About Us

Chris Joslyn
Executive Chef

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Like all great Chefs, Chris had an amazing Mom who recognized his talent in the kitchen and encouraged him to see where it could take him. He enrolled into the Culinary Arts program at Bakersfield College and was immediately hooked. After attaining the degree, he set out to further his education at the California Culinary Academy - San Francisco. During school, he worked at the three-star Grand Café, then went on to extern at the famed four-star, La Folie, under French Master Chef Roland Passot. After spending two very influential years at La Folie, Chris continued his relationship with Roland, serving as Sous Chef at Left Bank Brasserie in its’ San Jose and Larkspur locations. Chris was then offered the Chef position at Left Bank - San Mateo. Most recently, he was the Chef at LB Steak, an American/French prime steakhouse. Chris had always wanted to end up on the Central Coast and jumped on the opportunity to make the move. In his off time he can be found in his home kitchen cooking for his wife Jessica, tending his garden, fishing or foraging for wild mushrooms. Chris is thrilled to be part of the dynamic team at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, and to play his role in serving up the flavors of the California Central Coast.  

Matthew Negrete
Managing Director

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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.

Jon McDaniel
Wine Director

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The nomadic wine journey of Jon McDaniel has finally landed him in a place he feels at home, as Wine Director of the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe.  It was one day in Washington, D.C. that Jon caught the wine bug and before he knew it, at age 23, he was the General Manager of one of the most-respected local and online wine retailers on the east coast!  This led him to many highly-regarded positions throughout the wine industry.   Most recently, Jon was the sommelier for one of the top wine programs in the country, Cowboy Ciao & Kazimierz Wine Bar.  The knowledge Jon has accrued from his extensive travels throughout many international wine regions, has made Jon the perfect candidate for teaching food & wine pairings.  His participation in sommelier and blind tasting competitions, as well as being hired as a consultant for some of the most lavish cellars in the country, has garnered Jon the reputation as a trusted wine expert.  As a member of several international sommelier and wine organizations, Jon is highly qualified to lead the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe as Wine Director.

Jon attributes his simple philosophy on wine to his success, "There is a wine for everyone, but not every wine is for everyone." 

Every guest that visits the Wine Merchant, dines in the Los Olivos Café, or visits its’ website will have Jon and his staff cater to their personal palate and find the right wine for their need. Jon looks forward to meeting and building a relationship with every customer so that anytime you are in the market for wine, you think of calling or e-mailing Jon, who is more than happy to help.

Jon brings a fresh enthusiasm to the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café's wine program and his mission of showcasing the many fantastic wines of the Central Coast!