Sienna owners Mark and Karoline Platt have never shied away from piling more on their dinner plate — proverbial dinner plate, that is. Not only are they in the midst of renovating the site above Pottery World in the Montaño De El Dorado Shopping Plaza to relocate Sienna from La Borgata, but the couple has just opened a brand-new restaurant in the El Dorado Hills Town Center, South Fork Grille.
Housed where Bistro 33 formerly provided a popular gathering place for a decade, the building sat empty since Osteria Moto closed in 2019 after operating for less than a year.
“We’ve always had space envy of that spot,” said Karoline. “It’s such a beautiful location and Town Center has really blossomed. It kind of fell in our lap.”
She admitted they were not looking to open a new El Dorado Hills eatery. But after seeing the building sit empty for years, they inquired and found themselves meeting with landlord Kevin Nagle within days. “He’s amazing and we hit it off. It was just on a whim, really.”
Karoline called the 6,200-square-foot space “ideal” — the patio, in particular, commanding views of the fountain and at the epicenter of Town Center activities. Custom fire pits and built-in couches have been installed outside to accommodate about 40, in addition to the 180 seats inside.
“When you go in, you’re not going to remember anything about Bistro from that spot,” she insisted. “We’ve completely transformed it. We’re really excited about it.”
The concept is named after the South Fork of the American River, which runs through El Dorado County. And whereas Sienna is a wine-country inspired brand, offering more intricate sauces and preparations, South Fork Grille skews to a more casual vibe.
“It’s really fun and playful,” Karoline revealed.
Patrons sitting at the luscious custom bar top depicting a pearlescent cobalt estuary can enjoy cocktails named after South Fork river rapids such as Troublemaker and Hospital Bar. Most entrees run $25 to $32 and include a selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads, as well as the ever-popular fitness special.
Karoline is especially enthusiastic about a miso marinated black cod with baby bok choy, green curry, sticky rice and an Asian broth. “It’s so delicious and it melts in your mouth,” she said, also mentioning her favorite appetizer, crispy popcorn shrimp.
“I can tell you after having it so many times, it is addicting. You cannot stop eating them,” she confessed.
Jambalaya pasta, spicy tuna sushi, buffalo cauliflower and a hummus plate are examples of an eclectic menu that will satisfy a wide array of palates.
South Fork Grille is the Platts’ seventh restaurant since opening Sienna EDH 12 years ago. Both originally from Colorado, the Truckee residents operate another Sienna in Roseville as well as Land Oceans in Folsom, Roseville, Reno, Nev., and most recently Meridian, Idaho. With South Fork Grille, the Platts are venturing into their third restaurant concept and hope that their proven success in the community will enable them to find longevity in the space.
Only a week into opening, the bar is hopping on a recent Thursday evening. “It’s beautiful in here,” exclaimed Shingle Springs resident Lydia Moulin, who was enjoying a cocktail with friends from Folsom and Placerville.
Meanwhile, Sienna EDH will also go through its own metamorphosis, which Karoline claims will be spectacular. “We truly believe people will drive a long way to get that experience,” she said of the glass walls showcasing views of rolling hills. “The crème de la crème is the giant oak tree that envelops the whole back patio. It’s magical.”
The new space is approximately 6,500 square feet, down from La Borgata’s 10,000 square feet plus extensive patios which, Karoline conceded, has been challenging to staff particularly after COVID shutdowns. In addition, she cited aging facilities and high utility costs.
“We’re going to save a ridiculous amount of money per year having energy efficient, new equipment and a smaller footprint,” she said of the Montaño buildout and its more compact outdoor area. “It’s going to be a busy patio because it’s well shaded and has epic views.” The opening is planned for February 2023.
As to the secret to their continued achievements, Karoline joked, “We’re either really smart or really dumb; we don’t know yet.”
But her subsequent graciousness is sincere. “Our success is tied to the great people that we have working with us — our director of operations, our controller, our corporate chef, our GMs that take ownership of each of the restaurants, the executive chefs that make sure the food is great,” she shared. “They are very much a team that has to all work together to make it successful.”