Foodie fans of the much missed Four Swallows restaurant take heart: Wing Point Golf & Country Club announced Friday that Geraldine Ferraro, the noted Bainbridge Island owner and chef of Four Swallows, has been named as the club’s new executive chef.

Ferraro will take over duties at Wing Point on March 1.

Club president Jim Taylor said it was a strategic decision to recruit someone of Ferraro’s acclaimed reputation and experience in order to elevate the club’s dining program to the highest possible level.

The move was made in tandem with the club’s investment in a $1.5 million clubhouse renovation project, which includes a new 60-seat lounge and updated dining areas.

Members of Bainbridge’s only member-owned 18-hole golf-and-country club were notified earlier of Ferraro’s hiring.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with Gerry’s decision to join our team at Wing Point and we are already hearing from a number of Island residents who are interested in joining the club so they can continue enjoying her fabulous cuisine,” Taylor said.

“It’s definitely a win-win development for our membership and we are thrilled to know that our dining program at the club will be recognized with the same highest regard as our golf, swim and tennis facilities,” he said. “It’s all about fun, family and friends at Wing Point – and now featuring the best private club dining program in the Northwest,” he added.

Wing Point officials note that Ferraro built a huge following of regular diners both on and off the Island for the past 25 years while at the helm of Four Swallows. Under Ferraro’s vision and direction, the Four Swallows consistently produced one the finest dining experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Four Swallows closed in October.

The club said Ferraro is looking forward to her new role as Wing Point’s executive chef, and is planning some exciting new menu concepts for members and guests.