Ember Steak at The Meritage Resort and Spa Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Award-Winning Momentum and a Bold New Culinary Vision
After a successful first year marked by prestigious awards, Ember Steak at The Meritage Resort and Spa is set to elevate its dining experience with an innovative new culinary vision.
Napa Valley, CA (June 2025) — Ember Steak, the signature fine dining destination at The Meritage Resort and Spa, celebrates its one-year anniversary this June with a week of celebratory events, an exclusive prix fixe menu, and a trio of exciting milestones: the appointment of acclaimed Chef Nicole Heaney as Chef de Cuisine and recognition in Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards for its exemplary wine program.
Opened in 2024 as part of The Meritage Resort and Spa’s multimillion-dollar property transformation, Ember Steak has quickly become one of Napa Valley’s most refined and dynamic new culinary experiences. Rustic yet elevated, the restaurant pairs bold, seasonal cuisine with theatrical touches, such as table-side preparations and dry-aged showpieces, in an atmosphere that pays homage to the elemental spirit of fire and earth.
New Chef de Cuisine: Nicole Heaney
This summer, Ember Steak embarks on its next chapter under the leadership of Chef Nicole Heaney, a culinary force with a distinctive ranch-to-table perspective shaped by her upbringing on a Wyoming ranch and honed in the kitchens of top resorts across Sedona, Carmel, and Napa Valley. With a deep reverence for sustainable sourcing and a passion for mentorship, Chef Heaney brings technical precision and soulful storytelling to every dish.
Signature items such as the 45 oz Black Angus Tomahawk Ribeye and table-side torched Potato Pavé reflect Ember Steak’s continued commitment to sensory-driven dining, now paired with Chef Heaney’s ingredient-forward philosophy and creative vision.
A Wine List Worth Celebrating
As Ember Steak marks one year, the restaurant is also proud to be recognized with the Award of Excellence for the 2025 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, distinguishing it among the world’s best restaurants for wine. The honor recognizes Ember Steak’s expertly curated wine list and its alignment with the menu’s depth and diversity.
One-Year Anniversary Prix Fixe Menu: June 25–29
To celebrate, Ember Steak will offer a limited-time, four-course anniversary menu ($185 per person), culminating the restaurant’s signature culinary drama with standout courses such as:
- The Crowned Bite – A luxurious take on potato pavé, layered with Santa Barbara uni, Japanese wagyu, and royal ossetra caviar.
- From the Sea – Halibut, scallop, and lobster crepinette in blood orange beurre blanc and black garlic.
- From the Land – Braised veal cheeks, crispy sweetbreads, truffle croquette, and cherry gastrique.
- Dessert – A reimagined Bananas Foster with rum raisin ice cream and bourbon caramel.
As Ember Steak steps into its second year, it continues to raise the bar for Napa Valley dining, at once grounded in heritage and blazing new trails with bold leadership, culinary innovation, and an uncompromising sense of place.
To learn more or make reservations, visit www.embersteak.com or www.meritageresort.com.
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