So how does a knight kick off the world tour of the new edition of his book? For Sir Bruno Serato, author of “The Power of Pasta,” it includes induction into the Order of Merit by the office of the Chancellery of the House of Savoy, an audience with Pope Francis on Oct 17 and officiating at World Pasta Day in Dubai on Oct 25…not to mention visiting dozens of other cities mostly in his homeland of Italy including Rome, Salerno, Bologna, Verona and Milan.
“This is a whirlwind trip, leaving barely a moment for me to breathe between stops,” said Serato, who, in tandem with the book tour, is being recognized for his years-long global mission of stamping out hunger for underprivileged children. “I am excited and humbled by the wonderful reception I am receiving and sharing my message that any of us, no matter how austere their beginnings, can help change the world.”
The book recalls Serato’s tale of growing up poor in rural Italy, arriving in America as a young man with just $200 in his pocket and through hard work, determination and a little luck, achieving the American dream when he parlayed his small savings into opening the Anaheim White House where he has fed U.S Presidents, royalty and celebrities.
But what really put Serato on the map was creating a movement that started with feeding hungry children right here in the U.S. and since 2005 he has served more than 2.8 million meals and feeds some 3,500 children in need each night. He later expanded his mission to find permanent housing for “motel families” and helping at-risk youth escape gang life by introducing them to careers in the hospitality field.
Another highlight of the book is the revelation of up-to-now closely held secret recipes of many of the dishes that earned the Anaheim White House attention from such notable media as the New York Times, CBS Evening News and NBC Nightly News. The detailed recipes for several of the small plates, entrees and desserts that have earned his restaurant critical acclaim are accompanied by stunning color photos. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Caterina’s Club, Serato’s nonprofit that he named after his beloved mother.