Our Story
On February 28, 2025, we—Chef Jevgenija Saromova and Mara Mehlman—planted our roots in Kelseyville, bringing with us decades of global hospitality experience. Previously, we owned and operated The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant in Woodstock, Vermont, an establishment that received international acclaim. It was honored by Forbes Magazine as one of the “10 Best Restaurants,” a list that recognized top dining destinations across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
That chapter shaped our dedication to culinary excellence, sustainability, and heartfelt service. With Harmony, we bring that same passion to California’s wine country—deepening our connection to land, community, and craft.
“Forbes named it among the world’s 10 best restaurants.”
A Legacy of Excellence, a Vision of Connection
The Visionaries Behind Harmony’s Experience
Chef Jevgenija Saromova
Chef Jevgenija Saromova sees each plate as a canvas—an artistic composition where every swirl, texture, and color is intentional. Her creative process begins with sketches on a yellow legal pad, where she maps out dishes that ignite all the senses. For her, dining is not just about nourishment, but about crafting an immersive experience that touches the soul.
With over two decades of global culinary experience, Jevgenija’s style is deeply personal—rooted in her Latvian heritage and shaped by years spent in Michelin-starred kitchens across Italy, France, and England. Her natural talent and intuitive approach to flavor pairing have earned her recognition as a boundary-pushing chef known for innovative, emotionally resonant cuisine.
Jevgenija began her journey in her hometown of Jurmala, Latvia, inspired by her grandmother’s garden and the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients. By age 17, she was already cooking professionally, gaining hands-on experience in kitchens throughout Europe. Today, she draws on that rich foundation to create dishes that are both visually striking and deeply soulful.
Whether at the Lincoln Inn in Vermont or now at Harmony in California, Jevgenija pours her whole self into every plate. Her passion, precision, and artistry transform each meal into an unforgettable celebration of beauty, flavor, and feeling.
Proprietor Mara Mehlman
Mara Mehlman’s path to Harmony began with a dream and a deep passion for bringing people together. During a house-hunting trip to Lake County, she was struck by the stillness and beauty of the land and declared, “I’m going to live here someday.” A year later, standing in Kelseyville, she knew she had arrived home.
Before founding Harmony, Mara co-owned The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant in Woodstock, Vermont with her partner Jevgenija Saromova. The restaurant earned international acclaim for its cuisine, hospitality, and wine program—an area Mara curated with care. Her role extended beyond operations; she and Jevgenija mastered the art of pairing exceptional wines with refined dishes, shaping unforgettable dining experiences.
Her career in hospitality is marked by intention and heart. As founder of Student Chefs Abroad, Mara helped connect American culinary students with opportunities in the UK, where she worked alongside top chefs in boutique hotels and Michelin-aligned restaurants.
While in college, she studied French culture and wine appreciation at the Université de Dijon in France—a summer that sparked her enduring love for wine.
From then on, she traveled often to different wine regions, absorbing knowledge and inspiration.
Mara’s approach is rooted in warmth and detail. She curates not just meals, but moments—ensuring that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and deeply nourished. Her eye for ambiance and flow shapes each evening at Harmony, from the design of the communal table to the rhythm of wine and course.
At Harmony, she continues to infuse every detail with thoughtfulness. What begins in the garden and ends on the plate is part of a larger experience—guided by Mara’s belief that true hospitality is a gift of presence, beauty, and connection.
Together
Today, that passion takes root at Harmony—a farm-to-table destination in Kelseyville where Mara and Michelin Star-trained chef Jevgenija Saromova unite soil and soul, cultivating unforgettable dining experiences inspired by the land and crafted with intention.
