Remembering Remiro ... #112

It was a sad day in Wellington for many when "Remiro Bresolin"died (05 March 2007) ... the greatest loss was obviously to his family, but any Wellingtonian who appreciates our lively dining scene will remember Cavaliere Bresolin for bringing a touch of Carnevale to our city.
Remiro brought Wellington its first taste of pizza, and its first 2am license. At one stage, Il Casino was serving more Champagne than anywhere else in the country. His legacy will live on, both through his example and through his family's ongoing commitment to true hospitality at Boulot and Scopa, but one vital aspect of his work is under threat: the Il Casino building itself. This photo is of the awesome mural on the north wall. (For reference Caffe L'Affare is about 50 metres to the left)

Il Casino was a top-class restaurant that has been offering outstanding Italian food with impeccable service since 1976. Both formal and semi-formal surroundings - a garden conservatory and pizzeria - provide choice for diners. In winter diners could enjoy an open fire, and a piano bar all year. Private rooms catered for groups from four to 40. Mouth-watering and memorable meals were served day in and day out. For those seeking a simpler meal, the traditional wood-burning oven cooked up authentic Italian pizza.

As an article in the Dominion Post stated about this iconic Wellington building ..."We would not only lose a handsome pair of buildings and the city's best trompe l'oeil mural, but also miss a potential focal point for "SoCo" and the memory of 30 years of la dolce vita. There are plenty of sites in Te Aro that could (and should) be redeveloped before this one. Knock down a Briscoes or build on an open-air car yard, but leave us "Palazzo Rosa".