This isn’t really restaurant news, but we were so thrilled to hear about this, that we had to post it. In the old Vons location on Victoria and Chapala, a Santa Barbara Public Market is hoping to open its doors sometime in 2012. The concept has been proven in many cities, one near and dear to me – Pikes Place Market in Seattle -  having lived in Seattle for 10 years. The market will offer fresh goods from farmers and artisan food purveyors, handcrafted specialty foods and crafts, wines and many other goodies. Check out their website, www.sbpublicmarket.com, for the latest developments.