Hello friends — it’s Pastor Sherpa, and today we’re talking about a wonderful new addition to the food and wine scene at the Paso Robles Market Walk: Gravesend Wine Merchant & Eatery.

Recently we were invited to experience a seven-course tasting dinner at this charming new counter and restaurant in north Paso Robles, and it turned out to be a truly memorable evening.

As you approach Paso Robles Market Walk, the colorful exterior hints at the variety waiting inside. If you’ve visited before, you know it’s a lively marketplace with everything from pizza to wine bars, a blending lab, gelato, and all sorts of culinary treasures.

Tucked into one corner is Gravesend, which has taken over the former space and transformed it with a fresh new concept. It’s a family-driven venture created by Matt Reese, Keith Robinson, owner of Saint K Winery, and Robinson’s wife, the talented Chef Amy Baer.

Entering the main doors and turning right, you’ll find a long, welcoming counter with about a dozen bar seats — conveniently located right next to Leo Leo Gelato, one of Market Walk’s favorite sweet stops.

We took our seats and were warmly greeted by the owners, who made us feel immediately at home. The evening began with a beautifully presented Grassy Bar oyster topped with smoked trout roe, apple, pear, yuzu kosho, and tarragon, paired with a crisp Crémant. It was a stunning combination of flavors — bright, briny, and perfectly balanced.

Chef Amy came out with each course, sharing the inspiration behind every dish. Her playful creativity and thoughtful approach to flavor were evident throughout the evening.

The courses that followed were equally impressive:

• Burrata & persimmon
   

• Oat Bakery sourdough with whipped brown butter
   

• Seared pork jowl
   

• Crispy eggplant with lime honey and yogurt
   

• Yellowfin tuna crudo
   

• BarraRat lamb with smoked date purée
   

We finished with a delicate and memorable pandan mousse for dessert.

Each course was paired thoughtfully with wine, including selections from Saint K Winery, along with other carefully chosen bottles from the restaurant’s wine program.

The experience was truly unique. Chef Amy Baer is a gifted chef with a wonderfully imaginative palate, and the entire evening felt both refined and relaxed at the same time.

The food was spectacular, the wine pairings were thoughtful, and the owners and staff were warm, engaging conversationalists. It’s hard to imagine a friendlier place to enjoy a fine meal in the inviting, open atmosphere of this cozy corner inside the Paso Robles Market Walk.

If you’re exploring Paso Robles and looking for something a little special, Gravesend Wine Merchant & Eatery is absolutely worth a visit.

Until next time —

Pastor Sherpa