Born into a restaurateur family, Leyla Marchetto was destined to work in the hospitality industry. The daughter of Silvano Marchetto (of the famed Manhattan eatery Da Silvano), Leyla spent her early career traveling the world working with clients such as Thompson Hotels, the Barbados Tourism Authority, the Cannes and Sundance film festivals and international brands that include Lulu Guinness. But still she kept hearing the siren song of home. Back in New York, Leyla teamed up with her husband, chef Franklin Ferguson, and good friends Kristina and Frank Davis to open Navy Beach. The Montauk hotspot combines her intrinsic talent for serving diners with her love of far-flung destinations. “Wherever you are in Montauk, there is a sense that the beach and the ocean are not far away,” says Leyla. “I think that creates the sense of relaxation that isn’t common throughout the Hamptons.” (Read her East End Eats blog here.) Navy Beach, 16 Navy Road, Montauk, 668-6868; navybeach.com
Your career has included traveling all around the world. What locales have most inspired your work at Navy Beach and why?
With this project, we knew we had to work with the space and location to determine the vibe... Kristina and I did refer to La Plage, in St. Barts a few times—mostly because of its laid back but chic atmosphere, and its on-to-sand location!
What are three elements of your idea of a perfect day?
1. Sun
2. Exercise
3. Good food
Who has been the greatest influence on your career and why?
My mom and dad. They've supported me all along, no matter what the detour was...
What does no one know about you?
There's a reason nobody knows!! Shhhh...
What’s one career moment that you’re most proud of?
I'm really proud of what we—as a team—have accomplished at Navy Beach... It has been a hands-on group effort from Day 1, and the result has been all the more rewarding because of that.
If you could have dinner with any famous person (living or dead) who whould it be?
Michael Schumacher (but he has to pick me up in a Ferrari and take me to Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy).
What is your greatest indulgence?
My puppy Mochi!
