Rao’s is returning to the Super Bowl, we hear, and this time the East Harlem eatery will be joined by a hip Brooklyn pizza joint less than a first down away.
The Rao’s replica will pop up at a New Orleans warehouse for its 6th annual weeklong celebration of the NFL’s biggest game, as hosted by owners Ron Straci and Frank Pellegrino Jr. as well as their kitchen quarterback, executive chef Dino Gatto.
Also behind the pop-up of the legendary restaurant is entrepreneur Kenny Dichter and his Real SLX team.
We hear that the festivities will kick off Feb. 4 with a special dinner for the American Cancer Society and the NFL’s Crucial Catch, which promotes prevention and early detection of cancer.
Guests expected at Rao’s over its series of dinners surrounding the Super Bowl, Feb. 9, include Eli, Peyton and Archie Manning, Deion Sanders, Joe Montana, Russell Wilson and wife Ciara, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Troy Aikman, Baker Mayfield and Dak Prescott, as well as team owners including David Tepper, Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
In addition to the VIP dinners, Rao’s will have a Sunday “Pre-Game Tailgate” bash as well as a Super Bowl viewing party.
For fans and stars who are hungry during the day, Dichter’s Real SLX has also partnered with Sean Feeney — owner of Brooklyn’s FINI Pizza — on a slice shop pop up.
The shop will be “just seven yards away” from Rao’s, a source said, and will be open daily from Noon till 6p.m., we hear.
Rao’s and Dichter have previously teamed on sporty pop-ups at the Masters.
Besides it’s NYC original, Rao’s has a Miami location and is on the lookout for a new permanent Las Vegas home as well.
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