Santa Barbara has long been crowned with the title of our American Riviera. From the recent English royalty who graced the nearby polo fields, to the many celebrities, including Oprah, who call it home, this is a place to be. Anytime of the year will do, but there is one magical month that encapsulates its essence and that is October.
For an entire month during “epicure.sb" the area surrounding Santa Barbara comes together to showcase the bounty of the fields, vines, seas, culture, cuisine and the community of dedicated artisans who make this spot so special.
More than a festival, it is a community-wide extravaganza of exceptional artistic and culinary talent converging for 31 days. There are parties, prix fixe meals, plays, performances, demonstrations, classes, workshops, musical events, art fairs, tours, tastings, book signings, hotel specials, and community gatherings.
Stay and luxuriate at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. Between epicure events, you can hit the beach and stroll the shoreline, practice your putting, enjoy the spa, fitness and pool scene (with underwater music to rock your spirit). There you can explore the luxurious oceanside setting of the Coral Casino, opened only to members and guests of the resort.
During epicure.sb diners can savor Santa Barbara's bounty at special prix fixe menus offered at many of the city's best restaurants. On offer at Bella Vista is their "From A to V (Abalone to Vino) Menu.” This five-course “locavore” (locally sourced) menu features ingredients all within a 50-mile radius. With wines from popular local vintners paired to complement each course, the $75 per person cost is an exceptional value.
Among the many unique epicure activities is a “Winemaker-For-the-Day Program” at Margerum Wines. During this exclusive day-long trip, guests will follow in the footsteps of the winemaker and his staff to learn about and experience the wine-making process from grape to bottle. A gourmet lunch, prepared by Doug Margerum, will be paired with a wide selection of his noteworthy wines. This, as with most other epicure events, is designed for the month-long festival and is only available during the month of October.
There are close to 100 ways to enjoy epicure.sb this year, so make sure to plan all the way through October, so you won't miss any of this year's happenings!