The owner and chef behind Ember in Arroyo Grande, Brian Collins knew he wanted to start a restaurant from a young age, but it took a charmed moment at the back door of Berkeley’s famed Chez Panisse Restaurant to get the ball rolling. Brian discusses growing up in Arroyo Grande, attending culinary school as a young father, his long partnership with his wife Harmony Collins, and the rumor that a live monkey lived in the building that would become Ember’s home.
Website: emberwoodfire.com
Instagram: @emberrestaurant
20th Season Best Of: Media
20th Season Best Of: Gear
20th Season Best Of: Winemakers
20th Season Best Of: Miscellaneous
20th Season Best Of: Spirits
20th Season Best Of: Specialty
20th Season Best Of: Brewers
20th Season Best Of: Farmers, Ranchers, Fishers
20th Season Best Of: Chefs and Restaurants
Bonus Conversation: Why Are So Many Restaurants Closing?
Tuscan Mustang: Cal Poly student Mary Carli pursues her education “half a world away”
Sidecar Cocktail Company: Slinging poison, serving dumplings, and smooth jazz
LEGENDS: Sommelier-turned-farmer Rajat Parr
LEGENDS: Cult brewers Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing
LEGENDS: Chuck Hiigel, czar of Central Coast beer
LEGENDS: Taco Works brand tortilla chips with CEO Robbie Bayly
LEGENDS: Cattaneo Brothers jerky with CEO Katelyn Kaney
LEGENDS: Brown Butter Cookie Company with Traci Hozie Alderson
LEGENDS: Steak and Champagne Cake at The Madonna Inn with Amanda Rich
LEGENDS: Santa Maria Style BBQ at Far Western Tavern and Susie Q Brand with Susie Righetti
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