Sacha Nadim and Casti, a family story
Born into a family of restaurateurs, Sacha Nadim worked for two years with his parents in Paris before studying at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne. Then, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, founder of some twenty establishments, he took his turn in the restaurant business. On the Place de la Synagogue, his new gourmet den dedicated to Italian gastronomy breathes new life into a long-vacant arcade.
The Casti clan
The restaurant’s name is hand-painted in gold leaf on the windows. The owner tells us: “My grandfather came from a small village in Abruzzo, Italy, called Castiglione Messer Marino. As it was he who passed on his passion for the restaurant trade to our family, I wanted to pay tribute to him with my first establishment”.
Despite some fears and apprehensions, Sacha opened the doors of Casti to the public last February, backed by his uncle. In fact, in the kitchen as well as in the dining room, all the staff know each other. “It’s a relationship that helps to dispel fears and allows us to get to know each other’s work. It also makes it easier to become automatic, which boosts self-confidence,” admits Sacha.
Hymn to Italy
At the table, starters are shared, while main courses are enjoyed individually. The à la carte menu includes pasta, meat, fish and even a two-course lobster. But at Casti’s, it’s the Sagne di Castiglione or Sagne al Cotturo that takes center stage. A dish typical of Sacha’s family’s village, little-known to the general public, it used to be eaten with the hands. “Our aim is to make good Italian food, without too much fuss.
In his search for commercial premises, the terrace was Sacha’s main selection criterion. A terrace, like the one he grew up on. But for someone used to the hustle and bustle of Paris, he was surprised to discover the calm of Geneva’s outdoor spaces. And yet, with the arrival of fine weather, Casti’s terrace is always full and promises great things for the future… For Sacha has no intention of stopping there, and already sees himself as the owner of several establishments. A promising road to success!
