The S.B. Questionnaire: Mitch Lee

The Outpost at the Goodland Hotel in Goleta is such an inviting and fun place to eat, drink, and meet friends. On any numerous nights, I’ve noticed quite an eclectic group of Santa Barbarans enjoying the cool vibes, relaxed atmosphere, and terrific food by Chef Derek Simcik. On Sundays, DJ Darla Bea holds court by the pool, where locals and hotel patrons alike are welcomed to hang out and listen to great tunes.

And make sure to enjoy a cocktail, most likely made by charming mixologist Mitch Lee. This young man’s enthusiasm for bartending and looking after his customers is a reflection of the whole place. No wonder this upstart restaurant is now the place to be.

Mitch puts down the cocktail shaker to answer the Proust Questionnaire.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I’m a pretty goofy and fun-loving guy.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” but it truly does.

What is your motto?

Carpe Diem, “seize the day,” for it may be your last.

What do you like most about your job?

The craft, and the personalities I encounter.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Me, my pup, and my beautiful girlfriend in a tropical paradise.

What is your greatest fear?

The death of the people I love.

Who do you most admire?

My father and mother because they made me who I am today.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Most likely my pup. He’s the best Siberian Husky you could ask for but his medical bills are outrageous.

What is your current state of mind?

Happiness and the desire to learn everyday.

What is the quality you most like in people?

Honesty.

What is the quality you most dislike in people?

Being someone you thought they are not.

What do you most value in friends?

Loyalty and again honesty.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The talent of a professional baseball player.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My fitness level, a.k.a. my lack of abs, haha.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Graduating college doing what I love, communicating.

Where would you most like to live?

Thailand. It’s just amazing.

What is your most treasured possession?

If it’s considered a possession my dog. He’s my best friend and companion.

What makes you laugh the most?

My girlfriend and my dog — with the two of them, there is never a dull moment.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Well, I always wanted to be Marty McFly from Back to the Future.

On what occasion do you lie?

Not very often, but if I do, it’s usually a little white lie, never to hurt anyone. In other words, I’m really bad at lying.