SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 11, 2022) – The Kimpton Sawyer is pleased to announce the appointment of Didier Gerbi as executive chef and Mark Reck as director of food and beverage. Chef Gerbi and Reck join the hotel’s esteemed culinary team on the heels of a complete refresh of Revival, the hotel’s signature rooftop restaurant and bar. The newly enhanced lounge in the heart of Sacramento’s Downtown Commons exudes casually cool luxury, offering sophisticated light bites and bespoke cocktails in a lush, refreshingly laid-back setting.
Boasting more than 30 years of culinary experience and having worked in highly acclaimed restaurants around the world, Chef Didier Gerbi brings classic French culinary training and a vast knowledge of California farm-to-fork to the Kimpton Sawyer. Specializing in French, Italian, and Spanish cuisines, Chef Gerbi owned a restaurant in France for 20 years before moving stateside and working in some of the finest restaurants and resorts throughout Northern Calif. He most recently served as executive chef of Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant in Coalinga, Calif. where he managed the resort’s three kitchens and curated menus for its banquet offerings, restaurants, pool bar, store, and boutique. Previously, he held executive chef roles at Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite, Wine & Roses in Lodi, and The French Garden in Sebastopol. Chef Gerbi is passionate about working with small farms and specialty vendors to utilize heirloom fruits and vegetables, local seafood and meats, and California olive oil in his culinary creations. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar with his son and is always on the hunt for Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers to add to his expansive collection.
A seasoned hospitality leadership professional, Mark Reck joins the Kimpton Sawyer team with over 20 years of experience in managing culinary operations working with independent restaurants to large-scale hotels. Most recently serving as director of food and beverage at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland, Reck specializes in operational management and process improvement, leading to top line growth while expanding bottom line potential. A Northern California native, Reck gained a deep understanding of the Sacramento culinary scene while conceptualizing and opening the successful Midtown jazz and blues supper club Frog & Slim, as well as serving as director of food and beverage at 335-room Hilton Arden West Sacramento. Reck is passionate about creating positive guest experiences by leading his teams with integrity and a strong work ethic, ultimately building associates’ career growth and restaurant success. In his spare time, Reck enjoys golfing and cheering on his favorite sports teams, Stanford and the San Francisco Giants.
“Revival’s recent reimagination creates a modern, urban escape for guests, and we are honored to welcome Chef Gerbi and Mark, who will help define and deliver outstanding culinary offerings and dynamic guest programming,” said Nikki Carlson, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel general manager and Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants area director of operations. “With their impressive backgrounds and deep knowledge of the Northern California culinary landscape, Chef Gerbi and Reck’s leadership, along with the entire hotel and culinary team here at the Sawyer, will further cement Revival as an epicurean hotspot in the Sacramento community and beyond.”
A neighborhood staple for locals and a must-visit destination for travelers, Revival at the Sawyer invites guests to begin their evening with drinks and snacks as the sun sets over Sacramento or finish it with a nightcap under the stars by offering a luxurious yet relaxed setting. The contemporary cocktail bar with a view showcases an airy, open floorplan and beautifully landscaped pool deck along with natural textures that provide a lush and lively atmosphere. Perfect for intimate gatherings or large buyouts, Revival also offers a robust programming schedule that frequently features solo artists and live bands, accompanied by expert DJs to further the restaurant’s fresh and upscale vibe.
For more information about the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, please visit www.sawyerhotel.com.
