Rancho el Rincon

The mother and son team of Jehanne and Nick Brown host us for another night in their beautiful orchards, a Mediterranean paradise on California’s Central Coast. Nick grew up on the ranch and spent his teen years manning the family’s table at the local farmers market. Now, in addition to overseeing the orchards, he helms Rincon Tropics, which delivers California sunshine in the form of fresh fruit straight to customers’ homes across the U.S. and to Michelin-starred restaurants up and down the Central Coast and SoCal. Nick will teach us about finger lime “caviar”; how to eat a creamy cherimoya; and what to do with passion fruit pulp. Where will we set the table? Perhaps under citrus trees with bright fruit glowing like string lights in the boughs above. Maybe between rows of guava, dragon fruit or pomegranate. Before we enter the bower for dinner, we’ll feast on coastal views of the sparkling Pacific and the distant dark bumps across the waves that are the Channel Islands. This is a very special place, and our guest chef will honor it with a meal to celebrate its natural grandeur. Inspired by the area’s abundant produce and coastal vibes, Chef Josh Pressman turns out small plates and delish pizzas from the wood-fired oven at Bettina. Josh came out to Rancho el Rincon with us last year, and we’re stoked to have him back again!