For over 35 years, the names Tony and Cathy Mantuano have been synonymous with the best of Italian cuisine in the US. In 1984, the couple helped open Chicago’s Spiaggia—he as chef, she in the front-of-house and wine departments—then went on to helm the restaurant as it garnered Michelin stars, James Beard awards and famous fans like Barack Obama.

Cookbooks (like this one), dozens of “Best Of” awards, and appearances on “Top Chef” and “Top Chef Masters” followed, but in 2019, the couple decided they “were ready for a new challenge,” says Tony. So they moved to Nashville, where they developed the food and beverage program for the new The Joseph, A Luxury Collection Hotel and, this past August, launched the hotel’s signature Yolan Italian restaurant.