Casa Basso facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Theophilus Brouwer House
The locally historic Theophilus Brouwer House.
Location	59 Montauk Highway, Westhampton, NY
Architect	Theophilus Brower
Governing body	Private
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Casa Basso is a famous Italian restaurant in Westhampton, New York, on the eastern part of Long Island. It's not just any restaurant; it's built on the land of the historic Theophilus Brouwer House. This special property, including the restaurant and the old house, is recognized as a Westhampton Hamlet Heritage Resource. This means it's an important historical place for the area. You can even find old ruins of a pottery studio and kiln that belonged to a famous artist named Theophilus Anthony Brouwer, Jr.

What is the History of Casa Basso?

Where is Casa Basso Located?

The property sits between Montauk Highway in the front and Beaver Dam Creek in the back. An American artist, Theophilus Anthony Brouwer, Jr., bought this land in the late 1800s. When he was younger, Brouwer traveled and studied art in places like Spain and Italy.

When he came back to Long Island, he built a unique castle on his land. It looked like one he remembered seeing near Seville, Spain. After building the castle, he added beautiful sculptures around the property. These included two huge twelve-foot swordsmen, a Roman lion, and a statue of Psyche. This amazing place, created by Brouwer, later became known as Pinewold Park. It was even open for people to visit and enjoy!

The Restaurant's Story

The Castle at Casa Basso as seen from Montauk Highway.

Casa Basso first opened its doors as a restaurant in 1928. A New York restaurant owner named M.L. Basso and his family started it. The Basso family ran the restaurant successfully for many years, until 1958.

In 1958, Valerio "Rene" Mondini bought the restaurant. He continued its success. Then, in 1986, Mondini sold Casa Basso to his longtime student, Bejto Bracovic. Bracovic became the new owner and the main chef.

Images for kids

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  A vase made by Theophilus Anthony Brouwer, Jr.