Menus - Fall/Winter 2022-2023

Old SLO BBQ Co.

in authentic Santa Maria-style cuisine with recipes dating back nearly a century

Matt and Danae Pearce and family at their downtown San Luis Obispo location

mornings and evenings mean one thing on the Central Coast: it’s Autumn. But lucky for us, the days can still be warm and bright, albeit a little bit shorter. As pumpkin patches make way for Christmas tree lots, vineyards across the coast turn their grape harvest into wine, and you start to think about making plans with family, our annual Fall/Winter MENUS can help keep you fed, happy, and possibly tipsy. This year, Old SLO BBQ Co. continues to kick out tri-tip and more [8]; KROBAR Craft Distillery

10 years of award-winning spirits

Avocado Shack helps your wallet and your health [28]; and Allan Hancock College teaches students

art of wine making [44].

Central Coast

PUBLISHERS

Bob Rucker Alex Zuniga

DESIGN

Alex Zuniga

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jayson Mellom

Drew Gilmore Katy Gray

Jennifer Herbaugh Gordon Jamison Kimberly Rosa

Lee Ann Vermeulen

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Mary Grace Flaus

Ellen Fukumoto

Ikey Ipekjian Eva Lipson

OFFICE/ADMIN

Michael Antonette Michael Gould Cindy Rucker

Chaney

and

Northern Santa Barbara County

San Luis Obispo County every April and

Coast

in front of 250,000

and

Luis Obispo County)

805-347-1968 (Northern Santa Barbara County) to make your

next

ADVERTISING INDEX

1122 Cocktail Lounge 21

Allan Hancock College 39, 44

Autry Cellars 26

Avocado Shack 28, 31

Babé Farms 46

Bayside Cafe 38

Bello Forno 10

Big Sky Cafe 12

Nate’s on Marsh 5

Novo Restaurant Lounge 13

Old SLO BBQ Co 1, 8, 11

Pappy McGregor’s 21

Patricio’s 40

Pismo Beach Pierside Marketplace 7

Radisson 48

Ragged Point Inn 9

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

8

Black Sheep Bar & Grill 18 Blast 825 Brewery.............................. 43 Blue Sky Bistro

Bon Temps Creole Cafe 6

Brick Barn Wine Estate 26

CaliPaso Winery and Villa 24, 32

Cane Tiki Room 21

Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard 26 Charlies 30

Chronic Cellars 24 Clean Machine Meals 36 Cliffs Hotel & Spa 20 Cups & Crumbs 47

Eberle Winery 25 Fish Gaucho 21

Foxen Vineyard & Winery 26 Giant Grinder

22 Gina’s Piece of Cake 44 Gus’s Grocery 30

Highwater SLO 46

Historic Santa Maria Inn 48

Hoyt Family Vineyards 25

Hugo’s Family Restaurant 16

Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ 19 Kay’s Orcutt Country Kitchen 45 King Falafel 30 Klondike Pizza 16

KROBAR Craft Distillery 2, 18 Kuma. Sushi & Ramen 23 Louisa’s Place 10 Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards............... 26

Luna Red Restaurant Bar

Madeline’s Cellars

13

Wine Tasting Room 24

Madeline’s on Moonstone 24

Madeline’s Restaurant 22

Maldonado’s Mexican Restaurant 14

26

Red Soles Winery & Distillery 25

Rib Line / The Switch SLO /

Sunsets At Pismo 3

Saints Barrel Wine Bar 26, 34

Sake Sushi 37

Sake Sushi #2 37

Santa Maria Fairpark 29

Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden 24

Shin’s Poke 20

Shin’s Sushi 20

Sidecar 40

Sinor-LaVallee Estate Wines 26

SLO Public Market 33

STANGER Vineyards 24

Stefono’s Sapori D’Italia 14

Sushi 805 37

Sylvester’s Burgers 23

Taco Temple

19

The Bistro at Vina Robles 35

The Cruiser by Field To Table Events

The Homestead

The Natural Cafe

The Spoon Trade 12

Thomas Hill Organics

Tooth & Nail Wine Company

Tortilla Town

Verdad & Lindquist Family Wines

27

26

Vista Del Rey Vineyards 25

Wild Fields Brewhouse 38

Willows Restaurant + Bar at Chumash Casino 17

Windward Vineyard 25 Wolff Vineyards 26

WINE MAPS

Northern San Luis Obispo

Wine Map

Coast

15

Mama’s Meatball 41 Mistura 41 Mystic Hills Vineyard 25 Nate’s Nashville Hot Chicken

RESTAURANT

SLO BBQ CO.

New surprises from Old SLO BBQ

By Polly Smart

OldSan Luis BBQ owner Matt Pearce is reinvigorating his Santa Mariastyle eatery.

Starting this fall, SLO’s residents and visitors can keep an eye out for the Old SLO BBQ food truck coming to the Thursday Farmer’s Market.

“Back in May, we bought a food truck and have since debuted it for the Blues baseball season,” Pearce said. “We used it to serve barbecue-inspired tri-tip and carnitas tacos.”

Pearce takes pride in Old SLO’s homage to Santa Maria-style oak-grilled fare. Their tacos are a callback to California vaquero (Mexican cowboy) history.

“Back in the day, Santa Maria-style barbecue was just meat grilled over a fire, served with corn tortilla. That’s why pico de gallo is traditionally a condiment for Santa Maria-style barbecue. We’re taking it all the way to those roots,” he said.

Hungry patrons can tuck into their Santa Maria-style tacos. They come either a simple tri-tip or as their now-famous bacon jalapeño carnitas – pulled pork that’s further roasted with jalapeños, garlic, and plenty of bacon.

“About the only way to make fried pork better is to add more fried pork!” said Pearce.

Progress isn’t a stranger at Old SLO. From their advanced self-serve beer walls to creative twists on menu items. During the height of the pandemic, they launched a Southwest Quinoa Salad as a vegan protein side dish, and it’s now a popular choice.

“In the near future, we’re looking at offering our signature pork spareribs in the restaurants. We do it as a catering item and

OLD SLO

they’re very popular,” he said. “We have space constraints, but with some upcoming reorganization and the second location opening recently, we believe we can bring them on in the next three to six months.”

Even though the upcoming ribs aren’t traditional to barbecues in Santa Maria, customers expect ribs on a BBQ menu, and Old SLO does their best to meet their customers’ needs.

“We don’t serve brisket either, it’s not Santa Maria-style... but we can do an excellent rib and make it Santa Mariastyle. We use the same seasoning and cook it over the oak fire,” Pearce said.

Now, Pearce isn’t limiting himself to just a food truck and new menu items. Old SLO is about to unveil a mobile bar in the form of a beer truck.

“It’s an old 1966 Ford F100 truck with a cool eight-tap draught bar, and we’ll be featuring it at community events and renting it for private events like weddings,” he said.

Depending on the event, the beers will be completely customizable. At public events, Old SLO plans to pour local bestsellers like Firestone 805 and Barrelhouse IPA. Still, they can offer any beer that catering clients want, even wine, hard ciders or kombuchas, non-alcoholic drinks like lemonades, iced teas, and carbonated waters on tap.

Old SLO has two locations – the original downtown restaurant on Higuera Street and the newer addition in the Marigold Shopping Center on Broad. The ribs and tacos aren’t available at the restaurants yet, but Pearce said it’s in the works along with other restaurant improvements. ❉

Point

Ragged Point offers beautiful private accommodations and creative gourmet dining in an unparalleled garden environment while treating its guests with that “Million Dollar View” overlooking the dramatic coastline of the gateway to Big Sur. It has also become a popular location for special occasions such as weddings, receptions, meetings, seminars and parties.

A SAMPLING OF OUR MENU

BREAKFASTS

Lox Plate Beet-cured salmon, capers, sliced tomato, red onion, and hard-boiled egg, with a toasted bagel and dill cream cheese.

Breakfast Parfait Layers of fresh berries, strawberry yogurt, plain yogurt, and chunks of crunchy granola.

Crunchy French Toast Two slices of thick brioche bread, dipped in batter, coated with corn flakes, and cooked a golden brown. Served with warm maple syrup and your choice of bacon or sausage.

California Veggie Scramble Mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, spinach, peppers, and garlic, topped with Monterey Jack cheese and avocado. Served with breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, and toast.

Big Sur Omelet Bay shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese, topped with sliced avocado. Served with breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, and toast.

APPETIZERS

Hoisin Ribeye Skewers Grilled Snake River Farms Kobe Ribeye, peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomato. Glazed in hoisin with a spicy peanut dipping sauce.

Shishito (V) Sesame blistered shishito peppers, ponzu, sake, Asian Persillade, toasted sesame seeds.

Lightly Torched Oysters Oysters on the half shell lightly torched, tomato-caper relish, grated horse radish, lemon, chervil.

Crab Cakes Breaded lump crab cakes, Cajun remoulade, avocado cream, pickled vegetables.

Wild Mushroom Bisque Creamy forest mushroom bisque, topped with leeks, crème fraiche, and toasted pine nuts.

ENTREES

Halibut Roasted California Halibut, melted leeks, curried butternut squash puree, shitake broth.

Ribeye Grilled Copper Ranch ribeye roll with blue cheese brulee, hassleback potatoes, grilled jumbo asparagus, bourbon & smoked almond demi glaze.

Chicken Achiote Achiote roasted airline chicken breast, roasted poblano and corn risotto, sautéed spinach, pineapple-red chili gastrique.

Lamb Oven roasted Miso-Mustard glazed rack of lamb, citrus scented forbidden rice, and sesame-honey green beans.

Tofu-Garlic Soba Noodle Crispy tofu, sautéed vegetables, soba noodles tossed in garlic-soy sauce. Green onion, shredded cabbage, and toasted sesame seeds.

Shrimp Pappardelle Diablo Jumbo prawns, pappardelle pasta, cherry tomato, green peas, roasted corn, chipotle cream sauce, diced onion, cilantro, cotija cheese.

SPECIALTIES

Fish & Chips

Steamed Clams Manila clams, prosecco, butter, garlic, lemon, roasted poblano, cherry tomatoes, shallots, fresh basil, ciabatta toast points.

Chicken Pappardelle Diablo Grilled chicken breast, pappardelle pasta, cherry tomato, green peas, roasted corn, chipotle cream sauce, diced onion, cilantro, cotija cheese.

Falafel Fried chickpea patties, baby arugula, heirloom tomatoes, shaved red onion, cucumber, toasted pine nuts, with curried coconut milk yogurt, tahini paste, and warm pita pockets.

House

great place

special event,

ENTREES

TRI-TIP SANDWICH

Hand-trimmed certified Angus tri-tip, perfectly seasoned and grilled over a red oak pit. Served on locally made artisan sourdough or French roll with homemade salsa or BBQ sauce.

CHICKEN SANDWICH

Thinly sliced grilled chicken breast, topped with sauteed red onion, melted jack cheese. Served on ciabatta bread with our homemade salsa, BBQ or cilantro lime creme sauce.

PULLED PORK SANDWICH

Slow-roasted pork shoulder. Served on a locally made ciabatta roll with our homemade cilantro garlic BBQ sauce.

LINGUICA SANDWICH

A locally made Portuguese-style sausage, grilled and served on an artisan Frech roll with sauteed peppers and onions.

PIT PLATE

TRI-TIP | CHICKEN PULLED PORK

Served with garlic bread and your choice of a second side.

SLIDERS

TRI-TIP CHICKEN PULLED PORK

CANDIED BACON TRI-TIP

Served on a mini sourdough roll with your choice of sauce.

BBQ CHEF SALAD

Locally farmed mixed greens, red onions, peppers, crumbled blue cheese, bacon, and hard boiled eggs. Served with housemade ranch, blue cheese or roasted garlic vinaigrette dressing.

STRAWBERRY FIELD SALAD

Locally farmed mixed greens topped with crumbled Gorgonzola chesse, fresh strawberries, candied pecans and dried cherries. Served with blush wine vinaigrette dressing.

ADD MEAT TO YOUR SALAD: CHICKEN OR PORK TRI-TIP

SIDES

FRESH-CUT FRENCH FRIES

Fresh-cut potatoes with sea salt.

COWBOY CORN PIE

A savory family recipe with diced jalapeños and cheddar cheese.

SANTA MARIA PINQUITO BEANS

Locally farmed pinquito beans, prepared ranch style, with bacon, ham and spices.

APPLE-CUCUMBER-JALAPEÑO COLE SLAW

A lightly dressed California version of this classic BBQ side.

GARLIC BREAD

Locally made artisan roll dipped in butter and topped with a Parmesangarlic blend.

BEER & WINE

POUR BY THE OUNCE!

SELF SERVE TAPS

FEATURING CRAFT BEER, WINE & CIDER

DRINKS

FRESH STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

HAND-SCOOPED MILKSHAKES & M ALTS

VANILLA, STRAWBERRY, CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE-BACON, CHOCOLATE-STRAWBERRY

BEER FLOAT

WHAT’S YOUR SPICE

Garlic

ROADKILL

DENALI

KLONDIKE

HOT STUFF

BUFFALO STYLE CHICKEN

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

Mozzarella

Canadian

Chicken, Red Onions, Swiss Cheese, and Parsley

GARLIC CHICKEN

Grilled Chicken

Minced Garlic, Red Onions, and Parsley

BBQ CHICKEN

Grilled Chicken Breast, Red Onions, and Parsley

PROSPECTOR BAKED SANDWICH

Pepperoni, Onions, Bell Peppers, Mozzarella, Mayo, Cheddar Cheese

GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH

Ranch Dressing, Swiss Cheese,Canadian Style Bacon

KLONDIKE GOLD BURGER

Topped with Cheddar and Jack Cheese

KLONDIKE SALAD

Crispy Greens, Mandarin Oranges, Red Onion Rings, sliced Almonds. Served with our secret recipe Sweet ’n Sour Dressing

DoorDash Delivery in Santa Maria

Cafe Runner

Grande

From still to glass

By Chrystal Ship

Ice beating against the metal walls of a shaker is such a sweet sound.

If you’re at KROBAR Craft Distillery and Tasting Room on Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, the cocktail you’re about to drink is made with one or more of the distillery’s award-winning small batch spirits.

The seasonal cocktail menu features drinks for every palate, whether it’s the alcohol you want to taste or a pleasant mixed beverage that accentuates the flavors of KROBAR’s gins, whiskeys, vodkas, and/or bitters. Plus, if you love your cocktail so much you want to re-create it at home, chances are you can find all the base spirits and mixin’ fixin’s at the distillery shop in the corner.

With three production stills in the back, a full bar in the front, and owner Steve Kroener’s 25-plus years in the local alcohol-making industry, a visit to the distillery and tasting room gives you the full spirits experience, from still to glass. Celebrating 10 years of crafting amazing spirits in October of 2022, Kroener is constantly trying to make KROBAR Craft Distillery even better than it already is.

The distillery recently released its first malt whiskey, which Kroener said is made from 100 percent malted barley and its first American single malt whiskey, which is fermented, distilled, and aged in a single location in American oak barrels.

Adding to its growing pantheon of gins, KROBAR now has the brightness of local citrus peel in an orange gin. Each of KROBAR’s gins is unique, Kroener said, adding that the Orange Gin and the Butterfly Pea Gin (It’s purple!) are made with different recipes than KROBAR’s Pink Gin, Original Gin, or Barrel-Aged Gin.

KROBAR was established in 2010 with the first location up in Paso Robles in 2012. Now in SLO with Kroener at the helm, the craft distillery is also a partner in The Hub on Monterey Street with Central Coast Brewing and Whalebird Kombucha, which is slated to be open by the end of the year and will feature a small production facility, tasting rooms, food, and fun.

On Higuera, you can belly up to the bar and get a spirits flight or slurp a cocktail, take a tour of the distillery and hear about the process, and get your hunger fix with a quick hit of KROBAR’s bourbon nuts, tacos, or sliders. Kroener’s famous 24-hour smoked brisket is always available in taco form with queso fresco, thinly sliced red onions, and a tangy slaw.

You can snag a drink, a bottle, and a snack at 10 Higuera St. in SLO. Check KROBAR’s website, krobardistillery. com, for hours of operation, to make a reservation, and learn about upcoming events. Find them @krobarcraftdistillery on Instagram and facebook.com/ krobarcraftdistillery.

WIN

PASO ROBLES

PASO ROBLES

CaliPaso Winery

CaliPaso Winery

Surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and framed by hundreds of acres of lush vineyards, CaliPaso offers a unique setting that highlights Paso Robles’ natural beauty. The Inn is an intimate boutique-style hotel with a Tuscan flavor. Make the most of the outdoor terraces during champagne receptions or al fresco dining surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and Oak trees. Experience CaliPaso wines over a meal at our restaurant – a great way to celebrate, mark a special occasion, or catch up with friends all while enjoying your favorite wines.

Chronic Cellars

Surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and framed by hundreds of acres of lush vineyards, CaliPaso offers a unique setting that highlights Paso Robles’ natural beauty. The Inn is an intimate boutique-style hotel with a Tuscan flavor. Make the most of the outdoor terraces during champagne receptions or al fresco dining surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and Oak trees. Experience CaliPaso wines over a meal at our restaurant – a great way to celebrate, mark a special occasion, or catch up with friends all while enjoying your favorite wines.

4230 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles 805-226-9296 • calipasowinery.com

4230 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles 805-226-9296 • calipasowinery.com

Madeline’s on Moonstone

Madeline’s on Moonstone

CAMBRIA

Chronic Cellars

The concept of Chronic Cellars came about during the harvest in 2004. We had used the term “The Chronic” to describe likable objects before, but we had never considered it a suitable descriptor for wine. One evening we laughed about the idea of a wine that targeted a casual lifestyle. From dream to reality, our first wines went public in 2008. Stop by and try our handcrafted wines in a fun and casual atmosphere.

The concept of Chronic Cellars came about during the harvest in 2004. We had used the term “The Chronic” to describe likable objects before, but we had never considered it a suitable descriptor for wine. One evening we laughed about the idea of a wine that targeted a casual lifestyle. From dream to reality, our first wines went public in 2008. Stop by and try our handcrafted wines in a fun and casual atmosphere.

2020 Nacimiento Lake Drive, Paso Robles · Open daily 10am-5pm chroniccellars.com · 805-237-7848

2020 Nacimiento Lake Drive, Paso Robles · Open daily 10am-5pm chroniccellars.com · 805-237-7848

CAMBRIA

New on Moonstone Beach Drive – Madeline’s Cellar superbly hand-crafted, varietal wines are now available for tasting in a new wine bar located in the beautiful Cambria Shores Inn. Enjoy Madeline’s very own vintages with a stunning view of the Pacific right outside the door, or order a Madeline’s picnic lunch and a bottle of wine and walk to your favorite spot on this scenic stretch of the PCH.

New on Moonstone Beach Drive – Madeline’s Cellar superbly hand-crafted, varietal wines are now available for tasting in a new wine bar located in the beautiful Cambria Shores Inn. Enjoy Madeline’s very own vintages with a stunning view of the Pacific right outside the door, or order a Madeline’s picnic lunch and a bottle of wine and walk to your favorite spot on this scenic stretch of the PCH.

Madeline’s Cellars Wine Tasting Room

Madeline’s Cellars Wine Tasting Room

For more than 20 years, Madeline’s in Cambria has catered to wine lovers by serving wines from small-production boutique wineries of the Central Coast as well as hardto-find vintages from around the world, including our premier Madeline’s Cellar wines created with Jeff Branco. Come visit Madeline’s and find our well-stocked tasting room full of what you just can’t get in the larger groceries and discount stores. Visit our award-winning restaurant next door for delicious wine pairings, too!

For more than 20 years, Madeline’s in Cambria has catered to wine lovers by serving wines from small-production boutique wineries of the Central Coast as well as hardto-find vintages from around the world, including our premier Madeline’s Cellar wines created with Jeff Branco. Come visit Madeline’s and find our well-stocked tasting room full of what you just can’t get in the larger groceries and discount stores. Visit our award-winning restaurant next door for delicious wine pairings, too!

Tasting

Tasting Room &

DAILY: 11am-8pm

788 Main Street, Cambria · Hours: Open daily 11am-5pm madelinescambria.com · 805-927-4175

788 Main Street, Cambria · Hours: Open daily 11am-5pm madelinescambria.com · 805-927-4175

PASO ROBLES

PASO ROBLES

Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden

Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden

Now featuring a fine portfolio of ultra premium wines, fine art, and a multi-million dollar sculpture garden that greets guests and makes for a memorable wine-tasting experience. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Sculpterra wine are donated to “His Healing Hands,” a medical missionary foundation created by Dr. Frankel and other doctors that sends medical missionary teams short-term trips all over the world to care for the most needy under-privileged peoples on all five continents.

STANGER

Now featuring a fine portfolio of ultra premium wines, fine art, and a multi-million dollar sculpture garden that greets guests and makes for a memorable wine-tasting experience. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Sculpterra wine are donated to “His Healing Hands,” a medical missionary foundation created by Dr. Frankel and other doctors that sends medical missionary teams short-term trips all over the world to care for the most needy under-privileged peoples on all five continents.

5015 Linne Road, Paso Robles · Visitor Hours 10am–5pm · Enjoy Tasting & Art Any Day sculpterra.com · 805-226-8881

ultra-premium

Robles. Acclaimed

reserve wines

known for

a must on

World Style” tasting room at the Creston House (Vacation Rental) where the owner

Hwy

gate

winemaker is often there to make your visit

Creston Road), Paso Robles ·

7 days a week by chance

CAMP

Windward Vineyard Red Soles Winery & Distillery Vineyards Tasting Room

Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden

Eberle

Eberle Winery

Eberle Winery

ROBLES

PASO ROBLES

Make reservations for a variety of tastings at Eberle Winery in Paso Robles. Enjoy a Vineyard Deck Tasting with panoramic views of the Estate Vineyards. Elevate your experience with a Reserve Tasting on the Vineyard Deck Cellar Club Lounge. Or book a VIP tasting in the Eberle Caves Grotto. Reservations come with a Cave Tour. Walk-ins welcome so come enjoy a glass/bottle on the Oak Knoll deck or with the Godfather himself, Gary Eberle! One of the Originals, One of the Best!

Make reservations for a variety of tastings at Eberle Winery in Paso Robles. Enjoy a Vineyard Deck Tasting with panoramic views of the Estate Vineyards. Elevate your experience with a Reserve Tasting on the Vineyard Deck Cellar Club Lounge. Or book a VIP tasting in the Eberle Caves Grotto. Reservations come with a Cave Tour. Walk-ins welcome so come enjoy a glass/bottle on the Oak Knoll deck or with the Godfather himself, Gary Eberle! One of the Originals, One of the Best!

3810 E Highway 46, Paso Robles · Open 7 Days a Week 805-238-9607 · eberlewinery.com

3810 E Highway 46, Paso Robles · Open 7 Days a Week 805-238-9607 · eberlewinery.com

SAN MIGUEL

Mystic Hills Vineyard

Mystic Hills Vineyard

Mystic Hills Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned vineyard nestled in the beautiful rolling hills outside of Paso Robles. Owner Joel Cox is an Academy Award-winning film editor who brings his professional and creative love of film to his wine. Joel, Judy, and their family focus on sustainability while creating a unique tasting experience.

Mystic Hills Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned vineyard nestled in the beautiful rolling hills outside of Paso Robles. Owner Joel Cox is an Academy Award-winning film editor who brings his professional and creative love of film to his wine. Joel, Judy, and their family focus on sustainability while creating a unique tasting experience.

Watkins Lane,

PASO ROBLES

Hoyt Family Vineyards Tasting Room

Hoyt Family Vineyards Tasting Room

Visit Hoyt Family Vineyards downtown Paso Robles tasting room. Enjoy its cool vibe, chillax, sip impressive wines by the flight, by the glass or by the bottle, all lovingly made from grapes grown all the way from the Malibu Coast to the Central Coast. Adventurous? Make an appointment to visit our westside ranch at 2015 Township Road in Paso Robles, tour the vineyard, pet the goats, all while you enjoy delicious wine and breathtaking views. Our wine pairs best with friends.

Visit Hoyt Family Vineyards downtown Paso Robles tasting room. Enjoy its cool vibe, chillax, sip impressive wines by the flight, by the glass or by the bottle, all lovingly made from grapes grown all the way from the Malibu Coast to the Central Coast. Adventurous? Make an appointment to visit our westside ranch at 2015 Township Road in Paso Robles, tour the vineyard, pet the goats, all while you enjoy delicious wine and breathtaking views. Our wine pairs best with friends.

Downtown Tasting Room: 1322 Park Street, Paso Robles · Hours: Thurs-Sat 12-8pm Sun 12-5pm hoytfamilyvineyards.com · 805-369-1092

Downtown Tasting Room: 1322 Park Street, Paso Robles · Hours: Thurs-Sat 12-8pm Sun 12-5pm hoytfamilyvineyards.com · 805-369-1092

SAN MIGUEL

Red Soles Winery & Distillery

Red Soles Winery & Distillery

From the first crush in 2004, award-winning duo Randy and Cheryl Phillips have enjoyed the “dust to vine to barrel” process. Together they run the business of crafting rich and complex wines, proud that each varietal in their line-up is 100% Estate grown. Come

PASO ROBLES

79550 Watkins Lane, San Miguel · Tasting by appointment only 805-610-1099 · info@mystichillsvineyard.com

· info@mystichillsvineyard.com

Vista Del Rey Vineyards

Vista Del Rey Vineyards

CELEBRATING OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY!

CELEBRATING OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY!

off the beaten path and experience many styles of Zinfandel, Barbera, Zin-bera, and more, while enjoying a panoramic view of the Santa Lucia Mountains from this acclaimed dry-farmed vineyard. Enjoy gourmet food products, private-label goodies and Oliveto olive oils, as well as gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry.

PASO

off the beaten path and experience many styles of Zinfandel, Barbera, Zin-bera, and more, while enjoying a panoramic view of the Santa Lucia Mountains from this acclaimed dry-farmed vineyard. Enjoy gourmet food products, private-label goodies and Oliveto olive oils, as well as gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry.

most Sundays

PASO ROBLES

to Miracles Ranch

#

the heart of Willow Creek

From the first crush in 2004, award-winning duo Randy and Cheryl Phillips have enjoyed the “dust to vine to barrel” process. Together they run the business of crafting rich and complex wines, proud that each varietal in their line-up is 100% Estate grown. Come on out to Miracles Ranch in the heart of Willow Creek District for premium wine and spirits.

3230 Oakdale Road, Paso Robles • info@redsoleswinery.com

daily 11am–5pm

3230 Oakdale Road, Paso Robles • info@redsoleswinery.com Open daily 11am–5pm • 805-226-9898 • redsoleswinery.com

805-226-9898

Windward Vineyard

Windward Vineyard

redsoleswinery.com

PASO ROBLES

County’s

Pinot

Visit Paso’s only exclusively Pinot Noir winery. Home of SLO County’s Winemaker of the Year, Marc Goldberg has 30 years experience producing 100% Estate-grown Burgundian-style Pinot Noir. Our 15-acre vineyard located in the cool, breezy Templeton Gap has proven that Paso Robles CAN make a fantastic Pinot Noir! Join us for a unique vertical tasting of five vintages. Cheese or charcuterie pairings are available. Enjoy a picnic on the patio overlooking the vineyard, or play a game of bocce ball.

1380 Live Oak Road, Paso Robles · Open daily from 10:30am to 5pm 805-239-2565 · windwardvineyard.com

PASO ROBLES

PASO ROBLES

Central Coast Wine Tasting

SAN LUIS OBISPO

Autry Cellars

Autry Cellars is proud to be one of the tiniest wineries and licensed distilleries on the central coast of California. We produce wines, brandies and grappas made from over 15 different varietals. Get an intimate sense of the winemaking process as you view tanks, barrels, and press on your way to the tasting room. Enjoy award-winning wines inside or on the outside deck with great views.

5450 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo

Hours: Open by appointment only · 805-546-8669 · autrycellars.com

Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard

Brick Barn Wine Estate

At Brick Barn Wine Estate, “we make the wines we love and grow the grapes that inspire us.”

Taste unique wines like Albariño, Vermentino and Cabernet Franc.

Live music and no reservations required.

795 West Hwy 246, Buellton · Open daily 11-7pm 805-686-1208 · IG: @Brickbarnwineestate

SOLVANG

Casa Cassara is a small family-owned winery that produces about 2000 cases per year. We have a large menu of wines handcrafted by winemaker Mikael Sigouin. Our varietals include: Arneis, Barbera, Grenache, Nebbiolo, Nero d’ Avola, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Tempranillo. The Tasting Room is kid and dog friendly, so come in and enjoy our knowledgeable staff, family atmosphere, and check out our new labels “La Collezione di Famiglia”.

1607 Mission Drive, Suite 112, Solvang (parking lot behind building)

Open Sun-Thu 12-6pm, Fri & Sat 12-7:00pm · ccwinery.com · 805-688-8691

SOLVANG

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards is a small family-owned winery located in the heart of “Sideways” country in Santa Barbara County. We farm 400 acres of estate-grown, hand-picked grapes located in 3 different microclimates. Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards was voted 2017 “The Best Tasting Room in the Santa Ynez Valley” by readers of The Santa Ynez Valley News.

1645 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang · Open daily from 10:30am to 5:30pm

Open later on Fri and Sat. · 805-686-9336 · www.LLwine.com

Saints Barrel Wine Bar

Saints Barrel Wine Bar is located in downtown San Luis Obispo and offers local and international wine tasting experiences, light bites, live music, and so much more! Inside or creekside, come see what makes Saints Barrel the space to taste on the Central Coast.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

FOXEN Vineyard & Winery

Terroir-driven wines of elegance and balance since 1985. The winery and tasting room features Pinot, Chardonnay, Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines. The Shack is Back!

Call for reservations today.

SANTA MARIA

1021 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo · Hours: M-W: 4-9 Th: 4-11 F/Sat: 12-11 Sun: 11-6 SaintsBarrel.com · sarah@saintsbarrel.com · 805-439-1929

ARROYO GRANDE

Verdad and Lindquist Family Wines

Two wineries under one roof! The tasting room is located in the historic Village of Arroyo Grande with a warm and inviting space and outdoor patio. Produced by husband and wife winemakers Bob Lindquist and Louisa Sawyer Lindquist, they make pure, balanced wines from organic, biodynamic and sustainable vineyards from the Central Coast. Featuring Syrah, GSM, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and more.

134-A West Branch Street, Arroyo Grande · Open Sun & Mon 12-5pm, Wed & Thurs 12-5pm, Fri & Sat 12-6pm (closed Tues) · 805-270-4900 · verdadandlindquistfamilywines.com

7600 & 7200 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria · Tastings available by reservation foxenvineyard.com · 805-937-4251

SANTA MARIA

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Celebrating 50 years of estate grown and produced wines in Santa Barbara County, we invite you to visit and taste the magic. We grow 16 noble varieties on our two estate vineyards and produce both single varietal wines and red classic blends. Situated at the end of a winding country road on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, you will be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff and beautiful grounds.

PRESENT THIS AD FOR 2-FOR-1 WINE TASTING!

6600 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria · Open Mon–Thurs 10am–4pm, Fri–Sun 10am–5pm 805-934-4332 · ranchosisquoc.com

Sinor-LaVallee Estate Wines

AVILA BEACH

Sinor-Lavallee produces wines with integrity from our estate, Bassi Vineyard, which is farmed organically with biodynamic inputs. Our tasting room in Avila Beach, serves these wines by the flight, glass, or bottle inside the tasting room or on the Shuck Shack patio which serves fresh, “shuck your own” oysters and a thoughtfully curated menu of caviar service, bread service, cheese and charcuterie, and rotating specials.

550 First Street, Unit A, Avila Beach · Hours: Open 7 days a week 12-6pm 805-459-9595 · sinorlavallee.com

Wolff Vineyards 23 Years of Winemaking

Wolff Vineyards is certified sustainable and located on 125 acres with sweeping views of the Edna Valley. The vineyard is one of the first established in the Edna Valley, planted in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Riesling and Teroldego. Everyone will feel at home in our inviting tasting room and garden. Enjoy a picnic lunch, and a vines-to-wine experience, surrounded by the vineyard and our artisan winery.

6238 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo · Hours: Open daily 11am-5pm 805-781-0448 · wolffvineyards.com

Meeting the challenge

By Chrystal Ship

As inflation drives the prices of groceries ever higher, Michael Wolfe wants you to know something about shopping at the Avocado Shack in Morro Bay: deals, deals, deals.

He posts three a day on the shop’s Instagram page, where you can also find great ways to prepare the local produce, dairy, bread, and other kitchen staples on his shelves.

“We found that Instagram is a platform to integrate and communicate to the people in our tribe,” Wolfe said.

The tribe he’s describing? That can be anyone who wants to put nutritious, tasty food in their belly and wants to know where it comes from; those folks out there who keep their body moving and love nature; and residents who try to connect with their community.

Wolfe cares about the shoppers who pull into the parking lot, hopping out with eyes for what’s in season today. A message board greets them as they walk under the roll-up doors into a wonderland of produce. Push pins hold event notices and highlight the next North Coast Hiking Club meet-up. Kids can pick up a good read in the book exchange. And he shares the lot with the Estero Bay Kindness Coalition, an organization that distributes groceries to families in need.

As the bright orange and red tomatoes of summer give way to autumn’s kabocha and spaghetti squash, Reed avocados from a few miles up Highway 1 are $1 a piece on a recent September day. You should eat these avocados, he explained, when you almost can’t stand it anymore.

They should be squishy and wrinkly.

“Then it’s ready to eat,” Wolfe said. “Perfect on the inside, and the top comes out like a pin. You just push it out with your finger.”

That’s a tip from a produce profes sional.

Wolfe can offer prices like his because of how he builds relationships with local producers, and he’s trying to fight inflation by sourcing even more local items than he has in the past.

Similar to everyone, the Avocado Shack has had to make choices about what and how it purchases. The choices that Wolfe is making are driving him even deeper into his philosophy of having the right relationships with people who grow food in the right way as close to the Shack as possible.

His relationship with Hearst Ranch is a great example. From October through March, Hearst’s Hass avocados roll through the Shack and Wolfe also sells Hearst beef, from rib eyes and flank steak to ground beef and chuck roast.

That ground beef is $5.99 a pound. Eggs from Los Osos Ranch? $3.99 a dozen. Brian’s organic bread made in Atascadero? $3.99 a loaf. A 12 ounce bag of locally roasted coffee from someplace like Joebella or SLO Roast? $9.99.

“We take care of our own, give them good food, ensure good quality while keeping prices down,” Wolfe said. “That’s my challenge.”

Find the result at 2190 Main St. in Morro Bay and online at avocadoshack.net or @avocadoshack on Instagram. ❉

AVOCADO SHACK

Also available:

additional

The FountainPavilion

a beautifully remodeled facility at the Santa Maria Fairpark

& parties for 50 to 250 people

rental rates

Very accommodating

paint color & wood flooring to

vision for the special occasion.

Park

for large weddings/

for up to

and

people

Fairpark is easy for guests

locate

THE NUMBER ONE

THE AMBER

THE TURKEY VEGGIE

ITALIANO

BLT&A

MEAT LOVERS

THE GOBBLER

Hernandez is the chef and owner of Clean Machine Meals. With more than 15 years of cooking experience under his belt, he has worked and been the sous chef/chef of a few big restaurants on the Central Coast: Villa Creek and Thomas Hill Organics in Paso Robles, and Sidecar in San Luis Obispo, just to name a few. Ryan has a passion for food that tastes great but doesn’t impact your health negatively. He wants to take care of all your meal planning and prepping, so you can spend more time doing the things

love with the people you love and less time cooking and washing dishes.

BAYSIDE CAFE

HOMESTYLE HAMBURGER

beef on a

“CATCH OF THE DAY” SANDWICH

Charbroiled

BEEF

French

CLUB SANDWICH

turkey, bacon

SANDWICH

toasted whole wheat bread.

CALAMARI STRIPS

SPINACH SALAD

CAESAR SALAD

salad

wheat bread.

CRAB CAKE SANDWICH

CALIFORNIA CLAM CHOWDER

CHARBROILED SALMON

Served with rice pilaf & vegetables.

SHRIMP SCAMPI

Capers, lemon, garlic, tomatoes, green onions, with white wine butter & a dash of cream tossed with linguine.

SEAFOOD PASTA

Scallops, clams, shrimp, lobster & assorted fresh fish in light mushroom basil cream sauce. Tossed with linguine.

COQUILLES ST. JACQUE

Puff pastry topped with mushrooms & large scallops sauteed in sherry & cream. Served with rice pilaf.

BLACKENED AHI

Pan seared served with ancho cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes & vegetables.

GRILLED MANGO SPRING ROLLS

Served with Asian dipping sauces.

BAYSIDE STEAMERS

Clams, mussels, crab claws, scallops, lobster, & shrimp with white wine, lemon, & green onion. Enough for two.

TENDER SLOW ROASTED TRI-TIP

Served with garlic mashed potatoes, with vegetables & creamed horseradish sauce.

CHICKEN MARSALA

8 oz. boneless chicken breast topped with marsala mushroom cream sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes & vegetables.

FRIED BRIE SALAD

A wedge of breaded, deep-fried Brie on top of mixed greens, with fresh fruit, and candied pecans, served with balsamic vinaigrette.

SCALLOPS ON FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

Topped with spicy scallion aioli.

located

a retail destination in downtown San Luis Obispo.

inside

offer authentic, homemade Italian dining and catering with slow-simmered sauces and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As part of our authentic Italian dining experience, we prepare some of our signature dishes such as our famous Fettuccine

your table. It can’t get any fresher than

About Mama!

THE CONCEPT

The word Mistura brings together the essence of Peru, a vision of its people and cuisine, a wondrous blend of cultures of priceless heritage. Our Mistura is a modern Peruvian restaurant that is as lively as the country and biodiversity it celebrates. Mistura captures the multicultural spirit of Peru, combining its native Incan and Pre-Columbian culinary heritage with the Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese influences that embody the country’s flavorful cuisine. Mistura is an authentic tribute to the diversity of Peruvian food, proposing familiar yet unexpected and adventurous flavors.

Chef

BANQUET

· PRIVATE DINING · CATERING

Life's Too shorT... have a

Winemakers of tomorrow

By Malea Martin

students enrolled in Allan Hancock College’s Viticulture and Enology Program, learning isn’t limited to the classroom.

For

“Today, we started at 6:30 a.m.,” Hancock Viticulture and Enology Program Coordinator Alfredo Koch said on a Wednesday afternoon in October. “We went to the vineyard, and normally we have a few students harvesting. We harvest, and then the other students continue working at the winery, processing the grapes.”

Many students enter the program directly from high school as full-time students, Koch said, but others are working in the industry, so they take one or two courses. The beauty of Hancock’s Viticulture and Enology Program is that it’s flexible.

With a vineyard and winery on campus, students get to experience all aspects of viticulture (the science of making wine) in one place. From growing to harvesting to wine marketing and sales, students receive a holistic, multidisciplinary education.

“The students can learn from our instructors, who have masters’ and PhDs, but they have also worked in the industry,” Koch said. “All of us can convey the real experience from working at vineyards, wineries, all over. Some have close to 40 years of experience.”

Students who graduate from the program can go straight into the industry or can continue their education at a fouryear university. Koch said many of his students go on to attend Cal Poly, UC Davis, or Fresno State.

Nic Tasca, a viticulture program graduate and once co-president of the student Viticulture Club at Hancock, graduated with his viticulture associate

degree in 2019. He loved the experience so much that he pursued another degree in agricultural science at Hancock, continuing his involvement with the viticulture and enology program.

He said he often met people in the area and would speak with folks who attended the program’s wine tastings.

“I always encourage them to take one class and say ‘You’re going to meet so many great people,’” Tasca said. “The instructors here are willing to meet with you in their office hours and actually talk. They really want to see the students succeed.”

For students who wish to experience another country’s winemaking techniques, Hancock partners with the University of Bordeaux in France.

“We have an agreement so our students can actually finish their degree and get their bachelor’s in France if they want to,” Koch said. “it’s maybe one of the largest universities in the world for wine and viticulture.”

But students don’t have to leave the country to get that international taste.

“We have visiting professors from Australia, France, Spain to teach how we do things in other places,” Koch said. “It’s great to get exposure from different areas.”

The Viticulture and Enology Program is also distinguished by its cutting edge winemaking technology, which includes a focus on sustainability—decreased pesticide use and organic/biodynamic farming.

Hancock continues to churn out award winning wines: Koch said that Wine Enthusiast Magazine has given top-notch scores to six of the programs wines, which can be purchased at hancockcollege.edu/ winery.