Chef Teddy Diggs Announces Coronato, New Roman-Style Pizzeria
Chef Teddy Diggs is excited to announce the creation of Coronato, his new Roman-style pizzeria concept slated to open in early 2019. Diggs is currently on the search for a permanent location in North Carolina's Triangle region and is planning to host pizza pop-ups for the public until the grand opening of Coronato.
Chef Diggs is an acclaimed Italian focused chef and most recently served as the executive chef of North Carolina’s only AAA-rated Four Diamond Italian restaurant, Il Palio at the Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill. After working at Il Palio for five and a half years, he decided to take the leap of faith and start Coronato.
The Menu
Coronato's menu will draw inspiration from the Eternal City’s bustling neighborhood pizzerie that churn out cracker thin crust pizzas, snacks and seasonal antipasti. In the glass, Coronato plans to offer cold craft beers, prosecco on tap and select Italian wines by the glass, alongside affordable bottles of wine and bubbles that pair perfectly for pizza-loving wine enthusiasts.
Why focus on Rome? The Italian capital is a sensory overload that combines over 28 centuries of culture with a very modern and current energy. Chef Diggs states, "Rome is a city with confidence and great food. The crunchy thin crust of Rome's pizza is just as unique as the city itself, and there are classic Roman eats that can (and will) be just as celebrated at Coronato. There's a rawness and attitude of Rome and of it's food that I can't wait to share with my community."
Photography by Stacey Sprenz
The Vibe
Diners can expect Coronato to bring the casual and lively vibe of Rome's side street eateries to the Triangle, showcasing a minimalistic urban design with natural liveliness and a communal environment. Street art will be prevalent at the future restaurant and is prominent in the branding, including the lettering and signature crown in Coronato's logo, an ode to Biggie Smalls.
The iconic photo by Barron Claiborne taken of Biggie Smalls in 1997, just three days before the rapper's death, sparked the idea for the name Coronato. The photo has come to represent spiritual and mythological imagery, and it portrays Smalls as a King. Diggs states, "Coronato literally translates to 'crowned' in Italian and I want my restaurant to be 'King.' A king has a great responsibility to represent his family and to lead and influence others in the community. There is not an ego attached to the name, rather a tremendous responsibility."
Coronato Pizza Pop-Up
The first Coronato pizza pop-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Chef Diggs will be collaborating with Deric McGuffey, former pastry chef of Il Palio and current partner in Botanist and Barrel. The pizza pop-up will be at Botanist and Barrel's farm, which is located at 105 Persimmon Hill Lane, Cedar Grove, N.C., 27231. Expect innovative Roman pizzas by Chef Diggs along with blueberry tarts by Chef McGuffey. Tickets are available here. Guests are encouraged to come early to pick blueberries at the farm and stay late for pizza and cider.
About Chef Teddy Diggs
From the culinary spotlight of D.C. to the burgeoning dining scene of Chapel Hill, N.C., Chef Teddy Diggs has embarked on a life-long quest to craft menus that unveil the stories of exceptional ingredients. After enjoying the tutelage of moguls such as Fabio Trabocchi and Barton Seaver, Chef Diggs spearheaded the grand opening of Ripple in D.C. before serving as executive chef at Martha's Vineyard. Named one of 16 Chefs to Watch in 2016 by Restaurant Hospitality, Chef Diggs most recently showcased rustic flavors from Italy's 20 regions at Il Palio. He plans to launch Coronato, a new Roman-style pizzeria in early 2019 in N.C.'s Triangle region.
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