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 service 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 case of many, they’re hoping the turnout will convince him to stay open instead of shutting Sienna’s doors this Saturday, July 12, after 18 years.
But Wiesner appears resolute as he makes the rounds of tables.
“This is not sustainable,” he said, motioning to the full interior and patio and noting that on any other Tuesday night he’d be serving just 20 diners.
“People live their lives differently” these days, he said, adding that younger diners in particular are frequenting casual, more affordable eateries that offer shared plates. “They don’t want comfort food from 25 years ago, which is what I do.”
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 90 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 said 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,” said 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 said.
Although some reservations are still available for lunch and dinner Thursday and Friday (and some walk-ins may get tables), the final night is booked, mainly by regulars.
“It’s going to be an emotional day for sure,” said Jocelyn Lucatero, who has been a Siena server for 10 years. “We love our regulars. Our regulars love us.”
And, she said, 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,” said: “Every time I think of Siena no longer being there, I really get choked up. I wish everyone had stepped up to support them when it was needed the last six months.
“Willow Glen is truly losing a gem.”
Details: Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. at 1359 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. To book one of the remaining time slots, click on the Yelp reservations link at www.sienabistro.com.