Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Priolo.
Tony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up on the northwest side of Chicago. My Grandmother lived with us in a basement apartment in our house. I spent most of my free time after school and summers cooking with my grandmother. She uses to cook every day and would develop recipes for any recipe contest out there. We would also travel all around Chicago by bus gathering all the ingredients. I learned many things from my grandmother about cooking and food. Her passion became my passion and I have worked my way up from washing dishes at a neighborhood Italian restaurant to owning 3 restaurants today with my business partner Ciro longobardo. I am the chef and he is the front of house person. My culinary inspiration thrives on my grandmother’s passions and today I am the person in the kitchen today because of her ideology and passion. My passion for the Italian cuisine transpires in my food at the restaurants by cooking seasonal and cooking local using the best ingredients I can find.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a fun path to where I am today. It has been a long journey worth the trip. Long hours cooking when most people are out celebrating has been a sacrifice but I would not have changed my plan or journey
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Piccolo Sogno, Nonnina and Maillard Tavern – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Piccolo Sogno is a true Italian dining experience in Chicago, I am the chef there and we want to bring you to Italy from every angle. From the food, ambiance and the wine list, we try to recreate the true Italian experience.
Nonnina is an inspiration, hence the name in Italian meaning grandma or grammy, It is a tribute to our Grandmothers both Ciro and I have. The restaurant celebrates the time when our grandmothers were young. The food is from our childhood memories of them and food we cooked for them.
Maillard Taver-opening soon is a fast-casual concept we have come up with featuring local burgers, Duck fat fries, craft cocktails and beer in an urban setting
I am proud of all of our business achievements and accolades both locally and internationally
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The City of Chicago is by far the best city to live in. I grew up here and the culture and diversity the city brings by far top of the line. Our people and our food is international and extends to every nation in the world. The beautiful setting from the lakefront to the skylines to the neighborhoods to the streets build communities together. I would not live any other place in the world. Besides, the people are down to earth, friendly and well educated. Our sports are the best! All of our teams have won all the highest championships in my lifetime. There is nothing that I dislike about this great city
Contact Info:
- Address: Piccolo Sogno-464 N. Halsted ave. Chicago IL 60642
- 340 N. Clark Chicago IL 60656 (Nonnina)
- 494 N. Milwaulkee 60642 (Maillard Tavern)
- Website: www.piccolosognorestaurant.com, www.nonninachicago.com coming soon www.maillardtavern.com
- Phone: 312-421-0077,312822-0077, maillard coming soon
- Email: tony@piccolosognorestaurant.com
- Instagram: piccolosogno, nonnina chicago
- Facebook: piccolosogno, nonninachicago
Image Credit:
Novelli Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
