Regulars say goodbye to ‘Il Corso’ pizzeria
The last vestiges of the restaurant flew into the hands of former customers on Saturday, during a garage sale organized by the buyer duo.
Closure of the emblematic pizzeria on rue de Bourg Il Corso.
Olivier Vogelsang
On the heights of rue de Bourg, at the entrance to a building with the charm of yesteryear, the word “trattoria” is still there, with its colorful letters. A half-open red door lets out its faint din. It is 10 a.m. Saturday morning, and the garage sale of “Il Corso”, the emblematic pizzeria founded in 1963, has just begun.
Twenty people are already there. Adults, couples and a few families make up a mix of renters and former guests. Everyone came to say goodbye to this historic establishment in Lausanne, which was ravaged by fire in 2008 before being completely renovated. Kitchen equipment, furniture and decoration are stored in the colorful lair, already undergoing a metamorphosis.
“The closing was very abrupt, we were surprised.”
Tribute to the place
Albert Grun is a neighbor and regular at the pizzeria, where he used to be. “It’s a very nice setting. We came seven to eight times a month, always in the part that overlooked the cathedral”, he says, between a pile of CDs by Zucchero and paintings of Italian figures. The loyal customer, who came naturally, will not leave empty-handed: “They have busts of Roman emperors and since I run a school, I’m interested!”
A nice tribute also to this place, whose fence grabs his heart. “It was very sudden, we were surprised.” Contacted, the former tenant did not wish to speak. Does the regular know more about the reason for this closure? “No, precisely, we were wondering. We even worried about his health.”
“It’s funny to see people come across pieces that bring back memories here.”
To make room
During this time, the two buyers take their role seriously. Between calculations and Twint payments, frequent bursts of laughter ring out. After the morning wave, Nicolas Bernier, room manager, and Luis Zuzarte, chef, have a few minutes. Are they satisfied with this start of sales? “Yes, we have already sold a lot. I think people came for the first pieces”, answers Nicolas Bernier, enthusiastic. “It’s funny to see people come across objects that remind them of memories here,” notes his colleague, all smiles.
For the thirties, who plan to open their restaurant in mid-March, the interest of this sale was primarily to make room. “We also wanted these objects to continue to live,” explains Nicolas Bernier. Recently named “L’Appart”, their new setting will offer authentic, seasonal cuisine. Luis Zuzarte gladly gives a foretaste: “We will offer everything, while listening to the products and the customers.”
On leaving the place, Albert Grun is busy hanging his new acquisition on a stretcher. In passing, he adds: “I forgot to say something. The boss was very hospitable and often made jokes. His sidekick nods. “Yes, we felt a bit in Italy,” she slips.
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