Diners have developed a taste for exclusive off-menu items, turning them into sought-after culinary experiences. Colleen Croft, co-owner of Elio's, highlights the appeal of these hidden gems, noting regular patrons prefer secret orders that distinguish them from casual customers. Elio's well-known off-menu chicken parmesan is a favorite, attracting celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, despite its permanent absence from the main menu. Its reputation for a perfectly prepared dish contributes to its allure, demonstrating a shift in dining culture where insider knowledge enhances the experience.
Over the years, Elio's has attracted a laundry list of bold-face regulars, including Joan Didion, Woody Allen and Paul McCartney.
When people are regulars they like knowing things other people don't.
I am not a fan of chicken parm. In fact, I would never order it, but at Elio's they cook it with very thin, perfectly crunchy chicken.
My husband always said it isn't a traditionally classic Italian dish, and this is an Italian restaurant. It doesn't belong on the menu.
Collection
[
|
...
]