19th century oil paintings on the walls, giant vases with fresh flowers, and huge fireplace all gave it that “Wow” factor.

Service was impeccible.

We were there for lunch, and my only complaint is that I don’t live closer so I could try everything on the menu! I’m told the dinner menu is even better.

I can’t wait to return to Wine Cask. I will definitely dine there every time I visit Santa Barbara.

We were duped into dining at Bouchon by rave reviews we read on other websites. What a disappointment!

There is nothing special about Bouchon’s location, decor, service, or food.

Bouchon is an ordinary retail space and very little effort or expense went into improvements. There are no booths, only uncomfortable wooden chairs for seating. Inexpensively framed poster-art hangs on the peach colored walls.

Service was slow. Well over an hour for our entrees to arrive, even though we were there on a quiet Tuesday night.

My NY steak was so tough, I had trouble cutting it even with a steak knife. My sister had to reject the salmon—twice! She ended up not eating at all that night. My brother said the lamb left a bad taste in his mouth that lasted for hours.

We were completely disappointed with Bouchon on every level. I would not recommend it to anyone.