Why This California Restaurant Was Paul Newman's Favorite

Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California, the Ranch House in Ojai is as embedded in the culinary landscape as Indiana's oldest restaurant (which once served Abraham Lincoln), serving many celebrities over the decades since its 1950 debut. One of the most notable — and perhaps sentimental — of that group was actor Paul Newman. An Ohio native, Newman's pursuit of acting and drama took him across the country as he made his mark in film and television in productions like "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Cool Hand Luke." As Newman's resume expanded, so did his popularity. 

When it came to the Ranch House and its amenities, Newman held the simplest of menu items in the highest regard. As he wrote in a postcard, "'The Ojai Ranch House is the BEST RESTAURANT THE WORLD. There is no 4 star Restaurant in France as good; the bread is homemade ... the vegetables are home grown ... the meats are marvelous ... the wines are exquisite.' Pardon me as I need go there now" (via The Ranch House).

The Ranch House that stands in Ojai today is not quite the same one that first opened in 1950. In the early years, founders Alan and Helen Hooker had to make changes in location and menu items in order to find a system that worked. After renovating the business to include living quarters, adding meat to the previously vegetarian menu, and getting a wine and beer license, the Ranch House was finally settled by the 1960s.

From appetizers to desserts, the Ranch House upholds a tradition of providing food made from scratch with local, fresh ingredients that are key to flavorful, nutritious meals. Securing organic produce, sustainable seafood, and organic, cruelty-free meats is a top priority for the Ranch House, ensuring dishes served at the Ranch House are as remarkable as they were when Newman eagerly ordered from the menu.

One of the most iconic features of the Ranch House menu is the wine list, which was originally only made of six wines found at a nearby liquor store — a historical reminder of why you should think twice about where you get your wine and why you ought to consider local vintages. While the list was likely still developing when Newman visited the wine house, it is now award-winning and currently features local, organic, and biodynamic wines that can change from day to day.