New restaurant to launch in Glen Ellen

<p>Plans are shaping up for the launch of The Glen Ellen Star this April in the former Saffron space in Glen Ellen.</p><p>The restaurant, which will be run by chef Ari Weiswasser and his wife, Erinn Benziger-Weiswasser, will focus on rustic yet refined fare from the restaurant's wood-burning brick oven.</p><p>Weiswasser, who trained in several cutting-edge restaurants in New York, has worked for the past 16 months at Thomas Keller's French Laundry in Yountville.</p><p>Erinn Benziger grew up in Glen Ellen and worked for the Benziger Family Winery as East Coast Regional Sales Manager. After marrying Weiswasser, the couple searched for a restaurant on the West Coast, settling back in Glen Ellen to raise their daughter, Noa.</p><p>Glen Ellen Star will offer an 8-seat counter with a view of the brick oven and a 24-seat dining room. An outdoor patio will seat an additional 20.</p><p>Weisswasser will spend the next three months fine-tuning his menu, using his knowledge of spices and ingredients from the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia.</p><p>There will be wine on tap as well as a wine list with a local, artisan focus and a small, international selection.</p><p>Starting sometime in April, the Glen Ellen Star will be open from 5 to 9:30 p.m. seven nights a week. It will open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It is located at 13648 Arnold Dr.</p>