History in Peterson Park

Joe and Salvy Monastero were born in Philadelphia, but raised in Caccamo, Sicily.  They ultimately returned to the United States, and in 1962 they opened Monastero's Ristorante with their sister, Gina.  Since then, they have prided themselves on preparing "food with flavor," using family recipes from the old country.  The dining room, a veritable shrine to Sicily, includes twelve richly painted shields depicting the rich history of the province, along with busts and paintings celebrating its people and places.  Every autumn, Monastero's celebrates the fall harvest with a wine-making festival where selected contestants compete in a grape-stomping competition.  In addition, the Bel Canto Foundation, which holds an annual opera contest, grew out of an aria competition that Monastero's hosted for Northwestern University students in 1974.  Every winter, that competition begins anew at the restaurant at 3935 West Devon Street, which is still owned and managed by the Monastero family. UPDATE: Monastero's has unfortunately permanently closed.