Farm-to-table, field-to-fork, crop-to-face: call it what you will. What these phrases connote—sourcing ingredients locally—is often blurred by vague media jargon and slick marketing tricks. What does “local” truly mean, anyway? Does it mean an on-site edible garden located just steps away from the restaurant or are we talking about trucked-in produce hailing from some 200 miles away (or more)? The question remains: How do you really know you’re getting the finest farm fresh, sustainably sourced grub?
At Centrally Grown in Cambria, all you have to do is stroll the lush grounds to see how deep their local roots reach. With a seasonal-driven restaurant, farm-to-glass bar, eco-conscious deli, and locally inspired market, you can truly take in the natural wonder of the area with every one of your senses.
The Grounds: An Enchanting Coastal Escape
Taste just how delicious the Central Coast can taste, all while surrounded by sweeping ocean views, blossoming edible gardens, custom sculptures, and sustainable water features. Procure a few gourmet nibbles from the Market and spread out for a pastoral picnic overlooking the craggy Cambria coast, or book the green grounds for your next wedding, corporate event, romantic getaway or family vacation. Located near Hearst Castle, Moonstone Beach, and San Simeon State Park Campground, there are plenty of ways to spend the day, weekend, or week exploring this cool coastal playground.
The Bar: Wine, Beer, & Cocktails, The Central Coast Way
Open from noon to 11 p.m., there is always something crave-worthy being poured, shaken, or stirred at the cozy Guest Nest Bar. Here, herb-infused craft cocktails collide with an array of exquisite local beer and wine offerings. Sip on spectacular local vino produced by award-winning wineries like Lone Madrone, Opolo, Sextant & Shale Oak in Paso Robles, Cutruzzola Vineyards in Cambria and Harmony Cellars in Harmony. Welcome to “happy hour,” Central Coast style.
The Restaurant: Grown Here, Eaten Here
You know you’re truly getting farm-to-table treatment when the recipes change with the seasons. Celebrate the vibrant deliciousness of spring, summer, fall and winter on the Central Coast with Centrally Grown’s relaxed-yet-refined Guest Nest Restaurant. The eatery’s culinary team brings unabashed creativity to every dish, showcasing exceptional ingredients sourced from a thriving onsite edible garden and surrounding local farms. Here, no two menus are ever the same—and that’s a fact that will keep you coming back for more.
The Market: Homegrown Provisions
The Central Coast is known for it’s incredible bounty: wine, nuts, fruits, meats, olive oils, veggies, dairy—the list goes on. So, why not get all of your goodies (and edible souvenirs) all in one stop? Centrally Grown’s Market is a lot like a local farmer’s market and gourmet deli rolled into one (basically, a locavore lover’s dream). Fine cheeses, fresh-squeezed juices, and unique treats created by an onsite pastry chef come together to create a cornucopia of Central Coast colors, flavors, and textures. Enjoy natural, organic and sustainably-harvest fish, beef, sandwiches and salads and be sure to try the herb shortbread cookies made from rosemary, lemon, and lavender grown onsite. Other items not to be missed: a grown-up “pop tart,” created with juicy berries, fresh baked sweet loaves, and Paso Robles-made Leo Leo Gelato, a Wine Country favorite.
Centrally Made: The Gift Shop
The gift shop features pieces from local artists and craftsmen. Whether it’s a souvenir for yourself or a gift for a friend, they have many unique items to choose from.
Checkout the gift shop Mon-Thur, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Fri-Sun, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
This blog post was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. She can be reached at [email protected].
