Michael Ciot is the proprietor of the popular city restaurant Michael’s Ristorante and he says people still like to be able to relax and enjoy good food and a drink of their choice.

His business exemplifies this as it is seen by many clients as the place to do some business in a comfortable manner.

In fact, many of his clients are regulars, with Friday lunches a time when many a business deal is done.

“People don’t want to be tied down with rules and regulations and all we ask is that they display the same manners as they would at home,” he says.

Locally born to an Italian father, Michael undertook a cooking course at Ryde College when he left school and later took up an apprenticeship at the Menzies Hotel in Wynyard.

Then came time learning the trade at Boronia House, a restaurant and function centre at Mosman, before completing a Hotel Management Diploma and being asked to get involved with a revamp of the culinary arts and service at the Western Suburbs Leagues Club.

After operating a catering facility at the club for more than two years Michael established a restaurant at Warrawong and seven years ago moved to his current site at the bottom end of Crown Street.

Having operated the restaurant without a liquor licence for some years Michael finds that many of his customers today still like to bring their own wines, with Italian reds the favourites.

Michael’s Ristorante offers a modern and varied cuisine combined with Italian ingredients and he has recently introduced a new menu which features a chef’s selection and an encouragement for customers to share their meals.

And he also operates a popular catering business.

Battling the economic downturn 

Michael pulls no punches when he says the current economic downturn and its effect on jobs has brought about a 30 per cent reduction in his business, but he’s learned to live with this and to continue to provide the best possible service for both long-standing and new clients.

“It hasn’t been such a big drama for me at this time,” he says ”but it does mean I have to work harder.”

On the subject of people behaviour and the like in downtown Crown Street Michael says there isn’t much trouble in the streets, but it can depend on what’s on at the nearby WIN Stadium or the entertainment centre.

“And anyways “he suggests” if there is trouble it’s mainly from out–of–towners.”

You can check out some of the menu offerings available at Michael’s Ristorante by checking out his website, www.michaelsristorante.com.au and see for yourself what’s available.