From an Oregon vineyard to Santa Barbara’s hottest new restaurant, Chef Dom Crisp shares a journey shaped by the land, discipline, and chasing a deeper purpose beyond the kitchen.

On this episode of The Jeremiah Show, Jeremiah sits down with Chef Dom Crisp, the chef behind Dom’s Taverna in Santa Barbara. Raised on a farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Dom learned early to respect the land — a mindset that still guides his cooking today.

He shares his journey from early kitchen days cooking through France, where he embraced a style built on Basque cooking: simplicity, seasonality, and great ingredients.

Now in Santa Barbara, Dom is building a restaurant rooted in local seafood, live-fire cooking, and a high-energy dining experience that brings people together.

At the center of it all is something personal — how becoming a father reshaped his priorities, and why he wants to be known not just as a great chef, but as a good dad.

Dom’s Taverna

Dom’s Instagram

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Roots of Culinary Passion
06:01 Lessons from the Land
11:39 The Influence of Community and Family
17:36 The Importance of Shared Meals
22:33 Culinary Journeys and Cultural Influences
28:32 Defining Legacy and Community Impact
37:12 The Legacy of Garappa's Cheesecake
38:22 Meet the Partners Behind Dom's Taverna
38:34 Exploring the History of Dom's Taverna
40:54 Designing the Space: A Culinary Vision
43:21 Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
46:38 The Role of Youthful Energy in Service
48:15 The Morning Buzz: Restaurant Preparations
49:23 The Evening Vibe: A Lively Dining Experience
51:43 Crafting an Authentic Basque Menu
55:39 The Jasper Oven: A Culinary Game Changer
57:30 Designing Dishes for Connection
01:01:23 Upcoming Events and Collaborations at Dom's Taverna