At a public forum last month, when asked about the Town’s financial outlook, Mayor Rob Rennie acknowledged concerns, noting revenue from local hotels had only recovered to about half of pre-pandemic levels.
But with the opening of a new fine dining restaurant at the Toll House Hotel from the team behind Dio Deka, managers there say they believe they have a secret weapon to attract guests—a secret that’s about to get out.
“It’s always nice to see food and beverage coming back after Covid, because it was a dark era in restaurants,” Aaron Newell, general manager, said about Due Dieci Cucina Italiana’s arrival. “I think it does mix well with the lifestyle-nature of the hotel.”
The debut menu from chef Nicko Moulinos includes starters such as Polpette Di Carne (a braised veal and pork meatballs dish) Tagliere Di Salumi E Formaggi (charcuterie with meats and cheese), salads, pastas, and entrees like Salmone (pomme puree, broccolini and squash) and Osso Buco Alla Milanese (veal shank and polenta).
Moulinos was raised on the Greek island of Corfu. He attended the Culinary Institute of America and worked at Boulud Sud in New York City, under executive chef Travis Swikard.
Later he cooked at acclaimed restaurant Le Bernardin and at Kith/Kin restaurant at the Intercontinental hotel in Washington DC, among other establishments.
Due Dieci is an Italianization of the name of the well-known upscale spot on Main Street across from Los Gatos High School (Dio Deka), which had previously been honored with recognition by the Michelin Guide.
Charlene Shaughnessy, director of sales at Toll House, says having a restaurant again could convince people who live in the South Bay area to book a weekend stay.
And she says she believes it’ll give people who live nearby—but kept their distance during the pandemic—a reason to visit Los Gatos again.
“If I live in Scotts Valley, I’m right down the mountain and I can come to dinner here,” she said. “Leave the kids at home and enjoy an evening getaway, walk the streets of Los Gatos and look at the shops. Los Gatos has a lot to offer.”
Shaughnessy predicts Due Dieci is about to become “the number one dining option in Los Gatos. It wouldn’t surprise us if they do win a Michelin star very quickly.”
She sees a long reservation list in the restaurant’s future.
Newell is a bit more tempered in his expectations. But he, too, sees big things on the horizon.
“I think it’s going to be a stand-out restaurant,” he said. “I think it’s great what these guys were able to do in here.”
