New Leadership at Sedona's SaltRock Southwest Kitchen

Amara Resort and Spa has appointed Malik Von Saint as Executive Chef of its signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen. Von Saint will oversee all culinary operations, guide menu development, and lead the dining program at the boutique desert property in Sedona, Arizona.

"We are proud to welcome Chef Malik Von Saint to Amara Resort and Spa," said Evgenia Williamson, General Manager, Amara Resort and Spa. "His passion for ingredient-driven cuisine and his dynamic approach to hospitality align seamlessly with our vision for SaltRock. We look forward to the creativity and leadership he brings to our culinary program."

Menu Focus and Culinary Direction

Von Saint will lead the continued evolution of SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, where vibrant, regionally inspired dishes meet a modern, elevated approach to dining. His menus will emphasize scratch cooking, seasonal sourcing, and layered, bold flavors reflective of both the Southwest and his personal culinary journey. Through thoughtful execution and a strong sense of place, Malik Von Saint will ensure the culinary experience remains an integral part of the resort's guest experience.

Background and Experience

Von Saint brings more than 15 years of experience across fine dining restaurants and boutique hotel concepts. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at Bent's Boutique Hotel in Medina, New York, where he led all culinary and event operations. Prior to that, he held a key culinary role at Hotel Henry Urban Resort in Buffalo, New York, recognized as one of The New York Times' 'Best Places to Visit in 2017,' where he helped shape a dining program that garnered national recognition and reflected the property's iconic stature. His career has been defined by a hands-on leadership style, adaptability, and a deep understanding of hospitality rooted in real-world experience.

Community and Philanthropy

Beyond the kitchen, Von Saint is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts supporting animal adoption. In 2017, while based in Buffalo, he began preparing gourmet three-course Thanksgiving meals for shelter dogs and cats to raise awareness ahead of the holiday season, encouraging families to adopt. The initiative gained national attention, with features across CNN, FOX, ABC News, and The Dodo. In Sedona, he plans to expand the initiative within his new community.

A proud Western New Yorker, Chef Malik Von Saint grew up just a mile from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park and remains a devoted Buffalo Bills fan. He now resides in Sedona with his rescue dog, Hopper, who continues to inspire his passion for animal advocacy and community-driven work.

Why It Matters

Amara Resort's investment in an experienced executive chef signals the property's commitment to elevating its dining program as a core guest amenity. For hospitality operators in the resort space, chef appointments at this level typically precede menu innovation and enhanced culinary marketing—essential drivers of F&B revenue and guest satisfaction in the competitive Sedona market.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors