Church leaders in Chicago partner with Pope Leo XIV to launch a new eatery at the old papal refuge site.
The Stefani Restaurant Group from Chicago has been given the opportunity to transform a 135-acre property in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, into a restaurant and catering business. This exciting venture was announced by Pope Leo XIV in Rome, and the project is part of a wider initiative promoting Pope Francis’ teachings on environmental stewardship and integral ecology.
The idea for this unique restaurant originated from Pope Francis himself before his passing. The concept emphasizes sustainability and aims to help migrants by teaching them the business. The menu will feature a mix of Italian and Chicago cuisine, with 70% Italian dishes and 20% dedicated to Chicago’s culinary traditions, such as the famous hot dog.
Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the announcement and shared words about the significance of the event for Chicago. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity to showcase Chicago’s cuisine to the entire world. Phil Stefani, a member of the Stefani Restaurant Group, echoed this sentiment, stating that their goal is to showcase Chicago’s cuisine to the world.
The restaurant will source food from the property’s grounds, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. In addition, Peruvian meals will be offered in honor of Pope Leo XIV’s past residence. However, a decision about whether to serve deep dish pizza has not been made yet.
The Stefani Restaurant Group auditioned for this opportunity in front of Pope Francis and a group of people at the Vatican. During their audition, they served fried chicken and biscuits, which seemed to impress the audience. There was a moment of prayer during the official announcement, making the event even more meaningful.
The restaurant's opening is scheduled for next April, giving the team ample time to prepare for this significant undertaking. Pope Leo XIV himself will have a taste of Chicago’s cuisine near the Vatican, marking a special moment in both the restaurant industry and the relationship between Chicago and the Vatican.
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