Beer Garden

Celebrating nature, craft beer & local cuisine at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden's annual fundraiser

By Danaë Petsimeris

Photography Carly Otness 

A week before the first day of spring, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s annual Beer Garden fundraiser blossomed under a clear blue sky. Following a warm welcome, we were escorted on a golf cart up to the Conservation Center. If, like myself, you have never visited the Botanic Garden before, you’ll soon become aware that you have been missing out. The Garden presents “nature at your doorstep” to Santa Barbara residents and visitors alike. Its unrivalled collection of California’s native flora offers everything from a peaceful escape amongst the soothing sounds of birdsong, to exhilarating trails to explore the Garden’s (and the state’s) varied terrains.  

With stories of garden parties attended by my English grandmother in mind, I was delighted by how the attire of the attendees at the Grand Cru opening reception in the Conservation Center perfectly captured the spirit of the event. Elegant ladies, dressed in straw hats and colorful dresses, mingled with gentlemen sporting linen shirts and trousers. A live band played as we were offered a choice of cocktails (Raspberry Rizz or I Am Gruit) featuring Brew Lab beer by Good Lion Hospitality.

Growing up in Paris—with its rich variety of cafés, brasseries and restaurants—and having spent holidays around the Mediterranean, I have developed an eclectic palate. I’m neither a gourmet nor gourmand, but I like that my friends consider me to be a foodie.  Since arriving in Santa Barbara last fall, I have delighted in the diversity and craftsmanship of its food scene. The Garden’s fundraiser is a perfect showcase for the expertise of the locale’s brewers and chefs. It presents an opportunity to learn more about what is available, and to better appreciate the care and attention that goes into the sourcing and preparation of locally crafted beers and culinary delights. The artisans’ willingness to discuss their craft make this a convivial and educational experience for novice and gourmet, and anyone in-between.  

At the Grand Cru portion of the event, we were welcomed with an array of exquisite amuse-bouches, featuring delights from La Paloma and Helena Avenue Bakery—two spots I’ll surely revisit on weekends. Helena Avenue served a Baked Brie Danish, composed of strawberry jam, hummingbird sage, Cowgirl Creamery Mt Tam, and brûléed demerara. The pastry struck the perfect balance of crispness and butteriness, while the acidity of the strawberry jam was the perfect note of contrast to the sweetness of the cheese. La Paloma presented an oak-grilled tri-tip carpaccio, both juicy and light.

After enjoying the view of the mountains, we were invited to explore the Botanic Garden for the main event, sampling more local bites along the way. Accompanied by the gentle sound of a harp playing from amidst the foliage, we were encouraged to let our curiosity—and taste buds—guide our path. Each section of the Garden represents different regions of California, which together comprise eleven different floristic provinces. Local food and beer stands were nestled among the garden’s vibrant poppies and native plants. Flavors from India, Japan, Mexico, and Germany beckoned along the way.

With so many delights, it was hard to choose; but two dishes caught my attention. The first was the Juniper Bratwurst by Dutch Garden: elegantly served in a lace doily, and crowned by mustard. The second was the Robata Tacos by Los Agaves. I have lost count of how many tacos I’ve eaten since arriving in Santa Barbara, yet their culinary range continues to amaze me. The Los Agaves tacos were especially memorable—the meat was tender, perfectly complementing the fresh cilantro and radish. Simple, yet perfectly balanced.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is the first in the country dedicated to native plants. Thanks to fundraisers like this, people are able to continue to discover its beauty, and its increasingly important work in conservation may continue. The Conservation Resource Center has over four million seeds in storage. Beyond preserving the flora and fauna, the Botanic Garden’s team strives to help people reconnect with nature, offering monthly events such as forest bathing—a guided experience where visitors are encouraged to absorb their surroundings through all their senses.

This event was a reminder that food, nature and community are deeply intertwined. The Botanic Garden doesn’t just preserve plants; it cultivates connections, inviting people to slow down, appreciate the land, and savor its offerings. It is a place where tastes—of all kinds—bud!