Willow Glen Resident
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Photograph by Vicki Thompson
Umberto Pala, new owner and chef at Vin Santo Ristorante, prepares gamberi con sambuca, a shrimp appetizer with anise liquor sauce. This is the first time Pala has owned a restaurant. Pala's culinary experience includes working in Italy, in Orange County and San Diego.
New chefs bring fresh flavors downtown
By Emilie Crofton
The holidays are all about getting together with family and enjoying delicious food, but spending hours in the kitchen doesn't appeal to everyone.
David Wiesner, new chef and owner of Siena Bistro, and Umberto Pala, new chef and owner of Vin Santo Ristorante, both in downtown Willow Glen on Lincoln Avenue, offer a comfortable and welcoming dining experience with the goal of making patrons feel right at home, without the kitchen mess.
Wiesner and Pala say they value the importance of maintaining a personal relationship with their customers, which is why they leave the kitchen to greet guests. Their goal is to know their regular clientele on a first-name basis.
"I want opening the doors to the restaurant to be like opening the doors to my house," Pala says. "It's not just about the food but about the experience. It should be the whole nine yards."
While the chefs, both first-time owners, are similar in their dedication and Italian-themed cuisine, each restaurant offers unique flavors and creative environments.
Wiesner, who lives in San Jose, has 29 years of restaurant experience from coffee shops to fine dining.
"I've learned how to make people happy with food, and I'm hoping to do that here," Wiesner says.
Siena Bistro, which used to feature Mediterranean food and deli, will now focus on Italian cuisine, "with a little Spanish flavor," Wiesner says.
He offers "simple comfort foods," including Chilean sea bass with tropical fruit salsa and smoked chicken and cheese torte pasta. Herb crusted salmon with a Tuscan grape sauce and pasta with smoked chicken and mushrooms in a light brandy creme sauce are among Wiesner's signature dishes featured on the menu.
"Food is really good in its natural state," he says. "You do a little bit to dress it up and just let the flavors come out."
Tuesdays through Fridays the restaurant serves lunch, including a grilled chicken sandwich on rosemary focaccia bread, pepper crusted ahi salad or a homemade soup.
Although the food may be different from its previous owners' menu, Siena maintains similar prices, as well as the option of dining outside on the patio.
Wiesner will take "baby steps" in bringing new items to the menu, but his goal is to increase the restaurant's selection of fresh seafood.
"When you buy a business you get the existing clientele base, and you don't want to lose that," he says.
Like Wiesner, Pala focuses on Italian cuisine, which seems natural considering Pala is a native of Bergamo, Italy, a town near Milan.
Pala traveled to the United States with a group of friends, but his six-month vacation turned into 12 years.
Today Pala lives in Willow Glen with his wife Sharlene, his son Eric, 9, and his daughter Elisa, 6.
"I came here one, for the great weather and two, for the career opportunity," says Pala, who has worked in restaurants since the age of 14. "Opening my own restaurant has been a lifelong dream."
Pala's culinary experience includes working in Italy, in Orange County and San Diego.
He brings his Italian culture and heritage into his dishes, featuring traditional Italian foods like seafood and fresh pasta served "with a creative twist," he says.
His menu is constantly changing, sometimes adding four or five new items each day, incorporating what's new or popular into his foods. For example, during Halloween Pala created pumpkin creme brulee for his diners.
"I have fun with the food," Pala says.
Some of Pala's most popular dishes include his sampler plates, where customers can taste small portions of three or four different dishes in one, including his quattro carpacci or his assaggio, with three different ravioli and gnocchi.
For families looking to minimize kitchen time over the holidays, two restaurants and their new owner-chefs are ready to welcome them.
Siena Bistro, at 1359 Lincoln Ave., is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.. Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For more information or to make reservations, call 408.271. 0837.
Vin Santo Ristorante, at 1346 Lincoln Ave., is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Lunch is available Wednesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information or to make reservations, call 408.920. 2508 or visit www.vin-santo.com.
