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 MAN BEHIND THE SAUCE - Matthew Barnes’ passion for cooking began as a young boy, and his culinary dreams have only grown with age. His mother worked at Bucci’s restaurant in Berea, and in his youth Matthew often helped cater events at the Brown’s training facility – an opportunity that blended his two primary interests: food and athletics. After finishing high school, the Ohio native was faced with the decision of attending college to follow his athletic inclinations and become a physical therapist or pursue his interest in the culinary arts at the Pittsburgh Culinary Institute. Lucky for epicures, he chose the latter. Since completing his training at the Culinary Institute, Matthew has worked with Chef Paul Manillo at the Baricelli Inn in Cleveland, in addition to Salmon Daves and Blue Pointe Grille. Matthew has served as chef for all of Gary Lucarelli’s restaurants including Player’s on Madison in Lakewood, Café Sausilito’s in Tower City and Tutto A Posto on the East Side. Today Matthew is owner and executive chef of Saucy Bistro in Westlake where he has transformed his vision of “an American bistro with the passions of France and Italy,” into an unparalleled wining and dining experience on Cleveland’s West Side.
Prior to opening Saucy Bistro, Matthew Barnes was logging long hours cultivating and perfecting his culinary craft and forming his unique epicurean vision at restaurants throughout Northeast Ohio. While working as the newest chef at Salmon Dave’s in Rocky River during the early 90s, Matthew quickly garnered the admiration and respect of his coworkers. Yet his talent and friendly demeanor caught the eye of one waitress in particular. That waitress’ name was Shyla, and today she is Matthew’s wife. But it was more than the flames of attraction that brought this pair together. One evening at the restaurant Matthew suffered second degree burns while working with kitchen cleaning products. Writhing in excruciating pain and disorientated, Matthew tumbled down the restaurant’s stairs where Shyla found him and came to his aid. Shyla regularly visited Matthew during his hospital stay, and their fiery friendship soon boiled into a heartfelt romance. The culinary canoodlers spent many evenings sipping wine and pouring over plans for the future – plans that included a restaurant of their own. And a little luck and good timing would help see that dream to fruition. When not behind the scenes concocting his own delectable confections, Matthew and Shyla enjoyed meals at Saucy Bistro, then in Rocky River. The Bistro regulars soon cultivated a friendship with the restaurant’s owner, and when she mentioned her plans to sell it, Matthew and Shyla were quick to move. January 1, 1999, brought the first of a new year, and the beginning of a new era of cooking and dining possibilities in Northeast Ohio. It was that day Matthew and Shyla officially took the helm at Saucy Bistro making it the toast of the town and beyond. Matthew and Shyla describe their restaurant as “an American bistro with the passions of France and Italy.” And this local bistro chef certainly has a passion for food that goes well beyond the standard bistro fare. Matthew’s now famous creations include everything from peppercorn crusted Ahi Tuna served with foie gras and oyster mushrooms in a burgundy buerre rouge to rack of lamb with a rosemary demi glace and sweet potato hash to a roasted vegetable terrine with fresh Mozzarella, spicy tomato relish and balsamic reduction. And Matthew and Shyla don’t just strive for the ultimate dining experience with incredible food, Saucy Bistro boasts one of the nation’s most revered wine lists. Recognized by Wine Spectator magazine for the past four years as having a superior wine list, the restaurant has over 350 varieties to choose from, and promises something to please everybody’s palette and budget. In addition, the restaurant hosts special wine tasting and cooking classes throughout the year to entertain and educate area gastronomes. The restaurant, which Matthew and Shyla moved to the former Iron Gate location in Westlake, features more kitchen, bar and dining room space then its previous Rocky River site. The Barnes hired Lee Meyer Interiors to design the interior rooms of Saucy Bistro. Each room is highlighted by relaxed and refined dining areas ideal for the business casual dining atmosphere. Bon vivants may take advantage of Northeast Ohio’s pleasant weather opportunities and dine al fresco in the Bistro’s beautiful outdoor patio, while private parties will find the two 35-person capacity private rooms extremely accommodating. |
Matthew and Shyla had the dream; they had the ambition; they had each other. But it would take more to make Saucy Bistro a reality. Shyla’s parents, Bill and Nancy Lake, believed in their daughter and son-in-law’s aspirations, and devoted countless time and support to help launch Saucy. In the beginning, Bill and Nancy gave Matthew and Shyla the financial support to kick-start the restaurant. As Matthew and Shyla worked tirelessly round the clock, Bill and Nancy were right beside them every step of the way. Nancy, a pastry chef, lent her skills creating desserts at Saucy’s original Rocky River location, while husband Bill was the all-purpose, aide doing repairs, landscaping and painting among other things. When Matthew and Shyla brought Saucy to its current location in Westlake, Bill and Nancy were once again there with their unwavering furtherance right where they had been since day one. We would like to thank Nancy and Bill Lake for all their encouragement and support providing us the driving force for Saucy Bistro’s beginning. Thank you for everything! Matthew & Shyla Barnes
Open
for Happy Hour at 4:30 p.m.
Lunch
Dinner We are generally closed on Sundays, However...we are always available for private parties, business events and meetings, both at the restaurant and at your home. |
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