Legendary East Harlem red sauce eatery Rao’s returned to the Super Bowl with a series of pop-up dinners in New Orleans.
Famed quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Eli Manning were seen “throwing out” the ceremonial first meatball from Rao’s executive chef Dino Gatto, and Manning got onstage to perform with brother Cooper Manning as their legendary NFL player dad, Archie Manning, looked on.
Further performers at the pop-up — which replicated Ron Straci and Frank Pellegrino Jr.’s flagship location — also included Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC.
Helping stir the sauce was entrepreneur Kenny Dichter and his Real SLX team.
Attendees included Ciara, Todd Gurley, David and Nicole Tepper, Reggie Bush, Dak Prescott, David Adelman, Ron Berkowitz, Dan Patrick, Rich Eisen, Adam Schefter, and many more.
The venue also hosted a special dinner for the American Cancer Society and the NFL’s Crucial Catch — which promotes prevention and early detection of cancer — where C.J. Ham was honored and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was among the VIP attendees.
Dichter’s Real SLX has also partnered with Sean Feeney — owner of Brooklyn’s FINI Pizza — on a slice shop pop up nearby, where Wilson and his pop star wife, Ciara, were also spotted.
Rao’s and Dichter have previously teamed on sporty pop-ups at the Masters.
Besides it’s NYC original, Rao’s has Miami and Los Angeles locations, and is on the lookout for a new permanent Las Vegas home as well.
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