Chef Bruno Serato, Our Hero

By Sophie Gayot

Anaheim, CA, December 17, 2011

Some thirty years ago, chef Bruno Serato arrived from Italy with $200 in his pocket. In 1987, he purchased the 1909 National Historical Landmark building in Orange County, California, that housed the Anaheim White House restaurant since 1981.

Thus began the latest chapter in Serato’s success story. His cuisine, passion and energy have attracted many celebs to the Anaheim restaurant, including Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, athletes David Beckham and Martina Navratilova and actors Sidney Poitier and Danny DeVito to name a few. Singer Gwen Stefani even has a dish dedicated to her: lobster ravioli.

 GAYOT.com has given the landmark numerous accolades, naming it one of the
– Top 10 Orange County Italian Restaurants
– Top 10 Orange County Wine List Restaurants
– Top 10 Orange County Romantic Restaurants
– Top 10 Orange County Special Occasion Restaurants
Top 10 Orange County Business Restaurants
– Top 10 Orange County Star Spotting Restaurants
– Top 10 Orange County Thanksgiving Restaurants
– Top 10 Orange County New Year’s Eve Restaurants
– Top 10 Orange County Food Rating Restaurants.

More and more people are now getting to know the big-hearted chef, thanks to another award. CNN has named him one of their ten “2011 CNN Heroes.” This was not for cooking for dignitaries and celebrities, but for cooking for about 300 underprivileged kids for the past seven years, seven days a week, 365 days a year.


Watch my exclusive interview with Serato to learn more about his other job. The video is lengthy, but it is a tribute to him, as he spends so much time helping these unfortunate kids, who would not get dinner without his noble efforts. You can help these children, too: every time you dine at Anaheim White House, a free pasta dinner is served to a child. When you visit the restaurant, you are welcome to drop uncooked pasta in a basket at the entrance. You can also make donations through his charity, Caterina’s Club. It is named after his mother, as she is the one you gave him the idea.

It is Christmas time, so be generous. Here at GAYOT.com, we all wish you Happy Holidays!