Le Virtu restaurant hosts extraordinary Panarda feast in Philadelphia

In 2007, Francis Cratil-Cretarola and his wife, Catherine Lee, opened Le Virtu, a restaurant in South Philadelphia focusing on Abruzzese cuisine. The restaurant's most notable event is an extensive 40-course meal inspired by the Italian tradition called La Panarda, which originated in 1657 in Villavallelonga, a small village in Italy's Abruzzo region. This celebration is held annually in several villages, with Villavallelonga being the most well-known. The custom began after a mother discovered her child in a wolf's mouth upon returning home for food, leading to a potluck-style meal that welcomes whole communities to participate. The Panarda feast at Le Virtu is a testament to Francis and Cathy’s love for their heritage and a physical celebration of their cultural roots. Every year, the restaurant draws inspiration from the original tradition while incorporating their own unique touches. This year's event, set to take place on February 16, 2025, has already garnered much excitement. Tickets for the feast, which is predicted to last for around 8-9 hours, will be available for purchase on December 4, 2024, via the restaurant's Resy Page. Francis's connection to the tradition deepened following his time in a hospital during his illness; alongside Cathy, they began planning for the meal in a challenging time of their life. Their dedication has not only preserved the Panarda but rejuvenated interest in Abruzzese cuisine in America. Their invitation to attend the original festival in Villavallelonga represents a prestigious acknowledgment from the local community of Abruzzo, showcasing the importance of cultural bonds between immigrant and home countries. The success of this event has also sparked interest from those outside of the immediate Italian community in the U.S. Native-born Italians from other regions have been known to travel to Abruzzo to feel this unique connection as they engage in the traditions. The upcoming Panarda at Le Virtu promises to be an epic gastronomic experience, bridging the gap between America and Italy, and keeping the spirit of the original celebration alive for many to enjoy in a new setting.