Barbareño, one of Santa Barbara's most beloved restaurants, embodies California's Central Coast through its innovative food, deep local wine list, casual ambiance, and overall spirit. Detailing the restaurant's beginnings as well as the inspiration for many of its dishes from over the years, "Barbareño: The Cuisine of California's Central Coast" gives personal and deep insight into the creative process that has led to some of the restaurant's most iconic recipes from chef Julian Martinez. Part cookbook, part history lesson, part memoir, this book connects the dots between the restaurant's various inspirations and how those inspirations can be viewed from a contemporary culinary standpoint. Well-research yet playful, it closely examines the intersection of food and culture, and how important it is to honor our shared traditions. With more than 150 vivid photos by Carter Hiyama, over 300 individual recipe components, and over 50 plated dishes, this book brings a new meaning to the Barbareño dining experience as a whole.

Whether you are an experienced cook or just interested in food, and whether you live in Santa Barbara or halfway across the globe, this book provides a new perspective for all.