peasants FEAST

The story

peasants FEAST – Seasonal American Comfort Food in Solvang, CA | Bib Gourmand

How It Started

On April 1, 2020 – April Fools’ Day in the middle of a pandemic – Michael and Sarah Cherney opened peasants FEAST. “Half-desperate and 100% committed,” they set out to feed their community. That community is the “peasants” in the name: the farmers, ranchers, winemakers, and fishermen who bring ingredients to the kitchen. The “FEAST” honors Sarah’s mother, who believed in the power of shared meals.

The People Behind It

Chef Michael Cherney trained at the Art Institute in Santa Monica, then worked under Joël Robuchon at L’Atelier in Las Vegas. But it was a stint living on a 40-acre organic farm in Northern California that reshaped his cooking. He learned to source locally and seasonally, a philosophy he brings to every dish. Sarah Cherney, with over 25 years in hospitality, met Michael while managing Sides Hardware and Shoes in Los Olivos. Her background in theatre helps her create a dining experience that is both welcoming and thoughtful.

The Food and Feel

The menu changes with the seasons, rooted in American comfort food with a farm-driven twist. Guests rave about the pastrami salmon, the spicy chicken, and the smash burger – all made with ingredients whose stories Michael can trace back to the source. The space is relaxed, with air conditioning and outdoor seating. No reservations are taken; it’s first come, first served. In 2026, Michelin awarded peasants FEAST a Bib Gourmand, recognizing its good quality, good value cooking – a nod to the Cherneys’ commitment to honest, ingredient-focused food.