FAMILY-OWNED Paolo's is one of downtown San Jose's most enduring Italian restaurants. Executive chef and second-generation owner Carolyn Allen-Samavarchian keeps the cuisine interesting with a diverse menu that draws on Italy's regional cuisines, with California and East Coast influences.

Allen-Samavarchian is the daughter of Paolo's founder, Jack Allen. She didn't plan on entering the family business, but when her mother, Geri Allen died, she stepped in to help run the restaurant along with her sister, Jenny. Her sister left the family business, but Carolyn stayed on. In addition to the work at Paolo's, Allen-Samavarchian serves on the board of directors for the California Culinary Academy Educational Foundation.

Chef Spotlight is a regular 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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