Jamie Knee

1 week ago | montecitojournal.net | Jamie Knee

What do you get when you mix 45 wineries, 20 food vendors, one charming historic plaza, and a whole lot of Santa Barbara sunshine? The wine and food event of the year. Jamie and the crew at the Grand Wine Tasting (photo by Veronica Slavin)On Saturday, May 17, the iconic El Presidio de Santa Bárbara came alive with the sights, sounds, and scents of the 2025 Grand Wine Tasting, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience’s (SBCE) signature event.

3 weeks ago | montecitojournal.net | Jamie Knee

Take a seat at Ospi’s elegant bar (courtesy photo)Montecito just got a little more delicious. The latest gem to grace the neighborhood is Ospi – a California-Italian restaurant with a bold Brooklyn soul and an unmistakable Westside edge.

1 month ago | independent.com | Jamie Knee

Eric W. Spivey and Julia Child | Photo: CourtesySanta Barbara Culinary Experience is almost here — more than 75 events begin May 12 — and founder Eric W. Spivey is eager to share what makes this region and SBCE so special. As the founder of SBCE and someone who knew Julia Child personally, what does it mean to see this event continue to grow and evolve each year?

1 month ago | montecitojournal.net | Jamie Knee

“How do you create a food and wine experience that actually means something?”It’s the question I was asked again and again when I spoke at FestForums earlier this year on the art of designing culinary festivals. It’s also the question I carried with me every day over the past year as I stepped behind the scenes as Director of the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE).

1 month ago | independent.com | Jamie Knee

I hope you are enjoying savoring the stories behind Santa Barbara’s most anticipated food and wine celebration. As Director of the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, I have the privilege of spotlighting the chefs, winemakers, artisans, and culinary innovators who bring this vibrant city to life. With over 75 events planned for May 12-18, this year’s Santa Barbara Culinary Experience promises to be our most dynamic celebration yet.