Sunny-Side Up
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Sara Prince
The garden-to-table ethos of JACKIE JOHNSON McBRIDE’s cooking style has led to a personal metamorphosis for the former national weathercaster. After leaving the studio life behind when her daughter was born and welcoming a son a few years later, McBride and her husband staked out a picturesque retreat in the hills of Montecito to raise their family. On a plot that includes enough lavender bushes to technically qualify as a lavender farm, an in-the-works vineyard, and, of course, her beloved garden boxes, she’s embracing the chance to spend time outside in the weather instead of just reporting on it.
“Living in Montecito was a lifelong dream, so being here feels magical,” she says. “And it truly is a dream for a gardener—I can grow food all year. I’m always looking for an excuse to be outside since the weather is so beautiful. I think gardening is the cheapest form of therapy, and there’s also something spiritual to me about growing a seed into a plant, taking care of it, and harvesting something beautiful and nutritious I can use to feed my family.”
Now creating seasonally (and meteorologically) influenced recipes as The Weather Chef, McBride’s emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients to create highly nutritious, beautifully plated meals has quickly earned her a devoted following. With a cookbook in the works and a focus on creating meals that are accessible for anyone to make at home, her recipes are best understood as love letters to Santa Barbara’s sunlight, soil, and produce. “I’m big on seasonal eating because it’s just so natural,” she says. “I walk to my garden and the meals I prepare that week are based on the fresh vegetables and herbs that are growing. There’s something to be said about knowing where your food is coming from and how it is grown. It just tastes better.” theweatherchef.com
Jackie’s Must-Haves
“Personalized FLAMINGO ESTATE OLIVE OIL. My friend got me a bottle for Christmas. Not only do I love the olive oil, there is also something special about it being personalized.”
“The IVY COVE UNION SQUARE MARKET TOTE is cute, well-made, and so versatile. I can take it to the market, shopping, or even to the beach. It’s a perfect travel bag as well, and takes up zero space when I’m not using it.”
“I live in my JENNI KAYNE COCOON CASHMERE SWEATER all year long. No matter how hot it gets during the day, as soon as the sun goes down I wrap myself in it.”
“A bleached pine cabinet, table, or buffet. Or if you want to splurge, get an antique French piece from THE WELL.”
“An olive tree in an antiqued pot is a must. I get most of my weathered pots from BOTANIK.”
