Staff

Prof. Salvatore Bisaccia

A native of Italy, Salvatore Bisaccia speaks the Italian language with beautiful fluidity. He was born is Sicily, lived in Italy until early adulthood, where he was schooled in the arts, various languages, mathematics, and other general studies.

Salvatore is a busy man and always has been. He has earned a bachelor's in Philosophy (while still living in Italy) and an MA in Guidance Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Working full-time during the day, Salvatore is also able to accomplish teaching numerous language classes in the evening and tutoring individual students. He has been a favorite instructor of Conversational Italian at WCC (Washtenaw Community College) for more than 5 years and has been teaching smaller, private groups for more than 6 years. When asked how he does it, he humbly replies, "I just can't believe the number of people who are interested in learning Italian. It makes me proud to teach them my language."

The focus for his Conversational Italian, I, II, and III classes is to slowly build his students' knowledge of the Italian language through constant interaction with it. "I have my students speaking Italian the first evening. You must speak the language to learn it."

The focus of his Italian Renaissance Art class is to expose students to the full breadth of the time period, not just the art and the artists. "We will explore the environment. and culture of the time and the influences of patronage. We will also look at how such aspects influenced sculpture, architecture, and of course painting," explained Salvatore.

He is also in the process of writing a book to augment his teaching materials. "The book will outline basic grammar rules and sentence structure to help my students learn the language more quickly and easily," said Salvatore.

Salvatore is passionate about the courses he teaches, which is evident in the mere number of classes he is leading this semester. Years of teaching experience, combined with his love for his heritage and knowledge of the Italian culture, make for a truly extraordinary learning experience. ** For Italian Language Class information, please contact Salvatore directly: salvatore@paesanosannarbor.com

David Whitney: Chef

Dave hails from the Upper peninsula, and that was also where he got his start. As a teenager he worked under award winning Chef Robin Holmes at the Best Western in Escanaba. There he discovered a passion for food, and making people happy with it. Chef Holmes also saw his talent and promoted Dave to Sous Chef at the age of 17. The desire for growth led Dave to Ann Arbor and the culinary program at WCC. While in school he worked for a local chain restaurant, and climbed the ladder at both places. Seeking an environment that offered more creative freedom, Dave came to Paesano in 2001. There was definitely more room for him to expand his talents, and he did. However, the desire for growth saw him leave to open Quarter Bistro as Executive Sous Chef. He still loved Paesano, and when the door opened for his return seven months later, there was no question about it. He continued to work with Chef Isabella, taking on many responsibilities. During this time he even fell in love with one of our servers. Jayme and Dave were married in 2008. When Isabella decided it was time for her to move on there was no better choice than Dave Whitney to take over the reins.

Cindie Grammatico: Banquet/Catering Manager

Our talented (and very organized) Banquet & Catering Manager, Cindie Grammatico is a native of the Pittsburgh area, and a veteran in the food business. She is a UM graduate and has been with Paesano since the spring of 2000. Cindie has extensive experience in planning and coordinating events of any size, both in the restaurant and off-site.

Prior to joining the Paesano team, Cindie spent a short period of time at another Ann Arbor dining establishment, the Red Hawk Bar & Grill before becoming one of the original managers at Zanzibar Restaurant, near the UM campus.

Kenneth Frost: Wine Director

We all know that words mean little without an idea behind them. That word hardly meant anything to me several years ago when I first came to Paesano restaurant, a disenchanted country club server who wanted to learn more about Italian wine. The first time I dined here, I was blown away by the service and culture. The third time I dined here, I brought my résumé.

It was quickly apparent that I was supposed to be here at Paesano’s—independently owned by the amicable Mike and Bridget Roddy, fostering both a genuine creative Italian chef as well as a knowledgeable wine director—it was restaurant heaven for any server who is thirsty for knowledge, and sick of diva chef types, overbearing managers and ignorant owners... read more >>

H.T. Riekels: Dining Room Manager

When Henry E. Riekels III (better known as H.T.) left North Muskegon in 1983 to study Theater and Telecommunications at Michigan State University, he had no aspiration for a career in restaurants. However a part time job bussing tables at the local ChiChi’s began his career. His path led to Chicago where he learned the business from such luminaries as Rich Melman, Phil Stefani and sommelier Jean-Marie Vandenbulcke. His experience, abilities and passion continued to grow as he worked in several high profile establishments as a server, bartender and manager.

In 1998 H.T. left the big city. He returned to Michigan, and his hometown, where employment was immediately found at one of the top restaurants in the area. After several years, other jobs and some dramatic personal changes, the unique muse of Ann Arbor called. He spent the initial period waiting tables at The Gandy Dancer, but eventually Paesano was discovered. Home was found but after a few years of serving there was a desire to return to management. With a heavy heart H.T. left to be a restaurant manager at Mediterrano. Two years later the fates conspired to allow a homecoming.

H.T. is very happy to be back as part of the Paesano family. His talents are at the ready to ensure an exceptional dining experience.