Santa Barbara’s most flavorful week of the year is almost here, and I’m thrilled to take you behind the scenes. As Director of the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience and creator of Petite Wine Traveler, I’m bringing you exclusive interviews with the incredible chefs, winemakers, artisans, and culinary creatives behind this year’s lineup. This week, I sat down with Mitchell Sjerven, a distinguished member of the SBCE Advisory Committee and owner of bouchon Santa Barbara, a beloved wine country dining destination in the heart of downtown. With over 35 years in the restaurant industry, Sjerven also shares his expertise as a faculty member at Santa Barbara City College, where he teaches aspiring restaurateurs the art and grit of restaurant ownership.
What inspired you to participate in the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience this year?
I wouldn’t miss it for the world! The community surrounding the Julia Child Foundation celebrates everything Julia [Child] stood for — bringing people together through food, wine, and genuine hospitality. The diversity and quality of the SBCE events are, in my opinion, unmatched in Santa Barbara. It’s truly a special week filled with flavor, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.
Can you share a little about what you’ll be offering or showcasing during the event — and what makes it special to you?
Each year, we’ve reimagined the structure of our SBCE dinner to better showcase the best of Santa Barbara’s produce and wines. This year, we’ve designed our most ambitious food and wine pairing experience yet. Instead of a set menu, guests will be offered multiple selections — each thoughtfully paired with a different local wine. And for a bit of extra fun, we have a surprise planned that includes a first-ever tasting of a unique wine blend that we’re excited to debut during the event!