Upham Hotel and Elements Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Celebrate With Your Husband In Style

by Stephani Cook

If you're searching for a romantic Father's Day getaway for you and your husband, look no further than the Upham Hotel and Elements Restaurant in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara. Since it's opening in 1871, the Upham Hotel has offered a combination of unique rooms and great service in a comfy bed and breakfast setting. Recently, it was called "one of the Top 10 Romantic Resorts by Southern California's K-CAL 9 Television." In the midst of lush gardens and intricate porches lies the perfect spot to escape the daily grind and relax without any distractions.

You can rekindle your relationship with your spouse in this exquisite Victorian Country House and spend time hiking on the beach, building a campfire, surfing or kayaking. The wonders of Santa Barbara are not limited to the water. Plan a visit to a museum, the Santa Barbara Zoo, or one of the nearby parks like the El Presidio Historic Park where you can see adobe buildings that were used as Spanish fortresses in the 1700s. Once you've had a chance to unwind and explore a bit, it's time to vamp up the romance by booking a dinner reservation at Elements.

Paul Becking, the Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Elements Restaurant, has cultivated his love for cooking since childhood. After traveling the world with his gourmet parents, Becking settled in Santa Barbara where he received a degree in Culinary Arts at Santa Barbara City College and apprenticed at San Ysidro Ranch and Bouchon before opening Elements in 2004. Voted "Best New Restaurant" by the Santa Barbara News Press and Santa Barbara Independent, Elements is renowned for its masterful blend of California and worldly tastes.

Their menu includes a range of fine meats, from Ahi Tuna Ceviche to Cold-Smoked Buffalo Carpaccio, and these are only a couple of the appetizers. The main menu consists of dishes such as a Tempura Tofu Stuffed Portabello Mushroom, Cumin Spiced Duck Confit, and Dad's Hoisin BBQ'd Free-Range Half Chicken. The restaurant also offers options for children, vegetarians and those with other dietary needs. In keeping with the theme of the restaurant, each item on the menu is coupled with one of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These elements are reflected in the ambiance and color schemes of the restaurant and add to the flavor of your perfect romantic weekend.

Considered one of Santa Barbara's leading off-site caterers, the Elements Restaurant pairs their fine menu with a wine list featuring the pride of the Brander Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. Chef Becking says of his restaurant, "We bring together the best European, American and Asian cuisines, and always take advantage of the freshest California ingredients, paired with a wine list showcasing the rich local wine region of Santa Barbara County."

The view from the restaurant is intoxicating featuring the Sunken Gardens and local architectural splendor. After dinner, walk hand-in-hand or take a trolley-ride down State Street, the center of downtown Santa Barbara shopping where you might find the perfect gift to express your love and appreciation for your spouse.

For more information visit www.countryhouseinns.com and www.elementsrestaurantandbar.com.