There are countless reasons to meet in the coastal California counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, but the compelling cuisine of the region should be front and center on any agenda.
With a focus on freshness and creativity, the area’s edible offerings can be found in places ranging from the obvious to the unexpected.
Here’s a look at some of the tastiest temptations in the region.
San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County is a haven for hungry diners on the lookout for fresh fare—and for top chefs seeking to work with a bounty of ingredients.
“Because we are one of the most abundant agricultural communities, more and more talented chefs—weary of the pretentious ‘celebrity chef scene’ in major cities—are drawn to our community to practice and hone their craft in a place where every ingredient is fresh, the community is laid-back, but the patrons are still sophisticated enough to challenge them,” says Stacie Jacob, executive director of Visit San Luis Obispo County.
In Pismo Beach, the Cooking School at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa presents a program that typically begins with a pair of executive chefs from the Hotel Lido demonstrating the preparation of a wide variety of seasonal ingredients. Then it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor with a multicourse meal paired with regional wine and beer.
You never forget your first crush, and groups are likely to remember a First Crush Winemaking Experience, where they are taken to some of the county’s top vineyards to partake in nearly every aspect of the winemaking (and drinking!) process, from picking to sipping.
Treks of a tasty—and thrilling—kind are offered by Central Coast Food Tours, which features a Sip and Sail outing that takes groups out on the ocean aboard a 44-foot sailing ship for three hours of drinking and dining, and a Sip and Zip tour boasting four exhilarating zipline rides over the vineyards of Santa Margarita Ranch, wine tasting and a tour, and dinner at a local restaurant or a catered gourmet picnic.
The county’s restaurant scene is also hotter than ever. The acclaimed Artisan opened in its new location on 12th Street in Paso Robles, and the new La Cosecha Bar & Restaurant features Spanish and American plates utilizing local ingredients.
And while the Paso Robles Inn might be the oldest in town, it also offers some fresh foodie fun with its new chef’s kitchen garden to enhance its renowned Steakhouse.
Santa Barbara County
Ever-popular as a prominent California wine region, Santa Barbara County also has an enticing food landscape.
Spare Parts Bistro, for example, is a cool melding of supper club dining and “pop-up” restaurant, with a new menu each week, plus an exceptional dining setting that is kept secret until attendees RSVP. The creative five-course meals take place in offbeat and innovative venues around the city.
Studio Nihon brings a totally different element to group dining, with experiences showcasing Japanese culture and cuisine. Options range from catered five-course meals to sushi-making lessons and sake tasting.PageBreak
Savor Santa Barbara food tours are another tasty option. The 3.5-hour strolls are divided into seven distinctive tasting experiences.
Santa Barbara’s Silvergreens restaurant debuted a new corporate wellness program, Protein, Greens & Grains, serving meals intended to boost and sustain natural energy—and increase productivity.
Other news includes the opening of Bacara Resort’s new beachside restaurant, the Bistro, melding Italian recipes with the freshest local ingredients, and showcasing Chef Chris Turano, who “won” the position by out-cooking the heated competition on the Food Network’s Chef Wanted show.
Of course, fresh fare and Santa Barbara aren’t exactly a brand-new matchup.
“Farm-to-table was never a trend that came to Santa Barbara,” says Jaime Shaw, communications associate with Visit Santa Barbara. “It’s just the way it’s always been here, from budget to luxury dining options.”
Ventura County
Ventura County has some fresh flavors that are sure to satisfy attendees.
At Oxnard’s Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort, the Coastal Grill has a breathtaking beachfront setting and the colorful fare to match it, as well as locally brewed craft beer.
Meanwhile, a gamut of fresh flavors awaits guests at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, where several dining spots, including the enchanting Maravilla, focus on locally grown and homemade ingredients.
Ventura Food Tours is another tempting option, focusing on the shops and eateries along Ventura’s charming main street. The three-hour treks stop at a variety of places. Going beyond the fun of just feasting, the tours also include chats with chefs and culinary experts, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about anything from wine-pairing to chocolate-making. The company also conducts a similar epicurean exploration in nearby Ojai.
For something casual and different, consider grabbing some sandwiches or other take-out fare to Institution Ale, a new microbrewery in Camarillo that has taken the concept of quality over quantity quite seriously—only brewing 500 barrels annually. A cozy tasting room handles intimate groups, and space is available for larger gatherings.
Seafood fans seeking an unforgettable experience won’t want to miss a visit to San Buenaventura State Park. That’s where the Jolly Oyster—an oyster and clam farm headquartered in Baja, Calif.—operates an alfresco dining stop where groups can buy shellfish to go, stick around and shuck and grill their own mouthwatering meal, or partake of their popular food truck.
Another compelling offering is Limoneira, a thriving Santa Paula-based agribusiness producing lemons, avocados, oranges and more. The sprawling ranch campus offers a visitor center and areas for catered events.
