Owner - George Kalivas bio
George Kalivas brings over forty years of experience with him to Bistro 18. In his early days, George worked in some of Manhattan’s most trendy places for the time.
From captain to head waiter in Gian Marino and Tre Scallini to Maître d‘ in some of New Jersey’s most popular spots. George was the Maître d‘ at La Fontanella Ristorante in Bloomfield for six years after a five year stay at the Stoney Hill Inn. George also adds to his resume two other prestigious restaurants, respectively, il Tulipano in Cedar Grove and il Capriccio of Whippany. George’s background in Italian cuisine is extremely strong.
He recently sold the popular il Villino Ristorante in Bergen County after successfully operating this fine dining establishment for seventeen years. His ratings in Zagats for food and service over these years were always among the top in New Jersey. George’s special interest were in a vast variety of fresh fish and housemade pastas. The thriving il Villino Ristorante was rated 3½ stars in the Bergen Record.
After George sold il Villino, he was inspired to open a neighborhood bistro – casual, friendly atmosphere, with excellent service and extraordinary food leveraging the influences of Europe and Asia. He then began to build the team to deliver his dream – Bistro 18!
George is a Maître de Table Restaurateur and a long time member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
