Executive chef Ryan Swarthout crafted his menu drawing on inspiration acquired by his many years of living and working in Paso Robles.
Chef Ryan Swarthout & team offer upscale option for fresh local flavors
Second Press Wine Bar and Eatery, one of the newest restaurants to downtown Paso Robles, brings diners another upscale option for fresh local flavors, wines and beer.
Owner John Clarizio drew inspiration for the restaurant’s name the “Second Press” from the rich history of the building. It was once home to the Paso Robles Press newspaper and was more recently the Meritage Wine Tasting Lounge that closed over a year ago.
The space has been totally remodeled with a new kitchen, bar, wine cellar and dining room. Clarizio’s vision for a modern, sophisticated and comfortable restaurant is played out in rich fabrics, dark woods and warm colors with vibrant accents. The bar, located in the front, showcases the restaurant’s expansive views of the downtown city park. The restaurant’s kitchen is in the back and its open concept allows diners to watch their food being prepared.
Chef Ryan Swarthout
The menu, crafted by Chef Ryan Swarthout, is inspired by his many years of living and working in Paso Robles, he says. The style is contemporary wine country cuisine and features seasonal, local produce and meats to impart dishes with unique flavor combinations.
Swarthout has been at the helm of some of the best restaurants in Paso Robles, including six years as executive chef of Deborah’s Room at Justin Winery and most recently at both Robert’s and Estrella Restaurants. He is joined by sommelier Eric Connolly, who is compliments the menu with beverages selected from his experience with Central Coast wines and craft Beers.
Selection of Second Press menu items
- Dungeness Crab Cakes
- Seared Ahi Stack
- Fried Brussel Sprouts
- Coconut Clams
- Grilled Romaine Caeser
- Corn Lobster Bisque
- Alsatian Pizza
- Grilled Mushroom Polenta
- Rancho Sisquoc New York Steak
- Pan Roasted Scallops
- Coho Salmon
- Colorado Lamb Sirloin
- Stuffed Flank Steak
The restaurant opened to solid reviews. Local food and wine writer Matt Browne says in his Hoot n Annie blog, “The wine and beer list was solid… We only ordered two food items, crab cakes and a pizza, both of which were great although the pizza won for me. I can easily see this place becoming a regular spot to hang out. I love how the building is perched; it’s above sidewalk level so if you’re near the windows you’re looking out over the park…pretty cool.”
Prime downtown location
The Second Press Wine Bar and Eatery, located at 810 11th Street in Paso Robles, is open 7 days a week. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays till 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended. For more info, call (805) 226-7500 or visit secondpress.biz.
