SL_VELA_Profile_0320 . qxp_Profile 3 / 13 / 20 4 : 31 PM Page 1 plate pure and pleasing to the eye , not D PROFILE overly decorated . She prefers pure , clean , conscious cuisine that “ values the purity and freshness of product . ” Purity and freshness are integral to Vela’s beverage program as well . The carefully tended and curated beverage menu features a variety of craft cocktails , as well as beers and wines from around the world — a se - lection she describes as “ approach - able but not overwhelming . ” As guests prepare for the months ahead , Donna plans to add a number of comforting dishes to Vela’s menu , with cocktails to match . “ I’m looking forward to coming into a menu that I feel will be reflective of my kitchen , and what guests have noted that they like , ” she says . “ We’ll also be changing our cocktail menu , Seasoned and adding some new wines as well . “ I accepted a long time ago that this is a lifestyle for me , ” she continues . “ I often think about my time in the food world , and I look back on it with to Perfection such pleasure . I have tremendous ap - preciation and respect for my culinary peers and the many contributions they make Vela , an inviting new restaurant built around to our industry . As the culinary world has continued to grow , so has its philanthropic seasonally inspired cuisine to be shared with close mission , which gives us all dignity and pride . I friends and family , sweeps into Bucks County . come back into it every day with a new energy and a desire to be part of this industry and by LEIGH STUART | photography by NINA LEA PHOTOGRAPHY ? everything that it stands for . ” The restaurant scene in Bucks County has added a dynamic new face , and her name is Donna Ewanciw . three daughters in an industry that can be More than a year has passed since Donna challenging to family life . Prioritizing the goals opened her newest restaurant , Vela , in for her family , as well as for her culinary Doylestown , and the community has welcomed career , created greater balance between the her with open arms . No stranger to the local two . Donna’s daughters watched their mother culinary scene , Donna has helmed the kitchens thrive in an industry that has traditionally been of accomplished restaurants such as Moon - dominated by men . struck in Northeast Philadelphia and Radice “ I have a great deal of determination and in Montgomery County . Over the years , she grit to accomplish my goals , ” she says . has earned a reputation for turning out inspired The latest example of her big dreams and cuisine served in dining rooms of distinction , hard work is Vela , the newest addition to the asevidenced by Philadelphia Inquirerrestaurant Doylestown restaurant scene , named for the critic Craig LaBan’s three - bell review of Radice . restaurant’s location on Veterans Lane . “ I still love what I do , ” says Donna , who “ Our message is simple : Food is the began her culinary career more than 30 easiest way to bring people together , ” she years ago . “ Everyone who does this for a says . “ Food and hospitality are woven to - career does it for different reasons . For me , gether to create an enjoyable guest experi - I couldn’t imagine doing anything else . ” ence . The light - filled , open space is inviting Being a restaurateur presents a unique and comfortable . ” mix of challenges and rewards . On one hand , Originally from New York , Donna has she gets to do something she loves every day , called the Greater Philadelphia Area home and when she’s excited about a new dish , since 1985 . She graduated from the Culinary she has the opportunity to receive immediate , Institute of America , learning and imparting unadulterated feedback from customers . On knowledge in the diverse culinary world . the other hand , running a profitable and well - VELA D “ As I developed my cooking skills , I grew received restaurant requires a significant com - 140 Veterans Lane to value the simple preparation of food , ” she mitment of one’s time and energy . It also Doylestown , Pa . says . This focus on simplicity extends to means having to make sacrifices from time ( 215 ) 230 - 8352 Donna’s plating style as well . She tends to be to time . “ on the light side , ” she says — keeping the Donna and her husband , Joe , have raised veladoylestown.com SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2020 14 |