Former Vatican chef Salvo Lo Castro, who has a renowned history of cooking for figures such as Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, has traded the sacred halls for the bustling streets of SoHo with the opening of his new restaurant, CasaSalvo. According to ABC7NY, Lo Castro's culinary expertise is now accessible to everyone, with the chef himself stating, "I prepare the food the same for everyone. I smile the same for everyone."
While cooking for the highest echelons of religious figures might seem to set a lofty precedent, Lo Castro aims to democratically satisfy all patrons, whether it be celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld or couples celebrating a milestone anniversary. He clearly treasures the opportunity to warmly embrace each guest, promising that, in his new establishment, "In the Vatican it's the pope, but at the table - everyone is the same." This principle seems to seamlessly translate into his work ethic, as CasaSalvo brings a taste of Sicilian flair to the New York dining scene with dishes like meatballs straight from Sicily and signature 12-hour tomato sauce for his fettuccine Casasalvo, as per the ABC7NY.
The journey to New York City has been a long-held aspiration for the chef. In a statement obtained by CBS News, Lo Castro shared, "All my life, New York is the capital of the world. I don't think one day I'm staying in New York, I'm living in New York, I have a restaurant in New York," he said. "This is just my dream, but now my dream is reality." His dedication to his craft is evident; he spends a substantial 18 hours a day in his restaurant, eschewing technological distractions to focus purely on his culinary craft.
Lo Castro fondly refers to New York as his "big family," and CasaSalvo as his home. Renowned for his hands-on approach, the chef emphasized the traditional Italian commitment to quality by noting, "The gold of Italy – the parmigiano," is an ingredient he never forgets to include in his dishes. Currently, CasaSalvo is also featuring specials for the U.S. Open, showcasing the ability to creatively adapt his menu to honor local events, further endearing his establishment to its New York clientele.
