Yves Carreau

The Western chapter of the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association has named Yves Carreau 2007 Restaurateur of the Year. Mr. Carreau is the chef/owner of the Sonoma Grille and co-owner of Seviche, both in the Pittsburgh Cultural District.

Chef Carreau was born in Lyon, the gastronomical center of France. Other culinary luminaries who were born in or near the city include Jacques Pepin, Paul Bocuse and Daniel Boulud. Chef Carreau moved to Pittsburgh in 1984, after cooking in the West Indies and Los Angeles.

Perhaps inspired by his time in California, he opened the Sonoma Grille, Downtown, in 2004. The restaurant is known for its spectacular list of California wines -- more than 100 by-the-glass options and 300 by the bottle -- and menu of small plates inspired by California cuisine.

In 2007 Chef Carreau opened Seviche, a tapas restaurant whose inspirations range from Latin America to Asia. The tasty tapas, South Beach-inspired decor and creative drinks have already made Seviche a "see and be seen" destination.

The PRA award recognizes Chef Carreau not only for his culinary talent but also for his business acumen. By attracting more diners to the Cultural District, his restaurants have had a positive impact on the whole downtown community.

Chef Carreau was away and could not be reached for comment.

Previous winners include Pat McDonnell, CEO of Restaurant Holding Services Inc., which oversees the operation of Atria's Restaurants and Taverns in the region, and Joe Carei, chef and owner of Caileigh's restaurant in Uniontown.