Celebration for Acclaimed Chef Pino Luongo at a One-night-only Tasting Event to Help Feed New Yorkers in Need

Last night, A Celebration of Tuscan Cuisine with Legendary Chef Pino Luongo took place at his flagship restaurant, Morso. The event to benefit the work of City Harvest and God's Love We Deliver honored Chef Luongo's 40-year legacy and significant contributions to the city's food and restaurant scene. Chef Luongo, who introduced Tuscan cuisine to NYC, was joined by some of America's most renowned Italian chefs who have cooked alongside or been inspired by him, including Cesare Casella, Rocco DiSpirito, Kevin Garcia, Patti Jackson, Maurizio Marfoglia, Soerke Peters, Gianni Scappin, Michael Schlow, Pat Trama, and Ciro Verde.

The tasting event, A Celebration of Tuscan Cuisine with Legendary Chef Pino Luongo, featured signature dishes such as focaccia robiola, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and an antipasto misto terra table—all honoring Chef Luongo's rich legacy and significant contributions to the city's food and restaurant scene.

Luongo's career as a New York City restaurateur spans more than four decades. Since arriving in the city in 1980 from Florence, Italy, he has launched several critically acclaimed restaurants, including the East Village classic Il Cantinori, Coco Pazzo, Le Madri, Mad 61, Morso, and his latest, Coco Shack. 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."