A native of southern California, Meave McAuliffe is the chef of Ojai’s vibrant restaurant Rory’s Place, that she owns and runs with her sister Rory. The restaurant opened to critical acclaim and has become a cornerstone of their small town community, with menus inspired by the fresh, seasonal produce, seafood and livestock from Ojai to Santa Barbara, and the surrounding areas. 

Growing up in her mother’s French bakery in Santa Monica, she was mesmerized by the bustle and excitement of the kitchen with all of its sensory pleasures. This grew into a curiosity about sustainable food systems around the world and led her to study environmental science. She uses this background to inform and inspire her menus and the way she sources food and works with waste reduction at her restaurant. But the mission is about much more than great ingredients and delicious food: the sisters are here to create partnerships and support their vibrant community of local farmers, ranchers, and fisher people. These relationships are what make this endeavor worthwhile.

PARTICIPATING EVENTS:

Opening Night Reception