Elsa Medina grew up in California watching her father run a neighborhood restaurant, learning early what it means to make guests feel at home. After moving to Utah and marrying her husband, a chef from Sicily, the two combined their love of food, culture, and family to open Antica Sicilia in Millcreek, now one of the state’s most celebrated Italian restaurants and known for its warmth, elegance, and authenticity.
Now celebrating nine years and a DiRōNA Award of Excellence, Antica Sicilia is the focus of this episode. Scott Breard sits down with Elsa to talk about the Sicilian-inspired decor, the tableside carbonara flamed in a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel, and a menu that honours Nonna’s original recipes. She also shares the values behind a staff that feels like family and a loyal following across the state, and what’s next for their growing restaurant group.⏰ Timestamps:0:40 Introducing Antica Sicilia in Millcreek, UT1:30 Meet Elsa Medina, owner 1:50 Elsa's history in the restaurant industry2:30 Other restaurants Elsa and her husband have in Utah3:10 More about the restaurant, the ambiance and the style of the restaurant3:50 About the menu including Nonna's recipes which were passed down4:43 Italian wine list to complement the menu as well as cocktails5:27 Restaurant awards Antica Sicilia has won including the Best of Utah6:14 Earning the DiRōNA award7:03 The staff which are treated like family which helps make the restaurant exceptional9:16 Future plans for the restaurant9:48 Closing remarks🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible stories from the world of dining excellence!About Antica SiciliaAntica Sicilia is a family-owned Italian restaurant in Millcreek, Utah, run by Elsa Medina and her husband, a chef from Sicily. The menu draws on generations of Nona’s recipes, from handmade meatballs and octopus to the signature tableside carbonara flamed in a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel. Venetian plaster, gold accents, and white linens give the room an old-world Sicilian charm, and the wine list offers more than 70 selections from Sicily to Tuscany. With a team treated like family, it has become a beloved destination for elevated, heartfelt dining.About DiRōNA Established as a hallmark of excellence, the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) represents the epitome of culinary sophistication and superior service. DiRōNA stands as a beacon of quality in the restaurant industry, recognizing establishments across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America that demonstrate exceptional dining experiences. Each restaurant, selected through a rigorous evaluation process, showcases not only outstanding cuisine and beverage but also a commitment to providing an ambiance and service that exceeds expectations. With a diverse range of culinary styles and atmospheres, DiRōNA's award-winning restaurants embody the richness and variety of North American gastronomy. From cozy gourmet bistros to grandiose fine-dining establishments, DiRōNA celebrates the creativity, cultural heritage, and innovation that these distinguished restaurants bring to the world of haute cuisine. For food enthusiasts and connoisseurs, DiRōNA is not just a guide but a gateway to some of the most memorable and exquisite dining experiences North America has to offer.Find DiRōNA on Social Media 📱Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DistinguishedRestaurantsofNorthAmericaX (Twitter) https://x.com/DiRoNAawardInstagram https://www.instagram.com/DiRoNAawardThreads https://www.threads.net/@DiRoNAawardLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/dironaYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DiRoNATiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DiRoNAawardPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dironadistinguishedrestaurants/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dironaaward.bsky.social#DiRoNA2025 #diningexperience #awardwinningdining
Oct 29 20269 mins