Why "old trattoria"? It’s simple: because the
trattoria has always been there.
Situated just by the city walls, it used to be the inn where travellers arriving from
Lucca or from the surrounding countryside would break their journey to dine. A hostelry
that was a habitual stopping place for peasants, merchants, costermongers and carters on
their way into town to ply their trade.
Old Bruno was a welcoming presence whose expertise guaranteed wayfarers a wholesome
hot meal, as befitted the rustic appetite of the people of Pisa over half a century ago.
| In 1969 Piero Cei took over the establishment, but
he had the brilliant intuition that its time-honored tradition should not be destroyed. On
the contrary, he resolved to enrich its characteristics, ensuring that his menus would be
even more firmly rooted in the traditions handed down from generation to generation. Local
specialities such as tripe, hearty soup Pisan style, salt cod with leeks and stockfish
were not abandoned but enhanced and rediscovered. His cuisine was designed to feature all
the flavours of former times that only the white-haired citizens of Pisa could remember
and appreciate. A humble cuisine made of simple homespun fare, but tasting so wonderful it
can amaze even the most demanding palate. |
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The Old Trattoria "At
Bruno’s" is today one of the most sought-after destinations for gourmets and
connoisseurs of fine food, for whom Piero Cei is a quite exceptional host. Why not
come and meet Piero Cei, and ask him about his special wizardry: what’s his secret?.
"No secret", he says. "I’ve just tried to maintain and enrich the
tradition of Pisan cuisine. A cuisine that’s appreciated world-wide. What’s
unique in our restaurant is that we pride ourselves on always offering the right dish for
the right season, from mushrooms to fish".
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Of course we place great emphasis on traditional
local delights such as hearty soup Pisan style, stockfish, salt cod, but our
gastronomic range is fully international and capable of satisfying all palates".
Piero Cei does not wish to appear boastful. He doesn’t say that those who try his
hearty Pisan soup or his salt cod often come back to Pisa for the specific purpose of
savoring once again that magnificent taste they can’t find anywhere else. And judging
by the photos of people who’ve had themselves immortalised by the camera At
Bruno’s, the number of "relapses" is far from small… |
"I have indeed had the honor of welcoming numerous
celebrated figures in my restaurant. Perhaps it would be easier to list those who
haven’t been here! Pisa is a famous city and attracts many important people,
including eminent figures in the university world, especially since it offers excellent
rapid access with its international airport. Whenever they have time to stop over in Pisa
for a mid-day meal, they come to Bruno’s to eat".
One of the walls inside the restaurant is decorated with photographs of famous people who
had their picture taken as they dined: journalist Indro Montanelli, Prime Minister
Giuliano Amato, Gov. Minister Maccanico, Professors of Medicine Cassano, Pinchera, Mosca
and Mariani, sportspeople Alberto Tomba, Manuela Di Centa, Nelson Piquet, singers and
actors such as Mina, Philippe Leroy, television personalities such as Pippo Baudo. And
this list could be extended. |
SMALL SEPARATE ROOM |
SALA MEETING |
"My restaurant also aims to be a meeting
place where you can engage in a quiet conversation while enjoying good food. Its
structure is specially designed so that the various separate rooms provide the ideal
atmosphere for intimacy and discretion. Piero
Cei will see to everything else: he is the perfect Master of Ceremonies, individually
welcoming each customer who enters into his restaurant. He runs the establishment together
with his wife Graziella, who oversees the kitchen with the assistance of two highly
experienced chefs. |
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