Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos! Revival!
As we have made overabundatnly obvious by our frequent outpouring of love for the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Olivos, CA, we are smitten by the area. Picturesque rolling hills, vines that go on for miles, casual cowboy towns with just the right dose of sophistication, lots and lots of wine, and sensational food, what's not to love?
Mattei's Tavern is not only charm worthy enough to grace a post card, but the latest revival inside the kitchen is beyond delicious. Chef Robbie Wilson delighted diners in Nashville and Aspen before relocating to Los Olivos to deliver grilled avocado with ponzu sauce (whoever knew such a simple dish could be so divine?), octopus a la plancha, Morro Bay's Greatest Hits (a selection of fresh oysters), short rib pot roast, trout... the list goes on. Each dish we tried was a success.
The interiors have been refreshed - the bar area is now streamlined and quite sleek as is the area back by the open kitchen. If you long for the old school vibe of yesteryear, the red room dining room conjures up 1886 and the side porch is still perhaps our favorite spot.
We'll be back to continue working our way down the menu! xox