THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Brothers Restaurant at Mattei's Tavern

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Brothers Restaurant at Mattei's Tavern Restaurant Review:

In 1886, Felix Mattei established the Central Hotel for weary stagecoach travelers. In the 1930s and 1940s, Clark Gable stayed here while on hunting trips. When the hotel closed, the tavern remained, and over time it was transformed into a weathered, but still attractive saloon and restaurant. It has been spruced up and now attracts low-key celebs who “get away from it all” in the Santa Ynez Valley, locals who like to eat in the bar, and a healthy sprinkling of tourists. All appreciate the Asian touches on the starter menu---tuna tartare with a spicy yuzu vinaigrette, Chinese chicken salad. But when it comes to entrées, it’s all about the meat. The slow-roasted prime rib comes in three sizes. Grilled pork rib chop, another headliner, is glazed with brandy and honey butter and served with apple wood-smoked bacon mashed potatoes. And there’s no shortage of dessert choices either. Ice creams and sorbets are made in-house, and pastry chef Stephanie Jackson turns out a warm mocha truffle cake, served with dark chocolate sorbet and espresso crème anglaise, that’s not to be missed.