“There’s only one Chicago restaurateur who has the connections you need in Italy. It’s Phil Stefani.” That’s what Art Smith, known as “Oprah’s Chef,” recalls being told, and the two restaurateurs formed a partnership to create a unique-in-the-world restaurant on Vatican land near Rome. The restaurant’s mission is to honor the late Pope Francis’ vision of environmental sustainability, and the project has Pope Leo’s full support.
Stefani, whose ancestors hail from Lucca, has opened about 25 restaurants in his 45 years in the industry, including Stefani Prime and Tavern on Rush, and has served four U.S. presidents. Celebrity chef Smith heads six restaurants, including Reunion by Chef Art Smith at Navy Pier, and two nonprofits, and has cooked for numerous A-list celebrities, including Lady Gaga.
