Taste of Santa Barbara Soirée

Indulge your senses in an evening of culinary delight at the “Taste of Santa Barbara Soiree,” a celebration of exquisite cuisine and fine wines set in the enchanting ambiance of the historic Casa de la Guerra outdoor courtyard. Enjoy live music against the backdrop of Casa de la Guerra’s historic courtyard, adorned with twinkling lights and fragrant blossoms in the timeless beauty of this cherished Santa Barbara landmark.

Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey inspired by the culinary legacy of Julia Child, as local chefs showcase their creativity and expertise in crafting dishes reminiscent of her iconic recipes next to their own inspiration. From classic French delicacies to innovative twists on traditional favorites, each dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and evoke the spirit of culinary mastery.

Complementing the sumptuous fare is a selection of fine Santa Barbara wines. Organized by wine type you’ll find three unique wine bars featuring choices from sparkling wine to white and rose to red wines. Savor the rich flavors and nuanced aromas of locally-produced wines. 

Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine cuisine, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable evening of culinary indulgence, the Taste of Santa Barbara Soiree promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage and vibrant flavors of this coastal paradise.

Tickets to this exclusive event are limited, so secure your spot today and join us for a special Santa Barbara evening. 

Featured Chefs

Chef Massimo Falsini
Chef Partner Massimo Falsini’s culinary journey began in a small kitchen in a popular Roman neighborhood at the age of 16. In August 2018, Massimo joined Rosewood Hotels and Resorts to open the “one of a kind” Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, CA under the incredible leadership of Rick J. Caruso. Caruso’s was awarded a one star in The MICHELIN Guide California and a Green Star in 2022.
Menu
I Grew up in Trastevere, You Should Try This Carbonara
Yolk, Pecorino
Baja Kanpachi
Poached, Spring Legumes Variations, Ramps

Chef Sergei Simonov
Chef Sergei Simonov brings ten years of kitchen experience, a passion for food, and a diverse culinary background to Loquita. Sergei began his cooking career working under Chef Jason Paluska of The Lark. In his hometown of Santa Barbara, Chef Sergei is inspired by seasonal California ingredients with a focus on authentic Spanish cuisine. La Loquita was added to the Michelin Guide in 2023.
Menu
Mariscos Paella
Grilled Bay Scallops, Prince Edward Island Mussels, Wild Jumbo Gulf Prawns, Black Garlic Sofrito, Shiso, Saffron Aioli
Provençal Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes, 12 Year Sherry Vinaigrette, Whipped Spanish Goat Cheese, Herbs de Provence, Purple Basil

Chef Justin West
Justin West is the former owner and chef of Julienne & Wildwood Kitchen here in Santa Barbara. I currently own and operate Market Forager, a Direct-to-Consumer Meat & Seafood company that delivers premium proteins throughout the greater 805. West has been working with food for over 30 years after graduating from Le Cordon Blue SF in 2005. 
Menu
Braised Beef Cheeks
Cream of Chicken Soup with Vegetables (Julia’s Inspired dish) 
This Cream of Chicken Soup with Vegetables is a Julia Child recipe from a CD Rom that came with the very first computer my family ever bought and it is the first recipe I ever cooked 100% on my own. I was 13 years old and my parents were returning from a vacation and under the supervision of my caretakers (mom and dad’s friends) I prepared this soup for their welcome back dinner. 

Chef Alex Bollinger
Alex Bollinger has been appointed as executive chef at El Encanto, where he will assume leadership duties over the hotel’s acclaimed culinary program. Chef Bollinger will bring his culinary philosophy to support operations at El Encanto’s dining venues, including its signature restaurant The Dining Room.
Menu
Cultured Farms Red Abalone Mermaid “Style”
Grilled and Served in the Shell with Butter, Garlic, Parsley, and Chives
Vichyssoise
Chilled Cream of Leek, Yukon Gold Potato, and Ojai Roots Green Garlic Soup with Brioche Croutons, Chives, and Smoked Olive Oil
This was the first Julia Child recipe that I made for my family when I started cooking around the age of 11.  It was my father’s favorite soup.

Chef Sandra Adu Zelli
The Chef and Owner of Gipsy Hill Bakery, Sandra Adu Zelli is from London England. She decided to launch Gipsy Hill Bakery to realize a long held dream to be an entrepreneur and share her love of good food with as many people as she can with her locally inspired, created recipes.
Menu
Seasonal Mini Fruit Pavlova 
Chocolate Opera Cake – Inspired by Julia Child’s Reine de Saba cake
Citrus Tartlets

Live Music

Spanish Guitar Duo, Calé
Jose Prieto and Victor Torres are a well known Spanish Guitar Duo from Spain, based in Los Angeles, California. They perform as a Guitar Duo and also with their Rumba Flamenco band Calé, playing a wide range of styles, mainly Rumba Flamenco and Latin Music.

Beverages

Cutler’s Artisan Spirits
Cutler’s Artisan Spirits is a small scale Craft Distillery dedicated to producing top quality spirits, using fresh local ingredients. Every spirit produced at Cutler’s Artisan is made with a passion for the craft of distilling spirits. Cutler’s Artisan Spirits will be providing a welcome cocktail, Cutler’s Butterfly’s Breath (Cutler’s Gin, Cutler’s Apple Pie Liqueur, Fresh Lime, Agave nectar, Soda) inspired by Julia Child.

Santa Barbara Vintners
The Santa Barbara Vintners will provide a selection of Santa Barbara wines to complement the sumptuous fare. Enjoy wines from three unique wine bars from sparkling wine to white and rose to red wines. Savor the rich flavors and nuanced aromas of locally-produced wines. 
In addition to the SB Vintners we will have wine from:

Wines from Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance
Buttonwood Farm
Carhartt
Carucci
Colluvial
Dovcecote
FUTURE PERFECT
Kessler-Haak
Longoria Winery
Native9/Ranchos De Ontiveros
Sanford Winery
So Far Out Wine
Sunstone
Sweetzer Cellars
CrossHatch Winery
La Lieff Wines
RZN Wines
Sea Creatures Wine
Dierberg/Star Lane Vineyard
Rusack Vineyards
Tyler Winery & Lieu Dit Winery
Marbeso Wine
Barden by Margerum
Foxen
PRESS GANG CELLARS

Attendees must be 21 years of age or older with a valid photo ID to enter this event.

A portion of the proceeds from the Taste of Santa Barbara will contribute to the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, in collaboration with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, furthering our shared commitment to culinary excellence and cultural enrichment.

Location: Casa de la Guerra Courtyard
Address: 15 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara