The Story of The Blue Moon Cafe

The visionary chef of The Blue Moon Café is Joe Bolster. Joe is a California native who has spent the better part of his last twenty years here on the Central Coast. In 1997 he and his newly wed wife, Gretchen did live in Las Vegas for about a year. Originally relocating to Nevada to assist his mother in her Alzheimer’s Care business Joe later found a position at a Diner where he convinced the owner to a partnership with the business that featured wild game fare.
At The Sportsmen’s Galley, Joe was able to improve sales by adding a breakfast and lunch menu. Gretchen became homesick and eager to start a family, so the couple returned to San Luis Obispo. The following year their first child was born and about a year later a second followed.
Gretchen knew she was married to an innovative chef when she and Joe began dating. As a part of the courtship Joe prepared an after hours, custom meal for Gretchen at the Rhythm Creekside Cafe, where Joe was chef at the time. This innovation was reinforced when Joe wrote the menu and prepared the food for their wedding reception in September of 1996. Gretchen however was truly impressed when they were honeymooning in Hawaii and while dinning with friends celebrating their 50th anniversary; Joe asked the chef carving the beef for a sharp knife. The chef followed up at their table concerned that the meat had been too tough to cut with a table knife. Joe then explained that wasn’t the case at all, that in fact he had wanted to show off a bit to friends and needed the knife to carve a swan out of a grape. The chef was so impressed that he offered Joe a job at the hotel, on the spot.
Joe has been cooking for over 35 years. He accepted a position in the grade school cafeteria where he assisted in the preparation of ‘good’ food for the rest of the school on a limited budget. Once realizing his potential in the kitchen, Joe never attended a Culinary Arts institute or Academy to refine his skills, opting instead for the hands on training provided by learning under many formally trained chefs. For example Joe perfected his barbeque rib recipe at the Anthony’s Lady.

(805) 461-3010

9000 Morro Rd., Atascadero

While at the Long Beach Hilton he had the honor of working under the supervision of Karl Grethe, noted Chef of the Year in Chicago 1980, ’81 and ’83 and award winning Culinary Olympic team member. While at the Hilton for only two weeks, Joe was invited to assist in the First National Association of Catering Executives and the dedication dinner of the Lakewood Convention Center. During the period of 1987 thru 1990, Joe worked on the Central Coast with friend and colleague Chef Rodney Aanerud, owner of Rodney’s in Baywood Park.
Here Joe assisted Rodney for local benefit events of the American Cancer Society, Local Community Center and Wine Auction\Formal Dinner for Radio Station KCBX.
Since Las Vegas in 1999, Joe has worked as Director of Dinning Services for The Villages Retirement community in San Luis Obispo as well as other fine dinning establishments on the Central Coast. Joe saw a need for a north county steak and seafood restaurant that would offer casual, fine dinning to the locals as well as attract the tourists driving thru the area. After searching for the right opportunity Joe stumbled across 9000 Morro Road in Atascadero. The long time building had been abandoned by the previous occupant and Joe recognized a great location.
As a result The Blue Moon Café was born. The many years and hours of experience are for your benefit. We are so grateful for your discovery of our restaurant and hope you find as much joy in dining with us as Joe does creating your meals! Because, “It’s once in a Blue Moon that you’ll find food this good”!