Another juicy bit of gossip just came my way regarding The General’s
Daughter in Sonoma. I recently lamented the departure of Chef Preston
Dishman, but it turns out that he’s not the only one headed out. The
current owners have leased the restaurant to the Girl of The Girl and
the Fig, Sondra Bernstein. She tells BiteClub that the historic home of
General Vallejo will be transformed into a casual “regional Italian”
dining spot focused on small plates, housemade salumi, family-style
entrees and some signature cocktails called Estate. It’s a match made in heaven for
the recently renovated patio and outdoor fireplace that seemed an odd
fit for the upscale dining vibe of the General’s Daughter. And a
welcome solution to what BiteClub feared would be the end of the
revitalized restaurant.
Not one to be too confined by any one cuisine, she says the menu
will definitely have other Mediterranean influences (hint: remember The
Girl & The Gaucho?), but the Italian connection seemed the most
approachable as a starting point. Plans are to keep the restaurant
approachable for locals but also continue to offer up a destination and
event location for visitors.
At the helm, at least at opening, will be managing partner John
Toulze (who is also an Steel Chef contender at this year’s Sonoma Wine
Country Weekend). After a mini-makeover, Bernstein hopes to open the
restaurant in mid-September. She and Toulze head to Spain this week for
a little recon and menu planning. Still no word on Dishman’s plans,
though word on the street is that he’s looking for a place of his own.
Also on the Fig front, the nearby Fig Pantry remains shuttered after a motorist crashed into it a few months ago.