Pass the pasta! Tortello searches for Chicago’s best Italian nonnas in recipe contest

As fall nears, Tortello in Wicker Park is inviting Chicagoans to celebrate the women it says are often the keepers of Italian cooking traditions. The restaurant has launched “Nonna Knows Best,” a video contest inspired by owner Dario Monni’s late Nonna Tina, whose Sunday lunches centered on handmade gnocchi and tagliatelle.

According to the press release, people are being asked to send in short videos of their Italian grandmothers making fresh pasta or sharing a family recipe. Tortello said the contest is meant to highlight local family traditions while bringing home-style cooking into the restaurant’s kitchen and menu.

Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter

How to enter and what winners get

Submissions are open through Wednesday, Sept. 30, with no purchase required. Entrants can upload videos through the online submission link.

Read more on Chicago Star

• South Florida sushi concept OMAKAI plans Chicago openings in Fulton Market & River North

• Hello autumn: The ultimate guide to fall festivals, pumpkin patches & corn mazes in Chicago

• Buns of Glory: Lake Forest Food and Wine Fest returns, featuring a Wagyu Burger Battle

• Pig races, pumpkins, patriotism: “World’s Largest” Corn Maze opens at Richardson Adventure Farm

• Michelin-recommended Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao opens first Midwest location in River North

The top three Nonnas will have their dishes featured on Tortello’s menu in November and will also be highlighted on the restaurant’s social media channels. Those selected will spend a day cooking with Monni and Chef Annie Waugh, giving the winners a chance to bring their family recipes into a professional kitchen.

The grand prize includes a private event at DeSora valued at $2,500. Tortello said the campaign is designed as a tribute to Italian grandmothers and the food traditions passed down through generations.