Soif in Escrow: Lejla Borovac and Santos Majano Will Move Forward with Hook & Line

July 5, 2023 – The story around Soif and its future has had so many moving parts, it was like dumping a large pot of spaghetti into a very small colander.

But it appears the effort by Santos Majano and Lejla Borovac to secure investment in their proposed restaurant concept has borne fruit. The two are in escrow on the Soif legacy in Santa Cruz, which means plans for their dream restaurant, Hook & Line, are now in a position to move forward.

Finally. 

Lejla told us last week, “Things are definitely moving along! We were able to secure the additional funding we needed. Close of escrow is end of July and we are hoping to open early October.” That sounds like a win. And it’s been confirmed that the new incarnation of Soif Wine Bar (a separate business) will be headed to its next destination as of August 1. 

The new location of Soif Wine Bar for owners Alexis Carr and Dede Eckhardt is something of an open secret in downtown Santa Cruz and a beloved local spot, but we are sworn to secrecy until the proprietors are ready to announce their next moves.

Suffice it to say the agenda will be full for all parties.  

The journey for Majano takes him full circle: back to the place that launched his culinary career in Santa Cruz. As Patrice Boyle, founder of Soif, told us back in May, “I really want to see them move forward. Santos is such a good guy, has amazing training and has truly worked his way up, including at Cyrus in Healdsburg. When he was working in the kitchen at Soif, we became friends. When he left Soif to open his own place, he was so honorable about it and he explained everything to me. It was such a joy to do business with him. Then he started the experience at Discretion, which was great, but it was too small. He needs a bigger palette: he needs a bigger place and kitchen. So we are honored to try and help them. Ultimately, my goal is to have less on my plate, not more!”

Boyle was adamant about her belief in Santos, who she says has been approached by many restaurants wanting to hire him, but all he wanted was to do his own thing. Looks like he gets that chance. 

Hook & Line’s seafood-driven concept will be focused on sustainability. “We want it to be an approachable neighborhood gathering spot, a place where you can bring the kids and feel comfortable,” Borovac told us. “It will be a subtle nautical theme, and we are planning a full refresh without breaking the bank!”

Hook & Line will have a completely different look: modern and bright. The bar area will be more integrated with the restaurant area, and will add more seats, and be more of wraparound construct. They plan an outside parklet that will add an additional 15 seats when complete. The bar will emphasize a few craft cocktails, and will focus on smaller artisanal producers, and not strive to carry all the major brands. And no TVs. Borovac was clear on what it would not be. “This is not a sports bar!” 

The Hook & Line wine list will be very focused on small and artisanal wineries, featuring examples from coastal regions all over the world. There will be an emphasis on low intervention wines, with lots of female wine producers, representing great diversity. 

We wish them well. 

Meanwhile, chef Amelia Telč of Brutta has started a residency at Soif for the next few weeks, serving up dinner items from 5pm to 9pm on Tuesdays, and Thursday through Saturday. She’ll also be offering Saturday brunch, beginning July 8.