The inn on Zaca Creek. Photo by Danielle Honea Photography
Buellton, one of the most attractive towns in the Santa Ynez Valley, has not historically been considered a vacation destination. But this small metropolis bordering Highway 101, perhaps best known as the home of Pea Soup Andersen’s restaurant, as well as the location of the film Sideways, has many charms, one of which is the newly opened Zaca Creek.
Expressly experience or make the signature stone walled suites of Zaca Creek The tavern Your ultimate goal. In both cases, one is incomplete without the other. The inn’s six rooms are just a short walk from the tavern. A reservation ensures that guests can fully enjoy the tavern’s creative libations and extensive wine list.
Suite in the Inn. Photo by Michelle Ramirez Photography
Suite in the Inn. Photo by Michelle Ramirez Photography
Originally built by the founding Buell family in Buellton, the property in Zaca Creek has been redesigned based on an English inn and tavern from the 17th century. The hotel is set amidst rolling hills overlooking the valley and combines old and new. The design of the old world is retained, which is reflected in the rustic shaking roof and the hand-carved alder doors. The inn It has six unique, host-free suites with hand-cut brick walls and handcrafted woodwork. Curated lighting design illuminates the rustic, romantic rooms. Each has king or double queen beds, 4k large screen TVs, DirecTV, Nespresso Vertuo coffeemakers, and large bathrooms with rainfall showers, bathtubs, or both.
Chef Cullen Campbell. Photo by Jill Richards Photography
Since opening in August 2020, The Tavern has quickly become a popular meeting place for restaurants. Chef Cullen Campbell showcases the best of the Santa Ynez Valley’s diverse suppliers in his incredibly diverse and creative menu, which ranges from burgers, briskets and steaks to farm-fresh organic produce to locally caught seafood like Purple Hotchi, Abalone and Grassy Bar, oysters and local lobster.
Photo by Danielle Honea Photography
His expertise in French and Italian classics is well illustrated in his menu with Crudo, From the Ground Up, For Your Health, Pasta and Mains. This is food that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Ora King Salmon Crudo swims in a beetroot ponzu with shaved radish. Buttered Dungeness Crab is served in a whole crab bowl. Even a simple dish of grilled snap peas is Instagram worthy.
Campbell’s unique twists and turns on old favorites steal the show in dishes like crispy duck with crepes, pickled mustard seeds, and seasonal farmhouse herbs. Tender escargot swim in crème fraiche butter, garlic and parsley. His caviar lasagna consists of tender chilled noodles coated with crème fraiche and Calvissius caviar.
Photo by Michelle Ramirez Photography
Caviar lovers will look forward to another menu item – the JCB Caviar House Martini with vodka containing caviar, garnished with a hearty bite of Calvissius caviar. “The best dirty martini of your life,” our server correctly said.
The tavern’s spirits and cocktail program retains the charm of the original tavern bar and aims to bring out and enhance the feel of the old style. From the most sought-after bourbons and rye to the most regional agave flavors of tequila and mezcal, guests can sample a handpicked selection. The highly curated and extensive wine list features local favorites as well as international selections.
Zaca Creek also has an all-inclusive venue specifically dedicated to weddings and large groups. A hillside organic lagoon will soon open with waterfalls, cabanas and an outdoor bar area. Several event rooms offer space for up to 200 guests indoors and outdoors.
The Tavern Bar. Photo by Danielle Honea Photography
Photos courtesy of Zaca Creek, 1297 Jonata Park Road Buellton, CA.
