Feeding Francis: Celebrity chef serves simple, healthy fare
NEW YORK (AP) — Sliced heirloom tomatoes, steamed lobster and house-made burrata greeted Pope Francis on his first night in New York, where a celebrity chef cooking for her second pontiff said her menu was inspired by Francis' humility and simplicity.
The Associated Press got an exclusive tasting of some of the dishes on Francis' five-meal New York menu, which took its cue from the pontiff's healthy diet in Rome.
Friday's lunch included risotto with summer truffles and aged grana Padano cheese as well as a surprise late addition to the menu — bagna cauda, a garlic-anchovy dip for raw vegetables Bastianich heard Francis loves.
For dinner Friday, Bastianich prepared homemade ravioli filled with shredded pears and pecorino cheese — so light and delicate they seemingly melted on the tongue.
The proprietors of the popular Franklin Fountain ice cream shop are providing a special caramelized banana flavor to the seminary where Francis will stay on the last stop of his U.S. visit.