Former Vatican chef Salvo Lo Castro opens dream restaurant in NYC
- Salvo Lo Castro, a former Vatican chef, opened CasaSalvo in SoHo, New York City, in July.
- He worked at the Vatican for a decade, serving Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI during his tenure.
- Lo Castro views his restaurant as a realization of his dream and devotes extensive hours to his culinary craft.
In July, Salvo Lo Castro opened his first restaurant in New York City, CasaSalvo, after a decade of experience as a chef in the Vatican where he notably prepared meals for both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Lo Castro began his career at the Vatican during the Great Jubilee in 2000 and continued until 2010, accumulating many interesting culinary experiences during his tenure. His decision to move to New York comes from a long-held desire to establish a presence in what he considers the capital of the world. The restaurant is located in SoHo, a vibrant neighborhood known for its artistic community and culinary diversity. Lo Castro has expressed that New York feels like his family; he dedicates a significant amount of time in his restaurant, often working for 18 hours a day. He embraces a hands-on approach to cooking, methodically preparing dishes using his secret sauces from Sicily. He emphasizes the quality of his ingredients, particularly valuing Parmigiano—a product he refers to as 'the gold of Italy.' As part of his menu, Lo Castro features daily specials in honor of significant events, such as the U.S. Open.