San Jose: After 18 years, Siena Bistro is down to its final days
Longtime customers have been packing Siena Bistro for its final days and nights of arrangement this week They re coming for one last plate of Angry Arrabbiata Pasta or the decadent Roasted Duck Lasagna or perhaps a final Sole Amandine one of the bestsellers And for a sentimental farewell chat with chef-owner David Wiesner And in the affair of a great number of they re hoping the turnout will convince him to stay open instead of shutting Sienna s doors this Saturday July after years But Wiesner appears resolute as he makes the rounds of tables This is not sustainable he declared motioning to the full interior and patio and noting that on any other Tuesday night he d be serving just diners People live their lives differently these days he noted adding that younger diners in particular are frequenting casual more affordable eateries that offer shared plates They don t want comfort food from years ago which is what I do Siena Bistro a 'hidden gem' tucked behind Lincoln Avenue in San Jose's Willow Glen will close Saturday after years in business Bay Area news Group However those entrees the high-quality preparations and ingredients the attention to detail have been keeping the Siena regulars coming back Along with the conviviality of Wiesner and his staff Longtime customer Michele Eaton she s here for the Dijon-Crusted Cedar Plank Salmon and husband Chris for the Braised Short Rib estimated that percent of the diners are repeat customers He seems to know everyone who walks in the door and greets them by name To wit Laurie Stapleton a diner from Day One calls the place the Cheers of Willow Glen the quintessential neighborhood comfort stop She commented she and her friends have been eating regularly here at this hidden gem tucked behind Lincoln Avenue ever since Wiesner left Hawg s Seafood in Campbell and decided to open Siena Local Realtor Holly Barr is along those who have been making repeat visits to order all her favorites Went back to Siena Bistro AGAIN she posted on Willow Glen Charm her Facebook page Had to get the Cheesy Garlic Bread more polenta with Bourbon Stout Braised Short Rib the Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad Clam Chowder and creamy gelato for dessert It s an emotional time for Wiesner s devoted employees This is the first job where I felt a connection with every customer declared Eduardo Medina a server bartender and manager here for a decade He s also never worked at a restaurant like this where he could wholeheartedly recommend every dish on the menu thanks to Wiesner s commitment to consistency of flavor The kitchen puts a lot of love even into the vegetables he explained Although selected reservations are still available for lunch and dinner Thursday and Friday and a few walk-ins may get tables the final night is booked mainly by regulars It s going to be an emotional day for sure commented Jocelyn Lucatero who has been a Siena server for years We love our regulars Our regulars love us And she commented even though Wiesner a great boss has been holding his emotions in check this week I know he ll be tearing up come Saturday Stapleton who is coming in Friday for sadly my last Crab Sandwich declared Every time I think of Siena no longer being there I really get choked up I wish everyone had stepped up to patronage them when it was needed the last six months Willow Glen is truly losing a gem Details Lunch is served from a m to p m dinner from to p m at Lincoln Ave San Jose To book one of the remaining time slots click on the Yelp reservations link at www sienabistro com
