THE CHEF

The culinary lifestyle has been ingrained in Italianissimo Owner/Chef, Kent Betts, since childhood. His mother was a regionally famous restaurateur in a small town in South Dakota, so he essentially grew up “in the business.” Kent continued to work in the restaurant business throughout high school, college and after. He and his wife, Cindy, were married in 1984 and the next year moved to the Seattle area. Kent spent the next 11 years working for local restaurant companies up and down the West Coast. In 1996, he and Cindy purchased Ristorante Italianissimo in Woodinville. Italianissimo is a white linen dinner house, concentrating on classically prepared Northern Italian fare. Kent's “scratch kitchen” is his culinary statement; fresh pastas, housemade desserts, fresh fish and great meats! He's a self-taught culinaire that’s passionate about great food and service. Kent and Cindy have two children and live in the Woodinville area.