Solvang CA— Following the success of The Alisal’s past California Ranch Cookouts over the past two years, the guest chef series at the luxury dude ranch resort in Solvang, CA has been extended through the end of the year, confirming several upcoming 2021 dates: Ray Garcia on August 24, followed by Sam Jones on October 7, and concluding the year with Tiffani Thiessen on November 13. Exclusively available to hotel guests and members of the ranch, these California Ranch Cookouts are a one-night-only dinner prepared by the guest chef alongside Director of Culinary Operations Chef Anthony Endy. The Cookouts feature curated menus to highlight the unique talent of each visiting chef. Recent menus have featured everything from fresh California fare to unique vegetarian cuisine, as well as The Alisal’s signature world-class BBQ cooking, to create a memorable outdoor dining experience for resort guests and members of The Alisal to enjoy.
Celebrity Chef Ray Garcia will team up with Chef Endy for a California Ranch Cookout on the evening of Tuesday, August 24. Known for his beloved Los Angeles restaurants Broken Spanish and B.S. Taqueria, Garcia draws his culinary inspiration from the rich culture of Los Angeles, Southern California’s abundant produce, and his classic training. This results in Garcia’s bright, bold, and ingredient-driven food that expresses a Mexican-American narrative. For this, he has received national recognition and overwhelming hometown support in the city of Los Angeles that has drawn critical focus and praise on an international level.
On Thursday, October 7, The Alisal will welcome Sam Jones, who is a third-generation pit master. Jones began his career in the barbecue business at an early age, helping his grandfather and uncle at the famous Skylight Inn in his hometown of Ayden, NC which he now oversees, in addition to Sam Jones BBQ in Winterville and Raleigh. In 2003, the Skylight Inn received the James Beard Award for America’s Classics, earning the distinction of being the first barbecue joint to ever receive an award from the esteemed culinary organization. In his debut cookbook Whole Hog BBQ: The Gospel of Carolina Barbecue with Recipes from Skylight Inn and Sam Jones BBQ (Ten Speed Press), he teamed up with barbecue expert Daniel Vaughn to share his best stories, recipes, and family secrets.
Actress and cookbook author Tiffani Thiessen joins Chef Endy on Saturday, November 13 for the final cookout of 2021. Fresh off the Emmy-nominated Netflix original “Alexa & Katie,” Thiessen is also known for her first cookbook, Pull Up a Chair, which was published in October 2018. For three seasons, Tiffani hosted “Dinner at Tiffani’s” on Food Network, which became one of the most-watched shows on the network. Now, her current projects include hosting MTV’s “Deliciousness” and appearing on Peacock’s “Saved By The Bell.”
Past California Ranch Cookout guest chefs have included David Lentz, Suzanne Goin, Brooke Williamson, Ben Ford, Nyesha Arrington, Burt Bakman, Neal Fraser, and more.
The California Cookouts rotate between the Rodeo Arena and the Oval Lawn, two spacious and unique al fresco dining spaces at the ranch. Both locations sit amidst the beautiful rolling hills of the resort’s property, making for a wide-open backdrop to the cookout experience.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort Ranch, 1054 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463
- August 24, 2021 – Ray Garcia
- October 7, 2021 – Sam Jones
- November 13, 2021 – Tiffani Thiessen