Over the years, Chef Bruce Naftaly has been hailed by local and national press as “the Father of Northwest Cuisine” and Seattle’s “Food Hero”, and has long been considered one of the pioneers of the local farm-to-table movement. The former head chef and chef/owner of some of Seattle’s most renowned restaurants—including Le Gourmand (for 28 years!), the Alexis Hotel and Sambar —Naftaly is now bringing his locally driven food philosophy to your table as a personal chef and instructor. An avid supporter of local organic producers, the PCC Land Trust and other organizations dedicated to preserving local farmland and sustainability, Naftaly also offers custom meal preparation, is available for special events, and often teaches group cooking classes like the ones he hosts here at Bella Luna.

Sara Naftaly brings depth, precision, and flavor to every kitchen she enters. A lifelong culinary explorer, she studied both sweet and savory techniques under esteemed private chefs Michel Boulard and Susan Spicer of Bayona in New Orleans. Alongside her husband Bruce, she co-founded and ran renowned Seattle establishments—first at Le  Gourmand and Sambar, then later opening the Amandine bakeshop and Marmite at Chophouse Row. At Marmite, Sara not only oversaw the adjacent bakery but also crafted the signature cocktail menus for Spirit in the Bottle. Sara’s culinary strength lies in her meticulous technique and deep knowledge—from perfectly flaky pastries to balanced, seasonal dishes. Her global training and farm‑to‑table philosophy make her an invaluable leader for hands‑on classes and events. At our upcoming Bastille Day celebration, Sara will collaborate with Bruce to create a menu that marries classic French flavors with Pacific Northwest sensibility—bringing both expertise and joy to the table.