The Top Chefs of Westwood

Last summer, when Westwood Patch first launched, one of the initial features we brought to light was our series. 

The feature profiled local chefs and restaurant owners in the Westwood area - those who look to food as their way of life, bringing their experiences with cooking and living with food into town. 

And, so, this week's Patch Picks will put the spotlight on a few of those who do all they can to bring you the best in food. 

 Steve LaCount's passion for cooking began through inspiration he gained from his grandmother while growing up in Roslindale (he eventually opened Chiara Bistro and named after her). Alongside fellow chef , LaCount brings dishes that fit the theme of Mediterranean cuisine, touching on everything from French dishes to Italian deserts and appetizers. 

 Westwood native and Allston resident Victor Servello was fueled with motivation to run his own restaurant early on. At , along with

 On December 26, 1995, Maria Tassiopoulos opened with her parents, brother and sister. Since the age of 12, she had been helping out with the family business, doing odd jobs around the establishment, and the family atmosphere has been a staple characteristic of this local favorite. 

 While , located in Lambert's Plaza on Providence Highway, has been in business for nearly 10 years, it has only been a Westwood business since February. And for owner Kristen Repa, the move was more than ideal: she's been able to bring her love of baking to a new area she can call home.

 Owning a restaurant isn't simply a desire for Uziel DeSouza, owner and head chef of  - it's a need.  Having grown up in Brazil, he started washing dishes and making pizza in his father's Italian trattoria by the time he was 8. DeSouza brings his love and experience to the menu, with marinara sauce, which is slow-cooked for 12 hours before it is served, and the house salad dressings, which are of old, family recipes.