Featured Operator:
Our Friends In the Industry
Grant Waspi
Manager
Manager
Started in the industry as:
Dishwasher/Busser
Years In the Industry:
12yrs
First fell in love with the industry:
When I was given an opportunity to move from a busboy to a cook at a local German restaurant called Fritzl's Country Inn ( Lake Zurich, Illinois). They always treated me like family, always caring and nice, but hard on me when they needed to be. They taught me a great work ethic, which I will always remember and look up to them for.
Favorite dish:
Joe's Stone Crabs in Chicago, Illinois. You have to try their mustard Sauce.
What do you love most about the business:
Meeting new people from all walks of life, and of course tasting the food!!!
When he’s not at work, his favorite spot to hang is:
Michael's a local Pizzeria and pub in Chicago, Illinois Absolutely the Best wings in the world.
After work:
Trying new restaurants with my girlfriend Michelle, playing with my dog on Chicago's beaches, Hiking, Skiing, and Fishing
Couldn't live without:
Taking fishing trips with my Dad(Paul) and brother (Taylor). It is my best stress reliever from late nights at the restaurant.
What makes Pizzeria Via Stato unique:
Nestled within Osteria Via Stato, Pizzeria via Stato is a cozy, Roman-style pizzeria that continues to highlight Executive Chef David DiGregorio's passion for market-fresh ingredients. The tavern pizzas have crispy, thin crusts with both artisanal and classic toppings. The bar/tavern also features 300 Italian wines, local bottled and draft beers as well as an extensive selection of small plates.
Grant Recommends:
Trying the Pizza of the Month
To start:
Spinach and Pecorino Fonduta
As a main:
Gorgonzola Pizza - Roasted Grapes and Rosemary
To drink:
Goose Island Green Line
For dessert:
Housemade burnt caramel gelato
Greatest hidden treasure:
White truffle oil in the fonduta (nice touch)
What makes Osteria Via Stato unique:
Osteria Via Stato delivers an authentic dining experience inspired by Executive Chef David DiGregorio’s travels throughout the Italian countryside. This rustic, tavern-inspired restaurant adheres to an Italian tradition that offers seasonally-prepared dishes while using fresh, local ingredients. Osteria via Stato also boasts a robust wine list of over 300 Italian labels—the perfect complement to any traditional Italian cuisine.
Grant Recommends:
Hand Rolled Cavatelli w/
Wild mushrooms and a brown butter sauce
To start:
Mini Veal Meatballs
As a main:
Chicken Mario
To drink:
Italian Sidecar- Tiquaca and housemade orangecello
For dessert:
Ricotta Cheesecake w/ wild huckleberry sauce
Greatest hidden treasure:
Sit at the bar and enjoy the Osteria and Pizzeria menu
