WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
For over three decades, the Mason Family has owned and operated restaurants in Sun Valley. Founded in 1991 by Scott and Anne Mason, Ketchum Grill is one of the longest standing and most iconic restaurants in the Valley.
The Mason Family
Inspired by their hard work and passion for delivering homemade and heartfelt dishes and desserts inspired by their global travels, the Masons opened Enoteca, another Ketchum restaurant, nine years ago. Ketchum Grill’s managing partner/part owner, Kaari Harlamert, and Enoteca’s general manager/owner, Adelaide Smithmason, talk with us about what makes the Mason Family’s restaurants so special.
What is your background?
Adelaide: I grew up in the restaurant business. Both of my parents are chefs, and my formative years were spent in the kitchen with them. When I turned 12, I began my restaurant career in earnest, transitioning onto the floor as a busser, then a hostess, then a server, and then the manager.
How did you get your start in restaurants?
Kaari: My background is a boiling pot of experiences that I like to call “people management.” Over the course of my career I’ve dabbled in retail, merchandising, arts, design, weddings, sales, and marketing. I started as a server at Town Square Tavern as a way to make some extra cash and totally fell in love with the restaurant world.
“My job is to keep alive all of the reasons you love coming to the Grill while also adding in a few surprises to keep you coming back time and time again.”
Kaari Harlamert, Ketchum Grill, Managing Partner/Part Owner
What does your day look like as a restaurant owner?
Kaari: My job is to keep alive all of the reasons you love coming to the Grill while also adding in a few surprises to keep you coming back time and time again. You’ll see me filling in for many different roles at the restaurant; at the end of the day I’m just there to make sure everyone who walks through our doors has a good experience, whether you come in on a whim or are finally attending your event we’ve been planning together.
Do you have a mentor?
Kaari: I’m a sponge in Scott and Anne’s presence. I’m trying to learn as much as I can during our partnership before they transition into retirement and full-time travel and exploration!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Adelaide: I love the fast pace of restaurant life. It is high-energy and every night is different from the last. Running a restaurant allows me to be constantly surrounded by two of the great loves of my life: food and wine. I love the camaraderie we create with our coworkers, and the relationships that we create with guests. There is never a dull moment.
Kaari: Restaurants are exciting and combine everything I love. As Adelaide says, it’s fun and never boring. We meet a lot of people and get to curate a space for them where they can create memories and connect over a great meal. That’s what I love most – seeing those experiences come to life. It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding.
“Running a restaurant allows me to be constantly surrounded by two of the great loves of my life: food and wine.”
Adelaide Smithmason, Enoteca General Manager/Owner
Speaking of creating spaces, tell us more about the Ketchum Grill’s history?
Kaari: Our restaurant is located in the historic Ed Williams House that was built in 1885. The building has all the quintessential Sun Valley vibes, and our walls are covered in Sun Valley memorabilia. Our space has been curated with the help of designer Charles Stuhlberg, and we are currently working with the team at Allison Paige Interior Designs for a refresh our on private dining space.
Where can you be found when you’re not at work?
Adelaide: My family and I love to travel, and not surprisingly, we take eating very seriously. We never pass up the opportunity to try EVERYTHING. My favorite food countries that I’ve been to thus far are Japan, Vietnam, Mexico, Sri Lanka, and of course, Italy. We love to take cooking classes, meet wine makers and local chefs, tour local markets, and enjoy being on the other side of the table. When not traveling, I love hiking with my dog Enzo, having quiet family dinners with my husband and two children, gardening, and chilling with my chickens.
Kaari: When I’m not at the restaurant, you’ll find me loving on my two dogs and my ever-supportive husband. We love to get out and enjoy the outdoors as much as we can and have many sports to fill our time all year. To re- set and refuel, you’ll find us relaxed at home trying new recipes and hosting friends!
