Chef John Cox’ Refined Ranch Cuisine is Founded on the Rich Ecosystem of the Parker Ranch in Foxen Canyon
Wagyu Cattle, Chicken, Quail, Pigs and Produce Raised on the Ranch to Supply the Restaurant
LOS OLIVOS, California; March 2017 – Eli and Ashley Parker of the Parker Hospitality Family announce their restaurant, The Bear and Star, opening in April 2017 at 2860 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos, the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. The restaurant features refined ranch cuisine inspired by the Santa Ynez Valley and the heritage of the Parker family.
Leading the culinary team is celebrated Chef/Partner John Cox, who earned accolades for his work at Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Cox is supported by the talents of Santa Barbara native Chef Jeremy Tummel and Sous Chef Trent Shank. Overseeing the restaurant and beverage program is General Manager Andrew Scherer.
The Bear and Star refined ranch cuisine model is intrinsically intertwined to the 714 acre Fess Parker Home Ranch located seven miles away on Foxen Canyon. 75 head of Wagyu cattle are raised and finished with the spent grains and pomace from the family brewery and winery. Also raised on the ranch are chickens, quail, rabbits, pigs, and bees, and a number of heirloom fruits and organic vegetables for use at the restaurant. With this all-encompassing ecosystem developed under John Cox’s passion and vision, the Parker family links their lasting history and expertise in hospitality, wine-making, and ranching to the dining experience. Chef Cox’s extensive culinary background in both California and Texas – shared by founder Fess Parker – creates a style that is singular to The Bear and Star and the town of Los Olivos.
There are four distinct environments within the restaurant space: The Dining Room; Wine Room for local winemakers and private functions; Chef’s Room for classes and small dining groups; and the Bar/Lounge. Integral to the restaurant is the 30′ custom reverse-flow Texas smoker housed at the Home Ranch, the source for slow smoking and barbecuing many of the selections on the menu. Designed by Chef Cox, the mobile smoker is a self-contained wood-fired kitchen with a pizza oven, Big Green Egg, sink, onboard refrigeration and lighting.
Breakfast, lunch and brunch service takes place on the front terrace and cozy bar/lounge facing Grand Avenue where guests may observe the comings and goings of Los Olivos locals. The 50 seat dining room for evening service is a perfect blend of sophistication and rustic elegance. This space features jewel tones of garnet and ruby with lush oversized chairs and velvet banquettes accented with kilim pillows, dark barn wood floors and sleek marble surfaces. The design by Oliva Villaluz’s results in an elegantly casual feel designed to complement Chef Cox’s refined ranch menu.
“John and his team are incredibly talented and passionate about this ambitious project. Connecting the restaurant to our family ranch is something we’ve always dreamed about, and with John’s guidance, it’s finally coming to fruition. What a great fit with the Parkers,” states Eli Parker. “Ash and I are very excited to share the refined ranch cuisine concept with our Valley locals and visitors.”
The restaurant is open daily for breakfast from 7:00-10:30 a.m.; full day menu for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.and serves brunch on weekends from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Bar and Star Bar serves from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 midnight.
ABOUT THE FESS PARKER FAMILY:
Since the late 80s, the Parker family has focused their time, energy and resources on building a hospitality portfolio around the beauty and bounty of Santa Barbara County. The acquisition of 714 acres on the venerable Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in 1987 set the stage for the establishment of the Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard. With an emphasis on estate-grown Rhône varietals, the wines consistently earn 90+ point ratings from top wine critics around the world. The launch of The Bear and Star Restaurant, nestled within the Wine Country Inn, is the latest endeavor of this wine, food and hospitality-loving family enterprise.
The Bear and Star
2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441
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