RAISED in a family that was an important part of the Santa Clara Valley's agricultural heritage, Nick Difu has brought authenticity and local roots to the new American bistro that bears his name. Nick's on Main opened in March and quickly established itself as a popular small chef's restaurant at 35 Main St., in Los Gatos, across from the town's legendary Ferrari dealership. In last year's Best of Silicon Valley balloting, Metro readers chose Nick's on Main as "Best New Restaurant," and Difu came in second to world-renowned David Kinch of Manresa as "Best Chef."

As the saying goes, though, it takes a long time to become an overnight success. Difu spent more than a decade in the back kitchens of Los Gatos restaurants Café Marcella, the Wine Cellar and 180 Restaurant. Today, it's his name on the door, and Nick is there to greet patrons each night.

Chef Spotlight is a regularly occurring feature leading up to Silicon Valley Restaurant Week, Oct. 14–21. Each week, I will profile a chef involved in SVRW. For more information about the event, please go to www.siliconvalleyrestaurantweek.com.

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