We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Baer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
One might assume the most important factor behind my brand is the food itself—but for me, it’s truly about hospitality and the meaningful impact I have the privilege of making in my clients’ lives. While I may be “just cooking,” I’m often doing so for deeply personal milestones—birthdays, anniversaries, weddings; often spent with loved ones. These moments matter, and being invited into them is an honor I don’t take lightly. That’s why I strive to make every aspect of the experience—not just the food, but the overall feeling—personalized, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business began as a passion project—an idea that took shape through the Social Food & Beverage Club, Epicurean Santa Barbara, which I founded in 2018. At the time, I was working in the film music industry and had recently relocated from New York City to Santa Barbara. As I adjusted to a new city and navigated the evolving LA film and music scene, I found myself with extra time and a desire to bring more creative culinary experiences to the community. Santa Barbara’s food scene was still emerging, and I saw an opportunity to contribute something special. Food and cooking was my 2nd love in life (music being my first).

The club quickly gained momentum, and I discovered a new calling. Although it was a hard choice, I made the bold decision to shift my career from music to culinary arts. I enrolled in culinary school and staged at several top restaurants across Southern and Central California, gaining hands-on experience and deepening my knowledge of food and hospitality. I use so many of the my skills from music in the culinary industry; from the way I build a menu, to how I work with clients. The two industries have so many similarities I could write a book on it!

Today, my business has several facets, each one contributing to a full but rewarding schedule. That variety keeps my work exciting, fresh, and creatively fulfilling. It also allows me to constantly meet new clients and collaborate with other talented food artisans—something I deeply value and believe is vital for strengthening the culinary community here on California’s Central Coast.

At the core of my business is private cheffing. I cook for individuals in their homes, whether it’s a relaxed, intimate dinner or a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. These experiences allow me to create highly personalized meals and meaningful connections with clients.

In addition, I offer catering services for weddings, corporate gatherings, and larger-scale events. These projects often involve working with a team, which brings a different kind of energy and collaboration—and I love the balance between intimate, one-on-one cooking and the scale of these bigger moments.

Lastly, I still continue to run Epicurean Santa Barbara, through pop-up events, including themed dinners, classes, and collaborative experiences featuring local winemakers, chefs, and artisans. These events celebrate the rich food and wine culture of our region and serve as a creative outlet and a way to build community around the shared joy of food.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so much to see, eat, and do on the Central Coast—where do we even begin?!

First, a sunset sail on the Double Dolphin is a must to take in Santa Barbara’s stunning coastal beauty. Afterward, we’d head to Aperitivo for aperitifs and authentic Italian bites, then stroll over to The Red Piano for a gin & tonic and some fantastic live piano and vocal performances of all our favorite hits. Of course, we’d end the night with a scoop (or two!) of Tondi’s Gelato.

The next morning, we’d hit the Saturday Farmer’s Market for the best local produce, with a quick stop at Oat Bakery for their incredible bread and a cup of coffee. Then it’s back to my place for a wood-fired pizza party lunch, paired with a few of my favorite Central Coast wines.

After a little siesta, we’d stretch our legs on an afternoon hike in the San Marcos Preserve, followed by a scenic drive up to Los Olivos for dinner at Nella Kitchen.

The next morning? Brunch with a view at Boathouse at Hendry’s, followed by a walk on the Dog Friendly Hendry’s Beach —with puppies galore!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband deserves a great deal of credit for my success. Beyond being a supportive life partner who stands by me through the toughest days in the kitchen, he brings invaluable insight to my work. He has a sharp business acumen, an excellent palate, and a deep knowledge of food and wine. As my most honest—sometimes to a fault—taste tester, his feedback has been essential to my growth. With both creative vision and logical thinking, he constantly inspires me to think outside the box, overcome challenges, and keep striving for excellence.

Website: https://www.epicureansb.com

Instagram: #epicureansb

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-robinson-767b668/

Facebook: Epicurean Santa Barbara

Image Credits
Hugo Martinez
Amy Baer
Patrick at Elevated Media – https://www.elevatdmedia.com/about / elevatdmedia (Don’t know his last name!)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.