Michelin Chef Opens SF Bagel Shop

Christopher Kostow's pivot to a casual deli concept comes after a significant chapter in his fine-dining career came to an abrupt end. For over a decade, he helmed the three-Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley, earning widespread acclaim for his innovative approach to California cuisine. In September 2020, this acclaimed restaurant was tragically destroyed by the Glass Fire that swept through Northern California. The event forced a shift for the celebrated chef, whose tasting menus at Meadowood were priced at $360. Although the owners have expressed intent to rebuild, Kostow's focus has expanded to more accessible culinary ventures. The first Loveski Deli opened in Napa's Oxbow Public Market in March 2022, described as a "Jew-ish" deli. The name "Loveski" is a nod to Kostow's family name, Koslovski, before it was changed at Ellis Island. This venture represents a long-held dream for the chef, who mentioned wanting to open an old-school Jewish deli with locally sourced ingredients back in 2009. Loveski's concept is a blend of traditional Jewish deli fare with a distinct Northern California sensibility, utilizing ingredients from the same farm that supplied his high-end restaurants. The menu features handmade sourdough bagels, house-made pickles, and smoked fish, alongside creative twists that reflect Kostow's fine-dining background and his wife Martina's Thai heritage. This move from a temple of gastronomy to a casual bagel shop reflects a broader trend of fine-dining chefs venturing into more accessible formats. This shift allows acclaimed chefs to reach a wider audience and build more scalable and profitable businesses beyond the demanding world of Michelin-starred restaurants.