Pappas Dishes Up Special Dinner at Restaurant: Impossible Premiere Party

The answer came quickly to Noel Wendte.  "I'd have to say it was the stuffed artichoke," he said.  "It was fantastic."  Then dessert was served. "Can I change my favorite," he asked.

The question: "What was your favorite dish tonight?" 

Wendte was one of the 50 guests at on Wednesday night who had gathered to eat a special meal prepared by Executive Chef Patrick Robertson and watch the featuring the Benicia eatery.

Darwin Healy didn't have a favorite.  "I liked everything," he said.

Michaela Anastasios, daughter of Mike, a.k.a. Pappa, was all smiles at the party. "We have been blessed with a lot of people who have supported us over the years," she said. 

Asked to name the biggest change in the restaurant since the makeover Anastasios said, "The whole staff seems happier and lighter."

Long-time family friend Gregory Rich who flew in from Los Angeles to join the festivities said, "I've always liked the restaurant but now it's enchanting."

While the diners were all happy with their meals was humble in talking about his role. "I did it with the assistance of a great team," he said.

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.