Charcuterie is Now Sierra Bistro

After taking on new investors, hiring a new chef and making changes to their menu, Sierra Madre’s newest restaurant opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, June 15.

Formerly known as , the restaurant is now going by the name “Sierra Bistro.” And judging by the turnout at Wednesday’s event as well as initially positive reviews, Sierra Madre food lovers are already welcoming the changes to the well-known eatery that had just over a three-year run in town under its previous moniker.

Owner Bill May said that the name, menu and staffing changes came following his move to bring on new partial owners and investors. While the name change became official starting June 1, Wednesday’s event was billed as the eatery’s grand opening.

With the help of the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce, May and his Sierra Bistro staff put on a grand opening event to rival any in recent memory.

Dignitaries, including Sierra Madre City Council Member Nancy Walsh and David Monroy of State Senator Bob Huff’s office, came out to recognize the revamped establishment and talk and taste of its new offerings.

Additionally, live music was provided by local musicians Dave Shelton, Tim Tutwiler and Peter Burke in the east parking lot facing the restaurant as a packed house of diners and drinkers enjoyed a few tunes while taking their first taste of Sierra Bistro’s fare.

That food is now being prepared by Chef Sean Roache, a graduate of Arcadia High School who trained at the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena before coming to Sierra Bistro. According to May, Roache has kept many of the restaurant’s old favorites, while adding many completely new items to the menu.

But before Fido starts to whimper with concern, dog owners can tell their best friends not to worry: Patch can report that Bill May has confirmed the restaurant’s locally famous canine-only menu will still be a part of the offerings at Sierra Bistro.

Patch was there to take a few shots of the Chamber ribbon cutting and recognition from Senator Huff’s office.

(A video and photo gallery of the event is located right here on Patch at the following link: )

Additionally, Chamber Director Bill Coburn’s news website SierraMadreNews.net has a great photo gallery of the event featuring a closer look at some of Sierra Bistro’s gastronomical offerings. Coburn has also posted a short video of the event as well.

(The News Net's coverage can be found here: “Sierra Bistro Ribbon Cutting Held”)

Last but not least, Sierra Madre’s Art’s and Culture columnist was also on hand at the opening.

Her account of the event, the food and the people can be seen in her latest column, located here: