Introduction to Weinberger’s Deli and the New Pope
Weinberger’s Deli, a restaurant in Grapevine, has cooked up a sandwich to commemorate the election of Pope Leo XIV. His appointment has a special significance for the deli’s owner, Dan Weinberger. The first American pope and Weinberger attended the same school when they were children growing up in Dolton, Ill., on the south side of Chicago.
Both men were enrolled at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Riverdale, which was part of the Catholic Church, according to Weinberger.
“We were three years apart, but Bill, my younger brother, was an altar boy with him,” recalled Weinberger, who opened his North Texas deli in 2002.
“We all did the same things, we all went to the Dolton theater, we all went to the Fourth of July festival, we had a shrimp boil every year.”
A Look into the Past
Weinberger has fond memories of his childhood and the time he spent with the new pope. He remembers the different activities they did together and the places they visited. The deli owner is excited to share his story and the inspiration behind the new sandwich.
The story of Weinberger and the new pope is a unique one, and it has gained attention from the local community. The deli owner is happy to share his experience and the significance of the new sandwich.
The ilPapa Leo Sandwich
The “ilPapa Leo” sandwich, inspired by a traditional Uruguayan beef sandwich called a chivito, features layers of symbolism.
The sandwich is built on a garlic-toasted muffuletta, a Sicilian bread, Weinberger explained. One of the main components is thinly sliced lamb, symbolizing the Lamb of God. There’s also ham, for the rich history of the Catholic church; an over easy egg, because it’s the white and yellow colors of the papacy; and mozzarella, because it’s Italian.
The ilPapa Leo is finished with arugula, a representation of spring, the season of rebirth; sriracha, to illustrate the blood of Christ; cherry peppers, for the sweet bitterness of life; and onion and tomato, which stand for the earth element.
Dan Weinberger, owner of Weinberger’s Deli, went to the same grade school as the new pope in Illinois.(Courtesy of Dan Weinberger)
The Inspiration Behind the Sandwich
On May 8, the day Robert Prevost was elected pope, Weinberger recalls turning on the television. His wife had texted him that white smoke was already coming out of the Vatican chimney.
Just a few weeks previously in a Facebook group, Weinberger said there had been chatter about how great it would be if Cardinal Prevost became pope.
‘And we were like, ‘No, never gonna happen,’” said Weinberger.
But then he turned on the TV and a familiar name was being read.
“They said it in Latin. I still remember my Latin from grade school. And I was like, ‘What? How bizarre,’” said Weinberger.
Weinberger’s Deli opened in Grapevine in 2002. The menu offers up to 120 different types of sandwiches.(Imelda García / Staff writer)
The Significance of the ilPapa Leo Sandwich
The ilPapa Leo sandwich, one of more than 100 sandwiches at Weinberger’s, has a final nod to the new pope: its price. The $14 is an allusion to the Roman numerals in his fellow grade school alum’s papal name selection, XIV.
Weinberger’s Deli is located at 601 S. Main St., Grapevine. weinbergersdeli.com.
Conclusion
The story of Dan Weinberger and the new pope is a unique one, and it has gained attention from the local community. The deli owner is happy to share his experience and the significance of the new sandwich. The ilPapa Leo sandwich is a must-try for anyone looking to taste a piece of history.
FAQs
Q: What is the name of the new sandwich at Weinberger’s Deli?
A: The name of the new sandwich is the ilPapa Leo.
Q: What is the inspiration behind the ilPapa Leo sandwich?
A: The ilPapa Leo sandwich is inspired by a traditional Uruguayan beef sandwich called a chivito and features layers of symbolism.
Q: What is the price of the ilPapa Leo sandwich?
A: The price of the ilPapa Leo sandwich is $14, an allusion to the Roman numerals in the new pope’s papal name selection, XIV.
Q: Where is Wein
