By Federico Donti
On March 20, 2024, Barman Adolfo Bonucci inaugurated the first restaurant in Italy with a double soul. Yes, you heard it right: ‘Bistro’ by day and ‘Speakeasy’ by night! In the medieval setting of the historic centre of Castiglione del Lago, he has transformed a building of the ‘600 into a trendy place; A story that is intertwined with childhood memories, friendships and village traditions. Today the place is a reference point for locals and also for many tourists and foreign residents: a very original and surprising environment with retro and prohibition-inspired atmospheres.
Before describing this intriguing place, it is necessary to make a premise on the life of the owner Adolfo Bonucci, so that its genesis can be well understood, giving this exercise due honors.
Son of Eugenio Bonucci, a historic barman and pioneer of the Roman ‘dolce vita’, Adolfo is originally from Rome and spent his childhood in Castiglione del Lago; We give him the title of son of art precisely because over the years he has been able to absorb his father’s experience and become a very successful barman.
After an apprenticeship as a barman in Italy (from various luxury hotels to clubs such as the Jackie ò), prestigious experiences abroad (we mention some places such as the Rockefeller Bar in New York, the Stone Crab in Miami, the Hotel Meridienne in Salvador de Baia, etc …) give Adolfo many years of experience as head bar manager certifying an elite curriculum.
I personally remember a newspaper article entitled “So I give it to VIPs to drink”, in which Adolfo talked about the cocktails he served to celebrities, revealing his ‘secrets’ … From our own Cesare Cremonini to international stars such as Jon Bon Jovi!
Eighteen years ago he began his journey as an entrepreneur with the first ‘bar catering’ capital company; there was no such ‘ateco code’ in Italy – which was therefore generated on purpose!
Hence his business “New Fashion Team” – which works today both in Italy and abroad.
A year ago Adolfo opened his exclusive restaurant in Castiglione del Lago; a chameleon-like place that could be transformed ‘from bistro to speakeasy’ (inspired by the gloomy atmospheres of Victorian London and prohibition). This is the changeable and fascinating peculiarity: even the respectable Dr, Jekyll with a potion turned into the vicious Mr. Hyde!
The Dott. Jekyll bistro reserves, however, a warm welcome and intends to enhance the gastronomic excellence of the area, while the Mr. Hyde is the Speakeasy (speak softly) on the footprint of those exclusive bars hidden in the streets of the city at the time of prohibition, where alcoholic beverages were illegally sold.
In collaboration with Chef Eris, the bistro presents the typical dishes of Umbria and Tuscany with high-quality seasonal menus. Entering we find ourselves in front of a counter with Cinta Senese cured meats certified organic wild; We taste ‘conservative’ first courses with duck ragout, a limousine fillet with green pepper and a certified Chianina tartare processed in the French style, served in show-cooking at the table. Adolfo makes us understand that as a good Roman you cannot miss the first fruits such as the real amatriciana, carbonara or cacio e pepe – while the desserts are strictly homemade.
The transformation thus began: Mr. Hyde also presents spirits of great level. They range from the list of classic IBA (International Bartender Association) cocktails with labels of unique and selected spirits, to the “Mr Hyde Experience”, where guests can mix their cocktail/potion with all the ingredients, served at the table with test tubes, vintage bottles and even a recipe book dedicated to them.
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Bistrot and Speakeasy
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 26
06061 Castiglione del Lago (PG)
Tel. 075.8507105
Adolfo Bonucci: Tel. 338 1111986