Chicago's Pelago Ristorante Honored by Italy as One of America's Most Authentic Italian Restaurants

March 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Chicago, IL – Pelago Ristorante (“Pelago”), 201 East Delaware in Chicago, has received the prestigious “Ospitalità Italiana Seal” recognizing its authenticity and culinary contributions to Italian culture.  Pelago is one of only 600 restaurants worldwide to receive the honor.

The Italian American Chamber of Commerce-Midwest honored Pelago chef/owner Mauro Mafrici and his wife Kimberly, who is the architect who designed the restaurant, along with 17 other Chicago-restaurants during an award ceremony on March 17th at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago.  

Pelago had to meet 10 stringent criteria and submit proof of their authenticity.   Among the criteria: each restaurant selected must employ at least one staff member who can speak to guests in Italian; the menus must be written in proper Italian; at least 20 percent of wines offered must be DOP-certified (Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or “Protected Denomination of Origin”); and the head chef must meet requirements of experience and proficiency in Italian cooking.  Each restaurant also had to submit descriptions of at least five Italian-traditional recipes, including the Italian region that inspired the ingredients and dishes.

“This is a great honor for myself and my wife,” said Chef Mauro Mafrici.  “Ever since I came to America, I’ve always strived to give my guests a true Italian experience.”

Chef Mafrici, who is a Michelin starred chef, began working outside of Venice, Italy as a butcher’s and baker’s assistant at the tender age of 14.

The “Ospitalità Italiana Seal” awards’ dinner was held on the same day as the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy.

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About Pelago Ristorante
Chef Mauro Mafrici and his wife, Architect Kimberly Anguil Mafrici help their guests experience Italian food and dining in a whole new way. Their newest venture, Pelago, redefines up-scale Italian dining with a focus on homemade pastas and fresh seasonal ingredients. The traditions of Italian cooking from the North to the South of Italy have been translated with a local twist and modern cooking flair to create a contemporary menu for an outstanding culinary journey. For more information go to our website at www.pelagorestaurant.com.

About Chef Mauro Mafrici
Mauro Mafrici is a Michelin starred Italian chef who has worked in some of the greatest international kitchens and luxury resort hotels of the world. His long resume of prestigious experiences in revered establishments led to the opening of his own critically acclaimed restaurant, Lo Scalco, in New York City which earned a Michelin star in its first year open.