0

Santa Barbara’s Tyger Tyger – The Funk Zone’s favorite Asian-inspired Cafe Re-Opens

Santa Barbara’s Tyger Tyger – the Funk Zone’s favorite Asian-inspired cafe Re-Open Thursday, November 17

The Lively Neighborhood Cafe Returns with a Bold New Menu

by Chef Trevor Laymance and Consulting Chef Jasmine Shimoda

Acme Hospitality announces the relaunch of Tyger Tyger, the Funk Zone’s favorite Asian-inspired cafe. Opening on Thursday, November 17, 2022, Tyger Tyger is located at 121 E. Yanonali Street, on the major east-west thoroughfare in the heart of the arts and entertainment district affectionately known as The Funk Zone.

Passersby can easily spot the restaurant by its iconic black and white tiger mural by local artist Tom Stanley, spanning two sides of the building.

The original Tyger Tyger opened in 2018 and quickly became the hot spot in the Funk Zone. The bright colors, energetic vibe, and focused Southeast Asian casual menu resonated with the community near and wide and the Instagrammable food and ambiance were instantly embraced. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced the restaurant to close, and the concept was placed on hold.

The strategic location became ideal as a test kitchen to give Acme Hospitality chefs a place to experiment with new menus, concepts and pop-ups. But the question eventually arose: What if we take the very best flavors of the original Tyger Tyger and lean in on “clean and green?”

Consulting chef Jasmine Shimoda (formerly of Los Angeles vegan restaurant Jewel and Santa Barbara’s Loquita) and Chef Trevor Laymance (farm-to-table fine dining chef hailing from Ojai) put their heads together to develop a new plant-forward menu offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and omnivore options; sure to please anyone seeking a healthy alternative in the Funk Zone with all the bold flavors they have come to love. Tyger Tyger 2.0 is the same beast, with a different diet – roaring back this fall just in time for the holidays. This iteration offers breakfast and lunch daily and dinner service Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The building on Yanonali was built in 1945 by the Castagnola family as the original “net barn” where fishing nets were stored and repaired and has served the community as an auto repair shop, bakery and catering kitchen/café.

Large windows peek into the building and bring all-day sunshine into the airy room. Window frames and counters are crafted from natural teak wood and are accented by textures of stained concrete floors, terrazzo tabletops and whimsical wallpapers, including the canary-themed ceiling and wildly floral kitchen and restroom.

The bright pink, green, orange and turquoise floral palette warm the interiors and are juxtaposed with the natural wood and grays of the building, evoking the colorful designs of Southeast Asia.

“Ever since Tyger Tyger was forced to close its doors two years ago,

we have had consistent requests from our loyal guests to reopen with our innovative Asian fare.

…Those voices have been loud and clear, demanding a healthier and more sustainable menu brimming with flavor but good for the body and the planet. We are listening, and this new iteration of Tyger Tyger is our effort to deliver on that promise,” states Sherry Villanueva, Founder of Acme Hospitality.

menu is inspired by the bold flavors discovered in street food carts from Southeast Asia

The Tyger Tyger menu is inspired by the bold flavors discovered in street food carts from Southeast Asia, showcasing the Central Coast’s year-round bounty with its plant-forward selections.

Breakfast dishes include…

Breakfast dishes include Banana Loaf with miso butter; Coconut Berry Parfait with coconut yogurt, 7-spice granola, blueberry chia jam & local berries; Overnight Oats with chia seeds, coconut, kinako, tahini, Santa Barbara pistachios & house jam; Spicy Avocado Toast with chili-garlic crisp, scallion, house pickles & green goddess; Roasted Mushroom Toast with miso cream, tarragon & scallion; Breakfast Sando of herby egg omelet, fermented hot sauce, spicy cilantro aioli & pickled Fresno (sub tofu scramble); Breakfast Tacos with eggs, black beans, pickled red onion and jalapeno & house-fermented hot sauce, tingly chili oil & corn tortilla (sub tofu scramble). Eggs can be added to Avocado and Mushroom Toasts on request.

lunch and dinner

In addition to Spicy Avocado and Mushroom Toast¸ lunch and dinner offer a Crispy Rice Salad with Her Produce spicy greens, puffed quinoa, cucumber, mint, Thai basil, pickled shallot, roasted mushrooms, & lime leaf vinaigrette; Tea Leaf Noodle Salad with kelp noodles, cabbage, romaine, tomatoes, peanut crunch & fermented green tea condiment; the Tyger Bowl with coconut rice, black pepper tofu, fried shallots, pickled chili & golden curry sauce. Guests can add a Tamari Egg, Coconut Chicken or Grilled Fish to all Salads and bowls at an additional charge. Tyger Tyger’s signature Chicken Khao Soi is back with an aromatic coconut broth, scratch curry paste, egg noodles, braised chicken, lime leaf, fresh coriander, pickled mustard greens & noodle nest.

Other lunch and dinner dishes include Fried Yuba Sandwich with “Chicken Fried’ tofu skin, spicy maple, shaved cabbage & vegan yuzu ranch dressing;  Lechón of crispy pork belly, black sticky rice, pickles, herbs,  chili citrus glaze & black vinegar; Cha Ca La Vong – a turmeric and dill-marinated local catch with vermicelli noodles, nuoc cham & local veggies; and Mushroom Carbonara with khao soi noodles, wild mushroom medley, miso cream, preserved lemon, thyme, tarragon, green peppercorn & bonito.

Don’t forget to add a tamari egg as an option.

Enjoy a vegan soft serve or Ube Cream Pie for dessert and non-alcoholic drinks of house-made sodas and iced tea.

Acme Director of Restaurants Danny Bendett has carefully selected wine selections from around the world to complement the flavorful cuisine perfectly. Unique Sake and beer selections reflect the popular and the uncommon, all remarkable and expertly matched with Chef Laymance’s cuisine.

The fast-fine concept delivers elevated menus utilizing counter service with an inventive design. The tightly curated food and beverage programs promise to provide the extraordinary guest experience that Acme has been recognized for since making its mark in the Funk Zone in 2013. Tyger Tyger serves breakfast daily from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and lunch daily from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dinner is served Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 

Tyger Tyger

121 E. Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.880.4227

For further information, the public can visit:

www.tygertygersb.com

info@tygertygersb.com

follow Tyger Tyger:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tygertygersb & Instagram: @tygertygersb

 

Advertisement

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

LA Loves “Taste of a Kiss” with World’s #1 limoncello Pallini

Pallini Limoncello Toasts 150 Years with “Taste of a Kiss” Campaign — A Citrus-Soaked Love Letter to La Dolce Vita

“Taste of a Kiss” World’s #1 limoncello Pallini Celebrates 150 Years

Los Angeles, get ready to pucker up — the world’s #1 limoncello has just launched a new global campaign, and it’s as golden as a California sunset. Pallini Limoncello, the iconic Italian spirit kissed by the Amalfi sun, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with “Taste of a Kiss”, a sensory-forward experience that invites Angelenos to savor Italian passion in every sip.

"Taste of a Kiss" World's #1 limoncello Pallini

The campaign, which runs through 2025, leans into bold storytelling, high-style visuals, and curated influencer collaborations that feel right at home on a Venice rooftop or tucked into the terrazza of a Beverly Hills brunch. At its core is a question that feels just poetic enough for L.A.: What does a kiss taste like?

Heritage with a Modern Heartbeat

Still family-owned and proudly run by fifth-generation CEO Micaela Pallini, the brand has spent a century and a half perfecting its signature limoncello — crafted with handpicked Sfusato lemons from the Amalfi Coast and steeped in tradition. A chemist by training, Micaela is also the first woman to lead the company, steering Pallini into a new era of innovation while honoring its Roman roots.

“This campaign is a love letter to our Italian roots,”

Micaela Pallini

“It reflects everything Pallini stands for – joy, beauty, togetherness, and timeless taste. Sharing our 150th anniversary as the world’s leading limoncello is both humbling and exhilarating.” The campaign was developed by Luther DSGN, a rising Rome-based agency known for its creative expertise in lifestyle branding, visual storytelling, and experiential design.

Spritz Culture, Elevated

While Aperol has long dominated spritz culture, the Pallini Spritz is making serious waves — now one of the top three spritz-style cocktails in the U.S. With a refreshingly minimalist recipe (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Pallini, 1 part still water, over ice), it’s the kind of drink that feels right at home poolside in West Hollywood or poured at golden hour in Malibu.

Pallini is tapping into the city’s love for at-home entertaining and bar cart aesthetics with smart retail partnerships designed to help consumers bring the spritz ritual to their own gatherings — think cheese boards, open patios, and a Mediterranean playlist on loop.

Italian Soul, L.A. Spirit

Distributed in the U.S. by Lucas Bols — the heritage spirits house known for elevating craft cocktail brands — Pallini is bridging the old world with the new. “Pallini is that rare mix of legacy and freshness,” says Brett Dunne, Managing Director, USA and Canada. “It’s crafted with care, rooted in history, and incredibly versatile for today’s mixologists and cocktail lovers.”

Whether it’s behind the bar at a Silver Lake speakeasy, on the menu at a coastal brunch spot, or chilling in your fridge for a lazy Sunday afternoon, Pallini Limoncello is your passport to an everyday escape — citrusy, celebratory, and kissed with a little Italian sunshine.

Find it at top retailers, wine shops, and restaurants across Los Angeles and nationwide.

Sports beverage LA needs, but with a kick: Vodkade the Ultimate Canned Vodka Cocktail

Tastes like a sports beverage , but with a kick: Vodkade the Ultimate Canned Vodka Cocktail

There’s a new contender in the adult beverage game, and it’s already claiming victory. Meet Vodkade, the first-of-its-kind, hand-crafted, canned vodka cocktail made for those who don’t just play — they play to win at fun.

L.A., meet your new go-to for rooftop hangs, post-pickleball refreshment, and beach cooler upgrades: Vodkade, the canned vodka cocktail that looks like a sports drink, tastes like victory, and hits like a weekend well spent.

Designed for Angelenos who move fast, play hard, and know how to unwind in style, Vodkade is where electrolyte-inspired refreshment meets real-deal vodka flavor. It’s the first of its kind — a hand-crafted, canned cocktail that drinks like your favorite hydration beverage but with a playful adult upgrade.

Hydration Aesthetic. Party Intentions.

Crafted with crisp, high-quality vodka and natural fruit flavors, Vodkade is all about balance — smooth, bold, and invigorating without the sugary overload. Whether you’re coming off a hike in Runyon, chilling on Dockweiler sand, or deep into a game night in Echo Park, this canned cocktail is built to keep pace with your scene.

The Rise of the Can, L.A.-Style

L.A.’s love affair with canned cocktails is real — no mess, no measuring, just perfectly mixed drinks with serious style. Vodkade fits right in with its vibrant, athletic aesthetic and flavor-first approach. Think wellness-adjacent drinking that doesn’t take itself too seriously: real spirits, clean ingredients, and a vibe that’s more Venice boardwalk than bottle service.

With Angelenos prioritizing convenience and conscious consumption, canned cocktails like Vodkade are taking center stage. They’re sleek enough for a rooftop soirée, portable enough for a festival at Griffith Park, and refreshing enough to crack open after hot yoga (we won’t tell).

Flavors That Play Well

Available in four nostalgic, high-energy flavors — Fruit Punch, Lemon-Lime, Orange, and Berry Cherry — Vodkade channels your childhood favorites, minus the sugar crash and plus a little buzz. Grab a four-pack for your next group hang, or go big with the Victory Pack, an eight-can variety case for full flavor rotation.

Why Vodka? Why Not.

Vodka is the MVP of the canned cocktail world for a reason. Its clean, neutral profile makes it the perfect base for fruit-forward flavors and that smooth, consistent taste people crave. It’s light, mixable, shelf-stable, and plays well with others — like sparkling water, juice, or your latest Spotify playlist.

Coming Soon to L.A. Coolers Near You

While Vodkade is currently stocked across Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa, its West Coast debut is coming summer 2025 — just in time for pool season, sunset hikes, and backyard hangs. So whether you’re prepping for a house party in Silver Lake or packing for a weekend in Palm Springs, get ready for the canned cocktail that’s built to move, mingle, and win the moment.

Currently distributed across MissouriIllinois, and Iowa by distribution partners including Grey Eagle Distributors, Krey Distributing Company, H.W. Herrell Distributing Company, Lohr Distributing Company, Donnewald Distributing Company, Doll Distributing, Kabrick Distributing, and Fahr Distributing.

Learn more at www.vodkade.com or on socials at @Vodkade_cocktails on Instagram and @Vodkade on Facebook.

About Vodkade
Vodkade is a canned cocktail beverage made with a proprietary blend of vodka and natural fruit flavors.

Designed for those who live to play and play to win, Vodkade combines the bold refreshment of a sports drink with a kick.

Vodkade is distributed across MissouriIllinois, and Iowa by distribution partners including Grey Eagle Distributors, Krey Distributing Company, H.W. Herrell Distributing Company, Lohr Distributing Company, Donnewald Distributing Company, Doll Distributing, Kabrick Distributing, and Fahr Distributing.

It’s crafted for champions of good times everywhere. More information can be found at www.vodkade.com.

Vodkade encourages fun seekers to drink responsibly.

City of Angels Food Wine: A World-Class Culinary Celebration at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles Featuring 36 All-Star Chefs, Coming July 2025

City of Angels Food Wine: A World-Class Culinary Celebration at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles Featuring 36 All-Star Chefs, Coming July 2025

Southern California’s food scene is about to reach new heights. This fall, Los Angeles will welcome its newest marquee culinary event — the inaugural City of Angels Food & Wine, a world-class celebration set against the breathtaking backdrop of the historic Vibiana in Downtown L.A.

Helmed by event founder Shelby Russell and culinary host & partner Neal Fraser (chef-owner of Redbird/Vibiana), this landmark festival brings together an exceptional lineup of 36 of the nation’s most celebrated chefs for a multi-day experience that fuses flavor, culture, and the unmistakable energy of Los Angeles.

From Michelin-starred icons to bold local innovators, the City of Angels Food & Wine promises to be more than a festival — it’s a statement. A moment. A new tradition for L.A.’s ever-evolving dining identity.

Get ready for curated tastings, intimate chef collaborations, rare wine pairings, and immersive programming that honors the soul of the city — from DTLA’s creative pulse to the diverse culinary voices that define the region.

Franklin Becker, Photo Credit:  Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

Franklin Becker, Photo Credit:  Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

Mark Your Calendars: A Two-Night Culinary Showcase in the Heart of Downtown L.A.

Get ready, Los Angeles — the City of Angels Food & Wine Festival officially kicks off with a two-night epicurean experience in the city’s vibrant culinary core: Downtown L.A.

Opening Night – Friday, July 25, 2025
Grand Tasting – Saturday, July 26, 2025

Set against the iconic backdrop of Vibiana, each evening invites 1,000 food and drink lovers to explore a dynamic, open-air tasting festival spotlighting 18 of the country’s most celebrated chefs and restaurants, alongside:

  • World-class wineries

  • Artisanal spirits & handcrafted cocktails

  • L.A.’s hottest craft breweries

  • Curated non-alcoholic beverage selections

  • Live entertainment

  • And more surprises to come

From bold bites to beautifully balanced pours, this is where L.A.’s culinary and cultural energy come alive — a two-night toast to the city’s tastemakers, trendsetters, and flavor-seekers.

Chef Lindsay Autry; Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

Chef Lindsay Autry; Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

City of Angels Food & Wine will take place at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles, a vibrant, diverse culinary hub renowned for its cutting-edge cuisine and cultural richness.

An Iconic Setting for a Signature L.A. Experience

Housed in a magnificently restored 19th-century cathedral, Vibiana stands as one of Los Angeles’ most breathtaking event venues — a seamless blend of historic grandeur and modern sophistication. Its soaring ceilings, dramatic architecture, and downtown location make it the ideal stage for a culinary event of this caliber.

Set in the heart of Downtown L.A., a district celebrated for its boundary-pushing restaurants and rich cultural tapestry, City of Angels Food & Wine captures the essence of Los Angeles dining — where innovation meets tradition, and every bite tells a story. This is more than a food festival — it’s a tribute to the city’s status as one of the most exciting culinary capitals in the country.

Chef Jonathon Sawyer

Chef Jonathon Sawyer; Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

City Of Angels Chefs, Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

The inaugural City of Angels Food & Wine will feature an extraordinary lineup of 36 of the Best Chefs representing Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Chicago, Palm Beach, New York, and Mexico. This exemplary event promises to be a spectacular showcase of culinary excellence.

All-Star Chef Lineup includes:

Event Host Chef Neal Fraser: Redbird, Vibiana – Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Chef Vartan Abgaryan: Momed – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Govind Armstrong: Post & Beam, The Lobster, 8 oz. Burger BarLos Angeles, CA

Chef Lindsay Autry: HoneybellePalm Beach, FL

Chef Franklin Becker: Point SevenNew York, NY

Chef Giberto Cetina: Holbox, Chichen ItzaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Josiah Citrin: Mélisse, Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Dear John’s, Openair, Augie’s on MainLos Angeles, CA

Chef Tolu Eros: ILE LALos Angeles, CA

Chef Ben Ford: Ford’s Filling Station, Galerie – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Jeffray Gardner: Marsatta Chocolate – Old Town Torrance, CA
Chef Joel Hammond: Uchi West HollywoodLos Angeles, CA

Chef Katianna Hong & Chef John Hong: YangbanLos Angeles, CA

Chef Jessica Koslow: SqirlLos Angeles, CA

Chef Vivian Ku: Pine & Crane, JoyLos Angeles, CA

Chef Donnie Masterton: The Restaurant @ Sollano 16San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Lord Maynard Llera: Kuya LordLos Angeles, CA

Chef Raphael Lunetta: LunettaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Sergio Ortego: BontanicaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Dylan Patel: avecChicago, IL

Chef Michael Reed: Poppy & Seed, Poppy + RoseAnaheim, Los Angeles, CA

Chef Andreas Roller: Jonathan ClubLos Angeles, CA

Chef Steve Samson: Rossoblu, Superfine – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Jonathon Sawyer: KindlingChicago, IL

Chef Warren Schwartz: Magpies Softserve – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Shannon Swindle: Funke, Felix TrattoriaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Jimmy Shaw: Loteria Grill – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Kris Tominaga: ManuelaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Bret Thompson: Pez Coastal KitchenPasadena, CA

Chef Niki Vahle & Anna Sonenshein: Little FishLos Angeles, CA

Chef Marcel Vigneron: Lemon GroveLos Angeles, CA

City of Angeles Food Wine

This year’s City of Angels Food & Wine event beneficiary is St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, whose mission is to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents across Los Angeles, regardless of age, illness, disability, race, religion, or ability to pay. St. Vincent Meals on Wheelsdelivers over 100,000 meals each month to seniors at risk of hunger and stands on the front lines for the homebound and vulnerable throughout L.A. County, especially during emergencies like the recent Los Angeles wildfires, providing nutritious meals, shelf-stable food, wellness checks, and even pet food. More than 250,000 seniors in Los Angeles face food insecurity, and many of them are isolated and homebound. For these individuals, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is a lifeline.

This year’s Partners include Delta Air Lines as the official Airline, Chef Works as the official Hospitality Apparel, IceBulb as the official Ice Supplier, Waterboy as the official Hydration, and Vibiana as the official Event Venue.

Ticket Information: The Inaugural City of Angels Food & Wine will take place on Friday, July 25th, 2025, and Saturday, July 26th, 2025, and this is a 21+ event. A DELTA VIP Early Entry Pass will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Regular Admission will be from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are on sale starting Wednesday, May 14, 2025. For more information on the City of Angels Food & Wine, please visit www.CityofAngelsFW.com.

 Transportation and Parking: Guests are strongly encouraged to utilize professional car services, such as Lyft, as alcoholic beverages will be served at the event. Self-parking is conveniently available in a Joe’s Parking Structure across the street from Vibiana.

Follow City of Angels Food & Wine for the latest updates on:

Facebook:  @cityofangelsfoodandwine

Instagram:  @cityofangels_foodandwine

City of Angels Food & Wine

Vibiana

214 Main St.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

www.CityofAngelsFW.com

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top