A Meal in the Clouds

Farm to Table dining at Rancho el Rincon

WORDS Ninette Paloma

Jim Denevan really knows how to throw a party. For over two decades, his company Outstanding in the Field has taken the farm to table experience directly to the source, partnering up with farmers across the globe for once- in- a- lifetime dining experiences that revere the stories of the land and its people.

For his Central Coast stop, he collaborated with the Brown family of Rancho El Rincon; the stellar team at Bettina Pizzeria; and Drake Whitcraft of Whitcraft Winery to host an unforgettable celebration of food and farming, the American Riviera way.

Elevated on the coastal foothill mountains of Carpinteria, guests enjoyed views of the Channel Islands while sipping Whitcraft wine and indulging in Brendan Smith's naturally leavened pizza topped with ricotta and preserved lemons and fragrant tarragon. Just before the sun began to set, sixth-generation farmers Nick and Christine Brown lead guests on a tour of their property, where ancient avocado trees rub shoulders with new cherimoya varietals. By the time we were ushered to our dining area, which snaked across the hill's expanse in a dramatic flourish of linen- topped tables and mismatched plates, the pink hues of a Central Coast sunset began its striking display.

Bettina's head chef Josh Pressman curated a seasonal menu honoring the area's agricultural bounty, including fruit and herbs harvested directly on site. Shaved Brussels sprouts, hearty broad beans and peppery greens kicked up a salad, while large wooden boards of sustainable beef fresh off the grill dressed the already full tables.

When plates of the restaurant's signature olive oil cake kissed with a dollop of fresh cream and tangy passionfruit coulis arrived with a procession of petite lanterns, the table burst into hearty applause. From our vantage point, we could see the 101 backing up slightly with visitors eager to begin their weekend on the American Riviera, so we filled our glasses with the last of the wine, in no rush to return home.

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