Eataly Chicago Hosts Summer “Pizzata!”
at La Pizza & La Pasta
Eataly, Chicago’s vibrant Italian marketplace that features an authentic taste of Italy with its mix of cafes, counters, restaurants and even a cooking school brings Italy to Chicago this summer with a series of summer Pizzata’s.
Wait, what’s a pizzata? A pizzata is a traditional pizza party in Italy. And it provides the perfect excuse to spend time with friends and family along with some pizza and vino.
Every month, on specified days, throughout the summer Eataly Chicago is throwing a traditional Italian-style pizza party with the menu inspired by special guests, regions and high-quality ingredients.
Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer
The celebration takes place on designated evenings at La Pizza & La Pasta flagship restaurant on the second floor of Eataly from 6-8 p.m. Last night’s celebrity host was hairstylist Anthony Cristiano, a second generation Italian/American who brought along his grandmother’s recipe for an authentic Capricciosa Pizza.
Cristiano stopped by our table to fill us in on his Italian roots and grandmother’s recipes. Photo: Susan Halle
The pizza was topped with a light covering of San Marzano tomato DOP, Mozzarella di Bufala, mushrooms, Prosciutto Cotto, artichoke, olives and basil with a Neapolitan style crust–best eaten with a knife and fork.
It was paired with a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, an Italian red wine bursting with tart cherry and earth flavors from the the Pescara province of Abruzzo. The reasonably priced wine, according to Wine Folly “has a reputation as a juicy pizza-friendly red wine.”
Each celebrity host can choose a charity of their choice. Cristiano selected his evening to benefit The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center.
Come July proceeds from David Whitaker’s Pizzata! will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and rounding out the summer months, Emma Pope will support MASK Chicago in August.
For upcoming Pizzata’s and hosts, click here. Through June 30, guests will also receive a complimentary serving of lo spaghetto al pomodoro–a classic Italian pasta made with just 5 ingredients.
Lo spaghetto al pomodoro. Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer
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Filed under: Chicago restaurants, food halls, Restaurant reviews
