Montage Healdsburg Announces Culinary Team and Restaurant Concepts
HEALDSBURG, CALIF. (October 22, 2020) – Today, Montage Healdsburg announces the culinary team and restaurant concepts in advance of its late-fall opening. The resort’s food and beverage team will be led by Executive Chef Jaron Dubinsky, who will oversee all culinary programming across the resort, including kitchen operations of each dining venue, Healdsburg Country Store, in-room dining and culinary partnerships. Jason Pringle has been appointed Chef de Cuisine of the resort’s signature dining experience, Hazel Hill, with Alexander “Alex” Cornu as the restaurant’s General Manager. Petra Polakovicova has been appointed as the resort’s Beverage Manager.
Montage Healdsburg Culinary Team:
Executive Chef Jaron Dubinsky – Chef Dubinsky brings 15 years of luxury hospitality experience to Montage Healdsburg, where he will oversee the resort’s culinary operations. Dubinsky’s New England roots are combined with an extensive French cooking background and focus on northern California cuisine. He began his career in Boston, working in some of the city’s most notable restaurants before joining Bleu Water Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas in the Caribbean in 2009. He then gained deep experience in the northern California market, working for The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay for five years before transferring to The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. Dubinsky then joined the Montage International family as Executive Sous Chef at Montage Los Cabos, where he was instrumental in the resort’s opening in 2018, helping the brand’s first international property secure numerous accolades, including Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond. Chef Dubinsky is most excited to share the rich bounty of Sonoma and create exceptionally curated culinary adventures for guests of Montage Healdsburg.
Hazel Hill – Chef de Cuisine Jason Pringle – Hazel Hill, will be led by Chef Pringle, a seasoned chef with more than 20 years’ experience that has taken him from San Francisco to New York City, Miami and back to northern California. Most recently, Pringle worked as Chef de Cuisine at Selby’s in Redwood City, California. Prior to that role, he was Chef de Cuisine of Navio at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Additional experience includes db Bistro Moderne, a Daniel Boulud restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis in Miami; Café Boulud in New York City; the fine dining restaurant David Burke Townhouse in New York City; and the two-star Michelin-rated restaurant AQUA in San Francisco. Pringle has opened several restaurants, including Millesime in New York City and Epic Roasthouse (now EPIC Steak) in San Francisco.
Hazel Hill – General Manager Alexander Cornu – Born and raised in Napa Valley, Cornu also holds Swiss citizenship through his mom and French citizenship through his dad, Chef Michel Cornu. He grew up watching his father serve as Culinary Director of Napa’s Far Niente Winery. Later, the younger Cornu went on to cultivate extensive experience in fine dining, beginning his career at Santa Barbara’s San Ysidro Ranch, where he spent five years honing his managerial skills in guest services and revenue. He relocated to Silicon Valley to gain valuable food and beverage experience during three years at Rosewood Sand Hill, where he held various positions, including Director of Outlets, overseeing Madera, a one-star Michelin-rated restaurant. Cornu moved back to Napa Valley in 2015, managing events for the Jean Charles Boisset where he produced high-quality experiences at all of Boisset’s Napa Valley properties for several years before moving back to San Francisco. Most recently, Cornu oversaw operations at the one-star Michelin-rated restaurant, Luce, at Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco, where he served as Director of Outlets, prior to joining Montage Healdsburg.
Beverage Manager and Sommelier Petra Polakovicova – Polakovicova is an accomplished sommelier and beverage director with a career spanning 20 years in top hotel restaurants and wineries in California. She began her hospitality career at Palace Hotel in San Francisco, before being named Restaurant Manager at W San Francisco, a role she held for three years. Polakovicova also held numerous positions at Darioush Winery and Ritz-Carlton properties San Francisco and Half Moon Bay, while transitioning to Wine & Beverage Director of EPIC Steak, a restaurant she helped launch and for which she curated a wine list of 550 selections. She brings extensive experience in all aspects of beverage management, including curating beer and cocktail programs, hosting exclusive events and creating private labels in partnership with renowned winemakers. Polakovicova passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Exam and holds her certification from Wine and Spirits Education Trust. She was named in FSR Magazine’s 40 under 40 Rising Stars in 2018 and the same year was awarded Best Sommelier by the Slovakian publication, Gurman Magazine. Polakovicova’s mission is to create unforgettable memories and inspire lasting passions for food and wine for guests, from the firsttime wine drinker to the seasoned aficionado.
The Montage Healdsburg culinary team has taken careful consideration to every detail while fine-tuning menus and creating the overall dining experience at each of the resort’s culinary venues. They have formed personal relationships with numerous local businesses, farmers and artisans. Wherever possible, local products will be sourced directly from the community, such as olive oils, vinegars, chocolates and even pottery.
“In addition to creating a thoughtfully curated and immersive dining experience that engages all of the senses, our hope is when guests leave us, they feel they have experienced Healdsburg and Sonoma County in their truest culinary form,” said Executive Chef Jaron Dubinsky. “Hazel Hill is poised to become a dining destination in the greater wine country region. The menu, like the restaurant, is at once relaxed and elevated, approachable yet memorable, served in surprising new ways while always focused around the freshest ingredients. We want a meal at Hazel Hill to feel like you are at private dinner party among friends.”
Restaurant Concepts:
Hazel Hill – With a terroir-to-table philosophy, Hazel Hill features locally sourced cuisine alongside an extensive selection of fine wines. Hypersensitive to the seasons, the menu showcases the region’s bountiful ingredients, offering inventive interpretations on farm fresh produce. Chef Pringle’s background mirrors the restaurant’s ethos: noticeable French influences with a focus on the northern California region. Centering around nourishing dishes elevated by local flavors, the fare is deeply infused with wine country flare while incorporating timeless traditions of French gastronomy. Hazel Hill also features a seasonal vegan menu that is offered alongside the restaurant’s main menu. The wellness-focused ‘Harvest Menu’ offers alternative proteins and is geared toward well-being and caters to dietary sensitivities, with vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Hazel Hill features an interactive expo kitchen and exhibit pantry offering guests a look into the working world of its esteemed chefs.
Whether seated at Hazel Hill’s bar or consulting with one of the wine experts tableside, guests can peruse a wine list featuring the best of all of Sonoma Valley’s viticultural areas as well as some of the world’s top labels. Montage Healdsburg also offers 15 ½ acres of on-site vineyards, which are overseen by the resort’s internationally renowned winemaker and partner, Jesse Katz. Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown on-property and will eventually be bottled at Katz’ Aperture Cellars Winery production building, located just six miles from the property for future enjoyment. As a part of this partnership, Montage Healdsburg also invites guests to join Katz at Aperture Cellars Winery for tastings, a rare experience reserved exclusively for resort guests.
Scout Field Bar – With a glowing fireplace and live music, the lobby centerpiece invites guests to gather with creative cocktails, local craft beers, the world’s most celebrated wine as well as from hard-to-find producers and comforting French-infused noshes. Scout Field Bar features an innovative menu of seasonal cocktails made from fresh herbs and citrus harvested around the property. Infused spirits, house-made syrups and freshly squeezed juices elevate each sip. Scout Field Bar offers both indoor and outdoor seating so guests can enjoy the sprawling vineyards views, evening sunsets and explore an extensive array of the best Sonoma has to offer without even leaving the resort.
Hudson Springs Bar and Grill – Coastal-inspired cuisine served poolside during warm-weather season. Hudson Springs Bar and Grill features a menu of fresh seafood, ranging from the catch of the day to a selection of raw and barbecued oysters. With crab rolls, grilled fish tacos and other upscale poolside classics, such as burgers with sweet potato fries and salads crafted with fresh Sonoma greens, the poolside eatery balances refreshing, light fare with filling menu options.
Healdsburg Country Store – The resort’s gourmet market offers an abundance of locally made goods and specialty foods, including barista-crafted coffees, warm pastries, flavorful salads and sandwiches, freshpressed juices and regional wines. All items are wrapped and easy to take along while exploring the Sonoma countryside. The market also includes a variety of artisan gifts, including jams and cheese, house-made pickles, locally cured meats, fresh breads, olives and honey, which offer a perfect way to commemorate a wine country stay.
For more information on Hazel Hill and Montage Healdsburg, or to make a reservation, please visit www.montage.com/healdsburg or follow @montagehealdsburg and @montagehotels.
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About Montage Healdsburg
Set to open in 2020, Montage Healdsburg is located on 258-acres in the heart of California’s world-renowned Sonoma wine country; and the first Montage property in Northern California. Built within the constraints of the natural landscape, the transformative hideaway will offer 130 bungalow-style rooms and 40 privately owned Montage Residences settled among oak trees and vine-covered hills with a contemporary aesthetic. The resort will feature four dining outlets including signature restaurant, Hazel Hill; an 11,500-sq. ft. Spa Montage with zero-edge pool overlooking the resort’s own 15.5 acres of vineyards; and Montage’s signature, immersive children’s program, Paintbox. For more information, follow @montagehealdsburg or visit www.montage.com/healdsburg.
About Montage Hotels & Resorts
Montage Hotels & Resorts is the ultra-luxury hospitality management company founded by Alan J. Fuerstman. Designed to serve the affluent and discerning traveler and homeowner, the company features an artistic collection of distinctive hotels, resorts and residences. Each Montage property offers comfortable elegance, a unique sense of place and spirit, impeccable hospitality and memorable culinary, spa and lifestyle experiences. The portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences includes: Montage Laguna Beach, Montage Deer Valley, Montage Kapalua Bay, Montage Palmetto Bluff, and Montage Los Cabos. Opening in 2020 is Montage Healdsburg, opening in 2021 is Montage Big Sky, opening in 2022 is Montage La Quinta, and opening in 2023 is Montage Cay. Montage Hotels & Resorts is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For more information, follow @montagehotels or visit www.montage.com.
About Montage International
Montage International, the ultra-luxury hospitality management company founded by Alan J. Fuerstman, features a distinctive collection of hospitality brands. Montage International encompasses the ultra-luxury brand Montage Hotels & Resorts, the new luxury hospitality brand Pendry Hotels & Resorts, Montage Residences, Pendry Residences and the management of some of the country’s premiere golf courses and clubs. Founded in 2002, Montage Hotels & Resorts is an artistic collection of distinctive hotels, resorts and residences including: Montage Laguna Beach, Montage Deer Valley, Montage Kapalua Bay, Montage Palmetto Bluff, and Montage Los Cabos. Opening in 2020 is Montage Healdsburg, opening in 2021 is Montage Big Sky, opening in 2022 is Montage La Quinta, and opening in 2023 is Montage Cay. Pendry Hotels & Resorts, founded in 2014, is a collection of new luxury hotels for today’s cultured world traveler located in taste making destinations including Pendry San Diego and Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. Opening in 2020 is Pendry West Hollywood, opening in 2021 is Pendry Manhattan West and Pendry Park City, opening in 2022 is Pendry La Quinta, Pendry Natirar, and Pendry Washington D.C. – The Wharf. Montage International also manages and operates Spanish Peaks Mountain Club in Big Sky, Montana and The May River Golf Club in Bluffton, South Carolina. For more information, please visit www.montage.com.
