The now-famous "Bistro One West" in St. Charles is approaching their 1-year anniversary this month, but executive chef Douglas D'Avico is also celebrating the recent 5-year anniversary of his protege Victor DeLeon.

Victor has been an executive chef for five years now, but he says he couldn't have done it without help from his mentor Douglas.

Doug D'Avico spent years at Trattoria No. 10 in Chicago where he met future Bistro One West owner George Guggeis.

George was previously known for the restaurants Mango and Rhapsody and now he's better-known for Bistro One West.

Victor DeLeon has been known at O'Donovan's in Chicago since he started there in 1999. Victor's originally from a small town in Guatemala, but the lure of the big city brought him to the U.S.

Victor eventually spent two years leading a double-life by working at O'Donovan's and training with Douglas at the same time.

Douglas led a double-life as well, but now he just leads one life at Bistro One West.

At the end of last year, website Eater.com asked 8 restaurant professionals: "What are the top restaurant newcomers of 2010?" and one of the 8 named "Bistro One West" as one of her Top 3.

George & Douglas are both very happy with their success and Victor hopes to visit them for their 1-year anniversary on December 14.

Also, Victor hopes that Douglas & George can visit him on December 8 during his "Customer Appeciation Party" to benefit the charity Christopher House. Victor will be preparing all the appetizers and a visit from Douglas & George will make it feel like "Bistro One West East" at O'Donovan's.

Bistro One West is at 1 W. Illinois in St. Charles.
http://www.bistro1west.com
http://odonovansbar.com
http://www.christopherhouse.org