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Restaurant owners in Chicago collaborate with Pope Leo XIV to establish eatery at the old papal vacation spot

Chef duo Phil Stefani and Art Smith are collaborating with Pope Leo XIV to inaugurate the Borgo Laudato Si' restaurant within Castel Gandolfo.

Chicago restaurateurs join forces with Pope Leo XIV to establish a restaurant at the former papal...
Chicago restaurateurs join forces with Pope Leo XIV to establish a restaurant at the former papal retreat site

Restaurant owners in Chicago collaborate with Pope Leo XIV to establish eatery at the old papal vacation spot

In an exciting turn of events, the Stefani Restaurant Group from Chicago is set to open a new restaurant and catering business in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, next April. The announcement was made by Pope Leo XIV in Rome, in the presence of a couple of hundred people.

The idea for this venture originated from Pope Francis before his passing. The Stefani Restaurant Group was in discussions to open this restaurant even before the Pope's demise. The new restaurant will be based on Pope Francis' vision for sustainability, with the food served coming directly from the grounds of the 135-acre property.

Phil Stefani, a member of the Stefani Restaurant Group, stated that they aim to showcase Chicago's cuisine to the entire world through this new business. The restaurant will offer a mix of Italian and Chicago cuisine, with approximately 70% of the menu featuring Italian dishes and another 20% showcasing dishes from the Stefani Restaurant Group's Chicago program.

In honor of Pope Leo XIV's time spent in Peru, the restaurant will also offer Peruvian meals. Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the announcement and spoke about the significance of the restaurant to Chicago, stating it as a great opportunity to showcase Chicago's culinary delights to an international audience.

Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago, will have a taste of home near the Vatican due to this new restaurant. It's worth noting that there is no credible or verifiable information about a "Pope Leo XIV" attending an event in Rome related to the Stefani Restaurant Group or his favorite dishes; the title "Pope Leo XIV" does not correspond to any recognized pope in the Catholic Church's history or current records.

The Stefani Restaurant Group's new business aims to help migrants by teaching them the business. By providing job opportunities and skills training, the group hopes to make a positive impact on the local community. The restaurant will not only serve as a culinary destination but also as a platform for social change.

The Stefani Restaurant Group was brought into this situation by fate, according to Stefani. The group auditioned for Pope Francis and a group of people at the Vatican, serving fried chicken and biscuits. It seems that their unique blend of Italian and Chicago cuisine, coupled with their commitment to sustainability and social impact, resonated with the Pope, leading to this incredible opportunity.

This new restaurant will undoubtedly be a significant addition to the culinary landscape near the Vatican, offering a taste of Chicago's cuisine to an international audience while making a positive impact on the local community.

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