Restaurant Z Bistro is celebrating a new chapter in Carson City
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 02/13/2023 - 9:51am
The time has come for Chef Gilles and Tina Galhaut to retire from Z Bistro in Carson City and allow Gilles the opportunity to apply his creative energy to another part of life ⎯ not a decision that was made lightly.
Gilles, Tina, and their son Logan have poured 15 years of love and energy into Z Bistro, and they look back on the community they have created with gratitude and pride. “We want to thank our customers, friends, and family for supporting all things Z Bistro these past 15 years,” says Chef Gilles. “We’re incredibly excited to hand the Z Bistro reigns over to local Chef Brandon Lafave.”
“Gilles and Tina created something very special at Z Bistro, not just a place to dine but an amazing community of friends,” Chef Brandon reflects, “and I am humbly excited about carrying it forward.”
Chef Brandon discovered his interest in cooking at a very young age. “Watching and helping my mom in the kitchen really sparked my interest in being a chef,” he shared. “It’s fun to combine unexpected ingredients, changing up a standard recipe, to experience different tastes.”
15 years ago, Brandon moved to Genoa with his family where even in high school, he knew in his heart that his career path would lead to owning his own restaurant. He was involved in the culinary program at Douglas High School, and while he had many jobs growing up, “… in all of those jobs, I was learning a lot about myself — the importance of working hard, learning from others, and delivering a great customer service experience no matter what.”
Brandon is also interested in the visual aspects of cooking, “…everything from gently adding micro greens as a finishing touch, to a special swirl on the serving plate. It never surprises me when I see a famous chef like Jacques Pepin take up painting, for example. It’s all about the creative process, whether it’s with brush strokes on a canvas or placing a perfectly seared halibut gently onto a bed of local, organic greens.”
Six years ago, Brandon began serving cheese and charcuterie boards at the historic Pink House owned by Lois and Daniel Wray in Genoa. He was eventually offered his dream of being in the kitchen. Brandon has worked alongside many talented chefs along the way, and is always focused on the use of local foods. “It’s hard work being on your feet all day, and working in the kitchen on weekend nights when your friends are all going out to have fun,” says Chef Brandon, “… but, for me, I enjoy every aspect of creating memorable food experiences. The best part of being a chef is coming out of the kitchen and asking folks how they enjoyed their meal. I love seeing people smile when they taste something I have created.”
The owner of the Pink House also purchased the Main Street property that had housed the locally well-known La Ferme restaurant for many years and had an incredible customer following. Brandon recalls first visiting La Ferme with his family and being introduced to Chef Ives just over 14 years ago. “As I reflect back on that first time meeting Chef Ives, I can’t help but fill up with emotion realizing I ended up cooking alongside him at Daniel’s on that same property!”
Brandon continues, “I’m honored and humbled to be carrying forward the spirit, energy, and passion for fresh fine cuisine, and the sense of family that Chef Gilles and Tina have nurtured at Z Bistro. My staff and I can’t wait to welcome you back to Z Bistro!”
Chef Giles says, “I am very happy that there will be a continuation of thoughtfully prepared seasonal food and a community-centered atmosphere at Z Bistro. There needs to be a place where people can take their time over courses paired with wine and conversation ⎯ that is the spirit of a bistro! I am excited by the influx of new ideas and can’t wait to see what Brandon comes up with!! Save Tina and me a table for opening night!!”
Z Bistro is now serving dinner Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 4:30 pm to 8:30pm, and will also host private events. Learn more at www.zbistro.net or contact Z Bistro via reserve@zbistro.net or 775-885-2828 to book a reservation.
