Isabella Gourmet Foods - a boutique artisan grocery - recently opened in Santa Barbara, much to the delight of hungry picnickers and dinner party hosts across town. Gourmet pantry items and dry goods share shop space with handmade grab-and-go treats like salads and macaroons. It's like a dreamy convenience store for those with refined palates!

Homemade cookies and black sesame and white chocolate macaroons — Photo courtesy of Isabella Gourmet Foods

Snap up savory treats (that are sure to please any crowd) like bags of Santa Barbara Popcorn Co corn, or try something sweet. . .locally grown strawberries, anyone? If you're more of a DIY-er in the kitchen, no problem. Isabella's has you covered with ingredients that will inspire greatness - or at least an appetite - including Genuine Bread Co sourdough loaves and Santa Barbara Olive dirty martini mix.  

Isabella's also stocks fresh, ready-to-eat fare made by the fine folks at Goodland Kitchen, a Goleta commercial kitchen and restaurant that specializes in locally grown, small batch foods. The changing menu of Goodland Kitchen sandwiches at Isabella Gourmet Foods are likely to feature Niman Ranch ham or beef, farmer's market vegetables and/or homemade pickles.

Freshly prepared sandwiches and salads from Goodland Kitchen - perfect for a picnic — Photo courtesy of Isabella Gourmet Foods

Located in the center of the downtown shopping district, Isabella's is easily accessed by foot, car, bicycle or electric shuttle. A nearby city lot provides ample parking at a reasonable rate. If you're looking for a park in which to go enjoy your newly-bought gourmet treats, try Alice Keck for grassy fields, lush landscaping and - the coup de grâce - a turtle pond!