The couple opened over the July Fourth weekend after the building—owned by longtime mountain resident Walt Hoefler—sat empty for nearly three months. They have used the time to communicate with mountain neighbors to determine what kinds of food folks want.

Previously known as Nonno's—and before that, Lindsey's—the restaurant overlooking Scotts Valley and the ocean beyond has attracted others, each with ideas about the food that neighbors and highway commuters want. The Farniums presently are offering hamburgers and smoothies and seem to have hit on a combination that appeals to the hurry-up crowd that pulls in on its way to the beach—especially for the taste and price. A "double double," or two patties of beef and double cheese, sells for under $3.

"The flavor is different," Joseph says of the hamburger. "It has parsley and onions—and other things," he grins, not willing to give away his cooking secrets. He emphasizes that his menu is "value oriented," as he ticks off the prices of dinner entrees: a New York steak with French fries and tomatoes or a mixed green salad is $9.95; chicken Caesar salad, $5.75; trout, $6.75; and ice cream, $1.75.

The setting is also different. Brightly painted walls of red, green and yellow have totally changed the look. An overstuffed yellow couch with a floral print and an antique sideboard add a country touch. A cluster of candles stands at the ready, awaiting sunset. "We are a family restaurant and don't want a franchise look," Joseph explains.

Through the tall windows of the lofty dining area, swaying willows shade a pond freshly stocked with young goldfish. A dining deck dotted with pale yellow umbrellas can seat up to 120. It wraps around the pool and is reached over a small bridge spanning a simulated rock creek.

The restaurant is named Deer Creek because on the couple's first trip up the mountain they saw two deer killed. "We hope that by naming it this, people will be conscious and slow down for them," Joseph says.

Joseph graduated from both high school and city college in Santa Barbara. His major was in business. "I've spent 25 years in the restaurant business," he notes, "starting with Jack in the Box at age 17." A month after he started there, he was shift manager.

Although cooking is something he knows, he says he's "an operator"—someone who runs the business. Eventually he would like to add Persian-American food—like falafels—to the menu, calling on his upbringing in Tehran, Iran, as a base. "My palate has totally changed since I came here," he says.

Katrina, who also grew up in Tehran, met Joseph at a gathering of friends when he came home to handle details surrounding his mother's death. "He's such a good person," she murmurs, smiling.

A grand opening brunch is planned for October. Meanwhile, the Farniums handle everything themselves through breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Deer Creek Restaurant, at 23123 Highway 17 in Los Gatos, is open Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 408.353.9060.