ESB “TRUST” Dinner: Chef Justin West!
ESB’s next TRUST Dinner will feature Chef Justin West!
Chef Justin West is best known as the Chef/Owner of Julienne, a French-Californian inspired restaurant he opened and operated from 2008-2016, which was beloved among many ESB Members. Julienne is also where Chef PA Tremblay chopped the block! Chef Justin was also the Chef/Owner of Wildwood Kitchen and Soul Cal Smokehouse. Not only did Chef Justin receive wide acclaim locally, but he was recognized nationally by the James Beard Foundation when Julienne claimed first place in the James Beard Foundation’s “Taste America Local Dish Challenge”, for his Bouillabaisse; and was even paid a visit (and ‘words of praise’) by Anthony Bourdain, when he visited Santa Barbara in 2009.
The Cuisine…
At this 6-Course Dinner, guests will experience Chef Justin’s creative modern cuisine, crafted with his love of cooking. His inspiration comes from the Santa Barbara market and local farmers, years of working in his father’s BBQ joint in Oregon (staring at age 11), and classic French cuisine. From smoking and curing meats and fish to highlighting the season’s peak produce, Chef Justin West’s food is always fresh clean, delicious and satisfying! Dietary restrictions will be accommodated at chef’s discretion.
Exclusive Kitchen Counter Experience…
Take the TRUST dinner to the next level, to a dream experience for food enthusiasts! 3 Chef’s Kitchen Counter Seats will be available! Chef Drew’s charisma, and love to greeting and sharing food with his guests will make this both an entertaining and delicious experience. Beverage parings are included with the chef’s kitchen counter seating! Guests will be seated at the counter, where they will observe all the action, the knife cuts, see the master chefs flip the contents of hot skillets, the steam and fire, smell the intoxicating aromas, hear all the naughty jokes, and of course receive hand outs from Chef as he prepares and plates his trust dinner right in front of your eyes. In addition, guests at the counter will receive some special pours of wine and other beverages to accompany their experience!
What is a “Trust” Dinner?
A trust dinner is an upscale multi-course meal (5+ Courses), where guests put their trust into the Chef, who will be preparing a one of a kind dinner revealed upon arrival! Why no menu in advance? Because: #1.) we like to surprise our guests, and #2.) we want to remove any pre-conceived notions regarding what the dishes will taste like, or look like. This is part of the experience, and part of the fun.
What we can tell you is that the food will be fantastic. We are featuring only chefs who have inspired us, who have shown great passion and remarkable skill and pedigree; chefs who have a distinctive culinary voice. The team at Epicurean Santa Barbara will know the menu in advance, so we can notify the chef of dietary restrictions, and answer any questions regarding the dinner.
The Trust dinner is BYOB. You heard us right! In the event reminder, we will offer wine pairing suggestions for the dinner, and you are welcome to bring whatever bottles (or spirits) you see fit!
The event will be held at a private residence. We ask that all guests respect the personal space of others.
