Becoming a restaurant owner was never in my plans, but life had a different path in store for me. Surrendering to the unexpected turned out to be a powerful journey.

The story began in August 2019 when a restaurant owner in Manteca approached Marilu with an enticing proposition to feature her desserts on their menu. I encouraged her to seize the opportunity, but she needed a commercial kitchen for compliance purposes.

Around the same time, a small restaurant specializing in sandwiches and soups, located at 115 E Main St, was up for sale. It was an investing opportunity to get Marilu the commercial kitchen she needed. The purchase was finalized in October 2019 and we started our journey.

The original intention was to turn the location into a bakery, the plans took a turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Marilu adapted, offering to-go dinners that were warmly received by our community.

A few months later, the owner of the bar at 111 E Main St reached out. Kara need to offer food to comply with California's COVID-19 regulations for bars, so I told her “let’s get you opened.” We collaborated for several months until she decided to relocate to Tennessee. Once again, the universe conspired in my favor, leading to another fortuitous turn of events and I became a restaurant and wine bar owner.

The journey has had its share of ups and downs, with the challenges of navigating a new trade followed by COVID, then recession. But we are grateful for the opportunities that have come our way, the lessons we've learned, and most importantly, the incredible team we've assembled, the wonderful people we've met, and the guests who have become like family.

Throughout this journey, we've heard heartwarming childhood stories and been entrusted with difficult adulthood tales. We've provided a shoulder to cry on for some and celebrated victories with others. We’ve even been among the first to know of a pregnancy and were trusted with the joyful task to bear the news to the fortunate grandparents to-be.

While the struggles have been real, they pale in comparison to the immense joys we've experienced. We are humbled and grateful to be a part of this amazing community, sharing in its stories, and being a place where memories are made and cherished.

In the end, our restaurant journey has shown me the incredible power of surrendering to the unknown, allowing it to shape our lives in ways we could have never anticipated. For this, I am very grateful.

With so much love,

Judith

We, at A Matter of Taste, are committed to providing a dining experience that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. We believe that the food we eat and the wine we drink should complement each other and enhance the overall dining experience. Our mission is to create a warm and welcoming community where people can come together to share in the simple pleasures of life, including good food, good wine, and good company.

We are dedicated to using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients and preparing our dishes in a way that highlights their natural flavors. Our pesto, sauces, dressings, pasta, and bread are made in-house, without any artificial additives or preservatives. We also take great care in selecting our wine offerings, with a focus on organic, biodynamic, and vegan options that reflect our commitment to sustainability and the environment.

But our mission extends beyond the food and wine we serve. We believe in the power of human connection and the value of spending time with loved ones. A Matter of Taste is a place where people can come together to share a meal, raise a glass, and connect with one another on a deeper level. We strive to create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and fosters a sense of community among our guests.

We believe that spending time with loved ones solely for the sake of deep human connection is an extraordinary value. We invite everyone who walks through our doors to become a part of our family and to share in the joy of food, wine, and meaningful connections.

Our ultimate mission is to provide a dining experience that is not only delicious and nourishing but also enriching and fulfilling. We want our guests to leave feeling satisfied, not only in their appetite but also in their hearts and souls.

A Matter of Taste is more than just a place to eat and drink. We envision a community gathering space, where people can come together to share in the simple pleasures of life: good food, good wine, and good company. We aspire to cultivate a warm and inviting ambiance, where our guests can unwind and forge meaningful connections, crafting memories that endure a lifetime.

At the core of our philosophy lies a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We take pride in our selection of organic, biodynamic, and vegan wines, each thoughtfully chosen to reflect our values. From crisp whites to bold reds, our diverse collection ensures there's something to suit every palate and occasion.

Beyond mere business, we are a tight-knit family. Our dedicated team shares a passion for creating an inclusive space, where all feel embraced and at ease. Our aim is to foster a sense of belonging, where each visitor is valued and celebrated for who they are. We endeavor to craft an environment where genuine connections flourish, nurturing a sense of community and camaraderie.

Our ultimate vision is to craft a sanctuary of celebration—a place where guests can revel in good food, exquisite wine, and the cherished company of loved ones. Through our offerings, we seek to inspire others to embrace healthier, more connected lifestyles, rooted in the joy of shared experiences and the nourishment of wholesome, delectable cuisine.