LOS OLIVES, Calif.(PRWEB) November 16, 2022

Set on 6.5 acres surrounded by vineyards and olive trees in the Santa Ynez Valley, Mattei’s Tavern’s restaurant and bar opens today as one of California’s most highly anticipated new restaurants. Helmed by Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, the ranch-inspired Californian restaurant features bountiful local ingredients from nearby farmers, ranchers and fishermen. Just two hours from Los Angeles, Mattei’s Tavern adds to the growing culinary scene of the Santa Ynez Valley, which has gained recognition over the last several years as a city escape for culinary aficionados and wine lovers alike, with its Michelin-caliber restaurants, award-winning wineries and thriving farms and ranches. Abalone Seafood

Considered the social center of the Santa Ynez Valley through the 1930s, Mattei’s Tavern has remained a lively local landmark, revered and enjoyed for generations. Building on a legacy dating back to its 1886 origin as a charming stagecoach stop to its later years as a prohibition-era speakeasy and automobile touring stopover, Mattei’s Tavern brings all of the elements that have made this destination beloved since its origins, while infusing new inspiration into each of its dishes.

Mattei’s Tavern spotlights flavorful dishes with honest ingredients, many of which are harvested from Mattei’s on-site garden and local California farms, such as Finley Farms in Santa Ynez Valley, Tutti Frutti in Lompoc and The Cultured Abalone Farm out of Goleta. The core menu offers grilled proteins and vegetables, classically prepared and approachable, alongside revolving seasonal specials. Driven by live fire techniques and locally harvested ingredients, each of Chef Magbitang’s dishes are thoughtfully composed and elevated, yet unfussy. Menu highlights include starters such as sweetbreads with sunchokes, roasted grapes, mizuna, oxtail jus and Santa Barbara abalone with king oyster mushrooms, white miso butter, sea beans. Salads showcase seasonal flavors, with favorites including a warm bean salad with haricot vert, braised heirloom beans, ricotta salata and trufflebert hazelnuts and sprouting broccoli with snow peas, watercress, red chili flakes and poppy seeds. More substantial entrees from the grill include a whole local fish with Tehachapi heritage grains salad, roasted cauliflower and caramelized zucchini yogurt served on a charred wood cutting board.

As the new executive chef at Mattei’s Tavern, Magbitang brings her experience of working with some of the most notable chefs and restaurants in the culinary world. The story of her career begins in the kitchen of her childhood home in the Philippines, where she often cooked for her five siblings. Only two decades later, she was working for some of the world’s most renowned chefs including José Andrés and Suzanne Goin. Prior to joining Mattei’s Tavern, Magbitang served as executive chef of the iconic Chateau Marmont, and more recently, she held the same role at Petit Ermitage in Los Angeles.

“I’m thrilled to be part of a restaurant and property with such a rich history, and in a destination that is quickly becoming known for its talented culinary players,” said Chef Rhoda Magbitang. “The Santa Ynez Valley has given me the opportunity to work with some of the most outstanding and dynamic ingredients, farmers and ranchers.”

A curated selection of historically driven craft cocktails are featured on Mattei’s Tavern bar menu, like the signature Old Fashioned, "Old Gus Berg," named after Felix Mattei's right-hand man and long time maitre d’. Preferably enjoyed outdoors under the vine-covered trellis, which is open year-round, the cocktail list features innovative botanic-driven tonics and perfectly executed classics, all of which serve as the vehicle to deliver the many house infused spirits. The comprehensive wine list is California-focused with many wines available by the glass, while the large cellar holds some of the finest from across the Central Coast and beyond.

Designed by AvroKO, Mattei’s Tavern’s rich, layered interior nods to its storied and patinated past with original architectural elements and historic references, while new touches of caramel and greenish-gray leathers, ranch-inspired metals and natural and charred oaks define the palette and create a timeless warmth. The Mattei’s Tavern Bar has retained the historic design that made it famous for the past 90 years. In contrast to the darker bar lounge space, the adjoining restaurant is set aglow with golden California light and a wood-fired grill welcomes guests into the open kitchen—the heart of the restaurant. Mattei’s Tavern houses original paintings and sketches by Clarence Mattei (founders Felix and Lucy Mattei’s son), including the notable Pinochle, featuring his father and longtime friend playing their favorite card game, the namesake of the soon-to-be-coveted private dining room.

Mattei’s Tavern is now open for dinner on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The Mattei’s Tavern Bar and Lounge is open on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling 805.695.4783 or booking on https://www.opentable.com/r/matteis-tavern-los-olivos. The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection is slated to open in February 2023 and will have 67 guestrooms and cottage-style accommodations.

About Mattei’s Tavern Mattie’s Tavern is a California ranch-inspired restaurant and bar in Los Olivos, CA located at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection. Helmed by Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, the menu boasts flavorful dishes and honest ingredients, many from local farmers and purveyors. The comprehensive wine list is California-focused, complimented by an extensive cellar of Old World favorites. Considered the social center of the Santa Ynez Valley through the 1930s, Mattei’s Tavern has remained a lively local landmark, revered and enjoyed for generations. Building on a legacy dating back to its 1886 origin as a charming stagecoach stop to its later years as a prohibition-era speakeasy and automobile touring stopover, Mattei’s Tavern brings all of the flavors that has made this destination great since its origins, while infusing new inspiration into each of its dishes.

About Auberge Resorts Collection Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 23 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.

For more information: aubergeresorts.com

Connect with Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge

About The Friedkin Group The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit http://www.friedkin.com.

Media Contact Murphy O’Brien Public Relations mattei’s@murphyobrien.com

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