Personalities
Santos & Carole MacDonal
Owners, Il Cortile Ristorante & La Cosecha Bar + Restaurant
Chef Santos MacDonal and Managing Partner/wife Carole MacDonal came to Paso Robles by way of Los Angeles where Chef Santos’ career began at the highly-acclaimed Italian Restaurant, Giorgio in Malibu. Santos’ career has taken him through many of Los Angeles’ finest kitchens, including Via Veneto, Locando de Lago, Koi, La Sosta and more. As Executive Chef at Bridge Restaurant and L’Angolo Cafe in Los Angeles, Santos developed his own style, using only the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to create interesting and delicious dishes. Carole enjoyed an exciting career as a producer and published writer in Hollywood with credits in both television and film, including The Amazing Race and The Biggest Loser.
Ultimately, a passion for fine food and wine led them to Paso Robles, where they opened Il Cortile Ristorante in 2009. Today, Il Cortile is one of Paso Robles’ hottest restaurants serving authentic Italian cuisine, hand made pastas and delicious seasonal specials. Carole’s vast knowledge of fine dining and wine is evident in Il Cortile’s award winning wine list – a mix of exquisite Paso Robles wines and the finest of Italy’s varied wine regions – which she designed to complement Santos’ seasonally-inspired menus. In 2013 Carole and Santos opened La Cosecha Bar + Restaurant, centering on the flavors of Spain and Latin America, and featuring a craft cocktail menu designed to make use of garden-fresh ingredients and artisanal spirits. Both kitchens are open late to cater to locals and tourists who enjoy late night dining.
