"Luxury resort MacArthur Place will soon open a new, updated restaurant in downtown Sonoma. Called Layla, it’s taking the reins from Saddles, the resort’s previous dining destination, with a concept focused on lighter, Mediterranean flavors. Though the hook is that the restaurants are part of celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s growing hospitality empire, Layla’s head chef will be the driving force behind the menu and kitchen. Chef Cole Dickinson was most recently part of Chris Cosentino’s Acacia House (and an Eater Young Gun from the class of 2012, nominated for his time as a sous chef under chef Michael Voltaggio). The fancy resort and hotel has lured wine tourists for twenty years with its guest houses, a pool, and spa. Layla will be part of its massive renovations following its purchase by a hospitality company, IMH Financial Corporation; its name is a nod to the original property founder’s granddaughter, Layla. Saddles, the wine country cuisine that closed in anticipation of Layla, was a destination for red wine and steaks with dark wood and a more equine theme. In a more updated contrast, Layla’s dining room is light and airy with neutral tones, and the menu is filled with hummus, babaganoush, cacio e pepe with esplette pepper, beet tartare, and lamb tagine." - Ellen Fort
