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Devin: What is your superpower?
Alejandro: Cultivating connection, using food and hospitality to bring people together and build community.
Bibi Ji isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a tribute to family, tradition, and sustainability. Alejandro Medina, its owner, brings Indian culinary heritage to Santa Barbara while championing regenerative farming and natural wines.
Inspired by his mentor, Rajat Parr, Alejandro developed Bibi Ji to honor generations of Indian culinary tradition. The restaurant’s name itself, a term of endearment for a respected female figure, reflects the homage paid to grandmothers and mothers who passed down cherished recipes. Alejandro meticulously recreates traditional Kolkata dishes using local, sustainably sourced ingredients.
A major pillar of Bibi Ji’s philosophy is its dedication to natural wines. Contrary to the belief that Indian cuisine pairs best with beer, Alejandro curates an extensive selection of natural wines. “People care so much about where their food comes from, but we often feel sometimes that it’s overlooked about what they’re drinking,” Alejandro said. His goal is to highlight wines that are farmed and crafted with the same care as the restaurant’s ingredients.
Beyond the plate and glass, Alejandro takes sustainability a step further by prioritizing regenerative agriculture. The restaurant sources from farmers who practice organic and biodynamic methods, ensuring the land remains fertile for future generations. “I’m here to do my best part that I can for future generations and giving back to the land in any way that we can,” Alejandro shared. Even seemingly small choices, like harvesting cover crops for use in dishes rather than allowing conventional farms to spray them with pesticides, contribute to his mission of reducing waste and environmental impact.
Bibi Ji is currently raising capital on to support its Growth. Alejandro and his team recently relocated the restaurant, doubling its size and requiring significant renovations. The funds will help expand operations, restructure loans, and sustain their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Alejandro’s passion for food, wine, and environmental responsibility has positioned Bibi Ji as a culinary destination that respects tradition while pioneering change. By blending heritage recipes with forward-thinking sustainability, he is reshaping perceptions of Indian cuisine while making a positive impact on the planet.
Alejandro Medina honors Indian culinary traditions at Bibi Ji, blending authentic flavors with sustainable, local ingredients.
The restaurant features natural wines, challenging the notion that Indian food pairs best with beer.
Alejandro prioritizes regenerative agriculture, working with farmers who use organic and biodynamic methods.
Bibi Ji is raising funds on SMBX to support its expansion, operational growth, and financial restructuring.
Alejandro’s superpower is cultivating connection, using food and hospitality to bring people together and build community.
Alejandro Medina’s superpower is cultivating connection—an ability to bring people together through food, wine, and hospitality. “For me, it’s really about bringing people together, kind of forgetting what’s going on in the world, just for that moment in time that we’re having a meal or we’re enjoying a bottle of wine,” he explained. His restaurant, Bibi Ji, isn’t just a dining experience—it’s a communal space where people feel welcome, appreciated, and connected.
Illustrative Story: Alejandro’s commitment to connection extends beyond his restaurant. Growing up in a Bolivian-American family, he learned the importance of giving back and strengthening communities. One of his most impactful experiences was donating clothes to local villages near his family’s ranch in Bolivia. This formative act of generosity shaped his perspective on hospitality—not just as a business, but as a way to create meaningful Relationships and uplift others. At Bibi Ji, he carries this philosophy forward, treating every guest like family and ensuring his restaurant serves as a hub of warmth and belonging.
Tips to Develop This Superpower:
Embrace Open-Mindedness: Alejandro believes that learning never stops. Be curious about different cultures, foods, and perspectives.
Prioritize Genuine Interactions: Whether in business or daily life, take the time to connect with people on a personal level.
Practice Generosity: Give back in small or big ways—whether through hospitality, community service, or simple acts of kindness.
Create Shared Experiences: Whether it’s through food, conversation, or storytelling, find ways to bring people together in meaningful ways.
Stay Present: Engage fully in conversations and interactions, valuing each moment as an opportunity to strengthen bonds.
By following Alejandro’s example and advice, you can make cultivating connection a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Alejandro Medina (he/him):
Owner, Bibi Ji
About Bibi Ji: Bibi Ji is a modern Indian restaurant with a low-intervention wine program.
Website: bibijisb.com
Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/bibijisantabarbara
Other URL: smbx.in/wbib
Biographical Information: Alejandro Medina is the Owner and Managing Partner at Bibi Ji, Santa Barbara’s first modern Indian restaurant and natural wine bar. Having grown up in Santa Barbara, Alejandro has strong ties to the region and it’s food and wine industry. After several years delving into the local wine industry in 2018 (at just 33 years old), he founded Bibi Ji which has become a fixture in the local Santa Barbara restaurant community.
Instagram Handle: @bibijisb
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