A Celebration of Tuscan Cuisine

Aug 5

Aug 5 A Celebration of Tuscan Cuisine

At his signature eatery, Morso, legendary chef Pino Luongo hosted “A Celebration of Tuscan Cuisine” last night. The event highlighted Chef Luongo's 40-year history and substantial contributions to the city's cuisine and restaurant sector, in addition to raising money for City Harvest and God's Love We Deliver. Many of the participating chefs, including Rocco DiSpirito, Margherita Aloi, Cesare Casella, Kevin Garcia, Patti Jackson, Maurizio Marfoglia, Soerke Peters, Gianni Scappin, Michael Schlow, Pat Trama, and Ciro Verde, have cooked with or been inspired by Luongo.

The tasting event honored Chef Luongo's extensive heritage by serving iconic dishes such as focaccia robiola, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and an antipasto misto terra table. Guests enjoyed a full bar with specialty Italian cocktails and wines, and danced to the music by renowned D.J. Dipp

In Florence, in his mother's kitchen, Pino Luongo first developed a passion for cooking. He began honing his culinary skills at the age of sixteen while spending the summers working at his uncle's restaurant in Porto Santo Stefano, Tuscany. When Luongo relocated from Florence to New York City in 1980, he pursued his genuine passion—becoming a chef and restaurateur.

Luongo has operated restaurants in New York City for more than 40 years. He opened several highly regarded restaurants since his arrival, including the East Village institution Il Cantinori, Coco Pazzo, Le Madri, Mad 61, and his most recent venture, Coco Shack. With every new restaurant he opened, up to a total of sixteen at one point, he brought a piece of his native Italy to the United States, bringing with him the cuisine, the scenery, the heritage, and the culture of Italy. A mentor and former boss to the late Anthony Bourdain, Luongo is the bestselling author of several books, including A Tuscan in the Kitchen, Fish Talking, and Dirty Dishes: A Story of Passion, Pain, and Pasta.

“Coming to the US from Italy in 1980, I imagined a very modern trattoria serving authentic Tuscan cuisine. I never dreamed I would achieve success and recognition in the business I love so much,” said Chef Pino Luongo. “Throughout the years, I was lucky enough to mentor some of the most talented chefs cooking Italian food today. It gives me tremendous joy to see how many have come together to celebrate my passion for Tuscan cuisine and belief in giving back to the community that has supported me. For me, food, especially Italian food, has always represented a certain love and nurturing that we try to demonstrate in all of my restaurants. By partnering with City Harvest and God’s Love We Deliver for this special evening, I recognize and celebrate the tremendous efforts, love, and nurturing that both have given to many New Yorkers in need. We are so proud to be a part of this milestone evening.”

Proceeds from the event benefited two amazing organizations: God’s Love We Deliver and City Harvest. City Harvest is New York City's largest food rescue organization, assisting in the feeding of millions of low-income New Yorkers. This year, they will rescue 75 million pounds of food and deliver it for free to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community partners throughout the five boroughs. By reducing hunger and malnutrition, God's Love We Deliver seeks to promote the health and wellbeing of men, women, and children who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other major illnesses. They make and distribute wholesome meals for those who are unable to furnish or prepare meals for themselves due to illnesses. To learn more or donate, please visit cityharvest.org and glwd.org