Patch Picks: Chefs and Restaurants Near Weston

Who: Caitlin Adler and Christopher Vuich
Where: Sweet Bites in Acton

Caitlin Adler and Christopher Vuich opened Sweet Bites, a gourmet cafe and bakery, in 2007. Adler, who has a degree in baking and pastry from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., takes care of the 'sweet side' and Vuich who graduated from Syracuse University before entering the culinary workforce, takes care of the 'salty side.' Both have worked in several bakeries or renowned restaurants in Boston, and across the country.

Sweet Bites serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and a selection of take-away or pre-order baked goods, including cakes and pastries such as the German chocolate cupcake, the mousse chocolate cupcake and and the vanilla cappuccino cake. Sweet Bites specializes in catering as well. 

Who: Anthony Scerra
Where: Stephen Anthony's Restaurant at Wayside Plaza in  Marlborough

Stephen Anthony's is located in the historic Wayside Plaza just at the Sudbury, Marlborough town line. The successful and popular restaurant serves breakfast and lunch classics, as well as daily house specialties, particularly seafood dishes and homemade sausage, like the popular maple sausage. Anthony Scerra opened the restaurant, named by combining of his and his brother's names, when he was 18. The restaurant has has grown in recent years and now accommodates more loyal customers every day.

Who: Serio Mendoza Yerba
Where: Madrid European Bakery and Patisserie at Wayside Plaza in Marlborough

Pastry chef Serio Mendoza Yerba began working at his father's bakery when he was 9, eventually leading the team when he turned 17. He learned under several of Madrid's pastry chefs before moving to the U.S. where he opened his first shop, the Madrid European Bakery and Patisserie. At this bakery, patrons can pre-order or drop-in to pick up full desserts, tortes and cakes, or take home bite-size portions of several varieties. Also available are teacakes, palmiers and cookies.

Who: Chris Chung
Where: AKA Bistro in Lincoln

If you've been to AKA Bistro, then you know it reaches far into several kinds of cuisine. This is the doing of Executive Chef and Owner Chris Chung's vision. Chung, who grew up in Hawaii amidst restaurateurs and hoteliers and proceeded to receive training there and in Japan, combines "adventurous" crafted Japanese recipes, including sashismi, with French delicacies and staples such as gratin and foie grois. One glance at the menu and you'll see that if you wanted to try something new, you'll find it at this restaurant. AKA opened in 2010.

Who: Wesley Chen
Where: Lotus Blossom in Sudbury

Wesley Chen is the chef and owner of Lotus Blossom, one of four successful and popular restaurants in the Boston suburban area all managed by the same family. Chen began at a young age with his family and proceeded to receive his training at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, which followed earning a degree from the University of Massachusetts in hospitality management. Lotus Blossom offers Chinese and Japanese favorites.