Biographies
Bio of Julienne
Opened in August of 2008 amongst a hell storm of bad economical times Julienne is the realization of Emma and Justin West. Together with a small staff of dedicated professionals we are providing Santa Barbara with a place to enjoy the best of what the area has to offer in the way of local food. Operating with a 'farm to fork' mentality and promoting a 'locavore' way of eating, Julienne seeks to procure the freshest of what is available locally in Santa Barbara.
Hand selected vegetables from the Santa Barbara Farmers Market help to make up what we call Market Bistro cuisine. We operate with an ever evolving seasonal menu that has the flexibility to change accordingly with the crops and the weather. Julienne uses 100% local seafood sourced from boats out of the Santa Barbara and Ventura Harbors. All of our meats at Julienne are Ranch Raised. Frequently we receive whole animals and do all the butchery ourselves to further customize the vision of the finished plate.
We are not "fine dining". However, we do have white table cloths and premium glass ware. The atmosphere is not quiet or stuffy. It is vibrant. The food is serious and we recommend the tasting menu option where you can pick them yourself or let the kitchen decide. We suggest thinking outside the box when it comes to food. Open yourself up to new flavors, textures, ideas. Julienne is making food fun, like it should be.
Staff Bios
Justin West; Chef/Owner
Originally from Eugene, OR Justin comes from a restaurant back round. His family has owned and operated over ten different concepts. Some full service, some quick service and currently retail fish. Saying that food has always been an influence in his life is a bit of an understatement. Receiving his first set of knives from his father at the ripe old age of 12 Justin began cooking in professional kitchens. For the next 11 years he was fortunate to have worked with many different chefs in the kitchens of his families establishments. In 2005 he left the family business to further hone his skills in San Francisco's Le Cordon Bleu school at the California Culinary Academy. It was here that he met Emma. It was what some have called a match made in culinary heaven. Moving to Santa Barbara in 2007 Justin worked for only 2 local establishments before opening Julienne with his wife Emma.
Emma West; Owner
Emma grew up in Los Gatos, California eating out of her mother’s kitchen. Eating a home cooked dinner on a regular basis is what sparked Emma’s love for food. After high school she decided that she wanted to be around good food and wine all the time. Going to culinary school was the obvious road and that is where it all began. After finishing school; family, the beach, and a job opportunity brought Emma to Santa Barbara. While working at a few local restaurants Emma was able to learn about local food & wine, and on providing memorable dining experiences. After a few years, Justin and Emma knew it was time to go into business for themselves. And now the rest is history. Out of the restaurant Emma enjoys doing crafts, yoga, listening to classic rock, and running her lab on the beach. ♥
Graham Tatomer; Wine Director
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Weston Richards; Sous Chef
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Tom Powers; Lead Server, Celebrity Waiter Extraordinaire
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Stephane Romero; "The Frenchy"
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Bradley Watson; "Nickname"
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Ian Jenkins; "The Animal"
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