#realitycheck Simone’s story

Simone was born in Arona, close to Milan, a small town on the Lago Maggiore. In the wine most world-known region, Piedmont.

Arona’s historic center.

His whole family is originally from Corato in Puglia, in the south of Italy. In the 60s, like many people, his dad and his family moved to Turin in the north seeking a better future.

In 1975, Angelo (Simone’s dad) took over his aunt's business: a convenience store in Arona at the corner of Via Roma and Via Giuseppe Mazzini. At the time, it was the only store around; there was no supermarket. Over the years, the wine shelves grew larger, and his passion motivated him to convert the store into a wine shop.

Osteria Piemonte “da Angelo e Tonia” 90’

Ten years later, Simone’s mother moved to Arona and married Angelo. The wine shop became “una osteria,” a bar/restaurant called Osteria Piemonte. They had two boys, Giovanni and Simone.

Quickly, Antonia (Simone’s mum) became the chef and ran the kitchen, serving one meal a day that changed daily. She offered simple and traditional Italian cuisine for the joy of both locals and tourists. His dad poured the region's best wines, surrounded by regulars and friends from the neighbourhood and the region, creating a festive and relaxed atmosphere. “Le cose simplici sono le megliori” The simplest things are the best. Angelo built a marvellous collection of wines and was always attentive and available to advise and introduce customers to the wines of the territory, as well as the most renowned labels such as Tignanello, Solaia, Amarone, Barolo, Barbaresco, Sassicaia, and Gattinara

The family lived in the apartment adjacent to the restaurant. Simone and his brother grew up between school, home and the bar. Their parents have worked hard delivering the best hospitality, 6 days a week for over 30 years.

They sold the business in 2018 and moved back to Corato in Puglia to their roots and their families. The bar is now called Osteria 2 Modi

THE STORY CONTINUES …..STAY TUNED