Solstice Opens Wednesday at The Village in Big Sur

July 2, 2024 – An interesting thing surfaced as Edible was breaking news in May 2023 about the future debut of The Village Big Sur and its featured restaurant Solstice. 

Make that roughly 222 interesting things—starting with a concept the South Coast, and its locals in particular, were thirsty for: a coffee shop, bodega-style provisions shop and wood-fired seafood restaurant landing at the top of the list. 

Given the protagonists involved, including partners Matt Peterson (and his wine expertise and management experience), Tim Eelman (and his weighty gifts for live fire foods, fish especially) and owner Patrick Orosco (and his penchant for thinking big), that intrigue came with promise for a locals friendly restaurant unlike any other in Big Sur (and beyond). 

The specific interesting thing happened as those partners, Orosco most loudly, were so focused on nailing the experience that they were anxious the messaging around the project might not do it justice. 

That it might be less than perfect. 

I shared my two cents on a text chain with partners. My unsolicited input, given the space, the collaborators, the ingredients, the inspiration, and (not least) the legion residents rooting for them, myself included: 

• Perfection might be the enemy of amazing, Big Sur style. 

• You have the type of food and wine program worthy of wow. 

• Trust thyself. Don’t worry about shiny promotion. Focus on what you do best. 

Now Solstice is taking reservations, so a major part of the project is finding its way in real time. 

That comes on the heels of Village Coffee Shop launching last month, with the bodega on the way in a few weeks. 

When I told The Village leadership I’d be letting readers know, I encountered familiar hesitation at any publicity—you know, so they can fine tune things toward that distracting concept of perfection. 

Their PR reps asked for more time to get “media-ready” materials in place. 

I called to tell them this media is ready, and asked them to help the squad stay true to what makes this endeavor salivating. (Hint: It’s not fancy press releases.)

The choreographed imagery and branding will be worked out in coming weeks, and I’ll circle back with notes and photos from my own visit.

In the meantime, Solstice is live 5:30-8:30pm Wednesday-Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 10:30am to 1:30pm, with this introductory menu, which works like a tastebud magnet.

Reservations at exploretock.com/solstice-big-sur/.