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Chef-owner Josh Silvers is the Chef and Co-Owner with his wife, Regina, of Syrah Restaurant. Guided by a passion for food and a long-standing family tradition, Chef Silvers combines classical training with an unorthodox style and an abundance of influences found in the Bay Area. Josh credits his father, Don Silvers, for launching his interest in restaurants. Don Silvers, a former Chef, renowned author and professor of kitchen design at UCLA encouraged his son to begin his professional apprenticeship when he turned seventeen by arranging for him to train under Chef Barry Marcillac at the City Hotel in Columbia, a 3-star restaurant. It was there that Josh found his passion for all aspects of the culinary arts. With an insatiable curiosity and a strong work ethic, Josh has seen his cuisine develop through the years. In the early days, after garnering a firm foundation in classical French technique, he continued is official training under Cindy Pawlcyn at Mustard's Grill in Napa, where he learned a freer approach to California home-style cooking. Josh was always convinced of his calling. Through the 80s and early 90s, he mastered the techniques of professional cooking and found his inspiration and personal vision for his dream restaurant. In 1999, Josh and Regina moved to the heart of wine country where they could open Syrah, in a place Josh calls a "Chef's playground." With a creative flair, adventuresome spirit and a lot of hard work, they opened Syrah to rave reviews. Local restaurant critics immediately recognized Josh's talent and enthusiasm calling him "the Chef to watch" and the "the best Chef in Sonoma County". The San Francisco Chronicle noted that "when Chef Silvers is cooking on all four burners, it's magical!" Syrah Restaurant has been voted the county's "supreme" local favorite and best restaurant in Santa Rosa by Zagat, The Wine Spectator calls Syrah one of the top restaurants in wine country and USA Today selected Syrah's pan-seared duck breast with crispy polenta cake, figs stuffed with duck liver mousse and braised greens as one of the top twenty dishes in the country. |
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Co-owner Regina Silvers is co-owner of Syrah. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, she planned to go to law school, but fell in love with a talented chef. After a bit of soul searching, she decided a career in law was no longer her true passion and turned her attention to business. She wrote the business plan, procured the financing, and helped her husband design and build the restaurant. For the first five years, she handled the business end of Syrah. Then one delightful day she found out she was expecting an addition to their Syrah family. Jackson Kaleb Silvers was born on September 11, 2004. Although she continues to monitor operations and do marketing projects, these days Regina's main focus is at home with her son. She often says (with a smile) Jackson is her best work to date! |
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Manager & Wine Buyer Ken Goldfine, the dining room manager and wine buyer is a renaissance man skillful and primarily self-taught —a rare and undervalued ability these days. He was chosen because unlike many restaurateurs, Josh's focus is not always where his team has been. Instead, he's thinking about where they are going and their drive to get there. Ken's talent and ambition was obvious from the beginning. Initially hired as a server with over 15 years experience in the industry, Ken was quickly promoted to manager and shortly thereafter wine buyer. Ken is nothing less than passionate as the wine buyer. Working with the chef to match the cuisine with an unique array of wines. He has an uncanny ability to find interesting, obscure wines at affordable, even bargain prices. In doing so, Syrah's wine list has received the Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator, which included the Best Value Award. Syrah's list has also been recognized by the Michelin Guide and has received Best of show at the Harvest Fair and currently holds a double gold rating. |
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Events Coordinator Lynn Rogers, events coordinator for Syrah Bistro, has over twenty years experience in the hospitality industry. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality management from California Polytechnic University in Pomona. Before joining Syrah, Lynn was employed as a manager at the Sonoma Mission Inn as well as Chateau Souverain. She has served as a board member and former president of the Redwood Empire Restaurant Association, and organized and conducted many seminars on enhancing the knowledge and professionalism of employees in the hospitality industry. After the birth of her daughter, Lynn wanted to spend more time with her family. She began working at Syrah shortly after its opening in 1999, where she could do the work she enjoys in a more flexible environment. Now, Syrah is like a second home. Her husband Michael built many of the copper fixtures in the restaurant. He is often contributing his creativity to make Syrah more beautiful. Her daughter Kira says nothing tastes as good as Josh's duck breast, but everyone at Syrah knows it's the homemade chocolate ice cream that she really loves. |
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Assistant Manager Mary McLean was born and raised in Sonoma County. She graduated University of California at Santa Cruz with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. Mary came to Syrah in 1999 as a busser and moved up the ranks to an evening server. She loved the small, family-like atmosphere and quickly became friends with the staff. Today, Syrah is her extended family—complete with her brother Mark and her best friend Asia working at her side. Mary continues to work hard to help ensure that the dining room service runs like a well-orchestrated play. Recently she has been expanding her wine knowledge and enjoys helping to find more wines to add to Syrah's already exceptional wine list. |
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Syrah Bistro :: 205 Fifth Street Santa Rosa, CA 95401 :: Telephone 707-568-4002 |