RESTAURANT TOCCO in Winnetka
Updated 2022
Bringing his passionate and inspiring vision of Italian food and culture to Winnetka, Bruno Abate opened his new restaurant in October 2019.. Tocco, named after his popular Wicker Park restaurant that he closed in February, is located at 507 Chestnut directly across from the Winnetka post office.
Bruno was born on the Amalfi Coast and raised in Milan - he came to the United States to visit his
brother in 1999 and stayed for good. In Italy, he was closely involved in the food business, buying and selling the highest quality and freshest ingredients to chefs across the country. His knowledge of the country’s diverse regions and their unique offerings, whether it be parmesan cheese, white truffles, or prosciutto ham, made him realize the wealth of his country’s heritage and its influence on regional cuisines.
Upon coming to the United States, he resisted being in the restaurant business and tried other ventures. However, after two years, his true calling make itself clear and he decided to give it a try.
Bruno Abate was a pioneer in developing Chicago’s West Loop and Fulton Market when it was mostly warehouses. He ran a restaurant there from 2001 to 2010 and in 2008 opened the original Tocco in Wicker Park.
His vision for Tocco? Spectacular food (he said he’s not modest.)
But more importantly, introducing diners to Italian culture, not just food. The food is, in fact, a full experience of the culture. He is fully aware that America's understanding of Italian food is, essentially, Americanized. Italian pizza is so light, according to Bruno, that you could eat the whole pie and not feel stuffed (the dough rises for 72 hours!)
And speaking of good pizza, he has obtained a visa for his 27-year-old pizza master to come to Winnetka for two years. His current chef, also from Italy, has been with him for 15 years.
Bruno cooks all his food in silver pans. I asked if he meant stainless steel. No - he uses pure silver from a jeweler in Milan. The pans are incredibly expensive and are the best for cooking. He likes to use a small flame and feels that food is better prepared in silver cookware. It’s also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and has no acidity.
The restaurant has approximately 50-55 tables, 6-7 seats at the bar, and a chef’s table in the back for 10. The chef’s table is a collaborative effort between the diners and Bruno. Not a prix-fixe menu, but rather a conversation about what diners would like to have prepared for them. He’s interested in knowing what patrons desire and he will customize their meals.
A unique bonus for Tocco patrons is his mini-store within the restaurant. He sells high-quality olive oil, his pasta, balsamic vinegar, and many other ingredients that he is willing to teach you how to use. Every region of Italy has its own olive oil and finding a quality one here is not so easy. Bruno will introduce you to the best.
Bruno has another passion besides his restaurant. A spiritual awakening of sorts - something that happened to him one night years ago that changed his life. And the lives of many inmates in Cook County jail as well. The result was his life’s true passion - making a difference in somebody’s life.
To the Cook County inmates, he has offered hope for a better life through “an introduction to healthy food, good nutrition, and the art of quality cooking.” Bruno is keenly aware that disadvantages in life could mean a rough start but don’t have to end that way. He has dedicated his time to instructing over 700 inmates in cooking skills that will help them find jobs in the food industry after release. Only a handful have ended up back in jail.
His volunteer work with the inmates has been showcased extensively and has earned him spots on 60 Minutes with Leslie Stahl, the Daily Show, many spots on local news stations, and a full-length documentary, “Serving Time.” (See video clips below.)
His not-for-profit is named Recipe for Change Project. I think the most succinct description of his mission was written by Made in Italy:
“Through his innovative cooking program, Recipe for Change, at Illinois’ Cook County Jail, Abate is offering cooking skills, kindness, responsibility, compassion, and the opportunity to turn one’s life around.”
507 Chestnut St.
847-386-6955
A short video clip from the documentary “Serving Time” about Bruno’s work with inmates:
The Daily Show produced a humorous piece about Chicago style deep dish pizza compared to Bruno’s thin crust called:
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