The agenda for the second day of Engage!25 Santa Barbara was packed with iconic industry speakers, engrossing workshops, our media showcase and E! Connect events, and a dinner off-site. So it was important that our lunch provided a moment of nourishment and relaxation, along with another window into the history and culture of our location. As the clock hit high noon, attendees headed for The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara’s fountain courtyard for a meal inspired by the spirit of California’s ranching past. Think sun-warmed wood, country melodies, and a rustic menu any cowboy would approve of. Saddle up and enjoy the ride!
The Theme
Our lunch theme took its cues from the easygoing charm of Cold Spring Tavern. This beloved hideaway is tucked into the hills above Santa Barbara and has welcomed travelers since 1868. Once a stagecoach stop, it has long been a gathering place where stories are swapped over hearty food and live music. And that’s exactly the energy this lunch set out to capture!
Beneath the playful surface, the theme also nodded to the deeper history of the region. Long before Santa Barbara became synonymous with Riviera glamour, cattle and sheep ranching shaped the land. Spanish missionaries introduced livestock to the area in the late eighteenth century, bringing with them the vaquero tradition. Vast ranchos were granted to Californio families, and vaqueros became the backbone of Southern California’s working landscape. So to bring it into the modern day, creative director Tyler Speier and his team curated details that were a little Wild West, a little coastal cool.
Ranch Meets Riviera: Décor & Details
Set outdoors, the sunlit space felt immediately inviting. Rectangular raw wooden tables were mixed with round tables dressed in classic checked linens, creating an open, varied layout. At each setting, beaten brass chargers and amber glassware added warmth, while custom menus and floral napkins completed the look. The table arrangements leaned into a wildflower sensibility with loose, natural arrangements. Over to one side, a hat wall added a wink of western flair. For entertainment, we had live country music by Elan Artists, setting a relaxed rhythm that encouraged guests to linger a little longer.
Paper Details
One of our favorite details came from TPD Design House. Their lasso menus were playful and interactive, pulling open to reveal the dishes of the day. Table numbers and signage echoed the quatrefoil motif of the Engage!25 Santa Barbara branding, tying the look together consistently across events.
The Menu
Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet from The Ritz-Carlton Bacara chefs, who definitely deserve a tip of the hat! The spread included traditional Santa Maria grill, a selection of breads and salads and fire-roasted elote. Dessert leaned into comfort and nostalgia with an irresistible lineup of mini pies: blueberry, warm fried apple, lemon meringue, and French silk. They also came with a choice of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chocolate shavings. Because when it comes to dessert, more is always more! We also featured two custom cocktails from the bar: the Cold Springs Mule and the Gold Rush (made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice), providing plenty of refreshment before guests ‘rode off’ into the afternoon.
By the time plates were cleared and glasses refreshed, the lunch had done exactly what it set out to do. It brought people together, sparked conversation, and grounded the day in Santa Barbara tradition.
To see more from this lunch, be sure to mosey on over to the gallery!
