News Articles
The Coolest Small Towns in America
Mario Lopez Cordero, Budget Travel Magazine
About halfway between San Francisco and L.A., Cayucos is everything you want in a mellow beach town anomaly on the increasingly built-up coast. While the vibe is decidedly relaxed, two things get residents fired up: serious waves and serious food. Surfer Wade Rumble bridges both worlds as owner of Rogue Wave Cafe, where most mornings, after drying off his board, he sells fair-trade, organic coffee beans (72 S. Ocean Ave., roguewavecafe.com). Just off Highway 1, Cayucos requires a dedicated detour, which has helped it remain untouched. "We have beautiful beaches and beautiful people," says Christa Hozie, who runs Brown Butter Cookie Company with her sister Traci Nickson; the duo make super-addictive sea-salt-topped cookies (250 N. Ocean Ave., brownbuttercookies.com, $13/dozen). "I came to visit three years ago and thought it was such a magical place," explains Hozie. Grace Lorenzen had a similar reaction. She moved back to the Central Coast from Seattle in 2002 and now manages the five-room Cass House Inn (222 N. Ocean Ave., casshouseinn.com, from $165). The restored 1860s Victorian has a fitting soundtrack for the coastal town: the lulling surf.
Last of the California Beach Towns
National Geographic Traveler Magazine
Starting in the mid 1800s the towns distinctive 953 food pier bustled with shipments of beef, dairy products, and lumber and today is a favorite spot for fishing and watching sunsets. Across the street is the former home of the founder of Cayucos, Captain James Cass. Now a luxurious five room historic inn, the Cass House was lovingly and meticulously restored to its San Francisco Stick style by local businessman Gary Bagnall. He ensured historical accuracy by poring over old photos of the house and hiring craftsmen skilled in 19th century building techniques. My vision did not involve Home Depot, says Bagnall, who spent 14 years on the restoration and even dismantled an old water tower in order to incorporate its 100 year old redwood into the inn.
Top 10 Hideaways by the Sea
Jamal Yogis, Sunset Magazine
The small surf town of Cayucos has remained miraculously immune to over-development for decades, despite its great wines to the east and white sandy beaches to the west. The elaborate breakfast (included!) is nearly as good as chef Jensen Lorenzen's seasonally inspired dinner (if it's on the evening menu, the oxtail soup is a must). But the best part about the 1800s Cass House? That would be twin sisters Grace Lorenzen (the innkeeper) and Carla Wingett (groundskeeper), who manage the organic garden and the five impeccably turned-out guestrooms. From $165 Explore With sand dunes climbing hundreds of feet above miles-long beaches and eucalyptus-lined hiking trails, the Montaña de Oro park (a 25-minute drive away) is a must.
Central Coast Luxury Lodgings
Christine Delsol, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 March 2008
Cayucos, the self-described "last of the California beach towns," isn't an obvious home for a luxury inn. But it is at the hub of the Central Coast's most popular attractions, and a 14-year renovation has turned the 1875 home of the town's sea-captain founder, James Cass, into a real stunner. Its handsome decor, which varies from room to room, respects the house's origins and feels opulent without being claustrophobic.
Eating and Drinking on California's Central Coast
Redbook, January 2009
...We ate at a terrific restaurant in the newly renovated Cass House Inn, in Cayucos. It was one of the best meals I have had recently. Some of the dishes we shared were the roasted marrow bones with garlic crostini and parsley salad, sweet plump mussels, and the Colorado lamb...
The Cass House - a very special place
Kathy Marks Hardesty, new times, June 2008
Central Coast wine regions are attracting top notch chefs who want to be part of this blossoming wine community, as I was reminded by an extraordinary experience in the newest fine dining establishment to open on the Central Coast. I enjoyed an impressive meal with my husband Dan at the stately Cass House in Cayucos, which was impeccable in every way, from the food and wines set before us to the perfect service.
Feast and Film: Cass House and The Spirit
Tery Bayus, Coast News, January 2008
"I spent New Years Eve at my favorite place, Cass House in Cayucos, and it was perfection... The butter-poached Maine lobster was flawlessly prepared with the soul of the fish shining throught the butternut squash puree, a chanterelle beet demi glace, and fennel pollen. The Kobe beef with sweet breads and a tamarind glazed Zabuton short rib with pomme puree, truffle butter and shallot rings sang through my tasted buds with the LAventure Optimus as my liquid. This chef should be cloned and dipped in gold. Next came a flourless chocolated cake with passion fruit caramel mousse and passion fruit sorbet, a dessert that could bring world peace. We dined right through the New Year and toasted the flawless waitstaff that helped to make this dining event the hightlight of the year."
Fine Dining in Fine Surroundings
Dawn White, SLO Tribune, September 2008
On a recent visit on a warm summer evening, my husband and I both started with salads. His, a mix of earthy wild arugula, peaches, honey, basil and buratta (an Italian cheese), was sweetened slightly with a balsamic reduction. My Cass garden greens salad combined roasted beets with lemon cucumbers, feta and pine nuts in a lemon-vanilla vinaigrette. The vanilla flavor of the dressing was prevalent and worked surprisingly well with the lemon in the vinaigrette. Although this is similar to many restaurant salads, Lorenzens pairing of quality ingredients and dressing made it a standout... The menu is modern but pays tribute to classic culinary methods often seen in French and Southern cuisine. The ingredients are fresh and often local, resulting in a constantly evolving menu... The Cass House Restaurant may be a bit of a luxury price-wise, but it does deliver one of the best fine-dining experiences on the Central Coast.
Guest Comments
Dave and Judy, Bellevue
what a gem! culinary perfection, the garden a feast for the eyes. our thanks to the team that makes it all happen. we will be back, again and again.
Guest Comments
Megan and Michael, San Francisco
what a spectacular few days- only wish we could stay longer! every detail has been attended to, only surpassed by the wonderful charm, grace, and warmth of our hosts. we appreciate the guidance on dining and especially on which wineries to explore. we enjoyed one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time, thanks to jensen. thank you so much. we look forward to returning soon and often!
Guest Comments
Deborah and Bob, Culver City
we have had a lovely stay. everything about cass house inn has been perfect- the people, the room, the food... if you’re reading this and haven’t yet tried the restaurant, you should. the chef is only 28, but he’s a true artist. the menu is thoughtful and exciting, the presentation on the plate is exquisite, and the service is knowledgeable and friendly. the town of cayucos is small, and everyone seems to know each other. the pier and the beach are clean and beautiful. this is the best weekend we’ve ever had, and the best dinner ever.
Guest Comments
Emily and Ron
this is my first trip to the central coast. it was an unexpected surprise to have come upon the cass house. our friends recommended we try to eat dinner here. oh my goodness! the food, the quality, the pleasant service, everything was so perfect. we will be coming back and bringing our friends. we cannot wait to have them enjoy jensen’s food and to let grace match our food with delicious wine. thank you, thank you!
Guest Comments
Doug and Liz
we discovered the cass house on the internet and without any recommendations. boy did we get lucky. the restaurant should have michelin stars but still has reasonable prices. enjoy it while you can. the room we stayed in, the downstairs master, was extremely well decorated and sophisticated. staff thoughtful and knowledgeable. the breakfast was also awesome.
Guest Comments
Tony and Ellen, Santa Barbara
we were looking for a mid week getaway to celebrate our third anniversary and found this wonderful inn in sunset magazine. my husband made all the arrangements for the most wonderfully relaxing romantic getaway. after a bike ride through town and brown butter cookies, we wandered in to the gardens for a little bocce ball and a glass of wine as we watched the monarchs playing among the lavender. the house is beautifully restored and nicely appointed. though we’re only 100 miles from home it is a world away. the best dinner we’ve had in california, we’re still thinking about the flavors this morning!
Press Releases
Fact Sheet
The Historic Cass House Inn and Restaurant, originally built in 1867, is located in Cayucos, Calif. on the stunning Central Coast. The Cass House Inn offers guests five luxurious guestrooms, an elegant restaurant, a beautiful garden and ocean views. The daily changing, seasonally driven menu offers guests an unparalleled dining experience and the property and grounds provide the perfect setting for a weekend getaway, reception or event.
