Imagine growing up in a small town in Sicily, dreaming of coming to America to open a
restaurant, and surpassing all of your dreams? Chef Salvo Lo Castro did just that,
where he began his culinary career at a young age in Sicily and now feeds the world
from his NYC Soho restaurant, Casasalvo, considered a truly divine experience for the
senses. Perhaps it's because Chef Salvo was formerly the lead chef at the Vatican for
Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and now, we can eat like kings, royalty, and the
spiritual leaders, too, at his magnificent new eatery.
I'm honored to welcome Chef Salvo to our show, sharing not only his experiences in
the kitchen, but behind the scenes, too. He's cooked for the likes of Vadimir Putin, the
Saudi Royal family, Muammar Gaddafi, Tom Cruise, Robert DeNiro and dozens of
other world leaders, presidents, and celebrities. In fact, he's quoted as saying that
after a meal, some high-profile guests will surprise him in the kitchen and thank him
for a meal well served. Imagine!
We'll talk about Chef Salvo's start in the culinary world, and how he ended up cooking
at the Vatican after working around the world at top hotels and five-star Michelin
restaurants. He says he does not get star-struck, because to him, every guest is
treated like family. And no doubt, that's been part of his incredible success, along with
his hand-crafted pastas and sauces. Chef Salvo says his ingredients are all fresh or
from specialty farms with tradition in mind. He says he combines tradition with taste,
and creativity with authenticity. Among his favorite dishes? His mother's meatballs, a
recipe he cooks up to this day.
For Chef Salvo, owning a restaurant in N.Y. is a dream come true. He first opened
three espresso bars in the City which he still checks on each morning before riding
down to his restaurant in Soho on his Vespa. He spends 18-hours a day there, which
he calls home and his patrons invited guests. No doubt part of his success.
We're thrilled to welcome Chef Salvo into our home, particularly with Italian History
Month upon us. Please find my full interview with him on all video and audio platforms
of #LittleItalyPodcast, #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast, and #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite
your friends, too. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome
you here.
@realchefsalvolocastro @casasalvonyc @casasalvorestaurant #italianfood
#italianchef #italianamerican #littleItaly