Though he’s a new face to the Bay Area restaurant scene, celebrity chef and coast-to-coast restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian will soon open three new dining concepts in the town of Sonoma.
Zakarian’s hospitality group will head the food and beverage program at MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa as part of a $20 million overhaul of the historic property. Once a working ranch and vineyard, MacArthur Place was sold to IMH Financial in early October 2017.
Plans were announced this week for Layla, a bright indoor/outdoor Mediterranean restaurant that will replace the clubby Saddles restaurant. Executive chef Dana Jaffee left Saddles in May and the restaurant is expected to remain open for several more months during the transition.
In addition to Layla, Zakarian will also be envisioning The Porch, a grab-and-go cafe and market inside the hotel and a renovated bar with curated cocktails and an all-day menu. The Iron Chef has seven other restaurants including Lamb’s Club in New York City and in-hotel restaurants in LA, Florida and New Jersey.