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With Design by Acclaimed Architect Howard Backen and Events Curated by Legendary Chef Nancy Silverton,The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn Ushers in a New Chapter in Southern California’s Epicurean Landscape

Ojai, CA (February 27, 2019) – Today the iconic luxury resort Ojai Valley Inn debuts the show-stopping, $20 million, multi-use epicurean and event center The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn. Nationally acclaimed architect Howard Backen with Backen Gillam Architects in Napa Valley drew inspiration from the magical setting of Ojai to incorporate a natural aesthetic for the expansive 30,000 square foot culinary and event center, designed to connect world-class food culture with indoor/outdoor events. Renowned chef, author and James Beard Foundation Award winner Nancy Silverton will serve as The Farmhouse’s premier Culinary Ambassador, curating a series of experiential, culinary driven fine dining events in Ojai slated throughout 2019.

“With the opening of The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, we’re thrilled to provide exceptional culinary experiences in a venue that is truly groundbreaking in the greater Southern California region” said Chris Kandziora, Vice President of Marketing at Ojai Valley Inn. “We’re confident that this endeavor, in partnership with Nancy Silverton and our team of extraordinary culinary talent, will bring Ojai Valley Inn to the national forefront as an esteemed West Coast culinary destination.”

In her role as debut Culinary Ambassador of The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, Silverton will cultivate select bucket list-worthy epicurean events, bringing together the crème de la crème of the culinary world and giving guests the opportunity to experience master classes, book signings, talks and workshops – all at this state of the art Southern California venue.

“Being the newly appointed culinary ambassador at the Ojai Valley Inn is a thrill,” said Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton. “The Inn, less than 90 minutes from my home in L.A., has always been an oasis. I'm excited about helping to bring the newly constructed Farmhouse into the elite league of American culinary destinations.”

Epicurean events designed by and featuring Nancy Silverton include:

Eat Like Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton’s Friends Behind The Flame (April 17-18, 2019)
Nancy Silverton and Evan Funke in a Celebration of Pasta (June 15-16, 2019)
Conversations, Books and Bites with the Legendary Ruth Reichl (September 21-22, 2019)
Nancy Silverton with Dario Cecchini on the Art of Butchering (November 23-24, 2019)
A unique opportunity to “Eat Like Phil” with television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal, host of Netflix’s popular “Somebody Feed Phil” series during a multi-course lunch of menu items that highlight his travels and finds. Later, a multi-course dinner with wine pairings will feature friends behind the flame and at the table, such as Suzanne Tracht, Mary Sue Milliken, Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone.

Includes a duo of epic pasta proportions - Nancy Silverton and acclaimed chef, pasta master and culinary storyteller Evan Funke with his team from Felix, for a pasta-focused multi-course dining and wine pairing experience; pasta making master class and more.

A rare conversation with a legend – Ruth Reichl, former New York Times restaurant critic, final editor-in-chief of Gourmet, co-producer of PBS’s Gourmet Diary of a Foodie, and enduring leading voice in food. Includes a signed copy of her new book and a family-style lunch inspired by her recipes.

Internationally renowned Tuscan butcher Dario Cecchini will be on hand for back to back events ranging from an exclusive master class to a meat-centric dinner accompanied by wines from famed Chianti producer, Fontodi Winery. The weekend will also include a grill demonstration with Eric Gephart of Kamado Joe Grills and live-fire cooking demonstration and Middle Eastern dinner with Debbie Michail.

In addition to Silverton-authored signature events, The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn will offer a robust calendar of exceptional culinary programs and events, beginning in March. Highlights from the standout lineup include: a day with wine icon Rajat Parr complete with tastings, book signing and a garden-party style dinner with library releases; an interactive five-course dinner prepared and served by winemakers Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra/Lillian and Brad Grimes of Abreu; and a special occasion dinner designed by and celebrating the cuisine of two-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, Chef Gavin Kaysen.

Set on 220 verdant acres against the stunning backdrop of the Topa Topa Mountain Range, The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn takes form as a series of natural indoor-outdoor spaces, each with a unique personality that flows seamlessly into the next. Featuring a path of sun-splashed nooks dotted with ancient native olive trees, an organic chef’s garden cultivated by beloved local landscape designer Scott Daigre, a spectacular two-story alfresco fireplace and a 100-year-old Oak tree, distinctive spaces that comprise The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn include:

The Kitchen, featuring a full, state-of-the-art Viking Kitchen and open demo format exhibition center with 14 chef counter seats, live fire capabilities, high-definition display monitors and stadium seating that allows up to 80 guests a front row seat to view chefs in action
The Library, adjacent to The Kitchen and garden courtyard, serving as a private Ojai dining and meeting area, seating up to 20
The Lawn, home to the fully equipped luxury Lynx Outdoor Kitchen, which includes a freestanding Sonoma Smoker, Napoli Oven, a flat surfaced Asado Grill and All Trident Grill with next generation Flametrak technology. Further capitalizing on its idyllic surrounding and unending views, The Lawn offers expanded outdoor seating and wood-burning pizza oven.
The Great Room, an expansive 8500-square-foot barn-inspired, ballroom space.
For more information or to register to attend any of the Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn events, please visit thefarmhouseojai.com and follow @ojaivalleyinn on social media.

About Ojai Valley Inn

Tucked within the Topa Topa Mountains in the mystical Ojai Valley, the iconic AAA Five-Diamond Ojai Valley Inn continues to redefine luxury, beckoning travelers since its opening in 1923 to the tranquil setting known as “Shangri La.” Located 90 minutes north of Los Angeles in the chic bohemian enclave of Ojai, the resort balances the relaxed glamour of Southern California with reverence for the unspoiled natural beauty of the region for an unrivaled experience that embodies the authentic spirit of Ojai. Sprawled across 220 lush, oak and olive tree-studded acres scented with wild sage and lavender, Ojai Valley Inn offers an abundance of freshly renewed settings, activities and amenities for inspired escapes including: the 31,000 square foot Spa Ojai and its surrounding Spa Village, The Artist Cottage, a working artist studio and apothecary for instruction in aromatherapy oil blending; a historic, George C. Thomas designed golf course; apiary and immersive beekeeping program; multiple pools and more than five dining concepts including signature restaurant Olivella, the sole restaurant between Los Angeles and Northern California to hold both the Forbes Four Star and AAA Four-Diamond designations. New for 2019, the resort introduced The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, a 20,000 square-foot epicurean event center, connecting world-class food culture, sublime indoor/outdoor settings and bucket list events. For additional information and guest bookings, please visit www.ojavalleyinn.com or call 1-800-422-6524.

About Lynx Grills

The creation of Lynx Grills was the vision of a group of innovators who for more than 30 years manufactured stainless steel products for the commercial restaurant industry under the brand BECA. Today, Lynx Grills uses the same engineering to create grills that are made to last with a lifetime warranty against rust– even under the most extreme weather conditions. With continuous innovation a hallmark of the company, Lynx's design engineers have continually introduced a long list of "firsts" to the industry, such as the SmartGrill, a technologically advanced, voice-activated, Wi-Fi-enabled grill that can be programmed from a smart phone. Lynx also produces the first ever ADA compliant grill for individuals with disabilities. In 2015, Lynx Grills was acquired by the Middleby Corporation which develops, manufactures, sells, and distributes products, equipment, and appliances worldwide, with more than 50 foodservice and food processing brands across multiple platforms. For more information about Lynx Grills, please visit www.lynxgrills.com.

About Viking

Viking Range, LLC originated ultra-premium commercial-type appliances for the home, creating a whole new category of home appliances. Committed to innovative product design, unrivaled performance and peerless quality, Viking is headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi, and is a subsidiary of The Middleby Corporation, a long-time leader in commercial kitchen technology. Viking appliances are recognized globally as the foremost brand in the high-end appliance industry and are sold through a network of premium appliance distributors and dealers worldwide. For additional product information, to locate a Viking dealer in your area, or to request a quote, please visit www.vikingrange.com. VIKING is a registered trademark of Viking Range, LLC.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jennifer Evans Gardner | Melissa Ward | Chris Royal
Murphy O’Brien Public Relations
ojai@murphyobrien.com
(310) 453-2539