Buns: authentic creativity made in Italy, plus the right sauce.
Giacomo Ballarini is the heart and creative mind behind BUNS: our go-to place when in Verona, a real must. BUNS is a gourmet burger bar you can find out of Verona’s walls. Far from the tourist’s sight and crowded squares. To be precise, right in the center of “Interrato dell’Acqua Morta”, one of the oldest city’s neighborhood, which is full of stories worth to be told. This is what Giacomo has to say while picturing the idea of designing a map telling not only the story but the thousand of different realities animating his district. This is because BUNS is not only a crazy place for burgers, but it shows respect for traditions, boost for innovations, and a natural approach to design, food and art. So Welcome to Giacomo, it’s a pleasure having you in the High Five!
Ciao Giacomo, in a few words, please describe yourself for our Uncovered’s friends.
I love to tell stories. With words, pictures, food.
What are the three things that inspire you the most?
The tradition of my city: Verona. A huge hub of tales, stories, recipes, common sayings, habits. All of this has a priceless value, and it’s our duty to preserve it.
My idols in the food industry. From Verona to Los Angeles, from Berlin to New York. Just to tell a few: Enoteca Della Valpolicella, The House of Small Wonder, Trippa, Pitt Cue, Da Gigetto, Stone, Il Desco, Chez Janou, Trattoria Sottocastel Maroush, Al Mercato, Cafè Carducci.
My life out of food. Music, mainly hip-hop and mainly Italian. Movies, I love everything from the Eighties and Nineties. Streetwear, I am a huge addict of sneakers. Contemporary Art. Photography.
One place everyone should visit?
Big Sur. A place not easy to describe: stunning cliffs facing the Pacific ocean, huge woods, endless roads.
Two things you love to do in your spare time?
I love travelling with my girlfriend, cooking for friends.
One achievement your will always remember?
My biggest achievement was opening BUNS. The next goal is to make it grow. Day by day, with the people I am glad to work with.
Now, as always, we have asked Giacomo to select five objects from his daily life to describe himself. This is something you have to do really quick, without putting too much mind work into it.
Sony RX100V, my third eye on things.
Casio DW-5600BBN-1ER, always on my left wrist.
My Moleskine agenda, every dream that came true started on its pages.
Comme des Garçons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star ’70 Low, all time favorite.
Kitchen books. A lot, different, from all over the world.
