Santa Barbara & Montecito
Every Gathering,
A Memory.
Boutique catering for intimate events — from cocktail parties to elegant dinner soirées. We handle every detail so you can be present with the people you love.
15–50
Guests — Our Sweet Spot
100%
Word-of-Mouth Referrals
20+
Years in the SB Food Scene
"Family is everything."
Lance, Sophia & Michelle
Our Story
A Lifetime of Passion,
Poured Into Every Plate
Michelle Isom has been a cornerstone of the Santa Barbara food community for over two decades. From her early days making pizzas in high school to managing bars and opening restaurants for Bice and Patina, she has done it all. For a decade, she owned and operated Epiphany, a beloved eatery on Victoria Street, before channeling her energy into Knowlwood Tennis Club's summer dining program.
Apropos Catering was born from a simple vision: to help clients make the most of their time with friends and family. Supported by her husband Lance and daughter Sophia, Michelle steps in and handles all the menu planning, prep, and food service — so you can stay out of the kitchen and in the moment.
"I prefer to stay small, so I can focus on the details and help make each event special. Our sweet spot is between 15 to 50 people."
— Michelle Isom, Founder
As featured in the Montecito Journal
What We Offer
Catering for Every Occasion
Whether it is a quiet dinner for twelve or a lively cocktail party for fifty, Apropos brings the same personal attention to every event.
Cocktail Parties
Artisan charcuterie boards, passed hors d'oeuvres, and light bites designed to keep the conversation flowing.
Dinner Parties
Intimate multi-course dinners tailored to your guests — from casual family-style to elegant plated service.
Birthday Celebrations
From kids' parties to milestone birthdays, we craft menus that match the mood and the guest of honor.
Dietary Accommodations
Vegan, gluten-free, and custom dietary needs are handled with the same care and creativity as every other dish.
Full Menu Planning
Collaborative menu design from start to finish — we work with you on every ingredient, presentation, and detail.
Setup & Service
We arrive early, set up beautifully, serve graciously, and leave your home spotless. You just enjoy the evening.
Signature Dishes
A Taste of Apropos
Every menu is customized for your event. These are a few of the dishes our clients ask for again and again.
Tuna Tartare
Sushi-grade ahi tuna, avocado, sesame, microgreens, and ponzu — Michelle's most-requested starter.
Braised Beef Short Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone short ribs with a deep red wine reduction, creamy polenta, and roasted root vegetables.
Brown Butter Peach Crumble
Brown butter sea-salt graham cracker crumble with fresh peaches and cinnamon whipped cream. Simply divine.
Grazing Cups & Hors d'Oeuvres
Apropos signature Grazing Cups — individual artisan bites with charcuterie, cheese, crackers, and seasonal accompaniments. Perfect for cocktail receptions.
All menus are fully customized — vegan, gluten-free, and dietary accommodations always available.
"When you go out to eat, it is not only the food — it is all the details that go into the experience. It is always something special."— Michelle Isom, Apropos Catering
Kind Words
What Our Clients Say
Michelle is great with budgets and her food is absolutely incredible. Every guest at our bridal shower was raving about the spread.
Amy B.
Bridal Shower, Santa Barbara
She handled everything — the menu, the setup, the service. We got to actually enjoy our own dinner party for the first time in years.
Sarah & Tom K.
Dinner Party, Montecito
The vegan paella was a showstopper. Michelle has a gift for making every dietary need feel like a feature, not an afterthought.
Jessica L.
Birthday Celebration, Santa Barbara
Get in Touch
Let's Plan Your Next Gathering
All of Michelle's work is word-of-mouth. Tell us about your event and she will personally reach out to discuss your vision, menu ideas, and how Apropos can make it unforgettable.
Service Area
Santa Barbara & Montecito, CA