About

Santos MacDonal began his career in the highly acclaimed Italian Restaurant, “Giorgio” in Malibu California, mentored by Chef Giorgio Baldi. He then worked at many great restaurants in Los Angeles including Via Veneto, Koi, La Sosta and more. He worked his way to Executive Chef at Bridge Restaurant and L’Angolo Cafe before moving to Paso Robles.

Santos’ philosophy is to use the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever available to create interesting and delicious dishes. He is constantly challenging himself to create new and tasty dishes that reflect what is available at any given time.

At Il Cortile Ristorante, Santos’ pastas and sauces are homemade and his dishes are created in such a way that the pasta becomes “involved” with the sauce, not just as an accompaniment, which creates a terrific dish. His seafood and meat dishes are expertly prepared as he oversees every dish that leaves the kitchen. Once again, Santos is excited to express himself in the newest venture, Parchetto, a California Bistro! Branching out to different flavors inspired by the seasonal offerings from the amazing local farmers, purveyors and a bit of he and his wife’s garden, Santos will oversee a vast array of dishes that will tell the story of our wonderful Central Coast and California tastes! Parchetto will open in July 2024.

Santos lives in Paso Robles California with his wife and partner Carole.

Carole MacDonal has enjoyed an exciting career as a Producer and a published Writer in Hollywood with credits in both television and film, including “the Amazing Race”, “the Biggest Loser” and independent films. But her passion for food and wine led her, along with her husband, Executive Chef Santos MacDonal to Paso Robles, California where they opened Il Cortile Ristorante, one of Paso Robles most popular restaurants.

Her experience in running productions was an easy fit when it came to running the business side of the restaurant and her vast knowledge of fine dining led her to the front of the house at Il. Cortile. As a sommelier, she has designed wine lists to complement the menus Santos creates. Carole looks for exquisite wines from both the Paso Robles area along with the finest selections from many international regions

In 2024, Carole and Santos embarked upon another culinary adventure and developed Parchetto, a California Bistro! The inspiration for Parchetto came from local farmers, local purveyors and a garden that Carole and Santos work to add a bit of their own offerings to the restaurants. Named as an “homage” to the City Park, Parchetto is designed to be a local treasure offering seasonal dishes, classic cocktails and of course local and international wines that will pair beautifully with Santos’ creations!

In addition to the two restaurants, Santos and Carole planted an olive grove in 2019 and had their first real harvest in 2023. The end result is Santino Olive Oil which they serve currently at Il Cortile.

Carole Lives in Paso Robles with her husband Santos.

As a proud local with deep roots in the community, Brenda Jesmery Alcaraz is thrilled to be the General Manager of the exciting new restaurant. She began her journey as a host for Santos and Carole at the age of 18, where she first discovered a passion for the hospitality industry. Over the past six years, she has grown and evolved with the company, gaining experience and insights that she is eager to share with guests.

In addition to her early years in hospitality, Jesmery also worked at a staffing agency, specializing in connecting local talent with opportunities, particularly within the vibrant winery scene. This experience refined her skills in team building and management, giving her a unique perspective on the importance of creating a supportive and cohesive work environment.

Now, she is excited to channel her expertise into the hospitality industry, where true passion lies. Jesmery has spent years learning the ins and outs of exceptional service, and is committed to not only providing an unforgettable dining experience for each and every guest but also helping the staff deliver that level of service. By working closely with the team, she aims to ensure that every visit feels like a special occasion.

As the doors open, Jesmery is eager to welcome the community to this new culinary adventure. Together with a talented team, she is dedicated to making the restaurant a cherished local gem, where exceptional food and warm hospitality are always on the menu.