Less Bitter More Sweet
It isn’t often that you see a married couple able to coexist in the work force, let alone excel in it. Then again, Thomas and Elizabeth Vinolus have always done things their way – a quality that has surely helped with their success to date.From as far back as he can remember, Thomas Vinolus has had a strong passion for food and fine dining. His wife and working partner, Elizabeth feels the same way. So after tying the knot many years ago, they figured what better idea than to run our own restaurant. Boy was that a good decision. Thomas and Elizabeth are now the current owners of Bittersweet Bistro. Located in the beautiful beach side town of Aptos, CA, just south of Santa Cruz, Bittersweet Bistro really is the total package when it comes to restaurants.
Originally, in the 1930’s, the building where Bittersweet currently resides was used for the popular bar, diner, and meeting place – The Deer Park Tavern. According to Elizabeth Vinolus, the Tavern was the “ place to be ” in the early 1930’s. Celebrities and elites all the same would come from far and wide to get a taste of what the Tavern had to offer. After going through various renovations and seeing its share of both productive and lack-luster owners, the place that was once the historic Deer Park Tavern fell into the lap of a couple who enjoyed the restaurant business and were looking for an opportunity. After previously denying a chance to take over the restaurant, the Vinolus’ were again approached two years later. This time they didn’t say no.
After originally opening Bittersweet Café in Santa Cruz, the Vinolus’ moved the American Bistro-style restaurant to Aptos and its historic location in the Deer Park Shopping Center. The Vinolus’ do a great job of presenting an innovative menu with bright flavors and high quality, fresh ingredients as well as an appealing menu to look at and read which is crucial in the restaurant business. According to Ann and Arnold Zwicky – who co-wrote an article examining the language of restaurant menus – “ the way a single menu item is written and placed on the menu can have a huge effect on the appeal to the customer” (Zwicky). I sat down with Thomas, who is the head chef and in charge of all the food and menu items. I also sat down with Elizabeth, who is in charge of the business side of Bittersweet . Thomas Vinolus is very clear on the style of food presented in his restaurant. He describes it as “ an American bistro-style that is simple and focuses on the subtle things such as using fresh ingredients and bringing the food out hot. ”
Who ever knew that subtle could be so tasty. People come to the restaurant from all areas, although not purely for the food. A very crucial aspect of Bittersweet’s success is the ability of Thomas and Elizabeth to create a bond with their customers. By having promotional nights such as 1/2 off wine and pasta every Wednesday, the Vinolus’ have firmly cemented their fair share of regulars. Marji Knapp – local realtor and wine lover hasn’t missed her glass of wine and dish of pasta in months. “ I just love Thomas and Elizabeth’s outgoing personalities. They don’t just serve their customers, they build relationships with them. ” And that’s just it. The Vinolus’ are more than willing to interact with the people they serve. It’s not rare to see Thomas – the head chef mind you – come out and sit down at the bar to check how the customers like their food. That simply does not happen most places. Or you might see Elizabeth – head manager and very busy women – sit down with you at your table to talk about how things are going in your personal life. Once again, this just doesn’t usually happen in most restaurants.
Because Thomas has such a strong passion for food, he takes pride in what others think of it. In order to find out, all you have to do is visit Bittersweet’s website. Thomas and Elizabeth’s restaurants have won over 50 prestigious local awards dating back to when the restaurant was located in Santa Cruz. The awards range from Best Innovative Cuisine to Best Place to Splurge (bittersweetbistro.com). The proof is usually in the pudding, although in this case, it would have to be in Thomas’ famous chocolate trio dessert – filling the plate with a sampling of chocolate mousse, chocolate brulee, and warm chocolate pudding (bittersweetbistro.com).
Thomas and Elizabeth say their working relationship has affected their marriage, but in a “ purely positive way ”. The couple knows that arguments will happen, as they do in all relationships and have learned through many years of experience that the nicer they are to each other, the easier life becomes for the both of them. More importantly, Thomas knows that when it comes down to it, “ the wife has the final say.”
In today’s day and age – when you only see the owner of a restaurant when they come out to handle a complaint, we need to start appreciating owners like Thomas and Elizabeth. Not just for the people they are, but for the type of business they represent. If more business owners were as kind and compassionate as the Vinolus’, they wouldn’t have to spend boat- loads of time and money digging themselves out of problems created by simply being rude.
So whether you are looking for that certain restaurant that gives you exactly what you need, or you are just passing by the area, stop on by Bittersweet Bistro in Aptos. The Vinolus’ will welcome you with open arms.
Works Cited
"Bittersweet Bistro | Dessert Menu." Bittersweet Bistro | Fine Dining in Aptos, California | Santa Cruz County, Monterey Bay Area. 18 May 2009 Zwicky, Ann D., and Arnold M. Zwicky. "America's National Dish: The Style of Restaurant Menus." American Speech 55 (1980): 83-92.
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