At the heart of the newly reimagined Dawn Ranch in Guerneville is a powerhouse culinary duo: Co-Executive Chefs Juliana Thorpe and Ignacio “Nacho” Zuzulich. Together, they have crafted a kitchen culture that celebrates Northern California’s wild beauty through a global, Michelin-trained lens.
Chef Juliana Thorpe was raised in the mountains of Matutu, Brazil, where a vegetarian upbringing and homegrown produce instilled a deep respect for food origins. Her journey to Sonoma County included stints at world-renowned institutions such as Mugaritz in Spain and the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood. At The Lodge, Juliana focuses on simplicity and the “true essence” of ingredients, blending her South American heritage with the seasonal bounty of the Russian River Valley.
Chef Ignacio “Nacho” Zuzulich hails from Alta Gracia, Argentina, born into a family of restaurateurs. His career is a roadmap of elite global dining, having risen from an apprentice to a head chef at the legendary Mugaritz (Spain), with additional stops at Michel Bras (France) and Lasai (Brazil). Like Juliana, his arrival in Northern California was marked by his time at The Restaurant at Meadowood. Nacho’s philosophy is defined by flexibility and innovation, eschewing rigid culinary boundaries to focus on the creative potential of local produce.
Since the 2023 relaunch of Dawn Ranch, Juliana and Nacho have worked in lockstep to build a team that mirrors the diverse, soulful environment of Guerneville. Their collaboration results in a menu that is bold, refined, and deeply connected to the land.