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A taste of California

Dining at Alisal Ranch

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sea urchin and shrimp on ice
Seasonal, hearty cuisine

Ranch-style dining

Our chefs have a deep reverence for the region’s bounty and a commitment to timeless food made from seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re having a casual bite on the golf course, or a more formal dining experience in the Ranch Room, your meal will beautifully embrace the essence of California cuisine and the heartiness of Western ranch cooking. You’ll also love our special events and festivities like alfresco barbecues at the Rodeo. In other words, get ready for your palette to be delighted.

Experience the best of Alisal Ranch
Culinary Experiences

From special holiday meals, to signature events like our BBQ Bootcamp, there is always something new to discover on the culinary scene at Alisal Ranch.

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Meet the Culinary Team

Our talented, highly acclaimed culinary team comprises diverse chefs with unique skills and backgrounds.

Chef Craig Riker
Chef Craig Riker
Director of Culinary Operations

Executive Chef Craig Riker oversees every aspect of the culinary offerings at Alisal Ranch.

Riker started his career as a sous chef at Santa Monica’s Michelin-starred Rustic Canyon under the tutelage of Chef Evan Funke, who is known for his celebrated Los Angeles restaurants Felix and Mother Wolf. Riker then moved on to roles with Forbes Five-Star hotels including Montage Beverly Hills, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, and Belmond El Encanto, where he crafted unforgettable culinary experiences for a discerning, exclusive clientele.

Riker also served as the Executive Sous Chef for the opening of Mastro’s Ocean Club in Malibu, and later the Executive Chef of Oliver’s in Montecito–where he created award-winning, plant-based cuisine. Prior to joining the Alisal Ranch team, Riker helmed the reimagined Finch & Fork as Executive Chef at the Kimpton Canary Hotel.

A graduate of the California School of Culinary Arts’ Le Cordon Bleu Programme in Pasadena, Riker boasts more than 15 years in the hospitality industry.  He is passionate about highlighting the abundant flavors of California’s central coast, and we are delighted to have him doing so here at Alisal Ranch.

Dining at Alisal Ranch

Explore your options

Whether you’re in the mood for something simple, or you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, our dining options are sure to delight. Please note that our menus change frequently, depending on seasonality and to highlight local products at their peak.

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Featured recipes

Bring a taste of Alisal Ranch to your home kitchen with these selected recipes from our chefs. Enjoy! 

close up view of smoked beef ribs
Smoked Beef Ribs

You will learn the tips and tricks for creating flavorful delicious ribs using Chef Endy’s recipe and the Big Green Egg.

bistro chocolate cake
Bistro Chocolate Cake

In this video you will get step-by-step directions for creating dessert perfection, using Big Green Egg cookers, quality ingredients and some time honored outdoor cooking methods.

shrimp on a grill
Shrimp Skewers — Alisal Style

You can almost taste the plump grilled shrimp and smoky sausage in this video.

black and blue bread pudding
Black & Blue Bread Pudding

Chef Gordon was recently at Alisal Ranch and demonstrated how outdoor Big Green Egg cookers can be used to make mouthwatering baked goods.