Giusti’s Place - A 4 Generation Family Tradition To understand what has made and continues to make Guisti’s a California Delta and Northern California favorite is to know its history - one built on a family tradition of hard work, dedication, service, a love for family and friends, good food and drink, and good times. Here is an overview of the family history and tradition. Egisto Giusti, grandfather of Mark Morais Shortly after 1900, brothers Egisto, Paolo Julio and Pietro immigrated from Italy to the Walnut Grove area of the California Delta.  At that time, they occupied what is today the Ryde Hotel, at almost the same location where it stands today..   Egisto then settled at the location which is now the current site of Giusti’s.  Back then, it was known as the Millers Ferry Saloon. Pictured above are family members and friends standing in front of the same building that stands today.  It soon became known as a place for great food and spirits at good prices, and also a place that farmers, fishermen, hunters, laborers, family and friends could enjoy. Over the years, a number of traditions became part of life at Giusti’s. One of thos was known  as “Little Easter.” It was Egisto and his wife Irene’s party, and was an all day affair celebrated with family and close friends on the Monday after Easter. The homemade Italian food became legendary, the wine flowed generously, and family and friends gathered together over great food and great times. This photo, taken circa 1947, includes Mark’s grand parents, Eigisto and Irene (1)) and his father and mother, Moe and Dolores (2).   BACK TO TOP Manual “Moe” and Dolores Morais (Mark’s parents) The photo on the left shows Moe returning in his boat from time spent Salmon fishing on the Mokelume River. It was taken by his friend Erle Stanley Gardner and appeared in his book about the Delta. Earl wrote, “ I asked Mo to come to dinner on our boat, but he said he couldn’t make it. He had to be back at Giusti’s by 5 PM when bartender Lo Giannetti was scheduled to go home.” The photo on the right shows Dolores Morais, along with Erle and Connie King shopping in Locke. It was included in Erle’s 1965 book, “The World of Water, Exploring The Sacramento Delta.”   This photo of Mo (on the left), Erle Stanely Gardiner, and 12-year-old Mark, was taken on a summer day on Giusti’s dock in 1960. Mark worked with his mom and dad during the summer. Dolores Giusti, daughter of Egisto and Irene, and Manual “Moe” Morais were married in 1949. Mo and Dolores continued the Giusti family restaurant tradition of serving great food and drink in a warm and friendly atmosphere. As the years passed, more people outside of the Delta a began to discover this special place called Giusti’s. Famous author Erle Stanley Gardener, creator or Perry Mason and three books about the Delta, became one of Moe and Dolores’s best friends, and one of Guisti’s most well known customers. During this time, the walls of the bar area became home for a growing collection of autographed photos from many of the “stars” who visited Giusti’s. These photos, and a supply of newer ones, hang on the walls, making for great ongoing observation and conversation. You can see a collection of some of these photos and on the “Giusti’s Gallery” page of our web site.   This photo of Moe was taken in 1985. BACK TO TOP Mark & Linda Morais Mark and his wife Linda, standing in front of the dining room at Giusti’s. Giusti’s third generation owner, Mark Morais has continued the family owned and operated tradition since 1972. Mark continues the tradition of serving great family- style food in a warm, friendly atmosphere and operates a full-service bar that serves beer and wine, spirits, friendship and good cheer. Whether you arrive at Giusti’s by boat or car, Mark will make sure you are welcome, and your special needs are met. BACK TO TOP Katie Morais (Mark’s daughter) Mark’s daughter Katie is a college student who helps at the restaurant when her busy schedule permits.  Katie not only helps prep in the kitchen, but also is active and a waitress and hostess at Giusti’s Place. BACK TO TOP