About Us
At Your Service (Our Staff)
We strive to make everyone of our guests feel welcome. Friendly service is the backbone of who we are.
Allow us introduce ourselves.
Sam & Shawnda Marmorstein
Owners |
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Owners since 1995, Sam and Shawnda Marmorstein. “It is a joy to have created a place for so many people to make memories. We want each of our guests to feel like the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café is ‘their’ restaurant and wine store.”
In 1995, Sam left his small business and stockbroker days in Los Angeles to pursue his dream of owning his own vineyard and making his own wine. When he stumbled upon a little deli for sale in Los Olivos, his creative entrepreneur spirit took hold and the Los Olivos Café was conceived. In 2001 the Café underwent a major remodel and the Los Olivos Wine Merchant was added to the thriving Café. Shawnda and Sam’s whirlwind romance began in 1999. Their love of good food and fine wine paired well for their many ventures in the wine and food industry. By 2005 they had three children, three horses, dogs, cats, frogs, goats, chickens, organic farm, vineyard, winery, restaurant, and a wine store. |
Matthew Negrete
Managing Director
When Sam came home from interviewing Matthew Negrete, he confidently told his wife, “I think I found our new manager.” Sam appreciated Matthew’s sincerity and felt he would bring excitement and an extra level of professionalism to the Los Olivos Café. Matthew has been working in the restaurant business since he was a teenager. Alex BBQ in Shell Beach was Matthew’s first introduction to restaurant management. From there he felt privileged to assist in the development of Palazzo Giuseppe & Express in San Luis Obispo. Matthew continued working at Giuseppe as a manager until he was offered a position at Park Chalet Garden Restaurant in San Francisco. Then the Central Coast called Matthew back home. After marrying and settling down to be a father, Matthew began his search for a restaurant that encouraged genuine personality, served Good Food and Good Wine, and had a reputation that he would be proud to support. I think he found it. |
Shaun King
Executive Chef
The Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café’s chef, Shaun King, adds charm and character to the kitchen and to every dish with his signature. The Café is serious when it states, “We bring you the best of the Central Coast.” Now they have brought you, Chef Shaun, a Native Californian, born and raised on the Central Coast. He is passionate about preparing dishes made from ingredients sourced locally and organic, whenever possible.
Chef Shaun’s inspiration and passion for freshly inspired cuisine was developed during his four-year private training with Japanese master chef, Andy Matsuda, in Los Angeles. Shaun continued as a chef on the central coast for many years, before making his next move to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas.
In 2006 under the watchful eye of Mandalay Bay’s, Chef Rick Moonen, Shaun was once again, personally trained and mentored. In 2008, Chef Shaun made his debut as the opening Executive Sous Chef for the Las Vegas branch, of New York’s based, SUSHISAMBA! Proving to be fruitful, that same year Shaun and his wife Megan welcomed their beautiful baby daughter, Saylor Rose King.
With his new family in tow Shaun moved back to the place he called home, the central coast, where he worked as the Executive Chef for Mothers Tavern (MOTAV) in San Luis Obispo.
Chef Shaun, brings the experience of working alongside many high profile Chefs, such as Bradley Ogden of Root 246 and Charlie Trotter of Bar Charlie. He was honored in Las Vegas Magazine as a, “rising star in the Las Vegas culinary scene.” When you experience Shaun’s flare for bringing out the best in each ingredient you will see why the owners of The Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café chose Shaun King. Now you Really will Taste the Central Coast like you never have before! |
Deanna King
Wine Director
Like Shaun and Matthew, Deanna King, was born and raised on The Central Coast (it appears, The Café takes sourcing locally seriously). She has had over eleven years of retail wine experience working at Lazy Acres, Dean & Deluca, the Los Olivos Grocery Store, and now as Wine Director at The Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café.
Deanna is interested in the people and the places that create the wines and recognizes that they are the essence of the character that influences the wine. She wishes to share her knowledge of this element of buying wine with you. In choosing wines for The Wine Merchant & customers, Deanna, places an emphasis on the importance of, value to quality. Deanna also has an extensive knowledge of winemaking. Her and her husband also produce their own wine under the label De Su Propia Cosecha & Rey. Come meet Deanna and let her share her knowledge of the vineyards, winemakers, and wines in the Wine Merchants extensive selection of wines. |
p.s. Remember and never forget - when all else fails, wine a bit … you’ll feel much better.
Follow the Wine Director on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/LosOlivosCafe |
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