Ritual and Personal Space Installation

Taste Map

Over the week, I designated my drive to State Street in downtown Santa Barbara as my personal space. Each day, I took a different route to get there (the colored lines on the map are the routes I took).  When I arrived at my location to run errands and other things I had to do, I asked a random stranger the same question: “What’s your favorite place to eat on State Street?” I documented their responses and our brief interactions and added pictures of their suggestions. 

Day 1 – Route 1 (Red):
I took the red route with my favorite playlist on, letting the music relax me as I drove. The whole time, I kept thinking about what groceries I needed to pick up at Whole Foods. After parking, I noticed someone heading quickly to their car and decided to ask, “What’s your favorite place to eat on State Street?” Without slowing down, she replied with energy, “Jane! Try their El Macho Burger!” The response was quick but enthusiastic, and it felt like they really meant it. I stopped by to see what Jane looked like, and now I definitely want to go back and try that burger.

Day 2 – Route 2 (Orange) :

I took the orange route by the beach, music up and windows down, enjoying the ocean breeze as I drove toward State Street. I parked my car and walked around. I saw a guy standing near Sama Sama Kitchen and asked him, “What’s your favorite place to eat on State Street?” He said "Sama Sama Kitchen". 

Day 3 – Route 3 (Blue) :

I took the blue route, music playing as always, because driving relaxes me. My main errand was to stop by the Apple Store on State Street, so I parked nearby and decided to continue my ritual. I saw someone walking past and asked, “What’s your favorite place to eat on State Street?” They paused for a second and said, “Bouchon.” After finishing at the Apple Store, I walked by Bouchon to see it and saw that it was a French restaurant.

Day 4 – Route 4  (Purple)  :

I took the Purple route, letting mellow music set the tone for the drive. I was meeting some friends at the Public Market, but before that, I continued my ritual. I saw someone walking and asked, “What’s your favorite place to eat on State Street?” They said, “Hi, well it depends on what you are in the mood for.” I laughed and replied, “Italian sounds pretty good.” They nodded and said, “Give Olio a try.” I thanked them and later headed to Olio with my friends, where we all shared a pizza. 

Day 5 – Route 5 (Green):

I took the Green route, music up and windows down, enjoying the coastal breeze as I drove into downtown. My errand was to stop by Crossroads Trading Co. to go thrifting. After parking, I continued my ritual and asked someone, “What’s your favorite place to eat on State Street?” They immediately said, “Taqueria.” The name felt casual, like a place for a quick bite. After finishing at Crossroads, I walked to Taqueria and grabbed a taco.

Reflection:

After five days of different routes, errands, and quick conversations, my drives to State Street turned into something more than just getting from point A to B. Music kept me relaxed, and asking strangers about their favorite spots made each trip feel like a mini adventure. From Jane’s burger to Olio’s pizza, I discovered places I’d never tried before and turned an ordinary routine into something fun.