Nutella Dreams Are Coming True!
On their Italian journey last year, our world travelers, Jana and Lorna, stopped by the little cafe in Montepagano and enjoyed Nutella crepes. Little did they realize that soon Chicago would boast the first stand – alone permanent Nutella cafe!
Pietro Ferrero, who owned a bakery in Alba, Piedmont, an area known for the production of hazelnuts, sold an initial batch of 300 kilograms (660 lb) of "Pasta Gianduja" in 1946. At the time, there was very little chocolate because cocoa was in short supply due to World War II rationing. Ferrero instead used hazelnuts, which are plentiful in the Piedmont region of Italy (northwest), to extend the limited chocolate supply. This product, called "Pasta Gianduja" was originally sold as a solid block, but Ferrero started to sell a creamy version in 1951 as "Supercrema".
In 1963, Ferrero's son Michele Ferrero revamped Supercrema with the intention of marketing it throughout Europe. Its composition was modified and it was renamed "Nutella". The first jar of Nutella left the factory in Alba on 20 April 1964. The product was an instant success and remains widely popular.
America's first Nutella cafe opens!
People enter the cafe through a door shaped like a Nutella jar, which also includes pendants shaped like hazelnut flowers and a ceiling designed to remind customers of Nutella waves.
The 2nd floor of the cafe features a fireplace.
Their menu goes beyond sweet stuff with savory sandwiches and salads made with the hazelnut spread, including panini with speck ham from the same Italian region where the spread originated.
Nutella has held cafe pop-ups across the country but nothing permanent like this new one in Chicago. Chicago is well known for it's flourishing food scene, so it was a top choice for the Windy City to be home to the first cafe.
So next time the guys are back in the U.S.A. those of you in Chicago, be on the look out for a famous Italian singer who just happens to love Nutella.
You just never know who you may run into at this very cafe!!
Nutella Cafe, 189 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 729-5186, open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Photo and story credits to Eater Chicago, Wikipedia and Facebook.
Thanks for this report on Gianluce's favorite, Nutella! I knew it had been around quite some time but was unaware of the Italian origins !! We had Nutella when I was in high school!! None of us really liked it a lot, don't think we bought it again!! I can eat it now, bought the little snack pac & it was good. I just don't need to add Nutella calories to my diet. The Boys will have to try the Cafe when they return to Chicago!!! Enjoy, Gianluca!!!
Thanks, Jane, for this informative article about Nutella. Gianluca has made us all more aware of its' presence and you have filled us in on its' background. Good to know. Love the photo of Jana and Lorna.
I had heard that Gianluca no longer can eat Nutella, but I always think of him when I see it at the grocery store.
Wow, I'm also fond of Nutella, but of true Nutella. In Italy there are many imitations but Nutella is unique, it is a bit like for Coca Cola, many imitate but the original is one.
Bread and Nutella, especially Tuscan bread, a real delight.
Wow, the Nutella Cafe is only a couple blocks from the Chicago Theatre and nine blocks from the Civic Opera House! Jana and her group of ladies along with me and my group stayed in that area for the March 18th concert. Too bad that cafe wasn't open when we were there or I would have had to make a visit for sure! A while back I also heard Ignazio say in an interview with the guys that Gianluca was lactose intolerant and couldn't eat Nutella. It surprised me because I know how much Gian likes it!