The celebrated chef and restaurateur Chris Bianco is joining forces with the Carneros Resort and Spa, in a mission to overhaul two of the resort's restaurants: the lavish Farm and the more laid-back Market. Known for his remarkable Phoenix-based Pizzeria Bianco, often referred to as one of the country's top pizzerias, Bianco now takes his expertise and team to a new culinary landscape, according to Eater.
Although Bianco wasn't actively seeking an opportunity in Northern California, the collaboration simply clicked. Having a past relationship with the Farm's team - who occasionally drop by his upscale Italian restaurant, Tratto, in central Phoenix – the partnership was a natural fit. Bianco envisions this project as a chance for him to showcase the talents of younger chefs in the industry, guiding them like a player turned coach, Eater reports.
Unlike his legendary pizzas, such as the red onion and pistachio-topped Rosa or the olive-studded Sonny Boy, Bianco will not be serving pizza at the revamped Farm restaurant. Instead, he intends to draw inspiration from the Tratto menu, which didn't include pizza when it first opened in 2016. By utilizing the produce from the resort's garden and partnering with renowned local growers, Bianco aims to create a menu to give diners a real sense of place, one that represents the Napa Valley's wealth of flavors.
On the other hand, the resort's casual General Store, Market, already serves pizza. Here, Bianco plans to develop a unique pie style exclusive to the food and beverage outlet, according to the Eater article. Working with various pizza styles throughout his career, this won't be the first time Bianco has brought a little bit of innovation to the table.
When it comes to a possible expansion with a Pizzeria Bianco or Pane Bianco in San Francisco, "I would never say never," says the acclaimed chef. However, it's not his current plan, as he focuses on his Northern California endeavors.
As the San Francisco Chronicle highlights, this partnering with Carneros Resort & Spa brings Chris Bianco into the Bay Area scene, with a new Italian farmhouse-inspired design. Merging Californian and Mediterranean elements, the revamped menu at Farm will focus on simplicity and using produce from the resort's culinary garden and local farmers. For example, dishes from Tratto could be transformed using Napa Valley ingredients, like pasta with Sonoma lamb or pork chops with local plums.
Chris Bianco's pizza expertise will be present at the Market. This time, he'll work with a local mill, crafting pizzas exclusive to Wine Country that deviate from his traditional recipes. In addition, the Market will continue serving salads and sandwiches.
Carneros Resort and Spa's Farm will reopen in fall 2023, offering guests a reimagined dining experience under the guidance of this two-time James Beard Award-winning chef.
