Featuring two signature culinary events, the public is invited to attend the 37th annual Taste of the Town Santa Barbara weekend benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. The first event is Taste of the Town Santa Barbara Connoisseurs’ Circle Gala Dinner on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort from 6:00-11:00 p.m. The evening features a VIP tasting event with a select group of Taste of the Town wine and beer partners along with appetizers; a four-course gourmet dinner prepared by 2018 Honorary Chefs including Matt Johnson (San Ysidro Ranch), David Rosner (Monarch at the Montecito Inn), Steven Giles (formerly of Sage & Onion and Le Gavroche London), David Cecchini (Cecco Ristorante), and a guest chef from Hilton Hotels & Resorts served in the ocean-view Rotunda paired with wines from 2018 Honorary Vintner Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. Guests will have the opportunity to meet 2018 Youth Honoree Shannon Morehouse and 2018 Honorary Artist Chris Potter as well as enjoy a live auction and dancing under the stars. Seating is limited so advance reservations are highly recommended.

Riviera Park

On Sunday, September 9, 2018 from Noon-3:00 p.m. at Riviera Park, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra overlooking the city, the popular Taste of the Town Santa Barbara features unlimited samplings from the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and spirits providers, with a silent auction of lifestyle items; photo booth, and live jazz entertainment by the David Tovar Trio.
Confirmed food tastes include: Ca’Dario, Chefs on a Mission, Country Catering, Finch & Fork, Finney’s Crafthouse, Flightline, Green Table, High on the Hog Catering, Lilac Patisserie, Michael’s Catering, Mizza Artisan Pizza, opal Restaurant & Bar, Pascucci’s, Santa Barbara Yacht Club, SBCC Culinary, The Little Door, The Little Kitchen, The Nook, The Nugget Goleta, The Palace Grill, The Secret Ingredient, and Via Maestra 42.  Confirmed beverage tastes include Alexander & Wayne, Alma Rosa, Arthur Earl, Artiste, Au Bon Climat, Brander, Brewer-Clifton, Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, Demetria Estates, DV8 Cellars, Gainey, Giessinger, Grassini, Islands Brewing Company, Jaffurs, Ken Brown Wines, Kessler-Haak, Margerum Wine Company, Melville, Presqu’ile, Qupe, Refugio Ranch, Roblar, Temperance Cellars, and Whitcraft Winery.

Au Bon Climat Wine Sponsor for 2018

 
All proceeds from Taste of the Town Santa Barbara support the programs and services of the Arthritis Foundation. The Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of 50 million people (including nearly 300,000 children) with arthritis through health education, advocacy, research, and local juvenile arthritis support.  VIP tickets for the Connoisseurs’ Circle Gala Dinner on Friday evening, 9/7/18, are $500 per person with tables of 10 for $5,000 which includes admission to the Sunday, 9/9/18 event. Individual regular admission tickets for the Sunday afternoon Taste of the Town on 9/9/18 are $125 per person in advance and $140 at the door (if available.) Tickets are available at www.arthritis.org/tasteofthetownsb or by calling the Arthritis Foundation Central Coast at 805-563-4685.

 

Chef Michael Hutchings Shrimp Delights

Taste of the Town Santa Barbara is pleased to acknowledge its confirmed sponsors, including official Automotive Partner, BMW Santa Barbara, along with HUB International (wine glass sponsor), Terry Ryken COMPASS, American Riviera Bank, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, Senior Planning Services, Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, Diana MacFarlane/Caliber Home Loans, Amye Leong & Bob Price, Jeffery Baldwin & Michal W. Wiesbrock, Santa Barbara Independent, KEYT NewsChannel 3, opal Restaurant and Bar, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, The Berry Man, Inc., Bluestar Parking, You’re The Star, AA Expressive, Jill & Co. Events, and Ana’s Balloon Creations. A number of Taste of the Town Santa Barbara sponsorship opportunities and benefits are still available by contacting the Arthritis Foundation Central Coast office at 805-563-4685 or email Michal W. Wiesbrock, Executive Director, at mwiesbrock@arthritis.org

 

Event Co-Chairs Tina Takaya & Richard Yates, Opal Restaurant & Bar

Returning as honorary Co-Chairs to this Santa Barbara philanthropic culinary tradition are opal Restaurant & Bar co-owners Tina Takaya and Richard Yates; joined in 2018 by John O’Neill of Banc of California. Taste of the Town all-volunteer committee members include Amye Leong, Jacques Habra, John Stampe, Jessica Stampe, Laura Kath, Juli Askew, Susan Shane, Marilyn Hansen, Debby Deneault, Jen Lilienstein, Mindy Denson, Pam Tanase, Melitta Ramsey, Krista Reardon, Sonja Nelson and Ruth Ann Bowe. For complete information, visit www.arthritis.org/tasteofthetownsb
ABOUT THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION
The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride toward a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4 million readers. The Arthritis Foundation Central Coast Office in California serves Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties. www.arthritis.org