Father Leo Patalinghug was looking for a kitchen to do prep work for his popular food truck, Grace and Grub, when he met with the owner of a building in Little Italy.
“We were talking about the kitchen when he told me I would have access to the entire building,” said Father Patalinghug, of his decision to open Gastro Social, a two-story restaurant complete with outdoor seating. “It would be stupid of me not to at least try.”
An accomplished chef, Father Patalinghug’s food and faith movement began when he won the cooking competition “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” on the Food Channel. With those winnings and the recognition, Father Patalinghug was able to open his food truck and now, the restaurant Gastro Social.
“It is a mission, not just a restaurant space,” said Father Patalinghug, who grew up at St. Rose of Lima in Brooklyn. “Churches use multi-purpose rooms for many things. This is similar, but more fun, more flowing. It is not a church, but I am a priest. This is an extension of my ministry.”
He believes in giving second chances and a helping hand to former prisoners, refugees and veterans, and his restaurant’s staff will reflect that wish.
“People who need some support or have a record, to tap into the person to do good, that is one of the greatest challenges,” Father Patalinghug said.
The restaurant’s manager, Sam Nadali, a refugee from Iran, first met Father Patalinghug in April, when he was exploring the idea of opening a food truck business and a friend introduced him.
“He told me about his mission and what he has done and invited me to join his team,” Nadali said. “I talked with my wife, and she met him. She said, ‘He is a really good person,’ and I said, ‘That’s what I think, too.’”
Nadali admitted that it has been challenging following Father Patalinghug’s vision, as many employees start training and then abandon it.
“These kids were born here; (it’s) the best thing that could happen to you, and they don’t appreciate it,” Nadali said. “I didn’t have anyone. I didn’t speak English. I didn’t know the system. I was 19. All I did was keep working. Work hard, and people see it and give you the chance to do more.”
Father Patalinghug, however, is OK with it, Nadali said, and has the patience to teach, understand and appreciate those who do reach their potential.
“It’s been an interesting experience, honestly. I learn a little bit more about (Catholicism),” Nadali said. “It has been a nice experience so far. Hopefully, it will be a nice experience for a long time.”
Gastro Social’s grand opening is a ticketed affair Aug. 23 and 24 that will highlight items from the restaurant’s menu, which Father Patalinghug said taps into his international travels, pilgrimages and food tours. Items on the regular menu include quesadillas, vermicelli noodles, soups, wraps, desserts and more.
Currently, the restaurant is open Thursdays and Fridays for lunch and dinner, and on Saturdays just for dinner.
“Have people pray for us,” Father Patalinghug said. “Prayers and patronage, that is what I’m hoping for.”
Nadali doesn’t know where Father Patalinghug gets his energy. While the priest jokes with him that it is because he is not married, Nadali suspects it comes from Father Patalinghug’s heart.
“He totally loves what he does,” Nadali said. “When you do things you enjoy, you get energy.”
Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org
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