Taste of Santa BarbaraImmerse yourself in the bounty of the Central Coast March 16-22
WORDS Ninette Paloma
On the Central Coast, the art of breaking bread begins with our farmers.
As national leaders of regenerative and sustainable land practices, how we tend to our fields in our corner of the country is steeped in our community values, spilling on to our dinner tables and filling up our wine glasses, too. In Santa Barbara County, we don’t experience the seasons so much as taste them – and pinch ourselves every day over the privilege. As the need for connection swells with the same intensity as this spring’s crop, building a direct relationship with our growers, artisans, and purveyors has never been more accessible or delicious. From farm to table, bar to barista, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience has curated a weeklong celebration of the places and faces that make the Central Coast a culinary destination all its own. In partnership with the Julia Child Foundation, the festival swirls with the memory of the legendary chef, with restaurants and artisans featuring menus inspired by her cooking and vivacious spirit. Whether you fancy catching a screening of Julia at Santa Barbara City College; indulge in a prix fixe menu at one of many participating restaurants; visit a working farm; or sit in on an engaging conversation about sustainable land practices, joining in on the culture of Central Coast food has never been more exciting. We’ve compiled a list of five not-to-be-missed events at this year’s festival, and encourage you to immerse yourself in the full culinary experience of this beloved slice of California. Wine & Dessert Fireside Chat with Julia Child’s Family Thursday, March 19 6:30pm-8:00pm Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Dress warmly and enjoy an evening oceanside and under the stars, honoring Santa Barbara legend Julia Child. Guests will enjoy a fireside chat with Julia Child’s My Life in France co-author and grandnephew, Alex Prud’homme, and niece Phila Cousins. Conversation led by author, co-producer of Inside Julia’s Kitchen podcast, and Director of Outreach for The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, Lauren Salkeld. Tickets include a Fess Parker wine tasting and a dessert flight from Hilton’s Executive Chef, Yesica Arredondo. JULIA Screening and Directors Q&A Friday, May 20 7:00pm-9:00pm Garvin Theatre, Santa Barbara City College Don't miss this intimate event with Oscar-nominated directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen for a screening and conversation about their first feature-length Julia documentary. Screening will be followed by a Q&A with Todd Schulkin, executive director of The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts and host of the Inside Julia’s Kitchen podcast Rebuilding Our Food System – Panel Discussion Saturday, May 21 3:00pm-5:00pm Garvin Theatre, Santa Barbara City College The festival's most highly-anticipated event, join Shakira Miracle (Executive Director of Santa Barbara County Food Action Network), U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal, Danielle Nierenberg (President of Food Tank), and a panel of regional food system changemakers as they discuss our most pressing food-related challenges. Learn how place-based, community-led, cross-sector collective action can build a more sustainable, resilient food system in Santa Barbara and beyond. A food and wine reception is included in the price of admission. Strawberry Fields Forever at Rodeo Farms Sunday, May 22 10:00 a.m. Santa Maria Join grower Luz Gudino in the strawberry field to learn how this sweet fruit is grown and harvested. See first-hand how Rodeo Farms employs sustainable practices, such as drone technology for pest management, careful pruning to keep plants healthy, and organic amendments to boost soil health. Pick your own sun-ripened Monterrey and Cabrillo strawberries off the vine to take home – and taste them dipped in chocolate or topped with whipped cream. Tour includes two-pound clam shell basket to pick your own take home strawberries. Taste of Santa Barbara Wines Sunday, May 22 El Presidio Chapel and Gardens 1:00pm-4:00pm The finale event of this jam-packed festival also promises to be its liveliest, with a plein air wine tasting afternoon featuring twelve leading wineries in Santa Barbara County. Ninette Paloma of American Riviera Media will be leading a spirited conversation with four of our celebrated female winemakers as Matt Kettmann heads panel discussions on AVA's and the significance of the Central Coast wine region. Don't miss the pop-up store curated by Heritage Goods and Supply featuring books and products from local authors and artisans and specialty provisions available for purchase. Read our review HERE |
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