Ep. 2612 From Etna Slopes and Vatican Kitchens to New York’s Dining Scene with Chef Salvo Lo Castro | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to episode 2612 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 231 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with the renowned Sicilian chef Salvo Lo Castro. Salvo shares stories from his remarkable career, including his experience cooking at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, preparing meals for NATO, and his journey from Sicily to New York, where he opened coffee shops and later launched his restaurant project. The episode also explores his signature dishes, the wines most popular with his guests, and why Italian cuisine deserves its place as UNESCO heritage. More about today’s guest: Salvo Lo Castro is a renowned Sicilian chef, best known for having cooked at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI for ten years (2000–2010). After gaining international experience, including work in Romania and in luxury hospitality, he moved to the United States and launched CasaSalvo in SoHo, New York, in July 2025, bringing authentic Mediterranean cuisine to an international audience. With over 28 years of experience across 5-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and high-end catering, Salvo now leads the CASASALVO NYC project with passion and a strong commitment to excellence. Connect: Website: https://www.casasalvonyc.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchefsalvolocastro/  More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website:  https://www.quaypress.uk   https://www.marcmillon.co.uk  https://www.vino.co.uk    https://www.quaypress.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!   Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!