Foodies rejoice: there’s a fabulous new eatery in Patterson, CA – and we’re all pretty excited about it!
 
Because when it comes boasting about the credentials of superstar chefs, Francesca’s Restaurant and Lounge at the Best Western PLUS Villa del Lago is certainly hard to beat!
 
The new restaurant, which is set to open this month, will be serving up fine Italian cuisine with a twist. With its house-made signature menu items, eye-catching presentation and unique events on offer, it’s sure to be a big hit with locals and visitors alike. And with Executive Chef Richard Sanchez at the helm, the quality is sure to be superb.
 
Sanchez has an impressive range of experience, from baking bread in California, to serving royalty in England. Here are five things you need to know about Chef Sanchez before you dine at Francesca’s.
 

1. He has Three Decades of Experience

Sanchez who has worked in the restaurant industry for over 30 years. He started his illustrious career as lead baker at Emil Villa’s Hick’ry Pit in Sunnyvale, CA. He was a line cook for Viaggio’s Italian Bistro, plating tasty pasta dishes in Saratoga, as well as a cook for Sweet Peas Café in Los Altos, where he created wonderful crepes and quiches. He also managed Fargo’s Italian Restaurant and Bar in Mountain View, CA.
 

2. He Creates Food that’s Fit for a Queen!

After receiving his Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts degree at Le Cordon Bleu/California Culinary Academy (CCA), he moved to London, England, where he worked under Chef Anton Edelmann, a noted Master Chef, at the illustrious Savoy Hotel River Restaurant. It was at the Savoy that he fed numerous dignitaries and celebrities, including Queen Elizabeth II. 
 

3. He’s a Cordon Bleu Teacher

When he returned to California he began to work at Club 19 at the Pebble Beach Resort and Spa, under the careful watch of Hubert Keller. He continued on as a Banquet Manager/Chef de Cuisine for Elegant Events Catering, before becoming an instructor for his Alma Mater Le Cordon Bleu/CCA, where he could be found teaching a variety of classes in both the front and back of the house. In 2010 he was nominated for Educator of the Year for the entire Career Education Corporation by his students and peers. He then moved to Institute of Technology in Modesto, CA where he taught culinary students the art of Baking and Pastry, before moving on to be Executive Chef at CSU Stanislaus in Turlock, CA.
 

4. He’s a Hometown Boy

Yearning to return to his first great love of creating great dining experiences at competitive pricing, Sanchez – along with his wife Lisa - is now opening his own restaurant, Francesca’s, in his hometown of Patterson CA.
 

5. He’s Happy to Share His Skills

Due to Sanchez’s creative background and passion, Francesca’s will host special food and wine pairing events, feature-farmer events, art shows and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. And – as an advocate of lifelong education - he’ll also be sharing his skills in his mid-week cooking classes, which will feature everything from cake decorating to creating breads, pastries and simple pastas.  
 
Nestled in a peaceful valley beneath the Diablo Mountains, the Best Western PLUS Villa Del Lago is a beacon for foodies seeking comfort, convenience, value and fine cuisine.