Q. Do I need to get dressed up to come to the restaurant? What is your dress attire?
A. Anything from shorts to tux. We would like you to feel comfortable when coming into our restaurant. If dressing up is the mood please do so; if casualness is your mood or you do not want to get out of those snugly sweats that's great too. We want you to enjoy our restaurant.

Q. Do you need or take reservations?
A. We book approximately 50% of the restaurant for confirmed reservations and leave 50% open for walk-ins. We like to keep the restaurant open for those of our guests who make spontaneous decisions to have dinner. Yes -- we will seat you as quickly as possible if you come in on a walk-in-basis -- but sometimes there is a small wait and sometimes not.

Q. How long has the restaurant been open?
A. Bittersweet Bistro opened June 13, 1996; formerly we were a small restaurant, Cafe Bittersweet, located on the west side of Santa Cruz from June 27, 1992 until June 2, 1996.

Q. How does the staff remember all those dessert specials?
A. We beat them with a wet noodle. Plus they enjoy showing of their knowledge of the menu. Not to mention it is a performance standard.

Q. Can we order food to go?
A. Yes, we do take out for all items on the menu. The chef prefers to cook certain entrees when you arrive to ensure the quality. Relax and enjoy a glass of wine or just sit down and put your feet up while we prepare your dinner. We also now offer Bittersweet Express “Good Eats on the Go” open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday with coffee, pastries, breakfast burritos, soups, salads, sandwiches and our “Don’t Feel Like Cooking” nightly dinner specials with prices ranging from $9.95 to $14.95.

Q. What are the pictures on the menu?
A. The old Deer Park Tavern, being moved in 1946 when the State claimed the right of eminent domain so they could build a freeway. The original photographs are in the entry of the restaurant.

Q. Is the Chef the owner?
A. Yes, Thomas Vinolus is a working owner. It has always been a dream for him to own a restaurant were family and friends would congregate.

Q. Is the Chef married or single?
A. Married, to his wife Elizabeth the beautiful brunette who runs the front of the house and is our wine buyer. They met and fell in love at Casanova's restaurant.

Q. What does the name of the restaurant mean?
A. When Chef Thomas came up with this name for his restaurant, he felt it descrlbed his life and relatlonshlp to the hospltality industry. The "bitter" and the "sweet" of life and of life in the restaurant business. No it is not named after bittersweet chocolate.

Q. Why aren't you in the Zagat Guide, Bon Appetite, Food & Wine or Gourmet? (Question most asked by the Vinolus Family)
A. Help! We do not know.

Q. Who created your wine list?
A. Elizabeth works on the development of the wine list. Five and a half years ago when Cafe Bittersweet opened she began with a total of 10 whites and 10 reds, praying to be able to pay off the debt. Today we have an award winning wine list with well over 200 wines for your drinking and dining pleasures.

Q. Can you come in for dessert only?
A. Of course you can, however we do not take reservations for desserts.

Q. Are you open for lunch?
A. Sorry, we are not open for lunch. However, you can join us for a late lunch during Bistro Hours every day from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Q. Do you have a private room? Or do banquets? Or weddings?
A. Yes, Yes, and Yes, our Angel Room is perfect for parties of 10-125. Enjoy exquisite food and professional service. For more information or a guided tour please ask for Elizabeth and call (831) 662-9799.