Lucca Osteria Welcomes Chef Federico Comacchio
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from Lucca Osteria! Chef Federico Comacchio, a celebrated name in Italian cuisine, has joined our culinary team. His arrival marks a reunion of old friends — Chef Federico first worked with our co-founders, Chef Claudio Ulivieri and Steven Hartenstein — over two decades ago at 437 Rush in Chicago.
Born in Lodi, Italy, in the Lombardy region, Chef Federico has spent more than 30 years perfecting the art of authentic Italian cooking. His career began in Italy and expanded internationally, including a tenure as sous chef with the Bice Group in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In 2000, he brought his talents to Chicago, where his relationship with Claudio and Steven began under the Stefani Restaurant Group. Most recently, he showcased his culinary expertise at Coco Pazzo in River North and Gioia Chicago in the West Loop.
Welcoming Chef Federico is a milestone for us at Lucca Osteria. His artistry and attention to detail elevate every dish he creates, and we couldn’t be more excited to share his vision with all of our guests.
Introducing the Giro D’Italia Wine Dinner Series
To celebrate Chef Federico’s arrival, we’re kicking off the Giro D’Italia Wine Dinner Series — a culinary journey inspired by the famed Italian cycling race. Much like the Giro D’Italia race, which touches regions across Italy, this series highlights the country’s love of food through expertly crafted menus and regional wine pairings.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:
February: We’ll begin in Piedmont, celebrated for its world-renowned wines and bold flavors.
March: Explore the soul of Southern Italy with Vino e Formaggi, featuring dishes and wines from Campania and Apulia.
April: Tuscany takes the spotlight, with its iconic wines and timeless recipes.
As the seasons change, the series will pause for summer to make room for dynamic, socially focused events like bourbon or tequila-themed dinners. The Giro D’Italia will return in September with three more regions to explore. To keep things exciting, we’ll keep the final months a mystery, dropping hints along the way.
Each dinner will also include featured dishes available as daily specials during the same week, paired with wines by the glass from the dinner’s selections.
“We’re excited to invite our guests on this culinary tour through Italy. Each region tells its own story, and the goal of this wine dinner series is to bring those stories to life here at Lucca Osteria.”
— Chef Federico Comacchio
More details coming soon — sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop.
