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Life Changes Show, July 20, 2015

Life Changes Show
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Life Changes Show
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Guests, Bruno Serato and Musical Guest Maria Elena Infantino

Life Changes Show with Filippo Voltaggio and cohost Mark Laisure

“We Are The Answers To Our Questions” with Guest, Chef, Founder of Caterina’s Club, a Charitable Giving Foundation, and Owner of Anaheim White House Restaurant, the only restaurant in the world that serves 1000 Free Dinners to homeless motel kids every night (1 million Free Dinners Served To Date), Bruno Serato and Musical Guest International Singer and Actress Maria Elena Infantino.

Guest, Bruno Serato

Guest Name
Bruno Serato
Bruno Serato
Guest Occupation
Owner of the Anaheim White House, a popular restaurateur, Humanitarian of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Philanthropist
Guest Biography

Bruno Serato

It’s the quintessential American success story. A young man immigrates to the United States with nothing more than a dream and $200 in his pocket, works hard and creates one of the culinary world’s most respected and lauded fine dining establishments — the Anaheim White House. Renowned for its dramatic and artfully crafted Northern Italian/French cuisine as well as its elegant and historically significant setting in a mansion dating back to 1909, the Anaheim White House has counted celebrities, U.S. Presidents, dignitaries, world leaders and culinary aficionados alike as loyal patrons since its establishment in 1987. Thanks to his forward-thinking vision and an innate ability to “season” his guests’ dining experiences with a truly unique flair, Bruno Serato has traveled far from his humble roots as a busboy in Italy to create a culinary legacy that is recognized by both critics and patrons alike as among the finest in North America.



Serato traces his roots to post World War II Italy, where his family worked as shepherds and, despite their modest means, were known for providing milk and cheese to those most in need in the war-ravaged country. Though they were getting by, times proved difficult for the growing family so his parents packed up and moved to France to work the land picking potatoes and beets in the northern region, approximately one-hour’s drive from Paris. They settled in the city of Laon, and it was there that he was born and raised along with his four brothers and two sisters until the age of 11.

Serato and his family returned to Italy in 1967 and settled in Verona, the famed city of Romeo and Juliet. This proved to be a fortuitous move for the young man, who was quickly developing a palate for unique regional cuisines while achieving fluency in both the Italian and French languages. It was there that they opened the family business, a small motel complex with a restaurant called the Bar Cristallo, and Serato was called upon to wear many hats in the burgeoning enterprise including chef, waiter, bartender and maitre d’ — often all at the same time!



At the age of 20, Serato’s life took a dramatic turn as he was required to serve one year in the armed forces. He saw this as an opportunity to take a break from the restaurant business and explore other career and life options. After his military service, however, the pull was too strong and he returned to his passion.

A pivotal moment came in 1980, when Serato’s sister, Stella, told him of an opportunity at a French restaurant near her home that had just opened. She lived in Orange County, Calif., and he would have to relocate to America. This wasn’t a problem for the then 25-year-old Serato and he jumped at the chance.

Transitioning to his new life wasn’t easy, but Serato pledged to do everything in his power to thrive in his new environment. His excitement was palpable as he applied for an entry-level position at the famous La Vie en Rose in Brea. Though he couldn’t speak a word of English, he was determined to learn the language and his unbridled enthusiasm earned him a callback and within days he accepted a job as a dishwasher. While many individuals boasting his experience and breadth of knowledge in the restaurant industry would have scorned at such a lowly position, he was thrilled to be working in a renowned establishment.

Serato quickly caught the eye of the restaurant’s management team and rose through the service ranks until he was waiting tables during the coveted night shift. As his language skills improved, he enjoyed many moments of comic relief when performing his duties, such as the time a customer requested a “doggie bag” and, being unfamiliar with the term, thought the term was an insult to the chef and that the remaining portion of their filet mignon was to be discarded. After a good laugh was had by all — including the loyal customer — Serato became even more determined to master the language knowing it would be the key to his “recipe for success.”



His destiny would change again in 1984, when he became friends with a customer named Louis Laulhere. Serato enjoyed the long and interesting conversations in French he had with the gentleman, who always arrived and dined alone. It was during this period that Serato learned that, in order to create the finest dining establishment possible, no details were too small and none were to be overlooked. From the service and cuisine to the employees and their measure of devotion and reliability, no stone was left unturned in his quest for excellence. Then, just as the revamped restaurant began accumulating scores of noted awards and distinctions, Serato broke new ground personally by being named “Maitre D’ of the Year” by the Southern California Restaurant Writers.



In 1987, Serato began exploring the notion of striking out on his own. He had received many propositions over the years to oversee other fine dining establishments, but out of loyalty he remained at La Vie en Rose. But after hearing of the pending sale of the nearby White House Restaurant in Anaheim by leading area restaurateur Jim Stovall, he and Laulhere both knew that it bore the potential to become one of the finest and most beautiful restaurants in Southern California. And while leaving his home at La Vie en Rose proved to be as emotional for Serato as when he said goodbye to his family in Italy, it was a move that he knew would, once again, change his life forever.



Stovall helped Serato navigate the complex financial waters of obtaining corporate financing and within two years, Serato bought the historic property. Though they didn’t have much, their reputations as restaurateurs along with the archive of press clippings and restaurant industry awards spoke volumes on their behalf. While Serato nervously awaited the phone call that bore the possibility of literally making or breaking his future, little did he know that bank officials had as much confidence in his abilities as he did and the loan was secured. His hopes for the Anaheim White House — and his future — had received the “green light.”



Serato threw himself into redesigning the restaurant’s menu to represent contemporary Northern Italian cuisine, but with a French flair. He moved away from dishes with heavy red sauces and created new ones highlighting the lighter tastes and flavors of herbs & olive oil — a move that would help spearhead a culinary trend that would come to be known as “California cuisine.” He also took great pains to develop an unparalleled wine list and secured varietals from across the globe. Serato designed elaborate, yet historically appropriate settings within the restaurant and in the garden areas to create spaces that could accommodate intimate dinner parties or cocktail receptions for more than 450 guests. In addition, he created a catering division that had the ability to accommodate small and large parties of any theme in locations as far away as Bora Bora. These changes earned him both popular and critical acclaim and, over the ensuing years, made the Anaheim White House a draw for celebrities ranging from President Carter to Madonna.

Top 10 2011

CNN Hero

San Marino Silver Medallion

The Scudo San Marino medallion is given to individuals as recognition for acts of generosity, altruism and human solidarity. A special room in a Castle in Florence, Italy is opened up once a year for the award ceremony. The New York Fire Department as well as Mother Teresa of Calcutta were previous recipients of this award. This year Bruno was awarded the Silver medallion (the highest level) of this award and is proud to be in the same company as The NYFD, Mother Teresa and all other former recipients.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Presidents Award

Bruno was awarded the Presidents Award on October 13 2011, at the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America meeting in Las Vegas. The award was presented to him by the President of the Boys & Girls Club of America, Roxanne Spillett. The honor was awarded to Bruno on behalf of President George Bush & President Barack Obama.

Serato Gets Star on Anaheim’s Walk of Stars

Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House, the popular restaurateur known for his extensive philanthropic received a star on the Anaheim Walk of Stars on Tuesday August 19, 2008

A highlight of the event will be the attendance of dozens of underprivileged children who receive a free meal each night, thanks to Serato and his Caterina’s Club foundation.

Bruno Serato, proprietor of Anaheim White House Restaurant, Anaheim, won big in this year’s National Restaurant Association “Restaurant Neighbor Award” competition. Serato was honored as 2005’s “Humanitarian of the Year” which singles out an individual restaurant operator’s dedication, commitment, and support to his or her community.

Bruno, along with 2005’s large and small business division winner, was honored on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Serato was awarded for his involvement with two local charities, Paint Your Heart Out and the Boys and Girls Club.

2005 Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year

Owner Bruno Serato received this award from the “California Restaurant Association”

2005 California Humanitarian Award

2004 Restaurateur of the Year. Bruno was awarded this wonderful honor by the “Southern California Restaurant Writers Association”

2004 Restaurateur of

the Year

Bruno was the honoree of the Anaheim Boys & Girls annual gala on April 3rd, 2004.

Anaheim Boys & Girls Club Honoree

On March 7th, Bruno was honored by the American Italian Renaissance Foundation with the Italian Heritage Award

2004 Italian Heritage Award

Citizen of the Year

Bruno Serato received the ‘2003 Citizen of the Year’ award from the Cypress College Foundation.

In homage to his own humble beginnings, Serato has made it a priority to give back to those less fortunate in the community. Among the organizations that he supports are the Boys and Girls Clubs of Anaheim; Paint Your Heart Out, an organization that renovates the homes of the elderly and infirmed; and Caterina’s Girls Club, which Serato founded in honor of his mother to benefit underprivileged girls in Anaheim. His philanthropic efforts have raised nearly $1 million for various endeavors and earned him a regional distinction of which he is particularly proud, “Citizen of the Year” by the Cypress College Foundation and presented by the City of Anaheim.

As he faces the future with much the same enthusiasm that brought him to this country, Serato has earned a coveted position in Southern California’s culinary landscape. He pledges to continue doing the work that he loves with the same level of passion and devotion that has earned him legions of loyal devotees across the globe. Though he spends much of his time planning for the future, Serato still remains grounded in his roots and, to this day, tells guests a story from the early days that has kept him inspired through these many years.

“One day, the first week after we’d opened the restaurant, a woman who claimed to be a psychic said ‘Tell the owner that you have a ghost here, but that it’s a good ghost, and he will love you because you’re going to do a lot of good. This restaurant will not only be a success, but it will receive all the honors, be written up in all the local and international publications. Presidents will dine here, as well as some of the most famous people in the world.’ ‘Thanks,’ I replied. ‘I’ll be sure to tell him,’ thinking to myself, where do these people come from? It all came true, and after so many years that woman, now a friend, still dines here regularly.”

Guest, Maria Elena Infantino

Guest Name
Maria Elena Infantino
Maria Elena Infantino
Guest Category
Guest Occupation
International Singer and Actress
Guest Biography

Maria Elena Infantino

Is an International Singer and Actress.  Half Italian, half Bulgarian, who grew up in Rome, Italy.

She graduated in acting in London at ALRA ( Academy of Live and Recorded Arts) in 2010 . Although, her first job out of Drama School, was at the Royal Albert hall, singing for the 50th Beatles Anniversary, starring Dame Shirley Bassey.

She then debuted as a professional actress on the ITV British series “Emmerdale”.

Following that, in January 2011, she hosted and produced her one woman show in the West End, at the Leicester Square Theatre , as a tribute to her famous father, the tenor Luigi Infantino, performing her father’s song , from “The Godfather part 2” .

That same year she was nominated for the 21st annual L.A. Music Awards as best International artist.

Subsequently she created her one woman show on legendary Edith Piaf , which premiered in Los Angeles at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre, at the Lee Strasberg Institute. Among the many success that this show generated for Ms Infantino, is the inauguration on June 12th of the Piaf and Miles Davis forever stamp , celebrating the French Artist’s 50th Anniversary, at the Rubin Museum in New York.

2012-2015 credits include, 3 consecutive years at the Jimmy Kimmel San Gennaro Festival in Hollywood, special guest appearance on Broadway’s 92Y, for Mike Stoller’s ( Lieber & Stoller )celebration, alongside Ben E. King , her Piaf show at the legendary Grammy Museum, and at the Metropolitan room in NYC, regular performances at the French consul General’s house , in Beverly Hills, for Bastille day, and in the role of associate producer and actress in various films such as: Maria Elena Infantino,

“Job’s Daughter” where she played alongside Eric Roberts and Corey Feldman.

“The Secret of Joy” , a wonderful project filled with celebrities such as Doris Roberts, Maria Conchita Alonso, Thaao Penghlis , and Sofia Milos. A short film that will help raise further awareness in pediatric cancer.

July, she will be flying over to Caracas , Venezuela for her next movie.

August is her 3rd consecutive year , touring Europe.

She has monthly shows at Vibrato, in Bel Air, and Sofitel in Beverly Hills.

Maria Elena is also involved in charity events for ALS awarness, and is on the Board of Advisory Directors for “Catherina’s club” founded by CNN hero , Chef Bruno Serato, who feeds 1.200 US unpriviledged kids a day!!!

Life Changes Show

Life Changes Show with Filippo Voltaggio
Show Host
Filippo Voltaggio

Come and join the conversation about what's going on and what we can do together about it, with it, and for it. We have the choice, we have the power. We can do magic if we just believe!

A show about the changes going on in us, to us, around us, and because of us. Therefore, it's technically a show about "Everything," only with a how to make it better, see it better, be better.

In the show, there is talk about, and with, people who have either been through major changes, are helping others with major changes, or people who are changing the world for the better in a major way.

The show is a one-hour talk show format with a monologue by the host, a 30 minute interview with a guest of note, capped by a "Producer's Wrap" segment, in which Filippo and Co-Host Mark Laisure, and sometimes surprise guests, bring it all home for the listeners in a sometimes humorous and sometimes touching, but always entertaining conversation.

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