The countryside around The Alisal is filled with bountiful farms, and vineyards alive with summertime sunshine. It’s only natural that at this time of year, the emphasis of Chef Endy’s menus is on bright, fresh, lively flavors.
Alisal Guest Ranch Blog & News
Welcome to the Alisal Guest Ranch Blog. We love posting stories about the happenings around the Alisal and keeping you updated with the latest tidbits and tales. You’ll find a little bit of everything here and then some. We love hearing about stories from guests so if you’ve got something to say, just let us know by sending us a message.
Looking for photos or videos that we post? We don’t always add those to the Ranch Blog but we do add them to our Alisal Photos & Videos Gallery.
And be sure to follow us on your favorite social media channel like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love posting the latest news there as well and it’s a great way for us to stay in touch when you’re not here at the Alisal. Even better, sign up for the Alisal Newsletter using the form at the bottom of the page and we promise to keep you “in the know!”
In the grand tradition of the Wild West, The Alisal has for decades treated grilling as a fine art, and with the help of our guest grill masters, we are mighty excited to help you take your grilling skills to the next level.
No, The Alisal has not added exotic giant chickens to the barnyard flock. Those bumpy Big Green Eggs you may have seen around the Ranch, are top-of-the-line gourmet grills.
This issue of “Riders of The Alisal” is brimming with stories and updates. Enjoy reading about our sunny, springtime activities, Caiti Price our featured wrangler, Charger, our featured horse, and the fabulous, fresh dining available this season.
The BBQ Bootcamp sessions, featuring Chefs Burt Bakman, Frank Ostini, Paula Disbrowe (author of “Cowgirl Cuisine”), and Chocolatier Valerie Gordon, cover all aspects of BBQ from starting a fire to spice rubs to grilled desserts.
If you have never tried the new recreation sensation of pickleball, then your getaway to The Alisal might be the perfect opportunity to learn the basics and have some fun.
We are pleased to highlight one of our star wranglers who has called The Alisal home for the last six years. Jen Sorenson grew up in the Santa Ynez Valley and has been around horses, much of her life.
If you have never gotten up close to an alpaca, then stop by, and get to know the newest additions to our barnyard menagerie.
Spring at The Alisal is when the Ranch is at its colorful best. The weather is mild, the hills are dressed in vivid green, and there are so many great activities available you won’t know where to start.
Fresh, local and seasonal ingredients are the cornerstone of The Alisal menu. This winter, our Executive Chef, Anthony Endy, has plenty of treats in store for hungry cowpokes looking to fuel up after a day of Ranch excitement.
If you’re a couple looking for a romantic setting to host an unforgettable wedding, then consider the 10,000 acres of possibilities that await when you exchange vows at The Alisal.
Winter at The Alisal is a special time of year. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons generally mild, and the pace is a bit more relaxed than the hectic summer season.
Spirit Spotlight – Looking for a little after dinner treat that will tickle your taste buds and warm your spirits?
The winter edition of Riders of The Alisal has arrived. Learn about Chef Endy’s seasonal favorites from the kitchen, a recent dream wedding at the Ranch, our new “Wine, Women & Wranglers” getaway, and more!
The holidays come alive at The Alisal with twinkling lights, fresh garlands, gingerbread houses and festively adorned trees, inviting all to enjoy the spirit of the season.
Major is a six-year old roan American Quarter Horse. He came to The Alisal in June of this year from a ranch in Billings, Montana.
Fall is a great time for horsing around. It’s a little quieter, and both the horses and the wranglers seem to have a skosh more energy.
Thanksgiving at The Alisal is a special time when good friends, family and delicious food come together to make lasting memories. The leaves are changing, the mornings are crisp and the whole Ranch has a festive spirit.
Even though Courtney DeLongpré has been a wrangler at The Alisal for less than a year, she is already one of the guest’s favorites.
It was a big deal last year when Sara Ovadia, our First Assistant Golf Pro at the Alisal River Course, took home the title of Southern California Match Play Champion.
The Alisal’s saloon piano man, for over 50 years, is Bill Powell. Bill has been an important part of The Alisal experience since 1968. Back then, by day, Bill was a school teacher (later a school principal) and in the evenings he would take piano requests in The Alisal Oak Room.
“So many great flavors and such a rich bounty of local produce, that is what I think of when fall rolls around,” says The Alisal’s Executive Chef Endy.
The fall edition of Riders of The Alisal has arrived and we have exciting new and adventurous tales for you to read up on.
There are wonderful activities for every member of the family to enjoy at the Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort this fall, including the ones mentioned here, plus so many more. Whether you come to relax, sightsee, stay active or enjoy time away with the family, your time at The Alisal is guaranteed to be jam-packed with fun events and memorable activities. Check out our Fall Activity Guide to learn more!
Join the Alisal in Honoring Executive Chef Anthony Endy Chef Endy came to find his culinary passion in high school, when he took a job at the local Los Olivos …
Twice a year, The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort hosts the BBQ Bootcamp that aims to teach couples and individuals the secrets of Santa Maria-style barbecue, which grew out of …
We’re excited to announce the release of our Fall 2018 BBQ Bootcamp Itinerary. This Bootcamp will be like no other we’ve hosted before. We’ll have featured chefs including Steven Raichlen, …
In 2006 Dan and Sandy Everett first discovered The Alisal. At the time both were golfers looking to test out The Alisal’s two scenic courses (The Ranch and River Course). …
Spirit spotlight: Campfire Smoke Whether you’ve been riding the dusty trail, or playing a round on the links, a tall cool adult beverage may just be the thing to rejuvenate …
The Summer Activity Guide is Here! Horseback Riding From breakfast rides, to guided beginner and intermediate tours, The Alisal is happy to pair you with one of our four-legged friends …
The Riders of the Alisal is here! First and Foremost We have a new summer activity guide containing daily activities for guests of all ages. This summer, we are offering a mix …
Not that long ago the ever-popular Alisal Lake was low and getting lower, but today thanks to last season’s hearty rains, the lake is 90% of capacity.
Slow cooked, this one-pot meal combines braised chicken and seasonal root vegetables like sweet carrots, with mushrooms and garlic and simmers them all in a nice red wine flavored with locally grown herbs. Chef Endy likes serving the main dish with a creamy mashed potato or …
Jill’s love of the Ranch and its traditions are clear the moment you speak with her. Nurturing and building on those traditions is a top priority. In addition to maintaining all the old favorite activities, she is considering some new offerings as well…
It’s time for a new Riders of the Alisal! We’ve received quite a few requests from Alisal fans asking if we could produce the Riders of the Alisal in an …
Alisal’s 100-acre spring-fed lake is one of the best places in California for year-round fly-fishing and is home to Northern Strain Largemouth Bass. The Alisal Guides specialize in the sport using traditional spinning tackle for spin-fishing trips and fly-fishing gear to help guests track down their fish. Alisal Lake also features an Orvis fly shop, and offers a diverse fleet of boats including bass boats, electric trolling boats, and other recreational boats. In addition, you’ll enjoy unlimited activities at the Alisal!