Chef Joel’s new restaurant will feature signature Sabatino dishes.
Two years after Sabatino’s Italian-American restaurant closed down, one of its chief chefs, Joel Piedra, is opening his own restaurant, Avvio American Italian Kitchen, with his stepson later this September. [Featured image: @avvio_kitchenchicago]
Sabatino’s on the Northwest Side was widely regarded for its Italian-American dishes such as their flaming Steak Diane, veal parmigiana, and famed Shrimp de Jonghe, a legendary Chicagoan dish inspired by the dish first made by Henri de Jonghe at the De Jonghe’s Hotel and Restaurant over 100 years ago. After four decades of service in Old Irving Park, owners Enzo and Angelo Pagni sold the building and closed the restaurant.
Thankfully, however, the brothers have given Chef Joel consent to reprise some of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes. Last week, images of Avvio’s menu were uploaded to its Facebook page. Former favorite Sabatino dishes like Rich’s Special, Steak Diane, Baked Alaska, Bananas Flambé, Shrimp de Jonghe, and more are to feature on the restaurant’s menu — although the restaurant noted that it is subject to change.
When Joel Piedra first started working at Sabatino’s he was only a teenager. Later on, he would become only second in the kitchen to Head Chef, Jose Ramos. Last year, Piedra attempted to open a restaurant in Irving Park but the plan fell through.
Presently, Avvio is accepting reservations for this week at 4358 N. Elston Avenue at reduced capacity.