says. “And if she were here today, she’d
probably want to be my hostess and
welcome everyone and make sure they
were taken care of.”
Kris’s dad flies down twice a year
to see Kris and reminds him, “Don’t
take too many days off work.” He never
quits emphasizing the same work ethic
that has brought the Eisenhut family
prosperity for many generations.
Most Italian restaurants are
influenced by Southern Italy, which
serves dishes laden with spices like
oregano, basil, or sage. However, Chef
Roberto is from Northern Italy, which
emphasizes freshness and quality
ingredients. Rialto’s dining experience
is truly authentic, setting it apart from
other Italian restaurants.
“At Rialto, everything has a
clean taste,” Kris says. Not only does
Rialto make every dish to order, each
ingredient is carefully selected. All
of their cheeses, meats, and olive
oils are imported from Italy. Rialto’s
authenticity is palatably Italian. “When
you eat here, you are tasting Italy,” Kris
says. Their popular dishes have even
won awards. “Our masala won Best
100 Plates of Georgia two years ago,
and we also won Best Eggplant Dish in
Georgia.”
A few menu items are inspired
directly from New York, like the
“Chicken Riggies,” slang for
rigatoni, which originated in
Utica, New York, where Kris’s
mother grew up. Also, their wine
slushies are a popular bar item.
“I’m the only one who knows the
recipe and how to make them,”
Kris says. “I had to beg several
wineries to give me the recipe,
and someone finally did. No one
else has those around here.”
Despite delivering the
experience of fine dining, Rialto
is a come-as-you-are, familyfriendly
restaurant. “Some people think
we are high-end. We are not. Come in
flip flops if you want,” Kris says. Some
diners have asked why Rialto doesn’t
have white linen tablecloths. Kris says,
“We purposefully have the checkered
picnic tablecloths. Kids need something
they can spill spaghetti and make a
mess on.”
One of Kris’ favorite things to do
is to meet new customers, and they
often say, “We’ve never eaten anything
better!” Rialto brings a piece of Italy
to Vidalia, and to keep the experience
authentic, Kris hopes to travel with
Chef Roberto to Italy one day. With
Rialto’s success, Kris envisions
expanding Rialto’s concept to another
city, but where is yet to be known.
Although Kris is passionate about
Italian cuisine, he couldn’t refuse
leaving his upstate New York signature
on Vidalia as well. Kris and Kevin
opened The Kountry Kafe in the old
Rialto, which for them, is like a little
piece of home. The authentic farmstyle,
country breakfast is made to
order, serving from 6:00-2:00 seven
days a week. His downtown neighbor,
Anita Estroff, is happy to have Kris back
on the block.
Rialto’s authenticity and hospitality
already have created a dining culture
where many guests are “regulars.”
Some drive weekly from Baxley,
Macon, Hazlehurst, Claxton, and
other surrounding areas. As an Italian
restaurant, Rialto considers their guests
family, and whether it’s great food or
fond memories, you’ll always be taking
home plenty of leftovers. TCM
64 Toombs County Magazine