Napa celebrity chef Michael Chiarello to open third Yountville restaurant

As Pacific Blues Café in Yountville closes its doors this month, celebrity chef Michael Chiarello is expected to take over the space, with plans to open his third restaurant in the Napa Valley town.

Pacific Blues, which has occupied the historic V Marketplace building for more than 20 years, will close April 19 after losing its lease.

Chiarello has submitted an application to the town's design and review board and is set to present proposed plans in the next few weeks. They call for a modern burger house with an Old World–style soda fountain and liquid-nitrogen flash-chilled made-to-order ice cream.

Proposed changes to the building will add a free-standing steel and glass structure to the rear deck, where outdoor seating will be located.

The property, known as The Vintage Estate, was purchased last year by Brookfield Hotel Properties of Maryland.

Chiarello also owns Bottega Napa Valley and Ottimo at V Marketplace.

Cynthia Sweeney covers health care, hospitality, residential real estate, education, employment and business insurance. Reach her at Cynthia.Sweeney@busjrnl.com or call 707-521-4259.