After John Savage graduated from the culinary arts program at Santa Barbara City College in 1995, he didn’t take long to throw himself into life as a professional chef, starting a catering business in 1996. Since then, he has continually innovated, infusing creativity into his cooking. That has remained true in his work as the executive chef of Creative Services Catering, where he and his colleagues work to bring dreams to life.
“We work with our client to develop a menu that coincides with their vision,” he said.
For example, Fiesta Week in Santa Barbara is an opportunity to honor a culture, which the company does with delicious food.
“With Fiesta, we have worked on menus involving our taco bar — fresh marinated meats, vibrant accoutrements, and tons of flavor,” he said.
Past Fiesta menus have included poblano potato salad, fiesta caesar salad, roasted corn and black bean salad, spanish rice with cumin, queso fresco stuffed poblano peppers, and traditional or vegetarian black beans. And the Creative Services Catering taco bar is a continually popular choice for events.
The local company makes a point of sourcing food that’s in season and uses fresh organic ingredients in its tasty dishes — with vegan and gluten free options available to ensure all guests have enjoyable experiences.
“We are proud to be a green company,” according to the Creative Services Catering website.” We work to operate our business in a way that protects and restores the environment and supports the health and happiness of our community, clients, and employees.”
That service wouldn’t be possible without the team behind it. As anyone who has paid attention to the culture around professional kitchens knows, it takes a lot of cooperation to make them work.
“We are a family here,” Savage said. “We collaborate on each event and are in constant communication with each other leading up to the event.”
One of the ways that each event is individualized is through dedication to taking what’s in a client’s imagination and bringing it to fruition.
“Theme parties are our specialty,” Savage said.
Those theme parties include custom menu design and food that matches the vibe. The events have garnered loyal fans who go out of their way to work with Creative Services Catering, no matter where a party is taking place.
“We were flown to Hawaii to create a luau for some very special clients,” Savage said.
One of the gems of the company, though, is right here: Bungalow 626. The venue is uniquely designed to offer a sensory experience in its indoor and outdoor space in downtown Santa Barbara.
“There is really nothing else like The Bungalow,” Savage said. “You don’t have a short time frame or crowded spaces, like a restaurant or hotel. This is really an extension of your own home.”
The Craftsman bungalow works for casual and formal events, including business lunches, VIP dinners, cocktail receptions, rehearsal dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and wellness healing gatherings.
“We love welcoming our guests to Bungalow 626 and sharing the culinary creations of Creative Services Catering,” Savage said.
Whether at Bungalow 626 or offsite, the company is committed to offering superior service and value.
“Our job is to make our clients’ visions come to life through food and ambience,” Savage said.
Savage is also gearing up to launch an exciting new product: Savage Sassy Sauce. A bold, flavorful sweet chili sauce bursting with fresh herbs and a signature blend of “special stuff.”
It’s the perfect balance of sweet heat and herby sass designed to elevate everything from grilled meats to veggies, noodles, and beyond.
Be on the lookout for Savage Sassy Sauce launching soon. “One taste, and you’ll know why it’s called Savage.” said Savage.
Learn more and book a private tasting or chef’s table experience by visiting the Creative Services Catering website.
