Perfect “Harmony”

Remember—you heard it here first.

Not in a million years would you expect a town of 4,400 people to become home to one of Northern California’s most exciting new dining experiences. Yet here we are in Kelseyville California, where Michelin-star–trained chef Jevgenija Saromova has quietly created something truly special.

Harmony, the vision of Chef Saromova and her wife, Mara Mehlman, is the kind of place you almost can’t believe exists until you see it for yourself. Over the past year, the couple constructed a remarkable 6,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art kitchen—tucked right beneath their home. Yes, in the basement. But that’s about the only casual thing about the experience.

Guests arrive to find themselves stepping into a stunning 3,000-bottle wine cellar, where the evening begins with a chilled glass of French Champagne. From there, Mara welcomes you upstairs to an intimate dining room anchored by a single large table and framed by sweeping views of Mount Konocti.

With seating for just ten guests, the atmosphere feels less like a restaurant and more like a gathering among friends—if your friends happen to serve extraordinary food. Over the course of the evening, seven beautifully crafted courses arrive, each paired with wines from Lake, County, Mendocino and Europe.

And choosing a favorite? Nearly impossible.

Was it the tomato burrata with bright tomato sorbet? The delicate applewood smoked sea urchin? The perfectly prepared wagyu? Our group debated the matter long into the night and never quite reached a verdict. Each course seemed to outshine the last.

By the end of the evening, one thing is certain: Harmony delivers what can only be described as gastronomic heaven, right here in the heart of Big Valley.

So yes—remember that you heard it here first. The hottest new dining destination in wine country isn’t in Napa or Sonoma. It’s in Lake County.

Make your reservations while you can.  Word travels fast when something this good comes along.