Bruno Serato, Restaurateur

Meet a modern day “Gentleman from Verona”  Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House Restaurant.    Although he is a native of that Italian city that has Juliette’s balcony and summer opera at the Roman arena, Bruno is a true American success story. 

Bruno was born in Laon, France and lived there till he was eleven years old.    His native language is French, however, in 1967  his family moved back to Italy,  the Verona region and he had to learn to speak Italian.  That’s when his family opened the family’s restaurant.  You could say that Bruno grew up in his parent’s restaurant.  By day, he went to school.  At night, he worked in the restaurant where he did his homework behind the counter.  Later, he learned all aspects of the business including assistant chef and Maitre’d. 

In 1980, with $200 in his pocket, Bruno came to California to visit his sister Stella.  At her recommendation, he applied for a job at the fine French Restaurant in Brea, LaVie en Rose.  Bruno had high hopes but since he had language barriers he only applied for a dishwasher’s job. 

The Anaheim White House, located in a historical landmark built in 1909, served as the home of Dr. Truxaw and his family for 50 years.  Bruno has retained the original atmosphere, while adding his own intimate touches.  When you dine there, you will be served Northern Italian food and feel like an honored guest in Bruno’s home.  Bruno takes special pride in the presentation of the food as well as the appearance of the restaurant and comfort of the guests. 

The restaurateur visits Italy twice a year to get ideas for his menu.  For instance, the Gnocchi Gorgonzola and the Tortelloni with Fontina cheese are Veronese dishes. 

The Tiramisu is aunt Lionella’s recipe.  The pasta fagioli is the recipe of cugina Anna Maria, who owns the Trattoria del Moro in Soave.  And last, but not least, his mother comes to visit Bruno and sister every Christmas and stays several months.  Of course, she visits the cucina of the restaurant to tweak the recipes, correct the sauces and keep Chef Eddie Meza in line.  The restaurant was given the DiRona Award which features the top 200 restaurants in the United States and received three stars from the Mobil Guide as well as many other awards over the past 17 years. Is it any wonder that Bruno has been named the City of Anaheim’s Man of the Year for 2003?  

When he is not at the restaurant, Bruno is active in community service in Anaheim.  For example, he is a major supplier of the Boys and Girls Club.  In addition, he participates in a program called Paint Your Heart Out.  The group repaints the homes of low-income senior citizens.

He also founded "Caterina's Girls" Club to help underprivileged girls of Anaheim in honor of his mother who always loved her children so much and worked so much in her life for her family.

Although not particularly superstitious, Bruno associates the number 7 with good luck.   His first table as a waiter long ago was table 17.  He was born on Sunday, the seventh day of the week, the 7 of October, at 7 am. Anaheim White House's address is 887, one of his dearest friends was born on 7/7/77.   In keeping with his good luck, it  also happens that  the Italian Renaissance Foundation  will honor him on March 7!

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Kathy DeSantis © 2004