A refreshing breeze has arrived in Westchester. Its name is Vento Bistro, [Vento translated to wind]. The owner, Chef Francesco Coli has graced our area at La Viletta, at Massa’ right here in Scarsdale and at Massa’ Coastal in Mamaroneck. His latest venture Vento Bistro in New Rochelle, once again showcases is outstanding talent in preparing seafood, as well as Italian specialties from his native southern Italy.

Francesco hails from Salento, near Puglia. He grew up near the water catching sepia, octopus and sea urchin, as a child. “Some of my happiest childhood memories are of the sea. The sea is one of my inspirations when I cook. We ate what we caught and I guess this was the beginning of sea to table cuisine.” His family vacationed in New York in 1980 and New York became home to them. Francesco worked with his dad at their first Westchester restaurant, La Viletta and then attended The French Culinary Institute to hone his skills.