Personalities
Matthew J. Hanson
Matthew is a semi-native of the Central Coast, having moved into the area as a young child. He and his family spent time living in Los Osos, Morro Bay, Atascadero and Arroyo Grande before he moved to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly as a Mathematics major (though the degree he would eventually earn would be in Music).
He is an industry "lifer." His first job was as a dishwasher at an Italian Restaurant in Los Osos, back in the days when labor laws were a little less restrictive, I mean protective, of young up-and-comers. He's since worked in virtually every possible position within every possible style and level of restaurant before finally settling into tending bar.
In 2002 Matthew moved to New York City to pursue a lifelong dream of life on the stage, studying with The Atlantic Theater Company. He enjoyed moderate success as an actor and director, but while working in bars and restaurants to support himself, he found himself exposed to the best of the best of the best from all over the culinary world. Matthew began an immersive education in the then emerging world of craft cocktails and farm-to-table, sustainable dining.
It was not long before he was no longer working in the industry solely as a means of income, but as a vocation, a calling.
In 2011 Matthew was part of the opening team and soon Bar Director for Tertulia, Chef Seamus Mullen's James Beard Award Winning West Village eatery. There he developed a passion for Spanish wine (especially Vino de Jerez, aka Sherry), food, and dining culture. In response to overwhelming demand, he designed a unique, Spanish-Themed cocktail list, with several of his cocktails published in Eater, Time Out New York, and New York Magazine.
In 2013 Matthew and his wife Robin returned to the Central Coast to set down roots, and after a short stint tending bar at a few local spots, found himself at the helm again, this time at Fish Gaucho California Mexican & Tequila Bar in Paso Robles, where he currently serves as Dining Room and Spirits Manager. There he brings the culmination of his experiences and education to bear, providing the best margaritas anywhere, made with only the freshest seasonal ingredients.
In his spare time Matthew enjoys exploring the "new" Central Coast, seeking out the amazing dining and drinking experiences that have sprung up since he was away. He also assists his wife Robin in her new venture Slo Bitter Co, a craft bitters project to be hitting local shelves soon! If there's any time left after that, he does try to keep up his acting and directing chops with many local theater companies including the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival, SLO Little Theater, and his own production company, Last Minute Productions. If there's time after that, he sleeps.
