Rotary Voices Podcast Summary: "Chicago Chefs Cook Makes Impact Through Food"

Title: Chicago Chefs Cook Makes Impact Through Food
Host: Rotary Magazine
Release Date: March 5, 2025

Introduction

In the March 5, 2025 episode of Rotary Voices, Rotary Magazine delves into the philanthropic endeavors of two esteemed Chicago chefs, Tony Priolo and Sarah Stegner. Hosts Sylvia engages in an inspiring conversation with these culinary leaders, who have seamlessly blended their passion for food with a commitment to humanitarian causes.

Origins of Chicago Chef Cook

The genesis of the Chicago Chef Cook organization traces back to a pivotal moment for Tony Priolo. On a serene morning in Evanston, Illinois, Tony witnessed the harrowing events of the war in Ukraine unfold on television. This experience ignited a fervent desire to make a tangible difference.

Tony Priolo (00:06):
"I'm like, I need to do something. You know, the devastation, it's not like a TV show. You're watching it."
(00:18)

Motivated by this urgency, Tony reached out to fellow chefs, sparking a movement. Within hours, the response was overwhelming, with numerous chefs eager to contribute to the cause.

Tony Priolo (02:19):
"By the time I went to work, I had like 30 emails saying, Count us in, count us in."
(02:19)

Sarah Stegner, an acclaimed restaurateur, was quick to join, embodying the collective spirit of action and community.

Sarah Stegner (02:57):
"That was beautiful. And, yes, of course I wanted to be a part of it. No hesitation."
(02:57)

First Fundraising Event at Navy Pier

Determined to maximize their impact, Tony orchestrated a grand fundraising event at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. Despite the logistical challenges, including the precarious timing coinciding with a COVID-19 shutdown anniversary, the team rallied support to execute the event within an astonishing two-week timeframe.

Tony Priolo (04:16):
"I personally signed the contract that I was responsible for all that money."
(04:16)

The event showcased the dedication of 70 chefs who volunteered their time and resources, resulting in substantial funds raised for humanitarian relief. Navy Pier generously reduced the venue cost from $300,000 to approximately $50,000, allowing more proceeds to benefit the cause.

Tony Priolo (05:16):
"We had 70 chefs coming together within two weeks."
(05:16)

International Aid: Trip to Poland and Ukraine

Beyond fundraising, Chicago Chef Cook took a hands-on approach by sending chefs like Tony to Poland to assist those displaced by the Ukrainian conflict. This mission provided not only food but also a beacon of hope to families and individuals affected by war.

Tony Priolo (08:01):
"I just started crying. And that's what we saw every day."
(09:06)

During his time in Poland, Tony witnessed profound human resilience and the dire need for basic necessities. These experiences reinforced the organization's commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

Tony Priolo (12:16):
"They had no idea what to expect. So I remember the wife looks to the husband and starts tearing up... and says thank you."
(12:16)

Partnership with World Central Kitchen

Chicago Chef Cook has established a robust partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK), leveraging WCK’s expertise in responding to emergencies worldwide. This collaboration ensures that funds raised and efforts made are efficiently directed to areas most in need.

Sarah Stegner (14:05):
"We're part of the chef's core, but we have continued to send money to them on numerous occasions."
(14:05)

WCK’s mission aligns seamlessly with Rotary's humanitarian goals, facilitating rapid and effective responses to crises both locally and internationally.

Alignment with Rotary International Mission

Sylvia highlights the synergy between Rotary International's humanitarian mission and the efforts of Chicago Chef Cook. Both organizations prioritize feeding the hungry and supporting communities in distress, making this collaboration a natural fit.

Sylvia (16:13):
"What a beautiful thing. It touches my heart even more."
(16:13)

Chicago Chef Cook's initiatives, ranging from feeding refugees to aiding disaster-stricken areas, embody Rotary’s commitment to service above self.

Background of Tony Priolo and Sarah Stegner

Tony Priolo, owner of Piccolo Sogno, and Sarah Stegner, proprietor of Prairie Grass Cafe, bring decades of culinary excellence and community engagement to their philanthropic endeavors. Their restaurants are not only celebrated for their delicious offerings but also for their commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.

Tony Priolo (20:32):
"Cooking Italian stems from my grandmother growing up in an Italian household."
(20:32)

Sarah Stegner’s Prairie Grass Cafe has been a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement in Northbrook, Illinois, celebrating two decades of serving sustainable, locally-sourced cuisine.

Community and Sustainable Food Initiatives

Both chefs emphasize the importance of sustainable practices and building strong relationships with local farmers. Their involvement in initiatives like the Green City Market underscores their dedication to supporting the local economy and fostering community resilience.

Sarah Stegner (17:24):
"Having that access to local, sustainable food... it's part of the fabric of our culture."
(17:24)

Tony shares his experiences sourcing ingredients directly from Italian farmers, highlighting the mutual benefits of such partnerships.

Tony Priolo (21:08):
"We were growing things like Treviso, Radicchio, Spigerello... it was empowering her third generation family."
(21:08)

Their commitment extends beyond their kitchens, fostering a broader movement towards sustainability and community support.

Future Generations of Humanitarian Chefs

Looking ahead, Tony and Sarah express optimism about the new wave of young chefs continuing their legacy of culinary excellence and humanitarianism. They commend emerging talents like Soul and Smoke and DeAndre Carter for their unwavering dedication to giving back without seeking media attention.

Sarah Stegner (24:27):
"Every single time people ask for help, they say yes, every single time."
(24:27)

This dedication ensures that the spirit of community service remains vibrant within Chicago's culinary scene.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments of Tony Priolo and Sarah Stegner’s immense contributions to both the culinary world and humanitarian efforts. Their story exemplifies the profound impact that passionate individuals can have when they merge their professional expertise with a commitment to service.

Sylvia (25:03):
"It's a great story to end with because I think it really represents what both of you are all about."
(25:03)

Through Chicago Chef Cook, these chefs embody the Rotary spirit of giving back, demonstrating that food is not just nourishment but a powerful tool for fostering community and compassion.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Priolo (02:19):
  "Count us in, count us in."

• Sarah Stegner (02:57):
  "No hesitation."

• Tony Priolo (12:16):
  "They had no idea what to expect... and says thank you."

• Sarah Stegner (17:24):
  "It's part of the fabric of our culture."

Final Thoughts

Tony Priolo and Sarah Stegner’s journey is a testament to how culinary arts can transcend dining tables to become instruments of change and compassion. Their collaboration with Rotary International through Chicago Chef Cook continues to inspire and mobilize communities toward meaningful humanitarian actions.