Travel Paso honors Il Cortile and Parchetto restaurant owners
– Santos and Carole MacDonal, the husband-and-wife team who run Il Cortile Ristorante and Parchetto, received the 2025 Visitor Experience – Restaurant Award during Travel Paso’s annual Tourism Round Up on May 8.
The award was presented as part of National Travel and Tourism Week and California Tourism Month, which highlight leaders shaping the Paso Robles hospitality industry. The MacDonals were recognized for their contributions to guest experience and efforts supporting the Travel Paso vision.
Since opening Il Cortile in 2009, the MacDonals have earned a following for their approach to Italian cuisine and customer service. Their newer concept, Parchetto, offers seasonal, farm-forward dishes in a more casual setting.
“We’re incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Carole MacDonal, who manages front-of-house operations and the wine program at both restaurants. “Paso Robles is home for us. Every plate and every pour is a reflection of how much we love this community.”
Chef Santos MacDonal is known for his handmade pastas and respect for regional agriculture.
Also recognized at the Tourism Round Up was Brenda Jesmery Alcaraz, who received the 2025 Emerging Leader Award. Alcaraz, a Paso Robles native, began working for the MacDonals as a host at age 18 and now serves as general manager of Parchetto.
Travel Paso recognized Alcaraz for her leadership, team development, and dedication to guest service.
The MacDonals said they are proud to see Alcaraz grow as a leader within the restaurant and continue to support the goals of the local tourism industry.
