Press-release:
bouchon, one of Santa Barbara iconic culinary landmarks, celebrates its 25th anniversary this Bastille Weekend, Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16, 2023, and will continue celebrations through the end of July. Recognized widely for initiating the gastronomic revolution in Santa Barbara, bouchon is proud to have played an instrumental role in establishing and elevating the region’s reputation as a world-class culinary destination.
Opening its doors on Bastille Day 1998, the original California bouchon set out to offer a unique dining experience centered around wine country cuisine, using an as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible approach. Over the past quarter-century, owner Mitchell Sjerven and his talented team (some of whom have been with him since day one) have consistently exceeded expectations, delivering superb dining moments that bring together artful cooking, excellent wines, and the very highest level of hospitality.
“It is an honor and truly rewarding to celebrate 25 years of bouchon,” shared Sjerven. “Our journey is also a story of enduring relationships. From working side-by-side with my wife Amy to having both of my daughters, Madeline and Caroline, as part of the restaurant’s team, I cherish these familial ties. Notably, Roberto Miguel, a loyal employee since the restaurant’s inception, stands as a testament to our close-knit bouchon community. We are also grateful to have celebrated countless memorable moments with our patrons – from birthdays to anniversaries to weddings – making the restaurant more than just a dining place, but a treasured place in so many people’s hearts and memories.”
To mark this milestone, bouchon will be serving a selection of 25th Anniversary specials such as Ratatouille, Escargot, Salade Lyonnaise, Poulet Provençale, Steak au Poivre, and Tarte Tatin, alongside offer its full menu of classics including Duck Duo of Roast Breast & Confit Thigh and French Onion Soup. Guests can also enjoy champagnes like Taittinger “la francaise” and Billecart-Salmon, offered for sale by the glass.
Reflecting on the restaurant’s genesis, Sjerven recalls the dramatic transformation of the surrounding ARTS District neighborhood over the past 25 years. A dilapidated VON’S grocery store was replaced by the thriving Santa Barbara Public Market. The once shuttered Granada Theatre is now the town’s crown jewel, and the Ensemble Theatre Company flourishes in the New Vic Theatre. Amidst this evolution, bouchon has remained center stage, contributing significantly to downtown Santa Barbara’s vibrancy.
“Cheers to the past, the present, and a future full of wonderful food, wine, and memories. Vive le bouchon!” Sjerven shared.
As bouchon commemorates 25 years of culinary excellence, the community is invited to join in the celebration and enjoy a memorable meal with friends and family, now and the end of July. To reserve visit bouchonsantabarbara.com
