The pair also changed the name to Mio Vicino Aristo's Pasta and Pizzeria Restaurant. The two say they are having a great time working together in the new family business.

"When we first started, we were thinking of changing the menu and possibly adding a few Mexican dishes in addition to the Italian cuisine we serve," Juan said. "But we've decided to stick with what is working for the customers, and they love the Italian food we prepare for them."

That's not to say that the Gonzalez men have not made menu changes at all, but the additions so far have been Italian dishes.

"We've added some really good dishes. At this time we've added three new veal dishes and one classic Italian noodle dish. They're all great hits with the customers," Juan said.

Veal scaloppini is one of the new dishes being served at Mio Vicino. Thinly sliced veal is sautéed in butter, wine, garlic and mushrooms until the veal is tender. The dish is then served with either a red or white sauce.

Another of the veal dishes is veal picata. This dish is also made with thinly sliced veal but is sautéed in scallions, butter, lemon juice and chicken broth.

"Our customers liked the menu that was in existence when we bought the restaurant and rather than taking anything away we've just added to it, giving them more choices to select from when they dine with us," Juan said.

Mio Vicino is still keeping with the family restaurant tradition.

"We can seat 70 guests now without the feeling of being crowded, and we give four-star service," Juan said.

Juan and his father have made Mio Vicino a place for families as well as maintaining a cozy atmosphere attractive for couples.

"My father still enjoys making the pizzas we serve, and we've got a pretty large selection of pizzas, both classic Italian and specialty," Juan said.

While Aristeo works on the pizzas, Juan is responsible for the rest of the dishes served at Mio Vicino.

The portions served at the restaurant are still as generous as they have always been, and it is rare to see a customer leaving the restaurant without a 'doggy bag' full of leftovers.

"I love cooking. I started working in different restaurants when my family came here from Mexico in 1985 and haven't stopped since. The difference now is that my family and I can all work together," Juan said.

Both of Juan's sisters now work in the restaurant.

"Christina [Gonzalez] and Rachel [Gonzalez] work here with us as waitresses and as the management. We're keeping the family working together, and it makes it fun to come to work when you know your whole family will be together. We all have a common goal, and that is to make Mio Vicino the best Italian restaurant we can," Juan said.

Mio Vicino is also planning to add catering and banquet facilities.

"We want to branch out into a little catering," Juan said. "We'll be doing take-away and full-service catering."

Mio Vicino, located at 1148 Lincoln Ave., is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 408.286.6027. Reservations are suggested for weekend seating.