What’s the story?
New Year’s Day 1988 marked the beginning of Martin Michel’s 30-plus years as owner and operator of La Casita restaurant in the tucked away seaside town of Los Osos. He jokes about the early days of La Casita when he and his brother Saul would take turns napping in a booth while waiting for customers to arrive; but those days were short-lived, and La Casita quickly became a hub for the community.
Martin was trained in the art of California cuisine in the 80’s. At 16 years old, he started his career in Morro Bay as a dishwasher and moved up the ranks to become the executive chef of the Hungry Tiger in his late teens. He then moved on to become the executive chef of William Randolph’s in San Luis Obispo and then, later, at The Sea Venture in Pismo Beach.
Generations of La Casita fans have passed through its doors and enjoyed the Mexican cuisine of the unassuming eatery. Martin’s recipes are not necessarily traditional, but traditionally inspired. He has fine-tuned recipes to be healthier, while continuing to let the flavors shine - vegetarians and gluten-free customers would agree. You will often find regulars dashing in and out with large containers of salsa while exchanging greetings with friends and acquaintances doing the same. Salsa cravings are a real thing!
Martin has been married for 34 years, has four daughters, three grandsons, one granddaughter, one brother, and nine sisters! His siblings make up a good portion of the La Casita team.
“He truly is a jack of all trades--and a master of many,” says his wife, Vivian, and he’s willing to give just about anything a try: an avocado orchard on his property in Atascadero (nope), raising bees (nice try!) From his home garden, he grows ghost peppers, cilantro and cactus, and in his “spare time” he fixes cars, builds houses, and repairs just about anything he can get his hands on.
Martin’s repertoire of skills is long and varied, although La Casita has been his primary passion. Making and creating items such as chile rellenos, tamales, salsa, delicious salad dressings, seasonings, an assortment of bottled sauces that don’t stay on the shelves for long, granola, drink mixes like horchata and Mexi-mocha, and, most recently, his own lavender infused kombucha keep him highly engaged in the day-to-day life of La Casita.
The good people of Los Osos and the surrounding communities have been faithful in their support of the business. Martin has been as far away from home as Italy and Kauai and bumped into friends of La Casita - talk about a small world. It’s truly been a blessed journey, and it continues….