Chef Brandon Sharp, the six-time Michelin-starred talent behind Solbar at Solage Calistoga, today announced the early February opening of Calistoga's newest restaurant, Evangeline.
Located in the heart of Calistoga, California, Evangeline combines the town's charming ambience with Chef Sharp's dishes, creating the only casual French bistro in the upper Napa Valley.
The jewel of the 2,000-square-foot, red-brick dining space is a trellised outdoor patio that invites visitors and locals alike to stroll in throughout the day and evening. Chef Sharp's menu of boldly distinct, modern classics will have signature cocktails and traditional favorites such as Poulet Grand-Mere and Gumbo Ya-Ya, as well as Poisson Eau Fou and the Croque Marin.
The beverage program offers a mix of classic cocktails and Northern California's draught beers.
"We wanted to create a true neighborhood gem off the beaten path that gives diners a chance to soak in Calistoga's idyllic beauty, while being transported to the bucolic charm of Provence, all intertwined with a hint of New Orleans mystery," says Chef Sharp. "Evangeline is a place where guests can truly relax and unwind in a casual atmosphere that combines all the charm of Calistoga's rustic sensibilities with world-class food, drink and service."
In addition to Evangeline, Chef Sharp serves as vice president of culinary operations for Solage Hotels and Resorts, where he has earned six consecutive Michelin stars for Solbar. Prior to Solage, Chef Sharp was sous chef at the five-star Gary Danko in San Francisco and chef de cuisine at Restaurant August, a New Orleans culinary institution.
He previously worked as Chef de Partie alongside Chef Thomas Keller at Napa Valley's world-renowned French Laundry. Sharp received his education from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New Yprk. He also earned his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
At the helm of Evangeline's culinary operation is Executive Chef Gustavo Rios who has worked with Chef Sharp for the past eight years at Solbar. Chef Rios' impressive background also includes tenure as Chef de Partie at Bouchon Bistro, a Thomas Keller restaurant in Yountville and the acclaimed Inn at Little Washington in Virginia.
Sasan Nayeri, most recently manager and sommelier of the renowned Terra Restaurant in St. Helena, California, will join as Evangeline's general manager.
The restaurant will be open daily starting Feb. 2.
