Architect Theophilus Brower | Governing body Private | |
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Location 59 Montauk Highway,
Westhampton, NY | ||
Casa Basso is an Italian restaurant located on the eastern end of Long Island in Westhampton, New York. It is the site of the Theophilus Brouwer House. The property including both Casa Basso and the house has been designated a Westhampton Hamlet Heritage Resource, as it includes ruins of the pottery studio and kiln of Theophilus Anthony Brouwer.
Contents
The Location
The property is bordered by Montauk Highway to the front and the Beaver Dam Creek to the back. It was originally purchased in the late 19th century by American artist Theophilus Brower. As a young man, Brower traveled and studied art in Spain and Italy, and when he returned to Long Island, he built a castle like one he remembered near Seville. After completing the castle, he adorned the property with romantic sculptures which include two twelve foot swordsmen, a Roman lion, and a Psyche. This man-made property would later become known as Pinewold Park and be open for public viewing.
Restaurant
Casa Basso was opened as a restaurant for the first time in 1928 by New York restaurateur M.L. Basso and his family. The Basso family successfully operated the restaurant until 1958 when it was purchased by Valerio "Rene" Mondini. In 1986, Mondini sold the restaurant to his longtime apprentice, Bejto Bracovic, who became the new owner and executive chef.