Jennifer Piallat, longtime owner of Cole Valley bistro and brunch sensation Zazie, has completed her takeover of Calistoga Kitchen in Napa County. She and partners Shaun McGrath, Jenna Hodges, and Kaitlin Jones, all previously of neighboring Calistoga business Sam’s Social Club, took the reigns of the popular restaurant last fall, making gradual changes to the menu before closing in January to perform “a minor remodel” that “made a great difference” according to Piallat. They reopened under the new name Lovina (which is now written above the restaurant’s recognizable “Great Food” sign) in mid-January and plan to celebrate with a grand opening later this month.
Chefs Shaun McGrath and Jenna Hodges are behind the new food offerings at 1107 Cedar Street, while Jones and Piallat are in charge of operations. At Zazie, Piallat has achieved success with a tip-free model and is known for pioneering employee benefit programs before Healthy SF mandates took effect. For Lovina, Piallat also provided the new name, in honor of Lovina Graves Cyrus, a frontier woman of local lore.
While Zazie is separate from Lovina, its influence can be seen in revamped patio seating and an emphasis on brunch. Lovina’s brunch menu includes french toast made with cinnamon raisin walnut bread, a breakfast sandwich served on an english muffin from nearby Model Bakery, and more lunch-like brunch fare including burgers.
Lovina is now open all day, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays.