FEATURE | By Bret Bradigan

Patio Days & Nights

Oiaj Wedding
Fancy Free Photography
Brandi Crockett

Ojai is known for its world-class people watching, for the “see-and-be-seen” scene.  It’s been part of the Ojai experience since Beatrice Wood adorned the village with her vibrant saris.

There are other places where you can bear witness to the parade of humans and canines, but none where you can sit amid the sycamore shade of the Arcade Plaza, presided over by Sylvia Raz’ “Early Bird Shopper” sculpture while imbibing potions from master mixologist Ruben Salinas Jr.

The contemplative quiet of Sage Mindful Meal’s patio contrasts with the energy and hustle it has taken to create that space. With three busy businesses taking up most of a block of Matilija Street, you’d forgive Ernest Niglio, manager of Rainbow Bridge, Dharma & Dog and Sage Mindful Meals for taking a moment every now and then to regroup on the patio backing up to Arcade Plaza.

After all, it’s been a long while since that patio has been available to the public. After 40 years of (mostly) missing in action, Niglio, in partnership with David and Mary Trudeau, designed Sage’s layout and worked with David to get it built. All three participated; Mary Trudeau with her talent for interior design, colors and texture, and David for his experience as a contractor and builder. “Mary oversaw our first opening at Sage and we closed when Covid hit. I decided to try to reopen in March,” Niglio said. “I was very reluctant and designed a small menu with the help of Chase Elder, a local consultant. We are hoping we’re past the worst of the shutdowns and are now going to expand our hours to include breakfast and a dinner menu.”

Then, Covid-19 hit, with its subsequent stay-at-home orders and quarantine. Niglio took up the reins from the Trudeaus and is carrying on the mission of providing clean, healthy food in an enchanting setting. “We’re here to help people with their health,” he says. “The store keeps me busy, but it’s different, restaurants take a lot of attention.”

Ernest Niglio’s (second from right) mission was to assemble the Sage team.

A big part of the job was assembling his team. Melissa Blanchard has plenty of experience; she helped open Love Social Café, and is part of the Bonnie Lu’s restaurant family. Landing Salinas was also a coup; when the journeyman sax player wasn’t on the road with Eric Burdon & The Animals, he was perfecting his craft for 15 years at his parents’ much-missed restaurant: Los Caporales. He was also one of the founding members of the Ojai Spirits Cabinet with Sam Gay, Megg Sicotte-Kelly and Richie Smith. “As our resident tequila expert and cocktail enthusiast,” Niglio said, “Ruben brings his expertise to Sage with a fun and creative bar program.”

The patio, with the twinkle lights and blue-red flames from the propane heaters, sets a particularly festive stage for holiday evenings. Salinas has concocted a cocktail menu with “An Alice in Wonderland” theme, such as “The Alice,” mixing up Amaro Angeleno, extra dry prosecco, topo chico and a wheel of lemon, or the “Cheshire Cat,” with butterfly pea flower vodka, a locally sourced limoncello, CBD and sparkling lemongrass. Or the “No Time,” with the tequila blanco, lime juice, cold-pressed cucumber juice and mint. Coming next, Salinas said, “The Mixtape Volume I menu.”

Enlivening the patio’s stage like setting will be music. Niglio is looking at a jazz quartet, or soft rock. “It really is a great place for live music,” he said, which will be both for the enjoyment of patrons as well as passersby.

Sage is known for its distinctive lattes and healthy potions.

Other plans for the place include expanding Niglio’s mindful approach to food: “We are a health food place, with Rhemannia Dean Thomas mixing up herbal tonics,” he said. “There will also be classes and seminars, (and) hosting health-related events.

Niglio hopes people will enjoy the patio throughout the day as hours will expand in the near future. “For breakfast, this will be a place to come get a coffee and eat clean, healthy food. We want to create an atmosphere of health for people,” he said on one recent sunny morning. “After all, it is a beautiful patio.”