China Pavilion

Fine Asian Dining for the Dark Season

I’m not sure exactly what I expected when I walked into the
China Pavilion on Anapamu and Chapala the other night
for dinner, but the place was packed, and boisterously so. Although
it was just a Tuesday evening, tables were filled with couples,
families, business associates, and what had the aura of a sorority
function or bachelorette party in the corner.

Maybe it’s always that busy at what many consider the tastiest
Chinese joint in downtown Santa Barbara (and in Montecito for that
matter), but I’m going to bet the place — and other Chinese
restaurants — get a bump in business during the dark season, when
the time shifts back and the sun sets super early, as it began to
do a couple weekends ago. That’s because Chinese restaurants, by
and large, are typically more dimly lit than other places, offering
a place to either hide away or engage with friends and family in a
more intimate setting. The latter notion is enhanced by the sharing
of food that so often goes with the Chinese eating experience. But
maybe I just don’t eat Chinese food enough, at least since Jimmy’s closed.