The history of Ristorantino in the “city of kings” is quite short, because the Restaurant on the Cracow gastronomic market appeared in November 2021. But definitely you can’t say the same about her Chef. The heart of the whole project, those bustling “little Italy” in Cracow, was absorbed by cooking all his life. And this story he will tell you by himself, beacuse no one do it better.
“On a beautiful October afternoon in 1989, a plane landed in Rome. A twenty-two-year-old got out of it ready for the adventure of his life.
That was me – wojtek.
I had my whole life ahead of me and I wanted to enjoy every moment. Everything seemed beautiful, exciting and simple. No fears and just faith that I will succeed. The first half of the nineties was a carefree period of a young man who got to know a new country, its customs, lifestyle and work. I learned quickly and quickly made a career as a waiter, senior waiter, restaurant manager, and in the meantime I learned the secrets of Italian cuisine and the catering industry.
In 1999 I decided to open the restaurant of my dreams.
A lot of satisfaction, sacrifices and work. The kitchen became my home and cooking was my happiness.
The unique PENNE ALLA VODKA and MEZZEMANICHE ALLA GRICIA have become recognizable and appreciated by customers. Traditional recipes, simple and real dishes enjoyed recognition.
But nothing can last forever. With the beginning of a new century, economic changes and the emergence of a new European currency forced me to close my restaurant.
I was furious.
The following years are about gaining new experiences. A lot of new jobs, new restaurants and again climbing the career ladder that I stood at the top of in 2013-2015.
Italy. Pole. Marche region. I was known, liked and appreciated.
Then I asked myself – “What now? What’s next?”
I pulled the brake. I told myself “BASTA”, it’s time to think about myself and my family.
I looked around me and thought maybe it was time to think about the future. Fate “helped me” for the second time… October 2016, earthquakes in central Italy. I’m losing my home, my job and practically everything… Like many…
We start from the beginning.
January 2017, we are opening a canteen under a tent for everyone. A few months of “different” life. But the joy that my SPAGHETTI “melt in my mouth” gave me faith and willingness to work. Reconstruction began and everything slowly returned to normal.
But I can’t like that.
I have to have a goal and some dreams to pursue.
In the spring of 2021, the idea of returning to the homeland, to Polish, to old age is born.
And so today, I am 55 years old, I am here in Krakow, and my tiny “Ristorantino” at 97 Starowiślna Street is another challenge. It is a place where Italian cuisine reveals its true face. Traditional VERA CUCINA ITALIANA and my experience is an opportunity for each of you to get to know and love pasta.
I prepare dishes in front of the client, because I do not have any secrets.
Take a look in my kitchen and see for yourself how the world’s best PRIMI PIATTI tastes.”
