As we welcome a new year, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco introduces a new Bay Area staple. December 12 saw the debut of Chef Ron Siegel’s new outpost, Parallel 37. A Nob Hill dining destination, the restaurant draws from the geographic latitude line Parallel 37 and celebrates the Bay Area food, wine and culture.

For the past seven years, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco has been home to Chef Siegel, who headed the popular Dining Room until its close this past September. He became close to his patrons by understanding their tastes, thus crafting this new establishment to cater to their needs while taking inspiration from the rich culture surrounding him. Excited to work in a more casual, approachable setting, Chef Siegel needed to find a counterpart to match his style behind the bar.

Enter Camber Lay, well-known in San Francisco for her innovative and fresh approach to mixology. A first-time collaboration, the duo shares the same passion for quality. It’s no secret that Chef Siegel’s work with farmers left a lasting impression on him, something that also resounds with Lay. She handpicks everything that goes into her libations— from fruits and vegetables to spices and herbs— depending on freshness and season. With a focus on contrasting flavors, Lay produces the perfectly balanced cocktail with no requisite except for freshness.

Chef Siegel and Lay have created a new approach seeking to bring the “kitchen to cocktail,” as many of the same ingredients used in the kitchen are found behind the bar. Siegel explained that he and Lay could use the same syrups, infusions and reductions as ingredients in their respective concoctions. The result is a mixology program that mirrors the restaurant menu.

Parallel 37 is a modern space that reflects the restaurant’s innovative approach to dining and drinking. The sophisticated, edgy design and open format welcome diners to enjoy each other’s company, whether they settle at Lay’s station to order from the new bar bites menu or choose from Chef Siegel’s full menu in the main dining room.

Together, Chef Siegel and Lay are cultivating standards of innovation, freshness and quality that echo throughout the flavor-rich Bay Area.