'It’s been amazing.' Fairport couple takes over cozy Italian bistro in Canandaigua

Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Updated ·3 min read

CANANDAIGUA, NY — Chris Ventura grew up in an Italian household with lots of cooking and culinary influence.

Ventura and fiancée Wendy Loveless met while working over the years at other restaurants. He always wanted to show what he could do and just as important, do what he wanted to do. And both always dreamed of owning their own place.

When the opportunity to buy Il Posto Bistro on Main Street in downtown Canandaigua arose — they had been on the lookout for a place to call their own, put a halt to the search and then this opportunity popped up by happenstance as he scrolled through Facebook — “let’s try it,” Ventura said.

In September, they reopened the cozy Italian bistro, which first opened in 2013, and so far, so good, as they quickly have grown to love the downtown atmosphere and the people.

“It’s been amazing,” Ventura said.

Getting to know the Il Posto Bistro owners

Wendy Loveless and Chris Ventura, who have worked at various restaurants over the years, are realizing a dream by running their own, Il Posto Bistro in downtown Canandaigua.
Wendy Loveless and Chris Ventura, who have worked at various restaurants over the years, are realizing a dream by running their own, Il Posto Bistro in downtown Canandaigua.

Ventura is the co-owner and chef. Loveless also is there daily, running the front along with their two older daughters, Taylor, 15, and Kaylee, 18. The Fairport residents also have a 2 1/2-year-old daughter Avery. No, she doesn't work — "Not yet," Ventura joked.

Ventura started working in the restaurant business as a teen and quickly found a passion for food. He got the bug from his family, and growing up for him was time spent cooking and eating.

Loveless has also worked in the restaurant industry since she was 14, from hosting to serving to managing to bartending.

Both were born and raised in Fairport, and they have worked together at three different restaurants over the last decade.

Loveless said they are passionate about giving people good food and good service, and they already are getting to know customers by name in the process as they seem to be coming back for seconds — and thirds and so on.

“You’re not just another person,” Loveless said.

What will you have at Il Posto Bistro?

Il Posto Italian Bistro on Main Street, Canandaigua is open for dinners Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to Saturdays.
Il Posto Italian Bistro on Main Street, Canandaigua is open for dinners Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to Saturdays.

Ventura concentrates on scratch recipes, and pastas and desserts are homemade.

Customers have complimented him on his bolognaise, but he is hard-pressed to pick a specialty, except maybe the octopus dishes.

For example, someone came into the bistro the other night, asked for a recommendation and was handed the menu. Perhaps ricotta, roasted bone marrow, mussels or meatballs for starters. Fill up on carbonara or orrecchiete pasta or, if seafood is your mood, zuppe di pesce. Chicken Milanese will do, too.

“Pick one,” Ventura laughed.

A full bar features local beer, wine and spirits, and mocktails are available.

For dessert, Ventura also tries to make something different, but always has tiramisu.

Another favorite is the bonet, which is like a chocolate pudding with crushed Biscottis, homemade whipped cream and walnuts. Ventura tris to create dishes that you might not find elsewhere.

“I’m trying to think outside the box a little bit and focus on the Italian staples that kind of sit on the backburner and showcase them a little more,” Ventura said.

More about Il Posto Bistro

Il Posto Bistro is at 137 S. Main St., Canandaigua. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to Saturdays. The bistro is closed Sundays and Wednesdays. The owners are hoping to add lunches in the spring. Call 585-905-0535.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Il Posto Bistro in Canandaigua NY reopens under new ownership