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Nectar: More Juicy, Less Bar

The Shermans revamp Blue Agave on East Cota Street into a food-first destination.

Nectar: More Juicy, Less Bar
<strong>LESS AGAVE, MORE NECTAR:</strong> Brad and Aparna Sherman decided to play up food more than drinks in evolving the longtime East Cota Street establishment.

Blue Agave was part of Santa Barbara’s nightlife for 20 years, but that’s putting it too simply. After all, where else could a bathroom line back up only for two people to emerge, both clearly having just enjoyed a shower together? (I swear I saw this happen.)

While intoxicated group hygiene has its charms, that’s not the direction that Brad and Aparna Sherman have in mind for the location. “Brad bought Blue Agave two years ago,” Aparna explained, “we met a year and a half ago, and it’s been a long conversation about whether it should remain Blue Agave or become a brand-new place.” A private chef and ayurvedic lifestyle counselor, Aparna voted new place, and Nectar was born.

“We both love food, friendships, and sitting around and talking for hours,” she said. “We want people to come here and eat with friends and family and not face loud, obnoxious drunks.”