At The Lodge at Dawn Ranch, co-executive chef Juliana Thorpe channels her global culinary expertise into a menu that celebrates authenticity and regional abundance.
Her culinary philosophy centers on simplicity and natural ingredients—an approach shaped by her formative years in Matutu, Brazil, where she grew up immersed in the rhythms of nature and agriculture. Surrounded by the South American countryside, Thorpe developed an intimate understanding of food through her family’s vegetarian traditions and garden-to-table lifestyle, forging a connection to ingredients that continues to define her cooking today.
Thorpe’s professional journey spans some of the world’s most distinguished kitchens. She trained under Roberta Sudbrack in Brazil and worked alongside Rafa Costa e Silva at Lasai before expanding her repertoire at Spain’s acclaimed Mugaritz. Her path eventually led here to Northern California, where she refined her craft at the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley. This experience crystallized her culinary vision: cooking that honors the natural wealth of a region.
Since joining The Lodge in 2023, along with husband and co-chef Ignacio Zuzulich during its relaunch, Thorpe has woven together her Brazilian heritage with the seasonal offerings of Sonoma County. Now entering a new chapter, the refreshed dining experience at The Lodge showcases two distinctive tasting menus, a shorter seven creation format or a more extensive 12-course journey, alongside a seasonal a la carte selection. Depending on the season, guests might encounter oysters with watermelon agua fresca, dadinho de tapioca, gnudi with green pesto and chili oil, spot prawns pasta or Brazilian coconut cake.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Juliana Thorpe: I was living in France doing voluntary work that included cooking, and it was what made me the most happy.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
I just love to try new and different stuff.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Good wine or really cold beer. I am from Brazil; I can’t help it.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
Maison, Healdsburg. They definitely know what they are doing, and you always learn something new while having amazing wine.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Sparkling apple juice.
The Lodge at Dawn Ranch, 16467 CA-116, Guerneville, 707.869.0656. dawnranch.com/dine.
