Janine Falvo :

Janine Falvo’s passion for food stems from a family deeply rooted in culinary tradition. Today she enjoys being the Chef de Cuisine of Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar for The Lodge at Sonoma. Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her childhood years were filled with memories of berry picking, seasonal harvest canning and celebratory holiday feasts. After years of showcasing her culinary prowess to her family and friends at such gatherings, she decided to hone her skills and make a career out of her life long passion.

Arriving at Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar in April 2005, Janine had a strong commitment to using only the finest farm fresh ingredients. This dedication was quickly recognized and in January 2006 as she was promoted to the position of Chef de Cuisine. Janine has taken the menu and restaurant to a new level by offering up contemporary yet approachable “Sonoma Wine Country Cuisine”, with a touch of whimsy. She's also created quite a buzz and local following since she took over the reigns and was recently named "Rising Star Chef" for Restaurant Hospitality magazine in 2007.

Whether it is the Alaskan Halibut with lobster home fries and truffle hollandaise, or the Wood Roasted Mussels with roasted garlic, Hobb’s Ham Hock, Red Rocket Ale and chilies, Janine offers a fresh approach to the restaurant’s culinary mission while keeping in line with the Carneros tradition of celebrating the finest local artisan meats and cheeses, organic produce, and fresh herbs from their chef’s garden. Her signature dishes highlight the distinct flavors and rich tastes of Northern California’s Wine Country and complement the restaurant’s exclusive Sonoma County wine list.

A graduate of the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, Janine completed the comprehensive and rigorous training necessary to become a skilled chef. Prior to joining the Lodge at Sonoma, she launched Molive restaurant in Chicago’s Whitehall Hotel with noted Bay Area Chef Bart Homser and was the opening Executive Sous Chef at Bradley Ogden’s fine dining restaurant, Parcel 104 in Santa Clara, California.

This spring’s WineCountry.com Exclusive Experience with the Sonoma Valley Film Festival invites you to indulge in the luxurious property at The Lodge at Sonoma as part of the wine, food and film festivities. Nestled in Sonoma Valley, this California wine country resort is less than an hour north of San Francisco and located among the country’s finest wineries. Plus round out your VIP weekend with star status dining at their Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar!