Santa Barbara Style Surf n Turf

Chef Lee Abbott’s Tri-Tip and citrus Santa Barbara Spot Prawns with Rosé Wine Ancho Chili Reduction Sauce paired with Altaneve Rosé Prosecco.

Created exclusively for Basil & Salt Magazine, the burst of coastal Ranch and Sea flavors matched with Altaneve Rosé Prosecco bubbles creates the perfect pairing.

You can find the recipe and method inside our printed issue of Basil & Salt Magazine.

Meet Lee Abbott – a chef, wine aficionado, and adventurer at heart. Lee is the embodiment of the California coastal spirit: his culinary creations are as expansive, bold, and seductive as the Pacific shoreline. From his early days of pro water skiing to sharing traditional Tuac rice moonshine with the Iban tribe in Borneo, Lee has always lived by his motto: “TASTE LIFE.”

Early Flavors:

Lee’s culinary journey began at the tender age of 7, assisting his neighbor, a local butcher. This initial foray into the food world blossomed when the butcher shop expanded into BBQ and catering, with Lee evolving alongside the business.

By the age of 20, Lee was crafting three meals a day for a hungry crew of 20 professional water skiers in Florida. However, the call of the West Coast was irresistible, leading him back to California, where he pursued studies in History and Art History at UCLA. Even as he navigated his way into Hollywood, Lee honed his skills in the hospitality industry, waiting tables, bartending, and even becoming a celebrity personal trainer. The highlight of this period? Catering a private dinner party for none other than Herb Ritts and Madonna.

A Culinary Philosophy:

Lee believes in the power of a great meal to crown a day, especially when shared with loved ones. His culinary philosophy is simple yet profound: “Name a great day in your life, and I bet it ended with a fabulous meal shared with special people.”

A Star on the Rise:

Lee’s passion and skill culminated in his participation in the Food Network’s All-Star Academy in 2016. Out of 25,000 applicants, Lee emerged as one of the nine contestants, charming both the audience and the judges with his heartfelt cooking under the mentorship of Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Though he narrowly missed the top spot, his journey on the show was a testament to his big-hearted nature and emotional cooking style, earning him high praise and becoming a fan favorite.

California Soul:

Lee describes his culinary style as “California Soul,” a tribute to his roots as a 7th Generation Californian raised on a ranch by the sea in Santa Barbara. His creations are a bright palette of flavors, drawing inspiration from the Harbor to the Vineyard, embodying the essence of California’s rich culinary landscape.

The Invitation:

Lee Abbott invites you on a culinary adventure to TASTE LIFE with a touch of California Soul. Join him as he explores the boundless flavors of the California coast, from bold BBQs to exquisite vineyard-inspired dishes, each meal a celebration of life’s greatest moments.