Meadowood Napa Valley, the Michelin-recognized resort in St. Helena, has announced the appointment of Alejandro Ayala as executive chef.
The longtime kitchen staffer, who rose from dishwasher to top toque, will oversee Meadowood’s Forum restaurant and Terrace cafe. Forum, open to the public, is a relaxed breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch eatery serving California-inspired dishes with Mexican influences. The Terrace is a seasonal outdoor cafe only open to Meadowood guests.
But what happened to chef Christopher Kostow, who led The Restaurant at Meadowood to three Michelin stars before it was destroyed in the 2020 Glass Fire? While the fine dining restaurant is being reimagined and rebuilt, Kostow has opened The Charter Oak in St. Helena, reopened Ciccio in Yountville and created a casual Jewish deli, Loveski, at the Oxbow Market.
Kostow has confirmed he will remain on the team as The Restaurant at Meadowood is rebuilt, though there is currently no timeline for reopening.