Montreal family opens restaurant to help neurodiverse son attain culinary dreams
Posted January 6, 2025 9:52 pm.
Last Updated January 7, 2025 12:10 am.
Chef Eugenio Nicita and his family opened the restaurant San Marzano in Montreal’s RDP to carry on their traditions, but most importantly he says it was to help his neurodiverse son create a legacy and have a job he loves forever.
“I’m very very proud of him,” said Eugenio.
“Everybody is so proud,” added his son Corrado Nicita.
From serving customers to making pizzas and tartars, the 23-year old is happy the family opened their restaurant about four months ago.
“We have all our kids working with us,” explained Eugenio. “Corrado in the kitchen, the rest are in the front.”
“Corrado, he’s impressing everybody to be honest,” he added. “Myself included.”
At four years old, the line chef was diagnosed with autism.
Through encouragement from his family and teachers, Eugenio says his son went from not being able to speak, socialize, or even play with toys to developing this passion for cooking.
This talent, comes from his evolvement in the other businesses the family had in the food industry and…
“He’s got a fantastic grandmother as a cook, so I mean that starts from there,” explained Eugenio.
Pina Nicita, Corrado’s grandmother added, “I’m so proud of him because I don’t know, he’s always been my angel here, I guess. He’s like a bodyguard for me.”
Cosimo Nicita, Corrado’s younger brother said “He has grown a lot.”
“Actually Cosimo was a super amazing help,” added Madeleine Valerio, Cosimo and Corrado’s mother. “When it came time to teach Corrado socialization and how to play. And it helped Corrado a lot.”
“We both helped each other in the end,” said Cosimo.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him or heard him complain that he’s tired in the last four months,” said Elizabeth Nicita, Corrado’s aunt.
“We have to force him to take a break,” added Catia Nicita.
Both sisters then explained how amazed they are of their nephew — his talent, and the pure happiness he shares.
“Buon apetitio,” said Corrado, smiling.
“Just show that love,” added Eugenio. “It’s family love.”
All are welcomed to the restaurant where they too will feel like family.
To read more about stories like this, you can head to the Inspirations Newspaper website.
