Soon-to-open Ava Hotel names food and beverage team
Team includes chef Julien Asseo and sommelier Lannon Rust
Team includes chef Julien Asseo and sommelier Lannon Rust– The Ava Hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and managed by Azul Hospitality Group, has announced the leadership team behind its culinary and beverage programs ahead of its summer opening in downtown Paso Robles.
The food and beverage team includes consulting chef Julien Asseo, chef de cuisine Casey McMinn, beverage director Lannon Rust, and director of hospitality operations Brandon Trowbridge. They will lead the hotel’s three dining venues: Emre by Julien Asseo, Pine Street Bistro, and Esperanza on the Rooftop, which will be the town’s largest rooftop bar and lounge.
General manager Matt Kleefisch said, “The Ava Hotel was built to be both a destination and a dynamic gathering place for locals and visitors alike—and nowhere is that more evident than in our food and beverage program. We’ve assembled a team of incredible local talent who not only know and love the Central Coast, but who are committed to pushing the region forward with creativity, care, and an unwavering commitment to community.”
Chef Asseo, who owns Les Petites Canailles and S’Aranella in Paso Robles, previously served as executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas. At Emre, he will introduce a Mediterranean-inspired, fire-forward menu influenced by his French background.
McMinn, a Central Coast native, will lead the kitchen at Emre. He started his culinary career in his Italian American family’s kitchens and worked at restaurants such as State Bird Provisions in San Francisco. Most recently at The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar in Paso Robles, McMinn will bring Asseo’s menu to life with dishes including whole grilled seafood and meals prepared over open flame.
Rust, a certified sommelier, previously served as wine director for Hotel San Luis Obispo and managed the hotel’s Michelin-recognized restaurant, Ox & Anchor. At The Ava Hotel, Rust will develop a beverage program that includes Coravin-served vintages, ingredient-driven cocktails made with local produce, and a coffee offering developed with local roasters.
Trowbridge, director of hospitality operations, brings over 20 years of global experience. He began his career in New Orleans and later worked in Napa Valley, Beijing and other international locations. He spent 14 years opening restaurants throughout China and holds an Executive MBA in hospitality from Les Roches in Switzerland. At The Ava Hotel, Trowbridge will oversee guest service across all dining operations.
The Ava Hotel will feature 151 rooms and suites, retail storefronts, and more than 6,500 square feet of event space. Its rooftop venue will include firepits, cabanas, and views of the surrounding hills. Dining options will include Emre, Pine Street Bistro and Esperanza on the Rooftop.
The hotel is owned by Paso Robles Hotel Partners, a locally led investment group. Reservations are available at www.theavahotel.com with rates beginning at $225 per night.
