We opted to stay close to home this weekend -- on Staten Island's East Shore that is -- and didn't have to travel too far to land at Bruno's Bakery & Restaurant, the divine Dongan Hills dining spot formerly referred to as Pasticceria Bruno -- where we were in for a pleasant surprise. There's been a change in the scenery at Bruno's with the sprawling space situated right on Hylan Boulevard sporting a brand new look.

Changes to the eatery came in November of last year, at which time Bruno's opted for more of an "old school" look, according to Biagio Settepani, the learned restaurateur who operates Bruno's with his children, Joe, Salvatore and Fina, along with his wife, Pina. And, as of late, Joseph's wife, Daniela, has come on board as well after the couple exchanged glances at the French Pastry School in Chicago several years back.