The Pursuit of Authenticity
Cappella Chef and Owner, Rob Picardi, whose heritage is steeped in Italian tradition, traveled extensively throughout each region of Italy in the “pursuit of authenticity” to fulfill his vision of one day opening a restaurant that replicated true Italian cuisine.
While in Italy, Chef Rob trained with some of the best Italian chefs in the Northern and Southern regions. He also spent time in a small ancient village in Central Italy where his grandmother was born. There, he experienced first-hand the time-honored traditions of his ancestors. Chef Rob was struck by this region’s simple way of life and how that simplicity translated into the local cuisine. Chef Rob was also impressed by the ingenuity of his ancestors and their authentic Italian way of making food “special” from what little ingredients they had on hand.
Successful in his pursuit of authenticity, Chef Rob returned to the United States, where he continued to refine the techniques and skills he acquired in Italy while working as head chef at one of Boston’s premier Italian restaurants, Prezza, located in Boston’s North End.
His vision of opening his own restaurant that featured this authentic way of cooking was realized soon after with the debut of Cappella, the Italian word for “chapel.” The name was inspired not only by its location on Chapel Street in Needham, MA, but also, from a tiny chapel Chef Rob discovered while visiting his grandmother’s village. He learned that his grandmother was baptized in that chapel and his great, great grandfather had constructed it with his own hands, while serving as the village butcher.
Chef Rob’s vision and pursuit of authenticity came full circle from Central Italy to Chapel Street in Needham, Massachusetts, with his restaurant, Cappella, which features a meat cleaver in its design to pay homage to his great, great grandfather.
Experience Cappella, and discover what makes authentic Italian food worth pursuing.