It comes to them naturally

All the restaurant is a stage, surrounded by the snow-covered California Alps in the winter and the comforting waters of the trout-filled creek in the summer. The warmth and camaraderie inside radiate like a polished gem in the heart of Markleeville.

The footlights rise on an evening meal in a setting designed by an extraordinary couple. Using every ounce of their gifts, passion, skill, and training, John and Faith Saletti run Stonefly Wood-Fired Restaurant year round, no matter what the weather.

In the wilderness, a stonefly’s presence in a stream is a reliable indicator of good water quality and a healthy ecosystem. Stonefly Restaurant’s presence, offering unique and gourmet dinners in such a tiny mountain town, clearly reflects the intrinsic magic, health, and resiliency of Alpine County. It is “the gathering place where friends become family.”

Faith took the long route to find her destiny here. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised on Long Island, her passion for creating the atmosphere where people can truly connect over a meal started when she was just 16.

Her first job working for a mother and son at their yogurt shop, serving fresh salads and pita breads, brought out her abilities early. “You can feel it right when you walk in,” said Faith “and acknowledge that you are being welcomed.” That is indeed Faith’s essence. Like an orchestra conductor, she reads the energy and the timing, making sure people are comfortable and relaxed.

Her parents and two sisters created a secure foundation for her, allowing her to develop an adventurous spirit. Losing her father when she was only 11 made her strong, independent, and resourceful.

One sister was eight years older, and Faith went to live near her in Florida. She worked at TGI Fridays, advancing to be one of their trainers, traveling to other sites, and becoming well-versed in consistency, organization, and structure.

Fascinated by different cultures and how people interact, she embarked on the classic European journey with a friend from the restaurant business and two backpacks, exploring 16 countries for over two months. “We had no itinerary. We did not plan.” says Faith. It enhanced her already existing capability to be adaptable, and to live in the moment at hand. When the trip ended, she landed with a new perspective in California.

Continuing to work and go to college through the years, she ended up receiving her degree in public relations and journalism from Cal State Long Beach. Relocating to Tahoe, she had a demanding schedule working for Lake House Pizza. She still managed to obtain her real estate license, all while maintaining a second shift at Jake’s on the Lake. Finding her “people skills” were invaluable, she worked in property management for five years.

She met the man who would become her husband when he was the Assistant Manager at Sunnyside, the “sister restaurant” nearby. They became engaged at Wolfdale’s and had a huge wedding in 1996 in Santa Barbara, where John was raised. It was a fantastic fit from the start. Both are incredibly dedicated to whatever they do, have exceedingly strong work ethics, and use their talents to the fullest. “You also have to be willing to be available for your job all the time to run a successful restaurant,” laughs John. They became the perfect team.

John was an only child until his parents took in three foster children. He bought his first car at fourteen, saving all he had earned, and played a lot of football. He has always been driven. He got accepted into the Pasadena Art Center because of his visual acuity and artistic accomplishments. He has used this in his cooking. As a chef, he can visualize the whole aesthetic of the meal, putting together the taste, textures, colors, and shapes to make a pleasing and dynamic composition.

“Cooking is an art!” says John.

They ran their first restaurant in Lompoc, eventually buying an old bank across the street from the original and refurbishing it, complete with a mural. Their daughter Johnnie was born in 1998 and raised in that place. It was a real family affair. John’s father and mother worked with them every day. They sold it to one of their employees who loved it as much as they did.

They were familiar with Carson Valley, and when Johnnie was in second grade, they moved up. It was everything the young family was looking for. John started out at Michael’s as the General Manager. When Fiona’s became available, they bought it, renaming it Saletti’s, and making it a well-known restaurant with an excellent reputation and appreciative following.

In 2009, John became executive chef at Bodine’s and Slot World. He worked there 12 years. Their daughter did sports, and they had Sundays together. It was a rewarding life. Then Faith started working at Stonefly when owners Nick Hartzell and Ali Bornstein were still there. A deep connection was forged with both the people and the location. They knew it was ideal for them.

People love to watch John in the kitchen. He gets in the zone, and it is almost like performance art. Observing Faith and John together is like witnessing a finely executed ballroom dance. They anticipate each other’s next steps and prepare and present the meals with grace and elegance. Timing is everything, and they are on the same page.

They have surrounded themselves with exceptional people, building a foundation of mutual respect, so they have a wonderful staff. They commute up from their home in the valley with the “Saletti gals,” braving the roads no matter what. Daughter Johnnie, now an English teacher at Douglas High School still comes up to work a shift. Everyday is a new game, and nothing can ever be scripted. “It all comes together naturally,” says John.

With John as Chef, combined with Faith as Baker and working the front of the house, they have succeeded in a very demanding and difficult enterprise. They use the finest ingredients available. They have never advertised. It is all by word of mouth. “When people come once, they always come back,” says John with a smile.

Their menu includes mains like Cioppino, New York Strip, and Rack of Lamb. Their starters, salads, and deserts are sophisticated and deeply satisfying. They have an outstanding beverage and wine selection. The entire menu can be viewed on their website: StoneFlyWoodFired.com.

To join the Stonefly family, call(530) 694-9999 to make your reservations. They are located at 14821 CA-89 in Markleeville, California. The enchantment happens from 4:30 p.m. until close every Thursday through Sunday. Coming to visit this Markleeville landmark, you can expect an adventure, surprises, and culinary gratification.