**Husband-and-Wife Team Behind The Wine Merchant Opens New Venture Downtown Paso Robles**
Paso Robles continues to up its game in wine, hospitality, and food — and that’s a very good thing. On my recent trip to Paso, I had the pleasure of visiting a newly opened, highly recommended restaurant, Grace and Rose. It definitely lived up to — and even exceeded — the positive reviews we had heard. Personally, I think it’s the new hot spot in town. Be sure to make your reservation!
Opened on August 1 by Julie and Justin Fischer, the husband-and-wife team behind The Wine Merchant at Paso Walk, Grace and Rose is already a success story. They have created a dining experience that highlights food creativity, inviting ambiance, and that essential ingredient: hospitality.
One of Paso Robles’ greatest charms is its early 20th-century small-town vibe and friendliness — something our group felt as soon as we walked up the steps to the hostess stand. Located in a 110-year-old, three-story farmhouse downtown, you’re greeted warmly and immediately sense the relaxing, delicious, and enticing evening ahead.
The dining room is cozy and comfortable, but when the weather is right — which, fortunately, is most nights — sitting outside on the wrap-around porch is unbeatable. We enjoyed our meal on a perfect fall evening, sharing a bottle of wine and browsing the menu as we decided which of the creative dishes to order and share.
Ingredients are farm-to-table fresh, sourced locally whenever possible; otherwise, they come from reliable and sustainable purveyors. One special the night we visited was red snapper, the day’s fresh catch from Ragged Point. The menu options will delight your taste buds: from fresh oysters from Morro Bay to the tomato and burrata toast sourced from Munak Ranch, an organic and sustainable farm in Paso Robles.
Personally, the cup of corn chowder and crispy Brussels sprouts were the perfect shareable starters for our fall evening, followed by a savory Niman Ranch pork chop and Petaluma brick chicken — yum! And for dessert, the flavorful signature Basque cake is what sweet memories are made of. This is an absolute must!
Along with the tempting dishes, the presentations are skillfully and artfully arranged, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. My suggestion? Bring others along so you can share!
The menu is well designed, offering options for every taste. What Justin creates with flavors is truly magical. Be sure to review the wine list, which features a variety of local and international options. There is also a separate cellar wine list, carefully curated for wine connoisseurs and primarily including library wines from Paso Robles.
There’s more to say, but the best way to describe Grace and Rose is for you to experience the friendly Paso Robles atmosphere and food yourself. In just about three months, Grace and Rose has already made a significant impact on the local food scene.
When it comes to service, a shout-out goes to our server Kaitlan, whose knowledge, personality, and great sense of humor made our evening even more enjoyable.
However, don’t just take my word for it — go yourself and trust your palate. Bon appétit!
For more information, visit [graceandrosepaso.com](http://graceandrosepaso.com).
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*Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique cultural lifestyle of wine, food, and activities, from Santa Barbara to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be reached at [email protected].*
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/grace-and-rose-brings-fresh-energy-to-paso-dining-scene/215597/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grace-and-rose-brings-fresh-energy-to-paso-dining-scene
