Theo Schoenegger has been named executive chef for the upcoming Disney Springs restaurants Maria & Enzo’s and Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar. Patina Restaurant Group, which will operate the Italian themed restaurants, made the announcement Wednesday.
Schoenegger had most recently been the chef at Sinatra, a fine dining restaurant in the Wynn Las Vegas. That restaurant featured twists on classic Italian dishes that were favorites of Frank Sinatra, who, according to the statement, Schoenegger cooked for when he lived in New York.
There, he also worked at Rock Center Cafe and with restaurateur Tony May at Palio and San Domenico.
Schoenegger is a native of San Candido, Italy, and credits his mother with teaching him early cooking skills and how to use local ingredients.
The new Disney Springs restaurants will include varieties of amuse bouche upon being seated, a selection of fine Italian wines, table-side preparation and service. Dishes will include Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant Parmesan); handmade pastas such as Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with crab); and ‘Ncasciata al Forno (Sicilian baked pasta), served tableside.
Maria & Enzo’s and Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar are slated for “winter” openings. Stay tuned.
