Amuse Bouche: Summer 2025
By Renee Ror
Just Around the Bend
FARMstead ED and the SLO County Farm Trail present their 5th annual Open Farm Days. Local farms and ranches, many of which rarely open to the public, will swing open their gates to welcome both tourists and residents June 20–22. Visitors can explore, meet and greet animals in their barnyards and taste the freshness of locally grown produce and products. This three-day agricultural experience kicks off with a Friday Night Marketplace in Paso Robles’ Downtown City Park, where city dwellers will meet local farmers and purveyors.
Welcome to the Block
Let’s give a warm welcome to Luca’s Deli and Wine, one of the newest businesses to open in the quaint Village of Arroyo Grande neighborhood, a half-mile-long block known for its mix of shopping, dining and wine tasting options. Chef Genuino (Jerry) D’alo took his 30 years of experience as a chef and restaurateur in the San Francisco and East Bay communities and opened the South County shop in January. He previously ran two Sicilian restaurants (with accolades in Bon Appétit magazine and Michelin Guide recommendations). Named after Chef’s youngest son, Luca’s has the character, energy and vibe of a Sicilian aperitivo or cicchetti café, complete with the music, aromas, food, wine and warmth. 134 West Branch Street in Arroyo Grande. lucasdeliandwine.com @lucasdeliandwine
A Market Milestone
Family-operated business Rocky Canyon Farms celebrates 35 years of feeding the community. Their produce can be purchased directly at farmers’ markets year-round in Baywood, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and Hollywood, and seasonally in Atascadero, Arroyo Grande and Cambria. What started as a senior project at Cal Poly has become Owners Greg and Lisa Nauta’s way of life — their three children assist with various farm operations. Rocky Canyon naturally and sustainably grows produce including various melons, tomatoes, corn, peppers, squash and cucumbers, and produces grass-fed beef, organically fed pork, turkey, chicken and eggs. In Atascadero. @rockycanyonfarms
Spinning Plates
Niner Wine Estates welcomes Brendan Collins, an impressive name in the culinary world, to lead their restaurant. With previous work at multiple Michelin-starred establishments across California (including Melisse, Providence and Maude), he returns to the Central Coast with a focus on creating fresh, seasonal, ingredient-driven menus. He uses the onsite chef’s garden and produce sourced from local favorite farms and producers to create plates that visitors can enjoy with the wines. Plans also include working alongside Niner’s winemakers to design creative, marquee dinners and events throughout the year with extensive pairing menus. 2400 Highway 46 West in Paso Robles. ninerwine.com @ninerwineestates
Making Its Mark
Fascinated by the secret life of bees? Here’s a chance to see into a hive. San Luis Obispo honey maker The California Bee Company is known for its high-quality raw sage honey and smaller batches of whatever the bees bring in, such as oak, toyon, blackberry and wildflower. The business also produces a weekly educational video on YouTube where 200,000 subscribers tune in for highlights of the beekeepers’ experiences out in nature with their bees. Many of the videos capture hidden parts of the life of bees and beekeepers, with intricate, up-close angles. It’s the brainchild of Owners Jeremy and Virginia Rose. New Instagram videos are posted daily to show the inner workings of their hives of bred and raised bees. 2345 See Canyon Road in San Luis Obispo. californiabeecompany.com Instagram and YouTube: @californiabeecompany
Revitalization
Inspired by recent documentaries and books that shed light on the concept of regenerative farming, husband and wife duo Matt Schwartz and Jean Duong launched MJ Family Farms. The regenerative, first-generation family farm is located in a tough climate zone. But the pair continually tests new methods with no chemical inputs and minimal mechanical farm work to produce first-rate food. They’re raising over 450 animals, including 340 laying hens, 120 laying ducks, about 20 kunekune swine and 10 head of cattle. All of the animals are raised on the pasture year-round and are instrumental in the restorative cycle of animal and plant growth. Find their farmstand at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market and the Thursday Morro Bay Farmer’s Market, and visit the farm for interactive farm tours. In Creston. mjfamilyfarms.com @mjfamilyfarms
At Long Last
The Too Good To Go app aims to reduce waste by connecting customers with surplus items of food from local cafés, restaurants and bakeries. Now active in San Luis Obispo, the app is a marketplace of items at their sell-by date, offered at a significantly reduced price. The business combats food waste while allowing local businesses to clear out unsold food, before items get stale and thrown away. Area businesses that currently partner with Too Good To Go include Neighborhood Acai and Juice Bar, Proof & Gather Baking Company, Lassens and House of Bread, among others. toogoodtogo.com @toogoodtogo.usa
