Our Team

LUCA CRESTANELLI

Executive Chef and Owner/Partner S.Y. Kitchen

Chef Luca Crestanelli was born and raised in Verona, Italy where he received his Gastronomy and Culinary Arts degree. In 2002, California became home. Chef Luca began working under the tutelage of renowned Chef Nicola Mastronardi at Vincenti in Brentwood, California. After three years, looking to expand his horizon, he accepted a position as a private chef where he traveled extensively, exposing himself to a variety of culinary cultures. 

In 2010, Luca was invited by the Gordon family, owners of Brentwood’s famed Toscana, to become Executive Chef, and launch their new Bar Toscana, an impossibly chic bar located next door to their legendary trattoria. 

Several years later Crestanelli learned about an old farmhouse/restaurant that had become available in downtown Santa Ynez. He had always envisioned himself creating a rustic restaurant, sourcing his products from local fisherman, ranchers, farmers and vintners, and infusing his Italian style with a rural sensibility. Chef Luca pitched the idea to Toscana owners Mike and Kathie Gordon. Already residents of Santa Ynez, they enthusiastically embraced the idea and partnered with him to create S.Y. Kitchen in 2013. 

In the fall of 2020, Crestanelli and his team opened Nella Kitchen & Bar in the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos. Again, the meticulously curated menu keeps true to his personal style of creating fresh, authentic local cuisine.

FRANCESCO CRESTANELLI

Sous Chef

Younger brother of Chef Luca, Francesco reunited with his brother thanks to their mutual love and respect for food.  Upon completing his studies and culinary work in Verona, Italy, which also included learning traditional French chocolate making and training as a gelato maker, Francesco found himself at Ristorante La Pesa in Australia.

After living separate lives for a number of years, Francesco joined Luca at his side at S. Y. Kitchen, where he brought his skilled talent for the fine art of fresh pasta making.  Of his culinary explorations, Francesco says, “I am happiest when I can feel the flavors dancing on my palate.”

KATHIE & MIKE GORDON

Owners/Partners S.Y. Kitchen

The Gordon’s first venture into the restaurant world happened in 1989 when they honored and cultivated Mike’s passion to have his own restaurant, and opened Toscana.  Located in Brentwood, California, Toscana is just now celebrating it’s 25th year as one of Los Angeles’ most successful Italian restaurants.

Complementing Toscana, Kathie & Mike added Bar Toscana next door in 2010 along with Mike’s son, Andy.  Bar Toscana, located right next door, suggests hip and cool to Toscana’s more traditional nature.  In the creation of Bar Toscana the Gordon’s had the good fortune to meet Luca Crestanelli and hired him to open the kitchen in their new bar.

Now owners and partners of S. Y. Kitchen, Mike and Kathie pursued yet another dream, this time partnering with Chef Luca, to create a decidedly different Italian dining experience in the Santa Ynez Valley.  They brought with them their passion to not only serve simple, fresh dishes, dispense flavorful cocktails,  pour some of the best wines from the Central Coast and Italy, but to also offer their guests a friendly, welcoming environment, they might even call home.