The Santa Maria Valley is known for its oak-grilled beef barbecue. Often served at Outdoor Barbeques cook wagons, these meals are an essential part of a ranching community’s weekend culture. Whether you visit a renowned tavern or cook your own, the beef is usually cut from local cattle. A linguica sausage, a cured Portuguese sausage, is sometimes grilled and sliced alongside the meat. Pinquito beans, grown in Lompoc and Santa Maria since the Mission era, are often added to the plates.
Santa Maria Style Barbecue
Santa
Maria style Outdoor Barbeques
is a unique culinary tradition that’s been part of the central coast’s culture
for over 150 years. This barbecue style is a simple one centered around
seasoned beef that’s grilled over Santa Maria Valley’s native red oak coals.
The
key to this flavor is a dry rub of salt, pepper, and garlic powder that
enhances the meat’s naturally smoky flavor rather than drowning it in sauce.
Salsa is also often used as a topping, but the meat and oak smoke stand out all
on their own.
Santa
Maria style BBQ is a popular local food tradition that embodies the spirit of
community and family. It’s a staple at special-occasion feasts and is an
omnipresent feature at large-scale events like Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Santa Maria Valley Accommodations
Santa
Maria Valley is a place where foodies and wine lovers come together for a taste
of the best. The area is dotted with engaging museums, scenic hiking trails,
antique stores, pristine beaches and so much more!
The
region has a long tradition of barbecue. Its style is based on cooking lightly
seasoned, dry rubbed cuts of beef over a red oak fire.
There
are lots of different cuts to choose from here, including filet mignon, top
sirloin, rib-eye and tri-tip. The latter is a rare cut to find outside of the
Santa Maria Valley and makes for an exceptional meal.
The
Historic Santa Maria Inn is a registered historic landmark that has been
welcoming guests since 1917. Its palm trees and soothing fountains add a
romantic feel to the hotel, while its Century Room restaurant features
delectable California cuisine in a warm setting.
Santa Maria Valley Wineries
The
Santa Maria Valley is one of California's most celebrated wine regions. It is
especially known for its chardonnays and pinot noirs, which thrive in the
region's unusual climate.
There
are a multitude of excellent tasting rooms and wineries in the area, so
visitors can sample wines from local producers. Many of them offer tastings
that pair well with food, and even some host vineyard weddings.
Presqu'ile
(press-KEEL) is a beautiful winery located on bosky hilltops just south of the
town of Santa Maria. The tasting room and winery are both modern and gorgeously
designed, blending in well with the hilltop property it calls home.
The
family-owned estate is dedicated to crafting exceptional cool-climate Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah from the Santa Maria Valley. In addition to its
Pinot Noir, Presqu'ile produces Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Nebbiolo and Aligote,
all of which are worth a try.
Santa Maria Valley Restaurants
Santa
Maria Valley is home to a variety of restaurants that serve classic American
food in a laid-back setting. These cozy eateries are a great place to go for
breakfast, lunch, or dinner on a budget.
In
addition to local American cuisine, the area also has a number of Chinese
take-out and Italian restaurants. These are perfect places to enjoy a meal and
a drink while you’re on vacation in the Santa Maria Valley.
If
you’re looking for something a little more exotic, head to Zoe’s Hawaiian Outdoor Barbeques
in Santa Maria. Their food is prepared, hand-breaded and marinated using only
non-processed ingredients. Their menu features a variety of different meats and
seafood. They also have a bar that offers a wide selection of drinks and beers.